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ClearStream Energy Services Inc.

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FY2017 Annual Report · ClearStream Energy Services Inc.
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Annual Report 2017 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

1 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2017 

MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS 

2017 was a year of progress and resilience for ClearStream. Progress was made in expanding our service 
lines, growing into new geographic regions, protecting market share through major contract renewals, 
and  increasing  our  customer  base  with  new  contract  wins.  These  achievements  were  accomplished 
despite a challenging operating environment. Although maintenance and turnaround demand increased 
in 2017 relative to 2016, overall demand for our services remained constrained throughout most of the 
year  due  to  a  lack  of  new  oil  and  gas  project  growth.  The  maintenance  business  also  remained  very 
competitive  during  2017,  which  placed  downward  pressure on  pricing  for  our  core  services.  We  were 
able  to  persevere  in  this  difficult  operating  environment  by  providing  safe,  timely  and  cost  effective 
services to our customers during 2017. 

its  geographic 

footprint  by  winning  contracts 

ClearStream  expanded 
in  Saskatchewan  and 
Newfoundland during 2017. In addition to these major contract wins, a two-year pipeline logistics and 
inspection  contract  and  a  three  year  operational  workforce  management  contract  were  won  in  late 
2017.    These  new  contracts  are  expected  to  generate  $40  million  of  new  revenue  for  ClearStream  in 
2018.  ClearStream  also  expanded  its  service  offering  during  2017  by  launching  an  environmental 
services division. This division provides project lifecycle consulting services for the land, environmental, 
regulatory, reclamation and remediation needs of our customers. 

ClearStream was successful in protecting market share during 2017 as all expiring major contracts were 
renewed in 2017, including the renewal of a five year operational workforce management contract with 
a  major  Oilsands  producer  in  the  Fort  McMurray  region.  This  contract  is  expected  to  generate 
approximately $240 million of revenue over the five-year term of the contract. 

In late 2017, management made a strategic decision to exit the transportation business. The sale of all 
transportation assets is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018. This sale will allow us to 
focus on our core strengths of Maintenance, Turnarounds, Workforce Management, Wear Technology, 
Fabrication and Environmental Services.  

On  January  16,  2018,  ClearStream  announced  the  completion  of  a  refinancing  transaction  that  will 
significantly improve balance sheet stability. As part of this transaction, $108.6 million of long-term debt 
was  exchanged  for  a  newly  created  series  of  Preferred  Shares.  In  addition,  the  Company  issued  $19 
million of Preferred Shares in exchange for cash proceeds that will be used to fund existing and future 
interest obligations.  

We  believe  the  refinancing  transaction,  combined  with  the  successful  completion  of  several  strategic 
initiatives during 2017, positions ClearStream for continued growth in 2018. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

Dean MacDonald 
Interim Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

2 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
Annual Report 2017 

Forward-looking information  

This MD&A contains certain forward-looking information.  Certain information included in this MD&A may constitute forward-looking 
information within the meaning of securities laws.  In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such 
as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative of 
these terms or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.  Forward-looking information may relate to 
management’s future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements or information regarding the future plans 
or  prospects  of  ClearStream  and  reflects  management’s  expectations  and  assumptions  regarding  the  growth,  results  of  operations, 
performance and business prospects and opportunities of ClearStream.  Without limitation, information regarding the future operating 
results and economic performance of ClearStream constitute forward-looking information.  Such forward-looking information reflects 
management’s  current  beliefs  and  is  based  on  information  currently  available  to  management  of  the  Company.    Forward-looking 
information involves significant risks and uncertainties.  A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially 
from the events and results discussed in the forward-looking information including risks related to investments, conditions of capital 
markets,  economic  conditions,  commodity  prices,  dependence  on  key  personnel,  limited  customer  bases,  interest  rates,  regulatory 
change, ability to meet working capital requirements and capital expenditures needs, factors relating to the weather and availability of 
labour.  These  factors  should  not  be  considered  exhaustive.    In  addition,  in  evaluating  this  information,  investors  should  specifically 
consider various factors, including the risks outlined under “Risk Factors,” which may cause actual events or results to differ materially 
from any forward-looking statement.  In formulating forward-looking information herein, management has assumed that business and 
economic conditions affecting ClearStream will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect 
to general levels of economic activity, regulations, taxes and interest rates.  Although the forward-looking information is based on what 
management of ClearStream consider to be reasonable assumptions based on information currently available to  it, there can be  no 
assurance that actual events or results will be consistent with this forward-looking information, and management’s assumptions may 
prove to be incorrect.  This forward-looking information is made as of the date of this MD&A, and ClearStream does not assume any 
obligation to update or revise it to reflect new events or circumstances except as required by law.  Undue reliance should not be placed 
on  forward-looking  information.    ClearStream  is  providing  the  forward-looking  financial  information  set  out  in  this  MD&A  for  the 
purpose of providing investors with some context for the Outlook presented.  Readers are cautioned that this information may not be 
appropriate for any other purpose. 

Non-standard measures 

The terms ‘‘EBITDAS’’ and “Adjusted EBITDAS” (collectively the ‘‘Non-standard measures’’) are financial measures used in this MD&A 
that are not standard measures under IFRS.  ClearStream’s method of calculating Non-standard measures may differ from the methods 
used  by  other  issuers.  Therefore,  ClearStream’s  Non-standard  measures,  as  presented  may  not  be  comparable  to  similar  measures 
presented by other issuers. 

EBITDAS refers to net earnings determined in accordance with IFRS, before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income 
tax  expense  (recovery)  and  stock  based  compensation.  EBITDAS  is  used  by  management  and  the  directors  of  ClearStream  (the 
“Directors”) as well as many investors to determine the ability of an issuer to generate cash from operations.  Management also uses 
EBITDAS  to monitor  the  performance  of  ClearStream’s  reportable  segments  and  believes  that  in  addition  to  net  income  or  loss  and 
cash  provided  by  operating  activities,  EBITDAS  is  a  useful  supplemental  measure  from  which  to  determine  ClearStream’s  ability  to 
generate  cash  available  for  debt  service,  working  capital,  capital  expenditures  and  income  taxes.  ClearStream  has  provided  a 
reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to EBITDAS in this MD&A.   

Adjusted EBITDAS refers to EBITDAS excluding loss from long-term investments, the gain on sale of assets held for sale, impairment of 
goodwill, intangible assets and property plant and equipment, restructuring costs, gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment, 
and other non-cash transactions. ClearStream has used Adjusted EBITDAS as the basis for the analysis of its past operating financial 
performance. Adjusted EBITDAS is used by ClearStream and management believes it is a useful supplemental measure from which to 
determine ClearStream’s ability to generate cash available for debt  service, working capital, capital expenditures, and income taxes.  
Adjusted  EBITDAS  is  a  measure  that  management  believes  facilitates  the  comparability  of  the  results  of  historical  periods  and  the 
analysis of its operating financial performance which may be useful to investors. ClearStream has provided a reconciliation of income 
(loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDAS in this MD&A. 

Investors  are  cautioned  that  the  Non-IFRS  Measures  are  not  alternatives  to  measures  under  IFRS  and  should  not,  on  their  own,  be 
construed as an indicator of performance or cash flows, a measure of liquidity or as a measure of actual return on the shares.  These 
Non-IFRS measures should only be used in conjunction with the financial statements included in the MD&A and ClearStream’s annual 
audited consolidated financial statements available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or www.clearstreamenergy.ca.  

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

3 

Annual Report 2017 

 
Annual Report 2017 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

February 28, 2018 

The  following  is  management’s  discussion  and  analysis  (“MD&A”)  of  the  consolidated  results  of 
operations, balance sheets and cash flows of ClearStream for the years ended December 31, 2017, and 
2016.    This  MD&A  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  ClearStream’s  audited  consolidated  financial 
statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. 

All  amounts  in  this  MD&A  are  in  Canadian  dollars  and  expressed  in  thousands  of  dollars  unless 
otherwise noted.  The accompanying audited annual consolidated financial statements of ClearStream 
have  been  prepared  by  and  are  the  responsibility  of  management.    The  contents  of  this  MD&A  have 
been  approved  by  the  Board  of  Directors  of  ClearStream  on  the  recommendation  of  its  Audit 
Committee.    This  MD&A  is  dated  February  28,  2018  and  is  current  to  that  date  unless  otherwise 
indicated. 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).     

References to “we”, “us”, “our” or similar terms, refer to ClearStream, unless the context otherwise 
requires.  

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

4 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2017 

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS 

The reportable segments discussed below, represent the reportable segments that the chief operating 
decision  maker  considers  when  reviewing  the  performance  of  ClearStream  and  deciding  where  to 
allocate resources.  

ClearStream’s  operations,  assets  and  employees  are  located  entirely  in  Canada.  ClearStream  utilizes 
EBITDAS and Adjusted EBITDAS as performance measures for its segmented results. These measures are 
considered to be non-standard measures under IFRS.  

Segment 

Business Description 

Maintenance and 
Construction Services             

Operational, maintenance, workforce management, turnaround and 
construction services to the conventional oil and gas, Oilsands, and other 
industries. 

Wear, Fabrication and 
Transportation 
Services 

Custom fabrication services supporting pipeline and infrastructure 
projects, patented wear overlay technology services specializing in overlay 
pipe spools, pipe bends and plate, and transportation and pipe logistics 
services to the drilling sector. 

Corporate 

ClearStream head office management, administrative, legal and interest 
expense costs. 

Note:  The  Environmental  Services  division  has  been 
in  the  Wear,  Fabrication  and 
Transportation  Services  segment;  the  financial  results  for  this  division  were  not  significant  to  overall 
financial results for this segment during the periods ending December 31, 2017.  

included 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

5 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2017 

2017 RESULTS – CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

Revenue
C ost of revenue
Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Share based compensation
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation
Income (loss) from equity investment
Interest expense
Gain (loss) on sale of assets held for sale
Restructuring costs
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, 
   goodwill, and intangible assets
Other (loss) income
(Loss) gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Income tax (expense) recovery - current
Income tax recovery - deferred
Loss from continuing operations
Add back:
Share based compensation
Interest expense
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation 
Income tax expense - current
Income tax recovery - deferred
EBITDAS
Other loss
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, 
   goodwill, and intangible assets
Gain (loss) on sale of assets held for sale
Restructuring costs
Adjusted EBITDAS

Loss per share
Basic & Diluted:

C ontinuing operations
Net loss 

2017

2016

2015
Restated1

$         

357,147
(326,728)
30,419

$         

270,661
(245,750)
24,911

$         

416,122
(362,429)
53,693

(18,866)
(710)
(3,445)
(5,264)
246
(21,474)
(570)
(1,414)

(7,685)
(5,778)
2,083
(2)

-
(32,460)

710
21,474
3,445
5,264
2

(17,382)
-
(3,376)
(6,625)
(169)
(21,259)
1,260
(1,471)

(8,700)
623
(728)
(21)
-
(32,937)

-
21,259
3,376
6,625
21

$           

-
(1,565)
5,778

$           

-
(1,656)
-

(22,362)
-
(5,651)
(8,681)
(508)
(24,948)
(6,379)
(7,454)

(47,301)
-
340
2,050
2,766
(64,436)

-
24,948
5,651
8,681
(2,050)
(2,766)
(29,971)
-

$         

7,685
570
1,414
13,882

$          

8,700
(1,260)
1,471
7,255

$            

47,301
6,379
7,454
32,151

$          

$             
$             

(0.30)
(0.30)

$             
$             

(0.30)
(0.42)

$             
$             

(0.59)
(1.14)

1Adjusted for reclassification of selling, general and administrative expenses 

Selected Annual Information
As at December 31,
Total Assets
Total Non-current Financial Liabilities
Shareholders' deficit

$      

2017
132,643
2,185
(138,888)

$      

2016
134,842
202,454
(103,514)

$      

2015
253,538
6,347
(65,056)

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
         
         
         
            
            
            
           
           
           
               
                 
                 
             
             
             
             
             
             
                 
               
               
           
           
           
               
              
             
             
             
             
             
             
           
             
                 
                 
              
               
                 
                   
                 
              
                 
                 
              
           
           
           
                 
                 
                 
            
            
            
              
              
              
              
              
              
                    
                  
             
                 
                 
             
              
                 
                 
              
              
            
                 
             
              
              
              
              
           
       
           
      
      
        
Annual Report 2017 

2017 RESULTS COMMENTARY   

Revenues  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  were  $357,147  compared  to  $270,661  in  2016  and 
$416,122  in  2015,  an  increase  of  32.0%  from  2016  and  a  decrease  of  14.2%  from  2015.  Increased 
revenues in 2017, in comparison to 2016, relate to increased maintenance and turnaround demand and 
higher revenue in the Fort McMurray region. The Fort McMurray forest fires in 2016 resulted in reduced 
oil sands activity during the second and third quarters of 2016 and negatively impacted revenue in 2016 
on a comparative basis.  Compared to 2015, 2017 revenues were down due to the impact of lower oil 
and gas prices that negatively impacted demand for all service lines in 2017. 

Gross  profit  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  was  $30,419  compared  to  $24,911  in  2016  and 
$53,693  in  2015.  Gross  profit  margins  were  8.5%  compared  to  9.2%  in  2016  and  12.9%  in  2015.  The 
decline  in  gross  profit  margin  in  2017,  in  comparison  to  2016  and  2015,  was  largely  due  to  reduced 
pricing which was necessary for customer retention in light of the competitive environment during 2017 
and  2016.  Furthermore,  gross  losses  on  two  lump  sum  projects  within  the  maintenance  and 
construction division negatively impacted overall gross margins in 2017.  

Selling,  general  and  administrative  (“SG&A”)  expenses  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  were 
$18,866, in comparison to $17,382 in 2016 and $22,362 in 2015. SG&A costs were up by $1,484 in 2017 
relative  to  2016  due  largely  to  increased  professional  fees.  As  a  percentage  of  revenue,  SG&A  costs 
decreased to 5.3% in 2017 compared to 6.4% in 2016. SG&A costs in 2017 and 2016 were lower than 
2015 as significant  cost  reduction  strategies were executed in 2016 in response to challenging market 
conditions.   

Share based compensation expense of $710 was recorded in 2017 and relates to the long-term incentive 
plans that were implemented by the Company in early 2017.  

Depreciation and amortization was $8,709 for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $10,001 
for  2016  and  $14,332  for  2015.  The  decrease  in  depreciation  and  amortization  expense  is  primarily 
related to the significant write-down of definite life intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 
that was recorded at December 31, 2015, which resulted in a lower opening net book value for these 
assets in 2016 and 2017. In addition, ClearStream has lowered capital spending programs in response to 
the  challenging  market  conditions,  which  has  reduced  the  depreciable  asset  base  in  2017  relative  to 
2016 and 2015.  

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  interest  costs,  excluding  accretion  expense,  were  $20,525 
compared  with  $18,733  in  2016  and  $17,483  in  2015.  The  increase  in  interest  expense  in  2017 
compared to 2016  relates to the drawdown on the Asset  Based Lending  (“ABL”)  facility in  the  second 
half of 2017. The increase relative to 2015 is due to the net impact of debt restructuring initiatives that 
were  completed  in  the  first  quarter  of  2016  combined  with  the  drawdown  on  the  ABL  facility  in  the 
second half of 2017. Non-cash accretion expense was $856 for 2017 compared to $2,526 for 2016 and 
$7,465 for 2015.  Accretion expense relates to the debentures, which were recorded at their fair value, 
less  financing  costs,  and  accrete  up  to  their  face  value  using  the  effective  interest  method  over  their 
term.  

Restructuring costs of $1,414 were recorded during 2017, in comparison to $1,471 in 2016 and $7,454 in 
2015.  These  non-recurring  restructuring  costs  are  comprised  of  severance  and  location  closure  costs 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

7 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

associated  with  right  sizing  and  restructuring  ClearStream’s  business.  Restructuring  costs  in  2017  also 
includes costs associated with the refinancing transaction that closed in early 2018.  

A loss of $5,778 was recognized at December 31, 2017 to provide for an onerous contract relating to the 
sale of the transportation division. Income of $623 was recorded during 2016 for an advance from our 
insurance  company  for  lost  operating  profits  due  to  the  Fort  McMurray  fires.  Discussions  with  our 
insurance company continue to be on-going regarding the recovery of additional lost profits. The extent 
of additional recoveries, if any, is not known at this time.   

Financial  results  for  2017  include  a  net  gain  on  the  sale  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  for  $2,083 
which was largely attributable to the sale of two non-essential properties in the first quarter of 2017.  

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS 

MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION SERVIC ES 

Revenue
C ost of revenue
Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation
Income from equity investment
Interest expense
Impairment of intangible assets
Other income
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Income before taxes
Income tax expense - current
Income from continuing operations
Add back:
Interest expense
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation 
Income tax expense - current
EBITDA
Impairment of intangible assets
Adjusted EBITDAS

2017

2016

$         

286,433
(267,711)
18,722

$             

222,995
(205,279)
17,716

(1,977)
(1,984)
(2,522)
246
(270)
(7,108)
-
1,968
7,075
-
7,075

$            

(1,921)
(1,944)
(3,142)
122
(303)

$               

-
623
462
11,613
(59)
11,554

270
1,984
2,522
-
11,851
7,108
18,959

$          

$               

$          

$               

303
1,944
3,142
59
17,002
-
17,002

2016 Comparatives have been changed to conform to the current year presentation.   

REVENUES 

Revenues  for  the  Maintenance  and  Construction  Services  segment  were  $286,433  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2017 compared with $222,995 in the prior year, which reflects an increase of 28.4%. Year-
over-year  demand  growth  for  maintenance,  workforce  management  and  turnaround  services  drove  a 
large  portion  of  the  revenue  increase.  Maintenance  and  turnaround  programs  were  deferred  in  2016 
due to a weak commodity price environment that led to lower cash flows for our customers. Demand 
for  these  services  recovered  in  2017  due  to  slight  improvements  in  commodity  prices  combined  with 
maintenance requirements that could no longer be deferred.   

A portion of the year-over-year revenue increase can also be attributed to a recovery of activity in the 
Fort McMurray region as the 2016 wildfires had a significant and negative impact on the maintenance 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

and construction division in 2016. Lost revenue in 2016 due to the wildfires was approximately $25,000 
for the Maintenance and Construction Services segment.  

GROSS PROFIT  

Gross  profit  for  the  Maintenance  and  Construction  Services  segment  was  $18,722  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2017 compared to $17,716 in 2016.  Gross profit margin was 6.5% compared to 7.9% in 
2016. The decrease is due to a year-over-year decline in pricing combined with losses on certain lump 
sum contracts during 2017. These factors are partially offset by increased leverage on fixed costs due to 
the increase in revenue.    

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EX PENSES 

Maintenance  and  Construction  Services  segment’s  SG&A  expenses  were  $1,977  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2017  compared  to  $1,921  in  2016.  SG&A  expenses  remained  relatively  consistent  on  a 
year-over-year basis and decreased slightly as a percentage of revenues from 0.9% to 0.7%.  

WEAR, FABRICATION & TRANSPORTATION  

Revenue
C ost of revenue
Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation
Interest expense
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
Other loss
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Income from continuing operations
Add back:
Interest expense
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation 
EBITDA
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
Other loss
Adjusted EBITDAS

REVENUES 

2017

2016

$          

72,824
(61,127)
11,697

$               

49,349
(42,154)
7,195

(778)
(1,461)
(2,340)
(177)
(577)
(5,778)
115
701

(621)
(1,432)
(2,888)
(280)
(8,700)
-
151
(6,575)

177
1,461
2,340
4,679
577
5,778
11,034

$            

$               

$          

$                

280
1,432
2,888
(1,975)
8,700
-
6,725

Revenues  for  Wear,  Fabrication  and  Transportation  segment  were  $72,824  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2017,  compared  to  $49,349  for  the  prior  year,  representing  a  47.6%  increase.  Revenue 
increased within all three divisions of this segment with the largest year-over-year increase in the Wear 
division. The Wear division benefitted from a rise in year-over-year demand caused by improvements in 
commodity prices. In addition, Wear demand recovered in 2017 as demand had dropped in 2016 due to 
the  impact  of  the  2016  Fort  McMurray  wildfires.  Lost  Wear  revenue  in  2016  due  to  the wildfires was 
estimated at $5,000.  

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

9 

Annual Report 2017 

  
 
 
           
               
            
                  
               
                    
             
                 
             
                 
               
                    
               
                 
             
                     
                 
                     
                 
                 
                 
                     
              
                  
              
                  
                 
                  
              
                     
Annual Report 2017 

GROSS PROFIT  

Gross  profit  for  Wear,  Fabrication  and  Transportation  segment  was  $11,697  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2017, compared to $7,195 for the prior year.  Gross profit margin was 16.1% compared to 
14.6% in 2016. Gross profit margins for this segment improved due to increased leverage on fixed costs 
from  higher  revenue.  Cost  reductions  implemented  in  2016  also  favorably  impacted  this  segment  in 
2017 through reduced indirect costs.   

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EX PENSES 

Wear, Fabrication and Transportation SG&A expenses were $778 for the year ended December 31, 2017 
compared to $621 in 2016.  The increase in SG&A is related to overhead increases that were needed in 
response to increased activity. SG&A expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue to 1.1% from 1.3%.    

CORPORATE 

The  Corporate  division  provides  typical  head  office  functions  including  strategic  planning,  corporate 
communications, taxes, legal, marketing, finance, human resources and information technology for the 
entire organization.  

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Share based compensation
Depreciation
Loss from equity investment
Interest expense
Gain (loss) on sale of assets held for sale
Restructuring costs
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Income tax expense - current
Loss from continuing operations
Add back:
Interest expense
Depreciation 
Income tax expense - current
EBITDA
Share based compensation
(Gain) loss on sale of assets held for sale
Restructuring costs
Adjusted EBITDAS

2017

2016

(16,111)
(710)
(402)

-
(21,027)
(570)
(1,414)
-

(2)
(40,236)

(14,840)
-

(595)
(291)
(20,676)
1,260
(1,471)
(1,341)
(21)
(37,975)

21,027
402
2
(18,805)
710
570
1,414
(16,111)

$         

$             

$         

$             

20,676
595
21
(16,683)
-
(1,260)
1,471
(16,472)

2016 Comparatives have been changed to conform to the current year presentation.   

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EX PENSES 

Corporate SG&A expenses were $16,111 for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $14,840 
in the prior year. The $1,271 increase in 2017 relative to 2016 is due largely to increased professional 
fees.  As  a  percentage  of  consolidated  revenue,  Corporate  SG&A  costs  decreased  to  4.5%  in  2017 
compared to 5.5% in 2016 as the Company focused on keeping corporate overhead costs relatively flat 
despite the increase in revenue.   

See “2017 Results Commentary” on page 7 for an analysis of share based compensation, depreciation 
and amortization, interest expense and restructuring costs.   

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

10 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
           
               
               
                     
               
                    
                 
                    
           
               
               
                  
             
                 
                 
                 
                   
                     
           
               
            
                
                 
                     
                    
                       
                 
                     
                 
                 
              
                  
Annual Report 2017 

WRITE-DOWN OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL   

ClearStream performed impairment tests as at December 31, 2017 as a result of the adverse economic 
impact that low commodity prices have had on ClearStream and the industries that it operates in. The 
adverse  economic  impacts  include  lower  pricing  and  demand  for  goods  and  services  provided  to 
customers.  As  a  result  of  the  testing  performed,  an  impairment  loss  of  $7,685  was  recorded  at 
December  31,  2017.  All  of  the  impairment  losses  were  allocated  to  intangible  assets.  A  decrease  in 
projected EBITDA resulted in a goodwill impairment of $8,700 during the first quarter of 2016.  

All impairment losses are non-cash in nature and do not affect the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from 
operating  activities,  or  debt  covenants  and  do  not  have  an  impact  on  the  future  operations  of  the 
Company.  

FOURTH QUARTER 2017 RESULTS 

Quarter ended December 31,

2017

2016

Revenue
C ost of revenue
Gross profit

$          

81,972
(75,801)
6,171

$          

72,913
(65,608)
7,306

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Share based compensation
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation
Income (loss) from equity investment
Interest expense
Gain (loss) on sale of assets held for sale
Restructuring costs
Impairment of intangible assets
Other loss
Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment
Loss from continuing operations
Add back:
Share based compensation
Interest expense
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation 
EBITDAS
Other loss
Impairment of intangible assets
Gain (loss) on sale of assets held for sale
Restructuring costs
Adjusted EBITDAS

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS COMMENTARY 

(5,014)
(131)
(857)
(1,337)
86
(5,786)
(283)
(587)
(7,685)
(5,778)
(6)
(21,207)

(5,068)
-

(858)
(1,960)
(76)
(5,075)
(66)
(1,126)
-
-

94
(6,829)

131
5,786
857
1,337
(13,096)
5,778
7,685
283
587
1,237

-
5,075
858
1,960
1,064
-
-

$           

66
1,126
2,256

$           

$        

$           

Revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2017 were $81,972 compared to $72,913 in 2016, 
an increase of 12.4%. Demand growth across both operating segments led to the increase in revenue, as 
our customers continued to spend more on maintenance programs during the fourth quarter of 2017 
compared to 2016.  

Gross profit for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $6,171 compared to $7,306 in 2016. 
Gross  margins  were  7.5%  for  the  three  months  ended  December  31,  2017  compared  to  10.0%  in  the 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

11 

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Annual Report 2017 

losses 

fourth quarter of 2016. The decline in gross margins was due to pricing declines across all services lines 
combined  with 
in  the  Transportation  division.  Given  ClearStream’s  decision  to  sell  all 
transportation assets, one-time expenses of approximately $300 were incurred in fourth quarter to shut 
down this business line.  In addition, a loss of $5,778 was recognized during the fourth quarter of 2017 
to provide for an onerous contract relating to the sale of the transportation division. 

SG&A costs were relatively consistent on a year-over-year basis.  

Restructuring  costs  of  $587  were  recorded  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  and  include  costs 
associated with the refinancing transaction that closed in early 2018. Restructuring costs in the fourth 
quarter  of  2016  were  largely  comprised  of  severance  and  location  closure  costs  associated  with  right 
sizing and restructuring ClearStream’s business. 

Depreciation and amortization was $2,194 for the three months ended December 31, 2017, compared 
to $2,818 for 2016. The decline is primarily related to a decrease in property, plant and equipment. 

The increase in interest expense relates to the costs of servicing the ABL facility in 2017, which increased 
to $27,500 at the end of 2017 compared to $3,500 at the end of 2016.  Restructuring costs decreased 
significantly  on  a  quarter-over-quarter  basis  as  a  majority  of  the  ClearStream  restructuring  initiatives 
were implemented in 2015 and 2016.   

Adjusted EBITDAS
$000s
ClearStream Industrial Services
Maintenance and C onstruction
Wear, Fabrication & Transportation
Adjusted EBITDAS from operations
C orporate
Adjusted EBITDAS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS  

Q4 2017 Q4 2016

2017 vs. 
2016

3,651
1,311
4,962
(3,725)
1,237

$    

$    

4,496
1,856
6,352
(4,096)
2,256

$    

$    

(845)
(545)
(1,390)
371
(1,019)

$       

$       

Loss from discontinued operations

2017
(3,445)

2016
(12,793)

The loss from discontinued operations is due to changes in the value of the Quantum Murray earn-out 
asset  combined with  expenses  that  the  Company  continues  to  incur  relating  to  Quantum  Murray  and 
other discontinued operations. These expenses consist largely of legal, insurance, and consulting costs 
relating  to  the  Quantum  Murray  earn-out  and  legal  proceedings  that  existed  prior  to  the  sale  of  the 
business,  including  the  Brompton  matter.    For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  the  loss  from 
discontinued  operations  has  decreased  as  the  2016  loss  includes  the  operating  losses  of  Quantum 
Murray  prior  to  the  sale  on  March  23,  2017  as  well  as  costs  associated  with  disposal  of  discontinued 
operations. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

12 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
     
     
           
     
     
           
    
    
             
  
     
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

C ash (used in) provided by operating activities
C ash provided by investing activities
C ash provided by (used in) financing activities
C onsolidated cash as at December 31

OPERATING  ACTIVITIES  AND  CHANGE  IN  WORKING  CAPITAL 

C ash used in continuing operations before interest
Interest expense
Increase (decrease) in cash due to changes in working capital
C ash used in discontinued operations
C ash (used in) provided by operating activities

Annual Report 2017 

$         

2017
(27,724)
569
20,301
4,649

$            

2016
4,565
15,036
(32,507)
11,503

$          

$            

2017
11,611
(21,474)
(12,076)
(5,785)
(27,724)

2016
9,618
(21,259)
24,569
(8,363)
4,565

$         

$            

Cash  used  in  continuing  operations  represents  the  net  loss  incurred  during  2017 adjusted  for  interest 
and non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization and asset impairments. Total working capital 
increased by $12,076 in 2017 due to the increase in revenue and overall activity levels. The cash used in 
discontinued  operations  includes  the  settlement  of  the  Brompton  Corp.  claim  for  approximately  $5 
million plus legal costs, and other expenses paid in 2017 relating to businesses that were sold prior to 
March 2016.   

INVESTING  ACTIVITIES 

Due  to  challenging  market  conditions,  capital  spending  was  kept  to  a  minimum  and  non-essential 
operating assets  were  sold  during  2017. As a result, cash proceeds on disposal net of asset purchases 
totaled $319. 

During 2016, ClearStream received $14,800 of cash proceeds on the sale of Quantum Murray LP, Titan 
Supply  LP  and  Gusgo,  which  represented  the  majority  of  the  cash  provided  by  investing  activities  in 
2016.  

FINANCING  ACTIVITIES 

2016 Refinancing 

In March 23, 2016, ClearStream entered into an agreement for an Asset Based Lending (“ABL”) facility 
with a banking syndicate led by the Bank of Montreal. The ABL Facility is used to fund working capital 
requirements.  

The amounts that can be drawn on the ABL facility, to a maximum of $50 million, are based primarily on 
eligible accounts receivable balances. The Company is required to satisfy certain covenants, including a 
fixed charge coverage ratio under the terms of the agreement. As at December 31, 2017, $27,500 was 
drawn on the ABL facility and net $24,000 was drawn during 2017.  

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

13 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
                
            
            
           
              
            
           
           
           
            
            
            
Annual Report 2017 

On March 23, 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of $176,228 principal amount of senior secured 
debentures to Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. (“Canso”), in its capacity as portfolio manager for and on 
behalf  of  certain  accounts  that  it  manages,  on  a  private  placement  basis.    The  net  proceeds  of  this 
issuance  were  used  to  completely  repay  the  principal  amount  outstanding  under  the  previous  senior 
secured debentures. 

On  March  23,  2016,  the  Company  issued  an  aggregate  of  $25,000  principal  amount  of  convertible 
secured debentures to Canso on a private placement basis and an additional $10,000 principal amount 
of  convertible  secured  debentures  pursuant  to  a  rights  offering.    Pursuant  to  the  rights  offering,  the 
Company offered to its shareholders of record as of February 18, 2016 transferable rights to purchase 
up  to  $10,000  aggregate  principal  amount  of  convertible  secured  debentures  for the  same  amount  in 
gross proceeds.   Each  such shareholder was  entitled  to one right for each common share held.  Every 
1,099.41241  rights  entitled  an  eligible  rights  holder  to  purchase  $100  aggregate  principal  amount  of 
convertible secured debentures at a subscription price of $100.  The rights expired on March 17, 2016 
and the rights offering, which was over-subscribed, closed on March 23, 2016, resulting in the issuance 
of: 

•  $1,969 aggregate principal amount of convertible secured debentures upon the exercise of the 

basic subscription privilege; and 

•  $8,030  aggregate  principal  amount  of  convertible  secured  debentures  issued  to  over-
subscribing purchasers on a pro-rata basis, pursuant to the additional subscription privilege. 

The net proceeds of this issuance, together with the proceeds of asset sales, were used to completely 
repay the Company’s indebtedness under the senior credit agreement. 

In connection with the various refinancing initiatives, ClearStream incurred $10,256 of refinancing fees 
during 2016. 

Mandatory Redemption Provisions 

The  debenture  arrangements  are  designed  to  ensure  that  debt  balances  are  reduced  as  quickly  as 
possible.  Consequently,  mandatory  redemption  provisions  exist  in  the  Company’s  Senior  Secured 
Debenture agreement. The mandatory redemption provisions include: 

•  100%  of  the  net  proceeds  of  any  eligible  property  dispositions  must  be  used  to  redeem  the 
senior  secured  debentures;  eligible  property  dispositions  include  asset  sales  in  excess  of 
$2,000; 

•  When the ratio of long-term debt to EBITDA is greater than 3.5:1.0, 75% of excess cash flow 

must be used to redeem the senior secured debentures;  

•  When the ratio of long-term debt to EBITDA is less than 3.5:1.0, 50% of excess cash flow must 

be used to redeem the senior secured debentures;  

Excess cash flow represents cash available to the Company after interest, capital expenditures, capital 
lease payments, and income taxes, among other things. 

ClearStream expects to trigger a mandatory redemption with the sale of transportation assets given that 
sale proceeds are expected to exceed $2,000. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

14 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

The  foregoing  is  a  summary  only  of  the  applicable  debt  provisions  and  is  subject  to  the  terms  of  the 
Company’s  Senior  Secured  Debenture  Agreement,  which  is  available  on  the  Company’s  profile  on 
www.sedar.com. 

Financial Covenants 

The financial covenants applicable under the ABL Facility at December 31, 2017 were as follows: 

•  Minimum monthly EBITDA targets from July 2017 to December 2017, inclusive, where EBITDA 
is defined as net earnings, before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax 
expense, and share based compensation; 

•  ClearStream  must  maintain  a  Fixed  Charge  Coverage  Ratio  of  not  less  than  1.0:1.0  for  each 
cumulative period beginning on May 1, 2017 and ending on the last day of each month until 
March 31, 2018;  

•  ClearStream  must  maintain  a  Fixed  Charge  Coverage  Ratio  of  1.1:1.0  for  each  twelve  month 

period ending on and after April 30, 2018; 

•  ClearStream  must  not  expend  or  become  obligated  for  any  capital  expenditures  in  an 
aggregate amount exceeding 1) $6,500 during any fiscal year, and 2) $100 during any calendar 
month between August 2017 and December 2017. 

The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is defined as follows: 

•  EBITDA less cash taxes paid, dividends paid and capital expenditures,  

divided by: 

•  Debt servicing costs, which is the interest paid or payable on all debt balances for the relevant 
period (not including the amortization of deferred financing costs and accretion) plus finance 
lease payments. 

As at December 31, 2017, ClearStream was not in compliance with all financial covenants under the ABL 
Facility  and  therefore  the  amount  drawn  on  the  ABL  Facility  was  reclassified  as  current.    The  cross-
default  provisions  in  the  agreement  results  in  an  event  of  default  under  the  ABL  Facility  being 
considered  an  event  of  default  under  both  the  senior  secured  and  convertible  secured  debenture 
agreements; therefore, all debt was required to be classified as current at December 31, 2017. 

2018 Refinancing 

On  January  16,  2018,  ClearStream  announced  the  completion  of  a  refinancing  transaction  whereby 
Canso,  in  its  capacity  as  portfolio  manager  for  and  on  behalf  of  certain  accounts  that  it  manages, 
commenced the process to exchange a certain amount of ClearStream’s debt for a newly created series 
of Preferred Shares and subscribed for additional Preferred Shares on a private placement basis.  

As  part  of  the  refinancing  transaction,  Canso  exchanged  $75,000  of  Senior  Secured  Debentures  due 
2026 for 75,000 Preferred Shares and $33,565 of Convertible Secured Debentures for 33,565 Preferred 
Shares.  Additionally, ClearStream issued 19,000 Preferred Shares to Canso for cash proceeds of $19,000 
on  a  private  placement  basis.  The  proceeds  of  the  private  placement  were  used  to  fund  the  interest 
obligations  related  to  the  Senior  Secured  Debentures  and  Convertible  Secured  Debentures.  At 
December  31,  2017,  these  interest  obligations  were  $8,799  and  recorded  in  Accounts  Payable  and 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

15 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

Accrued  Liabilities.    The  remaining  proceeds  of  the  private  placement  will  be  used  to  fund  $8,000  of 
interest payable in 2018 under the remaining $100,000 of Senior Secured Debentures, and partially fund 
transaction costs relating to the refinancing transaction.   

As  part  of  the  refinancing  transaction,  ClearStream’s  ABL  facility  was  amended  and  restated.  The  key 
amendments included changes to financial covenants and changes to the calculation of the borrowing 
base that could provide ClearStream with additional borrowing capacity of up $7,500 that will be used 
to fund working capital requirements.    

The covenants under the amended and restated ABL Facility are as follows: 

•  ClearStream  must  maintain  a  Fixed  Charge  Coverage  Ratio  of  not  less  than  1.0:1.0  for  each 
cumulative period beginning on May 1, 2017 and ending on the last day of each month until 
March 31, 2018;  

•  ClearStream  must  maintain  a  Fixed  Charge  Coverage  Ratio  of  1.0:1.0  for  each  twelve  month 

period ending on and after April 30, 2018; 

•  ClearStream  must  not  expend  or  become  obligated  for  any  capital  expenditures  in  an 

aggregate amount exceeding $6,500 during any fiscal year. 

The amended and restated ABL Facility also amended the definition of Debt serving costs to exclude any 
interest paid using proceeds from the preferred share private placement.  

At each reporting date, management makes an assessment as to whether ClearStream will continue to 
meet  the  going  concern  assumption  over  the  next  twelve  months.    Making  this  assessment  requires 
significant  judgment  with  respect  to  forecasted  EBITDA  and  Debt  Servicing  Costs.    Based  on 
management’s  current  forecast,  ClearStream  is  expected  to  remain  in  compliance  with  the  covenants 
under the amended and restated ABL Facility over the next twelve months.  However, there is a risk that 
the  Company  will  not  meet  forecasted  expectations  and  therefore  breach  financial  covenants  during 
2018. 

Capital Leases 

As  part  of  its  normal  operations,  ClearStream  enters  into  finances  leases  as  a  way  to  finance  capital 
initiatives, primary for vehicles and equipment.  During 2017, ClearStream repaid $3,699 (2016 – 5,416) 
of finance lease obligations.   

SUMMARY  OF  CONTRACTUAL  OBLIGATIONS 

ClearStream’s contractual obligations for the years 2018 to 2022 and thereafter are as follows: 

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$    

36,276

$         
-

$         
-

$         
-

$         
-

$         
-

$    

36,276

ABL facility

Senior secured debentures

C onvertible secured debentures

Finance lease obligations

Operating leases

27,500

176,228

35,000

1,689

-

-

-

1,328

10,154

10,019

-

-

-

-

-

-

492

5,958

486

5,045

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

27,500

176,228

35,000

3,995

4,966

19,842

55,983

Total C ontractual Obligations

$  

286,847

$    

11,347

$      

6,450

$      

5,531

$      

4,966

$    

19,842

$  

334,982

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

16 

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Annual Report 2017 

ClearStream expects to meet its short-term contractual obligations through cash flow from operations, 
which  includes  collection  of  accounts  receivable.  Subsequent  to  December  31,  2017,  ClearStream 
completed  a  refinancing  transaction  that  included  an  amendment  and  restatement  of  the  ABL  facility 
agreement. The  refinancing  transaction  remedied the default under the debt agreements. As a result, 
the  ABL  facility,  senior secured  debentures  and  convertibles  secured  debentures  are  no  longer  due  in 
2018. The ABL  agreement expires  in March 2019 and both debentures mature in 2026. As part of the 
refinancing transaction, $33,565 of convertible secured debentures were converted to preferred shares. 
In addition, $19,000 of cash proceeds were obtained through a private placement issuance of preferred 
shares, the proceeds of which will be used to fund $8,800 of interest obligations included in accounts 
payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2017 and future interest payments in 2018.    

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTI MAT ES 

ClearStream prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS.  The preparation of 
the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates 
and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities,  disclosures  of  contingent 
assets  and  liabilities,  and  the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  for  the  period  of  the 
consolidated financial statements.  Significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation 
of the consolidated financial statements are described in note 1 in the December 31, 2017 consolidated 
financial statements.  ClearStream evaluates its estimates and assumptions on a regular basis, based on 
historical experience and other relevant factors.  Included in the consolidated financial statements are 
estimates used in determining allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory valuation, the useful lives of 
property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible  assets,  revenue  recognition,  income  taxes,  provisions, 
impairment, earn-outs, going concern assumptions and other matters.  Actual results could differ from 
those estimates and assumptions.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   

N E W   S T A N D A R D S   A N D   I N T E R P R E T A T I O N S   N O T   Y E T   A D O P T E D     

International Financial Reporting Standard 9, Financial Instruments 
IFRS  9  Financial  Instruments  introduces  new  requirements  for  the  classification  and  measurement  of 
financial instruments, a new expected-loss impairment model that will require more timely recognition 
of  expected  credit  losses  and  a  substantially  reformed  model  for  hedge  accounting,  with  enhanced 
disclosures about risk management activity. IFRS 9 also removes the volatility in profit or loss that was 
caused by changes in an entity’s own credit risk for liabilities elected to be measured at fair value. IFRS 9 
is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Company expects IFRS 9 will 
impact the Company’s current policies and procedures regarding provisions on trade receivables. Trade 
receivables are recorded at the original invoice value less any amounts estimated to be uncollectable. 
Under IFRS 9, the expected loss impairment model replaces the current incurred loss model and is based 
on a forward looking approach,  which includes earlier recognition of losses.  However, given the short 
term nature of the Company’s receivables, these changes are not expected to have a material financial 
impact.  

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

17 

Annual Report 2017 

 
Annual Report 2017 

International Financial Reporting Standard 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers provides a single, principles-based five-step model that 
will apply to all contracts with customers with limited exceptions. In addition to the five-step model, the 
standard  specifies  how  to  account  for  the  incremental  costs  of  obtaining  a  contract  and  the  costs 
directly related to fulfilling a contract. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract must be recognized 
as an asset if the entity expects to recover these costs. The standard’s requirements will also apply to 
the recognition and measurement of gains and losses on the sale of some non-financial assets that are 
not an output of the entity’s ordinary activities. IFRS 15 is effective for annual periods beginning on or 
after  January  1,  2018.  Management  has  completed  a  formal  assessment  of  the  impact  of  adoption of 
IFRS 15 and does not expect a change to the timing or amounts of revenue recognized.   

The Company does expect IFRS 15 to impact the measurement of contingent consideration received in 
an asset sale (i.e. the valuation of the earn-out assets). IFRS 15 requires consideration receivable on the 
disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment to be determined following IFRS 15 guidance for 
determining  transaction  price.    IFRS  15  stipulates  that  the  inclusion  of  variable  consideration  in  the 
determination  of  transaction  price  occurs  only  if  it  is  highly  probable  that  a  significant  reversal  in  the 
amount  of  cumulative  revenue  recognized  will  not  occur  when  the  uncertainty  associated  with  the 
variable  consideration  is  subsequently  resolved  (i.e.  the  variable  consideration  constraint).    If  the 
consideration  is  variable,  an  entity  must  estimate  the  amount  using  either  the  “expected  value”  or 
“most likely method”  under  IFRS  15.   A  certain amount of variable consideration may be estimated in 
the transaction price, subject to the constraint requirement.   

The Gusgo earn-out will be measured using the “most likely method” under IFRS 15, which will result in 
valuation based on the expected amount to be received of $2,000.  The Quantum Murray / Titan earn-
out  will  be  measured  using  the  “expected  value”  method,  which  is  expected  to  be  constrained  to  nil 
given  that  it  is  not  highly  probable  that  a  significant  reversal  in  the  amount  recognized  will  not  occur 
when the  uncertainty  associated  with  the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.  Therefore, 
upon adoption of IFRS 15 under the modified retrospective approach, an adjustment of approximately 
$950 will be recorded as a decrease to earn-out assets and an increase to deficit at January 1, 2018.    

International Financial Reporting Standard 16, Leases 
IFRS  16  Leases  provides  an  updated  definition  of  a  lease  contract,  including  guidance  on  the 
combination and separation of contracts. The standard requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset 
and  a  lease  liability  for  substantially  all  lease  contracts.  The  accounting  for  lessors  is  substantially 
unchanged. IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The Company 
will complete an assessment of the impact of adoption of IFRS 16 in 2018. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

18 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2017 

SU M M A R Y   O F  Q U A R T E R L Y  R E S U L T S  –  ($000 S   E X C E P T   U N I T   A M O U N T S)   

Revenues
Gross Margin
Gross Margin %
Net loss from
    continuing operations 
Net loss
Loss per share
    from continuing operations
Loss per share 

$   

2017
Q4
81,972
6,171
7.5%

$   

2017
Q3
85,927
6,635
7.7%

$ 

2017
Q2
111,559
11,073
9.9%

$    

2017
Q1
77,689
6,540
8.4%

$    

2016
Q4
72,913
7,305
10.0%

$   

2016
Q3
67,773
6,824
10.1%

$   

2016
Q2
61,335
5,465
8.9%

$    

2016
Q1
68,640
5,316
7.7%

(21,207)
(22,345)

(6,120)
(6,170)

(1,510)
(3,397)

(3,623)
(3,993)

(6,829)
(12,858)

(4,625)
(5,339)

(5,391)
(6,716)

(16,092)
(20,817)

(0.19)
(0.20)

(0.06)
(0.06)

(0.01)
(0.03)

(0.03)
(0.04)

(0.06)
(0.12)

(0.04)
(0.05)

(0.05)
(0.06)

(0.15)
(0.19)

Revenues at ClearStream are somewhat seasonal. Typically there are scheduled shutdown/turnaround 
projects in the spring and fall which increases revenues over and above the standard maintenance and 
operational support services.  

Gross margin percentage fluctuations by quarter are usually a function of revenue mix. Notwithstanding 
this,  the  first  quarter  of  each  year  will  usually  show  lower  gross  margin  percentages  as  the  employer 
portion of payroll and benefit costs will not be maximized until later that year.  

The gross margin percentage reductions in the third and fourth quarters of 2017 are partially due to a 
decrease  in  pricing  within  both  operating  segments.  The  third  quarter  of  2017  was  also  negatively 
impacted by losses on certain lump sum projects completed in that quarter. In addition, ClearStream’s 
revenues were negatively impacted in the second and third quarters of 2016 as a result of the impact of 
the Fort McMurray wildfires on ClearStream’s business. 

CONTINGENCIES    

ClearStream is subject  to claims  and  litigation proceedings  arising in the normal course of operations.  
These  contingencies  are  provided  for  when  they  are  likely  to  occur  and  can  be  reasonably  estimated.  
Management  believes  that  these  claims  are  without  merit  and  as  such  they  are  being  rigorously 
defended.  

TRANSACTIONS WITH  RELATED  PARTIES  

As  of  December  31,  2017,  directors,  officers  and  key  employees  beneficially  hold  an  aggregate  of 
15,358,838 common shares or 14.0% on a fully diluted basis. 

Two  operating  leases  for  property,  with  annual  rents  of  $312  and  $400  are  with  a  landlord  in  which 
certain  executives  of  ClearStream  hold  an  indirect  minority  interest  (2016  -  $312  and  $400).  These 
transactions occurred in the normal course of business and are recorded at the exchange amount, which 
is the amount of consideration established and agreed to between the parties.  

For the year ended December 31, 2016, income from equity investments included $191 of rent expense 
paid  to  a  company  owned  by  the  minority  shareholder  of  Gusgo,  and  interest  income  included  $59 
charged to joint venture operating partners on advances. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

SHARE  CAPITAL 

The  authorized  share  capital  of  the  Company  consists  of:  (i)  an  unlimited  number  of  common  shares, 
and (ii) preferred shares issuable in series to be limited in number to an amount equal to not more than 
one  half  of  the  issued  and  outstanding  common  shares  at  the  time  of  issuance  of  such  preferred 
shares.  As of December 31, 2017, there were 109,941,241 common shares issued and outstanding and 
nil  preferred  shares  issued  and  outstanding.  If  all  of  the  $35,000  Convertible  Debentures  were 
converted,  there  would  be  209,941,241  common  shares  outstanding.  The  number  of  common  shares 
outstanding  would  increase  if  ClearStream  chose  to  settle  interest  payments  on  the  Convertible 
Debentures through the issue of Convertible Debentures. 

Subsequent to December 31, 2017 and as part of the 2018 refinancing transaction, ClearStream issued 
127,565 of newly created Series 1 Preferred Shares.   

OUTLOOK  

Overall market conditions have started to recover with the rise in oil prices. Our customers are expected 
to  increase  maintenance  and  capital  spending  in  2018  relative  to  2017  as  a  result  of  healthier 
commodity prices. As a result, stronger demand for our services is expected in 2018, particularly for the 
maintenance and wear service lines. Market conditions are expected to remain difficult for our service 
lines that rely on new capital projects, including fabrication and construction.   

Improving  market  conditions  and  maintenance  demand,  combined  with  several  meaningful  contract 
wins,  are  expected  to  result  in  an  increase  in  2018  revenue  compared  to  2017.  Recent  new  contract 
awards  are  expected  to  generate  $40  million  of  new  revenue  for  ClearStream  in  2018.  However,  our 
industry  remains  very  competitive  and  we  do  not  expect  pricing  to  improve  in  2018  relative  to  2017.  
Gross margin improvement will only be achieved if we are able to keep fixed costs flat during 2018; cost 
control will continue to be an area of focus for ClearStream in 2018. 

Financial  results  for  the  first  quarter  of  2018  are  expected  to  be  similar  to  the  first  quarter  of  2017. 
Pricing levels are relatively consistent on a year-over-year basis and meaningful revenue increases from 
higher demand and new contract awards are not expected to occur until the second quarter of 2018.   

ClearStream will continue to focus on the core aspects of our business including safety, cost control, and 
operational  execution  in  2018.  We  remain  confident  that  improving  market  conditions  and  new 
contracts, combined with a focus on strong execution, will lead to stronger financial results in 2018. 

RISK FACTOR S    

An investment in shares of ClearStream involves a number of risks. In addition to the other information 
contained in this MD&A  and  ClearStream’s other publicly filed disclosure documents, investors should 
give careful consideration to the following factors, which are qualified in their entirety by reference to, 
and must be read in conjunction with, the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this MD&A. Any 
of  the  matters  highlighted  in  these  risk  factors  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect on  ClearStream’s 
results of operations, business prospects or financial condition.  

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

20 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

Risks Relating to the Company 

R E F I N A N C I N G  T R A N S A C T I O N S  M A Y  N O T  I M P R O V E   T H E  C O M P A N Y’ S  F I N A N C I A L  C O N D I T I O N 
The Refinancing Transactions may not improve the Company’s liquidity and operating flexibility or allow 
it to continue operating its business in the normal course.  Deterioration in the Company’s consolidated 
revenues and relationships with suppliers, or the inability of the Company to successfully manage costs, 
liquidity and results of operations, or the impact of external factors beyond the control of the Company 
such as further deterioration in general economic conditions (including commodity prices such as oil and 
natural gas), may  have  a material  adverse effect on the Company and may result in the Company not 
being able to pay its debts as they become due.  

There  are  no  assurances  that  the  Company  will  be  able  to  achieve  or  maintain  compliance  with  the 
terms,  conditions  and  covenants  contained  in  the  Convertible  Secured  Indenture,  Senior  Secured 
Indenture, and the ABL Facility and any such non-compliance could lead to defaults thereunder which 
could materially adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. A 
failure to comply with the obligations in the Convertible Secured Indenture, Senior Secured Indenture, 
and/or  the  ABL  Facility  could  result  in  an  event  of  default  that,  if  not  cured  or  waived,  could  permit 
acceleration  of  the  Company’s  obligations  thereunder.    If  the  indebtedness  under  the  Convertible 
Secured Indenture, Senior Secured Indenture, and/or the ABL Facility were to be accelerated, there can 
be no assurance that the assets would be sufficient to repay in full that indebtedness. 

The  degree  to  which  the  Company  is  leveraged  could  have  important  consequences  to  shareholders, 
including  the  following:  (i)  the  ability  to  obtain  additional  financing  for  working  capital,  capital 
expenditures  or  acquisitions;  (ii)  a  material  portion  of  cash  flow  from  operations  may  need  to  be 
dedicated to payment of the principal of and interest on indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available 
for future operations; (iii) the Company may be more vulnerable to economic downturns and be limited 
in its ability to withstand  competitive  pressures.  The ability to make scheduled payments of principal 
and interest on, or to refinance, its indebtedness will depend on its future operating performance and 
cash  flows,  which  are  subject  to  prevailing  economic  conditions,  prevailing  interest  rate  levels,  and 
financial, competitive, business and other factors, many of which are beyond its control. 

C H A N G E   O F  C O N T R O L  

Subsequent  to  December  31,  2017,  the  Company  issued  127,565  of  Series  1  Preferred  Shares.    The 
terms  of  the  Series  1  Preferred  Shares  provide  for  a  10%  fixed  cumulative  preferential  cash  dividend 
payable  when  the  Company  shall  have  sufficient  monies  to  be  able  to  do  so,  including  under  the 
provisions  of  applicable  law  and  contracts  affecting  the  Company.  The  Board  of  Directors  of  the 
Company does not intend to declare or pay any cash dividends until such time as the Company’s balance 
sheet and liquidity position supports the payment. Any accrued but unpaid dividends are convertible in 
certain circumstances at  the option of the holder into additional Series 1 Preferred Shares. Holders of 
the  Series  1  Preferred  Shares  will  have  the  right,  at  their  option,  to  convert  their  Series  1  Preferred 
Shares  into  Common  Shares  at  a  price  of  $0.35  per  Common  Share,  subject  to  adjustment  in  certain 
circumstances. Assuming that the holders of the Series 1 Preferred Shares exercise the right to convert 
all accrued dividends into Series 1 Preferred Shares at the end of every year, and no right of redemption 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

21 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

or  retraction  is  exercised  under  the  Series  1  Preferred  Shares,  up  to  approximately  963,400,000 
Common  Shares  would  be  issuable  upon  conversion  of  the  face  amount  of  Series  1  Preferred  Shares 
after ten years, which represents approximately 877% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as 
of  December  18,  2017.  Potentially  almost  all  of  these  Common  Shares  could,  subject  to  applicable 
securities  laws,  be  issued  to  accounts  managed  by  Canso.  Canso,  to  the  extent  permitted  under 
securities legislation, or any transferee of Canso’s holdings, would then be in a position to unilaterally 
elect a majority of the directors of the Company should it choose to do so. 

V O L A T I L I T Y   O F  I N D U S T R Y  C O N D I T I O N S 

The demand, pricing and terms for oilfield services largely depend upon the level of oil and gas industry 
activity.  Industry conditions  are  influenced by numerous  factors over which ClearStream will  have no 
control, including: the level of oil and gas prices; expectations about future oil and gas prices; the cost of 
exploring for, producing and delivering oil and gas; the expected rates of declining current production; 
the discovery rates of new oil and gas reserves; available pipeline and other oil and gas transportation 
capacity; worldwide  weather  conditions; global political, military, regulatory and economic conditions; 
and the ability of oil and gas companies to raise equity capital or debt financing. 

The level of activity in the oil and gas exploration and production industry is volatile.  No assurance can 
be  given  that  expected  trends  in  oil  and  gas  production  activities  will  continue  or  that  demand  for 
oilfield  services  will  reflect  the  level  of  activity  in  the  industry.    Crude  oil  and  natural  gas  prices  have 
historically been volatile  and  are expected to remain volatile for the near future as a result of market 
uncertainties  over  the  supply  and  demand  of  these  commodities  due  to  concerns  of  oversupply,  the 
current  state  of  the  world  economics,  actions  taken  by  the  Organization  of  the  Petroleum  Exporting 
Countries,  and  ongoing  credit  and  liquidity  concerns  within  the  industry.    Any  prolonged  substantial 
reduction  in  oil  and  natural  gas  prices  would  likely  adversely  affect  oil  and  gas  production  levels  and 
therefore  adversely  affect  the  demand  for  services  to  oil  and  gas  customers.    A  material  decline  or 
sustained  depression  in  oil  or  gas  prices  or  industry  activity  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on 
ClearStream’s  business,  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows.    The  business  and 
activities of ClearStream are directly affected by fluctuations in levels of exploration, development and 
production activity carried on by its customers. 

In  addition,  demand  for  the  services  provided  by  ClearStream  is  directly  impacted  by  the  prices  that 
ClearStream’s customers receive for the crude oil and natural gas they produce and the prices received 
have  a  direct  correlation  to  the  cash  flow  available  to  invest  in  transportation,  equipment  rental  and 
other oilfield services  provided  by  ClearStream.  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 outside of ClearStream’s control. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

22 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

D E P E N D E N C E   O N  K E Y  P E R S O N N E L  

The  success  of  the  Company  depends  on  its  respective  senior  management  team  and  other  key 
employees, including its ability to retain and attract skilled management and employees.  The loss of the 
services  of  key  personnel  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  business,  financial  condition, 
results  of  operations  or  future  prospects  of  the  Company.    In  addition,  growth  plans  may  require 
additional employees, increase the demand on Management and produce risks in both productivity and 
retention levels.  The Company may not be able to attract and retain additional qualified management 
and employees as needed in the future.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to 
effectively manage its future business plan, and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect 
on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects. 

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

The Company’s business is subject to changes in general economic conditions including but not limited 
to, recessionary or inflationary trends, equity market levels, consumer credit availability, interest rates, 
consumers’  disposable  income  and  spending  levels,  job  security  and  unemployment,  and  overall 
consumer confidence. 

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

ClearStream’s operations depend on its ability to perform under the agreements with its customers and 
the ability to attract new business.  The key factors, which determine whether a client continues to use 
ClearStream,  are  service  quality  and  availability,  reliability  and  performance  of  equipment  used  to 
perform  its  services,  technical  knowledge  and  experience,  reputation  for  safety  performance  and 
competitive pricing.  Although ClearStream’s key customer relationships are measured in decades, there 
can be no assurance that ClearStream’s relationship with its customers will continue, and a significant 
reduction  or  total  loss  of  the  business  from  these  customers,  if  not  offset  by  sales  to  new or  existing 
customers, could have a material adverse effect on ClearStream’s business, financial condition, results of 
operations and cash flows. 

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

Large contracts often create a situation where a significant portion of ClearStream’s main revenue and 
accounts  receivables  may  be  from  a  small  number  of  customers  increasing  the  risks  of  economic 
dependence  and  concentration  of  credit.  ClearStream  is  economically  dependent  upon  its  top  three 
clients who made up approximately 54% of ClearStream’s revenues for 2017. 

L A B O U R  

The  success  of  the  Company  depends  on  its  ability  to  maintain  productivity  and  profitability.  The 
productivity and profitability of ClearStream may be limited by its ability to employ, train and retain the 
skilled personnel necessary to meet its requirements.  ClearStream cannot be certain that it will be able 
to maintain the adequate skilled labour force necessary to operate efficiently and to support its growth 
strategy.  As well, ClearStream cannot be certain that its labour expenses will not increase as a result of 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

23 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

shortage  in  the  supply  of  these  skilled  personnel.  Labour  shortages  or  increased  labour  costs  could 
impair the ability of ClearStream to maintain or grow its business. 

Approximately  34%  of  ClearStream’s  hourly  employees,  workers  in  both  ClearWater  Fabrication  and 
ClearWater Energy  Services,  are  subject to collective agreements to which it  is a party or is otherwise 
subject.  Any work stoppage resulting from a strike or lockout could have a material adverse effect on 
the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, including increased labour costs 
and service disruptions. In addition, ClearStream’s clients employ workers under collective agreements.  
Any  work  stoppage  or  labour  disruption  experienced  by  ClearStream’s  key  clients  could  significantly 
reduce the demand for ClearStream’s services. 

R E G U L A T I O N 

The Company is subject to a variety of federal, provincial and local laws, regulations, and guidelines and 
may become subject to additional laws, regulations and guidelines in the future, particularly as a result 
of  acquisitions.    The  financial  and  managerial  resources  necessary  to  ensure  such  compliance  could 
escalate significantly in the future which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.  Although such expenditures historically 
have not been material, such laws and regulations are subject to change.  Accordingly, it is impossible 
for the Company to predict the cost or impact of such laws and regulations on its future operations. 

C O M P E T I T I O N 

The industries in which ClearStream operates are highly competitive.  It often competes with companies 
that are much larger and have greater resources than ClearStream.  There can be no assurance that the 
Company will be able to successfully compete against its competitors or that such competition will not 
have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

S E A S O N A L I T Y 

In  Canada,  the  level  of  activity  in  the  oilfield  services  industry  is  influenced  by  seasonal  weather 
patterns. Spring break-up during the second quarter leaves many secondary roads temporarily incapable 
of supporting the weight of heavy equipment, which results in severe restrictions in the level of oilfield 
services.  The duration of this period will have a direct impact on some of the services that ClearStream 
provides.  Spring  break-up  occurs  earlier  in  the  year  in  south-eastern  Alberta  than  it  does  in  northern 
Alberta. The timing and duration of spring break-up is dependent on weather patterns but it generally 
occurs  in  April  and  May.    Additionally,  if  an  unseasonably  warm  winter  prevents  sufficient  freezing, 
ClearStream may not be able to access well sites and its operating results and financial condition may 
therefore be adversely affected.  The demand for oilfield services may also be affected by the severity of 
the Canadian winters. In addition, during excessively rainy periods, equipment moves may be delayed, 
thereby  adversely  affecting  revenues.    The  volatility  in  the  weather  and  temperature  can  therefore 
create  unpredictability  in  activity  and  utilization  rates,  which  can  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on 
ClearStream’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

24 

Annual Report 2017 

 
Annual Report 2017 

S O U R C E S,  P R I C I N G   A N D  A V A I L A B I L I T Y   O F  E Q U I P M E N T   A N D  E Q U I P M E N T  P A R T S 

ClearStream  sources  its  equipment  and  equipment  parts  from  a  variety  of  suppliers.    Should  any 
suppliers  of  ClearStream  be  unable  to  provide  the  necessary  equipment  or  parts  or  otherwise  fail  to 
deliver products in the quantities required, any resulting delays in the provision of services or in the time 
required to find new suppliers could have a material adverse effect on ClearStream’s business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

P R O J E C T  R I S K   

A  portion  of  ClearStream’s  revenues  is  derived  from  stand-alone  construction  projects  under  a  “lump 
sum”  contracting  strategy.  Although  these  projects  provide  opportunities  for  increased  revenue  and 
profit contributions they can occasionally result in significant losses.  Although “lump sum” projects do 
not  represent  a  high  percentage  of  the  work  ClearStream  performs,  ClearStream  may  experience 
periods  of  irregular  or  reduced  revenues.    The  recording  of  the  results  of  these  project  contracts  can 
distort revenues and earnings on both a quarterly and an annual basis and can, in some cases, make it 
difficult to compare the financial results between reporting periods. 

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

The operations of ClearStream are, and will continue to be, affected in varying degrees by federal and 
provincial  statutes  and  regulations  regarding  the  protection  of  the  environment.    Changes  to  existing 
statutes  or  regulations  could  have  a  negative  impact  on  development  projects,  including  those  in  the 
regions where the Company operates. Furthermore, under existing legislation, all capital projects in the 
Alberta oil sands are subject to regulatory approval.  Planned capital projects that have not yet obtained 
regulatory approval will require such approvals in order to proceed. 

No assurance can be given that future environmental approvals, laws or regulations will not adversely 
impact  the  ability  of  ClearStream’s  customers  to  develop  and  operate  in  the  regions  where  they 
operate. 

U N E X P E C T E D  A D J U S T M E N T S   A N D  C A N C E L L A T I O N S   I N  B A C K L O G 

ClearStream  may  not  be  able  to  convert  its  backlog  into  revenue  and  cannot  guarantee  that  the 
revenues  projected  in  its  backlog  will  be  realized  or,  if  realized,  will  result  in  profits.    This  is  a 
fundamental  condition  of  the  energy  services  industry.    Projects  may  remain  in  its  backlog  for  an 
extended period of time. ClearStream includes in its backlog binding and non-binding letters of intent, 
work  orders  and  cost  reimbursable  contracts,  which  may  be  different  than  the  items  other  issuers 
include  in  backlog.    In  addition,  as  many  of  ClearStream’s  clients  have  the  right  to  terminate  their 
contracts on short notice, project cancellations or scope adjustments may occur, from time to time, with 
respect  to  contracts  reflected  in  its  backlog  and  with  respect  to  backlog  evidenced  by  a  non-binding 
letter  of  intent,  the  formal  contract  respecting  same  may  never  be  finalized,  resulting  in  such 
engagement  being  terminated.    Backlog  reductions  can  adversely  affect  the  revenue  and  profit 
ClearStream  actually  receives  from  projects  reflected  in  its  backlog.  Future  project  cancellations  and 
scope adjustments could further reduce the dollar amount of the Company’s backlog and the revenues 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

and profits that ClearStream actually receives.  Additionally, in the event of a project cancellation, the 
Company  may  be  reimbursed  for  certain  costs,  but  typically  has  no  contractual  rights  to  the  total 
revenue that was expected to be derived from such project. 

P R I C E   A N D  A V A I L A B I L I T Y   O F  A L T E R N A T I V E  F U E L S 

Fuel  conservation  measures,  alternative  fuel  requirements, 
increasing  consumer  demand  for 
alternatives to oil and gas, and technological advances in fuel economy and energy generation devices 
could reduce the demand for crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons. ClearStream cannot predict the 
impact  of  changing  demand  for  oil  and  gas  products,  and  any  major  changes  may  have  a  material 
adverse effect on ClearStream’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

A V A I L A B I L I T Y   O F  F U T U R E  F I N A N C I N G   

As of the date hereof, the Company’s principal source of funds is cash generated from operations. The 
Company however, may require additional equity or debt financing to meet its financing requirements.  
There  can  be  no  assurance  that  this  financing  will  be  available  when  required  or  available  on 
commercially  favourable  terms  or  on  terms  that  are  otherwise  satisfactory  to  the  Company,  in  which 
event the financial condition of the Company may be materially adversely affected.  

P O T E N T I A L  F U T U R E  D E V E L O P M E N T S 

Management of the Company, in the ordinary course of business, regularly explores potential strategic 
opportunities  and  transactions.    The  public  announcement  of  any  of  these  or  similar  strategic 
opportunities or transactions might have a significant impact on the price of the Company’s securities.  
The  Company’s  practice  is  not  to  publicly  disclose  the  pursuit  of  a  potential  strategic  opportunity  or 
transaction  unless  and  until  a  definitive  binding  agreement  is  reached  unless  otherwise  required  by 
applicable law.  There can be no assurance that investors who buy or sell securities of the Company are 
doing so at a time when the Company is not pursuing a particular strategic opportunity or transaction 
that when announced, would have a significant impact on the price of the Company’s securities. 

C Y B E R   S E C U R I T Y   R I S K 

The Company utilizes a number of information technology systems for the management and operation 
of its business and is subject to a variety of information technology and system risks as part of its normal 
operations,  including  potential  breakdown,  invasion,  virus,  cyber-attack,  cyber  fraud,  security  breach 
and  destruction  or  interruption  of  the  Company’s  information  technology  systems  by  third  parties  or 
insiders. 

Although the Company has security measures and controls in place that are designed to mitigate these 
risks,  a  breach  of  its  security  measures  and/or  loss  of  information  could  occur  and  could  lead  to  a 
number of adverse consequences, including but not limited to: the unavailability, disruption or loss of 
key functionalities within the information technology systems, the unauthorized disclosure, corruption 
or  loss  of  material  and  confidential  information,  breach  of  privacy  laws  and  a  disruption  to  the 
Company’s business activities. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

26 

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Annual Report 2017 

The Company attempts to prevent such breaches through, among other things, the implementation of 
various technology security measures, segregation of control systems from its general business network, 
engaging  skilled  consultants  and  employees  to  manage  the  Company’s  technology  applications, 
conducting periodic audits and adopting policies and procedures as appropriate. To date, the Company 
has not been subject to a cyber security breach that has resulted in a material impact on its business or 
operations;  however,  there  is  no  guarantee  that  the  measures  the  Company  takes  to  protect  its 
information technology systems will be effective in protecting against a breach in the future. 

P O L I T I C A L   R I S K 

Recent political events in the United States have led to uncertainty regarding the position the U.S. will 
take  with  respect  to  world  affairs  and  events,  especially  current  and  future  trade  relationships  with 
Canada and other countries. In particular, the current U.S. administration initiated the re-negotiation of 
the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) in 2017, and indicated that if the re-negotiations 
are not successful, the U.S.  may  withdraw from NAFTA. As of the date of this AIF, the re-negotiations 
between  the  U.S.,  Canada  and  Mexico  are  still  in  progress,  and  at  this  time  ClearStream  is  unable  to 
predict what impact any such renegotiation or withdrawal may have.; However, in the event that any re-
negotiation or withdrawal impacts the exports of energy resources to the U.S. or Mexico this could have 
a  material  adverse  effect  on  ClearStream’s  business  and  financial  condition  by  negatively  impacting 
ClearStream’s customers' cash flow and production levels. 

Risks Relating to the Company’s Corporate Structure 

P O T E N T I A L  S A L E S   O F  A D D I T I O N A L  S H A R E S 

The  Company  may  issue  additional  Shares  or  securities  exchangeable  for  or  convertible  into  shares  in 
the  future.    Such  additional  Shares  may  be  issued  without  the  approval  of  shareholders.    The 
shareholders  will  have  no  pre-emptive  rights  in  connection  with  such  additional  issues.    Additional 
issuance of Shares will result in the dilution of the interests of shareholders.  

I N C O M E  T A X  M A T T E R S 

Although the Company and its subsidiaries are of the view that all expenses to be claimed by them in 
the  determination  of  their  respective  incomes  under  the  Income  Tax  Act (Canada)  (the  “Tax  Act”)  are 
reasonable  and  deductible  in  accordance  with  the  applicable  provisions  of  the  Tax  Act,  and  that  the 
allocation of partnership income for purposes of the Tax Act are reasonable, there can be no assurance 
that the Tax Act or the interpretation of the Tax Act will not change, or that the Canada Revenue Agency 
(the  “CRA”)  will  agree  with  the  expenses  claimed  or  such  allocation  of  partnership  income.    If  CRA 
successfully  challenges  the  deductibility  of  such  expenses  or  the  allocation  of  such  income,  the 
allocation of taxable income to the Company and its subsidiaries may change. 

Elections  have  been  made  under  the  Tax  Act  such  that  the  transactions  under  which  the  Company 
acquired  its  interest  in  certain  Operating  Partnerships  may  be  effected  on  a  tax-deferred  basis.    The 
adjusted  cost  base  of  any  property  transferred  to  an  Operating  Partnership  pursuant  to  such 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

27 

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Annual Report 2017 

agreements may be less than its fair market value, such that a gain may be realized on the future sale of 
the property. 

The past acquisitions of the operating partnerships involved various structuring events to complete the 
transactions in a tax effective manner.  These transactions involved interpretations of the Tax Act which 
could, if interpreted differently, result in additional tax liabilities. 

Risks Relating to Common Shares of the Company 

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

A  publicly  traded  company  will  not  necessarily  trade  at  values  determined  by  reference  to  the 
underlying  value  of  its  business.  The  prices  at  which  the  common  shares  of  the  Company  will  trade 
cannot  be  predicted.    The  market  price  of  the  common  shares  of  the  Company  could  be  subject  to 
significant  fluctuations  in  response  to  variations  in  quarterly  operating  results  and  other  factors.    In 
addition, the securities markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations from time to 
time in recent years that often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance 
of  particular  issuers.  These  broad  fluctuations  may  adversely  affect  the  market  price  of  the  common 
shares of the Company. 

R E S T R I C T I O N S   O N   P O T E NT I A L   G R O W T H  

The use of operating cash flow to reduce debt will make additional capital and operating expenditures 
somewhat  dependent  on  increased  cash  flow.  Lack  of  those  funds  could  limit  the  future  growth  of 
ClearStream and its cash flow. 

Risks Relating to the Senior Secured Debentures and the Convertible Secured Debentures  

P R I O R  R A N K I N G  I N D E B T E D N E S S   A N D  I N S O L V E N C Y  L A W S 

The first priority security interest on the assets of ClearStream held by the Senior Debenture Trustee on 
behalf  of  holders  of  Senior  Secured  Debentures  could  mean  that  such  assets  will  not  be  available  to 
satisfy any obligations owing on the Convertible Secured Debentures.  In addition, the security interest 
on  the  assets  of  ClearStream  held  by  the  Convertible  Debenture  Trustee  on  behalf  of  holders  of 
Convertible Secured Debentures does not extend to collateral securing the ABL Facility.  As a result, in 
the event of a liquidation of the Company and/or certain subsidiaries of the Company, it is possible that 
the  holders  of  Convertible  Secured  Debentures  would  not  recover  the  full  or  any  amount  of  their 
investment.  

insolvency  or  bankruptcy  proceedings,  or  any  receivership, 

liquidation, 
In  the  event  of  any 
reorganization  or  other  similar  proceedings  relative  to  the  Company  and  the  other  obligors,  and  their 
respective property or assets, or in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or 
other  winding-up  of  the  Company  or  the  other  obligors,  whether  or  not  involving  insolvency  or 
bankruptcy, or any marshalling of the assets and liabilities of the Company or the other obligors, holders 
of Senior Secured Debentures will receive payment to the extent of their security interest in the assets 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

28 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

of the obligors granted to them, before the holders of Convertible Secured Debentures are entitled to 
receive any payment or distribution of any kind or character. 

Under  various  Canadian  bankruptcy,  insolvency  and  restructuring  statutes  or  Canadian  federal  or 
provincial  receivership  laws,  including  the  Bankruptcy  and  Insolvency  Act  (Canada),  the  Companies’ 
Creditors  Arrangement  Act  (Canada),  the  Canada  Business  Corporations  Act,  the  Winding-up  and 
Restructuring  Act,  and  various  provincial  corporate  statutes  (collectively,  “Canadian  Insolvency  and 
Restructuring  Laws”),  the  Convertible  Debenture  Trustee’s  rights  and  ability  to  repossess  its  security 
from  any  obligor  may  be  significantly  impaired  or  delayed.    Moreover,  Canadian  Insolvency  and 
Restructuring  Laws  may  permit  the  obligors  to  continue  to  retain  and  to  use  their  assets,  and  the 
proceeds, products, rents, or profits of their assets, even though the obligors are in default under the 
Debentures.  In  view  of  the  broad  discretionary  powers  of  courts  under  Canadian  Insolvency  and 
Restructuring  Laws,  it  is  impossible  to  predict  how  long  payments  under  the  Debentures  could  be 
delayed following commencement of  a proceeding under Canadian Insolvency and Restructuring Laws 
or whether or when the Trustees would be able to repossess or dispose of the assets over which it holds 
a  security  interest.    The  powers  of  the  court  under  Canadian  Insolvency  and  Restructuring  Laws  are 
exercised broadly to protect a debtor and its estate from actions taken by creditors and others. 

Canadian  Insolvency  and  Restructuring  Laws  also  contain  provisions  enabling  an  obligor  or  obligors  to 
prepare and file a proposal or a plan of arrangement or reorganization for consideration by all or some 
of its creditors, to be voted on by the various classes of creditors affected thereby.  Such a restructuring 
proposal or plan of arrangement or reorganization, if accepted by the requisite majority of each class of 
affected creditors and if approved by the relevant Canadian court, would be binding on all creditors of 
the  applicable  obligor  within  the  affected  classes,  including  potentially  all  holders  of  the  New 
Debentures.    Such  a  proposal  or  plan  of  arrangement  or  reorganization  may  have  the  effect  of 
compromising certain rights available to holders of the New Debentures or the Trustees. 

P A Y M E N T   O F  I N T E R E S T 

The  Company’s  ability  to  pay  principal  and  interest  on  the  Senior  Secured  Debentures  and/or 
Convertible Secured Debentures when due will depend, in part, on the ability of the recent refinancing 
transaction  to  improve  the  Company’s  financial  condition  over  the  long  term.    In  the  event  that  the 
financial condition of the Company does not improve, or deteriorates following the closing of the recent 
refinancing  transactions,  the  Company  may  not  be  able  to  pay  principal  and  interest  on  the  Senior 
Secured Debentures and/or Convertible Secured Debentures. 

C O V E N A N T  O B L I G A T I O N S 

The Senior Secured Debentures, Convertible Secured Debentures and ABL Facility impose negative and 
positive  covenants  on  the  Company  and  specified  events  of  default.    A  failure  to  comply  with  the 
Company’s  obligations  under  the  Senior  Secured  Debentures,  Convertible  Secured  Debentures,  ABL 
Facility and any other credit arrangements, as applicable, could result in a default or cross-default which 
would have a material adverse effect on the Company and its ability to operate as a going concern. 

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R E D E M P T I O N  P R I O R   T O  M A T U R I T Y  

Except  upon  the  occurrence  of  a  Change  of  Control,  the  Convertible  Secured  Debentures  will  not  be 
redeemable  on  or  before  the  fifth  anniversary  of  the  Effective  Date  and,  thereafter,  they  become 
redeemable at the election of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or before the business 
day  before  their  maturity  sate.    Holders  of  Convertible  Secured  Debentures  should  assume  that  the 
Company  will  exercise  this  redemption  option  if  the  Company  is  able  to  refinance  at  a  lower  interest 
rate or it is otherwise in the interests of the Company to redeem the Convertible Secured Debentures. 

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

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will be required to make an offer to purchase 
all  of  the  Convertible  Secured  Debentures  then  outstanding  at  a  price  equal  to  115%  of  the  principal 
amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.  It is possible that following a Change of Control, the 
Company  will  not  have  sufficient  funds  to  make  the  required  repurchase  of  the  Convertibles  Secured 
Debentures  outstanding  or  that  restrictions  contained  in  other  indebtedness  will  restrict  those 
purchases.  

D I L U T I O N 

The  Company  will  issue  common  shares  of  the  Company  in  connection  with  any  conversion  of  the 
Convertible  Secured  Debentures  resulting  in  the  dilution  of  a  shareholder’s  current  percentage 
ownership in the Company. 

Pursuant to the Refinancing Transaction completed on January 16, 2018, the Company issued 127,565 
Series 1 Preferred Shares, with almost all of the Series 1 Preferred Shares issued to accounts managed 
by  Canso  as  portfolio  manager.  The  Series  1  Preferred  Shares  are  convertible to  Common  Shares  at  a 
price  of  $0.35  per  Common  Share.  Accordingly,  based  upon  this  conversion  right,  there  could  be 
significant  dilution  to  the  current  holders  of  Common  Shares.  Up  to  approximately  371,430,000 
additional Common Shares would be issuable upon conversion of the face amount of Preferred Shares 
into Common Shares, representing approximately 338% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares 
as  of  December  31,  2017.  In  addition,  the  Series  1  Preferred  Shares  have  10%  fixed  cumulative 
preferential cash dividend payable when the Company shall have sufficient monies to be able to do so, 
including  under  the  provisions  of  applicable  law  and  contracts  affecting  the  Company.  The  board  of 
directors of  the Company does not intend to declare or pay any cash dividends until  such time as the 
Company’s  balance  sheet  and  liquidity  position  supports  the  payment.  Any  accrued  but  unpaid 
dividends  are  convertible  in  certain  circumstances  at  the  option  of  the  holder  into  additional  Series  1 
Preferred  Shares.  Assuming  that  the  holders  of  the  Series  1  Preferred  Shares  exercise  the  right  to 
convert all accrued dividends into additional Series 1 Preferred Shares at the end of every year, up to 
approximately 963,400,000 Common Shares would be issuable upon conversion after ten years, which 
represents  approximately  877%  of  the  issued  and  outstanding  Common  Shares  as  of  December  31, 
2017.  

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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I N V E S T M E N T  E L I G I B I L I T Y 

There  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  Convertible  Secured  Debentures  and  the  Common  Shares  will 
continue  to  be  “qualified  investments”  under  the  Tax  Act  for  trusts  governed  by  RRSPs,  RRIFs,  TFSAs, 
registered education savings plans, registered disability savings plans and deferred profit sharing plans 
(collectively,  “Registered Plans”).   The  Tax Act  imposes penalties where trusts governed by Registered 
Plans acquire or hold non-qualified investments. 

M A R K E T  V A L U E  F L U C T U A T I O N 

Prevailing interest rates will affect the market value of the Senior Secured Debentures and Convertible 
Secured Debentures, as they carry a fixed interest rate.  Assuming all other factors remain unchanged, 
the market value of the Senior Secured Debentures and Convertible Secured Debentures, which carry a 
fixed  interest  rate,  will  decline  as  prevailing  interest  rates  for  comparable  debt  instruments  rise,  and 
increase as prevailing interest rates for comparable debt instruments decline. 

T R A D I N G  M A R K E T   F O R   T H E  C O N V E R T I B L E  S E C U R E D  D E B E N T U R E S 

Although the Convertible Secured Debentures are listed on the TSX, the Company cannot be sure that 
an active trading market will develop for the Convertible Secured Debentures.  In such case, holders of 
the Convertible Secured Debentures may not be able to resell their Convertible Secured Debentures at 
their  fair  market  value  or  at  all.    Future  trading  prices  of  the  Convertible  Secured  Debentures  will 
depend  on  many  factors,  including,  among  other  things,  prevailing  interest  rates,  the  Company’s 
operating results and the market for similar securities. 

DISCLOSURE  CONTROLS  &  PROCEDURES  A ND  INT ERNAL  CONTROL  OVER  FINANCIAL 
REPORTING 

National Instrument 51-109, “Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings” (“NI 51-
109”), issued by the CSA requires CEOs and CFOs to certify that they are responsible for establishing and 
maintaining  the  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  for  the  issuer,  that  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures have  been  designed  to  provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to 
the issuer is made known to them, that they have evaluated the effectiveness of the issuer’s disclosure 
controls and procedures, and that their conclusions about effectiveness of those disclosure controls and 
procedures at the end of the period covered by the relevant annual filings have been disclosed by the 
issuer.  

including 

ClearStream’s  management, 
its  CEO  and  CFO,  have  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of 
ClearStream’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  as  at  December  31,  2017  and  have  concluded  that 
those  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were  effective  to  ensure  that  information  required  to  be 
disclosed by ClearStream in its corporate filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within 
the required time period for the year then ended.  The CEO and CFO have certified the appropriateness 
of the financial disclosures in ClearStream’s filings for the year ended December 31, 2017 with securities 
regulators,  including  this  MD&A  and  the  accompanying  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  and 
that they are responsible for the design of the disclosure controls and procedures.  

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

NI  52-109  also  requires  CEOs  and  CFOs  to  certify  that  they  are  responsible  for  establishing  and 
maintaining  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting  for  the  issuer,  that  those  internal  controls  have 
been designed and are effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that the issuer has 
disclosed  any  changes  in  its  internal  controls  during  its  most  recent  year  end  that  has  materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting. 

There  have  been  no  changes  in  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting  during  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2017  that  have  materially  affected  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect  internal 
controls over financial reporting. Furthermore, ClearStream’s management, including its CEO and CFO, 
have  evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  ClearStream’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  at 
December 31, 2017 and have concluded that those controls were effective. 

Due  to  the  inherent  limitations  common  to  all  control  systems,  management  acknowledges  that 
disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or 
detect  all  misstatements.      Accordingly,  management’s  evaluation  of  our  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures  and  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  provide  reasonable,  not  absolute,  assurance 
that misstatements resulting from fraud or error will be detected. 

ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION 

Additional 
information  relating  to  ClearStream 
www.sedar.com or on our website www.ClearStreamenergy.ca  

including  ClearStream’s  AIF 

is  on  SEDAR  at 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

32 

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Annual Report 2017 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF 

CLEARSTREAM ENERGY SERVICES INC. 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

33 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2017 

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

The consolidated financial statements of ClearStream Energy Services Inc. (“ClearStream”) and all of the 
information  in  the  annual  report  are  the  responsibility  of  management,  including  responsibility  for 
establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  the  information  used  internally  by  management  and 
disclosed  externally  is  complete  and  reliable  in  all  material  respects.  Management  has  evaluated  the 
effectiveness  of  the  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting 
and has concluded that they are effective. 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  by  management  in  accordance  with 
International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  and 
include  certain  estimates  that  are  based  on 
management’s  best  judgments.  Actual  results  may  differ  from  these  estimates  and  judgments. 
Management has ensured that the consolidated financial statements are presented fairly in all material 
respects. 

Management has developed and maintains a system of internal control to provide reasonable assurance 
that ClearStream’s  assets are  safeguarded, transactions are accurately recorded, and the consolidated 
financial statements  report  ClearStream’s operating and financial results in a  timely manner. Financial 
information presented elsewhere in the annual report has been prepared on a consistent basis with that 
in the consolidated financial statements. 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  ClearStream  annually  appoints  an  Audit  Committee  (the  “Committee”) 
comprised  of  Independent  Directors.  This  Committee  meets  regularly  with  management  and  the 
auditors  to  review  significant  accounting,  reporting  and  internal  control  matters.  The  auditors  have 
unrestricted  access  to  the  Committee.  The  Committee  reviews  the  consolidated  financial  statements, 
Management’s  Discussion  &  Analysis,  the  external  auditors’  report  and  the  annual  report.  The 
Committee  reports  its  findings  to  the  Board  of  Directors  for  their  consideration  in  approving  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  for  issuance to the shareholders. The Committee also  considers, for 
review by the Board of Directors and approval by the shareholders, the engagement or re-appointment 
of the external auditors. 

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent firm of Chartered Professional Accountants, was appointed by the 
shareholders  to  audit  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally 
accepted auditing standards. Ernst & Young LLP has provided an independent auditors’ report.  

Dean MacDonald 
Interim Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman 

Gary Summach 
Chief Financial Officer 

Calgary, Canada 
February 28, 2018 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

To the Shareholders of ClearStream Energy Services Inc.  

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of ClearStream Energy Services Inc., 
which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the consolidated 
statements of loss and comprehensive loss, shareholders’ deficit and cash flows for the years then ended, 
and 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 International Financial Reporting Standards, 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 the auditors’ 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,  the  auditors  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  financial 
position  of  ClearStream  Energy  Services  Inc.  as  at  December  31,  2017  and  2016,  and  its  financial 
performance  and  its  cash  flows  for  the  years  then  ended  in  accordance  with  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards. 

Calgary, Canada 
February 28, 2018 

Chartered Professional Accountants 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

35 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
              
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2017 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) 

As at December 31,

2017

2016

C ash 
Restricted cash (note 2)
Accounts receivable (note 21)
Inventories (note 3)
Prepaid expenses and other
Earn-out assets (note 4)
Assets held for sale (note 11)
Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net (note 5)
Goodwill and intangible assets (note 6)
Earn-out assets (note 4)
Long-term investments
Deferred financing costs (note 7)

$         

4,649
980
66,177
4,304
2,989
1,277
2,506
82,882

$       

11,503
980
46,928
3,000
2,060
1,608
-
66,079

20,657
26,765
1,173
575
591

24,745
38,088
4,056
579
1,295

Total assets

$   

132,643

$   

134,842

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Deferred revenue
C urrent portion of obligations under finance leases (note 10)
C urrent liabilities of assets held for sale (note 11)
ABL facility (note 7)
Senior secured debentures (notes 7, 8)
C onvertible secured debentures (notes 7, 9)
Provisions (note 11)
Total current liabilities

$       

36,276
146
1,462
1,197
27,500
171,988
24,999
5,778
269,346

$       

26,848
167
3,902
-
-
-
-
4,985
35,902

ABL facility (note 7)
Obligations under finance leases (note 10)
Senior secured debentures (notes 7, 8)
C onvertible secured debentures (notes 7, 9)
Total liabilities

-
2,185
-
-

271,531

3,500
2,915
171,642
24,397
238,356

Shareholders' deficit

(138,888)

(103,514)

Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit

$   

132,643

$   

134,842

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Commitments (Note 12) 

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors, 

Fraser Clarke, Director 

   Peggy Mulligan, Dir 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

36 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
                                     
 
 
 
  
              
              
         
         
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
              
         
         
         
         
         
         
           
           
              
              
              
           
              
              
           
           
           
              
         
              
       
              
         
              
           
           
       
         
              
           
           
           
              
       
              
         
       
       
      
      
Annual Report 2017 

Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss  
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 

For year ended December 31,

2017

2016

Revenue (note 13)
C ost of revenue
Gross profit

$            

357,147
(326,728)
30,419

$            

270,661
(245,750)
24,911

Selling, general and administrative expenses (note 14)
Share based compensation (note 19)
Amortization of intangible assets (note 6)
Depreciation (note 5)
Income (loss) from equity investment
Interest expense (note 15)
Gain (loss) on sale of assets held for sale 
Restructuring costs (note 18)
Impairment of intangible assets (note 6)
Other (loss) income (note 11)
(Loss) gain on sale of property, plant and equipment (note 5)

(18,866)
(710)
(3,445)
(5,264)
246
(21,474)
(570)
(1,414)
(7,685)
(5,778)
2,083

(17,382)
-
(3,376)
(6,625)
(169)
(21,259)
1,260
(1,471)
(8,700)
623
(728)

Loss before taxes

(32,458)

(32,916)

Income tax expense - current (note 16)

(2)

(21)

Loss from continuing operations

(32,460)

(32,937)

Loss from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) (note 11)

(3,445)

(12,793)

Net loss and comprehensive loss 

$             

(35,905)

$             

(45,730)

Loss per share (note 17)
Basic & Diluted:

C ontinuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net loss 

$                
$                
$                

(0.30)
(0.03)
(0.33)

$                
$                
$                

(0.30)
(0.12)
(0.42)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

37 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
             
             
                
                
              
              
                   
                     
                
                
                
                
                    
                   
              
              
                   
                 
                
                
                
                
                
                    
                 
                   
              
              
                      
                     
              
              
                
              
Annual Report 2017 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except number of shares) 

Number of 
shares

Share 
C apital

C ontributed 
Surplus 

Deficit

Total 
Shareholders' 
Deficit

Balance - January 1, 2017

109,941,241

$ 

469,030

$    

(574,971)

$       

2,427

$    

(103,514)

Net loss and comprehensive loss

Share based compensation (note 19)

-

-

-

-

(35,905)

-

-

531

(35,905)

531

Balance - December 31, 2017

109,941,241

$ 

469,030

$    

(610,876)

$       

2,958

$    

(138,888)

Number of 
shares

Share 
C apital

C ontributed 
Surplus 

Deficit

Total 
Shareholders' 
Deficit

Balance - January 1, 2016

109,941,241

$ 

461,758

$    

(529,241)

$       

2,427

$      

(65,056)

Net loss and comprehensive loss

Equity component of the convertible 
debentures (note 9)

-

-

-

(45,730)

7,272

-

-

-

(45,730)

7,272

Balance - December 31, 2016

109,941,241

$ 

469,030

$    

(574,971)

$       

2,427

$    

(103,514)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

38 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
                  
             
        
                
        
                  
             
                  
            
             
 
 
                  
             
        
                
        
                  
      
                  
                
           
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) 

For the year ended December 31,
Operating activities:

Net loss for the year
Loss from discontinued operations (net of income tax) (note 11)
Items not affecting cash:
     Share based compensation (note 19)
     Amortization of intangible assets (note 6)
     Depreciation (note 5)
     Income from equity investments
     Non-cash accretion expense (note 15)
     Amortization of deferred financing costs (note 15)
     (Gain) loss on sale of assets held for sale (note 11)
     Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment (note 5)
     Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (note 6)
     Loss on onerous lease (note 11)
C hanges in non-cash working capital (note 22)
Advances to discontinued operations 
C ash used in discontinued operations (note 11)

Annual Report 2017 

2017

2016

$         

(35,905)
3,445

$         

(45,730)
12,793

531
3,445
5,264
(246)
949
704
570
(2,083)
7,685
5,778
(12,076)
-
(5,785)

-
3,376
6,625
169
2,526
432
(1,260)
728
8,700
-
24,569
(3,931)
(4,432)

Total cash (used in) provided by operating activities

(27,724)

4,565

Investing activities:

Purchase of property, plant and equipment (note 5)
Proceeds on disposition of property, plant and equipment, net (note 5)
Proceeds on disposition of businesses (note 11)
Purchase of intangibles (note 6)
Dividend proceeds from equity investments

(2,681)
3,063
-
(63)
250

(1,417)
1,927
14,800
(274)
-

Total cash provided by investing activities

569

15,036

Financing activities:

Repayment of senior credit facility 
Repayment of 8.00% secured debentures (note 8)
Proceeds from the issuance of senior secured debentures (note 8)
Proceeds from the issuance of convertible secured debentures (note 9)
Refinancing fees (ABL facility, senior and convertible secured debentures) 
Advance on ABL facility (note 7)
Decrease in restricted cash (note 2)
Repayment of obligations under finance leases (note 10)

Total cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Decrease in cash 

C ash beginning of year 

C ash end of year

Supplemental cash flow information:

Interest paid

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment through finance leases

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

-
-
-
-
-
24,000
-
(3,699)

(58,735)
(176,228)
176,228
35,000
(10,256)
3,500
3,400
(5,416)

20,301
(6,854)
11,503
4,649

$            

(32,507)
(12,906)
24,409
11,503

$          

$          

11,021

$            

9,404

$            

1,708

$            

1,201

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

39 

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Annual Report 2017 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) 
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

is  a  fully-integrated  provider  of  midstream  production  services,  which 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. (“ClearStream” or the “Company”) is a corporation formed pursuant to 
the Business Corporations Act (Ontario).  The head office is located at 311 – 6th Avenue, Calgary, Alberta. 
ClearStream 
includes 
maintenance and turnarounds, facilities construction, welding and fabrication, and transportation, with 
locations across Western Canada. Prior to the internal restructuring and dispositions in 2016 (Note 11), 
the Company’s primary function was to invest in securities of private businesses, either through limited 
partnerships or corporations. 

These  annual  consolidated  financial  statements  were  authorized  for  issuance  in  accordance  with  a 
resolution of the Board of Directors of ClearStream on February 28, 2018. 

1.  Significant accounting policies 

a)  Basis of Presentation  

These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared  on  a  historical  cost  basis  in  accordance 
with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”).    The  accounting  policies  that  follow 
have been consistently applied to all years presented.  

b)  Principles of Consolidation 

These consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and 
its  subsidiaries  as  at  December  31,  2017.  The  Company  conducts  business  through  numerous 
subsidiaries,  all  of  which  are  wholly-owned  and  therefore  controlled,  by  the  Company.  The 
financial  results  of  subsidiaries  are  included  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  from  the 
date that control commences until the date that control ceases. All inter-company balances and 
transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.   

c)  Investment in associates and joint ventures 

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the 
arrangement have rights to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually 
agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant 
activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.  The Company’s investments 
in its joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. 

d)  Financial instruments 

(i)  Financial assets  

Financial  assets  are  classified  as  financial  assets  at  their  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss, 
loans and receivables, held to maturity investments, or available for sale financial assets, as 
appropriate.  When financial assets are recognized initially, they are measured at fair value, 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

40 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

plus, in the case of investments not at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable 
transaction  costs.    The  Company  considers  whether  a  contract  contains  an  embedded 
derivative when the entity first becomes a party to it.  Embedded derivatives are separated 
from the host contract which is not measured at fair value through profit or loss when the 
analysis shows that the economic characteristics and risks of embedded derivatives are not 
closely related to those of the host contract. 

The Company determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition and, 
where  allowed  and  appropriate,  re-evaluates  this  designation  at  each  financial  year  end. 
Financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are  recognized  on  the  Company’s  consolidated 
balance  sheet  when  the  Company  becomes  party  to  the  contractual  provisions  of  the 
instrument. Financial assets are derecognized when the contractual rights to the cash flows 
from  the  financial  asset  expire  or  when  the  contractual  rights  to  those  assets  are 
transferred.  Financial  liabilities  are  derecognized  when  the  obligation  specified  in  the 
contract is discharged, cancelled or expired. 

Cash and restricted cash 

Cash and restricted cash are comprised of cash on deposit with financial institutions.  These 
are  measured  at  fair  value  with  any  gains  and  losses  recorded  through  net  income  in  the 
period in which they arise.   

Accounts receivable 

Accounts  receivable,  which  are  non-derivative  financial  assets  that  have  fixed  or 
determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market, are classified as loans and 
receivables.  They  are  included  in current assets, except for maturities greater than  twelve 
months  after  the  reporting  date,  which  are  classified  as  non-current  assets.  Loans  and 
receivables  are  recognized  initially  at  fair  value  and  subsequently  measured  at  amortized 
cost using the effective interest rate method, net of any impairment. 

A  provision  for  impairment  of loans and receivables is established when there is objective 
evidence  that  the  Company  will  not  be  able  to  collect  all  amounts  due  according  to  the 
original  terms  of  the  receivables.  Significant  financial  difficulties  of  the  debtor,  probability 
that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganization and default or delinquency 
in  payments  are  considered  indicators  that  the  loans  and  receivables  are  impaired.  The 
amount  of  the  provision  is  the  difference  between  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  and  the 
present  value  of  estimated  future  cash  flows,  discounted  at  the  original  effective  interest 
rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account, 
and the amount of the loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of net loss. When a 
loan and receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account for loans 
and receivables. 

Earn-out financial assets 

Earn-out financial assets represent contractual rights to receive cash whereby an agreement 
for  the  sale  of  a  business  includes  clauses  that  require  the  buyer  to  transfer  cash  to  the 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

41 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

seller  contingent  on  specified  events  in  the  future.    When  the  underlying  contingency  is 
based on a financial variable (including variables that expose the buyer to risks and rewards 
arising from the contract), the contract meets the definition of a derivative and is recorded 
at fair value through profit and loss. 

Financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities include accounts payable, the ABL Facility, senior secured debentures and 
convertible  secured  debentures.  Accounts  payable  are  obligations  to  pay  for  goods  or 
services  that  have  been  acquired  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  from  suppliers.  Other 
liabilities are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, 
they  are presented  as  non-current liabilities. Other liabilities are recognized initially at fair 
value  and  subsequently  measured  at  amortized  cost  using  the  effective  interest  rate 
method. 

Fair value hierarchy 

The Company uses a three level hierarchy to categorize the significance of the inputs used in 
measuring the fair value of financial instruments.  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy 
are: 

Level  1  –  Where  financial  instruments  are  traded  in  active  financial  markets,  fair  value  is 
determined  by  reference  to  the  appropriate  quoted  unadjusted  market  price  at  the 
reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions occur in significant frequency 
and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.  

Level 2 – If there is no active market, fair value is established using inputs other than quoted 
prices  that  are  observable  for  the  asset  or  liability  either  directly  or  indirectly,  including 
quoted forward prices, time value, volatility factors and broker quotations.  

Level  3  –  Valuations  in  this  level  are  those  with  inputs  that  are  not  based  on  observable 
market data and which are less observable, unavailable or where the observable data does 
not  support  the  majority  of  the  instrument’s  fair  value.  Level  3  instruments  may  include 
items based on pricing services or broker quotes where the Company is unable to verify the 
longer-term 
observability  of 
transactions, transactions in less active markets or transactions at locations for which pricing 
information  is  not  available.  In  these  instances,  internally  developed  methodologies  are 
used  to  determine  fair  value  which  primarily  includes  extrapolation  of  observable  future 
prices to similar location, similar instruments or later time periods. 

into  their  prices.  Level  3 

instruments 

include 

inputs 

If  different  levels  of  inputs  are  used  to  measure  a  financial  instrument’s  fair  value,  the 
classification within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the 
fair value measurement. The Company’s cash and restricted cash have been assessed using 
the fair value hierarchy and have been classified as level 1; the Company’s earn-out financial 
assets have been classified as level 3. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

42 

Annual Report 2017 

 
Annual Report 2017 

e) 

Inventories                       

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of inventories 
includes  the  costs  to  purchase  and  other  costs  incurred  in  bringing  the  inventories  to  their 
present location. Costs such as storage costs and administrative overheads that do not directly 
contribute  to  bringing  the  inventories  to  their  present  location  and  condition  are  specifically 
excluded  from  the  cost  of  inventories  and  are  expensed  in  the  period  incurred.  The  cost  of 
inventories of items that are not ordinarily interchangeable and goods or services produced and 
segregated  for  specific  projects  are  assigned  by  using  specific  identification  of  their  individual 
costs. The weighted average cost formula is used for inventories other than those dealt with by 
the specific identification of cost formula.  

f)  Property, plant and equipment 

Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  measured  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and 
accumulated  impairment  losses.    Equipment  under  finance  lease  is  initially  recorded  at  the 
present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease. 

Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset.  The cost 
of  self-constructed  assets  includes  the  cost  of  materials  and  direct  labour,  costs  directly 
attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition for its intended use, and the costs of 
dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located.  Purchased 
software  that  is  integral  to  the  functionality  of  the  related  equipment  is  capitalized  as  part  of 
that equipment.  Borrowing costs related to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets 
are capitalized. 

When  parts  of  an  item  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  have  different  useful  lives,  they  are 
accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment. 

The  assets’  residual  values,  useful  lives  and  methods  of  depreciation  are  reviewed  at  each 
financial year and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate. 

Depreciation is calculated following the method that best reflects usage and annual rates based 
on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: 

Asset 
Equipment under finance lease 

Basis 
Declining balance 

Rate 
15% - 30% 

Furniture, tools and equipment 

Declining balance 

10% - 50% 

Computer hardware 

Declining balance 

20% - 30% 

Automotive & heavy equipment 

Declining balance 

15% - 30% 

Buildings 

Declining balance 

5% - 10% 

Leasehold improvements 

Straight-line 

Shorter  of  expected  useful  life 
or term of the lease 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

43 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2017 

g) 

Intangible assets 

Intangible assets acquired individually or as part of a group of other assets are recognized and 
measured  at  cost.    Intangible  assets  acquired  in  a  transaction,  including  those  acquired  in 
business  combinations,  are  initially  recorded  at  their  fair  value.  Intangible  assets  with 
determinable  useful  lives,  such  as  customer  relationships,  management  contracts,  computer 
software  and  sales  orders,  are  amortized  over  their  useful  lives.    Intangible  assets  having  an 
indefinite life, such as brands, are not amortized but are subject to an annual impairment test 
(refer  to  Note  1(h)).  The  Company  expects  to  renew  the  registration  of  the  brand  names 
indefinitely, and expects these assets to generate economic benefit in perpetuity. As such, the 
Company assessed brand name intangible assets as having indefinite useful lives. 

Some intangible assets are contained in a physical form, such as a compact disc in the case of 
computer  software.   When  the  software  is  not  an  integral  part  of  the  related  hardware, 
computer software is treated as an intangible asset. 

Intangible assets with determinable lives are amortized using the following methods and rates 
based on the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:  

Asset 
Customer relationships/management 
contracts/sales orders 

Basis 

Rate/Term 

Straight-line 

2 – 10 years 

Computer software 

Declining balance 

30% - 100% 

h)  Impairment of long-lived assets, indefinite life intangible assets and goodwill 

Assets with definite useful lives, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, 
are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  Long-lived assets are assessed for impairment 
at  each  balance  sheet  date,  or  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  occur,  to  assess 
whether there is an indication that such assets may not be recoverable. 

If indicators of impairment exist, an estimate of the recoverable amount is made.  If the carrying 
amount  of  an  asset  or  cash  generating  unit  (“CGU”)  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount,  an 
impairment  charge  is  recognized  for  the  amount  by  which  the  carrying  amount  exceeds  the 
recoverable amount.   

Goodwill and indefinite  life intangible assets are not amortized and are tested for impairment 
annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might 
be impaired. For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the CGU or group 
of  CGUs  whose  acquisition  gave  rise  to  the  goodwill.  Assessment  of  goodwill  impairment  is 
performed at the level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, which 
is  the  operating  segment  level.  Goodwill  impairment  is  determined  by  assessing  whether  the 
carrying  amount  of  the  CGU  or  relevant  group  of  CGUs  exceeds  the  recoverable  amount. 
Indefinite life intangible impairment is determined by assessing whether the carrying amount of 
the CGU to which those indefinite life intangible assets relate exceeds the recoverable amount.   

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

44 

Annual Report 2017 

 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2017 

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) and 
its value in use (“VIU”).  If it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual 
asset,  the  CGU  to  which  the  asset  belongs  is  tested  for  impairment.  The  FVLCD  excludes  any 
costs  with  respect  to  restructuring,  employee  severance  and  termination  benefits.    VIU  is 
determined using the estimated future cash flows generated from use and eventual disposition 
of an asset or CGU discounted to their present value using a post-tax discount rate and excludes 
any costs with respect to restructuring, employee severance and termination benefits.   

Assets  to  be  disposed  of  are  presented  separately  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  and 
reported at the lower of the carrying amount or FVLCD.   

An  assessment  is  made  at  each  reporting  date  as  to  whether  there  is  any  indication  that 
previously  recognized  impairment  losses  may  no  longer  exist  or  may  have  decreased.    If  such 
indication exists, ClearStream estimates the asset’s or CGU’s recoverable amount.  A previously 
recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the assumption used 
to  determine  the  asset’s  recoverable  amount  since  the  last  impairment  loss  was  recognized.  
The  reversal  is  limited  such  that  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  does  not  exceed  its 
recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined net of 
depreciation  had  the  impairment  loss  not  been  recognized  for  the  asset  in  prior  years.    Such 
reversal is recognized in the consolidated statement of income. 

i)  Revenue recognition 

Maintenance and construction services revenue includes revenue from contracts entered into to 
provide maintenance  and construction services to various industries, including energy, mining, 
agriculture,  pulp  and  paper  and  petrochemical.    Wear,  fabrication  and  transportation  services 
revenue  includes  sale  of  goods  with  respect  to  general  and  modular  fabrication;  custom 
fabrication  services  supporting  pipeline  and  infrastructure  projects;  patented  wear  overlay 
technology  services  that  specialized  in  overlay  pipe  spools,  pipe  bends  and  plate;  and 
transportation and pipe logistics services to the drilling sector.   

(i) 

Revenue from the sale of services 

Revenue from the  sale of services  is recognized as services are performed  and related 
costs and hours are incurred.  

(ii) 

Revenue from the sale of goods 

Revenue  from  sale  of  goods  is  recorded  using  the  percentage  of  completion  method, 
which is assessed by an analysis of costs incurred to date compared to total estimated 
costs.  When  the  outcome  of  a  construction  contract  cannot  be  estimated  reliably, 
contract  revenue  is  recognized  only  to  the  extent  of  contract  costs  incurred  that  are 
likely to be recoverable.  Provisions are estimated losses on all uncompleted contracts 
are made in the period in which such losses are determined.  

When  contract  costs  incurred  to  date  plus  recognized  profits  less  recognized  losses 
exceed  progress  billings,  the  excess  is  recorded  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  as 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

45 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

accounts  receivable  (see  Note  13).    For  contracts  where  progress  billings  exceed 
contract costs incurred to date plus recognized profits less recognized losses, the excess 
is shown on the consolidated balance sheet as deferred revenue.  

j) 

Income taxes 

Income  tax  expense  or  recovery  comprises  current  and  deferred  taxes.    Current  tax  is  the 
expected tax payable or recoverable on the taxable income for the year and is recognized in 
the  period  to  which  it  relates.    Amounts  included  in  current  tax  reflect  the  income  tax 
expense or recovery relating to the taxable income of ClearStream and its subsidiaries. 

Deferred  tax  is  recognized  using  the  balance  sheet  method,  providing  for  temporary 
differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  for  financial  reporting 
purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.  Deferred tax is not recognized for the 
following temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction 
that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit, and 
differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the extent 
that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.  In addition, deferred 
tax  is  not  recognized  for  taxable  temporary  differences  arising  on  the  initial  recognition  of 
goodwill.   Deferred  tax  is measured at the tax  rates that are expected to be applied to the 
temporary differences when they reverse based on the tax laws that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the reporting date.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if 
ClearStream  has  a  legally  enforceable  right  to  offset  current  tax  assets/liabilities  and  if  the 
corresponding  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  relate  to  the  income  taxes  raised  by  the 
same taxation  authority on  either  the  same taxable entity or different taxable entities that 
intend to settle their current tax assets and liabilities either on a net basis or simultaneously.  

A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent it is probable that future taxable profits will 
be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized.  Deferred tax assets are 
reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent it is no longer probable that 
the related tax benefit will be realized. 

k) 

Leases 

The classification of a lease arrangement is based on the substance of the arrangement at the 
inception date. Leases entered into by ClearStream as the lessee, which transfer substantially 
all the benefits and risks of ownership to the lessee, are recorded as finance lease obligations 
and included in property, plant and equipment.   All other leases are classified as operating 
leases  under  which  leasing  costs  are  recorded  as  expenses  in  the  period  in  which  they  are 
incurred.    In  instances  where  there  are  periods  of  lease  incentives,  the  benefit  is  allocated 
over the term of the lease. 

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Annual Report 2017 

l) 

Share based compensation 

ClearStream has a stock option plan, a Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”) plan and a Performance 
Share Unit (“PSU”) plan, described in note 19. 

Employees, directors and consultants of the Company may receive remuneration in the form 
of  share-based  payment  transactions  for  services  rendered.    Equity-settled  awards  are 
recorded  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  loss  for  awards  granted,  with  a  corresponding 
amount reflected in contributed surplus.  The fair value of equity-settled awards is estimated, 
at the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes pricing model, and amortized over the expected 
vesting period using the graded vesting method.  Market vesting conditions are factored into 
the fair value of share-based payments on the date of grant and no subsequent adjustments 
are  made  to  reflect  the  occurrence  or  non-occurrence  of  those  conditions.    Performance 
vesting conditions are adjusted at each reporting date to reflect the actual number of awards 
expected to vest.   

Share-based  awards  that  can  be  settled  in  either  cash  or  equity  at  the  sole  discretion  of 
ClearStream are classified as equity-settled if management and the Board of Directors do not 
intend to settle the awards in cash (and there is no history of settling those awards in cash). 

Cash-settled  RSUs  are  recorded  at  their  fair  value  at  each  reporting  date  through  the 
consolidated statement of loss, with a corresponding amount reflected as a liability.  The fair 
value of RSUs approximates the intrinsic value as the awards have no exercise price.  Share-
based payment expense (recovery) is recognized over the vesting period of the RSUs, using 
the graded vesting method.    

m) 

Income (loss) per share 

The  income  (loss)  per  share  of  ClearStream  is  computed  by  dividing  ClearStream’s  income 
(loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting 
period.    Diluted  income  (loss)  per  share  is  determined  by  adjusting  the  weighted  average 
number  of  common  shares  outstanding  for  the  effects  of  all  potentially  dilutive  common 
shares, using the treasury stock method.     

n) 

Provisions 

A  provision  is  recognized  if,  as  a  result  of  a  past  event,  ClearStream  has  a  present  legal  or 
constructive  obligation  that  can  be  estimated  reliably  and  it  is  probable  that  an  outflow  of 
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.  Provisions are measured at the 
present  value  of  the  expenditures  expected  to  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation  using  a 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the 
risks  specific  to  the  obligation.    The  increase  in  the  provision  due  to  passage  of  time  is 
recognized as interest expense. 

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Annual Report 2017 

o) 

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations 

Assets  or  disposal  groups  are  classified  as  held  for  sale  if  their  carrying  amount  will  be 
recovered  principally  through  a  sale  transaction  rather  than  through  continuing  use.    This 
condition  is  regarded  as  met  only  when  the  sale  is  highly  probable.  Actions  required  to 
complete  the  sale  should  indicate  that  it  is  unlikely  that  significant  changes  to  the  sale 
arrangement will be made or that it will be withdrawn.  Management must be committed to 
the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one 
year  from  the  date of  classification. Assets or disposal groups classified as held for  sale are 
measured at the lower of their carrying amount and FVLCD. Costs to sell are the incremental 
costs  directly  attributable  to  the  sale,  excluding  the  finance  costs  and  income  tax  expense. 
Assets  or  disposal  groups  meeting  the  definition  of  held  for  sale  can  be  comprised  of  a 
separate line of business (e.g. Operating Partnership) or investments accounted for under the 
equity method. In the consolidated balance sheet for the current period, assets and liabilities 
meeting the definition of held for sale are reported separately from the assets and liabilities 
of  continuing  operations.  Property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible  assets  are  not 
depreciated or amortized once classified as held for sale. 

Those  disposal  groups  that  meet  the  definition  of  a  component  (i.e.  represent  a  separate 
major line of business or geographical area of operations) are reclassified in the consolidated 
statement  of  loss  for  the  current  and  comparative  periods  as  discontinued  operations. 
Income  and  expenses  from  discontinued  operations  are  reported  separately  from  income 
and  expenses  from  continuing  operations,  down  to  the  level  of  profit  after  taxes.   The 
resulting income or loss (after taxes) is reported separately in the consolidated statements of 
loss. Investments accounted for under the equity method typically do not meet the definition 
of a component and therefore are not reclassified as discontinued operations.  

p) 

Business combinations 

Business  combinations  are  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition  method.    The  cost  of  an 
acquisition  is measured  as  the aggregate fair values of the assets given, equity instruments 
issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange for control of the acquiree. 
Transaction  costs  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition  are  expensed.  Identifiable  assets 
acquired,  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  assumed  in  a  business  combination  are 
measured initially at fair values at  the  date of acquisition, irrespective of the extent  of any 
non-controlling interest.   

Goodwill is initially measured  as the excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the 
fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired.  If the fair value of 
consideration  paid  is  less  than  the  fair  value  of  the  net  identifiable  tangible  and  intangible 
assets  acquired,  the  difference  is  recognized  directly  in  net  income  as  a  bargain  purchase 
gain.     

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q) 

Use of estimates and judgments  

Annual Report 2017 

The  preparation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make 
estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  and 
disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  dates  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods.  
However, uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that 
require a material adjustment in future periods to the carrying amount of the asset or liability 
affected. 

Significant  estimates  and  judgments  made  by  management  in  the  preparation  of  these 
consolidated financial statements are outlined below. 

(i)  Depreciation and amortization 

Measurement  of  the  net  book  value  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible 
assets requires the Company to make estimates of the expected useful lives of the assets, 
method of depreciation and amortization and whether impairment in value has occurred.  
Residual  values  of  the  assets,  estimates  useful  lives  and  depreciation  and  amortization 
methodology  are  reviewed  annually  with  prospective  application  of  any  changes,  if 
deemed  appropriate.   Changes to estimates  and specifically those related to automotive 
and heavy equipment, which could be significant, could be caused by a variety of factors, 
including  changes  to  the  physical  life  of  the  assets  or  changes  in  the  nature  of  the 
utilization of the assets.  A change in any of the estimates would result in a change in the 
amount of depreciation or amortization and, as a result, a charge to net income recorded 
in the period in which the change occurs.   

(ii)  Revenue recognition – percentage of completion 

The nature of certain of the Company’s contracts with customers is such that revenue is 
earned  over  time  as  the  related  good  is  produced.  In  these  instances,  revenue  is 
recognized  as  work  is  completed  and  this  requires  management  to  make  a  number  of 
estimates  and  assumptions  surrounding  the  expected  profitability  of  the  contract,  the 
estimated  degree  of  completion  based  on  hours  and  costs  incurred  and  other  detailed 
factors. Although these factors are routinely reviewed as part of the project management 
process,  changes  in  these  estimates  or  assumptions  could  lead  to  changes  in  revenues 
recognized in a given period.  

(iii)  Determination of cash generating units (“CGUs”) 

Assets are grouped into CGUs that have been identified as being the smallest identifiable 
group  of  assets  that  generate  cash  inflows  that  are  independent  of  cash  flows  of  other 
assets or groups of assets. The allocation of assets into CGUs requires significant judgment 
and  interpretations.    Factors  considered  in  the  classification  include  the  integration 
between assets, the ability of management to allocate finite resources to complete future 
projects  or  contracts,  and  the  way  in  which  management  monitors  the  operations.  The 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

recoverability  of  the  Company’s  assets  is  assessed  at  the  CGU  level  and  therefore  the 
determination of a CGU could have a significant effect on impairment losses or reversals. 

(iv)  Income taxes 

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will 
be available against which the deductible temporary differences and carried forward tax 
losses  can  be  utilized. 
  Assessing  the  recoverability  of  deferred  taxes  requires 
management  to  make  significant  estimates  related  to  expectations  of  future  taxable 
income.    Estimates  of  future  taxable  income  are  based  on  forecasted  earnings  before 
interest,  depreciation  and  amortization  (“EBITDA”)  and  the  application  of  existing  tax 
laws. 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets  is reviewed  each reporting  date and reduced 
to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to 
allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets 
are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become 
probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.  

Deferred  income  taxes  contain  uncertainties  because  of  the  assumptions  made  about 
when deferred tax assets are likely to reverse, and a judgment as to whether or not there 
will  be  sufficient  taxable  profits  available  to  offset  the  tax  assets  when  they  do  reverse. 
This  requires  assumptions  regarding  future  profitability  and  is  therefore  inherently 
uncertain. 

(v)  Provisions and contingencies 

By their nature, contingencies will only be resolved when one or more future events occur 
or  fail  to  occur.    The  assessment  of  contingencies  inherently  involves  the  exercise  of 
significant  judgment  and  estimates  of  the  outcome  of  future  events.    Judgment  and 
estimates  are  necessary  to  determine  the  likelihood  that  a  pending  litigation  or  other 
claim  will  succeed  or  a  liability  will  arise  and  to  quantify  the  possible  range  of  the  final 
settlement. 

(vi)  Impairment of non-financial assets 

With  respect  to  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  definite  life  intangible  assets, 
judgment  is  applied  by  management  in  assessing  whether  there  are  any  indicators  of 
impairment  at  each  reporting  date  that  would  require  a  full  impairment  test  to  be 
performed.  Impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in 
an  asset’s  market  value,  significant  adverse  changes  in  the  technological,  market, 
economic  or 
in  which  the  assets  are  operated,  evidence  of 
obsolescence or physical damage of an asset, significant changes in the planned use of an 
asset, or ongoing under-performance of an asset.  Application of these factors to the facts 
and circumstances of a particular asset requires a significant amount of judgment. 

legal  environment 

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Annual Report 2017 

Should  an  impairment  test  be  required,  the  determination  of  the  magnitude  of 
impairment involves the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments on highly uncertain 
matters  particularly  with  respect  to  estimating  the  recoverable  amount  of  a  CGU  or  a 
group  of  CGUs.    Such  estimates, assumption and judgments include, but are not limited 
to:  the  choice  of  discount  rates  that  reflect  appropriate  asset-specific  risks,  timing  of 
revenue  and  customer  turnover,  inflation  factors  for  projected  costs  and  the  level  of 
capital expenditures required in future periods to maintain operations.   

(vii)  Carrying amount of accounts receivable 

Initially recorded at historical cost, the carrying amount of accounts receivable is affected 
by  management's  best  estimate  of  the  provision  for  doubtful  accounts,  which  is 
considered  on  a  case-by-case  basis  when  accounts  receivable  are  past  due  or  when 
objective  evidence  is  received  that  a  customer  will  default.  Management  makes  these 
assessments  after  taking  into  consideration  the  customer’s  payment  history  and  credit 
worthiness as well as the current economic environment in which the customer operates. 

(viii) Earn-out financial assets 

At each reporting date, management assesses the likelihood that the conditions required 
for the Company to obtain earn-out financial assets will be achieved.  These assessments 
are based on information made available to management by the acquirers of the disposed 
businesses as well as any publicly-available information.  Management also determines an 
appropriate asset-specific discount rate to apply at each reporting date to reflect the risks 
inherent  in  the  estimated  cash  flows.    As  a  result,  determining  an  estimate  of  the  fair 
value of the earn-out financial assets requires a significant amount of judgment based on 
unobservable inputs and may result in significant changes in future periods.   

(ix)  Going concern 

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes 
the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities and commitments in the normal course 
of  business  within  the  foreseeable  future.  Management  uses  judgment  to  assess  the 
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and the conditions that cast doubt upon 
the use of the going concern assumption. 

r) 

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted 

A  number  of  new  standards,  amendments  to  standards  and  interpretations  were  not  yet 
effective  as  at  January  1,  2017  and  have  not  been  applied  in  preparing  these  annual 
consolidated financial statements. ClearStream’s intention is to adopt the standards when they 
become effective. 

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Annual Report 2017 

The following is a brief summary of the new standards:  

a. 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 

IFRS  9  Financial  Instruments  introduces  new  requirements  for  the  classification  and 
measurement of financial instruments, a new expected-loss impairment model that will 
require  more  timely  recognition  of  expected  credit  losses  and  a  substantially  reformed 
model for hedge accounting, with enhanced disclosures about risk management activity. 
IFRS  9  also  removes  the  volatility  in  profit  or  loss  that  was  caused  by  changes  in  an 
entity’s  own  credit  risk  for  liabilities  elected  to  be  measured  at  fair  value.  IFRS  9  is 
effective  for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2018.    Based  on  the 
assessment  completed  by  the  Company,  IFRS  9  will  impact  the  Company’s  current 
policies and procedures regarding provisions on trade receivables. Trade receivables are 
recorded  at  the  original  invoice  value  less  any  amounts  estimated  to  be  uncollectable. 
Under  IFRS  9,  the  expected  loss  impairment  model  replaces  the  current  incurred  loss 
model and is based on a forward looking approach, which includes earlier recognition of 
losses.  However,  given  the  short  term  nature  of  the  Company’s  receivables,  these 
changes will not have a material financial impact.  

b. 

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers provides a single, principles-based five-
step  model  that  will  apply  to  all  contracts  with  customers  with  limited  exceptions.  In 
addition  to  the  five-step  model,  the  standard  specifies  how  to  account  for  the 
incremental  costs  of  obtaining  a  contract  and  the  costs  directly  related  to  fulfilling  a 
contract. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract must be recognized as an asset if 
the entity expects to recover these costs. The standard’s requirements will also apply to 
the recognition and measurement of gains and losses on the sale of some non-financial 
assets  that  are  not  an  output  of  the  entity’s  ordinary  activities.  IFRS  15  is  effective  for 
annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2018.  Management  has  completed  a 
formal  assessment  of  the  impact  of  adoption  of  IFRS  15  and  has  concluded  it  will  not 
have a material effect on the timing or amounts of revenue recognized.   

Based  on  the  assessment  completed  by  the  Company,  IFRS  15  will  impact  the 
measurement of contingent consideration received in an asset sale (i.e. the valuation of 
the earn-out assets (note 4)).  IFRS 15 requires consideration receivable on the disposal 
of  an  item  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  to  be  determined  following  IFRS  15 
guidance  for  determining  transaction  price.    IFRS  15  stipulates  that  the  inclusion  of 
variable consideration in the determination of transaction price occurs only if it is highly 
probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will 
not  occur  when  the  uncertainty  associated  with  the  variable  consideration 
is 
subsequently resolved (i.e. the variable consideration constraint).  If the consideration is 
variable, an entity must estimate the amount using either the “expected value” or “most 

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Annual Report 2017 

likely  method”  under  IFRS  15.    A  certain  amount  of  variable  consideration  may  be 
estimated in the transaction price, subject to the constraint requirement.   

The  Gusgo  earn-out  will  be  measured  using  the  “most  likely  method”  under  IFRS  15, 
which  will  result  in  valuation  based  on  the  expected  amount  to  be  received  of  $2,000.  
The  Quantum  Murray  earn-out  will  be  measured  using  the  “expected  value”  method, 
which  is  expected  to  be  constrained  to  nil  given  that  it  is  not  highly  probable  that  a 
significant  reversal  in  the  amount  recognized  will  not  occur  when  the  uncertainty 
associated  with  the  variable  consideration  is  subsequently  resolved.    Therefore,  upon 
adoption  of  IFRS  15  under  the  modified  retrospective  approach,  an  adjustment  of 
approximately $950 will be recorded as a decrease to earn-out assets and an increase to 
deficit at January 1, 2018.    

c. 

IFRS 16 Lease 

IFRS 16 Leases provides an updated definition of a lease contract, including guidance on 
the combination and separation of contracts. The standard requires lessees to recognize 
a  right-of-use  asset  and  a  lease  liability  for  substantially  all  lease  contracts.  The 
accounting for lessors is substantially unchanged. IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The Company will complete an assessment of the 
impact of adoption of IFRS 16 in 2018. 

2.  Restricted cash 

Restricted cash of $980 at December 31, 2017 (2016 - $980) is backing letters of credit and cash in 
trust held on behalf of insurance providers.  Letters of credit are predominately used to secure cash 
management services.  

3. 

Inventories 

Inventories comprise the following: 

Raw materials
Work-in-progress
Finished goods
Parts and supplies
Total inventories

December 
31, 2017
1,979
298
1,192
835
4,304

$     

December 
31, 2016
1,583
175
831
411
3,000

$     

Work  in  progress  includes  amounts  for  work  performed  in  excess  of  amounts  billed  for  contracts 
accounted for using the percentage of completion method. 

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Annual Report 2017 

4.  Earn-out assets 

(a)  Gusgo Transport LP (“Gusgo”) earn-out 

As  a  result  of  the  sale  of  its  80%  interest  in  Gusgo  in  March  2016  (Note  11),  ClearStream  is 
entitled to an earn-out of approximately $2,000 if a customer of Gusgo exercises its option to 
renew an existing contract at December 31, 2017 and 2018.  The fair value of this earn-out at 
December  31,  2017  was  calculated  using  a  discounted  cash  flow  model  assuming  that  the 
contract  will  be  renewed  (based  on  historical  experience)  with  the  amount  to  be  paid  to 
ClearStream  discounted  at  a  rate  of  17.5%.    The  discount  rate  applied  is  consistent  with  the 
rate implied in the sale transaction. 

Initial fair value of Gusgo earn-out upon disposition
Accretion (recorded as gain on sale of assets held for sale)
Fair value of Gusgo earn-out at December 31, 2016
Accretion (recorded as gain on sale of assets held for sale)
Reclassified to accounts receivable
Fair value of Gusgo earn-out at December 31, 2017

 $      1,340 
            172 
 $      1,512 

            265 
          (500)
 $      1,277 

The  contract  renewal  required  to  achieve  the  first  year  earn-out  was  met  at  December  31, 
2017, and therefore $500 was reclassified to accounts receivable.  This amount was collected 
by ClearStream subsequent to December 31, 2017. 

The fair value of $1,277 at December 31, 2017 represents the remaining year two earn-out and 
is  recorded  as  a  current  earn-out  asset.  The  fair  value  of  $1,512  at  December  31,  2016 
represented both years one and two of the earn-out; $426 was recorded as current with the 
remaining $1,086 recorded as non-current. If the discount rate was increased by 5%, the fair 
value of the Gusgo earn-out at December 31, 2017 would have been $53 (2016 - $104) lower.  

(b)  Quantum Murray LP and Titan Supply LP (collectively, “Quantum Murray”) earn-out 

As  a  result  of  the  sale  of  the  majority  of  the  net  assets  of  Quantum  Murray  in  March  2016 
(Note  11),  ClearStream  is  entitled  to  an  earn-out  of  approximately  $6,200  if  certain  pre-
determined free cash flow targets are achieved for the years ended March 31, 2017, 2018, and 
2019.  For the year ended March 31, 2017, the free cash flow target was not met and no earn-
out was received.  As a result, the earn-out amount for the first year can instead be earned in 
either  of  the  years  ending  March  31,  2018  or  2019  if  the  free  cash  flow  in  2018  or  2019 
exceeds that year’s target combined with the target for the year ended March 31, 2017.  If the 
free cash flow target is not met for the year ended March 31, 2018, the earn-out amounts for 
the first two years can instead be earned in the year ended March 31, 2019 (if the free cash 
flow in 2019 exceeds that year’s target combined with the target for the years ended March 
31, 2017 and 2018). 

The fair value of this earn-out at December 31, 2017 was calculated using a discounted cash 
flow model with a discount rate of 25% (December 31, 2016 – 30%).  Management’s estimate 

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Annual Report 2017 

of the  likelihood  of  achieving  the earn-outs is based on free cash flow  forecasts provided by 
Quantum Murray and adjusted to reflect forecast risk based on the actual results of the March 
31,  2017  earn-out.    This  estimate  was  reduced  to  25%  during  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2017 (December 31, 2016 – 100%).   

The discount rate reflects the rate of return required by private equity investors, adjusted for 
the  risk  inherent  in  the  discounted  cash  flow  assumptions  used  by  management  described 
above. 

Initial fair value of Quantum Murray earn-out upon disposition  $      4,240 
Accretion
            544 
C hange in estimates
          (628)
Fair value of Quantum Murray earn-out at December 31, 2016  $      4,156 
Accretion
            704 
C hange in estimates
       (3,687)
Fair value of Quantum Murray earn-out at December 31, 2017  $      1,173 

The change in estimates of $3,687 in 2017 (2016 - $628) reflects the impact of changes in key 
observable  inputs  resulting  from  actual  results  during  2017  as  well  as  an  updated  free  cash 
flow  forecast  received  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  (2016  –  resulting  from  an  updated 
free cash flow forecast received during the fourth quarter of 2016). 

At  December  31,  2017,  the  Quantum  Murray  earn-out  asset  of  $1,173  (2016  -  $4,156)  is 
recorded as non-current (2016 - $1,182 current and $2,970 non-current).  If the discount rate 
was increased by 5% at December 31, 2017, the fair value of the Quantum Murray earn-out at 
December 31, 2017 would be $79 (2016 - $224) lower. If the estimated likelihood of achieving 
the  earn-outs  was  reduced  by  10%,  the  fair  value  of  the  Quantum  Murray  earn-out  at 
December 31, 2017 would be $469 (2016 - $415) lower. 

Under  IFRS  15,  the  Quantum  Murray  earn-out  will  be  measured  using  the  “expected  value” 
method,  which  is  expected  to  be  nil  given  that  it  is  not  highly  probable  that  a  significant 
reversal  in  the  amount  recognized  will  not  occur  when  the  uncertainty  associated  with  the 
variable  consideration  is  subsequently  resolved.    Therefore,  upon  adoption  of  IFRS  15,  the 
Quantum Murray earn-out will be written down to nil as of January 1, 2018. 

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Annual Report 2017 

5.  Property, plant and equipment 

Equipment 
under finance 
lease

Furniture, 
tools and 
equipment

Computer 
hardware 

Automotive 
and heavy 
equipment

Land and 
buildings

Leasehold 
improvements

Cost
Balance at January 1, 2016
Additions
Disposals

Balance as December 31, 2016
Additions

Disposals
Reclassed as held for sale

Balance as December 31, 2017

Accumulated Depreciation 
Balance at January 1, 2016

Depreciation for the year

Disposals

Reclassed as held for sale

Balance at December 31, 2016
Depreciation for the year

Disposals
Reclassed as held for sale

Balance at December 31, 2017

Net book value
At December 31, 2016

At December 31, 2017

a)  Collateral: 

28,608
658
(2,602)
26,664

292
(1,442)
(5,111)

20,403

(22,077)

(2,184)

1,093

826

4,476
-
(1,854)
2,622

-
(1,083)
-

1,539

(1,130)
(85)

64

-

8,536
144
-

8,680
55

-
(122)
8,613

(8,049)
(231)

-

-

26,891
907
(691)
27,107
1,726

(397)
(8,106)

20,330

(14,115)
(2,997)

1,335

-

(15,777)

(1,691)

328
6,415

(10,725)

14,798
615
-
15,413
2,108

(5)
(136)
17,380

1,430
2

-
1,432
225

-
(79)
1,578

(7,441)
(1,063)

(1,054)
(65)

-

-

-

-

(8,504)

(1,432)

1
108
(9,827)

(1,119)

(22,342)

(1,151)

(8,280)

(88)

-

79
(1,128)

(1,817)

985
4,615
(18,559)

(44)

633
-
(562)

1,471

977

(191)

-

86
(8,385)

400

228

11,330

9,605

6,909

7,553

313

450

4,322

1,844

Total

84,739
2,326
(5,147)

81,918
4,406
(2,927)

(13,554)
69,843

(53,866)
(6,625)

2,492

826

(57,173)

(5,263)

1,947
11,303
(49,186)

24,745

20,657

As  at  December  31,  2017,  property,  plant  and  equipment  included  $11,070  subject  to  a  general 
security agreement under the Senior Secured Debentures and the Convertible Secured Debentures 
(December 31, 2016 - $13,202). 

b)  Disposals: 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company disposed of assets with a cost of $2,927 
(2016  -  $5,147)  and  accumulated  depreciation  of  $1,946  (2016  -  $2,492),  for  cash  proceeds  of 
$3,063 (2016 - $1,927), and recognized a net gain on sale of $2,083 (2016 – net loss $728). 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

6.  Goodwill and intangible assets 

Goodwill

Customer 
relationships

Computer 
software

Brands

Intangible Total

Cost
Balance at January 1, 2016
Additions
Balance at December 31, 2016
Additions
Balance at December 31, 2017

Amortization and impairments
Balance at January 1, 2016
Amortization for the year
Impairment
Balance at December 31, 2016
Amortization for the year
Reclassed as assets held for sale
Impairment
Balance at December 31, 2017

Net book value
At December 31, 2016
At December 31, 2017

83,420

$               
                             132 

$               
92,029
                                  - 
 $                92,029  $                83,552  $                   2,657  $                  16,142  $               102,35  
                                -   
 $                92,029  $                83,552  $                   2,720  $                  16,142  $               102,41  

$                 
                                  - 

$                   
                             142 

                                -   

                                -   

                               63 

102,077
274

$              

16,142

2,515

63

$               

(61,043)

                                  - 

(67,521)

$                 

$               
                      (3,231)                           (145)
                                  - 

(2,262)

(13,390)

$               
                                  - 

 $               (83,173

                     (3,37

                                  - 

(69,743)

                     (8,700)                                  - 
$               
                                  - 
                          (256)

-
(69,999)

$               

$               

$                 

(3,272)
-
(6,507)
(80,531)

(173)
-
-
(2,580)

                     (3,44

-
-

(1,178)
(14,568)

$               

                     (7,68
$               

(97,679)

 $              (70,752) $                 (2,407) $               (13,390)

$               

(86,549)

$               
$               

22,286
22,030

$                
$                   

12,800
3,021

$                       
250
140
$                        

$                  
$                   

2,752
1,574

$                
$                  

15,802
4,735

ClearStream has five CGUs, two of which have intangible assets with an indefinite life. Goodwill is 
monitored by management at the operating segment level.  The carrying amounts of goodwill and 
the  indefinite  life  intangible  assets  at  December  31,  2017  are  identified  separately  in  the  table 
below.   

As at December 31,

2017

2016

Indefinite 
life 
intangibles

Goodwill

Indefinite 
life 
intangibles

Goodwill

Wear
Transportation
Fabrication

Wear, Fabrication and Transportation

Oilsands
C onventional

Maintenance and C onstruction Services
Total

-

         1,574 
             -   

         1,574 
             -   

-
-
-
4,562
-
-
17,724
         1,574         22,030           2,752         22,286 

         1,574 
         1,178 
             -   
         1,178 

         1,574 
             -   
             -   
             -   

-
-
-
4,306
-
-
17,724

-

As at December 31, 2017, $256 of goodwill allocated to the Transportation CGU was reclassified as 
Assets Held for Sale (Note 11). 

Impairment Testing  

ClearStream  performed  its  annual  impairment  tests  as  at  December  31,  2017  for  its  CGUs 
containing  indefinite  life  intangible  assets  and  its  operating  segments  containing  goodwill.    This 
testing identified impairment in the Oilsands and Fabrication CGUs, which is primarily the result of 
reduced gross margin realized throughout 2017 that is expected to continue in the forecast period 
due  to  reductions  in  pricing  for  purposes  of  customer  retention.  As  a  result  of  the  testing 
performed, an impairment loss of $7,108 within the Oilsands CGU and $577 within the Fabrication 

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Annual Report 2017 

CGU (2016  –  nil for  all  CGUs) was  recorded  at December 31, 2017. The recoverable amounts at 
December 31, 2017 were $10,663 and $6,672 for the Oilsands and Fabrication CGUs, respectively. 

There  was  no  impairment  of  goodwill  at  December  31,  2017  (2016  –  goodwill  impairment  of 
$8,700 for the Wear, Fabrication and Transportation segment).  

The valuation techniques, significant assumptions and sensitivities applied in the impairment tests 
are described below: 

Valuation technique 

The recoverable amounts of ClearStream’s operating segments and CGUs were calculated based 
on fair value less costs of disposal, which is considered to be a level three estimate.  The fair value 
less costs of disposal was determined through a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) approach all CGUs.   

The  DCF  method  involves  projecting  cash  flows  and  converting  them  into  a  present  value 
equivalent  through  discounting.  The  discounting  process  uses  a  rate  of  return  that 
is 
commensurate with the risk associated with the business or asset and the time value of money. 
This  approach  requires  assumptions  about  earnings  before  taxes,  interest,  depreciation  and 
amortization (“EBITDA”), capital expenditures, growth rates, working capital and discount rates. 

Allocation of impairment 

The DCF method resulted in impairment losses for the Oilsands and Fabrication CGUs. In order to 
determine the allocation of the impairment loss, ClearStream assessed the fair value less costs of 
disposal  of  the  property,  plant  and  equipment  within  the  two  CGUs  by  estimating  the  proceeds 
the Company could obtain if selling the assets at auction or through an arm’s length transaction. 
Based on this methodology, the fair value less costs of disposal exceeded the carrying amounts for 
property,  plant  and  equipment  for  both  CGUs.  Therefore,  all  of  the  impairment  losses  were 
allocated to intangible assets and those intangible assets were written-off entirely in the Oilsands 
and  Fabrication  CGUs  (including  $1,178  of  indefinite  life  intangible  assets  within  the  Oilsands 
CGU).  

Projected EBITDA and Capital Expenditures 

Projected  EBITDA  and  capital  expenditures  are  based  on  ClearStream’s  internal  budget  for  the 
following year and take into consideration past experience, economic trends and market/industry 
trends  at  the  time  the  budget  is  developed.  The  annual  budget  is  developed  during  the  fourth 
quarter of the previous year and is approved by the Board of Directors. The budget is also updated 
quarterly  by  senior  management  and  these  updates  are  used  to  assess  impairment  during  the 
year,  if  necessary.  The  anticipated  future  cash  flows  are  updated  to  reflect  any  subsequent 
changes in demand for products and services. 

Growth rate and terminal value 

ClearStream used projected EBITDA and capital expenditures for the following year and applied a 
perpetual long-term growth rate of 2% thereafter. The perpetual growth rates are management’s 
estimate of long-term inflation and productivity growth in the industry and geographic locations in 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

58 

Annual Report 2017 

Annual Report 2017 

which it operates. In arriving at its forecasts, ClearStream considered past experience, inflation as 
well as industry and market trends.  

Discount rate 

ClearStream assumed post-tax discount rates of 11%-13% in order to calculate the present value 
of  projected  future  cash  flows.  The  discount  rates  represent  a  weighted  average  cost  of  capital 
(“WACC”)  for  comparable  companies  operating  in  similar  industries  based  on  publicly  available 
information for each CGU. The WACC is an estimate of the overall required rate of return on an 
investment for both debt and equity owners and serves as the basis for developing an appropriate 
discount rate, adjusted for risks specific to each CGU.  

Management  does  not  believe  that  any  reasonably  possible  changes  in  key  assumptions  would 
result in the carrying amounts of its other CGUs (or groups of CGUs) exceeding their recoverable 
amounts.  

7.  Asset-based lending facility (“ABL Facility”) 

On March 23, 2016, ClearStream Energy Holdings LP, a subsidiary of ClearStream, entered into an 
ABL Facility agreement. The ABL Facility is a revolving facility providing for maximum borrowings of 
up to $50,000 and carries a term of three years. The amount available to be drawn under the ABL 
Facility will vary from time to time, based upon a borrowing base determined with reference to the 
accounts receivable of ClearStream.  At December 31, 2017, the borrowing base was $34,629 (2016 
-  $13,896).    The  obligations  under  the  ABL  Facility  are  secured  by,  among  other  things,  a  first 
ranking lien on all of the existing and after acquired accounts receivable of the borrower and the 
other  guarantors,  being  the  Company  and  certain of  its  direct  and  indirect  subsidiaries.    The  ABL 
Facility contains and provides for certain covenants, financial reporting, and events of default as are 
customary  in  facilities  of  this  nature.    The  interest  rate  on  the  ABL  Facility  is  prime  plus  2.5%, 
increasing to prime plus 4% if the ABL Facility is more than 50% drawn.   

The  Company  incurred  $1,727  in  deferred  financing  fees  associated  with  the  ABL  Facility.  These 
costs are being amortized over the term of the ABL Facility and as at December 31, 2017, the net 
unamortized amount of deferred financing fees was $591 (2016 - $1,295). 

On January 16, 2018, the ABL facility was amended and restated as part of a refinancing transaction 
(see  Note  25).  The key  amendments  included  changes  to  financial  covenants  and  changes  to  the 
calculation  of  the  borrowing  base  that  will  provide  the  Company  with  additional  funds  available 
under the ABL facility.   

The financial covenants applicable under the ABL Facility at December 31, 2017 were as follows: 

•  Minimum  monthly  EBITDA  targets  from  July  2017  to  December  2017,  inclusive,  where 
EBITDA is defined as net earnings, before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, 
income tax expense, and share based compensation; 

•  ClearStream must maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.0:1.0 for each 
cumulative  period  beginning  on  May  1,  2017  and  ending  on  the  last  day  of  each  month 
until March 31, 2018;  

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Annual Report 2017 

•  ClearStream  must  maintain  a  Fixed  Charge  Coverage  Ratio  of  1.1:1.0  for  each  twelve 

month period ending on and after April 30, 2018; 

•  ClearStream  must  not  expend  or  become  obligated  for  any  capital  expenditures  in  an 
aggregate  amount  exceeding  1)  $6,500  during  any  fiscal  year,  and  2)  $100  during  any 
calendar month between August 2017 and December 2017. 

The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is defined as follows: 

•  EBITDA less cash taxes paid, dividends paid and capital expenditures,  

divided by: 

•  Debt  servicing  costs,  which  is  the  interest  paid  or  payable  on  all  debt  balances  for  the 
relevant  period (not  including  the  amortization of deferred financing costs and accretion) 
plus finance lease payments. 

As at December 31, 2017, ClearStream was not in compliance with all financial covenants under the 
ABL  Facility  and  therefore  the  amount  drawn  on  the  ABL  Facility  was  reclassified  as  current.    The 
cross-default provisions in the agreement results in an event of default under the ABL Facility being 
considered  an  event  of  default  under  both  the  senior  secured  and  convertible  secured  debenture 
agreements;  therefore,  all  debt  was  required  to  be  classified  as  current  at  December  31,  2017. 
Subsequent  to  year-end,  ClearStream  remedied  the  non-compliance  and  default  under  its  debt 
agreements  by  completing  a  refinancing  transaction  (note  25)  that  amended  and  restated  the 
existing ABL Facility agreement.  The covenants under the amended and restated ABL Facility are as 
follows: 

•  ClearStream must maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.0:1.0 for each 
cumulative  period  beginning  on  May  1,  2017  and  ending  on  the  last  day  of  each  month 
until March 31, 2018;  

•  ClearStream  must  maintain  a  Fixed  Charge  Coverage  Ratio  of  1.0:1.0  for  each  twelve 

month period ending on and after April 30, 2018; 

•  ClearStream  must  not  expend  or  become  obligated  for  any  capital  expenditures  in  an 

aggregate amount exceeding $6,500 during any fiscal year. 

The amended and restated ABL Facility also amended the definition of Debt serving costs to exclude 
any interest paid using proceeds from the preferred share private placement (note 25).  

At each reporting date, management makes an assessment as to whether ClearStream will continue to 
meet  the  going  concern  assumption  over  the  next  twelve  months.    Making  this  assessment  requires 
significant  judgment  with  respect  to  forecasted  EBITDA  and  Debt  Servicing  Costs.    Based  on 
management’s  current  forecast,  ClearStream  is  expected  to  remain  in  compliance  with  the  covenants 
under the amended and restated ABL Facility over the next twelve months.  However, there is a risk that 
the  Company  will  not  meet  forecasted  expectations  and  therefore  breach  financial  covenants  during 
2018. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

8. 

 Senior secured debentures 

Senior secured debentures due 2026 

On  March  23,  2016,  the  Company  issued  an  aggregate  of  $176,228  principal  amount  of  senior 
secured debentures to Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. (“Canso”) on a private placement basis.  The 
net  proceeds  of  this  issuance  were  used  to  completely  repay  the  principal  amount  outstanding 
under  the  previous  senior  secured  debentures  (due  2016).    Canso  is  also  a  shareholder  of  the 
Company at December 31, 2017.  

The senior secured  debentures  bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually in 
arrears on June 30 and December 31 in each year and have a maturity date of March 23, 2026.  The 
senior  secured  debentures  are  redeemable  at  the  option  of  the  Company  and,  in  certain 
circumstances, are mandatorily redeemable.  They are secured by first-ranking liens over all of the 
property  of  the  Company  and  its  guarantor  subsidiaries,  other  than  certain  limited  classes  of 
collateral over which the Company has granted a prior-ranking lien in favour of the ABL agent which 
secure  the  Company’s  obligations  under  the  ABL  Facility  (refer  to  Note  7).  The  senior  secured 
debentures  provide  for  certain  events  of  default  and  covenants  of  the  Company  which  are 
customary for debentures of this nature, including financial and reporting covenants and restrictive 
covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to make certain distributions and 
dispositions,  incur  indebtedness,  grant liens and limitations with respect to acquisitions, mergers, 
investments, non-arm’s length transactions, reorganizations and hedging arrangements (subject to 
certain exceptions).  

The  Company  incurred  $4,821  in  deferred  financing  fees  associated  with  the  Senior  Secured 
Debentures.  The  principal  balance  is  recorded  net  of  these  costs  and  will  be  accreted  using  the 
effective interest method over the term of Senior Secured Debentures. 

As at December 31,
Principal balance of senior secured debentures 
Deferred financing fees, net of accumulated amortization
Senior secured debentures, net

2017

2016
 $   176,288   $   176,288 
       (4,300)        (4,646)
 $   171,988   $   171,642 

Subsequent Event 
On  January  16,  2018,  as  part  of  a  refinancing  transaction,  the  Company  exchanged  $75,000  of 
Senior Secured Debentures due 2026 for 75,000 Preferred Shares (see Note 25). 

9.  Convertible secured debentures 

On March 23, 2016, the Company issued an aggregate of $25,000 principal amount of convertible 
secured  debentures  to  Canso  and  an  additional  $10,000  principal  amount  of  convertible  secured 
debentures pursuant to a rights offering.  Pursuant to the rights offering, the Company offered to 
its  shareholders  of  record  as  of  February  18,  2016  transferable  rights  to  purchase  up  to  $10,000 
aggregate  principal  amount  of  convertible  secured  debentures  for  the  same  amount  in  gross 

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61 

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Annual Report 2017 

proceeds.    Each  such  shareholder  was  entitled  to  one  right  for  each  common  share  held.    Every 
1,099.41241 rights entitled an eligible rights holder to purchase $100 aggregate principal amount of 
convertible secured  debentures  at  a subscription price of $100.  The rights expired  on  March 17, 
2016 and the rights offering, which was over-subscribed, closed on March 23, 2016, resulting in the 
issuance of: 

•  $1,969,000  aggregate  principal  amount  of  convertible  secured  debentures  upon  the 

exercise of the basic subscription privilege; and 

•  $8,030,400  aggregate  principal amount of convertible secured debentures issued to over-
subscribing purchasers on a pro-rata basis, pursuant to the additional subscription privilege. 

The  net  proceeds  of  this  issuance,  together  with  the  proceeds  of  asset  sales  (refer  to  Note  11), 
were used to completely repay the Company’s indebtedness under the senior credit facility in 2016. 

The  convertible  secured  debentures  bear  interest  at  an  annual  rate  of  10.00%  payable  semi-
annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 in each year and have a maturity date of March 23, 
2026.    The  Company  may  elect  to  satisfy  any  interest  payment  obligation  by  issuing  additional 
convertible  secured  debentures  which  will  be  subject  to  the  same  terms  and  conditions  as 
previously  issued  convertible  secured  debentures.    The  Company  may  redeem  the  convertible 
secured debentures, in whole or in part from time to time, after March 23, 2021.  The convertible 
secured  debentures  are  also  convertible  into  common  shares  of  the  Company  at  an  initial 
conversion  price  of  $0.35  per  common  share  (subject  to  adjustment  in  certain  circumstances).  
They are secured by  liens over  all of the property of the Company and its guarantor subsidiaries, 
other than property over which security has been granted in favour of the ABL agent in respect of 
the ABL Facility (refer to Note 7).  The security granted in connection with the convertible secured 
debentures  is  subordinate  to  the  security  granted  in  connection  with  the  senior  secured 
debentures.    The  convertible  secured  debentures  provide  for  events  of  default  and  covenants  of 
the Company which are customary for debentures of this nature and are substantially similar to the 
events of default and covenants provided in respect of the senior secured debentures.  

As a result of the conversion option described above, the Company was required to separate the 
liability  and  equity  components  of  these  convertible  secured  debentures  using  the  residual value 
method.  Under  this  method,  the  value  of  the  equity  component  of  $8,133  was  determined  by 
deducting  the  fair  value  of  the  liability  component  from  the  principal  amount  of  the  convertible 
secured  debentures.  The  fair  value  of  the  liability  component  of  $26,867  was  computed  as  the 
present value of future principal and interest payments discounted at a rate of 15% per annum.  

The  Company  incurred  $3,708  in  deferred  financing  fees  associated  with  the  convertible  secured 
debentures.  The  principal  balance  is  recorded  net  of  these  costs  and  will  be  accreted  using  the 
effective interest method over the term of Convertible Secured Debentures. Debenture issue costs 
of $854 were allocated to the equity component. 

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Annual Report 2017 

Liability component of convertible secured debentures
As at March 23, 2016
Accretion
As at December 31, 2016

Accretion
As at December 31, 2017

Subsequent Event 

 $  24,024 
         373 
 $  24,397 

         602 
 $  24,999 

On  January  16,  2018,  as  part  of  a  refinancing  transaction,  the  Company  exchanged  $33,565  of 
Convertible Secured Debentures due 2026 for 33,565 Preferred Shares (see Note 25). 

10. Obligations under finance leases 

Finance  lease  obligations  relate  to  vehicles  and  heavy  equipment.  ClearStream’s  future  minimum 
payments are as follows: 

As at December 31,
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Total minimum lease payments

Less amount representing interest (at rates ranging from 4% to 15%)

Present value of net minimum finance lease payments

Less current portion of obligations under finance leases

2017

-
1,689
1,328
492
486
3,995

348

3,647

1,462

Long-term portion of obligation under finance leases

$        

2,185

Interest  of  $396  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  (2016  -  $567)  relating  to  finance  lease 
obligations has been included in interest expense.  

11. Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued operations 

In  2017,  ClearStream  began  a  process  to  dispose  of  its  Transportation  CGU  (included  within  the 
Wear,  Fabrication  and  Transportation  operating  segment).    Bids  were  received  from  interested 
parties  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  and  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  sale  of  the 
Transportation CGU in December 2017.  The transaction is expected to close in March 2018; as a 
result, the non-current assets and liabilities of the Transportation CGU have been classified as held 
for  sale  at  December  31,  2017.    The  fair  value  less  costs  of  disposal  estimated  for  the 
Transportation  CGU  based  on  the  expected  cash  sales  price,  less  forecasted  costs  of  disposal, 
exceeded  the  carrying  amount  of  the  Transportation  CGU  and  therefore  no  impairment  was 
recorded  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017.    The  results  of  the  Transportation  CGU  for  the 
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are not presented within discontinued operations based 
on  management’s  determination  that  the  CGU  did  not  represent  a  major  component  of 
ClearStream’s operations. Additionally, due to the pending sale of assets, a contract related to the 
transportation  CGU  is  deemed  to  be  an  onerous  contract  at  December  31,  2017.  A  liability  for 
$5,778 has been recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as a Provision and the related income 
statement impact has been record as Other Loss in the consolidated statement of loss. 

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63 

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Annual Report 2017 

On March 23, 2016, ClearStream sold the majority of the assets of Quantum Murray LP (“Quantum 
Murray”)  and  Titan  Supply  LP  (“Titan”)  for  cash  proceeds  of  $8,800  and  assumption  of  debt  of 
approximately $3,000 (as well as the earn-out financial asset as described in Note 4). The revenue 
and  expenses  related  to  Quantum  Murray’s  operations  are  presented  within  discontinued 
operations. 

On  March  7,  2016,  ClearStream  sold  its  80%  interest  in  Gusgo  as  well  as  certain  other  related 
subsidiaries for cash proceeds of $4,000, with an additional $2,000 which was received on May 31, 
2016 (as well as the earn-out financial asset as described in Note 4). The sale of Gusgo resulted in 
an accounting gain of approximately $540, recorded as a gain on sale of assets held for sale. 

The following table shows the revenue and loss from discontinued operations (including expenses 
incurred  related  to  operations  sold  prior  to  January  1,  2016  previously  presented  within 
discontinued  operations)  included  in  the  Corporate  operating  segment  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2017 and 2016: 

For the year ended December 31,

2017

2016

Revenue 

Expenses

Loss before taxes

Loss on sale of discontinued operations 

Provision for Brompton claim

Net loss from discontinued operations

-

-

-

(3,445)

-

29,179

(30,700)

(1,521)

(6,287)

(4,985)

$         

(3,445)

$       

(12,793)

On  June  12,  2015,  Brompton  Corp.  (“Brompton”)  served  the  Company  and  certain  of  its  affiliates 
with  a  Statement  of  Claim  seeking,  among  other  things,  indemnification  for  the  Company’s  40% 
share of the Canada Revenue Agency’s notices of reassessment relating to the 2010-2012 taxation 
years.  In  February  2017,  the  court  granted  judgment  in  favour  of  Brompton,  ruling  that  the 
Company is required to indemnify Brompton; a provision was recorded at December 31, 2016 based 
on the estimated potential liability at that time. The Company appealed the decision to the Court of 
Appeal during 2017 but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision to grant 
judgment in favour of Brompton in the amount of $4,969.  At December 31, 2017, the Company has 
fully paid Brompton’s claim. 

12. Commitments  

ClearStream is committed to payments under operating leases for equipment, office premises and 
land  through  2029  in  total  of  approximately  $55,983.  Operating  lease  payments  are  based  on 
contracts  currently  in  place.  Changes  to  these  contracts  may  result  in  changes  to  future 
commitments.  The  minimum  annual  payments  exclusive  of  operating  costs  under  these  lease 
arrangements are as follows:  

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Annual Report 2017 

As at December 31,
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter

2017
-
10,154
10,019
5,958
5,045
4,966
19,842

Total commitments under operating leases

$    

55,983

Last year of commitment

2029

13. Revenue 

The  following  are  amounts  for  each  significant  category  of  revenue  recognized  during  the  years 
ended December 31, 2017 and 2016: 

For the year ended December 31,
Rendering of services
Sales of goods

Total revenue

$         

2017
283,453
73,694

$         

2016
222,107
48,554

$         

357,147

$         

270,661

As  at  December  31,  2017,  there  was  $9,542  (2016  -  $4,668)  of  accounts  receivable  recognized  in 
excess  of  progress  billings  in  accordance  with  revenue  recorded  following  the  percentage  of 
completion method. 

14. Selling, general & administrative expenses 

For the year ended December 31,
Salaries & benefits

$                 

2017
8,784

$                 

2016
7,620

Occupancy costs

C onsulting

Travel 

Repairs & maintenance

Office expenses

Audit & accounting 

Other 

1,758

1,194

1,506

674

1,194

802

1,326

1,264

1,401

662

1,035

677

$               

2,954
18,866

$               

3,397
17,382

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15. Interest expense 

 ClearStream has recorded interest expense in relation to the following: 

For the year ended December 31,

2017

2016

Interest expense on senior credit facility
Interest expense on 8.00% secured debentures
Interest expense on senior secured debentures (notes 7, 8)
Interest expense on convertible secured debentures (notes 7, 9)
Interest expense on ABL facility (note 7)
Interest expense on finance leases (note 10)
Interest expense - other
Deferred financing costs amortized (note 7)
Accretion expense related to debentures (notes 8 and 9)
Interest expense

-
$        
-
14,098
3,500
1,631
396
196
704
949
21,474

$   

$        

436
3,167
10,931
2,699
304
567
197
432
2,526
21,259

$   

16. Income taxes  

The reconciliation of statutory income tax rates to ClearStream’s effective tax rate is as follows: 

For the year ended December 31,

Loss from continuing operations before tax

Tax rate

2017

(32,458)

26.91%

2016

(32,916)

26.95%

Income tax recovery at statutory rates

(8,734)

$            

(8,871)

Permanent differences

C hange in tax rates on temporary differences

Deferred tax asset not recognized

True up

Other adjustments related to disposals

Income tax expense

1,341

3

10,116

(2,724)

-

2,082

42

5,989

-

779

$                   
2

$                 

21

The benefit of the following temporary differences has not been recognized: 

December 31

Fixed assets

Intangible assets

Debentures

Net operating losses

Assets held for sale

Other

2017

2016

$      

(3,240)

$      

(1,554)

21,000

(4,240)

12,003

(5,189)

134,695

104,672

535

8,805

-

4,620

Total temporary differences not benefitted

$    

157,556

$    

114,553

Net operating losses of $134,695 will begin to expire in 2034.   

ClearStream  has  approximately  $135,121  of  capital  losses  that  have  not  been  recognized  in  the 
consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2017 (2016 - $140,909).  There is no expiry of 
capital losses. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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The provision for income taxes is based on judgments in applying income tax law and estimates on 
the timing and likelihood of reversal of temporary differences between the accounting and tax bases 
of assets and liabilities.  ClearStream’s refinancing transaction that occurred subsequent to year-end 
(Note  25)  could  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  availability  of  its  existing  tax  pools  and  the  tax 
authorities  have  not  concluded  on  management’s  tax  treatment  of  this  event.   The  provision  for 
income taxes is based on ClearStream’s interpretation of the tax legislation and regulations which is 
also subject to change.  ClearStream recognizes a tax provision when a payment to tax authorities is 
considered more likely than not. 

17. Share capital and loss per share 

The authorized share capital of the Company consists of: (i) an unlimited number of common shares 
with  no  par  value  and  (ii)  preferred  shares  (with  no  par  value)  issuable  in  series  to  be  limited  in 
number of an amount equal to not more than one half of the limited and outstanding shares at the 
time  of  issuance  of  such  preferred  share.  As  at  December  31,  2017  and  2016,  there  were 
109,941,241 shares issued and outstanding and no preferred shares issued and outstanding.   

The  only  potentially  dilutive  securities  as  at  December  31,  2017  were  the  convertible  secured 
debentures,  stock  options,  and  performance  share  units  (2016  –  convertible  secured  debentures).  
As a result of the net losses incurred in all periods presented, all potentially dilutive securities were 
anti-dilutive. 

18. Restructuring costs 

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  the  Company  incurred  restructuring  costs  of  $1,414 
(2016  -  $1,471).  These  are  costs  that  were  required  in  response  to  the  potential  impact  of  a 
prolonged  period  of  reduced  oil  prices  on  ClearStream’s  business  and  costs  associated  with  the 
wind-up of its Toronto head office. A majority of these costs are related to severance as a result of 
headcount reductions and location closures.  

19. Share based compensation 

In  addition  to  the  Incentive  Option  Plan  (“IOP”)  previously  approved  by  the  shareholders  of 
ClearStream on November 30, 2009, the Board of Directors approved the Performance Share Unit 
(“PSU”)  and  Restricted  Share  Unit  (“RSU”)  Plan  on  January  31,  2017.    The  aggregate  number  of 
shares that may be acquired upon exercise of all share based compensation granted pursuant to the 
IOP  and  PSU/RSU  plans  shall  not  exceed  10%  of  the  aggregate  number  of  common  shares 
outstanding.  

Stock Options 

The Company’s IOP allows for the issuance of stock options to employees, consultants and directors 
of the Company.  The options vest based on service requirements over either two-year or three-year 
periods; the options expire five years from the date of grant.  The summary of stock option activity is 
presented below: 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

Number of stock 
options

Weighted average 
exercise price

Balance as at January 1, 2017

Granted on January 31, 2017

Forfeited 

Balance as at December 31, 2017

-

6,560,000

(3,400,000)

3,160,000

Exerciseable as at December 31, 2017

-

-

0.28

0.28

0.28

-

The options outstanding at December 31, 2017 have a weighted average remaining contractual life 
of 4.08 years.  The fair value of the stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2017 
of $0.19 per option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with 
the following assumptions: 

Risk free interest rate
Expected life (months)
Estimated volatility of underlying common shares (%)
Expected dividend yield
Exercise price
Share price

0.5%
48
100.0%
0.0%
0.28
0.28

Volatility  of  ClearStream’s  common  shares  was  estimated  using  the  Company’s  actual  historical 
volatility  as  well  as  the  volatility  of  peer  group  companies  with  similar  corporate  structure, 
operations and size. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized $395 of share 
based compensation expense relating to stock options. 

Restricted Share Units 

RSUs vest based on service requirements over either two-year or three-year periods and are settled 
in cash by  multiplying  the numbers of units with the Company’s share price based on the volume 
weighted-average  trading  price  for  the  five  trading  days  preceding  the  vesting  date  of  the  award. 
The  fair  value  of  the  RSUs  is  based  on  the  market  value  of  the  Company’s  common  shares  at  the 
reporting date.  As at December 31, 2017, the intrinsic value of the RSUs outstanding was $392. 

Balance as at January 1, 2017
Granted on January 31, 2017
Forfeited
Balance as at December 31, 2017
Exerciseable as at December 31, 2017

Number of RSUs

-

5,510,000
(1,160,000)
4,350,000

-

ClearStream’s five day weighted average closing share price at December 31, 2017 was $0.09.  The 
weighted average remaining contractual life of the outstanding RSUs as at December 31, 2017 was 
1.4 years. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $180 of share based compensation expense was 
recognized relating to RSUs. 

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Performance Share Units 

PSUs vest based on service requirements over either two-year or three-year periods.  The number of 
PSUs  that  will  vest  on  the  applicable  vesting  dates  is  dependent  upon  both  an  EBITDA-based 
performance condition and a market condition based on the Company’s share price.  PSUs can be 
settled  in  cash  or  equity  on  the  vesting  date,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  by 
multiplying  the  number  of  units  with  the  Company’s  share  price  based  on  the  volume  weighted-
average trading price for the five trading days preceding the vesting date of the award.  

Balance as at January 1, 2017
Granted on January 31, 2017
Forfeited
Balance as at December 31, 2017
Exerciseable as at December 31, 2017

Number of PSUs

-

4,070,000
(2,330,000)
1,740,000

-

The fair value  of  the  PSUs  granted  during the year ended December 31, 2017 of $0.25 per option 
was estimated on the date of grant based on the Company’s weighted-average five day trading price 
preceding  that  date,  adjusted  for  the  likelihood  of  achieving  the  market  condition  based  on  the 
Company’s share price. 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of the outstanding PSUs as at December 31, 2017 
was 1.4 years. 

The number of PSUs estimated to vest is estimated at each reporting date based on management’s 
assessment  of  the  likelihood  of  achieving  the  EBITDA-based  performance  condition.    For  the  year 
ended  December  31,  2017,  the  Company  incurred  $136  of  share  based  compensation  expense 
relating to PSUs using an estimated likelihood of achieving the EBITDA-based performance condition 
of 75%. 

20. Related party disclosures 

a)  Other related party transactions 

Two  operating  leases  for  property,  with  annual  rents  of  $312  and  $400  are  with  a  landlord  in 
which  certain  executives  of  ClearStream  hold  an  indirect  minority  interest  (2016  -  $312  and 
$400).  These  transactions  occurred  in  the  normal  course  of  business  and  are  recorded  at  the 
exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to between the 
parties.  

For the year ended December 31, 2016, income from equity investments includes $191 of rent 
expense paid to a company owned by the minority shareholder of Gusgo, and interest charged 
to joint venture operating partners on advances was $59. 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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b)  Compensation for key management personnel 

ClearStream’s key management personnel are comprised of officers and directors.  Prior to the 
disposition  of  previous  Operating  Partnerships  that  was  completed  in  March  2016,  key 
included  officers  and  Vice  Presidents  at  each  Operating 
management  personnel  also 
Partnership.    The  remuneration  for  these  key  management  personnel  during  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 

For the year ended December 31,

Short-term employment benefits

Share based compensation

Termination benefits

Total compensation

2017

2016

$    

2,238

$    

3,808

438

180

-

1,503

$    

2,856

$    

5,311

21. Financial instruments and risk management 

Financial instruments consist of cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, earn-out financial assets, 
accounts payable, ABL Facility, Senior Secured Debentures and Convertible Secured Debentures.   

a)  Fair values of financial assets and liabilities 

The  fair  value  of  the  earn-out  financial  assets  is  determined  using  Level  3  inputs,  including  an 
estimate  of  future  financial  performance  of  previously  owned  Operating  Partnerships  and  an 
estimate of the likelihood of achieving earn-out conditions. 

The  fair  value  of  the  ABL  Facility  approximates  its  carrying  amount,  excluding  the  effect  of 
deferred financing fees, due to its nature as a revolving facility subject to variable interest rates. 
The fair value of the Convertible Secured Debentures at December 31, 2017 was $32,500 (2016 - 
$32,500) based on the closing price of the Convertible Secured Debentures on the Toronto Stock 
Exchange (a Level 1 input). 

b)  Risk management 

ClearStream has exposure to credit risk, customer concentration risk, liquidity risk and interest 
rate risk.  ClearStream’s Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and 
oversight of ClearStream’s risk management framework.   

(i)  Credit risk 

Credit  risk  is  the  risk  of  financial  loss  to  ClearStream  if  a  customer  or  counterparty  to  a 
financial  instrument  fails  to  meet  its  contractual  obligations  and  arises  principally  from 
ClearStream’s  accounts  receivable.    The  following  table  outlines  ClearStream’s  maximum 
exposure to credit risk: 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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As at December 31,

C ash 
Restricted cash
Accounts receivable
Earn-out assets

Total

Annual Report 2017 

2017

2016

$         

4,649
980
66,177
2,450

$       

11,503
980
46,928
5,664

$       

74,256

$       

65,075

Cash  and  restricted  cash  are  held  at  Canadian  Schedule  A  Banks  and  therefore  are 
considered to have low credit risk. 

ClearStream has a credit policy under which each new customer is analyzed individually for 
creditworthiness  before  standard  payment 
terms  and  conditions  are  offered.  
ClearStream’s  exposure  to  credit  risk  with  its  customers  is  influenced  mainly  by  the 
individual  characteristics  of  each  customer.    When  available,  ClearStream  reviews  credit 
bureau  ratings,  bank  accounts  and  financial 
information  for  each  new  customer.  
ClearStream’s  customers  are  primarily  multinational  oil  and  gas  and  construction 
companies, all of which have strong creditworthiness.    

Of the total balance of accounts receivable at December 31, 2017, approximately $49,344 
(2016  -  $31,072)  related  to  trade  receivables  and  $16,833  (2016  -  $15,856)  related  to 
accrued revenue (i.e. for work performed but not yet invoiced). 

Trade  receivables  are  non-interest  bearing  and  generally  due  on  30-90  day  terms.    As  at 
December  31,  2017,  approximately  $2,272  (2016  -  $5,620)  of  ClearStream’s  trade 
receivables  had  been  outstanding  longer  than  90  days.    Management  has  fully  evaluated 
the  outstanding  balance  of  trade  receivables  and  believes  that  it  is  collectable  based  on 
settlement agreements or ongoing discussions with counterparties.   

Earn-out financial assets will be payable to ClearStream by two counterparties if specified 
conditions  are  met  through  2019.    Although  the  two  counterparties  are  private  entities, 
ClearStream  continues  to evaluate the potential for credit risk based on publicly available 
information and through ongoing discussions with the management of those entities. 

(ii)  Customer concentration risk 

Revenues  of  ClearStream  are  concentrated,  with  its  top  three  customers  representing 
54.2%  of  consolidated  revenue  (2016  –  61.1%)  and  48.6%  of  the  consolidated  accounts 
receivable  for  ClearStream  (2016  –  60.4%).    More  specifically,  ClearStream’s  largest 
customer within the Maintenance & Construction operating segment accounted for 32.9% 
or $117,498 of ClearStream’s consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 
(2016 – 43.5% or $118,548). 

(iii)   Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that ClearStream will not be able to meet its financial obligations as 
they  come  due.    ClearStream’s  approach  to  managing  liquidity  is  to  ensure,  as  far  as 
possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under 

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Annual Report 2017 

both  normal  and  stressed  conditions,  without  incurring  unacceptable  losses  or  risking 
damage to its reputation. 

All of ClearStream’s financial liabilities are current. See Note 7 for additional information on 
the  classification  of  the  ABL  Facility,  the  senior  secured  debentures,  and  convertible 
secured debentures.  

ClearStream’s  strategy  is  that  long-term  debt  should  always  form  part  of  its  capital 
  As  existing  debt  approaches  maturity, 
structure,  assuming  an  appropriate  cost. 
ClearStream will replace it with new debt, convert it into equity or refinance or restructure, 
depending on the state of the capital markets at the time. 

ClearStream manages its liquidity risk by continuously monitoring forecast and actual gross 
profit  and  cash  flows  from  operations.    At  December  31,  2017,  the  available  unutilized 
amount under the ABL facility was $6,568 (2016 - $10,396). 

22. Supplemental cash flow information 

(a)  Changes in non-cash working capital 

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Prepaid expenses

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Deferred revenue

2017

2016

$          

(19,249)

$           

29,161

(1,304)

(929)

9,427

(21)

114

411

(5,284)

167

Total changes in non-cash balances

$          

(12,076)

$           

24,569

(b)  Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities 

Balance as at January 1, 2017
Borrowings
Repayments
Non-cash changes

Obligations 
under finance 
leases

Senior and 
convertible 
secured 
debentures

6,817
1,726
(3,699)
(1,197)

196,039

-
-
948

Total liabilities 
from financing 
activities

206,356
25,726
(3,699)
(249)

ABL facility

3,500
24,000
-
-

Balance as at December 31, 2017

27,500

3,647

196,987

228,134

23. Segmented Information 

As at December 31, 2017, ClearStream has three operating segments, each of which has separate 
operational  management  and  management  reporting  information.    All  or  substantially  all  of 
ClearStream’s operations, assets and employees are located in Canada.  

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The  Maintenance  and  Construction  segment  is  a  fully  integrated  provider  of  maintenance  and 
construction services to the energy industry. This division provides maintenance services, welding, 
fabrication,  machining,  construction,  turnaround  services  and  a  resource/labour  supply  to 
companies in the conventional oil and gas and oil sands markets.  

The  Wear,  Fabrication  and  Transportation  segment  specializes  in  the  supply,  fabrication  and 
transportation of overlay pipe spools, pipe bends, wear plate, welding services, custom fabrication, 
pipe management and storage services.  

The Corporate division provides typical head office functions including strategic planning, corporate 
communications,  taxes,  legal,  marketing,  finance,  financing  (including  interest  expense),  human 
resources and information technology for the entire organization.  

The  eliminations  column  represents  adjustments  required  to  reconcile  ClearStream’s  segmented 
reporting,  to  the 
interdivisional 
eliminations and adjustments required to account for joint ventures as equity investments.  

loss  from  continuing  operations.  This  column  represents 

ClearStream  accounts  for  intersegment  sales  based  on  the  transaction  price.    Eliminations  in  the 
table below represent the elimination of these intersegment sales.     

Year Ended December 31, 2017
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Share based compensation
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation
Income from equity investment
Interest expense
Loss on sale from assets held for sale
Restructuring costs
Other loss
Impairment of intangible assets
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Income (loss) before taxes
Income tax expense - current

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Year Ended December 31, 2016
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation

Income from equity investment
Interest expense
Gain on sale from assets held for sale
Restructuring costs
Write-down of goodwill and intangible assets
Other income
Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment
Income (loss) before taxes
Income tax expense - current

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Maintenance and 
Construction 
Services
$                    

286,433
(267,711)
18,722

Wear, Fabrication & 
Transportation
$                       

72,824
(61,127)
11,697

Corporate
$                               

-
-
-

Eliminations
$                          

(2,110)
2,110
-

Total

$                  

357,147
(326,728)
30,419

(1,977)
-
(1,984)
(2,522)
246
(270)
-
-
-
(7,108)
1,968
7,075
-
7,075

$                          

(778)
-

(1,461)
(2,340)
-
(177)
-
-
(5,778)
(577)
115
701
-
701

$                               

(16,111)
(710)
-
(402)
-
(21,027)
(570)
(1,414)

$                     

-
-
-
(40,234)
(2)
(40,236)

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

$                               

(18,866)
(710)
(3,445)
(5,264)
246
(21,474)
(570)
(1,414)
(5,778)
(7,685)
2,083
(32,458)
(2)
(32,460)

$                   

Maintenance and 
Construction 
Services
$                    

222,995
(205,279)
17,716

Wear, Fabrication & 
Transportation
$                       

49,349
(42,154)
7,195

(1,921)
(1,944)
(3,142)

(621)
(1,432)
(2,888)

122
(303)
-
-
-
623
462
11,613
-
11,613

$                          

-
(280)
-
-
(8,700)
-
151
(6,575)
$                        
-
(6,575)

Corporate
$                               

-
-
-

Eliminations
$                         

(1,683)
1,683
-

Total

$                  

270,661
(245,750)
24,911

(14,840)
-
(595)

(291)
(20,676)
1,260
(1,471)

-
-

$                     

(1,341)
(37,954)
(21)
(37,975)

-
-
-

(17,382)
(3,376)
(6,625)

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

$                               

(169)
(21,259)
1,260
(1,471)
(8,700)
623
(728)
(32,916)
(21)
(32,937)

$                    

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

24. Capital management 

ClearStream’s capital structure is comprised of shareholders’ equity and short and long-term debt. 
ClearStream’s  objectives  when  managing  capital  are  to  support  its  ability  to  continue  as  a  going 
concern  in  order  to  provide  optimal  returns  for  shareholders.  Maintaining  liquidity,  managing 
financial  risks  and  optimizing  the  cost  of  capital  are  key  factors  that  set  the  framework  for 
ClearStream capital management strategy.  

ClearStream is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements other than standard and 
restrictive  financial  covenants  on  its  ABL  facility,  senior  secured  debentures,  and  convertible 
secured debentures.  

25. Subsequent Event 

Refinancing Transaction 

On January 16, 2018, ClearStream announced the completion of a refinancing transaction whereby 
Canso,  commenced  the  process  to  exchange  a  certain  amount  of  ClearStream’s  debt  for  a  newly 
created  series  of  Preferred  Shares  and  subscribed  for  additional  Preferred  Shares  on  a  private 
placement basis.  

The  terms  of  the  new  Preferred  Shares  provide  for  a  10%  fixed  cumulative  preferential  cash 
dividend payable. The board of directors of the Company does not intend to declare or pay any cash 
dividends  until  such  time  as  the  Company’s  balance  sheet  and  liquidity  position  supports  the 
payment. Any accrued but unpaid dividends are convertible in certain circumstances at the option of 
the holder into additional Preferred Shares. Holders of the Preferred Shares will have the right, at 
their option, to convert their Preferred Shares into Common Shares at a price of $0.35 per Common 
Share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The Preferred Shares are redeemable by the 
Company in cash at 110% of the purchase price for such shares, plus accrued but unpaid dividends 
once  all  of  the  outstanding  Senior  Secured  Debentures  have  been  repaid  and  are  subject  to 
repayment in the event of certain change of control transactions. 

As part of the refinancing transaction, Canso exchanged $75,000 of Senior Secured Debentures due 
2026  for  75,000  Preferred  Shares  and  $33,565  of  Convertible  Secured  Debentures  for  33,565 
Preferred Shares.  Additionally, ClearStream issued 19,000 Preferred Shares to Canso for proceeds of 
$19,000 on a private placement basis. The proceeds of the private placement were used to fund the 
interest obligations related to the Senior Secured Debentures and Convertible Secured Debentures. 
At  December  31,  2017,  these  interest  obligations  were  $8,799  and  recorded  in  Accounts  Payable 
and  Accrued  Liabilities.    The  remaining  proceeds  of  the  private  placement  will  be  used  to  fund 
$8,000 of interest payable in 2018 under the remaining $100,000 of Senior Secured Debentures, and 
partially  fund  transaction  costs  relating  the  refinancing  transaction.    As  part  of  the  refinancing 
transaction, ClearStream’s ABL facility was amended and restated (see Note 7). 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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Annual Report 2017 

ClearStream Energy Services Inc. 

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