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North American Construction Group Ltd.

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Employees 1825
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FY2023 Annual Report · North American Construction Group Ltd.
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EVERYONE GETS HOME SAFE

2023
ANNUAL
REPORT

TABLE OF 
CONTENTS

Financial Highlights ................................................. 2

Five-Year Trends ...................................................... 3

Letter to Shareholders ............................................ 4

2024 Vision .............................................................. 8

Board of Directors and Senior Management ......... 12

Management’s Discussion & Analysis ................... 14

Consolidated Financial Statements  ......................54

ANNUAL REPORT 2023          1

FINANCIAL 
HIGHLIGHTS

COMBINED REVENUE

ADJUSTED EBITDA

ADJUSTED EPS

UP
3.1 x

UP
2.9 x

UP
2.8 x

1500
1500

1500

1200
1200

1200

900
900

900

600
600

600

300
300

300

300
300

300

250
250

250

200
200

200

150
150

150

100
100

100

50
50

50

3.0
3.0

3.0

2.5
2.5

2.5

2.0
2.0

2.0

1.5
1.5

1.5

1.0
1.0

1.0

0.5
0.5

0.5

0

0
0
2018
2018

2018

2019
2019

2019

2020
2020

2020

2021
2021

2021

2022
2022

2022

2023
2023

2023

0

0

0
2018
2018

2018

2019
2019

2019

2020
2020

2020

2021
2021

2021

2022
2022

2022

2023
2023

2023

0.0
0.0

0.0
2018
2018

2018

2019
2019

2019

2020
2020

2020

2021
2021

2021

2022
2022

2022

2023
2023

2023

(In millions of Canadian dollars) 
(In millions of Canadian dollars) 
(In millions of Canadian dollars) 
Years ended December 31
Years ended December 31
Years ended December 31

(In millions of Canadian dollars) 
(In millions of Canadian dollars) 
(In millions of Canadian dollars) 
Years ended December 31
Years ended December 31
Years ended December 31

(In millions of Canadian dollars) 
(In millions of Canadian dollars) 
(In millions of Canadian dollars) 
Years ended December 31
Years ended December 31
Years ended December 31

2          NORTH AMERICAN CONTRUCTION GROUP

FIVE-YEAR 
TRENDS

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

Combined revenue ($m) 

 1,273.6 

 1,054.3 

 812.2 

 583.5 

 715.1 

Adjusted EBITDA ($m) 

 296.9 

 245.3 

 207.3 

 174.3 

 174.4 

Adjusted EBIT ($m) 

 145.2 

 113.8 

 92.7 

 81.4 

 71.0 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

23.3%

23.3%

25.5%

29.9%

23.4%

Adjusted EBIT margin

11.4%

10.8%

11.4%

14.0%

Return on invested capital

12.5%

13.0%

10.8%

10.0%

9.9%

9.7%

Total assets ($m) 

 1,546.0 

 979.5 

 869.3 

 839.3 

 793.2 

Invested capital ($m) 

 1,077.6 

 661.7 

 647.5 

 634.1 

 587.0 

Net debt ($m) 

 720.9 

 355.8 

 369.0 

 385.9 

 406.9 

Outstanding common shares,  
excluding treasury shares (m) 

Adjusted EPS ($)

Cash dividend declared per share ($)

 26.7 

 26.4 

 28.5 

 29.2 

 25.8 

 2.83 

 0.40 

 2.41 

 2.06 

 0.32 

 0.16 

 1.73 

 0.16 

 1.72 

 0.12 

ANNUAL REPORT 2023         3

LETTER TO 
SHAREHOLDERS

Dear fellow Shareholders:

2023 was an eventful year and 2024 is shaping up to be equally 
exciting. Given all that is going on in our growing business, which we 
now find ourselves operating on a near 50-50 basis between Canada 
and Australia, my letter to shareholders may be a bit more verbose 
this year.

I’ll start with our fourth quarter and our core businesses. I am 
extremely proud of the efforts put in by our entire international team 
in maintaining our operational and safety excellence while closing and 
commencing integration of a major acquisition, ramping down and 
ramping up major non-oil sands projects, repricing and resubmitting 
several major scope changes during the regional oil sands contract, and qualifying and tendering the largest 
bid pipeline we have ever seen. We operate worldwide under several business names, but our teams work 
seamlessly together to achieve overall company strategy and goals.

Of our key achievements and highlights in 2023, our safety performance as measured in Total Recordable 
Injury Rate (TRIR) was particularly notable. We ended the year with a Q4 TRIR of 0.18 and a 2023 TRIR of 
0.29. The strong finish to the year brought us below our industry leading target of 0.50 and was the best 
Q4 safety performance in company history. The full-year 2023 performance was the second-best result in 
company history and we remain committed to our core value that “everyone gets home safe”.

While our oil sands business remains a strong market for large mining equipment, the recent regional 
contract award and winter reclamation work represent a change in both our customers’ contracting 
philosophies and our fleet management strategy. Typically, our large mining equipment demand in oil sands 
is almost entirely based on unit rate work whereby we are paid a set dollar amount per unit moved and we 
bear the risk of achieving our estimated productivity. In this most recent contract, about half of our large 
mining assets will be provided to the customer as a maintained rental fleet. This contracting model is actually 
a popular model in Australia, which we are becoming accustomed to, and we believe the modest decrease 
in top line for us will be more than offset by lower operating risk. As far as our fleet management strategy, 
we continue to be fully committed to meeting our oil sands customer mining needs but have increased our 
focus on reallocating underutilized smaller equipment (e.g. 100T haul trucks) into higher demand markets 
such as Australia and other Canadian resource markets. While we have several bids actively being tendered 
that incorporate these underutilized fleets, we have also already been able start teardown and shipping of 
a couple dozen of these assets to support existing demand in Australia. We believe the increased demand 
in Australia and bid opportunities in Canada will have this fleet fully utilized with improved margins within the 
next year.

2023 had our largest ever contributions from infrastructure. Our Fargo flood diversion project had its first 
big year of construction, achieving ~$120M in revenue in 2023, and will have an even bigger construction 
year in 2024 which is expected to be over $175 million in revenue. We see the market for large earthworks 

4          NORTH AMERICAN CONTRUCTION GROUP

infrastructure, especially those related to energy transition and climate resiliency, creating great opportunities 
for us in Canada, US, and Australia. We also expect to commence our pursuit of the next big infrastructure 
project win before the end of the year.

In 2023, our Australian business achieved ~$150 million in revenue with our MacKellar acquisition only 
contributing to Q4. In 2024, our Australian business is expected to step change up to ~$575M of top line 
revenue and we see this market presenting both a great environment to grow and also to act as relief 
valve for underutilized assets and any future potential changes in our demand, such as we may see from 
reduced commitments and terms from our oil sands customers. We have estimated our market in Australia 
to be about ten times larger than our Canadian market. In assessing the Queensland coal opportunities 
specifically, currently more than three quarters of our Australian business revenue comes from Queensland 
coal, but we are only active on 6 mines with over 50 currently active mines in the Queensland region alone. 
Needless to say, I am thrilled to be in these markets and looking forward to growing both revenues and 
margins going forward. 

In contrast to the excellent performance in other areas of our business, our Nuna Group of Companies 
(“Nuna”) joint venture unfortunately continued to struggle and the losses it posted in the quarter resulted 
in us underachieving our EBITDA expectations by approximately $7.5 million. With the blessing of our 51% 
majority owner, Kitikmeot Corporation a 100% owned entity of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, NACG, 
as manager of the joint venture, took several major steps earlier this year to intervene and establish 
a turnaround plan to return Nuna to operational excellence and provide the systems and process 
improvements to support future growth. I am confident with the new Nuna leadership, stronger project 
management and contract administration processes, and restructured back-office support, we can achieve 
immediate improvements in performance this summer and a stronger and better Nuna moving forward. 
Adjusting to adversity quickly is a core skill at NACG and we believe the new leadership at Nuna will make 
it part of their culture as well. Nuna is regarded as the premier trusted Indigenous contractor in northern 
Canada and has over 30 years of reputation to uphold. We are committed to their legacy and will ensure 
that customers and employees alike are front and center through this operations-focused improvement 
initiative. Nuna has long been a major contributor to the Inuit and Indigenous communities they work in, and 
we fully expect to reestablish that position promptly and grow those contributions moving forward. 

Some additional 2023 operational and financial highlights are:

•  Strong annual safety performance with a total injury frequency rate of 0.29;

•  Record annual financial metrics across the board – combined revenue ($1.3b), EBITDA ($297m), EPS 

($2.83), free cash flow ($90m);

•  Successful completion and commissioning in August of the 30-month major civil construction project at 

the gold mine in Northern Ontario, by our NANJV partnership;

•  Progress at the Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project crossed the 30% completion mark having 

completed well over 20% in this calendar year alone; and

•  Telematics is now fully operational in Canada with over 94% data availability and poised for design and 

implementation in Australia.

ANNUAL REPORT 2023          5

Our 2024 priorities and focus are:

•  Integration and growth of MacKellar with ERP and stronger systems & processes in place for second half 

of the year.

•  Re-establish Operational Excellence and return Nuna to consistent profitability.

•  Qualify for major earthworks infrastructure tender and win meaningful project outside oil sands for smaller 

mining assets.

•  Achieve fleet utilization targets, expand telematics, improve ROIC, and demonstrate value achieved with 

shared best practices between NACG and MacKellar.

There is definitely a lot going on all around the world with our growing business these days. While we see 
some downward pressure from reduced terms and commitments in our oil sands business, we also see 
upside potential in other resource areas and infrastructure, which culminates in our essentially unchanged 
outlook for 2024. Our estimating teams are currently bidding on projects worth $9 billion which is a 
testament to the demand we see.

Our full year 2024 outlook remains unchanged primarily as initial performance from MacKellar is meeting 
expectation. As we settle into the rhythm of the Australian business, we’ve experienced our first rainy season 
which does impact top-line but is not as severe as our historical oil sands seasonality. And when factoring in 
our infrastructure work, which favours summer and fall, we will, for the first time in our history create a much 
more quarterly consistent business with our Q2/Q3 quarters expected to modestly outperform our Q4/Q1 
winter quarters. In the immediate term, we expect 2024 Q1 to represent 20% of full year EBITDA which is 
a marked contrast to the 33% that 2023 Q1 represented. We have allocated $55 to $70 million of growth 
capital for the Australian fleet which we had previously modeled in as sustaining capital in the guidance 
issued last November, but has no impact on the free cash flow for 2024.

To say the least, it’s been a busy 2023 and start to 2024 and I want to thank all of our employees, 
customers, vendors and shareholders for their continued support. I look forward to sharing the next set of 
results with you in May as we progress through what we expect to be a transitional and transformational 
year. I am tremendously excited to see what further opportunities this excellent team I am blessed with here 
at NACG can produce in these strong and growing markets we work in.

Regards,

Joseph C Lambert

6          NORTH AMERICAN CONTRUCTION GROUP

MACKELLAR GROUP

Founded in 1966, the MacKellar Group has grown to become one of Australia’s largest mining solutions 
providers. Today, MacKellar supports over 15 ongoing mining projects, and following the acquisition 
of Western Plant Hire (WPH) in 2022, has strengthened its nationwide capability establishing a strong 
geographical footprint in the growing mining region of Western Australia.  MacKellar’s similarities to NACG 
are uncanny with the WPH investment containing many of the same benefits of NACG’s interest in the Nuna 
Group of Companies.

While MacKellar worked on many large civil projects in its early days, the mining business grew in 
Blackwater, when the opportunity arose in 1989 to start the Jellinbah mine. During an initial successful box 
cut and first coal, civil infrastructure such as haul roads, dams and hard stand areas were created proving 
MacKellar to be a one-stop shop for mining and earthwork activities. 

This successful commissioning led to projects such as the Boonal stockpile management, mining services 
at Yarrabee and eventually fully maintained rentals at Middlemount and a full mine services contract at the 
Carmichael mine. 

With a strong presence in Blackwater, MacKellar has major workshop that provides support to customers 
and projects in the region. MacKellar stocks componentry for our fleet of almost 500 machines, and 
provides component rebuilds for our own fleet and clients alike.

Of course, the success of MacKellar wouldn’t be possible without a proven safety culture and performance. 
Driving a safety culture where their people do the right thing because they want to, not because they have 
to. MacKellar’s safety culture is driven from management down as they genuinely care about their people 
and their families.

As we enter 2024 and MacKellar begins a new chapter as part of North American Construction Group, a 
whole new world is opening up for both companies

ANNUAL REPORT 2023          7

2024 
VISION

SAFETY

SUSTAINABILITY

EXECUTION

8          NORTH AMERICAN CONTRUCTION GROUP

SAFETY

Our Company is guided by our standard principle to promote the safe, environmentally responsible 
operations by ensuring that the hazards and environmental impacts associated with our day-to-day work 
activities are clearly understood and appropriately managed.

In 2023, our Total Recordable Injury Rate (“TRIR”) was 0.29 on a target of 0.50. We will work continuously 
to improve our safety management system and improve our process including safe work practices for 
identified risks and hazards found in the work we do. NACG recognizes that to achieve our safety vision,  
we must make our learning systems smarter and more prepared for the potential failures we uncover. 
We must continually gather information to help prevent any adverse outcomes for our workers and the 
Company. We will take the time to help our workers understand the importance of learning from each other 
and in turn our leadership learning from our workers. Through gathering information about our systems and 
critical tasks it will help identify the places where incidents are most likely to happen and ultimately help us 
prevent future events.

SAFETY PRINCIPLES

  Health, safety and environment are recognized as an integral part of our business.

  Our focus on people and relationships, and our uncompromising commitment to health and  

safety, allows us to acquire some of the best talent in the industry.

  We are committed to elevating the standard of excellence in health, safety and environmental 
protection with continuous improvement along with greater accountability and compliance.  
Our aim is to have zero incidents.

  NACG wants to be recognized as a progressive contractor and industry leader. We will continue  

to set new standards for safety excellence in the heavy construction and mining sector.

ANNUAL REPORT 2023          9

SUSTAINABILITY

Since our inception 70 years ago, NACG has touted an ingrained safe and low-cost provider culture. 
We believe this culture is key to our business success. We also believe that adopting a strong culture 
of sustainability, one that balances environmental, social and economic performance, is imperative 
to long-term success as an industry leader. We have the internal skill sets, individual and corporate 
desire, and functional ability to operate sustainably in each and every role within our company. Just 
as cost-consciousness and safe practices are not solely the responsibility of our finance and safety 
teams, sustainability is the responsibility of every employee. Over the coming years, we will look to 
further advance our sustainability goals through tangible win-win projects and by formally implementing 
systems and processes that align with our values while meeting the needs of our customers, partners 
and key stakeholders.

As part of this objective, we released our 2023 Sustainability Report and plan to issue our 2024 report 
in the first half of the year. This annual report provides a structured framework for environmental, 
social, and governance initiatives moving forward. We plan to continue to issue these reports to allow 
stakeholders to measure progress in a variety of business areas with increasing rigor and metrics. The 
2023 Sustainability Report is available on the Company’s website at www.nacg.ca/social-responsibility.

COMMITTED TARGETS

1  Diversity

We recognize the importance of having a diverse organization, and that starts at the top.  
Therefore, we have committed to 30% gender diversity on both the Board of Directors and  
amongst our senior leadership group.

2  Emissions Reduction

Our scope 1 emissions are derived from combustion of diesel from our off-road heavy 
equipment fleet. We’ve committed to reduce our scope 1 emissions intensity by 10% by 2025 
and 20% by 2028.

3  Total Recordable Injury Rate Of 0.5 Or Less

We believe all workplace incidents are preventable and will continue to strive for ongoing  
safety excellence through building on process and culture. A longstanding core goal of NACG,  
TRIR will continue to be used as one of our benchmarks to measure our safety performance.  
TRIR is an industry and nationally recognized standard safety metric and will keep the  
Company  in line with our clients.

10          NORTH AMERICAN CONTRUCTION GROUP

EXECUTION

Operational excellence is the key to achieving expected margins & shareholder returns. We fully intend to 
further enhance our reputation for operational excellence as improving site conditions result in the return of 
long-held operating routines. We will continue to build on our industry leading fleet maintenance strategy to 
maximize fleet availability and utilization by leveraging our reliability programs, management systems and 
expertise. We will leverage technological improvements and innovation to improve our operating efficiency, 
cost structure and component lives.

OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR 2024

•  Achieve equipment utilization targets for the Canadian and Australian heavy equipment fleets 

through mechanical availability and project management initiatives

• 

Implement best practices and our ERP at the MacKellar Group, including identification of 
opportunities to better utilize our capital and equipment in Australia

•  With a focus on Nuna Group of Companies, put into action practical and experienced-based 

protocols to ensure predictable high-quality project execution

•  Support continued project progress, strong equipment productivities, and cost discipline at 

the Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project

•  Leverage the telematics program to improve the operational performance and mechanical 

availabilities of our ultra-class and 240-tonne haul truck fleets

ANNUAL REPORT 2023          11

BOARD OF 

Directors

Martin Ferron
Chair of the Board
Director Since: June 7, 2012

Joe Lambert
Director Since: January 1, 2021

Bryan Pinney
Lead Director and Chair  
of Audit Committee
Director Since: May 13, 2015

John Pollesel
Chair of Operations Committee
Director Since: November 23, 2017

Maryse Saint-Laurent
Chair of Governance & 
Sustainability Committee
Director Since: August 8, 2019

Thomas Stan
Chair of Human Resources & 
Compensation Committee
Director Since: July 14, 2016

Kristina Williams
Director Since: August 8, 2019

Dr. Vanessa Guthrie AO
Director Since: March 1, 2024

12          NORTH AMERICAN CONTRUCTION GROUP

SENIOR 

Management

Joe Lambert
President & Chief  
Executive Officer

Jason Veenstra
Chief Financial Officer

Barry Palmer 
Chief Operating Officer & Regional 
President of MacKellar Group

Jordan Slator
Chief Legal Officer

David Kallay
Chief Human Resources Officer

Craig Nauta
Vice President of Operations

ANNUAL REPORT 2023          13

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
March 13, 2024

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, and notes that follow. These statements
have been prepared in accordance with United States (“US”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
Except where otherwise specifically indicated, all summary information contained in this MD&A has also been
prepared in accordance with GAAP and all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars. The audited
consolidated financial statements and additional information relating to our business, including our most recent
Annual Information Form (“AIF”), are available on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ SEDAR+ System at
www.sedarplus.ca, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and our company website
at www.nacg.ca.

Our MD&A presents non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, and supplementary financial measures that
provide useful financial information to our investors to better understand our performance. A “non-GAAP financial
measure” is a financial measure that depicts historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash
flows, but excludes amounts included in, or includes amounts excluded from, the most directly comparable GAAP
measure. A “non-GAAP ratio” is a ratio, fraction, percentage or similar expression that has a non-GAAP financial
measure as one or more of its components. Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios do not have standardized
meanings under GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. A
“supplementary financial measure” is a financial measure disclosed, or intended to be disclosed, on a periodic basis
to depict historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that does not fall within the
definition of a non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP ratio. In our MD&A, we use non-GAAP financial measures
and ratios such as “adjusted EBIT”, “adjusted EBITDA”, “adjusted EBITDA margin”, “adjusted EPS”, “adjusted net
earnings”, “backlog”, “capital additions”, “capital expenditures, net”, “capital inventory”, “capital work in progress”,
“cash provided by operating activities prior to change in working capital”, “combined backlog”, “combined gross
profit”, “combined gross profit margin”, “equity investment depreciation and amortization”, “equity investment EBIT”,
“equity method investment backlog”, “free cash flow”, “growth capital”, “general and administrative expenses
(excluding stock-based compensation)”, “growth spending”, “invested capital”, “net debt”, “share of affiliate and joint
venture capital additions”, “sustaining capital”, “total capital liquidity”, “total combined revenue”, and “total debt”. We
also use supplementary financial measures such as “gross profit margin” and “total net working capital (excluding
cash and current portion of long-term debt)” in our MD&A. We provide tables in this document that reconcile
non-GAAP and capital management measures used to GAAP measures reported on the face of the consolidated
financial statements. A summary of our financial measures is included below under the heading “Financial
Measures”.

14

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts)

Year ended December 31,

Revenue
Total combined revenue(i)
Gross profit
Gross profit margin(i)
Combined gross profit(i)
Combined gross profit margin(i)(ii)
Operating income
Adjusted EBITDA(i)
Adjusted EBITDA margin(i)(iii)
Net income
Adjusted net earnings(i)
Cash provided by operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities prior to change in working capital(i)
Free cash flow(i)
Purchase of PPE
Sustaining capital additions(i)
Growth capital additions(i)
Basic net income per share
Adjusted EPS(i)

2023

2022

Change

$

957,220
1,273,628
154,217

$

769,539
1,054,265
101,548

$ 187,681
219,363
52,669

16.1%

203,855

16.0%

95,714
296,963

23.3%

63,141
75,228
270,391
219,341
89,972
202,809
168,586
40,416
2.38
2.83

$
$

13.2%

151,129

14.3%

71,157
245,352

23.3%

67,372
65,912
169,201
182,511
70,312
111,499
113,095
—
2.46
2.41

2.9%

52,726

1.7%

24,557
51,611

—%

(4,231)
9,316
101,190
36,830
19,660
91,310
55,491
40,416
(0.08)
0.42

$
$

$
$

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
(ii)Combined gross profit margin is calculated using combined gross profit over total combined revenue.
(iii)Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated using adjusted EBITDA over total combined revenue.

Revenue of $957.2 million represents a $187.7 million (or 24%) increase for the full year of 2023, compared to 2022,
as a result of the acquisition of the MacKellar Group (“MacKellar”) effective October 1, 2023. Due to the change of
control that was effective October 1, 2023, MacKellar generated a full quarter of revenue totaling $122.5 million and
continued its growth profile with the fourth quarter being over 40% higher than Q4 2022 and double that of Q4 2021.
Significant rainfall in November and early December impacted MacKellar’s top-line but in general, the revenue
achieved was consistent with pre-acquisition expectations. The most significant mine sites for MacKellar are the
Carmichael and Middlemount mines, located in the Queensland region, which provided strong top-line contributions
in the quarter.

Excluding MacKellar, the full year equipment utilization profiles for 2023 and 2022 generated consistent revenue with
the equipment and unit rate adjustments applied in late Q3 2022 to reflect the specific inflationary cost pressures
experienced in the Fort McMurray region providing the primary driver of the year-over-year increase. The purchase
of ML Northern Services Ltd.’s (“ML Northern”) fuel and lube equipment fleet, which occurred on October 1, 2022,
was integrated into our operations and generated full-year equipment operating hours in 2023. Lastly, revenues
generated by DGI (Aust) Trading Pty Ltd. (“DGI”) were significantly higher than 2022 on strong global demand for
used components and major parts required by heavy equipment fleets.

Combined revenue of $1,273.6 million in 2023 represents a $219.4 million (or 21%) year-over-year increase. Our
share of revenue generated in 2023 by joint ventures and affiliates was $686.3 million, compared to $596.0 million in
2022 (an increase of 15%). The Fargo Moorhead project was the primary driver of the year-over-year increase with
2023 being the year of achieving full scale operations. Based on our share of revenue, the project generated
$117.5 million in 2023, compared to $40.6 million in 2022, while progressing the project past the 30% completion
mark with over 10% being completed in the fourth quarter alone. In addition, positive momentum was generated by
the continued growth from rebuilt ultra-class haul trucks now being owned by the Mikisew North American Limited
Partnership (“MNALP”). Offsetting these increases, the Nuna Group of Companies (“Nuna”) ramped down activities
in early Q3 2023 at the gold mine in Northern Ontario and consequently posted lower overall revenue in 2023.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

15

For the full year of 2023, gross profit was $154.2 million, or 16.1% of revenue, up from $101.5 million and 13.2% in
the previous year. Included in the gross profit margin for the year was depreciation of $131.3 million, or 13.7% of
revenue, which is an increase from our prior year expense of $119.3 million but, more importantly, a decrease from
our prior year rate of 15.5%. The acquisition of MacKellar, steady operating conditions in the Fort McMurray region,
and inflation-adjusted equipment and unit rates resulted in gross profit margin returning to historical levels in 2023. In
addition to our core heavy equipment fleet, margins were bolstered by the full-year contributions from ML Northern
and DGI, which yielded higher margins on service and component sales, and the operations support contracts at
coal mines in Texas and Wyoming.

Combined gross profit margin of 16.0% for the full year of 2023 was consistent with the wholly-owned entities but
was notably impacted by the negative gross profit posted by Nuna in the fourth quarter. The primary drivers of this
were three projects in Northern BC and the Northwest Territories that had costs exceed, and equipment productivity
fall short of, project estimates. Based on historical precedent, the gross margin and EPS impacts of these projects in
the quarter was approximately $7.5 million and 20 cents per share. These projects are now substantially complete
with NACG, as the joint venture operator, intervening in early Q1 2024 by taking major restructuring steps to
establish a turnaround plan to promptly return Nuna to operational excellence.

General and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation) were $41.0 million, or 4.3% of revenue,
compared to $25.1 million, or 3.3% of revenue, in the previous year. General and administrative expenses in the
year include one-time costs of $7.1 million related to the acquisition of MacKellar. MacKellar’s administrative cost
profile is similar to the Canadian and U.S. operations.

Adjusted EBITDA of $297.0 million represents a 21% increase from the prior year result of $245.4 million and was
coincidently consistent with overall revenue activity as adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.3% was identical to the prior
year margin of 23.3%. The strong performance of the various wholly-owned businesses lines, including MacKellar,
and the Fargo-Moorhead project was offset by weaker operational performance by Nuna in the back half of 2023.

Net interest expense was $36.9 million for the year, including approximately $1.6 million of non-cash interest,
compared to $24.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in the previous year. Our average cash cost of debt for the
year was 7.5% as rate increases posted by the Bank of Canada directly impact our Credit Facility and have a
delayed impact as well on the rates for secured equipment-backed financing. Adjusted EPS of $2.83 on adjusted net
earnings of $75.2 million is 17.4%, up from the prior year figure of $2.41, and is consistent with the relative increase
of adjusted EBITDA as depreciation, tax, and interest rates generally tracked consistently with the prior year.
Weighted-average common shares outstanding were fairly steady for the full years of 2023 and 2022 being
26.6 million and 27.4 million, respectively, with the full year of 2023 being impacted by share redemptions during the
second and third quarters of 2022.

Free cash flow of $90.0 million is the culmination of adjusted EBITDA of $297.0 million, mentioned above, less
sustaining capital additions of $168.6 million, cash interest paid during the year of $33.5 million and current income
taxes of $6.8 million. Sustaining capital additions during the year were comprised exclusively of routine maintenance
spending on and replenishment of heavy equipment and, as a percentage of reported revenue, increased from
14.7% in 2022 to 17.6% in 2023 due to component quality issues experienced in the first half of the year. Albeit
seasonal in nature, the percentage in the fourth quarter was 12.5% with a full quarter contribution from MacKellar
and the ramp-up of the active winter program in Canada. Included in free cash flow are the capital, interest and tax
costs required of and incurred by our joint ventures of which our share totaled $18.4 million during the year.

The remaining differences in free cash flow generation are related to timing impacts. Changes in routine working
capital balances had a positive impact on cash generated in 2023, primarily from working capital management at
MacKellar in the fourth quarter. In addition, temporary impacts on free cash flow in the year included i) an increase in
capital work in process and capital inventory investments as we build our maintenance programs and ii) growth of
equity in our joint ventures which require cash discipline to manage growth capital spending and working capital
balances. As quantitative evidence of this latter timing impact, our equity in joint ventures grew by $5.8 million during
the year which we expect to translate into cash distributions over time. Excluding the debt funding required for both
MacKellar’s upfront acquisition costs and growth capital in the fourth quarter, free cash flow generation was primarily
directed to debt reduction ($66.4 million) with secondary uses being dividends and trust purchases ($16.0 million)
and growth capital in Canada ($5.5 million).

16

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Five-year financial performance

(dollars in thousands except ratios and per share amounts)

2023

2022

2021

2020(iii)

2019(iii)

Year ended December 31,

Operating Data

Revenue
Gross profit
Gross profit margin(i)
Operating income
Adjusted EBIT(i)
Adjusted EBITDA(i)
Adjusted EBITDA margin(ii)
Comprehensive income
Adjusted net earnings(i)

Per share information

Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
Adjusted EPS(i)

Balance Sheet Data
Total assets

Current portion of long-term debt

Non-current portion of long-term debt (excluding convertible
debentures)

Current obligation related to MacKellar acquisition
Non-current obligation related to MacKellar acquisition

Total debt(i)
Convertible debentures
Cash

Net debt(i)
Total shareholders’ equity

Invested capital(i)

$

957,220
154,217

$

769,539
101,548

$

654,143
90,417

$

498,468
92,218

$

715,110
94,338

16.1%

13.2%

13.8%

18.5%

13.2%

95,714
145,238
296,963

23.3%

62,428
75,228

71,157
113,845
245,352

55,128
92,661
207,333

23.3%

25.5%

67,676
65,912

51,410
58,243

67,122
81,418
174,336

29.9%

49,208
48,746

57,131
70,962
174,379

23.4%

36,878
43,721

$
$
$

2.38
2.09
2.83

$ 1,546,478

81,306

$
$
$

$

$
$
$

$

2.46
2.15
2.41

979,513

42,089

1.81
1.64
2.06

869,278

44,728

$
$
$

$

1.75
1.60
1.73

839,063

43,158

$
$
$

$

1.45
1.23
1.72

793,152

47,680

485,077

253,073

211,148

331,169

270,381

20,070
93,356

679,809
129,750
(88,614)

720,945
356,654

—
—

295,162
129,750
(69,144)

355,768
305,919

—
—

255,876
129,750
(16,601)

369,025
278,463

—
—

374,327
55,000
(43,447)

385,880
248,443

—
—

318,061
94,031
(5,208)

406,884
180,119

$ 1,077,599

$

661,687

$

647,488

$

634,323

$

587,003

Outstanding common shares, excluding treasury shares
Cash dividend declared per share

26,737,095
0.40

26,420,821
0.32

28,458,115
0.16

29,166,630
0.16

25,777,445
0.12

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
(ii)Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated using adjusted EBITDA over total combined revenue.
(iii)The prior year amounts are adjusted to reflect a change in accounting policy. See “Accounting Estimates, Pronouncements and Measures”.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

17

Summary of net income

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue
Cost of sales
Depreciation

Gross profit
Gross profit margin(i)
General and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based
compensation)(i)
Stock-based compensation (benefit) expense
Operating income
Interest expense, net
Net income

Adjusted EBITDA(i)
Adjusted EBITDA margin(ii)

Per share information
Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share
Adjusted EPS(i)

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

2023

326,298
218,853
41,990

65,455

20.1 %

18,702
(496)
45,779
14,007
17,646

101,136

25.1 %

$

$

2022

233,417
154,967
35,860

42,590

18.2%

$

$

2023

957,220
671,684
131,319

154,217

$

$

2022

769,539
548,723
119,268

101,548

16.1%

13.2%

6,648
4,910
31,565
7,774
26,081

85,875

26.8%

41,016
15,828
95,714
36,948
63,141

25,075
4,780
71,157
24,543
67,372

296,963

23.3%

245,352

23.3%

0.66
0.58
0.87

$
$
$

0.99
0.84
1.10

$
$
$

2.38
2.09
2.83

$
$
$

2.46
2.15
2.41

$

$

$
$
$

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
(ii)Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated using adjusted EBITDA over total combined revenue.

Reconciliation of total reported revenue to total combined revenue

(dollars in thousands)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

Revenue from wholly-owned entities per financial statements
Share of revenue from investments in affiliates and joint
ventures
Elimination of joint venture subcontract revenue

$

326,298

$

233,417

$

957,220

$

769,539

169,662
(92,522)

183,006
(96,315)

686,299
(369,891)

596,033
(311,307)

Total combined revenue(i)

$

403,438

$

320,108

$ 1,273,628

$ 1,054,265

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Reconciliation of reported gross profit to combined gross profit

(dollars in thousands)
Gross profit from wholly-owned entities per financial statements $
Share of gross profit from investments in affiliates and joint
ventures

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

2023

65,455 $

8,670

2022

42,590 $
14,541

2023
154,217 $

49,638

2022
101,548
49,581

Combined gross profit(i)

$

74,125 $

57,131 $

203,855 $

151,129

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

18

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Reconciliation of net income to adjusted net earnings, adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA

(dollars in thousands)

Net income
Adjustments:

Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Stock-based compensation (benefit) expense
Acquisition costs
Loss on equity investment customer bankruptcy claim
settlement
Loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments
Equity investment (gain) loss on derivative financial
instruments
Tax effect of the above items

Adjusted net earnings(i)
Adjustments:

Tax effect of the above items
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
Interest expense, net
Income tax expense
Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures(i)
Equity investment EBIT(i)

Adjusted EBIT(i)
Adjustments:

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

2023

2022

2023

2022

$

17,646

$

26,081

$

63,141

$

67,372

1,470
(496)
5,934

—
916

(713)
(1,589)

(533)
4,910
—

—
(778)

364
(1,006)

1,659
15,828
7,095

759
(6,063)

(1,362)
(5,829)

536
4,780
—

—
(778)

(4,776)
(1,222)

$

23,168

$

29,038

$

75,228

$

65,912

1,589
4,681
14,007
10,930
(2,401)
1,787

1,006
—
7,774
6,889
(8,401)
9,363

5,829
4,681
36,948
22,822
(25,815)
25,545

1,222
—
24,543
17,073
(37,053)
42,148

$

53,761

$

45,669

$

145,238

$

113,845

Depreciation and amortization
Equity investment depreciation and amortization(i)

42,277
5,098

36,094
4,112

132,516
19,209

120,124
11,383

Adjusted EBITDA(i)
Adjusted EBITDA margin(ii)

$

101,136

$

85,875

$

296,963

$

245,352

25.1%

26.8%

23.3%

23.3%

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
(ii)Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated using adjusted EBITDA over total combined revenue.

Reconciliation of equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures to equity investment EBIT

(dollars in thousands)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

Equity (earnings) loss in affiliates and joint ventures
Adjustments:

Interest (income) expense, net
Income tax (recovery) expense
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Equity investment EBIT(i)

Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets

Equity investment depreciation and amortization(i)

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

$

2,401

$

8,401

$

25,815

$

37,053

(268)
(324)
(22)

1,787

4,983
115

5,098

$

$

688
275
(1)

9,363

3,936
176

4,112

$

$

(1,183)
970
(57)

25,545

$

18,555
654

19,209

$

2,589
2,442
64

42,148

10,679
704

11,383

$

$

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

19

Analysis of three months and year ended December 31, 2023, results

Revenue

A breakdown of revenue by reportable segment is as follows:

Heavy Equipment–Canada
Heavy Equipment–Australia
Other
Eliminations

A breakdown of revenue by source is as follows:

Operations support services
Equipment and component sales
Construction services

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

$

$

2023

187,545
134,698
10,133
(6,078)

$

2022

221,375
6,089
8,483
(2,530)

$

2023

766,920
158,608
39,963
(8,271)

2022

708,786
30,693
56,963
(26,903)

$

326,298

$

233,417

$

957,220

$

769,539

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

2023

308,513
13,899
3,886

326,298

$

$

2022

212,870
9,179
11,368

233,417

$

$

2023

886,963
57,822
12,435

957,220

$

$

2022

688,734
48,728
32,077

769,539

$

$

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, revenue was $326.3 million, up from $233.4 million in the same
period last year. The majority of the quarter-over-quarter increase in revenue was driven by the October 2023
acquisition of MacKellar, represented in the Heavy Equipment – Australia segment of $134.7 million. Heavy
Equipment – Canada equipment utilization of 65%, compared to the record Q4 metric of 73% last year, was primarily
impacted by the late start of winter reclamation scopes at the Syncrude Mine. Heavy Equipment – Canada revenue
was down over the same period in 2022 as a result of changes in timing of reclamation projects beginning later than
the previous year and certain construction scopes concluding earlier in 2023, relative to the same period in 2022.
Further quarter-over-quarter revenue decrease is related to regional labour incentive pay for the Fort McMurray
region which ended in Q2 2023.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, revenue was $957.2 million, up from $769.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2022. The increase of 24% reflects the Q4 factors noted above in addition to strong Q1 performance
resulting from high utilization. Q1 2022 was also heavily impacted by shortages in heavy equipment technicians and
general workforce availability caused by high case counts of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, while Q1 2023 was not
impacted by these factors to the same extent.

Gross profit

A breakdown of gross profit by reportable segment is as follows:

Heavy Equipment–Canada
Heavy Equipment–Australia
Other
Eliminations

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

$

2023

31,365
31,574
3,149
(633)

$

2022

38,135
472
4,168
(185)

$

2023

104,167
40,607
11,986
(2,543)

2022

81,754
6,721
15,627
(2,554)

65,455

$

42,590

$

154,217

$

101,548

$

$

20

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

A breakdown of cost of sales is as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

Salaries, wages and benefits
Repair parts and consumable supplies
Subcontractor services
Equipment and component sales
Third-party equipment rentals
Fuel
Other

Cost of sales

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

$

$

2023

99,216
65,971
28,543
12,446
7,982
3,470
1,225

$

2022

69,979
36,494
30,449
6,637
5,885
3,604
1,919

$

2023

292,226
198,730
100,572
46,084
18,727
8,410
6,935

2022

241,113
131,460
91,666
41,302
22,964
12,963
7,255

$

218,853

$

154,967

$

671,684

$

548,723

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, gross profit was $65.5 million or 20.1% of revenue, up from a
gross profit of $42.6 million and 18.2% gross margin in the same period last year. The quarter-over-quarter increase
is the result of the October 2023 acquisition of MacKellar, represented in the Heavy Equipment – Australia segment.
The decrease in gross profit in the Heavy Equipment – Canada segment is driven by the decrease in revenue. For
the three months ended December 31, 2023, cost of sales were $218.9 million, up from cost of sales of
$155.0 million in the same period last year. The increase in cost of sales is driven by the acquisition of MacKellar.
This increase was partially offset by a reduction in the Heavy Equipment – Canada segment in line with the revenue
results discussed above.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, gross profit was $154.2 million, or 16.1% of revenue, up from
$101.5 million, or 13.2% of revenue, in the previous year. For the year ended December 31, 2023, cost of sales
were $671.7 million, up from cost of sales of $548.7 million in the same period last year. The increase in gross profit
in the Heavy Equipment – Australia segment is due to the Q4 factors discussed above, while the year-over-year
increase in gross profit in the Heavy Equipment – Canada segment was due to efficiencies in mobilization of the
larger truck and loading equipment fleets at certain sites and higher equipment utilization in the first half of the year.
Gross margin was further impacted in the prior year by workforce availability issues in January due to high
COVID-19 Omicron cases and the significant impact of cost inflation and skilled labour shortages in Q1 2022.

A breakdown of depreciation by reportable segment is as follows:

Heavy Equipment—Canada
Heavy Equipment—Australia
Eliminations

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

2023

28,393
13,100
497

$

2022

35,795
65
—

$

2023

116,660
13,240
1,419

$

2022

119,054
183
31

41,990

$

35,860

$

131,319

$

119,268

$

$

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, depreciation was $42.0 million (12.9% of revenue) up from
$35.9 million (15.4% of revenue) in the same period last year. Depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2023,
was $131.3 million (13.7% of revenue) up from $119.3 million (15.5% of revenue) for the year ended December 31,
2022. The decrease in Q4 2023 in Heavy Equipment – Canada relates to decreased operating equipment hours by
the fleet when compared to 2022. The decreases in depreciation as a percentage of revenue relate to diversification
efforts and the heavy equipment fleet in Canada being less of a proportion of revenue and depreciation.

Operating income

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, operating income was $45.8 million, up from $31.6 million during
the same period last year. G&A expense, excluding stock-based compensation expense, was $18.7 million, or 5.7%
of revenue, for the three months ended December 31, 2023, up from $6.6 million, or 2.8% of revenue, in the same
period last year. The increase was due to increased business activity levels with the recent acquisitions and
non-recurring acquisition costs for MacKellar totaling $5.9 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, operating income was $95.7 million, up from $71.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 2022. G&A expense, excluding stock-based compensation expense, was $41.0 million for the

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

21

year ended December 31, 2023, or 4.3% of revenue, up from the $25.1 million and 3.3% of revenue, recorded in the
year ended December 31, 2022. The year-over-year gross increase was due to increased business activity levels
with the recent acquisitions and non-recurring acquisition costs for MacKellar totaling $7.1 million.

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, stock-based compensation was a $0.5 million benefit and
$15.8 million expense, respectively. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2022, stock-based
compensation expense was $4.9 million and $4.8 million, respectively. The year-over-year change is primarily due to
the impact of the fluctuating share price on the carrying value of our liability classified award plans.

Non-operating income and expense

(dollars in thousands)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Three months ended
December 31,

Year ended
December 31,

Interest expense
Credit Facility
Convertible debentures
Equipment financing
Interest on customer supply chain financing
Mortgage
Other interest (income) expense

Cash interest expense
Amortization of deferred financing costs

Total interest expense
Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
Loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments
Income tax expense

$

$

$

$

$

$

7,519
1,708
2,585
1,355
242
(160)
13,249
758
14,007
(2,401)
4,681
916
10,930

3,367
1,729
769
1,087
249
289
7,490
284
7,774
(8,401)
—
(778)
6,889

$

$

$

16,781
6,843
5,046
4,493
979
1,171
35,313
1,635
36,948
(25,815)
4,681
(6,063)
22,822

$

$

$

9,250
6,861
3,344
2,196
1,006
810
23,467
1,076
24,543
(37,053)
—
(778)
17,073

Total interest expense was $14.0 million during the three months ended December 31, 2023, up from $7.8 million in
the same period last year. In the year ended December 31, 2023, total interest expense was $36.9 million, up from
the $24.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest expense in both periods is due to
the higher balance on the Credit Facility and increases in the variable rate.

Cash related interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2023, calculated as interest expense
excluding amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.8 million was $13.2 million and represents an average cost
of debt of 8.8% when factoring in the Credit Facility balances during the quarter (compared to $7.5 million and 7.1%
respectively for the three months ended December 31, 2022). Cash related interest expense for the year ended
December 31, 2023, excluding deferred financing cost of amortization of $1.6 million was $35.3 million and
represents an average cost of debt of 7.5% (compared to 5.6% for the year ended December 31, 2022).

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a change in fair value of contingent consideration of $4.7
million (December 31, 2022 - $nil).

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a realized gain of $6.6 million (December 31, 2022 - $nil)
and an unrealized gain of $0.2 million (December 31, 2022 - $0.8 million) on a swap agreement. Subsequent to
year-end, this swap agreement was completed on January 3, 2024.

We recorded income tax expense of $10.9 million and $22.8 million, respectively, during the three months and year
ended December 31, 2023, an increase from the $6.9 million and $17.1 million income tax expense recorded in the
respective prior year periods, mostly due to the addition of MacKellar resulting in higher net income before taxes.

22

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Statements of Operations for affiliates and joint ventures

Three months ended December 31, 2023

Revenue
Gross profit (loss)
Income (loss) before taxes
Net income (loss)

Three months ended December 31, 2022

Revenue
Gross profit
Income before taxes
Net income

Year ended December 31, 2023

Revenue
Gross profit
Income (loss) before taxes
Net income (loss)

Year ended December 31, 2022

Revenue
Gross profit
Income before taxes
Net income

Nuna

19,042
(4,754)
(6,855)
(6,161)

Nuna

55,544
6,653
3,910
3,634

Nuna

165,741
9,622
1,246
1,098

Nuna

213,745
30,667
21,741
19,298

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

MNALP

97,161
3,547
2,762
2,762

MNALP

110,784
3,934
3,375
3,375

MNALP

395,040
13,954
10,869
10,869

MNALP

330,259
10,216
8,825
8,825

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Fargo

Other entities

50,301
9,679
6,094
5,724

$

$

3,158
198
111
76

Fargo

Other entities

13,254
3,286
946
946

$

$

3,424
669
446
446

Fargo

Other entities

117,543
25,353
15,344
14,522

$

$

7,975
709
(639)
(674)

Fargo

Other entities

40,598
6,575
7,049
7,049

$

$

11,431
2,123
1,881
1,881

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total

169,662
8,670
2,112
2,401

Total

183,006
14,542
8,677
8,401

Total

686,299
49,638
26,820
25,815

Total

596,033
49,581
39,496
37,053

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures was $2.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023,
down from $8.4 million in the same period last year. In the year ended December 31, 2023, equity earnings in
affiliates and joint ventures were $25.8 million, down from the $37.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2022.
The Fargo-Moorhead joint ventures continued their strong performance as construction of the flood diversion project
ramped up significantly throughout 2023. MNALP continued the expansion of its fleet with the addition of four ultra-
class haul trucks in 2023, while Q4 results were impacted by the same delayed starts in certain reclamation scopes
and early completion of winter scopes impacting NACG revenue. Earnings from Nuna were down year-over-year as
a result of the wind up of Nuna’s scope of work at the gold mine in Northern Ontario, which was completed in Q3 of
2023 as well as project losses experienced during the second half of 2023.

A reconciliation of basic net income per share to adjusted EPS is as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

Net income
Interest from convertible debentures (after tax)

Diluted net income available to common shareholders

Adjusted net earnings(i)

Weighted-average number of common shares
Weighted-average number of diluted shares

Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share

Adjusted EPS(i)

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Three months ended
December 31,

Year ended
December 31,

2023

17,646
1,484

19,130

23,168

26,737,435
33,026,740

0.66
0.58

0.87

$

$

$

$
$

$

2022

26,081
1,488

27,569

29,038

26,421,459
32,942,717

0.99
0.84

1.10

$

$

$

$
$

$

2023

63,141
5,925

69,066

75,228

26,566,846
33,026,740

2.38
2.09

2.83

$

$

$

$
$

$

2022

67,372
5,893

73,265

65,912

27,406,140
34,006,850

2.46
2.15

2.41

$

$

$

$
$

$

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

23

Summary of consolidated quarterly results

A number of factors contribute to variations in our quarterly financial results between periods, including:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

changes in the mix of work from earthworks, with heavy equipment, to more labour intensive, light
construction projects;

seasonal weather and ground conditions;

certain types of work that can only be performed during cold, winter conditions when the ground is frozen;

the timing and size of capital projects undertaken by our customers on large oil sands projects;

the timing of equipment maintenance and repairs;

the timing of project ramp-up costs as we move between seasons or types of projects;

the timing of resolution for claims and unsigned change-orders;

the timing of “mark-to-market” expenses related to the effect of a change in our share price on stock-based
compensation plan liabilities; and

the level of borrowing under our convertible debentures, Credit Facility and finance leases and the
corresponding interest expense recorded against the outstanding balance of each.

The table, below, summarizes our consolidated results for the eight preceding quarters:

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

Revenue
Gross profit(i)
Adjusted EBITDA(i)
Net income
Basic income per share(ii)
Diluted income per share(ii)
Adjusted EPS(i)(ii)
Cash dividend per share(iii)

Q4
2023

$ 326.3
65.5
101.1
17.6
$ 0.66
$ 0.58
$ 0.87
$ 0.10

Q3
2023

$ 194.7
26.3
59.4
11.4
$ 0.43
$ 0.39
$ 0.54
$ 0.10

Q2
2023

$ 193.6
21.5
51.8
12.2
$ 0.46
$ 0.42
$ 0.47
$ 0.10

Q1
2023

$ 242.6
40.9
84.6
21.9
$ 0.83
$ 0.70
$ 0.95
$ 0.10

Q4
2022

$ 233.4
42.6
85.9
26.1
$ 0.99
$ 0.84
$ 1.10
$ 0.08

Q3
2022

$ 191.4
24.6
60.1
20.6
$ 0.75
$ 0.65
$ 0.65
$ 0.08

Q2
2022

$ 168.0
12.4
41.6
7.5
$ 0.27
$ 0.25
$ 0.17
$ 0.08

Q1
2022

$ 176.7
22.0
57.7
13.5
$ 0.48
$ 0.43
$ 0.51
$ 0.08

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
(ii)Net income and adjusted earnings per share for each quarter have been computed based on the weighted-average number of shares issued
and outstanding during the respective quarter. Therefore, quarterly amounts are not additive and may not add to the associated annual or
year-to-date totals.
(iii)The timing of payment of the cash dividend per share may differ from the dividend declaration date.

Mine support revenue in the oil sands region is traditionally highest during December to March as ground conditions
are most favorable for work requiring frozen ground access. Delays in the start of the winter freeze required to
perform this type of work reduce revenues or have an adverse effect on project performance in the winter period.
The oil sands mine support activity levels decline when frost leaves the ground and access to excavation and
dumping areas, as well as associated roads, are rendered temporarily incapable of supporting the weight of heavy
equipment. The end of this period, which can vary considerably from year-to-year, is referred to as “spring breakup”
and has a direct impact on our mine support activity levels.

Rental and production-related mine support revenue in the Queensland region can be impacted by the rainy cyclone
season from November through February. During this period, heavy rains can temporarily suspend mining
operations from both the direct impacts to the mine itself as well as flooding that can damage perimeter roads
required for critical supplies and parts. As a result of these weather events, production-related heavy equipment fleet
is typically parked and safeguarded in dedicated holding areas. This reduction in equipment utilization can be
somewhat offset by the use of support equipment to bring mine operations back to full capacity such as road
clean-up, civil construction and dewatering scopes.

24

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

The level of project work executed by Nuna in each fiscal quarter is highly contingent on the relative mix of varying
projects scopes and the geographic area where the work is executed. In general, activity peaks in the third quarter
when temperatures in the remote North allow for project work to occur. On the most remote of projects, the active
construction season can be less than 14 weeks. Projects executed in more southern regions of Canada are not as
heavily impacted. On other seasonal projects, the spring/summer project execution season can be longer, spanning
from June to October or November. However, site access is limited at times due to road bans. Other major projects,
mainly winter road construction and maintenance occur in Q4 and Q1.

Overall, full-year results are not likely to be a direct multiple or combination of any one quarter or quarters. In
addition to revenue variability, gross margins can be negatively impacted in less active periods because we are likely
to incur higher maintenance and repair costs due to our equipment being available for servicing.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Summary of consolidated financial position

(dollars in thousands)

Cash

Working capital assets
Accounts receivable
Contract assets
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and deposits

Working capital liabilities

Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Contract liabilities

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

88,614

97,855
35,027
64,962
7,402

$

$

69,144

83,811
15,802
49,898
10,587

(146,190)
(94,726)
(59)

(102,549)
(43,784)
(1,411)

$

$

Change

19,470

14,044
19,225
15,064
(3,185)

(43,641)
(50,942)
1,352

Total net working capital (excluding cash and current portion of long-term
debt)(ii)

$

(35,729)

$

12,354

$ (48,083)

Property, plant and equipment
Total assets

Credit Facility(i)
Equipment financing(i)
Mortgage(i)
Obligation related to MacKellar acquisition(i)

Total debt(ii)

Convertible debentures(i)
Cash

Net debt(ii)
Total shareholders’ equity

Invested capital(ii)

(i)Includes current portion.
(ii)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

1,142,946
1,546,478

317,488
220,466
28,429
113,426

679,809
129,750
(88,614)

720,945
356,654

$

$

$ 1,077,599

645,810
979,513

180,000
85,931
29,231
—

295,162
129,750
(69,144)

355,768
305,919

497,136
566,965

137,488
134,535
(802)
113,426

$ 384,647
—
(19,470)

$ 365,177
50,735

661,687

$ 415,912

$

$

$

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

25

As at December 31, 2023, we had $88.6 million in cash and $129.3 million of unused borrowing availability on the
Credit Facility for total liquidity of $217.9 million (defined as cash plus available and unused Credit Facility
borrowings). As at December 31, 2022, we had $69.1 million in cash and $88.0 million of unused borrowing
availability on the Credit Facility for total liquidity of $157.1 million. Total net working capital (excluding cash and
current portion of long-term debt) was $35,729 at December 31, 2023 ($12,354 at December 31, 2022). The
decrease is mostly due to recognition of the current portion of the obligation related to the MacKellar acquisition in
Q4 2023.

Our liquidity is complemented by available borrowings through our equipment leasing partners. As at December 31,
2023, our total available capital liquidity was $292.6 million (defined as total liquidity plus unused finance lease and
other borrowing availability under our Credit Facility). As at December 31, 2022, our total capital liquidity was
$212.4 million. Borrowing availability under finance lease obligations considers the current and long-term portion of
finance lease obligations and financing obligations, including specific finance lease obligations for the joint ventures
that we guarantee. There are no restrictions within the terms of our Credit Facility relating to the use of operating
leases.

(dollars in thousands)

Cash
Credit Facility borrowing limit
Credit Facility drawn
Letters of credit outstanding

Cash liquidity(i)

Finance lease borrowing limit
Other debt borrowing limit
Equipment financing drawn
Guarantees provided to joint ventures

Total capital liquidity(i)

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

88,614 $

478,022
(317,488)
(31,272)

69,144
300,000
(180,000)
(32,030)

$

217,876 $

157,114

350,000
20,000
(220,466)
(74,831)

175,000
20,000
(85,931)
(53,744)

$

292,579 $

212,439

As at December 31, 2023, we had $4.0 million in trade receivables that were more than 30 days past due, compared
to $1.9 million as at December 31, 2022. As at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, we did not have an
allowance for credit losses related to our trade receivables as we believe that there is minimal risk in the collection of
past due trade receivables. We continue to monitor the credit worthiness of our customers.

Our working capital assets and liabilities are affected by the timing of the completion of projects and the contractual
terms of the project. In some cases, our customers are permitted to withhold payment of a percentage of the amount
owing to us for a stipulated period of time (such percentage and time period is usually defined by the contract and in
some cases legislation). This amount acts as a form of security for our customers and is referred to as a “holdback”.
Typically, we are only entitled to collect payment on holdbacks if substantial completion of the contract has been
performed, there are no outstanding claims by subcontractors or others related to work performed by us, and we
have met the period specified by the contract, usually 45 days after completion of the work. However, in some
cases, we are able to negotiate the progressive release of holdbacks as the job reaches various stages of
completion. As at December 31, 2023, holdbacks totaled $0.4 million, comparable to the $0.4 million balance as at
December 31, 2022.

Capital resources

Our capital resources consist primarily of cash flow provided by operating activities, cash borrowings under our
Credit Facility and financing through operating leases and capital equipment financing.

Our primary uses of cash are for capital expenditures, to fulfill debt repayment and interest payment obligations, to
fund operating and finance lease obligations, to finance working capital requirements, and to pay dividends. When
prudent, we have also used cash to repurchase our common shares.

We anticipate that we will have enough cash from operations to fund our annual expenses, planned capital spending
program and meet current and future working capital, debt servicing and dividend payment requirements in 2024
from existing cash balances, cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under our Credit Facility.

26

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Reconciliation of capital additions

(dollars in thousands)

Purchase of PPE
Additions to intangibles

Gross capital expenditures
Proceeds from sale of PPE
Change in capital inventory and capital work in progress(i)

Capital expenditures, net(i)
Finance lease additions

Capital additions(i)

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

(dollars in thousands)

Sustaining
Growth

Capital expenditures, net(i)

Sustaining
Growth

Finance lease additions

Sustaining
Growth

Capital additions(i)

Three months ended
December 31,

Year ended
December 31,

2023

88,599
560

89,159
(5,610)
(7,745)

75,804
931

76,735

$

$

$

2022

27,908
507

28,415
(1,033)
(1,681)

25,701
236

25,937

$

$

2023

202,809
683

203,492
(10,419)
(12,230)

180,843
28,159

$

$

2022

111,499
3,765

115,264
(3,400)
(7,700)

104,164
8,931

$

209,002

$

113,095

Three months ended
December 31,

Year ended
December 31,

2023

39,863
35,941

75,804

931
—

931

40,794
35,941

76,735

$

$

2022

25,701
—

25,701

236
—

236

25,937
—

25,937

$

2023

140,427
40,416

180,843

28,159
—

28,159

168,586
40,416

$

2022

104,164
—

104,164

8,931
—

8,931

113,095
—

$

209,002

$

113,095

$

$

$

$

$

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

A breakdown of net capital expenditures by reportable segment is as follows:

Heavy Equipment – Canada
Heavy Equipment – Australia

Purchase of PPE

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Three months ended
December 31,

Year ended
December 31,

2023

32,303
56,296

88,599

$

$

2022

27,748
160

27,908

2023

146,442
56,367

202,809

$

$

2022

111,295
204

111,499

$

$

$

$

Sustaining capital additions of $40.8 million ($25.9 million in the prior year) for the three months ended
December 31, 2023, and $168.6 million ($113.1 million in the prior year) for the year ended December 31, 2023, are
primarily made up of routine capital maintenance performed on the existing fleet as required to maintain equipment.
Earlier in the year, smaller heavy equipment assets were purchased for the summer construction season.

Growth capital additions of $35.9 million ($nil in the prior year) for the three months ended December 31, 2023, and
$40.4 million ($nil in the prior year) for the year ended December 31, 2023, are primarily related heavy equipment
additions by MacKellar in Q4 in addition to fuel and lube trucks for ML Northern. Further to the growth capital
additions above is the acquisition of MacKellar for $179.7 million in 2023 and the acquisition of ML Northern for
$8.0 million in 2022.

A portion of our heavy construction fleet is financed through finance leases. We continue to lease our motor vehicle
fleet through our finance lease facilities. Our equipment fleet is currently split among owned (75%), finance leased
(23%) and rented equipment (2%).

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

27

Summary of capital additions in affiliates and joint ventures

Not included in the above reconciliation of capital additions, this table reflects our share of capital additions made by
our affiliates and joint ventures.

(dollars in thousands)

Nuna
MNALP
Fargo
Other

Share of affiliate and joint venture capital additions(i)

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Three months ended
December 31,

Year ended
December 31,

$

2023

392
4,802
4,107
111

$

2022

943
3,994
3,549
454

$

2023

2,935
15,635
18,527
(1,258)

9,412

$

8,940

$

35,839

$

2022

8,190
22,690
16,364
3,062

50,306

$

$

Capital additions within the Nuna joint ventures are considered to be sustaining in nature while the capital additions
made by the MNALP & Fargo joint ventures were for growth.

Summary of consolidated cash flows

(dollars in thousands)

Cash provided by operating activities
Cash used in investing activities
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash

Operating activities

(dollars in thousands)

Three months ended
December 31,

2023

$

160,870
(137,756)
21,892

2022

78,099
(17,524)
(14,524)

Year ended
December 31,

2023

$

$

270,391
(244,879)
(7,747)

2022

169,201
(97,469)
(19,493)

45,006

$

46,051

$

17,765

$

52,239

$

$

Three months ended
December 31,

Year ended
December 31,

2023

84,695
76,175

2022

64,474
13,625

78,099

$

$

2023

219,341
51,050

270,391

$

$

2022

182,511
(13,310)

169,201

$

$

Cash provided by operating activities prior to change in working capital(i) $
Net changes in non-cash working capital

Cash provided by operating activities

$

160,870

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was $160.9 million, compared
to cash provided by operating activities of $78.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. Cash
provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $270.4 million, compared to cash
provided by operating activities of $169.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The increase in cash flow in both current year period is a result of improved EBITDA. Cash provided by (used by)
the net change in non-cash working capital specific to operating activities is detailed below.

Three months ended
December 31,

Year ended
December 31,

$

$

2023

51,836
(20,809)
4,666
—
2,438
22,461
15,593
(10)

$

2022

7,449
(4,864)
(5,756)
207
559
3,885
10,891
1,254

$

2023

57,077
(18,489)
(2,522)
—
6,379
9,585
372
(1,352)

2022

(10,956)
(6,043)
(5,354)
2,673
(3,453)
12,750
(989)
(1,938)

$

76,175

$

13,625

$

51,050

$

(13,310)

(dollars in thousands)

Accounts receivable
Contract assets
Inventories
Contract costs
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Contract liabilities

28

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Investing activities

During the three months ended December 31, 2023, cash used by investing activities was $137.8 million, compared
to $17.5 million in cash used by investing activities in the three months ended December 31, 2022. Current period
investing activities largely relate to $88.6 million for the purchase of property, plant and equipment, and the
acquisition of MacKellar for net cash consideration of $51.7 million offset by $5.6 million in proceeds on disposal of
property, plant and equipment and cash settlement of derivative financial instruments of $2.6 million. Prior year
investing activities included $27.9 million for the purchase of property, plant, equipment and the acquisition of ML
Northern for net cash consideration of $2.2 million offset by $1.0 million in proceeds on disposal of property, plant
and equipment.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, cash used by investing activities was $244.9 million, compared to
$97.5 million used by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022. Current period investing
activities largely relate to $202.8 million for the purchase of property, plant and equipment, and the acquisition of
MacKellar for net cash consideration of $51.7 million offset by $10.4 million in proceeds from the disposal of
property, plant and equipment and cash settlement of derivative financial instruments of $2.6 million. Prior year
investing activities included $111.5 million for the purchase of property, plant, equipment, additions to intangible
assets of $3.8 million, and the acquisition of ML Northern for net cash consideration of $2.2 million offset by
$3.4 million in proceeds for the disposal of property, plant and equipment.

Financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended December 31, 2023, was $21.9 million, which
included $245.0 million in proceeds from long-term debt offset by $204.2 million of long-term debt repayments, $10.4
million of contingent consideration payments, $5.8 million in financing costs, and $2.7 million in dividends paid. Cash
used by financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2022, was $14.5 million, which included
$12.3 million of long-term debt repayments and $2.1 million in dividends paid.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, cash used by financing activities was $7.7 million, which included
$340.0 million of proceeds of long-term debt offset by $315.6 million of long-term debt repayments, $10.4 million of
contingent consideration payments, $5.8 million in financing costs, $6.0 million of treasury share purchases, and
$10.0 million in dividends paid. Cash used by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022, was
$19.5 million, driven by proceeds of long-term debt of $83.4 million offset by $58.6 million of long-term debt
repayments, $2.0 million of treasury share purchases, $7.8 million in dividends paid and $34.1 million in purchases
under the share purchase program.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure (see “Explanatory Notes – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this MD&A).
Below is our reconciliation from the consolidated statement of cash flows (“Cash provided by operating activities”
and “Cash used in investing activities”) to our definition of free cash flow.

(dollars in thousands)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash provided by operating activities
Cash used in investing activities
Effect of exchange rate on changes in cash

Add back of growth and non-cash items included in the above figures:

Acquisition of MacKellar(i)
Acquisition costs
Growth capital additions(ii)
Acquisition of ML Northern(iii)
Non-cash changes in fair value of contingent consideration

Capital additions financed by leases(ii)

Free cash flow(i)

(i)Acquisition of Mackellar is the purchase price less cash acquired.
(ii)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Three months ended
December 31,

Year ended
December 31,

2023

2022

2023

2022

$

$

160,870
(137,756)
3,167

$

78,099
(17,524)
(94)

270,391
(244,879)
1,705

$

169,201
(97,469)
304

51,671
5,934
35,941
—
(8,268)
(931)

—
—
—
7,207
—
(236)

51,671
7,095
40,416
—
(8,268)
(28,159)

—
—
—
7,207
—
(8,931)

$

110,628

$

67,452

$

89,972

$

70,312

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

29

(iii)Acquisition of ML Northern is the purchase price less debt assumed and cash acquired. For the determination of free cash flow, the figure
includes deferred consideration of $5,002.

Free cash flow of $90.0 million is the culmination of adjusted EBITDA of $297.0 million, mentioned above, less
sustaining capital additions of $168.6 million, cash interest paid during the year of $33.5 million and current income
taxes of $6.8 million. Sustaining capital additions during the year were comprised exclusively to routine maintenance
spending on and replenishment of heavy equipment and, as a percentage of reported revenue, increased from
14.7% in 2022 to 17.6% in 2023 due to component quality issues experienced in the first half of the year. Albeit
seasonal in nature, the percentage in the fourth quarter was 12.5% with a full quarter contribution from MacKellar
and the ramp-up of the active winter program in Canada. Included in free cash flow are the capital, interest and tax
costs required of and incurred by our joint ventures of which our share totaled $18.4 million during the year.

The remaining differences in free cash flow generation are related to timing impacts. Changes in routine working
capital balances had a positive impact on cash generated in 2023, primarily from working capital management at
MacKellar in the fourth quarter. In addition, temporary constraints on free cash flow in the year included i) capital
work in process and capital inventory investments as we build our maintenance and component rebuild capabilities
and ii) growth in our joint ventures which require cash discipline to manage growth capital spending and working
capital balances. As quantitative evidence of this latter timing impact, our equity in joint ventures grew by $5.8 million
during the year which should translate into future cash distributions over time. Excluding debt funding required for
MacKellar’s upfront acquisition costs and growth capital, free cash flow generation was primarily directed to debt
reduction ($65.9 million) with secondary uses being dividends and trust purchases ($16.0 million) and growth capital
in Canada ($5.5 million).

Free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $70.3 million. Key routine drivers of free cash flow were
adjusted EBITDA of $245.4 million, less sustaining capital additions of $113.1 million, cash interest paid of
$24.1 million and current income taxes of $1.6 million. The remaining differences relates to the timing impacts of
working capital accounts and cash held by and the spending required within our joint ventures.

Contractual obligations and other commitments

Our principal contractual obligations relate to our long-term debt; finance and operating leases; and supplier
contracts. The following table summarizes our future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023, excluding
interest where interest is not defined in the contract (operating leases and supplier contracts). The future interest
payments were calculated using the applicable interest rates and balances as at December 31, 2023, and may differ
from actual results.

Payments due by fiscal year

(dollars in thousands)

Total

2024

2025

2026

2027

Credit Facility
Convertible debentures(iii)
Equipment financing
Obligation related to MacKellar acquisition
Mortgage
Operating leases(i)
Non-lease components of building lease commitments(ii)
Supplier contracts

$ 390,025 $ 26,364 $ 26,292 $ 337,369 $

— $

154,411
244,625
169,893
41,022
16,352
73
7,886

6,861
92,318
38,905
1,783
2,307
230
7,886

6,861
70,108
41,869
1,783
1,727
7
—

59,789
42,397
54,248
1,783
1,579
7
—

4,111
29,830
34,871
1,783
1,381
6
—

2028 and
thereafter

—
76,789
9,972
—
33,890
9,358
(177)
—

Total contractual obligations

$ 1,024,287 $ 176,654 $ 148,647 $ 497,172 $ 71,982 $ 129,832

(i)Operating leases are net of receivables on subleases of $666 (2024 – $666).
(ii)Non-lease components of lease commitments are net of receivables on subleases of $36 (2024 – $36). These commitments include common
area maintenance, management fees, property taxes and parking related to operating leases.
(iii)If not converted earlier.

Our total contractual obligations of $1,024.3 million as at December 31, 2023, have increased from $537.5 million as
at December 31, 2022, primarily related to an increase of $173.9 million related to our Credit Facility and an increase
to equipment financing of $155.0 million, offset by a decrease in convertible debentures of $6.9 million and a
decrease in supplier contracts of $5.4 million. For a discussion on our Credit Facility see “Credit Facility” below and
for a more detailed discussion of our convertible debentures, see “Capital Structure and Securities” in our most
recent AIF, which section is expressly incorporated by reference into this MD&A.

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NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Credit Facility

On October 3, 2023, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with a
banking syndicate. On October 26, 2023, we exercised the accordion feature to increase the size of the tranches as
included in the amended agreement. The amended agreement matures on October 3, 2026, with an option to extend
on an annual basis, subject to certain conditions. The agreement is comprised solely of a revolving facility that
includes a Canadian dollar tranche of $280.0 million and an Australian dollar tranche of A$220.0 million, totaling
$478.0 million (up from $300.0 million) of lending capacity using the exchange rate in effect as at December 31,
2023. The Credit Facility permits finance lease obligations to a limit of $350.0 million (up from $175.0 million) and
certain other borrowings outstanding to a limit of $20.0 million. The permitted amount of $350.0 million includes
guarantees provided by us to certain joint ventures.

The Credit Facility has two financial covenants that must be tested quarterly on a trailing four-quarter basis.

(cid:129) The first covenant is the Total Debt to Bank EBITDA Ratio.

O

O

“Total Debt” is defined as the sum of the outstanding principal balance (current and long-term
portions) of: (i) finance leases; (ii) borrowings under our credit facilities (excluding outstanding
Letters of Credit); (iii) mortgage; (iv) promissory notes; (v) financing obligations; and (vi) vendor
financing, excluding convertible debentures.

“Bank EBITDA” is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization,
excluding the effects of unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss, realized and unrealized gain or
loss on derivative financial instruments, cash and non-cash stock-based compensation expense,
gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, acquisition costs, and certain other
non-cash items included in the calculation of net income.

O

The Total Debt to Bank EBITDA Ratio must be less than or equal to 3.5:1.

(cid:129) The second covenant is the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio which is defined as Bank EBITDA less

maintenance capital expenditures, cash distributions (dividends, share buybacks, etc.), and cash taxes
compared to Fixed Charges.

O

O

“Fixed Charges” is defined as cash interest and all scheduled principal debt repayments.

The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is to be maintained at a ratio greater than 1.1:1.

As at December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with our financial covenants. The Total Debt to Bank EBITDA
Ratio was 1.83:1, in compliance with the maximum of 3.5:1. The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio was 1.30:1, in
compliance with the minimum of 1.1:1.

Borrowing activity under our Credit Facility

As at December 31, 2023, there was $317.5 million borrowed against our Credit Facility along with $31.3 million in
issued letters of credit under our Credit Facility (December 31, 2022—$180.0 million and $32.0 million, respectively)
and the unused borrowing availability was $129.3 million (December 31, 2022—$88.0 million).

Guarantees

We act as a guarantor for drawn amounts under revolving equipment lease credit facilities which have a combined
capacity of $110.0 million for MNALP, an affiliate of the Company. This equipment lease credit facility allows MNALP
to avail the credit through a lease agreement and/or equipment finance contract with appropriate supporting
documents. We are the primary operator of MNALP’s equipment through the subcontractor agreement. The loan is
supported by the pledged equipment and the guarantee is in place in case of a shortfall in an insolvency. As at
December 31, 2023, we have provided guarantees on this facility of $74.7 million. At this time, there have been no
instances or indication that payments will not be made by MNALP. Therefore, no liability has been recorded.

Outstanding share data

Common shares

We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of voting common shares and an unlimited number of non-voting
common shares. On June 12, 2014, we entered into a trust agreement whereby the trustee may purchase and hold

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

31

voting common shares, classified as treasury shares on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, until such time that units
issued under the equity classified long-term incentive plans are to be settled. Units granted under such plans
typically vest at the end of a three-year term.

As at March 8, 2024, there were 27,827,282 total voting common shares outstanding, which included 1,094,163
common shares held by the trust and classified as treasury shares on our consolidated balance sheets (27,827,282
common shares, including 1,090,187 common shares classified as treasury shares at December 31, 2023). We had
no non-voting common shares outstanding on any of the foregoing dates.

Convertible debentures

5.50% convertible debentures
5.00% convertible debentures

March 8,
2024

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

74,750 $
55,000

74,750 $
55,000

74,750
55,000

129,750 $

129,750 $

129,750

The summarized terms of these convertible debentures are:

5.50% convertible debentures
5.00% convertible debentures

Date of issuance

Maturity Conversion price

Debt issuance
costs

June 1, 2021

June 30, 2028 $
March 20, 2019 March 31, 2026 $

24.50 $
25.60 $

3,531
2,691

Interest on the 5.50% convertible debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of
each year. Interest on the 5.00% convertible debentures is payable semi-annually on March 31 and September 30 of
each year.

The conversion price is adjusted upon certain events, including: the subdivision or consolidation of the outstanding
common shares, issuance of certain options, rights or warrants, distribution of cash dividends in an amount greater
than $0.192 for the 5.50% convertible debentures or $0.12 per common share for the 5.00% convertible debentures,
and other reorganizations such as amalgamations or mergers.

The 5.50% convertible debentures are not redeemable prior to June 30, 2024, except under certain exceptional
circumstances. On and after June 30, 2024, and prior to June 30, 2026, the debentures may be redeemed at the
option of the Company at the redemption price equal to the principal amount of the debentures plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon up to but excluding the date set for redemption provided, among other things, the current
market price is at least 125% of the conversion price on the date on which notice of the redemption is given. On or
after June 30, 2026, the debentures may be redeemed at the option of the Company at the redemption price equal
to the principal amount of the debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Both the 5.00% convertible debentures and the 5.50% convertible debentures are redeemable under certain
conditions after a change in control has occurred. If a change in control occurs, we are required to offer to purchase
all of the convertible debentures at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the date of purchase. The 5.00% convertible debentures are otherwise not redeemable by the Company.

Share purchase program

On April 11, 2022, we commenced a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) under which a maximum number of
2,113,054 common shares were authorized to be purchased. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we
purchased and subsequently cancelled 2,113,054 shares at an average price of $15.45 per share under this NCIB,
which resulted in a decrease to common shares of $16.8 million and a decrease to additional paid-in capital of
$15.8 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we purchased and subsequently cancelled 82,592 shares at an average
price of $17.92 under another NCIB which commenced on April 9, 2021, which resulted in a decrease to common
shares of $0.7 million and a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $0.8 million. This latter NCIB terminated April 8,
2022. On a combined basis, a total of 119,592 shares were purchased and cancelled under this NCIB.

32

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Swap Agreement

On October 5, 2022, we entered into a swap agreement on our common shares with a financial institution for
investment purposes. As at December 31, 2023, we recognized a realized gain of $6,612 (December 31, 2022 –
$nil) and an unrealized gain of $229 (December 31, 2022 – $778) on this agreement based on the difference
between the par value of the converted shares and the expected price of the Company’s shares at contract maturity.
The agreement is for 200,678 shares at a par value of $14.38, and an additional 458,400 shares at a par value of
$18.94. The fair value of the shares as at December 31, 2023, was $27.65. The fair value of this swap is recorded in
other assets (note 10) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swap has not been designated as a hedge for
accounting purposes and therefore changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Subsequent to year-end, this swap agreement was
completed on January 3, 2024.

Backlog

The following summarizes our non-GAAP reconciliation of backlog as at December 31, 2023, and December 31,
2022:

(dollars in thousands)

Performance obligations per financial statements
Add: undefined committed volumes

Backlog(i)
Equity method investment backlog(i)

Combined backlog(i)

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

22,797 $

2,171,718

52,526
516,311

$ 2,194,515 $
536,623
$ 2,731,138 $

568,837
717,849
1,286,686

Backlog increased by $1,625.7 million while combined backlog increased by $1,444.5 million on a net basis, during
the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of the acquisition of MacKellar.

Revenue generated from backlog during the year ended December 31, 2023, was $690.4 million and we estimate
that $631.3 million of our backlog reported above will be performed over 2024. For the year ended December 31,
2022, revenue generated from backlog was $433.6 million.

Related parties

Accounts payable due to joint ventures and affiliates do not bear interest, are unsecured and without fixed terms of
repayment. Accounts receivable from certain joint ventures and affiliates bear interest at various rates, and all other
accounts receivable amounts are non-interest bearing. The following table provides the material aggregate
outstanding balances with affiliates and joint ventures.

Accounts receivable
Other assets
Contract assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

41,157 $
350
12,019
15,087

65,294
2,444
—
13,773

We enter into transactions with a number of our joint ventures and affiliates that involve providing services primarily
consisting of subcontractor services, management fees, equipment rental revenue, and sales of equipment and
components. These transactions were conducted in the normal course of operations, which were established and
agreed to as consideration by the related parties. The majority of services provided in the oil sands region are being
completed through MNALP. This joint venture performs the role of contractor and sub-contracts work to us. For the
years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, revenue earned from these services was $773.5 million and
$666.1 million, respectively.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

33

OUTLOOK

Our strategic focus areas in 2024 are:

(cid:129) Safety – now on a global basis, maintain our uncompromising commitment to health and safety while elevating

the standard of excellence in the field;

(cid:129) Execution – enhance equipment availability in Canada and Australia through in-house fleet maintenance,

reliability programs, technical improvements and management systems;

(cid:129) Operational excellence – with a specific focus on Nuna Group of Companies, put into action practical and

experienced-based protocols to ensure predictable high-quality project execution;

(cid:129)

Integration – implement ERP and best practices at MacKellar, including identification of opportunities to better
utilize our capital and equipment in Australia;

(cid:129) Diversification – pursue diversification of customers and resources through strategic partnerships, industry

expertise and investment in Indigenous joint ventures; and

(cid:129) Sustainability – further develop and deliver into our environmental, social and governance targets as disclosed

and committed to in our annual reporting.

The following table provides projected key measures for 2024 and actual results of 2023 and 2022. These measures
are predicated on contracts currently in place, including expected renewals, and the heavy equipment fleet that we
own and operate.

Key measures

Combined revenue
Adjusted EBITDA(i)
Sustaining capital(i)
Adjusted EPS(i)
Free cash flow(i)

Capital allocation

Growth spending
Net debt leverage(i)

2022 Actual

2023 Actual

2024 Outlook

$ 1.1B
$245M
$113M
$ 2.41
$ 70M

$ 1.3B
$297M
$169M
$ 2.83
$ 90M

1.5 – $1.7B
$
$ 430 – $470M
$ 170 – $190M
$ 4.25 – $4.75
$ 160 – $185M

$13M
1.5x

$ 40M
1.7x

$55 – $70M
Targeting 1.5x

(i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES, PRONOUNCEMENTS AND MEASURES

Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires us to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

Significant estimates and judgments made by us include:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

the assessment of the percentage of completion on time-and-materials, unit-price, lump-sum and cost-plus
contracts with defined scope (including estimated total costs and provisions for estimated losses) and the
recognition of variable revenue from unapproved contract modifications and change orders on revenue
contracts;

the determination of whether an acquisition meets the definition of a business combination;

the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of an acquisition;

the evaluation of whether we are a primary beneficiary of an entity or has a controlling interest in an
investee and is required to consolidate it;

34

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

assumptions used in measuring the fair value of contingent consideration;

assumptions used in impairment testing; and

estimates and assumptions used in the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the recoverability
of deferred tax assets and the useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

The accuracy of our revenue and profit recognition in a given period is dependent on the accuracy of the estimates
of the cost to complete each project. Cost estimates for all significant projects use a detailed “bottom up” approach
and we believe our experience allows us to provide reasonably dependable estimates. There are a number of
factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability that are recognized in the period
in which such adjustments are determined. The most significant of these include:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

the completeness and accuracy of the original bid;

costs associated with added scope changes;

extended overhead due to owner, weather and other delays;

subcontractor performance issues;

changes in economic indices used for the determination of escalation or de-escalation for contractual rates
on long-term contracts;

changes in productivity expectations;

site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid;

contract incentive and penalty provisions;

the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; and

a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials.

The foregoing factors as well as the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit
between periods. With many projects of varying levels of complexity and size in process at any given time, changes
in estimates can offset each other without materially impacting our profitability. Major changes in cost estimates,
particularly in larger, more complex projects, can have a significant effect on profitability.

For a complete discussion of how we apply these critical accounting estimates in our significant accounting policies
adopted, see the “Significant accounting policies” section of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2023, and notes that follow, which sections are expressly incorporated by reference into this MD&A.

Change in significant accounting policy – Basis of presentation

During the first quarter of 2023, we updated the presentation of finance lease obligations within the Consolidated
Balance Sheets to be included in long-term debt. Within the long-term debt note, finance lease obligations, financing
obligations, and promissory notes have been combined as equipment financing. Finance lease obligations are the
finance lease liabilities recognized in accordance with our lease policy. Financing obligations arise when we finance
owned equipment. There has been no change in our accounting policy for finance lease obligations or change in the
recognition or measurement of the related balances now recognized within long-term debt. The change in
presentation had no effect on the reported results of operations. The comparative period has been updated to reflect
this presentation change.

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

Joint venture formations

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations—Joint Venture Formations. This
accounting standard update was issued to create new requirements for valuing contributions made to a joint venture
upon formation. This standard is effective January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. We are assessing the
impact the adoption of this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

35

Segment reporting

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting: Improvements to Reportable Segment
Disclosures. This accounting standard update was issued to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements,
primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This standard is effective for the fiscal
year beginning January 1, 2024. We are assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its
consolidated financial statements.

Income taxes

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes: Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This
accounting standard update was issued to increase transparency by improving income tax disclosures primarily
related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This standard is effective for the fiscal year
beginning January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. We are assessing the impact the adoption of this standard
will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Financial instruments

For a complete discussion of our use of financial instruments, see note 15 of our consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Financial measures

Non-GAAP financial measures

We believe that the below Non-GAAP financial measures are all meaningful measures of business performance
because they include or exclude items that are or are not directly related to the operating performance of our
business. Management reviews these measures to determine whether property, plant and equipment are being
allocated efficiently.

“Adjusted EBIT” is defined as adjusted net earnings before the effects of interest expense, income taxes and equity
earnings in affiliates and joint ventures, but including the equity investment EBIT from our affiliates and joint ventures
accounted for using the equity method.

“Adjusted EBITDA” is defined as adjusted EBIT before the effects of depreciation, amortization and equity
investment depreciation and amortization.

“Adjusted EPS” is defined as adjusted net earnings, divided by the weighted-average number of common shares.

“Adjusted net earnings” is defined as net income and comprehensive income available to shareholders excluding the
effects of unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss, realized and unrealized gain or loss on derivative financial
instruments, cash and non-cash (liability and equity classified) stock-based compensation expense, gain or loss on
disposal of property, plant and equipment and certain other non-cash items included in the calculation of net income.

As adjusted EBIT, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS, and adjusted net earnings are non-GAAP financial measures,
our computations may vary from others in our industry. These measures should not be considered as alternatives to
operating income or net income as measures of operating performance or cash flows and they have important
limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as
reported under US GAAP. For example, adjusted EBITDA does not:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

reflect our cash expenditures or requirements for capital expenditures or capital commitments or proceeds
from capital disposals;

reflect changes in our cash requirements for our working capital needs;

reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments
on our debt;

include tax payments or recoveries that represent a reduction or increase in cash available to us; or

reflect any cash requirements for assets being depreciated and amortized that may have to be replaced in
the future.

36

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

“Backlog” is a measure of the amount of secured work we have outstanding and, as such, is an indicator of a base
level of future revenue potential. We define backlog as work that has a high certainty of being performed as
evidenced by the existence of a signed contract or work order specifying expected job scope, value and timing.
Backlog, while not a GAAP term is similar in nature and definition to the “transaction price allocated to the remaining
performance obligations”, defined under US GAAP and reported in “Note 5—Revenue” in our financial statements.
When the two numbers differ, the variance relates to expected scope where we have a contractual commitment, but
the customer has not yet provided specific direction.

“Capital additions” is defined as capital expenditures, net and lease additions.

“Capital expenditures, net” is defined as growth capital and sustaining capital. We believe that capital expenditures,
net and its components are a meaningful measure to assess resource allocation.

“Capital inventory” is defined as rotatable parts included in property, plant and equipment held for use in the
overhaul of property, plant and equipment.

“Capital work in progress” is defined growth capital and sustaining capital prior to commissioning and not available
for use.

“Cash liquidity” is defined as cash plus available and unused Credit Facility less outstanding letters of credit.

“Cash provided by operating activities prior to change in working capital” is defined as cash used in or provided by
operating activities excluding net changes in non-cash working capital.

“Cash related interest expense” is defined as total interest expense less amortization of deferred financing costs.

“Combined backlog” is a measure of the total of backlog from wholly-owned entities plus equity method investment
backlog.

“Combined gross profit” is defined as consolidated gross profit per the financial statements combined with our share
of gross profit from affiliates and joint ventures that are accounted for using the equity method. This measure is
reviewed by management to assess the impact of affiliates and joint ventures’ gross profit on our adjusted EBITDA
margin.

“Equity investment depreciation and amortization” is defined as our proportionate share (based on ownership
interest) of depreciation and amortization in other affiliates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.

“Equity investment EBIT” is defined as our proportionate share (based on ownership interest) of equity earnings in
affiliates and joint ventures before the effects of gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, interest
expense and income taxes.

“Equity method investment backlog” is a measure of our proportionate share (based on ownership interest) of
backlog from affiliates and joint ventures that are accounted for using the equity method.

“Free cash flow” is defined as cash from operations less cash used in investing activities including finance lease
additions, non-cash changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, and the effect of exchange rates on the
changes in cash but excluding cash used for growth capital and acquisitions. We believe that free cash flow is a
relevant measure of cash available to service our total debt repayment commitments, pay dividends, fund share
purchases and fund both growth capital expenditures and potential strategic initiatives.

“General and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)” is a measure of general and
administrative expenses recorded on the statement of operations less expenses related to stock-based
compensation.

“Growth capital” is defined as new or used revenue-generating and customer facing assets which are not intended to
replace an existing asset and have been commissioned and are available for use. These expenditures result in a
meaningful increase to earnings and cash flow potential.

“Invested capital” is defined as total shareholders’ equity plus net debt.

“Net debt” is defined as total debt plus convertible debentures less cash recorded on the balance sheets. Net debt is
used by us in assessing our debt repayment requirements after using available cash.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

37

“Share of affiliate and joint venture capital additions” is defined as our proportionate share (based on ownership
interest) of capital expenditures, net and lease additions from affiliates and joint ventures that are accounted for
using the equity method

“Sustaining capital” is defined as expenditures, net of routine disposals, related to property, plant and equipment
which have been commissioned and are available for use operated to maintain and support existing earnings and
cash flow potential and do not include the characteristics of growth capital.

“Total capital liquidity” is defined as total liquidity plus unused finance lease and other borrowing availability under
our Credit Facility.

“Total combined revenue” is defined as consolidated revenue per the financial statements combined with our share
of revenue from affiliates and joint ventures that are accounted for using the equity method. This measure is
reviewed by management to assess the impact of affiliates and joint ventures’ revenue on our adjusted EBITDA
margin.

“Total debt” is defined by the Credit Facility agreement as the sum of the outstanding principal balance (current and
long-term portions) of: (i) finance leases; (ii) borrowings under our credit facilities (excluding outstanding Letters of
Credit); (iii) mortgage; (iv) promissory notes; (v) financing obligations; and (vi) vendor financing, excluding
convertible debentures. We believe total debt is a meaningful measure in understanding our complete debt
obligations.

Non-GAAP ratios

“Margin” is defined as the financial number as a percent of total reported revenue. We will often identify a relevant
financial metric as a percentage of revenue and refer to this as a margin for that financial metric.

“Combined gross profit margin” is defined as combined gross profit divided by total combined revenue.

“Adjusted EBITDA Margin” is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by total combined revenue.

We believe that presenting relevant financial metrics as a percentage of revenue is a meaningful measure of our
business as it provides the performance of the financial metric in the context of the performance of revenue.
Management reviews margins as part of its financial metrics to assess the relative performance of its results.

Supplementary Financial Measures

“Gross profit margin” represents gross profit as a percentage of revenue.

“Total net working capital (excluding cash and current portion of long-term debt)” represents net working capital, less
the cash and current portion of long-term debt balances.

INTERNAL SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information we are
required to disclose is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified under
Canadian and US securities laws. They include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information is
accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as
defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and in National Instrument
52-109 under the Canadian Securities Administrators Rules and Policies. Based on this evaluation, our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2023, such disclosure controls and
procedures were effective.

38

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with US GAAP. Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer are
responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”), as such term
is defined in Rule 13a -15(f) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and in National Instrument
52-109 under the Canadian Securities Administrators Rules and Policies. A material weakness in ICFR exists if a
deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, is such that there is reasonable possibility that a material misstatement
of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Because of its inherent limitations, ICFR may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections or any
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As of December 31, 2023, we applied the criteria set forth in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) to assess the effectiveness
of our ICFR. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our internal
control over financial reporting is effective. In accordance with the published guidance of the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC), management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of our internal
control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of MacKellar, which is included in our 2023
consolidated financial statements and represented approximately 37% of total assets, 13% of revenues and 22% net
income, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2023. Our independent auditor, KPMG LLP, has issued an
audit report stating that we, maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by
COSO. KPMG LLP’s audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of
the internal controls over financial reporting of MacKellar.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Our MD&A is intended to enable readers to gain an understanding of our current results and financial position. To do
so, we provide information and analysis comparing results of operations and financial position for the current period
to that of the preceding periods. We also provide certain forward-looking information, based on current plans and
expectations, for the purpose of assisting the holders of our securities and financial analysts in understanding our
financial position and results of operations as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented, as well as our
financial performance objectives, vision and strategic goals. Such forward-looking information may not be
appropriate for other purposes. Our forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks and other
factors that may cause future actions, conditions or events to differ materially from the anticipated actions, conditions
or events expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that actual events and
results may vary materially from the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is information that does not relate strictly to historical or current facts and can be
identified by the use of the future tense or other forward-looking words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”,
“estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “possible”, “predict”, “project”, “will” or the negative of those terms or other variations of
them or comparable terminology.

Examples of such forward-looking information in this document include, but are not limited to, statements with
respect to the following, each of which is subject to significant risks and uncertainties and is based on a number of
assumptions which may prove to be incorrect:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

our expectation that equity growth in joint ventures will translate into cash distributions over time;

our belief that there is minimal risk in the collection of past due trade receivables;

our anticipation that we will have enough cash from operations to fund our annual expenses, planned
capital spending program and meet current and future working capital, debt servicing and dividend
payment requirements in 2024 from existing cash balances, cash provided by operating activities and
borrowings under our Credit Facility;

(cid:129)

calculations of future interest payments that depend on variable rates;

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

39

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

statements regarding backlog, including our expectation that $631.3 million of our backlog will be
performed over 2024; and

all financial guidance provided in the “Outlook” section of this MD&A, including projections related to
revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS, sustaining capital, free cash flow, growth spending and net
debt leverage.

While we anticipate that subsequent events and developments may cause our views to change, we do not have an
intention to update this forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. This forward-
looking information represents our views as of the date of this document and such information should not be relied
upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this document. We have attempted to
identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those current
expectations or estimates expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. However, there may be other
factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as expected or estimated and that could cause
actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from current expectations.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and
future events could differ materially from those expected or estimated in such statements. Accordingly,
readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect us. See “Assumptions” and
“Risk Factors” below and risk factors highlighted in materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities filed in the
United States and Canada from time to time, including, but not limited to, risk factors that appear in the “Forward-
Looking Information, Assumptions and Risk Factors” section of our most recent AIF, which section is expressly
incorporated by reference in this MD&A.

Assumptions

The material factors or assumptions used to develop the above forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to:

(cid:129)

oil and coal prices remaining stable and not dropping significantly in 2024;

(cid:129) worldwide demand for metallurgical coal remaining stable;

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

oil sands production continuing to be resilient to drops in oil prices due to our customer’s desire to lower
their operating cost per barrel;

continuing demand for heavy construction and earth-moving services, including in diversified resources
and geographies;

continuing demand for external heavy equipment maintenance services and our ability to hire and retain
sufficient qualified personnel and to have sufficient maintenance facility capacity to capitalize on that
demand;

our ability to maintain our expenses at current levels in proportion to our revenue;

(cid:129) work continuing to be required under our master services agreements with various customers and such

master services agreements remaining intact;

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

our customers’ continued willingness and ability to meet their contractual obligations to us;

our customers’ continued economic viability, including their ability to pay us in a timely fashion;

our customers and potential customers continuing to outsource activities for which we are capable of
providing services;

our ability to source and maintain the right size and mix of equipment in our fleet and to secure specific
types of rental equipment to support project development activity that enables us to meet our customers’
variable service requirements while balancing the need to maximize utilization of our own equipment and
that our equipment maintenance costs are similar to our historical experience;

(cid:129)

our continued ability to access sufficient funds to meet our funding requirements;

40

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

our success in executing our business strategy, identifying and capitalizing on opportunities, managing our
business, maintaining and growing our relationships with customers, retaining new customers, competing
in the bidding process to secure new projects and identifying and implementing improvements in our
maintenance and fleet management practices;

our relationships with the unions representing certain of our employees continuing to be positive; and

our success in improving profitability and continuing to strengthen our balance sheet through a focus on
performance, efficiency and risk management.

Risk factors

The following are the key risk factors that affect us and our business. These factors could materially and adversely
affect our operating results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking
statements.

(cid:129) Customer Insourcing. Outsourced heavy construction and mining services constitute a large portion of

the work we perform for our customers. The election by one or more of our customers to perform some or
all of these services themselves, rather than outsourcing the work to us, could have a material adverse
impact on our business and results of operations. Certain customers perform some of this work internally
and may choose to expand on the use of internal resources to complete this work if they believe they can
perform this work in a more cost effective and efficient manner using their internal resources.

(cid:129) Availability of Skilled Labour. The success of our business depends on our ability to attract and retain
skilled labour. Our industry is faced with a shortage of skilled labour in certain disciplines, particularly in
remote locations that require workers to live away from home for extended periods. The resulting competition
for labour may limit our ability to take advantage of opportunities otherwise available or alternatively may
impact the profitability of such endeavors on a going forward basis. We believe that our size and industry
reputation will help mitigate this risk but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in identifying,
recruiting or retaining a sufficient number of skilled workers.

(cid:129) Customer Concentration. Most of our revenue comes from the provision of services to a small number of
customers. If we lose or experience a significant reduction of business or profit from one or more of our
significant customers, we may not be able to replace the lost work or income with work or income from
other customers. Certain of our long-term contracts can allow our customers to unilaterally reduce or
eliminate the work that we are to perform under the contract. Additionally, certain contracts allow the
customer to terminate the contract without cause with minimal or no notice to us. The loss of or significant
reduction in business with one or more of our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our
business and results of operations. Our combined revenue from our four largest customers represented
approximately 79% and 90% of our total combined revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, and
2022, respectively.

(cid:129) Large Projects and Joint Ventures. A portion of our revenue is derived from large projects, some of

which are conducted through joint ventures. These projects provide opportunities for significant revenue
and profit contributions but, by their nature, carry significant risk and, as such, can result in significant
losses. The risks associated with such large-scale projects are often proportionate to their size and
complexity, thereby placing a premium on risk assessment and project execution. The contract price on
large projects is based on cost estimates using several assumptions. Given the size of these projects, if
assumptions prove incorrect, whether due to faulty estimates, unanticipated circumstances, or a failure to
properly assess risk, profit may be materially lower than anticipated or, in a worst-case scenario, result in a
significant loss. The recording of the results of large 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. Joint ventures are often formed to undertake a specific project, jointly
controlled by the partners, and are dissolved upon completion of the project. We select our joint venture
partners based on a variety of criteria including relevant expertise, past working relationships, as well as
analysis of prospective partners’ financial and construction capabilities. Joint venture agreements spread
risk between the partners and they generally state that companies will supply their proportionate share of
operating funds and share profits and losses in accordance with specified percentages. Nevertheless,

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

41

each participant in a joint venture is usually liable to the client for completion of the entire project in the
event of a default by any of its partners. Therefore, in the event that a joint venture partner fails to perform
its obligations due to financial or other difficulties or is disallowed from performing or is otherwise unable to
perform its obligations as a result of the client’s determination, whether pursuant to the relevant contract or
because of modifications to government or agency procurement policies or rules or for any other reason,
we may be required to make additional investments or provide additional services which may reduce or
eliminate profit, or even subject us to significant losses with respect to the joint venture. As a result of the
complexity and size of such projects that we undertake or are likely to undertake going forward, the failure
of a joint venture partner on a large complex project could have a significant impact on our results.

(cid:129) Resolution of Claims. Changes to the nature or quantity of the work to be completed under our contracts
are often requested by clients or become necessary due to conditions and circumstances encountered
while performing work. Formal written agreement to such changes, or in pricing of the same, is sometimes
not finalized until the changes have been started or completed. As such, disputes regarding the
compensation for changes could impact our profitability on a particular project, our ability to recover costs
or, in a worst-case scenario, result in project losses. If we are not able to resolve claims and undertake
legal action in respect of these claims, there is no guarantee that a court will rule in our favour. There is
also the possibility that we could choose to accept less than the full amount of a claim as a settlement to
avoid legal action. In either such case, a resolution or settlement of the claims in an amount less than the
amount recognized as claims revenue could lead to a future write-down of revenue and profit. Included in
our revenues is a total of $8.0 million relating to disputed claims or unapproved change orders.

(cid:129) Cyber Security and Information Technology Systems. We utilize information technology systems for
some of the management and operation of our business and are subject to information technology and
system risks, including hardware failure, cyber-attack, security breach and destruction or interruption of our
information technology systems by external or internal sources. Although we have policies, controls and
processes in place that are designed to mitigate these risks, an intentional or unintentional breach of our
security measures or loss of information could occur and could lead to a number of consequences,
including but not limited to: the unavailability, interruption or loss of key systems applications, unauthorized
disclosure of material and confidential information and a disruption to our business activities. Any such
access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under
laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties or other negative consequences.
We attempt to prevent breaches through the implementation of various technology-based security
measures, contracting consultants and expert third- parties, hiring qualified employees to manage our
systems, conducting periodic audits and reviewing and updating policies, controls and procedures when
appropriate. To date, we have not been subject to a material cyber security breach that has had a serious
impact on our business or operations; however, there is a possibility that the measures we take to protect
our information technology systems may not be effective in protecting against a significant specific breach
in the future.

(cid:129) Unit-price Contracts. Approximately 40%, 32% and 41% of our revenue for the years ended December
31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, was derived from unit-price contracts and, to a lesser degree,
lump-sum contracts. Unit-price contracts require us to guarantee the price of the services we provide and
thereby potentially expose us to losses if our estimates of project costs are lower than the actual project
costs we incur and contractual relief from the increased costs is not available. The costs we actually incur
may be affected by a variety of factors including those that are beyond our control, such as:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

site conditions differing from those assumed in the original bid;

the availability and cost of skilled workers;

the availability and proximity of materials;

unfavorable weather conditions hindering productivity;

equipment availability and timing differences resulting from project construction not starting on time;
and

the general coordination of work inherent in all large projects we undertake.

42

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Further, under these contracts any errors in quantity estimates or productivity losses for which contractual
relief is not available, must be absorbed within the price. When we are unable to accurately estimate and
adjust for the costs of unit-price contracts, or when we incur unrecoverable cost overruns, the related
projects may result in lower margins than anticipated or may incur losses, which could adversely affect our
results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.

(cid:129) Backlog. There can be no assurance that the revenues projected in our backlog at any given time will be
realized or, if realized, that they will perform as expected with respect to margin. Project suspensions,
terminations or reductions in scope do occur from time to time due to considerations beyond our control
and may have a material impact on the amount of reported backlog with a corresponding impact on future
revenues and profitability.

(cid:129)

Interest Rates. The rate of interest paid on our outstanding debt fluctuates with changes to general prime
interest lending rates. Increases to prime lending rates will, according, adversely affect our profitability at a
level that depends on our total outstanding debt.

(cid:129) Project Management. Our business requires effective project management. We are reliant on having

skilled managers to effectively complete our contracted work on time and on budget. Increased costs or
reduced revenues due to productivity issues caused by poor management are usually not recoverable and
will result in lower profits or potential project losses. Project managers also rely on our business
information systems to provide accurate and timely information in order to make decisions in relation to
projects. The failure of such systems to provide accurate and timely information may result in poor project
management decisions and ultimately in lower profits or potential project losses.

(cid:129)

Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting. Ineffective internal controls over financial reporting could
result in an increased risk of material misstatements in our financial reporting and public disclosure record.
Inadequate controls could also result in system downtime, give rise to litigation or regulatory investigation,
fraud or the inability to continue our business as presently constituted. We have designed and
implemented a system of internal controls and a variety of policies and procedures to provide reasonable
assurance that material misstatements in the financial reporting and public disclosures are prevented and
detected on a timely basis and that other business risks are mitigated. The acquisition of the MacKellar
Group has increased this risk factor as we design, integrate, assimilate and implement various internal
controls over financial reporting in 2024. See the section entitled “Internal Systems and Processes” in our
MD&A for further details.

(cid:129) Cash flow, Liquidity and Debt. As of December 31, 2023, we had $696.1 million of total debt and

convertible debentures outstanding. While we have achieved a significant improvement in the flexibility to
borrow against our borrowing capacity over the past three years, our current indebtedness may:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, debt
service requirements, potential growth or other purposes;

limit our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business as such funds are instead
used to service debt;

limit our ability to post surety bonds required by some of our customers;

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors with less debt;

increase our vulnerability to, and reduce our flexibility in planning for, adverse changes in economic,
industry and competitive conditions; and

increase our vulnerability to increases in interest rates because borrowings under our Credit Facility
and payments under our mortgage along with some of our equipment leases and promissory notes are
subject to variable interest rates.

Further, if we do not have sufficient cash flow to service our debt, we would need to refinance all or part of
our existing debt, sell assets, borrow more money or sell securities, none of which we can guarantee we
will be able to achieve on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

43

(cid:129) Foreign Exchange. With the revenues and costs of our Australia operations being almost entirely in

Australian dollars, we are exposed to currency fluctuations between the Australian dollar and the Canadian
dollar. While those exchange rates have historically remained relatively stable, there is no assurance that
will continue. To a lesser degree we are also exposed to U.S. dollar exchange rates from our operations in
the United States as well as when we purchase equipment and spare parts or incur certain general and
administrative expenses from U.S. suppliers. These latter exposures are generally of a short-term nature
and the impact of changes in exchange rates has not been significant in the past.

(cid:129) Competition. We compete for work with other contractors of various sizes and capabilities. New contract
awards and contract margins are dependent on the level of competition and the general state of the
markets in which we operate. Fluctuations in demand may also impact the degree of competition for work.
Competitive position is based on a multitude of factors including pricing, ability to obtain adequate bonding,
backlog, financial strength, appetite for risk, reputation for safety, quality, timeliness and experience. If we
are unable to effectively respond to these competitive factors, results of operations and financial condition
will be adversely impacted.

(cid:129) Health and Safety. We are subject to, and comply with, all health and safety legislation applicable to our
operations. We have a comprehensive health and safety program designed to ensure our business is
conducted in a manner that protects both our workforce and the general public. There can be no
guarantee that we will be able to maintain our high standards and level of health and safety performance.
An inability to maintain excellent safety performance could adversely affect our business by customers
reducing existing work in response and by hampering our ability to win future work.

(cid:129) Heavy Equipment Demand. As our work mix changes over time, we adjust our fleet to match anticipated
future requirements. This can involve reallocation of equipment to better match fleet requirements of
particular sites, but also can involve both purchasing and disposing of heavy equipment. If the global
demand for mining, construction and earthworks services is reduced, we expect that the global demand for
the type of heavy equipment used to perform those services would also be reduced. While we may be able
to take advantage of reduced demand to purchase certain equipment at lower prices, we would be
adversely impacted to the extent we seek to sell excess equipment. If we are unable to recover our cost
base on a sale of excess heavy equipment, we would be required to record an impairment charge which
would reduce net income. If it is determined that market conditions have impaired the valuation of our
heavy equipment fleet, we also may be required to record an impairment charge against net income.

(cid:129) Labour Disputes. The majority of our workforce resides in Canada and Australia. In Canada, the bulk of

our hourly employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Any work stoppage resulting from a
strike or lockout could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of
operations. To minimize this risk, NACG has a no strike and no lockout provision in our collective
agreements. In addition, our customers employ workers under collective bargaining agreements. Any work
stoppage or labour disruption experienced by our key customers could significantly reduce the amount of
our services that they need. In Australia, our hourly work force is regulated by the Fair Work Act and
Modern Awards agreement. This agreement outlines the minimum pay rates and conditions of
employment for employees. Our Company is legally required to adhere to the terms of the relevant
modern award that applies to the industry we work in. Failure to comply with the provisions of a modern
award can result in penalties and legal action. The modern awards agreement minimizes the risk of any
labour disputes or unrest.

(cid:129) Equipment Utilization. Our business depends on our fleet being operable and in ready-to-work condition.
We often operate in conditions that inflict a high degree of wear on our equipment. If we are unable to
maintain our fleet so as to obtain our planned utilization rates, or if we are required to expend higher than
expected amounts on maintenance or to rent replacement equipment at high rates due to equipment
breakdowns, our operating revenues and profits will be adversely impacted. We endeavor to mitigate
these risks through our maintenance planning and asset management processes and procedures, though
there is no assurance that we can anticipate our future equipment utilization rates with certainty.

(cid:129) Short-notice Reductions in Work. We allocate and mobilize our equipment and hire personnel based on
estimated equipment and service plans supplied by our customers. At the start of each new project, we

44

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

incur significant start-up costs related to the mobilization and maintenance configuration of our heavy
equipment along with personnel hiring, orientation, training and housing costs for staff ramp-ups and
redeployments. We expect to recover these start-up costs over the planned volumes of the projects we are
awarded. Significant reductions in our customer’s required equipment and service needs, with short notice,
could result in our inability to redeploy our equipment and personnel in a cost-effective manner. In the
past, such short-notice reductions have occurred due to changes in customer production schedules or
mine planning or due to unplanned shutdowns of our customers’ processing facilities due to events outside
our control or the control of our customers, such as fires, mechanical breakdowns and technology failures.
Our ability to maintain revenues and margins may be adversely affected to the extent these events cause
reductions in the utilization of equipment and we can no longer recover our full start-up costs over the
reduced volume plan of our customers.

(cid:129)

Inflation. The costs of performing work for our customers has recently been subject to inflationary
pressures that are unusually high from an historical perspective, particularly with respect to the costs of
skilled labour and equipment parts. We have price escalation clauses in most of our contracts that allow us
to increase prices as costs rise, but not all of our contracts contain such clauses. Even when our contracts
do contain such clauses, the mechanism for adjusting prices may lag the actual cost increases thereby
reducing our margins in the short-term. Where a contract contains no price escalation clause, we normally
factor expected inflation into our pricing. The ability to meet our forecasted profitability is at risk if we do not
properly predict future rates of inflation or have contractual provisions that adjust pricing accurately or in a
timely manner.

(cid:129) Price Escalators. Our ability to maintain planned project margins on longer-term contracts with contracted
price escalators is dependent on the contracted price escalators accurately reflecting increases in our
costs. If the contracted price escalators do not reflect actual increases in our costs, we will experience
reduced project margins over the remaining life of these longer-term contracts. In strong economic times,
the cost of labour, equipment, materials and sub-contractors is driven by the market demand for these
project inputs. The level of increased demand for project inputs may not have been foreseen at the
inception of the longer-term contracts with fixed or indexed price escalators resulting in reduced margins
over the remaining life of the longer-term contracts.

(cid:129)

Impact of Extreme Weather Conditions and Natural Disasters. Extreme weather conditions or natural
disasters, such as fires, floods and similar events, may cause delays in the progress of our work due to
restricted site access or inefficiency of operations due to weather-related ground conditions, which to the
extent that such risk is not mitigated through contractual terms, may result in loss of revenues while certain
costs continue to be incurred. Our Australian operations are particularly susceptible to heavy rainfall and
flooding from November through to the end of February. Such delays may also lead to incurring additional
non-compensable costs, including overtime work, that are necessary to meet customer schedules. Delays
in the commencement of a project due to extreme weather or natural disaster may also result in customers
choosing to defer or even cancel planned projects entirely. Such events may also impact availability and
cost of equipment, parts, labour or other inputs to our business that could have a material adverse effect
on our financial position. If the frequency or severity of such events rises in the future as a result of climate
change, our risk and potential impacts will also rise.

(cid:129) Equipment Buy-Out Provisions. Certain of our contracts in Australia provide the client with the option to
buy out our owned equipment at predetermined values. While the buy-outs generally provide pricing at
market values, they do introduce a longer-term risk of reduced revenue generation should they be
executed.

(cid:129) Management. Our continued growth and future success depends on our ability to identify, recruit,

assimilate and retain key management, technical, project and business development personnel. There can
be no assurance that we will be successful in identifying, recruiting or retaining such personnel.

(cid:129) Shifting Customer Priorities Related to Climate Change. Climate change continues to attract

considerable public and regulatory attention, with greenhouse gas emission regulations becoming more
commonplace and stringent. The transition to a lower-carbon economy has the potential to be disruptive to
traditional business models and investment strategies. Government action intended to address climate

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

45

change may involve both economic instruments such as carbon taxation as well as restrictions on certain
sectors such as cap-and-trade schemes. Certain jurisdictions in which we operate impose carbon taxes on
significant emitters and there is a possibility of similar taxation in other jurisdictions in the future. Other
government restrictions on certain market sectors could also adversely impact current or potential clients
resulting in a reduction of available work and supplies. Our clients may also alter their long-term plans due
to government regulation, changes in policies of investors or lenders or simply due to changes in public
perception of their business. This risk can be mitigated to an extent by identifying changing market
demands to offset lower demand for some services with opportunities in others, forming strategic
partnerships and pursuing sustainable innovations.

(cid:129) Climate Change Related Financial Risks. As new climate change measures are introduced or
strengthened our cost of business may increase as we incur expenses related to complying with
environmental regulations and policies. We may be required to purchase new or retrofit current equipment
to reduce emissions in order to comply with new regulatory standards or to mitigate the financial impact of
carbon taxation. We may also incur costs related to monitoring regulatory trends and implementing
adequate compliance processes. Our inability to comply with climate change laws and regulations could
result in penalties or reputational damage that may impair our prospects.

(cid:129) Climate Change Related Reputational Risks. Investors and other stakeholders worldwide are becoming
more attuned to climate change action and sustainability matters, including the efforts made by issuers to
reduce their carbon footprint. Our reputation may be harmed if it is not perceived by our stakeholders to be
sincere in our sustainability commitment and our long-term results may be impacted as a result. In
addition, our approach to climate change issues may increasingly influence stakeholders’ views of the
company in relation to its peers and their investment decisions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Corporate head office is located at 27287 – 100 Avenue, Acheson, Alberta, T7X 6H8.

Telephone and facsimile are 780-960-7171 and 780-969-5599, respectively.

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NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Management’s Report

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and all of the information in Management’s Discussion and
Analysis (“MD&A”) are the responsibility of management of the Company. The consolidated financial statements
were prepared by management in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Where alternative
accounting methods exist, management has chosen those it considers most appropriate in the circumstances. The
significant accounting policies used are described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Certain
amounts in the consolidated financial statements are based on estimates and judgments relating to matters not
concluded by year end. The integrity of the information presented in the consolidated financial statements is the
responsibility of management.
The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities and for approval of the
consolidated financial statements. The board carries out this responsibility through its Audit Committee. The Board
has appointed an Audit Committee comprising all independent directors. The Audit Committee meets at least four
times each year to discharge its responsibilities under a written mandate from the Board of Directors. The Audit
Committee meets with management and with external auditors to satisfy itself that they are properly discharging their
responsibilities; reviews the consolidated financial statements, MD&A, and the Independent Auditors’ Report of
Registered Public Accounting Firm on the financial statements; and examines other auditing and accounting matters.
The Audit Committee has reviewed the consolidated financial statements with management and discussed the
appropriateness of the accounting principles as applied and significant judgments and estimates affecting the
consolidated financial statements. The Audit Committee has discussed with the external auditors, the
appropriateness of those principles as applied and the judgments and estimates noted above. The consolidated
financial statements and the MD&A have been reviewed by the Audit Committee and approved by the Board of
Directors of North American Construction Group Ltd.
The consolidated financial statements have been examined by the shareholders’ auditors, KPMG LLP, Chartered
Professional Accountants. The Independent Auditors’ Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm on the financial
statements outlines the nature of their examination and their opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the
Company. The external auditors have full and unrestricted access to the Audit Committee.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial
reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Management conducted an evaluation
of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal
Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s system of internal
control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023. In accordance with the published guidance of
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), management’s assessment of and conclusion on the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of MacKellar, which is
included in the 2023 consolidated financial statements and represented approximately 37% of total assets, 13% of
revenues and 22% of net income, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2023. The details of this evaluation
and conclusion are documented in the MD&A.
KPMG LLP, which has audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended
December 31, 2023, has also issued a report stating its opinion that the Company has maintained effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the criteria established in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO. KPMG LLP’s audit of internal controls over financial reporting of
the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal controls over financial reporting of MacKellar.

Joseph Lambert
President & Chief Executive Officer
March 14, 2024

Jason Veenstra
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
March 14, 2024

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

47

KPMG LLP

2200, 10175 - 101 Street

Edmonton AB T5J 0H3

Telephone (780) 429-7300

Fax (780) 429-7379

www.kpmg.ca

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of North American Construction Group Ltd.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited North American Construction Group Ltd. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our
opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the
related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and
cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and
our report dated March 13, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

The Company acquired the MacKellar Group (“MacKellar”) during 2023, and management excluded from its
assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023,
MacKellar’s internal control over financial reporting associated with approximately 37% of total assets, 13% of
revenues, and 22% of net income included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the
year ended December 31, 2023. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded
an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of MacKellar.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for
its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in the accompanying Management’s Discussion
and Analysis. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting
was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our
audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.

48

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.

Chartered Professional Accountants

Edmonton, Canada
March 13, 2024

KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

49

KPMG LLP
2200, 10175 - 101 Street
Edmonton AB T5J 0H3
Telephone (780) 429-7300
Fax (780) 429-7379
www.kpmg.ca

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of North American Construction Group Ltd.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of North American Construction Group Ltd. and
subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations
and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the
related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023
and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 13, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting
firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with
the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of
material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks
of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing
procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding
the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.

50

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated
financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that:
(1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our
especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter
in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by
communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the
accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Variable consideration from unapproved contract modifications related to construction services

As discussed in note 2(c) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognizes revenue from contracts
with customers related to construction services. Once a project is underway, the Company will often experience
changes in conditions, client requirements, specifications, designs, material and work schedules. When a change
becomes a point of dispute between the Company and a customer, the Company will assess the legal enforceability
of the change to determine if an unapproved contract modification exists. The Company considers a contract
modification to exist when the modification either creates new or changes the existing enforceable rights and
obligations. If an unapproved contract modification exists, the associated revenue is treated as variable
consideration, subject to a constraint. Management estimates this variable consideration utilizing estimation methods
that best predict the amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled. The Company recognized
revenue of $8.0 million and equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures of $8.7 million from variable consideration
related to unapproved contract modifications for the year ended December 31, 2023.

We identified the evaluation of the estimate of variable consideration from unapproved contract modifications as a
critical audit matter. The evaluation of the estimate of variable consideration from unapproved contract modifications
involved a high degree of complex and subjective auditor judgment as the estimate of variable consideration from
unapproved contract modifications is dependent on a number of factors, including the legal enforceability of the
contract modification and the amount expected to be recovered. Changes in these factors and assumptions could
have a material effect on the amount of variable consideration recognized.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design
and implementation and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls related to the process to estimate the
variable consideration from unapproved contract modifications. We evaluated the Company’s ability to estimate
variable consideration from unapproved contract modifications by comparing historical estimates to actual results.
For a selection of contracts identified with variable consideration from unapproved contract modifications, we
performed the following:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

obtained a legal evaluation of the contractual provisions from internal counsel;

inspected available correspondence with the customer

inspected the relevant provisions within the executed contract with the customer to evaluate consistency
with the Company’s estimate of variable consideration; and

conducted interviews with relevant project personnel and executive management to gain an understanding
of the status of project activities, negotiations with the customer, and expectations of amounts to be
recovered

KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

51

Fair value measurement of property, plant and equipment acquired in business combination

As discussed in note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company acquired the MacKellar Group
(MacKellar) in a business combination that was completed on October 1, 2023 (the acquisition date). The Company
acquired property, plant and equipment (PP&E) with an acquisition-date fair value of $394 million. The determination
of the acquisition-date fair value of PP&E requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions,
including the identification of market prices for comparable assets. The Company engaged an independent valuation
specialist to estimate the fair value of PP&E as of the acquisition date.

We identified the evaluation of the acquisition-date fair value of PP&E recognized as part of the MacKellar business
combination as a critical audit matter. A high degree of subjective auditor judgment and specialized skills and
knowledge were required in evaluating certain inputs into the preliminary fair value determinations, including the
identification of market prices for comparable assets.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design
and implementation and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s
acquisition-date valuation process, including controls related to the determination of the fair value of PP&E and the
identification of market prices for comparable assets. We evaluated the competence, capabilities, and objectivity of
the independent valuation specialist engaged by the Company who assisted in the determination of the acquisition-
date fair value of PP&E. We also involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge to assist in:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

evaluating the valuation methods used to estimate the acquisition-date fair value of PP&E; and

evaluating the Company’s identification of market prices of comparable assets by performing independent
market research to assess the market prices.

Fair value measurement of contingent consideration related to the earn-out amount in business combination

As discussed in note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company acquired MacKellar in a business
combination that was completed on October 1, 2023 (the acquisition date). The purchase consideration for this
business combination consisted of various components and includes an earn-out amount payable over the next four
years. As of the acquisition date, the Company recognized a contingent consideration liability with a fair value of
$79.8 million related to the earn-out amount. The determination of the acquisition-date fair value of contingent
consideration related to the earn-out amount required the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions,
including estimating the future forecasted net income of MacKellar and the determination of the discount rate. The
Company engaged an independent valuation specialist to estimate the fair value of contingent consideration related
to the earn-out amount as of the acquisition date.

We identified the evaluation of the acquisition-date fair value of contingent consideration related to the earn-out
amount recognized as part of the MacKellar business combination as a critical audit matter. A high degree of
subjective auditor judgment and specialized skills and knowledge were required in evaluating certain inputs into the
preliminary fair value determination, including estimating the future forecasted net income of MacKellar and the
determination of the discount rate.

KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.

52

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design
and implementation and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s
acquisition-date valuation process, including controls related to the determination of the acquisition-date fair value of
contingent consideration related to the earn-out amount, the estimation of future forecasted net income of MacKellar,
and the determination of the discount rate. We evaluated the competence, capabilities, and objectivity of the
independent valuation specialist engaged by the Company who assisted in the determination of the acquisition-date
fair value of contingent consideration related to the earn-out amount. We evaluated the estimated future forecasted
net income of MacKellar used in the determination of the acquisition-date fair value of contingent consideration
related to the earn-out amount by:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

comparing it to MacKellar’s actual historical results; and

assessing the Company’s ability to accurately estimate MacKellar’s forecasted net income by comparing
the forecasted amounts to MacKellar’s actual results subsequent to the acquisition date.

In addition, we involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge to assist in:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

evaluating the valuation method used to estimate the acquisition-date fair value of contingent
consideration related to the earn-out amount; and

evaluating the discount rate used by comparing the inputs used by the Company to determine the discount
rate to publicly available market data for comparable entities.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1988.

Chartered Professional Accountants

Edmonton, Canada

March 13, 2024

KPMG LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership and member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

53

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As at December 31
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)

Assets
Current assets

Cash
Accounts receivable
Contract assets
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Assets held for sale

Property, plant and equipment
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Intangible assets
Investments in affiliates and joint ventures
Other assets
Deferred tax assets

Total assets

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities

Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Contract liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
Current portion of operating lease liabilities

Long-term debt
Operating lease liabilities
Other long-term obligations
Deferred tax liabilities

Shareholders’ equity
Common shares (authorized – unlimited number of voting common shares; issued and
outstanding – December 31, 2023 – 27,827,282 (December 31, 2022 – 27,827,282))
Treasury shares (December 31, 2023 – 1,090,187 (December 31, 2022 – 1,406,461))
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Contingencies

Approved on behalf of the Board

/s/ Joseph Lambert

Joseph Lambert, President and Chief
Executive Officer

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

54

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Note

2023

2022

$

4,9
5(b)
6

7
8

9
10,15(b)
11

$

88,614
97,855
35,027
64,962
7,402
1,340

295,200
1,142,946
12,782
6,971
81,435
7,144
—

69,144
83,811
15,802
49,898
10,587
1,117

230,359
645,810
14,739
6,773
75,637
5,808
387

$ 1,546,478

$

979,513

$

$

146,190
94,726
59
81,306
1,742

324,023
611,313
11,307
134,357
108,824

1,189,824

229,455
(16,165)
20,739
123,032
(407)

356,654

102,549
43,784
1,411
42,089
2,470

192,303
378,452
12,376
18,576
71,887

673,594

229,455
(16,438)
22,095
70,501
306

305,919

$ 1,546,478

$

979,513

12
5(b)
2(a),13
8

2(a),13
8
5(b),14
11

16(a)
16(a)

24

/s/ Bryan D. Pinney

Bryan D. Pinney, Audit Chair and Lead
Director

Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts)

Revenue
Cost of sales
Depreciation

Gross profit
General and administrative expenses
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Operating income
Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures
Interest expense, net
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
Gain on derivative financial instruments

Income before income taxes
Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax expense

Net income
Other comprehensive income
Unrealized foreign currency translation loss (gain)

Comprehensive income

Per share information

Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Note

5 $
18

20,21

9
19
15(a)
15(b)

11
11

2023

957,220
671,684
131,319

154,217
56,844
1,659

95,714
(25,815)
36,948
4,681
(6,063)

85,963
6,841
15,981

63,141

713

$

62,428

16(b) $
16(b) $

2.38
2.09

2022

769,539
548,723
119,268

101,548
29,855
536

71,157
(37,053)
24,543
—
(778)

84,445
1,627
15,446

67,372

(304)

67,676

2.46
2.15

$

$

$
$

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

55

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’
Equity

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)

Common
shares

Treasury
shares

Additional
paid-in
capital

Retained
earnings
(deficit)

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
(loss)

Balance at December 31, 2021
Net income
Unrealized foreign currency translation gain
Dividends ($0.32 per share)
Share purchase program
Purchase of treasury shares
Stock-based compensation

$

246,944 $

—
—
—
(17,489)
—
—

(17,802) $
—
—
—
—
(2,030)
3,394

37,456 $
—
—
—
(16,643)
—
1,282

11,863 $
67,372
—
(8,734)
—
—
—

2 $
—
304
—
—
—
—

Total

278,463
67,372
304
(8,734)
(34,132)
(2,030)
4,676

Balance at December 31, 2022

$

229,455 $

(16,438) $

22,095 $

70,501 $

306 $

305,919

Net income
Unrealized foreign currency translation loss
Dividends ($0.40 per share)
Purchase of treasury shares
Stock-based compensation

—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
(5,991)
6,264

—
—
—
—
(1,356)

63,141
—
(10,610)
—
—

—
(713)
—
—
—

63,141
(713)
(10,610)
(5,991)
4,908

Balance at December 31, 2023

$

229,455 $

(16,165) $

20,739 $

123,032 $

(407) $

356,654

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

56

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31
(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)

Cash provided by
Operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:

Depreciation
Amortization of deferred financing costs
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Gain on derivative financial instruments
Stock-based compensation expense
Cash settlement of deferred share unit plan
Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures
Dividends and advances received from affiliates and joint ventures
Deferred income tax expense
Non-cash changes in fair value of contingent consideration
Other adjustments to cash from operating activities
Net changes in non-cash working capital

Investing activities:

Acquisition of MacKellar, net of cash acquired
Acquisition of ML Northern Services Limited, net of cash acquired
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Additions to intangible assets
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Net payment on the wind up of affiliates and joint ventures
Net (advances) collections of loans with affiliates and joint ventures
Cash settlement of derivative financial instruments

Financing activities:

Proceeds from long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Financing costs
Dividends paid
Payments of contingent consideration
Share purchase program
Purchase of treasury shares

Increase in cash
Effect of exchange rate on changes in cash
Cash, beginning of year

Cash, end of year

Supplemental cash flow information (note 22(a))

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Note

2023

2022

$

63,141

$

67,372

19

15(b)
20
20(c)
9
9
11
15(a)

22(b)

21(a)
21(b)

9

13
13
13(a)
16(d)
15(a)
16(c)
16(a)

131,319
1,635
1,659
(6,063)
15,828
(7,817)
(25,815)
19,330
15,981
8,268
1,875
51,050
270,391

(51,671)
—
(202,809)
(683)
10,419
(387)
(2,345)
2,597

(244,879)

340,027
(315,598)
(5,782)
(10,034)
(10,369)
—
(5,991)

(7,747)

17,765
1,705
69,144

$

88,614

$

119,268
1,076
536
(778)
4,780
—
(37,053)
12,760
15,446
—
(896)
(13,310)
169,201

—
(2,205)
(111,499)
(3,765)
3,400
—
16,600
—

(97,469)

83,400
(58,640)
(318)
(7,773)
—
(34,132)
(2,030)

(19,493)

52,239
304
16,601

69,144

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

57

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts or unless otherwise specified)

1. Nature of operations

North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG” or the “Company”), was formed under the Canada Business
Corporations Act. The Company and its predecessors have been operating continuously since 1953 providing a
wide range of mining and heavy construction services to customers in the resource development and industrial
construction sectors.

2. Significant accounting policies

a) Basis of presentation

These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted
accounting principles (“US GAAP”). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly-owned incorporated subsidiaries in Canada, the United States and Australia. All significant
intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation. The Company also holds ownership
interests in other corporations, partnerships and joint ventures.

The Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which it is considered to be the primary beneficiary as
well as voting interest entities in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, and related
standards. Investees and joint ventures over which the Company exercises significant influence are accounted for
using the equity method and are included in “investments in affiliates and joint ventures” within the accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

During the first quarter of 2023, the Company updated the presentation of finance lease obligations within the
Consolidated Balance Sheets to be included in long-term debt. Within the long-term debt note, finance lease
obligations, financing obligations, and promissory notes have been combined as equipment financing. Finance lease
obligations are the finance lease liabilities recognized in accordance with the Company’s lease policy. Financing
obligations arise when the Company finances its owned equipment. There has been no change in the Company’s
accounting policy for finance lease obligations or change in the recognition or measurement of the related balances
now recognized within long-term debt. The change in presentation had no effect on the reported results of
operations. The comparative period has been updated to reflect this presentation change.

b) Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures reported in these consolidated
financial statements and accompanying notes and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments
made by management include:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

the assessment of the percentage of completion on time-and-materials, unit-price, lump-sum and cost-plus
contracts with defined scope (including estimated total costs and provisions for estimated losses) and the
recognition of variable revenue from unapproved contract modifications and change orders on revenue contracts;

the determination of whether an acquisition meets the definition of a business combination;

the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of an acquisition;

the evaluation of whether the Company is a primary beneficiary of an entity or has a controlling interest in an
investee and is required to consolidate it;

assumptions used in measuring the fair value of contingent consideration;

assumptions used in impairment testing; and

estimates and assumptions used in the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the recoverability of
deferred tax assets and the useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

58

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

The accuracy of the Company’s revenue and profit recognition in a given period is dependent on the accuracy of the
estimates of the cost to complete each project. Cost estimates for significant projects are estimated using a detailed
cost analysis of project activities and the Company believes its experience allows it to provide reasonably
dependable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract costs
and profitability that are recognized in the period in which such adjustments are determined. The most significant of
these include:

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

the completeness and accuracy of the original bid;

costs associated with added scope changes;

extended overhead due to owner, weather and other delays;

subcontractor performance issues;

changes in economic indices used for the determination of escalation or de-escalation for contractual rates on
long-term contracts;

changes in productivity expectations;

site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid;

contract incentive and penalty provisions;

the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; and

a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials.

The foregoing factors as well as the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit
between periods. With many projects of varying levels of complexity and size in process at any given time, changes
in estimates can offset each other without materially impacting the Company’s profitability. Major changes in cost
estimates, particularly in larger, more complex projects, can have a significant effect on profitability.

c) Revenue recognition

The Company’s revenue source falls into one of three categories: construction services, operations support, or
equipment and component sales.

Construction services are related to mine development or expansion projects and are generally funded from
customers’ capital budgets. The Company provides construction services under lump-sum, unit-price, time-and
materials and cost-plus contracts. When the commercial terms are lump-sum and unit-price, the contract scope and
value is typically defined. Time-and-materials and cost-plus contracts are generally undefined in scope and total
price. Operations support services revenue is mainly generated under long-term site-services agreements with the
customers (master service agreement and multiple use contracts). These agreements clearly define whether
commitment to volume or scope of services over the life of the contract is included or excluded. When excluded,
work under the agreement is awarded through shorter-term work authorizations under the general terms of the
agreement. The Company generally provides operations support services under either time-and-materials or unit-
price contracts depending on factors such as the degree of complexity, the completeness of engineering and the
required schedule. Equipment and component sales revenue is generated from our equipment maintenance and
rebuild activities, along with our mining component supplier business. The commercial terms for equipment and
component sales are generally lump-sum, unit-price, or time-and-materials.

Significant estimates are required in the revenue recognition process including assessment of the percentage of
completion, identification of performance obligations, and estimation of variable consideration, including the extent of
any constraints.

The Company’s invoicing frequency and payment terms are in accordance with negotiated customer contracts.
Customer invoicing can range between daily and monthly and payment terms generally range between net 15 and
net 60 days. The Company does not typically include extended payment terms in its contracts with customers. Under
these payment terms, the customer pays progress payments based on actual work or milestones completed. When
payment terms do not align with revenue recognition, the variance is recorded to either contract liabilities or contract
assets, as appropriate. Customer contracts do not generally include a significant financing component because the

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

59

Company does not expect the period between customer payment and transfer of control to exceed one year. The
Company does not adjust consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the period of time
between the transfer of control and the customer payment is less than one year.

The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitments from both parties, the rights of the
parties are identified, the payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and the collectability
of consideration is probable. Each contract is evaluated to determine if it includes more than one performance
obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgement and the determination that the contract contains more than
one performance obligation could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period. The majority
of the Company’s contracts with defined scope include one significant integrated service, where the Company is
responsible for ensuring the individual goods and services are incorporated into one combined output. Such
contracts are accounted for as one performance obligation. When more than one distinct good or service is
contracted, the contract is separated into more than one performance obligation and the total transaction price is
allocated to each performance obligation based upon stand-alone selling prices. When a stand-alone selling price is
not observable, it is estimated using a suitable method.

The total transaction price can be comprised of fixed consideration and variable consideration, such as profit
incentives, discounts and performance bonuses or penalties. When a contract includes variable consideration, the
amount included in the total transaction price is based on the expected value or the mostly likely amount,
constrained to an amount that it is probable a significant reversal will not occur. Significant judgement is involved in
determining if a variable consideration amount should be constrained. In applying this constraint, the Company
considers both the likelihood of a revenue reversal arising from an uncertain future event and the magnitude of the
revenue reversal if the uncertain event were to occur or fail to occur. The following circumstances are considered to
be possible indicators of significant revenue reversals:

(cid:129) The amount of consideration is highly susceptible to factors outside the Company’s influence, such as judgement

of actions of third parties and weather conditions;

(cid:129) The length of time between the recognition of revenue and the expected resolution;

(cid:129) The Company’s experience with similar circumstances and similar customers, specifically when such items have

predictive value;

(cid:129) The Company’s history of resolution and whether that resolution includes price concessions or changing payment

terms; and

(cid:129) The range of possible consideration amounts.

The Company’s performance obligations for construction services and operations support are typically satisfied by
transferring control over time, for which revenue is recognized using the percentage of completion method,
measured by the ratio of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs. For defined scope contracts, the cost-to-cost
method faithfully depicts the Company’s performance because the transfer of the asset to the customer occurs as
costs are incurred. The costs of items that do not relate to the performance obligation, particularly in the early stages
of the contract, are excluded from costs incurred to date. Pre-construction activities, such as mobilization and site
setup, are recognized as contract costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized over the life of the
project. These costs are excluded from the cost-to- cost calculation. Equipment and component sales are typically
satisfied at a point in time, and revenue is recognized when control of the completed asset has been transferred to
the customer, along with the cost of goods sold (cost of sales).

The Company has elected to apply the ‘as-invoiced’ practical expedient to recognize revenue in the amount to which
the Company has a right to invoice for all contracts in which the value of the performance completed to date directly
corresponds with the right to consideration. This will be applied to all contracts, where applicable, and the majority of
undefined scope work is expected to use this practical expedient.

The length of the Company’s contracts varies from less than one year for typical contracts to several years for
certain larger contracts. Cost of sales include all direct labour, material, subcontract and equipment costs and those
indirect costs related to contract performance such as indirect labour and supplies. General and administrative
expenses are charged to expenses as incurred. If a loss is estimated on an uncompleted contract, a provision is
made in the period in which such losses are determined.

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NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Changes in project performance, project conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from profit
incentives, penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to costs and revenue that are
recognized in the period in which such adjustments are determined. Once a project is underway, the Company will
often experience changes in conditions, client requirements, specifications, designs, materials and work schedules.
Generally, a “change order” will be negotiated with the customer to modify the original contract to approve both the
scope and price of the change. Occasionally, disagreements arise regarding changes, their nature, measurement,
timing and other characteristics that impact costs and revenue under the contract. When a change becomes a point
of dispute between the Company and a customer, the Company will assess the legal enforceability of the change to
determine if an unapproved contract modification exists. The Company considers a contract modification to exist
when the modification either creates new or changes the existing enforceable rights and obligations.

Most contract modifications are for goods and services that are not distinct from the existing contract due to the
integrated services provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as part of the existing contract.
Therefore, the effect of a contract modification on the transaction price and the Company’s measure of progress for
the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up
basis. If a contract modification is not approved by the customer, the associated revenue is treated as variable
consideration, subject to constraint. Management estimates variable consideration utilizing estimation methods that
best predict the amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled. This can lead to a situation where
costs are recognized in one period and revenue is recognized when customer agreement is obtained or claim
resolution occurs, which can be in subsequent periods.

In certain instances, the Company’s long-term contracts allow its customers to unilaterally reduce or eliminate scope
of work without cause. These instances represent higher risk due to uncertainty of total contract value and estimated
costs to complete; therefore, potentially impacting revenue recognition in future periods.

Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the customer contract, and excludes any amounts
collected on behalf of third parties. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and
concurrent with a specified revenue producing transaction, that are collected by the Company for a customer, are
excluded from revenue.

d) Balance sheet classifications

A one-year time period is typically used as the basis for classifying current assets and liabilities. However, there is a
possibility that amounts receivable and payable under construction contracts (principally customer and supplier
holdbacks) may extend beyond one year.

e) Cash

Cash includes cash on hand and bank balances net of outstanding cheques.

f) Accounts receivable and contract assets

Accounts receivable are recorded when the Company has an unconditional right to consideration arising from
performance of contracts with customers. Accounts receivable may be comprised of amounts billed to customers
and amounts that have been earned but have not yet been billed. Such unbilled but earned amounts generally arise
when a billing period ends subsequent to the end of the reporting period. When this occurs, revenue equal to the
earned and unbilled amount is accrued. Such accruals are classified as accounts receivable on the balance sheet,
even though they are not yet billed, as they represent consideration for work that has been completed prior to the
period end where the Company has an unconditional right to consideration.

Contract assets include unbilled amounts representing revenue recognized from work performed where the Company
does not yet have an unconditional right to compensation. These balances generally relate to (i) revenue accruals on
contracts where the percentage of completion method of revenue recognition requires an accrual over what has been
billed and (ii) revenue recognized from variable consideration related to unpriced contract modifications.

The Company records allowance for credit losses using the expected credit loss model upon the initial recognition of
financial assets. The estimate of expected credit loss considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for
current economic and credit conditions. Bad debt expense is charged to cost of sales in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in the period the allowance is recognized. The counterparties
to the majority of the Company’s financial assets are major oil and coal producers with a long history of no credit
losses.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

61

Holdbacks represent amounts up to 10% of the contract value under certain contracts that the customer is
contractually entitled to withhold until completion of the project or until certain project milestones are achieved.
Information about the Company’s exposure to credit risks and impairment losses for trade and other receivables is
included in note 15(f).

g) Contract costs

The Company occasionally incurs costs to obtain contracts (reimbursable bid costs) and to fulfill contracts (fulfillment
costs). If these costs meet certain criteria, they are capitalized as contract costs, included within other assets on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Capitalized costs are amortized based on the transfer of goods or services to which
the assets relate and are included in cost of sales. Reimbursable bid costs meet the criteria for capitalization when
these costs will be reimbursed by the owner regardless of the outcome of the bid. Generally, this occurs when the
Company has been selected as the preferred bidder for a project. The Company recognizes reimbursable bid costs
as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity would have otherwise recognized
is one year or less. Costs to fulfill a contract meet the criteria for capitalization if they relate directly to a specifically
identifiable contract, they generate or enhance resources that will be used to satisfy future performance obligations
and if the costs are expected to be recovered. The costs that meet this criterion are often mobilization and site
set-up costs. Contract costs are recorded within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

h) Remaining performance obligations

Remaining performance obligations represents the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are
unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period. Certain of the Company’s long-term
contracts can allow customers to unilaterally reduce or eliminate the scope of the contracted work without cause.
These long-term contracts represent higher risk due to uncertainty of total contract value and estimated costs to
complete; therefore, potentially impacting revenue recognition in future periods. Excluded from this disclosure are
amounts where the Company recognizes revenue as-invoiced (note 5(d)). Remaining performance obligations are
recorded within contract assets and contract liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

i) Contract liabilities

Contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on
uncompleted contracts. Long-term contract liabilities (included in other long-term obligations) consists of upfront
payments for long-term contracts to assist with operations scaling.

j) Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value, and consist primarily of repair parts, parts and
components held for resale, tires and track frames, fuel and lubricants, and customer rebuild work in progress. Cost
is determined using the weighted-average method.

k) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Equipment under finance lease is recorded at the present value
of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease.

Major components of heavy construction equipment in use such as engines and drive trains are recorded separately.
Depreciation is not recorded until an asset is available for and in use. Depreciation is calculated based on the cost,
net of the estimated residual value, over the estimated useful life of the assets on the following bases and rates:

Rate

Basis
Units of production 5,000 – 120,000 hours
Units of production 2,500 – 70,000 hours
Straight-line
Straight-line
Straight-line
Straight-line
Straight-line
Straight-line
No depreciation

5 – 10 years
5 – 10 years
4 – 10 years
10 – 30 years
10 – 50 years
Over shorter of estimated useful life and lease term
No depreciation

Assets
Heavy equipment
Major component parts in use
Other equipment
Licensed motor vehicles
Office and computer equipment
Furnishings, fixtures and facilities
Buildings
Leasehold improvements
Land

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NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

The costs for periodic repairs and maintenance are expensed to the extent the expenditures serve only to restore
the assets to their normal operating condition without enhancing their service potential or extending their useful lives.

l) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible
assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is reviewed annually on October 1st for
impairment or more frequently when there is an indication of potential impairment. Impairment is tested at the
reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount to its fair value. The process of determining fair
values is subjective and requires management to exercise judgment in making assumptions about future results,
including revenue and cash flow projections and discount rates. The annual test was performed on the acquired
goodwill with no impairment identified. The carrying amount of Goodwill can fluctuate due to changes in foreign
exchange rates impacting the balances recorded within entities using a currency other than CAD. Goodwill is
recorded within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

m) Intangible assets

Acquired intangible assets with finite lives are recorded at historical cost net of accumulated amortization and
accumulated impairment losses, if any. The cost of intangible assets acquired in an asset acquisition are recorded at
cost based upon relative fair value as at the acquisition date. Costs incurred to increase the future benefit of
intangible assets are capitalized.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and assessed for impairment
whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization period and method for
an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of each reporting period.

Estimated useful lives of definite lived intangible assets and corresponding amortization method are:

Assets

Internal-use software
Customer relationship

Basis

Straight-line
Straight-line

n) Impairment of long-lived assets

Rate

4 years
4 years

Long-lived assets or asset groups held and used including property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible
assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows
expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or group of assets is less than its carrying
amount, it is considered to be impaired. The Company measures the impairment loss as the amount by which the
carrying amount of the asset or group of assets exceeds its fair value, which is charged to the Consolidated
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. In determining whether an impairment exists, the Company
makes assumptions about the future cash flows expected from the use of its long-lived assets, such as: applicable
industry performance and prospects; general business and economic conditions that prevail and are expected to
prevail; expected growth; maintaining its customer base; and achieving cost reductions. There can be no assurance
that expected future cash flows will be realized or will be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of long-lived
assets. Furthermore, the process of determining fair values is subjective and requires management to exercise
judgment in making assumptions about future results, including revenue and cash flow projections and discount
rates.

At each reporting period, the Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets for indications of
impairment. At December 31, 2023, there were no impairment indicators identified, as there had been no material
declines in the operating environment or expected financial results.

o) Assets held for sale

Long-lived assets are classified as held for sale when certain criteria are met, which include:

(cid:129) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the assets;

(cid:129)

the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition;

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

63

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

(cid:129)

an active program to locate buyers and other actions to sell the assets have been initiated;

the sale of the assets is probable and their transfer is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale
within one year;

the assets are being actively marketed at reasonable prices in relation to their fair value; and

it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the plan to sell the assets or that the plan will be withdrawn.

Assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs
to sell and are disclosed separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are not depreciated.

Equipment disposal decisions are made using an approach in which a target life is set for each type of equipment.
The target life is based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the Company’s past experience in the various
operating environments. Once a piece of equipment reaches its target life it is evaluated to determine if disposal is
warranted based on its expected operating cost and reliability in its current state. If the expected operating cost
exceeds the target operating cost for the fleet or if the expected reliability is lower than the target reliability of the
fleet, the unit is considered for disposal. Expected operating costs and reliability are based on the past history of the
unit and experience in the various operating environments. Once the Company has determined that the equipment
will be disposed, and the criteria for assets held for sale are met, the unit is recorded in assets held for sale at the
lower of depreciated cost or net realizable value.

p) Foreign currency translation

The functional currency of the Company is Canadian Dollars. Transactions recorded within these subsidiaries that
are denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange on the transaction date. Monetary assets
and liabilities within these subsidiaries denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian Dollars at the
rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. The resulting foreign exchange gains and losses are included
in the determination of earnings and included within general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Accounts of the Company’s Australia-based subsidiaries, which have Australian Dollar functional currency, and
US-based subsidiaries, which have US Dollar functional currency, are translated into Canadian Dollars using the
current rate method. Assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date,
and revenue and expense items are translated at the average rate of exchange for the period. The resulting
unrealized exchange gains and losses from these translation adjustments are included as a separate component of
shareholders’ equity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The effect of exchange rate changes on cash
balances held in foreign currencies is separately reported as part of the reconciliation of the change in cash and for
the period.

q) Fair value measurement

Fair value measurements are categorized using a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs used to measure
fair value, which prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels. Fair values included in Level 1 are determined by
reference to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Fair values included in Level 2 include
valuations using inputs based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly other than the quoted prices.
Level 3 valuations are based on inputs that are not based on observable market data. The classification of a fair
value within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred at the date the
event or change in circumstance causing the transfer occurred.

r) Income taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in
tax rates is recognized in income in the period of enactment. A valuation allowance is recorded against any deferred
tax asset if it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.

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NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not (greater
than 50%) of being sustained. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the
change in judgement occurs. The Company accrues interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions in the period in
which these uncertainties are identified. Interest and penalties are included in general and administrative expenses
in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
s) Stock-based compensation
The Company has a Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”) Plan which is described in note 20(a). RSUs are generally
granted effective July 1 of each fiscal year with respect to services to be provided in that fiscal year and the following
two fiscal years. The RSUs generally vest at the end of the three-year term. The Company settles RSUs with
common shares purchased on the open market through a trust arrangement. Employees have the option to receive
the full amount of vested units or to have the Company withhold shares to satisfy the tax withholding requirements
on their behalf. Compensation expense is calculated based on the number of vested RSUs multiplied by the fair
value of each RSU as determined by the volume weighted-average trading price of the Company’s common shares
for the five trading days immediately preceding the day on which the fair market value was to be determined. The
Company recognizes compensation cost over the three-year term in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. When dividends are paid on
common shares, additional dividend equivalent RSUs are granted to all RSU holders as of the dividend payment
date. The number of additional RSUs to be granted is determined by multiplying the dividend payment per common
share by the number of outstanding RSUs, divided by the fair market value of the Company’s common shares on the
dividend payment date. Such additional RSUs are granted subject to the same service criteria as the underlying
RSUs.
The Company has a Performance Restricted Share Unit (“PSU”) plan which is described in note 20(b). The PSUs
vest at the end of a three-year term and are subject to the performance criteria approved by the Human Resources
and Compensation Committee at the date of the grant. Such performance criteria include the passage of time and,
for awards prior to 2022, is based upon the improvement of total shareholder return (“TSR”) as compared to a
defined Canadian company peer group. For awards in 2022 and later, performance is based equally on four criteria:
(a) improvement of TSR as compared to a defined group consisting of Canadian and US public companies and
relevant S&P/TSX small-cap subset indexes; (b) adjusted earnings before interest and taxes; (c) free cash flow; and
(d) adjusted return on invested capital. TSR is calculated using the fair market values of voting common shares at
the grant date, the fair market value of voting common shares at the vesting date and the total dividends declared
and paid throughout the vesting period. The grants are measured at fair value on the grant date using a Monte Carlo
model. The Company settles all PSUs with common shares purchased on the open market through a trust
arrangement. Employees have the option to receive the full amount of vested units or to have the Company withhold
shares to satisfy the tax withholding requirements on their behalf. The Company recognizes compensation cost over
the three-year term of the PSU in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, with a
corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital.
The Company has a Deferred Stock Unit (“DSU”) Plan which is described in note 20(c). The DSU plan enables
directors and executives to receive all or a portion of their annual fee or annual executive bonus compensation in the
form of DSUs and are settled in cash. The DSUs vest immediately upon issuance and are only redeemable upon
departure, retirement or death of the participant. Compensation expense is calculated based on the number of DSUs
multiplied by the fair market value of each DSU as determined by the volume weighted-average trading price of the
Company’s common shares for the 5 trading days immediately preceding the day on which the fair market value is to
be determined, with any changes in fair value recognized in general and administrative expenses in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Compensation costs related to DSUs are
recognized in full upon the grant date as the units vest immediately. When dividends are paid on common shares,
additional dividend equivalent DSUs are granted to all DSU holders as of the dividend payment date. The number of
additional DSUs to be granted is determined by multiplying the dividend payment per common share by the number
of outstanding DSUs, divided by the fair market value of the Company’s common shares on the dividend payment
date. Such additional DSUs are granted subject to the same service criteria as the underlying DSUs.
As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated
forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ
from those estimated.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

65

t) Net income per share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-
average number of common shares outstanding during the period (see note 16(b)). Diluted net income per share is
computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares
outstanding during the year, adjusted for dilutive share amounts. The diluted per share amounts are calculated using
the treasury stock method and the if-converted method.

u) Leases

For lessee accounting, the Company determines whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the
contract. At the lease commencement date, the Company recognizes a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease
liability. The ROU asset for operating and finance leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets and
property, plant and equipment, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The lease liability for operating
and finance leases are included in operating lease liabilities and long-term debt, respectively.

Operating and finance lease assets and liabilities are initially measured at the present value of lease payments at
the commencement date. Subsequently, finance lease liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method and operating lease liabilities are measured at the present value of unpaid lease payments.

As most of the Company’s operating lease contracts do not provide the implicit interest rate, nor can the implicit
interest rate be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for
determining the present value of lease payments. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate
that the Company would pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a
similar term. The Company uses the lease implicit interest rate when it is determinable.

The lease term for all of the Company’s leases includes the non-cancellable period of the lease plus any period
covered by options to extend (or not to terminate) the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the Company will
exercise that option.

Lease payments are comprised of fixed payments owed over the lease term and the exercise price of a purchase
option if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise the option. The ROU assets for both operating and finance
leases are initially measured at cost, which consists of the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for lease
payments made at or before the lease commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred, less any lease
incentives received. For finance leases, ROU asset depreciation expense is recognized and presented separately
from interest expense on the lease liability through depreciation and interest expense, net, respectively. The ROU
asset for operating leases is measured at the amortized value of the ROU asset. For operating leases, amortization
of the ROU asset is calculated as the current-period lease cost adjusted by the lease liability accretion to the then
outstanding lease balance. Lease expense of the operating lease ROU asset is recognized on a straight-line basis
over the remaining lease term through general and administrative expenses.

ROU assets for operating and finance leases are reduced by any accumulated impairment losses. The Company’s
existing accounting policy for impairment of long-lived assets is applied to determine whether an ROU asset is
impaired, and if so, the amount of the impairment loss to be recognized.

The Company monitors for events or changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of one or more of its
leases. When a reassessment results in the remeasurement of a lease liability, a corresponding adjustment is made
to the carrying amount of the corresponding ROU asset.

The Company generally accounts for contracts with lease and non-lease components separately. This involves
allocating the consideration in the contract to the lease and non-lease components based on each component’s
relative standalone price. For certain leases, the Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to account
for the lease and non-lease components together as a single lease component. Non-lease components include
common area maintenance and machine maintenance. For those leases, the lease payments used to measure the
lease liability include all of the fixed consideration in the contract.

ROU assets and lease liabilities for all leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less (“short-term leases”) are
not recognized. The Company recognizes its short-term lease payments as an expense on a straight-line basis over
the lease term. Short-term lease variable payments are recognized in the period in which the payment is assessed.

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NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

For lessor accounting, the Company entered into contracts to sublease certain operating property leases to third
parties and generally accounts for lease and non-lease components of subleases separately.

If any of the following criteria are met, the Company classifies the lease as a sales-type lease:

(cid:129) The lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term;

(cid:129) The lease grants the lessee an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to

exercise;

(cid:129) The lease term is for the major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset. However, if the

commencement date falls at or near the end of the economic life of the underlying asset, this criterion shall not
be used for purposes of classifying the lease;

(cid:129) The present value of the sum of the lease payments and any residual value guaranteed by the lessee that is not
already reflected in the lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the underlying
asset.

(cid:129) The underlying asset is of such a specialized nature that it is expected to have no alternative use to the lessor at

the end of the lease term.

When none of these criteria are met, the Company classifies the lease as an operating lease unless both of the
following criteria are met, in which case the Company records the lease as a direct financing lease:

(cid:129) The present value of the sum of the lease payments and any residual value guaranteed by the lessee that is not
already reflected in the lease payments and/or any other third party unrelated to the lessor equals or exceeds
substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset.

(cid:129)

It is probable that the lessor will collect the lease payments plus any amount necessary to satisfy a residual value
guarantee.

For sales-type leases, the Company recognizes the net investment in the lease, and derecognizes the underlying
asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The interest income over the lease term is recognized in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, with cash received from leases classified as
operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The difference between the cash received from
leases and the interest income is the reduction of the initial net investment. The net investment at the end of the
lease term will equate to the estimated residual value at lease inception. For operating leases, the Company
continues to recognize the underlying asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and lease income is recognized in
revenue, straight-line over the lease term in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive
Income. The cash received from leases are classified as operating cash flows on the Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows.

v) Deferred financing costs

Underwriting, legal and other direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are presented as deferred
financing costs. Deferred financing costs related to the mortgage and the issuance of Convertible Debentures are
included within liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized using the effective interest rate
method over the term to maturity. Deferred financing costs related to revolving facilities under the credit facilities are
included within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized ratably over the term of the
Credit Facility.

w) Investments in affiliates and joint ventures

Upon inception or acquisition of a contractual agreement, the Company performs an assessment to determine
whether the arrangement contains a variable interest in a legal entity and whether that legal entity is a variable
interest entity (“VIE”). Where it is concluded that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company will
consolidate the accounts of that VIE. Other qualitative factors that are considered include decision-making
responsibilities, the VIE capital structure, risk and rewards sharing, contractual agreements with the VIE, voting
rights and level of involvement of other parties. The Company assesses the primary beneficiary determination for a
VIE on an ongoing basis as changes occur in the facts and circumstances related to a VIE. If an entity is determined
not to be a VIE, the voting interest entity model will be applied. The maximum exposure to loss as a result of
involvement with the VIE is the Company’s share of the investee’s net assets.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

67

The Company utilizes the equity method to account for its interests in affiliates and joint ventures that the Company
does not control but over which it exerts significant influence. The equity method is typically used when it has an
ownership interest of between 15% and 50% in an entity, provided the Company is able to exercise significant
influence over the investee’s operations. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and
operating policy decisions of the investee.

Under the equity method, the investment in an affiliate or a joint venture is initially recognized at cost. Transaction
costs that are incremental and directly attributable to the investment in the affiliate or joint venture are included in the
cost. The total initial cost of the investment is attributable to the net assets in the equity investee at fair value.

The carrying amount of investment is adjusted to recognize changes in the Company’s share of net assets of the
affiliate or joint venture since the acquisition date.

The aggregate of the Company’s share of profit or loss of affiliates and joint ventures is shown on the face of the
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, representing profit or loss in the subsidiaries of
the affiliate or joint venture. This share of profit or loss is inclusive of any mark-to-market adjustments made by the
affiliates or joint ventures. Transactions between the Company and the affiliate or joint venture are eliminated to the
extent of the interest in the affiliate or joint venture. When the Company earns revenue on downstream sales to
affiliate or joint ventures, it eliminates its proportionate share of profit through revenue and cost of sales.

After application of the equity method, the Company determines whether it is necessary to recognize an impairment
loss on its investment in its affiliate or joint venture. At each reporting date, the Company determines whether there
is objective evidence that the investment in the affiliate or joint venture is impaired. If there is such evidence, the
Company calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate or
joint venture and its carrying value, and then recognizes the loss within “equity earnings in affiliates and joint
ventures” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Upon loss of significant
influence over the associate or joint control over the joint venture, the Company measures and recognizes any
retained investment at its fair value. Any difference between the carrying amount of the associate or joint venture
upon loss of significant influence or joint control and the fair value of the retained investment and proceeds from
disposal is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

x) Derivative instruments

The Company may periodically use derivative financial instruments to manage financial risks from fluctuations in
share prices. Such instruments are only used for risk management purposes. Derivative financial instruments are
subject to standard terms and conditions, financial controls, management and risk monitoring procedures including
Board approval for all significant transactions. These derivative financial instruments were not designated as hedges
for accounting purposes and were recorded at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in
the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

y) Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are
recorded at the acquisition date at their fair values. The Company measures goodwill as the excess of the total cost
of acquisition over the fair value of identifiable net assets of an acquired business at the acquisition date. Any
contingent consideration payable is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. The current portion of the
consideration payable is recorded in accrued liabilities and long-term portion is recorded in other long-term
obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with any subsequent changes to fair value recorded in general and
administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Acquisition-
related costs of $7,095 in 2023 were expensed when incurred in general and administrative charges.

3. Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

a) Joint venture formations

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations – Joint Venture Formations. This
accounting standard update was issued to create new requirements for valuing contributions made to a joint venture
upon formation. This standard is effective January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The Company is
assessing the impact the adoption of this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

68

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

b) Segment reporting

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting: Improvements to Reportable Segment
Disclosures. This accounting standard update was issued to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements,
primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This standard is effective for the fiscal
year beginning January 1, 2024. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard may have on
its consolidated financial statements.

c) Income taxes

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes: Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This
accounting standard update was issued to increase transparency by improving income tax disclosures, primarily
related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This standard is effective for the fiscal year
beginning January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this
standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

4. Accounts receivable

Trade
Holdbacks
Accrued trade receivables

Contract receivables
Other

5. Revenue

a) Disaggregation of revenue

Year ended December 31,

Revenue by source

Operations support services
Equipment and component sales
Construction services

By commercial terms
Time-and-materials
Unit-price
Lump-sum

Revenue recognition method

As-invoiced
Cost-to-cost percent complete
Point-in-time

b) Contract balances

Contract assets
Contract liabilities
Long-term contract liabilities

Note

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

9 $

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

65,386 $
363
16,556

82,305 $
15,550

97,855 $

39,625
372
33,207

73,204
10,607

83,811

2023

2022

886,963 $

57,822
12,435

688,734
48,728
32,077

957,220 $

769,539

575,608 $
363,979
17,633

523,468
234,047
12,024

957,220 $

769,539

600,744 $
298,654
57,822

522,415
198,396
48,728

957,220 $

769,539

Note

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

14

35,027 $
59
16,114

15,802
1,411
—

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

69

Contract assets include unbilled amounts representing revenue recognized from work performed where the
Company does not yet have an unconditional right to compensation. These balances generally relate to revenue
accruals on contracts where the percentage of completion method of revenue recognition requires an accrual over
what has been billed and revenue recognized from variable consideration related to unapproved contract
modifications. Contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated
earnings on uncompleted contracts. Long-term contract liabilities (included in other long-term obligations) includes
upfront payments for long-term contracts to assist with operations scaling. The Company recognized revenue of
$1,411 in 2023 that was included in the contract liability balance as of December 31, 2022 ($3,349 in 2022 that was
included in the contract balance as of December 31, 2021).

c) Performance obligations

The following table provides information about revenue recognized from performance obligations that were satisfied
(or partially satisfied) in previous periods:

Year ended December 31,

Revenue recognized (derecognized)

2023

2022

$

2,598 $

(1,201)

These amounts relate to cumulative catch-up adjustments arising from changes in estimated cost of sales on
cost-to-cost percent complete jobs and final settlement of constrained variable consideration.

d) Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations

The estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are
unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period is $22,797, all of which is expected to be
recognized in 2024. Included is all expected consideration from contracts with customers, excluding amounts that
are recognized using the as-invoiced method and any constrained amounts of revenue.

e) Unapproved contract modifications

The Company recognized revenue from variable consideration related to unapproved contract modifications for the
year ended December 31, 2023, of $8,032 (year ended December 31, 2022 – $nil). The Company has recorded
amounts in current assets related to uncollected consideration from revenue recognized on unapproved contract
modifications as at December 31, 2023, of $9,482 (December 31, 2022 – $1,487).

6. Inventories

Repair parts
Tires and track frames
Fuel and lubricants

Parts and supplies
Parts, supplies and components for equipment rebuilds
Customer rebuild work in process

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

41,358 $

6,478
1,941

49,777
13,898
1,287

$

64,962 $

26,036
3,372
2,237

31,645
14,899
3,354

49,898

70

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

7. Property, plant and equipment

December 31, 2023

Owned assets

Heavy equipment
Major component parts in use
Other equipment
Licensed motor vehicles
Office and computer equipment
Buildings
Capital inventory and capital work in progress
Land

Assets under finance lease

Heavy equipment
Major component parts in use
Other equipment
Licensed motor vehicles

Cost

Accumulated
Depreciation Net Book Value

$

503,359 $
747,036
49,207
20,051
10,133
45,681
84,555
10,472

133,448 $
207,969
33,952
7,207
6,336
5,231
—
—

369,911
539,067
15,255
12,844
3,797
40,450
84,555
10,472

1,470,494

394,143

1,076,351

64,691
28,514
37
2,555

95,797

19,435
9,580
12
175

29,202

45,256
18,934
25
2,380

66,595

Total property, plant and equipment

$

1,566,291 $

423,345 $

1,142,946

December 31, 2022

Owned assets

Heavy equipment
Major component parts in use
Other equipment
Licensed motor vehicles
Office and computer equipment
Buildings
Capital inventory and capital work in progress
Land

Assets under finance lease

Heavy equipment
Major component parts in use
Other equipment
Licensed motor vehicles

Cost

Accumulated
Depreciation Net Book Value

$

368,318 $
388,169
40,752
12,109
7,510
29,725
46,050
10,472

123,695 $
163,124
30,769
6,800
5,669
4,489
—
—

903,105

334,546

75,750
40,406
4,238
9,669

130,063

28,265
22,264
1,814
469

52,812

244,623
225,045
9,983
5,309
1,841
25,236
46,050
10,472

568,559

47,485
18,142
2,424
9,200

77,251

Total property, plant and equipment

$

1,033,168 $

387,358 $

645,810

8. Finance and operating leases

As a lessee, the Company has finance and operating leases for heavy equipment, shop facilities, vehicles and office
facilities. These leases have terms of 1 to 15 years, with options to extend on certain leases for up to five years. The
Company generates operating lease income from the sublease of certain office facilities and heavy equipment
rentals.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

71

a) Minimum lease payments and receipts

The future minimum lease payments and receipts from non-cancellable leases as at December 31, 2023, for the
periods shown are as follows:

For the year ending December 31,

Finance Leases Operating Leases Operating leases

Payments

Receipts

2024
2025
2026
2027
2028 and thereafter

Total minimum lease payments

Less: amount representing interest

Carrying amount of minimum lease payments
Less: current portion

Long term

b) Lease expenses and income

Year ended December 31,

Short-term lease expense
Operating lease expense
Operating lease income

$

$

$

$

25,697 $
14,307
9,721
6,094
2,081

57,900 $
(5,049)
52,851 $
(23,691)
29,160 $

2,307 $
1,727
1,579
1,381
9,358

16,352 $
(3,303)
13,049
(1,742)
11,307

683
—
—
—
—
683

$

2023

15,305
3,007
(6,182)

$

2022

23,003
4,588
(6,831)

During the year ended December 31, 2023, depreciation of equipment under finance leases was $11,194
(December 31, 2022 – $18,573).

c) Supplemental information

Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):

Finance leases
Operating leases

Weighted-average discount rate:

Finance leases
Operating leases

9. Investments in affiliates and joint ventures

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

2.6
10.3

5.19%
4.59%

1.9
10.2

3.53%
4.64%

The following is a summary of the Company’s interests in its various affiliates and joint ventures, which it accounts
for using the equity method:

Affiliate or joint venture name:

Nuna Group of Companies (“Nuna”)

Nuna Logistics Ltd.
North American Nuna Joint Venture
Nuna East Ltd.
Nuna Pang Contracting Ltd.
Nuna West Mining Ltd.

Mikisew North American Limited Partnership (“MNALP”)
Fargo joint ventures “Fargo”
ASN Constructors (“ASN”)
Red River Valley Alliance LLC (“RRVA”)

NAYL Realty Inc.
BNA Remanufacturing Limited Partnership
Barrooghumba WPH Pty Ltd.
Ngaliku WPH Pty Ltd.
Dene North Site Services Partnership(i)

(i)As of January 1, 2023, the Dene North Site Services Partnership has been dissolved.

72

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Interest

49%
50%
37%
37%
49%
49%

30%
15%
49%
50%
50%
50%
49%

The following table summarizes the movement in the investments in affiliates and joint ventures balance during the
year:

Balance, beginning of the year
Additions arising from the acquisition of MacKellar
Share of net income
Dividends and advances received from affiliates and joint ventures
Intercompany eliminations and other

Balance, end of the year

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

75,637
85
25,815
(21,543)
1,441

55,974
—
37,053
(12,760)
(4,630)

$

81,435

$

75,637

Barrooghumba WPH Pty Ltd. and Ngaliku WPH Pty Ltd. have been added through the acquisition of MacKellar
(note 21). Both entities are established joint venture operations of MacKellar, and they continue in their operations
following the acquisition.

On January 1, 2023, the Dene North Site Services (“DNSS”) partnership was dissolved and commenced wind up
activities. The Company purchased equipment from the partnership for $2,600, offset by the receipt of final cash
distributions of $2,213, resulting in a net cash outflow of $387.

a) Affiliate and joint venture condensed financial data

The financial information for the Company’s share of the investments in affiliates and joint ventures accounted for
using the equity method is summarized as follows:

Balance Sheets

December 31, 2023

Assets
Cash
Other current assets
Non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Contract liabilities
Other current liabilities (excluding current
portion of long-term debt)
Long-term debt (including current portion)
Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net investments in affiliates and joint ventures

December 31, 2022

Assets
Cash
Other current assets
Non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Contract liabilities
Other current liabilities (excluding current
portion of long-term debt)
Long-term debt (including current portion)
Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net investments in affiliates and joint ventures

Nuna

MNALP

Fargo

Other entities

Total

9,944 $

4,184 $

34,937
23,884

36,060
37,103

87,418 $
4,556
172,818

222 $

4,593
10,434

68,765 $

77,347 $

264,792 $

15,249 $

101,768
80,146
244,239

426,153

7,817 $

— $

76,481 $

52 $

84,350

5,145
9,631
4,985

29,216
36,596
—

33,122
132,818
589

27,578 $

41,187 $

65,812 $

243,010 $

11,535 $

21,782 $

1,871
6,221
174

8,318 $

6,931 $

69,354
185,266
5,748

344,718

81,435

Nuna

MNALP

Fargo

Other entities

Total

6,559 $

1,467 $

82,147
18,422

39,106
29,143

81,326 $
1,776
93,007

800 $

3,495
12,510

107,128 $

69,716 $

176,109 $

16,805 $

90,152
126,524
153,082

369,758

8,788 $

— $

66,490 $

4 $

75,282

21,858
17,900
4,778

53,324 $

53,804 $

38,397
26,180
—

11,967
89,295
612

64,577 $

168,364 $

5,139 $

7,745 $

1,415
5,906
531

7,856 $

8,949 $

73,637
139,281
5,921

294,121

75,637

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

73

Included within our portion of Nuna’s December 31, 2023 current assets are contract assets of $8,701 from variable
consideration related to unapproved contract modifications (December 31, 2022 – $1,391).

Statements of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2023

Nuna

MNALP

Fargo Other entities

Revenue
Gross profit
Income (loss) before taxes
Net income (loss)

Year ended December 31, 2022

Revenue
Gross profit
Income before taxes
Net income

b) Related parties

$

$

$

$

165,741 $
9,622
1,246
1,098 $

395,040 $
13,954
10,869
10,869 $

117,543 $
25,353
15,344
14,522 $

7,975 $
709
(639)
(674) $

Nuna

MNALP

Fargo Other entities

213,745 $
30,667
21,741
19,298 $

330,259 $
10,216
8,825
8,825 $

40,598 $
6,575
7,049
7,049 $

11,431 $
2,123
1,881
1,881 $

Total

686,299
49,638
26,820
25,815

Total

596,033
49,581
39,496
37,053

The following table provides the material aggregate outstanding balances with affiliates and joint ventures. Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities due to joint ventures and affiliates do not bear interest, are unsecured and without
fixed terms of repayment. Accounts receivable from certain joint ventures and affiliates bear interest at various rates,
and all other accounts receivable amounts are non-interest bearing.

Accounts receivable
Contract assets
Other assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

41,157
12,019
350
15,087

65,294
—
2,444
13,773

The Company enters into transactions with a number of its joint ventures and affiliates that involve providing services
primarily consisting of subcontractor services, equipment rental revenue and sales of equipment and components.
These transactions were conducted in the normal course of operations, which were established and agreed to as
consideration by the related parties. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, revenue earned from these
services was $773,512 and $666,069, respectively. The majority of services are completed through the Mikisew
North American Limited Partnership (“MNALP”) which performs the role of contractor and subcontracts work to the
Company. Accounts receivable balances from MNALP are recorded when MNALP invoices the external customer
and are settled when MNALP receives payment. At December 31, 2023, MNALP had recorded accounts receivable
of $61,111 on its balance sheet (December 31, 2022 – $66,680).

10. Other assets

Deferred financing costs
Goodwill
Loans to affiliates and joint ventures
Derivative financial instruments
Long-term prepaid lease payments
Deferred lease inducement asset

74

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Note

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

15(b)

$

5,891
526
350
229
148
—

$

7,144

$

887
543
2,444
778
1,085
71

5,808

11. Income taxes

Income tax expense differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the federal and provincial statutory
income tax rates to income before income taxes. The reasons for the differences are as follows:

Year ended December 31,

Income before income taxes
Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures

Tax rate

Expected expense
Adjustments related to:

Stock-based compensation
Foreign tax rate differential
Tax on equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures
Other

Total income tax expense

Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax expense

Total income tax expense

The deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized below:

Deferred tax assets:

Non-capital and net capital loss carryforwards
Finance lease obligations
Operating lease obligations
Stock-based compensation
Transaction costs
Other

Deferred tax liabilities:
Contract assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other

Net deferred income tax liability

Classified as:

Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax liability

2023

85,963
(25,815)

60,148

23.00%

13,834

1,092
2,164
5,936
(204)

22,822

6,841
15,981

22,822

$

$

$

$

$

$

2022

84,445
(37,053)

47,392

23.00%

10,900

1,090
183
5,162
(262)

17,073

1,627
15,446

17,073

$

$

$

$

$

$

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

$

$

$

26,713
23,116
6,161
4,913
1,858
10,051
72,812

5,693
168,813
7,130
181,636

108,824

$

$

$

$

$

33,630
17,981
3,415
4,200
—
2,241
61,467

3,199
123,274
6,494
132,967

71,500

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

— $

(108,824)

387
(71,887)

(108,824) $

(71,500)

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the Canadian federal jurisdiction, multiple Canadian
provincial jurisdictions, the U.S. federal jurisdiction, three U.S state jurisdictions and the Australia federal jurisdiction.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

75

At December 31, 2023, the Company has non-capital loss carryforwards of $116,143, which expire as follows:

2026
2027
2032
2033
2037
2039
2040
2041
2042
2043

12. Accrued liabilities

Payroll liabilities
Current portion of DSU liabilities
Income and other taxes payable
Loans from affiliates and joint ventures
Obligation related to MacKellar acquisition
Obligation related to DGI acquisition
Deferred consideration related to ML Northern acquisition
Dividends payable
Other

13. Long-term debt

Credit Facility
Convertible debentures
Equipment financing
Mortgage
Unamortized deferred financing costs

Less: current portion of long-term debt

December 31,
2023

$

3
278
175
9,095
5
118
82,668
16,816
3,677
3,308

$

116,143

Note

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

20(c)

21(b)
16(d)

$

28,524
—
26,515
11,387
20,070
2,431
—
2,674
3,125

$

94,726

$

16,082
5,099
8,189
—
—
1,720
5,002
2,098
5,594

43,784

Note

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

13(a) $
13(b)
13(c)
13(f)
13(g)

$

$

317,488
129,750
220,466
28,429
(3,514)

692,619
(81,306)

611,313

$

$

$

180,000
129,750
85,931
29,231
(4,371)

420,541
(42,089)

378,452

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2023, are:
$83.0 million in 2024, $64.3 million in 2025, $412.1 million in 2026, $28.8 million in 2027 and $107.8 million in 2028
and thereafter.

a) Credit Facility

On October 3, 2023, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”)
with a banking syndicate. On October 26, 2023, the Company exercised the accordion feature to increase the size of
the tranches as included in the amended agreement. The amended agreement matures on October 3, 2026, with an
option to extend on an annual basis, subject to certain conditions. The agreement is comprised solely of a revolving
facility that includes a Canadian dollar tranche of $280.0 million and an Australian dollar tranche of A$220.0 million,
totaling $478.0 million of lending capacity using the exchange rate in effect as at December 31, 2023. The Credit
Facility permits finance lease obligations to a limit of $350.0 million and certain other borrowings outstanding to a

76

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

limit of $20.0 million. The permitted amount of $350.0 million for finance lease obligations includes guarantees
provided by the Company to certain joint ventures. During the year ended December 31, 2023, financing costs of
$5.8 million were incurred in connection with the amended Credit Facility and are recorded in other assets on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As at December 31, 2023, there was $31.3 million (December 31, 2022 – $32.0 million) in issued letters of credit
under the Credit Facility and the unused borrowing availability was $129.3 million (December 31, 2022 – $88.0
million).

As at December 31, 2023, there was an additional $60.1 million in borrowing availability under finance lease
obligations (December 31, 2022 – $46.6 million). Borrowing availability under finance lease obligations considers the
current and long-term portion of finance lease obligations and financing obligations, including the finance lease
obligations for the joint ventures that the Company guarantees.

The Credit Facility has two financial covenants that must be tested quarterly on a trailing four-quarter basis. As at
December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants.

(cid:129) The first covenant is the Total Debt to Bank EBITDA Ratio.

O “Total Debt” is defined as the sum of the outstanding principal balance (current and long-term
portions) of: (i) finance leases; (ii) borrowings under our credit facilities (excluding outstanding
Letters of Credit); (iii) mortgage; (iv) promissory notes; (v) financing obligations; and (vi) vendor
financing, excluding convertible debentures.

O “Bank EBITDA” is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization,

excluding the effects of unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss, realized and unrealized gain or
loss on derivative financial instruments, cash and non-cash stock-based compensation expense,
gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, acquisition costs, and certain other
non-cash items included in the calculation of net income.

O The Total Debt to Bank EBITDA Ratio must be less than or equal to 3.5:1.

(cid:129) The second covenant is the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio which is defined as Bank EBITDA less

maintenance capital expenditures, cash distributions (dividends, share buybacks, etc.), and cash taxes
compared to Fixed Charges.

O “Fixed Charges” is defined as cash interest and all scheduled principal debt repayments.

O The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is to be maintained at a ratio greater than 1.1:1.

The Credit Facility bears interest at Canadian prime rate, U.S. Dollar Base Rate, Australian Bank Bill Swap
Reference Rate (“BBSY”), Canadian bankers’ acceptance rate or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”)
(all such terms as used or defined in the Credit Facility), plus applicable margins. The Company is also subject to
non-refundable standby fees, 0.40% to 0.70% depending on the Company’s Total Debt to Bank EBITDA Ratio. The
Credit Facility is secured by a lien on all of the Company’s existing and after-acquired property.

The Company acts as a guarantor for drawn amounts under revolving equipment lease credit facilities which have a
combined capacity of $110.0 million for Mikisew North American Limited Partnership (“MNALP”), an affiliate of the
Company. This equipment lease credit facility will allow MNALP to avail the credit through a lease agreement and/or
equipment finance contract with appropriate supporting documents. As at December 31, 2023, the Company has
provided guarantees on this facility of $74.7 million. At this time, there have been no instances or indication that
payments will not be made by MNALP. Therefore, no liability has been recorded related to this guarantee.

b) Convertible debentures

5.50% convertible debentures
5.00% convertible debentures

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

74,750 $
55,000

74,750
55,000

129,750 $

129,750

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

77

The terms of the convertible debentures are summarized as follows:

5.50% convertible debentures
5.00% convertible debentures

Date of issuance

Maturity Conversion price

Debt issuance
costs

June 1, 2021

June 30, 2028 $
March 20, 2019 March 31, 2026 $

24.50 $
25.60 $

3,531
2,691

Interest on the 5.50% convertible debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of
each year. Interest on the 5.00% convertible debentures is payable semi-annually on March 31 and September 30 of
each year.

The conversion price is adjusted upon certain events, including: the subdivision or consolidation of the outstanding
common shares, issuance of certain options, rights or warrants, distribution of cash dividends in an amount greater
than $0.192 for the 5.50% convertible debentures or $0.12 per common share for the 5.00% convertible debentures,
and other reorganizations such as amalgamations or mergers.

The 5.50% convertible debentures are not redeemable prior to June 30, 2024, except under certain exceptional
circumstances. On and after June 30, 2024, and prior to June 30, 2026, the debentures may be redeemed at the
option of the Company at the redemption price equal to the principal amount of the debentures plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon up to but excluding the date set for redemption provided, among other things, the current
market price is at least 125% of the conversion price on the date on which notice of the redemption is given. On or
after June 30, 2026, the debentures may be redeemed at the option of the Company at the redemption price equal
to the principal amount of the debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Both the 5.00% convertible debentures and the 5.50% convertible debentures are redeemable under certain
conditions after a change in control has occurred. If a change in control occurs, we are required to offer to purchase
all of the convertible debentures at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the date of purchase. The 5.00% convertible debentures are otherwise not redeemable by the Company.

c) Equipment financing

Finance lease obligations
Financing obligations
Promissory notes

Equipment financing

Year ended,

Finance lease obligations
Financing obligations
Promissory notes

Note

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

8 $

13(d)
13(e)

52,851
162,266
5,349

$

$

220,466

$

41,804
32,889
11,238

85,931

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Additions

Payments

Change in
foreign
exchange rates

Additions

Payments

$

58,675
233,668
—

$ (48,601)
(110,306)
(5,889)

$

292,343

$ (164,796)

$

$

$

973
6,015
—

$

14,526
—
3,400

(27,443)
(15,056)
(5,372)

6,988

$

17,926

$

(47,871)

The Company assumed $30,516 and $173,430 of finance lease obligations and financing obligations, respectively,
upon the MacKellar acquisition (note 21(a)). Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company paid out $18,509 and
$73,657 of the acquired financing lease obligations and financing obligations, respectively.

d) Financing obligations

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded new financing obligations of $233,668. Of the
new financing obligations, $173,430 was assumed upon the MacKellar acquisition (note 21(a)) and $73,657 was
extinguished subsequent to the acquisition. The remaining financing contracts assumed upon acquisition expire
between March 2024 and October 2028 with annual interest rates between 1.99% and 8.11%. Other new financing

78

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

contracts expire in September 2026. The Company is required to make monthly payments over the life of the
contracts with annual interest rates between 6.72% and 7.17%. The financing obligations are secured by the
corresponding property, plant and equipment.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded no new financing obligations.

e) Promissory notes

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded no new promissory notes.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a new equipment promissory note of
$3.4 million. The contract expires on May 13, 2026. The Company is required to make monthly payments over the
life of the contract with an annual interest rate of 5.85%. The promissory note is secured by the corresponding
property, plant and equipment.

f) Mortgage

The mortgage has a maturity date of November 1, 2046, and bears variable interest at a floating base rate of 5.60%
minus a variance of 2.20%, equal to 3.40%. The mortgage is secured by the corresponding land and building in
Acheson, Alberta.

g) Deferred financing costs

Cost
Accumulated amortization

14. Other long-term obligations

DSU liabilities
Long-term contract liabilities
Obligation related to MacKellar acquisition
Obligation related to DGI acquisition
Other

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

6,336
2,822

3,514

$

$

6,336
1,965

4,371

Note

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

20(c) $
5(b)

$

21,361
16,114
93,356
—
3,526

$

134,357

$

13,159
—
—
2,142
3,275

18,576

15. Financial instruments and risk management

a) Fair value measurements

In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses a variety of methods and assumptions that
are based on market conditions and risks existing on each reporting date. Standard market conventions and
techniques, such as discounted cash flow analysis are used to determine the fair value of the Company’s financial
instruments. All methods of fair value measurement result in a general approximation of fair value and such value
may never actually be realized.

The fair values of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate
their carrying amounts due to the nature of the instrument or the relatively short periods to maturity for the
instruments. The Credit Facility has a carrying value that approximates the fair value due to the floating rate nature
of the debt. The promissory notes have a carrying value that is not materially different than their fair value due to
similar instruments bearing similar interest rates.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

79

Financial instruments with carrying amounts that differ from their fair values are as follows:

Convertible debentures
Financing obligations
Mortgage

Contingent consideration

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Fair Value
Hierarchy Level

Level 1
Level 2
Level 2

Carrying
Amount

129,750
162,266
28,429

Fair
Value

160,072
159,900
22,780

Carrying
Amount

129,750
32,889
29,231

Fair
Value

131,795
30,783
24,329

The Company uses projected financial results to value the anticipated future earn-out payments. The estimated
liability is based on forecasted information and as such, could result in a range of outcomes. The impact of a
reasonably possible change of +/- 10% in forecasted net income on the fair value of the earn-out obligation is
estimated to be between a $7,970 decrease to a $7,970 increase on the fair value as at December 31, 2023.

Reconciliation of Level 3 recurring fair value measurements:

Balance, beginning of the year
Additions to level 3
Changes in fair value recognized in earnings
Changes in foreign exchange rates
Payments

Balance, end of the year

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

3,862
114,096
4,681
3,587
(10,369)

4,669
—
292
—
(1,099)

$

115,857

$

3,862

The contingent payment is based on forecasted performance for a specific customer which is expected to be paid in
full. The deferred consideration is an even payout of vendor provided debt that was calculated on unaudited financial
statements at acquisition and is not dependent on any future events.

The contingent payment, earn-out amounts, and deferred consideration liabilities are measured at fair value by
discounting estimated future payments to their net present value using Level 3 inputs. The Company has classified
the contingent consideration as Level 3 due to the lack of relevant observable market data over fair value inputs. The
Company believes the discount rates used to discount the contingent consideration reflect market participant
assumptions.

Changes in estimated fair values are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive
Income.

b) Swap agreement

On October 5, 2022, the Company entered into a swap agreement on its common shares with a financial institution
for investment purposes. As at December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a realized gain of $6,612 (December
31, 2022 – $nil) and an unrealized gain of $229 (December 31, 2022 – $778) on this agreement based on the
difference between the par value of the converted shares and the expected price of the Company’s shares at
contract maturity. The agreement is for 200,678 shares at a par value of $14.38, and an additional 458,400 shares at
a par value of $18.94. The fair value of the shares as at December 31, 2023, was $27.65. The fair value of the
unrealized shares is recorded in other assets (note 10) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swap has not been
designated as a hedge for accounting purposes and therefore changes in the fair value of the derivative are
recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Subsequent to year-end, this
swap agreement was completed on January 3, 2024.

c) Risk management

The Company is exposed to liquidity, market and credit risks associated with its financial instruments. The Company
will from time to time use various financial instruments to reduce market risk exposures from changes in foreign
currency exchange rates and interest rates. Management performs a risk assessment on a continual basis to help
ensure that all significant risks related to the Company and its operations have been reviewed and assessed to
reflect changes in market conditions and the Company’s operating activities.

80

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

The Company is also exposed to concentration risk through its revenues which is mitigated by the customers being
large investment grade organizations. The credit worthiness of new customers is subject to review by management
through consideration of the type of customer and the size of the contract. The Company has further mitigated this
risk through diversification of its operations. This diversification has primarily come through investments in joint
ventures which are accounted for using the equity method. Revenues from these investments are not included in
consolidated revenue.

d) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due. The
Company manages this risk by monitoring and reviewing actual and forecasted cash flows and the effect on bank
covenants. The Company meets its liquidity needs from various sources including cash generated by operating
activities, cash borrowings under the Credit Facility and financing through operating and financing leases and capital
equipment financing. The Company has unused borrowing availability of $129.3 million on the Credit Facility
(December 31, 2022 – $88.0 million) and an additional $60.1 million in borrowing availability under finance lease
obligations (December 31, 2022 – $46.6 million). The Company believes that it has sufficient cash balances and
availability under the Credit Facility to meet its foreseeable operating requirements.

e) Market risk

Market risk is the risk that the future revenue or operating expense related cash flows, the fair value or future cash
flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices such as foreign currency exchange
rates and interest rates. The level of market risk to which the Company is exposed at any point in time varies
depending on market conditions, expectations of future price or market rate movements and composition of the
Company’s financial assets and liabilities held, non-trading physical assets and contract portfolios.

To manage the exposure related to changes in market risk, the Company has used various risk management
techniques. Such instruments may be used to establish a fixed price for a commodity, an interest-bearing obligation
or a cash flow denominated in a foreign currency.

The sensitivities provided below are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future
performance or indicative of earnings on these contracts.

i) Foreign exchange risk

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk due to a significant portion of our operations occurring in
currencies other than CAD, primarily AUD and USD. Fluctuations in FX rates may result in a positive or negative
impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income and the translation of the
Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company does not hedge for this foreign exchange translation risk.

The Company regularly transacts in foreign currencies when purchasing equipment and spare parts as well as
certain general and administrative goods and services. These exposures are generally of a short-term nature and
the impact of changes in exchange rates has not been significant in the past. The Company may fix its exposure in
Canadian Dollar, US Dollar or the Australian Dollar for these short-term transactions, if material. The Company’s
Credit Facility allows for borrowings in both the Canadian Dollar and Australian Dollar to help manage these
transactions.

ii) Interest rate risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect future cash
flows or the fair values of its financial instruments. Interest expense on borrowings with floating interest rates,
including the Company’s Credit Facility, varies as market interest rates change. At December 31, 2023, the
Company held $317.5 million of floating rate debt pertaining to its Credit Facility (December 31, 2022 – $180.0
million). As at December 31, 2023, holding all other variables constant, a 100 basis point change to interest rates on
the outstanding floating rate debt will result in $3.2 million corresponding change in annual interest expense.

The fair value of financial instruments with fixed interest rates fluctuate with changes in market interest rates.
However, these fluctuations do not affect earnings, as the Company’s debt is carried at amortized cost and the
carrying value does not change as interest rates change.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

81

The Company manages its interest rate risk exposure by using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt.

f) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that financial loss to the Company may be incurred if a customer or counterparty to a financial
instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company manages the credit risk associated with its cash by
holding its funds with what it believes to be reputable financial institutions. The Company is exposed to concentration
risk through its revenue which is mitigated by the customers being large investment grade organizations. The
Company is also exposed to credit risk through its accounts receivable and contract assets as a significant portion of
revenue is derived from a small group of customers. Credit risk for trade and other accounts receivables and
contract assets are managed through established credit monitoring activities. The credit worthiness of new
customers is subject to review by management though consideration of type of customer and the size of the
contract. The Company has also mitigated risk through diversification of its operations through investments in joint
ventures and acquisitions. Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method and therefore our share of
revenues, accounts receivable and contract assets are not included in the tables below.

Where the Company generates revenue under its subcontracting arrangement with MNALP, the final end customer
is represented in the tables below.

The following customers accounted for 10% or more of total revenues:

Year ended December 31,

Customer A
Customer B
Customer C
Customer D

2023

27%
23%
20%
9%

2022

21%
31%
24%
14%

All significant customers that exceed 10% of revenue in 2023 and 2022 fall under the Heavy Equipment – Canada
segment.

The following customers represented 10% or more of accounts receivable and contract assets:

Customer 1
Customer 2
Customer 3
Customer 4
Customer 5

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

22%
16%
13%
9%
2%

—%
32%
16%
15%
11%

Customer 1 relates to the Heavy Equipment – Australia segment. All remaining significant customers that exceed
10% of accounts receivable and contract assets in 2023 and 2022 fall under the Heavy Equipment – Canada
segment.

The Company’s exposure to credit risk for accounts receivable and contract assets is as follows:

Trade accounts receivable
Holdbacks
Accrued trade receivables

Contract receivables, included in accounts receivable
Other receivables

Total accounts receivable
Contract assets

Total

82

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

$

$

$

65,386 $
363
16,556

82,305 $
15,550

97,855 $
35,027

132,882 $

39,625
372
33,207

73,204
10,607

83,811
15,802

99,613

Payment terms are per the negotiated customer contracts and generally range between net 15 days and net 60
days. As at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, trade receivables and holdbacks are aged as follows:

Not past due
Past due 1-30 days
Past due 31-60 days
More than 61 days

Total

December 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

$

53,007 $

8,790
1,772
2,180

$

65,749 $

31,923
6,190
1,174
710

39,997

As at December 31, 2023, the Company has recorded an allowance for credit losses of $nil (December 31, 2022 –
$nil).

16. Shares

a) Common shares

Issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021
Retired through share purchase program
Purchase of treasury shares
Settlement of certain equity classified stock-based compensation

Issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022

Purchase of treasury shares
Settlement of certain equity classified stock-based compensation

Common shares

Treasury shares

30,022,928
(2,195,646)
—
—

27,827,282
—
—

(1,564,813)
—
(26,012)
184,364

(1,406,461)
(20,955)
337,229

Common
shares, net of
treasury shares

28,458,115
(2,195,646)
(26,012)
184,364

26,420,821
(20,955)
337,229

Issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023

27,827,282

(1,090,187)

26,737,095

Upon settlement of certain equity classified stock-based compensation during the year ended December 31, 2023,
the Company withheld the cash equivalent of 234,728 shares for $5,479 to satisfy the recipient tax withholding
requirements (year ended December 31, 2022 – 112,583 shares for $1,591).

b) Net income per share

Year ended December 31,

Net income
Interest from convertible debentures (after tax)

Diluted net income available to common shareholders

Weighted-average number of common shares
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities

Dilutive effect of treasury shares
Dilutive effect of 5.00% convertible debentures
Dilutive effect of 5.50% convertible debentures

Weighted-average number of diluted common shares

Basic net income per share
Diluted net income per share

2023

63,141
5,925

69,066

$

$

2022

67,372
5,893

73,265

26,566,846

27,406,140

1,260,436
2,148,438
3,051,020

1,485,275
2,095,236
3,020,199

33,026,740

34,006,850

2.38
2.09

$
$

2.46
2.15

$

$

$
$

For the years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, all securities were dilutive.

c) Share purchase program

On April 11, 2022, the Company commenced a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) under which a maximum number
of 2,113,054 common shares were authorized to be purchased. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the
Company purchased and subsequently cancelled 2,113,054 shares under this NCIB, which resulted in a decrease to
common shares of $16,824 and a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $15,827. This NCIB is now complete, with
the purchase and cancellation of the maximum number of shares.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

83

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company purchased and subsequently cancelled 82,592 shares
under another NCIB which commenced on April 9, 2021, which resulted in a decrease to common shares of $665
and a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $816. This NCIB terminated April 8, 2022.

d) Dividends

Q1 2022

Q2 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022

Q1 2023

Q2 2023

Q3 2023

Q4 2023

Date declared

Per share

February 15, 2022

April 26, 2022

July 26, 2022

October 25, 2022

February 14, 2023

April 25, 2023

July 25, 2023

October 31, 2023

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

0.08

0.08

0.08

0.08

0.10

0.10

0.10

0.10

Shareholders on
record as of

March 4, 2022

May 27, 2022

Paid or payable
to shareholders

April 8, 2022

July 8, 2022

August 31, 2022

October 7, 2022

November 30, 2022

January 6, 2023

March 3, 2023

May 26, 2023

April 6, 2023

July 7, 2023

August 31, 2023

October 6, 2023

November 30, 2023

January 5, 2024

Total paid or payable

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,277

2,232

2,127

2,098

2,621

2,641

2,674

2,674

17. Segmented information

a) General information

The Company provides a wide range of mining and heavy civil construction services to customer in the resource
development and industrial construction sectors within Canada, the United States, and Australia. A significant
portion of our services are primarily focused on supporting the construction and operation of surface mines. The
Company considers the basis on which it is organized, including geographic areas, to identify its operating
segments. Operating segments of the Company are defined as components of the Company for which separate
financial information is available and are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker when allocating
resources and assessing performance. The chief operating decision makers (“CODMs”) are the President & CEO
and the CFO of the Company.

The Company’s reportable segments are Heavy Equipment – Canada, Heavy Equipment – Australia, and Other.
Heavy Equipment – Canada and Heavy Equipment – Australia include all of aspects of the mining and heavy civil
construction services provided within those geographic areas. Other includes our mine management contract work in
the United States, our external maintenance and rebuild programs and our equity method investments.

Segment performance is evaluated by the CODMs based on gross profit and is measured consistently with gross
profit in the consolidated financial statements. Inter-segment revenues are eliminated on consolidation and reflected
in the Eliminations column.

b) Results by reportable segment

For the year ended December 31, 2023

Revenue from external customers
Revenue from intersegment transactions
Depreciation expense
Segment gross profits
Segment assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment

For the year ended December 31, 2022

Revenue from external customers
Revenue from intersegment transactions
Depreciation expense
Segment gross profits
Segment assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment

84

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Heavy
Equipment –
Canada

$ 760,590
6,330
116,660
104,167
1,079,370
146,442

Heavy
Equipment –
Canada

$ 700,863
7,923
119,054
81,754
874,374
111,295

Heavy
Equipment –
Australia

$ 153,877
4,731
13,240
40,607
718,114
56,367

Heavy
Equipment –
Australia

$

30,693
—
183
6,721
29,361
204

$

$

Other

Eliminations

Total

17,981
21,982
—
11,986
101,709
—

$

— $ 932,448
24,772
131,319
154,217
1,546,478
202,809

(8,271)
1,419
(2,543)
(352,715)
—

Other

Eliminations

Total

21,016
35,947
—
15,627
94,702
—

$

— $ 752,572
16,967
119,268
101,548
979,513
111,499

(26,903)
31
(2,554)
(18,924)
—

Revenue from intersegment transactions includes transactions with the Company’s joint ventures accounted for
using the equity method which are not eliminated upon consolidation.

c) Reconciliation

Income before income taxes

For the year ended December 31,

Total gross profit for reportable segments
Less: unallocated corporate items:
General and administrative costs
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures
Interest expense
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
Gain on derivative financial instruments

Income before income taxes

d) Geographic information

Revenue

Canada
Australia
United States

2023

2022

$

154,217 $

101,548

56,844
1,659
(25,815)
36,948
4,681
(6,063)

29,855
536
(37,053)
24,543
—
(778)

$

85,963 $

84,445

2023

795,472
151,789
9,959

957,220

$

$

2022

733,328
24,187
12,024

769,539

Revenue from external customers is attributed to countries on the basis of the customer’s location.

Long lived assets

Canada
Australia

$

2023

601,537
568,306

$ 1,169,843

2022

665,936
7,581

673,517

Long lived assets consists of property, plant and equipment, lease assets, deferred tax assets, and other assets
including intangibles. Geographic information is attributed to countries based on the location of the assets.

18. Cost of sales

Year ended December 31,

Salaries, wages and benefits
Repair parts and consumable supplies
Subcontractor services
Equipment and component sales
Third-party equipment rentals
Fuel
Other

$

2023

292,226 $
198,730
100,572
46,084
18,727
8,410
6,935

2022

241,113
131,460
91,666
41,302
22,964
12,963
7,255

$

671,684 $

548,723

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

85

19. Interest expense, net

Year ended December 31,

Credit Facility
Convertible debentures
Equipment financing
Interest on customer supply chain financing
Mortgage
Amortization of deferred financing costs

Interest expense
Other interest expense, net

20. Stock-based compensation

2023

$

16,781 $

6,843
5,046
4,493
979
1,635

35,777
1,171

$

36,948 $

Stock-based compensation expenses included in general and administrative expenses are as follows:

Year ended December 31,

Restricted share unit plan
Performance restricted share unit plan
Deferred stock unit plan

a) Restricted share unit plan

Note

20(a) $
20(b)
20(c)

$

2023

2,702
2,677
10,449

15,828

2022

9,250
6,861
3,344
2,196
1,006
1,076

23,733
810

24,543

2022

$2,154
2,522
104

$4,780

Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) are granted each year to executives and other key employees with respect to
services to be provided in that year and the following two years. The majority of RSUs vest at the end of a three-year
term. The Company settles RSUs with common shares purchased on the open market through a trust arrangement.

Outstanding at December 31, 2021

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Outstanding at December 31, 2022

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Outstanding at December 31, 2023

Number of units

Weighted-average
exercise price
$ per share

553,411
167,631
(169,689)
(15,455)

535,898
199,468
(256,193)
(13,867)

465,306

13.55
15.55
14.13
13.41

14.44
27.44
8.77
17.60

23.04

At December 31, 2023, there were approximately $5,662 of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested
share-based payment arrangements under the RSU plan (December 31, 2022 – $3,479) and these costs are
expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining vesting term of the RSUs of 1.6 years (December
31, 2022 – 1.3 years). During the year ended December 31, 2023, 256,193 units vested, which were settled with
common shares purchased through a trust arrangement (December 31, 2022 – 169,689 units vested and settled).

b) Performance restricted share unit plan

Performance Restricted Share Units (“PSUs”) are granted each year to senior management employees with respect
to services to be provided in that year and the following two years. The PSUs vest at the end of a three-year term
and are subject to performance criteria approved by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee at the
grant date. The Company settles PSUs with common shares purchased through a trust arrangement.

86

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Outstanding at December 31, 2021

Granted
Vested

Outstanding at December 31, 2022

Granted
Vested

Outstanding at December 31, 2023

Number of units

Weighted-average
exercise price
$ per share

426,569
116,775
(111,630)

431,714
101,597
(213,623)

319,688

12.06
15.55
14.13

12.47
25.62
8.48

19.32

At December 31, 2023, there were approximately $3,655 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non–
vested share – based payment arrangements under the PSU plan (December 31, 2022 – $3,251) and these costs
are expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining vesting term of the PSUs of 1.5 years
(December 31, 2022 – 1.3 years). During the year ended December 31, 2023, 213,623 units vested, which were
settled with common shares purchased through a trust arrangement at a factor of 1.48 common shares per PSU
based on performance against grant date criteria (December 31, 2022 – 111,630 units at a factor of 1.14 vested and
settled).

The Company estimated the fair value of the PSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
using a Monte Carlo simulation with the following assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility

c) Deferred stock unit plan

2023

4.21%
38.90%

2022

3.14%
48.70%

Prior to January 1, 2021, under the Company’s shareholding guidelines non-officer directors of the Company were
required to receive at least 50% and up to 100% of their annual fixed remuneration in the form of DSUs, at their
election. The shareholding guidelines were amended effective January 1, 2021, to require directors to take at least
60% of their annual fixed remuneration in the form of DSUs if they do not meet shareholding guidelines, and to take
between 0% and 100% of their annual fixed remuneration in the form of DSUs if they do meet shareholding
guidelines. In addition to directors, eligible executives can elect to receive up to 50% of their annual short term
incentive plan compensation in the form of DSUs.

The DSUs vest immediately upon issuance and are only redeemable upon departure, retirement or death of the
participant. DSU holders that are not US taxpayers may elect to defer the redemption date until a date no later than
December 1 of the calendar year following the year in which the departure, retirement or death occurred.

Outstanding at December 31, 2021

Granted
Redeemed

Outstanding at December 31, 2022

Granted
Redeemed

Outstanding at December 31, 2023

Number of units

932,644
87,569
—

1,020,213
31,575
(286,152)

765,636

At December 31, 2023, the fair market value of these units was $27.90 per unit (December 31, 2022 – $17.90 per
unit). At December 31, 2023, the current portion of DSU liabilities of $nil was included in accrued liabilities
(December 31, 2022 – $5,099) and the long-term portion of DSU liabilities of $21,361 was included in other long-
term obligations (December 31, 2022 – $13,159) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the year ended
December 31, 2023, there were 286,152 units redeemed and settled in cash for $7,817 (December 31, 2022 – 0
units were redeemed and settled in cash for $nil). There is no unrecognized compensation expense related to the
DSUs since these awards vest immediately upon issuance.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

87

21. Business acquisitions

a) MacKellar Group

On October 1, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the shares and business of MacKellar Group (“MacKellar”), a
privately owned Australia-based provider of heavy earthworks solutions to the mining and civil sectors for total
consideration of $179,668 including a cash payment and contingent consideration comprised of a contingent
payment based on forecasted performance for a specific customer which is expected to be paid in full, an earn-out
mechanism based on MacKellar’s future net income generated over four years, and deferred consideration which is
a vendor provided debt mechanism to be paid out evenly over four years and is estimated based on unaudited
financial statements at closing. The acquisition of MacKellar significantly expands the Company’s capability and
allows the Company to serve a highly valuable and diversified base of customers globally.

The following table summarizes the total consideration paid for MacKellar and the fair values of the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:

Cash consideration
Earn-out at estimated fair value
Deferred consideration at estimated fair value
Contingent payment at estimated fair value

Total consideration transferred

Equipment financing assumed

Total purchase price

Purchase price allocation to assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Cash
Accounts receivable
Contract assets
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in affiliates and joint ventures
Intangible assets
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Other long-term obligations
Deferred income tax liabilities
Third party equipment financing assumed

Financing obligations
Finance leases

Total identifiable net assets at fair value

$

$

$

$

October 1, 2023

65,572
79,839
27,014
7,243

179,668

203,946
383,614

13,901
65,033
713
12,155
2,187
394,394
85
690
(45,829)
(22,464)
(16,934)
(20,317)

(173,430)
(30,516)

$

179,668

NACG’s existing Credit Facility funded the payout of the third party equipment financing assumed as part of the
Transaction in the amount of $73,657 for financing obligations and $18,509 for finance leases.

The fair value of the assets acquired includes $65,033 of accounts receivable, comprised of trade and other
receivables. The gross amount of accounts receivable approximates its fair value with no expected uncollectible
amounts as of the acquisition date.

The fair value of the assets acquired includes $394,394 of property, plant and equipment. The Company engaged a
third-party specialist to determine the fair value of the property, plant and equipment using a market based approach
based primarily on the selling price of comparable assets.

During the period from acquisition to December 31, 2023, the Company recognized $122,519 or 12.8% of revenue
and $13,946 or 22.1% of net income from MacKellar recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Income.

88

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

The following unaudited pro forma information gives effect to the transaction as if it had occurred on January 1,
2022. The unaudited pro forma results are presented for informational purposes only and are not necessarily
indicative of what the actual results of operations of the combined company would have been if the acquisition had
occurred on January 1, 2022, nor are they indicative of future results of operations.

Year ended December 31,

Revenue
Net income

2023

2022

$

1,296,328 $
89,658

1,086,460
78,261

These pro forma amounts have been calculated after applying NACG’s accounting policies and adjusting the results
of MacKellar to reflect the depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value
adjustments to property, plant, and equipment had been applied from January 1, 2022, with the consequential tax
effects.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized $7,095 of acquisition-related costs in general
and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The fiscal
2023 unaudited pro forma net income above was adjusted to exclude the impact of acquisition-related transaction
costs. These acquisition costs have been reflected in the pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2022,
in the table above.

b) ML Northern Services Ltd.

On October 1, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the shares and business of ML Northern Services Ltd. (“ML
Northern”), a privately-owned heavy equipment servicing company specializing in mobile fuel, lube, and steaming
services based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, for total consideration of $8,002, comprised of a purchase price of
$13,723 for property, plant and equipment and working capital, less assumed lease liabilities of $5,721.

The following table summarizes the total consideration paid for ML Northern and the fair value of the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:

Purchase price allocation to assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

October 1, 2022

Property, plant and equipment and working capital

Cash
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses
Property, plant and equipment
Operating lease right-of-use asset
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities

Lease liabilities

Finance lease liabilities
Operating lease liabilities

Total identifiable net assets at fair value

$

$

$

$

$

795
4,068
30
9,562
131
(48)
(599)
(216)

13,723

(5,595)
(126)

(5,721)

8,002

The Company paid cash consideration of $3,000 and recorded deferred consideration of $5,002 included in accrued
liabilities at December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized $95 of
acquisition-related costs associated with professional and legal advisory fees in general and administrative
expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized $5,224 of revenue and $1,094 of net income
from ML Northern recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Pro forma
disclosures related to the effect of the acquisition have been excluded on the basis of immateriality.

Deferred consideration of $5,002 was paid during the year ended December 31, 2023.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

89

22. Other information

a) Supplemental cash flow information

Year ended December 31,

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest
Income taxes

Cash received during the year for:

Interest

Non-cash transactions:

Addition of property, plant and equipment by means of finance leases
Addition of property, plant and equipment by means of finance leases assumed through acquisition
Increase in assets held for sale, offset by property, plant and equipment

Non-cash working capital exclusions:

Net increase in accounts receivable related to realized gain on derivative financial instruments
Net decrease (increase) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to loans from affiliates and joint
ventures
Net decrease in accrued liabilities related to conversion of bonus compensation to deferred stock units
Net increase in accrued liabilities related to the current portion of deferred stock unit liability
Net increase in accrued liabilities related to the current portion of contingent consideration
Net increase in accrued liabilities related to taxes payable
Net increase in accrued liabilities related to dividend payable
Net increase in accrued liabilities related to deferred consideration for acquisition of MacKellar
Net increase in accrued liabilities related to deferred consideration for acquisition of ML Northern

Non-cash working capital transactions related to acquisitions (note 21)

Increase in accounts receivable
Increase in contract assets
Increase in inventory
Increase in prepaid expenses
Increase in accounts payable
Increase in accrued liabilities

Non-cash working capital movement from change in foreign exchange rates

Increase in accounts receivable
Increase in contract assets
Increase in inventory
Increase in prepaid expenses
Increase in accounts payable
Increase in accrued liabilities

b) Net change in non-cash working capital

The table below represents the cash provided by (used in) non-cash working capital:

Year ended December 31,

Operating activities:

Accounts receivable
Contract assets
Inventories
Contract costs
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Contract liabilities

23. Comparative figures

2023

2022

$ 33,498
1,370

$ 24,084
—

446

177

28,159
30,516
10,927

4,015

2,113
—
—
(7,342)
367
(576)
(13,439)
—

65,033
713
12,155
2,187
(45,829)
(22,464)

2,073
23
387
70
(1,727)
(828)

8,931
—
4,276

—

(13,500)
639
(5,099)
—
(362)
(961)
—
(5,002)

4,068
—
—
30
(48)
(599)

—
—
—
—
—
—

2023

2022

$ 57,077
(18,489)
(2,522)
—
6,379
9,585
372
(1,352)

$ (10,956)
(6,043)
(5,354)
2,673
(3,453)
12,750
(989)
(1,938)

$ 51,050

$ (13,310)

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified from statements previously presented to conform to the
presentation of the current year.

90

NORTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

24. Contingencies

During the normal course of the Company’s operations, various disputes, legal and tax matters are pending. In the
opinion of management involving the use of significant judgement and estimates, these matters will not have a
material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

91

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Corporate Information

Investor Information

Corporate Headquarters

27287-100 Avenue
Acheson, Alberta T7X 6H8
Phone: 780.960.7171
Fax: 780.969.5599

Auditors

KPMG LLP
Edmonton, Alberta

Solicitors

Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
Houston, Texas
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Toronto, Ontario

Exchange Listings

Toronto Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
Ticker Symbol: NOA

Transfer Agent

Computershare Investor Services Inc.
8th Floor, 100 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1
www.computershare.com

Investor Relations

Jason Veenstra
Phone: 780.960.7171
Fax: 780.969.5599
Email: IR@nacg.ca
Web: www.nacg.ca

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of  
North American Construction Group Ltd.  
will be held:

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
3:00 PM
North American Construction Group
27287-100 Avenue
Acheson, Alberta

Everyone Gets Home Safe

www.nacg.ca