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Painted Pony Energy Ltd.

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Employees 51-200
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FY2017 Annual Report · Painted Pony Energy Ltd.
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2017

ANNUAL 
REPORT

TSX | PONY

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2017  //   PAINTED PONY ENERGY LTD  //   ANNUAL REPORT

2017  //   PAINTED PONY ENERGY LTD  //   ANNUAL REPORT

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Table of 
Contents

1  
2  
6  
32 

33 
34 
38 
65 

Financial and Operational Highlights 

Message to Shareholders

Management's Discussion and Analysis

 Management's Responsibility  
for Consolidated Financial Statements

Independent Auditors' Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Corporate Information

“Come Hell or High Water”
- By Paul Van Ginkel
No matter the weather, the drivers and horses always show up to 
the race ready to run. This painting symbolizes both the energy 
industry and our western Canadian way of life. Many likely recall 
the Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races on that first night of the 
2013 Calgary Stampede, the year of the massive flood that swept 
Calgary. Calgarians feared that the Stampede might not happen 
that year. To everyone’s amazement, the Stampede managed 
to repair and reconstruct the infield racetrack in a very short 
period of time.  No other city in the world could have pulled off 
such a feat, but Calgary did.  It was truly inspiring to watch the 
drivers and the horses line up, chomping at their bits and ready to 
go!  Nobody reflects this spirit better than Gary Gorst, the driver 
featured in “Come Hell or High Water” and sponsored jointly by 
Painted Pony and AltaGas in the 2017 and the 2018 Rangeland 
Derby Chuckwagon Races. This same spirit of perseverance 
through adversity is part of everything we do at Painted Pony. 
Regardless of the headwinds, we work relentlessly for the best 
outcomes for stakeholders.   

Cover painting "Come Hell or High Water", oil on canvas by Paul Van Ginkel 
www.paulvanginkel.com

Corporate  
Profile

Painted Pony is a publicly-traded natural 
gas corporation based in Western Canada. 
The Corporation is primarily focused on the 
development of natural gas and natural gas 
liquids from the Montney formation in Northeast 
British Columbia. Painted Pony's common shares 
trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the 
symbol “PONY”.

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Annual  
General  
Meeting

Painted Pony Energy Ltd. invites shareholders and 
interested parties to attend its Annual General 
Meeting to be held in the Bennett Room at the 
Ranchmen's Club, 710 – 13th Avenue SW, Calgary, 
Alberta, at 3:00 pm (Calgary time), on May 10, 2018. 
Shareholders not attending are encouraged 
to complete the form of proxy and deliver it in 
accordance with the instructions therein at their 
earliest convenience.

Financial and  
Operating Highlights

Year Ended December 31
$ millions, except per share and shares outstanding

Financial 
Petroleum and natural gas revenue (1) 
Cash flow from operating activities 

Per share – basic (3)  
Per share – diluted (4)  

Adjusted funds flow from operations (2) 

Per share – basic (3)  
Per share – diluted (4)  

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) 

Per share – basic (3) 
Per share – diluted (4) 

Capital expenditures  
Working capital (deficiency) (5)  
Bank debt  
Senior notes  
Convertible debentures - liability  
Net debt (6) 
Total assets  
Shares outstanding (millions)  
Basic weighted-average shares (millions)  
Fully diluted weighted-average shares (millions)  

Operating
Daily production volumes

Natural gas (MMcf/d)  
Natural gas liquids (bbls/d)  
Total (MMcfe/d) 
Total (boe/d) 

Realized commodity prices 
Natural gas ($/Mcf) 
Natural gas liquids ($/bbl) 
Total ($/Mcfe) 

Operating netbacks ($/Mcfe) (7)  

2017 
249.2 
106.9 
0.76 
0.74 
107.5 
0.76 
 0.75 
122.4 
0.87 
0.85 
302.6 
33.0 
149.2 
141.6 
44.9 
363.9 
2,031.6 
161.0 
140.7  
144.1  

235.8 
3,587 
257.3 
42,882 

2.13 
50.53 
2.65 
2.01 

2016 
121.6 
44.7 
0.45 
0.45 
55.6 
0.56 
0.56 
(51.9) 
(0.52) 
(0.52) 
204.4 
(73.6) 
200.8 
–  
–  
228.5 
1,337.0 
100.2 
100.1  
100.1  

129.9 
1,557 
139.2 
23,204 

2.04 
43.49 
2.39 
1.73 

Change
105% 
139%
69%
64%
93%
36%
34% 
–
–
–
48% 
–
(26%)
–
–
59%
52%
61%
41%
44%

82%
130%
85%
85% 

4%
16%
11%
16%

1.  Before royalties.
2. 

 Adjusted funds flow from operations and adjusted funds flow from operations per share (basic and diluted) are non-GAAP measures used to represent cash 
flow from operating activities before the effects of changes in non-cash working capital, share unit expense and decommissioning expenditures. Adjusted 
funds flow from operations per share is calculated by dividing adjusted funds flow from operations by the weighted average number of basic or diluted 
shares outstanding in the period. See “Non-GAAP Measures”.

3.  Basic per share information is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding in the period.
4.  Diluted per share information reflects the potential dilutive effect of stock options and convertible debentures.
5.  Working capital deficiency is a non-GAAP measure calculated as current assets less current liabilities. See “Non-GAAP Measures”.
6. 

 Net debt is a non-GAAP measure calculated as bank debt, senior notes, liability portion of convertible debentures, and working capital deficiency, adjusted 
for the net current portion of fair value of risk management contracts and current portion of finance lease obligation.
 Operating netbacks is a non-GAAP measure calculated on a per unit basis as natural gas and natural gas liquids revenues, adjusted for realized gains or 
losses on risk management, less royalties, operating expenses and transportation costs. See “Non-GAAP Measures” and “Operating Netbacks”.

7. 

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Message  
to Shareholders

As 2017 drew to a close, the collapse of 
natural gas prices in the summer and fall at 
the main Canadian sales hub at AECO, as well 
as in the forward natural gas strip price at 
AECO, dominated the industry. In response to 
this, companies reduced capital investment. 
Production forecasts are reflective of the 
weakness in future strip prices. The current 
forward strip remains well below $2.00 at the 
AECO sales hub for the next several years.  
The forecasted reduction in capital investment 
by industry and the expected shrinking 
production volumes should begin to reverse 
the severe price decline and improve the future 
price of natural gas in western Canada, but the 
timeline is unclear. As such, we will continue to 
fortify our business through diversified market 
access, capital spending limited to internally 
generated cash flow, and reducing  
or maintaining debt levels.  

2017 was a notable year  
as we took several major 
steps to enhance the size and 
quality of our asset base while 
maintaining our financial 
flexibility. We acquired UGR Blair Creek 
Ltd. (“UGR”) in an all-share deal, raised  

$111 million in an equity financing at  
$5.60 per share, and diversified our debt 
capital through a $200 million private 
placement debt financing. We reached  
record annual average daily production of  
257 MMcfe/d (42,882 boe/d) and signed a  
14-year contract with Methanex Corporation 
for delivery of natural gas to their Methanol 
plant in Alberta. We achieved record adjusted 
funds flow from operations of $108 million 
($0.76 per share). Finally, we ended the year 
with record Proved Plus Probable reserves of 
6.9 Tcfe, which equates to over 1.1 billion boe, 
and have a net present value of $3.3 billion 
using a 10% discount rate using pricing from 
independent qualified reserves evaluators, 
 GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd. (“GLJ”).

Production Growth 
I am pleased to report that annual average 
daily production for 2017 was 257 MMcfe/d or 
42,882 boe/d, representing an increase of 85% 
over 2016 annual average daily production of 
139 MMcfe/d or 23,204 boe/d. This production 
growth is particularly notable when considering 
that fourth quarter 2017 production volumes 
were impacted by approximately 48 MMcfe/d 
or 8,000 boe/d of voluntary pricing-related 
production shut-ins. 

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“Tough times 
“

don’t last, tough 
people do

-- Robert Schuller

Along with the increase in annual average daily 
production volumes, we also saw the growth 
in natural gas liquids (“NGL”) which increased 
130% to 3,587 bbls/d during 2017 compared 
to 1,557 bbls/d during 2016. The increase in 
both absolute production volumes and NGL 
production volumes reflects the impact of a 
full year of liquids-rich processing capacity of 
the Townsend Facility that came on-line during 
the third quarter of 2016 and the 99 MMcf/d 
expansion that became operational in the third 
quarter of 2017. Although liquids production 
was 8% of the total annual average daily 
production volumes, liquids revenue was 27% 
of total revenue during 2017.

Capital Expenditures 
The 2017 capital program was the largest and 
most ambitious capital program in Painted 
Pony’s history. We executed the 2017 capital 
plan efficiently and with discipline, meeting 
production growth targets from spending $303 
million during the year compared to spending 
guidance of $315 million. We drilled 52 net 
wells and completed 51 net wells, supported 
by minor investments into associated facilities 
and infrastructure. 

2017 was our most active year to date, and we 
maintained our high standards of workplace 

and environmental safety. In addition to a year 
without a single lost-time injury, we conducted 
a test of our Emergency Response Plan in 
conjunction with the British Columbia Oil and 
Gas Commission and received a score of 92%. 
It is a testament to the high regard we place 
on workplace and environmental safety while 
achieving our operational goals at Painted 
Pony. 

Acquisition of UGR Blair Creek

On May 16, 2017 we closed the acquisition of 
UGR Blair Creek Ltd. in an all-share deal that 
resulted in an increase of more than 50% to 
our Montney acreage to more than 200,000 
acres. From the beginning, we were partners 
with UGR in several key sections of land 
and shared working interest in a number of 
producing wells. In fact, of UGR’s 36 producing 
wells, 20 of them were drilled by Painted Pony. 
We long-believed that UGR would be a logical 
fit into Painted Pony’s acreage. Through the 
consolidation of our lands with UGR’s 100 
net sections, we now have a larger and more 
concentrated position in what we believe to 
be the best Montney acreage in the play. This 
also increased our working interest to 94% 
from 86% previously. UGR’s underutilized 
gas processing facilities, combined with the 

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85% Growth in 
Annual Average Daily 
Production Volumes

AltaGas Townsend Facility, ensures we have all 
the necessary capacity to process our current 
natural gas production volumes and room for 
expansion. We firmly believe the acquisition of 
UGR will provide long-term value through our 
expanded asset base and will deliver value to 
shareholders for years to come. 

Reserves Growth 
The impact of our successful 2017 capital 
program combined with the acquisition of 
UGR, increased our year-end 2017 Proved 
Plus Probable reserves by 40% to 6.9 Tcfe 
or over 1.1 billion boe. We also increased 
our Total Proved reserves by 17% to 3.1 Tcfe 
as at year-end 2017. Our Proved Developed 
Producing reserves grew by 64% to 797 Bcfe, 
over 130 MMboe, and carried a value at year-
end 2017 of $905 million ($5.62 per share) at 
a 10% discount rate using pricing from GLJ. 
While we believe reserve totals and value are 
important, the cost of finding the reserves is 
equally as important. I am pleased that our 
finding, development and acquisition ("FD&A") 
cost on Total Proved reserves in 2017 produced 
a 1.6 times recycle ratio, inclusive of changes 
in future development costs. This meant that 
were generating 1.6 times as much cash flow 

per Mcfe than what it was costing us to find and 
develop new reserves to replace those which 
we produce. We believe that the strength of this 
key measure highlights the efficiency of our 
capital spending and demonstrates the health 
of our business. 

Sales Diversification  
As our production volumes were increasing 
three years ago, we knew we needed to 
diversify our marketing efforts into as many 
sales regions and pricing hubs as possible to 
protect Painted Pony from regional pricing 
volatility and increase the price received for 
our natural gas. As we begin 2018, we continue 
to see the benefits from the execution of this 
strategy. We have successfully assembled 
a diversified marketing portfolio consisting 
of fixed-price contracts, direct-to-customer 
physical contracts, basis contracts and financial 
hedges, across several pricing hubs. Combined, 
this portfolio provides the price protection from 
commodity price volatility necessary in this 
environment. 

Our firm transportation on the Enbridge system 
using the T-North line is now 357 MMcf/d, of 
which 174 MMcf/d has firm receipt into the 
NGTL system at Groundbirch via the TCPL 

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Daily Production  
 for 2017 averaged
257MMcfe/day  

  (42,882 boe/d)

Canada’s west coast. If approved, these projects 
are several years away from completion but 
will provide a much-needed diversification of 
markets for Canadian natural gas. 

2017 was a year of capital discipline, 
diversification of sales, and significant growth. 
While there is much of which to be proud, many 
challenges remain. I am confident we will 
weather this storm caused by low natural gas 
prices and emerge a stronger company, well-
positioned for future success and profitability. 
Finally, a sincere thank you to the staff and 
Board of Directors at Painted Pony. We also 
would like to thank our service providers and 
shareholders for your continued support of 
Painted Pony Energy. 

“signed”
Patrick R. Ward
President and Chief Executive Officer

March 30, 2018

Towerbirch Expansion Project. This access is 
complimented with 43 MMcf/d which continues 
moving east to be delivered into the Dawn 
market in southern Ontario. The volumes 
delivered into the Dawn market will increase 
to 81 MMcf/d by November 2019. In addition to 
volumes sold into the Dawn market we have 
diversified our sales exposure to cover 55% 
of our forecasted 2018 production volumes on 
fixed-price contracts (hedges) at a blended 
price of $3.76/Mcfe, capturing prices much 
higher than current spot prices in western 
Canada. Combined, we have natural gas pricing 
exposure to AECO, Station 2, Sumas, Dawn, and 
NYMEX. Liquids volumes are sold both on spot 
prices as well as fixed price contracts. We have 
greatly reduced the risk of commodity price 
volatility on our 2018 revenue. 

2018 and Forward 
The prospect of investment into a number of 
liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) export facilities on 
the west coast and the east coast seem more 
likely now than in recent years. We hope to 
have clarity on some of these potential projects 
in the coming months. Due to the size and 
scale of our production and reserves, we are 
well-positioned to provide natural gas for LNG 
projects such as the ones being considered on 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the consolidated financial results of Painted Pony 
Energy  Ltd.  (“Painted  Pony”  or  the  “Corporation”)  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated  financial 
statements  and  related  notes  thereto  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2017  and  December 31,  2016.  This 
commentary is dated March 7, 2018. 

The  annual  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The financial data presented is in accordance with IFRS in Canadian dollars, except 
where indicated otherwise. These documents and additional information about Painted Pony, including the Annual 
Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2017, are available under the Corporation’s profile on 
SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Corporation’s website at www.paintedpony.ca.

BUSINESS OF THE CORPORATION
Painted Pony is a publicly traded corporation focused on the production of natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) 
from the Montney formation in northeast British Columbia. The common shares of Painted Pony (“Common Shares”) 
trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “PONY”.  The Corporation’s head office is located 
at Suite 1800, 736 - 6th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta. During the second quarter of 2017, the Corporation changed 
its name from Painted Pony Petroleum Ltd., and its stock trading symbol from "PPY".

NON-GAAP MEASURES
This MD&A contains the terms “adjusted funds flow from operations”, “adjusted funds flow from operations per share”, 
“adjusted funds flow from operations per Mcfe”, “working capital deficiency”, “net debt” and “operating netbacks”, 
which  do  not  have  standardized  meanings  prescribed  by  IFRS  and  therefore  may  not  be  comparable  with  the 
calculation of similar measures presented by other issuers. 

Management uses “adjusted funds flow from operations” to analyze operating performance and considers adjusted 
funds flow from operations to be a key measure as it demonstrates the Corporation’s ability to generate the cash 
necessary to fund future capital investment and to repay debt. Adjusted funds flow from operations denotes cash 
flow from operating activities before the effects of changes in non-cash working capital, share unit expense and 
decommissioning expenditures. “Adjusted funds flow from operations per share” is calculated using the basic and 
diluted weighted average number of shares for the period. “Adjusted funds flow from operations per Mcfe” is calculated 
using the average production volumes for the period.  For the year ended December 31, 2017, adjusted funds flow 
from operations, adjusted funds flow from operations per share and adjusted funds flow from operations per Mcfe 
are presented net of UGR acquisition costs. These terms should not be considered alternatives to, or more meaningful 
than, cash flows from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Corporation’s 
performance. The Corporation reconciles adjusted funds flow from operations to cash flows from operating activities, 
which is the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with IFRS, as follows:

Cash Flows from Operating Activities and Adjusted Funds Flow from Operations

($000s, except per share)

Cash flows from operating activities
Changes in non-cash working capital
Share unit expense (recovery)
Decommissioning expenditures
Adjusted funds flow from operations
Adjusted funds flow from operations per share ($/share):

Basic
Diluted

Three months ended
   December 31,

Years ended
December 31,

2017
27,417
8,212
(399)
—
35,230

0.22
0.21

2016
21,859
3,355
1,284
3
26,501

0.26
0.26

2017
106,917
2,287
(1,724)
—
107,480

0.76
0.75

2016
44,658
7,931
2,914
102
55,605

0.56
0.56

2

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Management uses “working capital deficiency” and “net debt” as useful supplemental measures of the liquidity of 
the Corporation. Working capital deficiency is calculated as current assets less current liabilities. Net debt is calculated 
as bank debt, senior notes, liability portion of convertible debentures, and working capital deficiency, adjusted for 
the net current portion of fair value of risk management contracts and current portion of finance lease obligation. 
These  terms  should  not  be  considered  alternatives  to,  or  more  meaningful  than,  current  and  long-term  debt  as 
determined in accordance with IFRS. The following table summarizes Painted Pony’s calculations of working capital 
deficiency and net debt: 

Working Capital Deficiency and Net Debt

As at ($000s)
Current assets
Current liabilities
Working capital (deficiency)
Current portion of fair value of risk management contracts (net)
Current portion of finance lease obligation
Bank debt
Senior notes  
Convertible debentures - liability
Net debt

December 31, 2017
105,795
(72,770)
33,025
(64,463)
3,282
(149,228)
(141,613)
(44,887)
(363,884)

December 31, 2016
30,677
(104,324)
(73,647)
46,020
—
(200,836)
—
—
(228,463)

Management  uses  “operating  netbacks”  as  a  supplemental  measure  of  the  Corporation’s  profitability  relative  to 
commodity prices. Operating netbacks are calculated on a per unit basis as natural gas and NGL revenues, adjusted 
for realized gains or losses on risk management, less royalties, operating expenses and transportation costs. This 
term should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than net income (loss) and comprehensive 
income (loss) as determined in accordance with IFRS. Please refer to “Operating Netbacks” for the calculation of 
this measure.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - OVERVIEW

The Corporation successfully closed the acquisition (the “UGR acquisition”) of all of the issued and outstanding 
shares of UGR Blair Creek Ltd. (“UGR”) during 2017, in exchange for the issuance of 41.0 million Common Shares 
of the Corporation to the vendor, the assumption by the Corporation of UGR’s bank debt of approximately $48.2 
million on closing and the payment of certain acquisition costs. The price of the Corporation’s Common Shares at 
the close of trading on the closing date of the UGR acquisition, May 16, 2017, was $5.37 per common share, resulting 
in total share consideration of $220.2 million. The UGR acquisition is a strategic expansion of the Corporation's 
Montney project in northeast British Columbia, providing for an increase of the Corporation's land base, natural gas 
processing infrastructure, reserves and drilling inventory. 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Corporation closed a transaction with Magnetar Capital to issue a 
total of $200 million of term debt consisting of $150 million of senior unsecured notes and $50 million of unsecured 
subordinated convertible debentures. The Corporation received $188.8 million of cash, net of financing fees, which 
was used to repay bank debt and fund the Corporation's capital program. 

A public offering of 19.8 million Common Shares was completed during 2017, at a price of $5.60 per Common Share 
for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $111.0 million (including the exercise in full of the over-allotment 
option granted to the underwriters).

As part of the Corporation's strategy to enhance realized natural gas commodity prices through innovative sales 
contracts, Painted Pony entered into a long-term agreement in 2017 to deliver natural gas (the “Agreement”) to 
Methanex Corporation (“Methanex”) under a fixed price US dollar denominated contract. Painted Pony will supply 
the majority of the natural gas required for Methanex’s existing 600,000 tonne methanol plant in Medicine Hat, Alberta 
for a term of 14 years. Deliveries under the Agreement will commence in 2018 and contracted quantities will be 
approximately  10  MMcf/d  (10,000  MMBtu/d)  in  2018,  increasing  over  time  to  approximately  50  MMcf/d                               
(50,000 MMBtu/d) in 2023.

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The Townsend Phase 2 expansion commenced commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Corporation 
has the right to the full 99 MMcf/d of firm capacity of the new gas processing train at Townsend, in respect of which 
there is a take or pay obligation on production volumes delivered to the facility of 90 MMcf/d commencing in the first 
quarter of 2018. The Townsend Phase 2 expansion was recorded as a finance lease, recording the asset, representing 
the total estimated construction cost of the Townsend Phase 2 expansion and related pipeline infrastructure of $130 
million, with a corresponding obligation on the statement of financial position.  The efficiencies associated with this 
expansion are expected to reduce the fixed capital fee on a per mcf basis, paid by Painted Pony at the Townsend 
Phase 1 and 2 complex, by approximately 20% after commencement of the Townsend Phase 2 expansion take or 
pay. 

Results of operations for the year highlight an increase in production volumes through both organic growth and the 
acquisition of UGR.  With an increase in volumes of 85%, higher realized commodity prices and realized gains on  
risk management contracts, the Corporation increased its adjusted funds flow from operations for 2017 by 93% to 
$107.5 million  ($0.76/share), compared to 2016 adjusted funds flow from operations of $55.6 million ($0.56/share). 

Although commodity prices in the first and second quarter of 2017 recovered from comparable period commodity 
prices in 2016, the third and fourth quarters of 2017 saw price reductions. Painted Pony’s exposure to low commodity 
prices in 2017 was mitigated by risk management contracts that resulted in a $44.0 million realized gain. After the 
impact  of  realized  gains  on  risk  management  contracts  of  $0.47/Mcfe,  Painted  Pony’s  operating  netback  was            
$2.01/Mcfe, an increase of 16% over the previous year operating netback of $1.73/Mcfe. Painted Pony’s operating 
netback for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $2.05/Mcfe, comparable to the fourth quarter of 2016 
operating netback of $2.09/Mcfe. For 2018, the Corporation has executed fixed price risk management contracts on 
204.7 MMcf/d of natural gas and 3,400 bbl/d of NGL production. The Corporation continues to expand into new 
markets as part of its long term sales point diversification strategy, and is now delivering a significant portion of its 
natural gas volumes into the AECO, Dawn and Sumas markets. In addition, the Corporation has entered into fixed 
price contracts for physical delivery of natural gas priced at AECO or Sumas, less fixed differentials.

The capital program for 2017 of $302.6 million included 52 (52.0 net) Montney natural gas wells drilled and 51 (51.0 
net) Montney natural gas wells completed, as well as associated facilities infrastructure. During the fourth quarter of 
2017, Painted Pony drilled 7 (7.0 net) and completed 15 (15.0 net) Montney natural gas wells, and executed a capital 
program of $62.5 million including associated facilities infrastructure spending. The planned 2018 capital program 
is  currently  anticipated  to  include  29  (29.0  net)  Montney  horizontal  natural  gas  wells  drilled  and  31  (31.0  net) 
completed.

At December 31, 2017, the Corporation's syndicated credit facilities consisted of available credit facilities of $450 
million. 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES, ADJUSTED FUNDS FLOW FROM OPERATIONS AND NET 
INCOME

For the fourth quarter of 2017, cash flows from operating activities and adjusted funds flow from operations increased 
to $27.4 million and $35.2 million, respectively, compared to cash flows from operating activities of $21.9 million and 
adjusted funds flow from operations of $26.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. The increases in both cash flows 
from operating activities and adjusted funds flow from operations were primarily the result of an overall increase in 
average production of 43%. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, cash flows from operating activities and adjusted funds flow from operations 
increased to $106.9 million and $107.5 million respectively, compared to cash flows from operating activities of $44.7 
million and adjusted funds flow from operations of $55.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2016.  Increases 
in both cash flows from operating activities and adjusted funds flow from operations for the year ended December 31, 
2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, are as a result of an 85% increase in production volumes, 
a 24% increase in per unit realized gains on risk management contracts, and an 11% increase in realized commodity 
prices, offset by a 7% increase in costs per unit. 

For  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017,  the  Corporation  generated  income  and  comprehensive  income  of  $37.1  million, 
positively  impacted  by  an  unrealized  gain  on  risk  management  contracts  and  higher  revenue  due  to  increased 
production. This compares to a net loss and comprehensive loss of $27.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 

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2016.  Excluding the unrealized gain on risk management contracts, income before taxes was $9.2 million for the 
quarter  ended  December 31,  2017,  compared  to  income  before  taxes  of  $8.0  million  for  the  quarter  ended 
December 31, 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Corporation generated income and comprehensive income of $122.4
million positively impacted by an unrealized gain on risk management contracts, partially offset by UGR acquisition 
costs. This compares to a net loss and comprehensive loss of $51.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. 
Excluding the unrealized gain (loss) on risk management contracts and UGR acquisition costs, income before taxes 
was $26.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 
2016.

AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION

Three months ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

Natural Gas (Mcf/d)

NGLs (bbls/d)
Total (Mcfe/d)
Total (boe/d)

287,811
4,575
315,264

52,544

2017 % of total
91
9

2016 % of total
91
9

201,111
3,177
220,170

36,695

100

100

100

100

2017 % of total

235,767
3,587
257,292

42,882

92
8
100

100

2016 % of total
93
7
100

129,881
1,557
139,224

23,204

100

Production  volumes  for  the  three  months  and  year  ended  December 31,  2017  increased  by  43%  and  85%, 
respectively, compared to the three months and year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in NGL volumes 
reflects a greater focus on the liquids-rich  processing  capacity  of the Townsend Facility. The production volume 
increase during the period was driven by production additions from successful new drills in the Blair Creek, Townsend 
and Daiber areas, the commissioning of the Townsend Facility expansion in the third quarter of 2016, and the UGR 
acquisition. For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Corporation voluntarily shut-in approximately 48 
MMcfe/d (8,000 boe/d) of production due to commodity pricing declines.

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS REVENUE

($000s)

Natural Gas

NGLs

Total

Three months ended
   December 31,
2016
51,529

43,883

2017

Years ended
December 31,
2016
96,803

2017

183,030

23,915

67,798

13,626

65,155

66,156

249,186

24,777

121,580

Petroleum and natural gas revenue totaled $67.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, representing 
a 4% increase from the fourth quarter 2016 revenue of $65.2 million. The increase in quarterly revenue is driven by 
a 43% increase in average production volumes partially offset by a 27% decline in realized commodity pricing. 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, petroleum and natural gas revenue increased by 105% to $249.2 million 
as a result of an 85% increase in average production volumes as well as an 11% increase in realized commodity 
pricing.

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5

Commodity Prices

Average Benchmark Prices:
Natural Gas

NYMEX (US$/MMBtu)
AECO, daily (5A) ($/Mcf)
Westcoast Station 2 ($/Mcf)
Dawn ($/Mcf)
WTI (US$/bbl)

Crude Oil
Exchange rate (US$/Cdn$)
Realized Commodity Prices Before Commodity Risk Management:
Natural Gas ($/Mcf)
NGLs ($/bbl)
Total ($/Mcfe)

1.66
56.81
2.34

Three months ended
   December 31,
2016
3.18
3.12
2.27
4.22
49.29
0.75

2017
2.92
1.69
0.56
3.72
55.40
0.79

Years ended
December 31,
2016
2.55
2.17
1.64
3.39
43.48
0.76

2017
3.02
2.16
1.56
3.95
50.96
0.77

2.78
46.62
3.22

2.13
50.53
2.65

2.04
43.49
2.39

During  the  three  months  and  year  ended  December 31,  2017,  the  Corporation  realized  natural  gas  prices  of                
$1.66/Mcf and $2.13/Mcf, respectively, which represents a decrease of 40% and an increase of 4% over the three 
months and year ended December 31, 2016 realized natural gas prices of $2.78/Mcf and $2.04/Mcf, respectively. 
The increase during the year ended December 31, 2017 reflects stable or higher spot natural gas benchmark prices 
on most indexes, compared to the same period in 2016, as well as the impact of the Corporation’s physical fixed 
price contracts. The decrease in realized natural gas prices for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared 
to the three months ended December 31, 2016 resulted from a combination of market factors, including temporary 
disruptions to the natural gas pipeline system, as well as other major supply and demand issues in North America.

As part of the Corporation’s long term market diversification strategy, Painted Pony reduced its exposure to Daily 
Station 2 pricing to less than 10% in the last half of 2017.  In 2018, exposure to Station 2 is expected to average 
below  15%.   Diversification  away  from  Station  2  has  been  achieved  by  entering  into  financial  and  physical 
commitments, including contracting for transportation outside of the British Columbia market.

For  the  three  months  ended  December 31,  2017,  approximately  44%  of  the  Corporation’s  NGL  volumes  were 
condensate, which received an average price of $73.27/bbl, representing a premium of 5% to the WTI reference 
price.  For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2017,  approximately  46%  of  the  Corporation’s  NGL  volumes  were 
condensate, which received an average price of $67.99/bbl, representing a premium of 4% to the WTI reference 
price.

For 2018, the Corporation expects to receive a realized natural gas price that represents a premium to the benchmark 
Westcoast  Station  2  price  and  comparable  with  the AECO  (5A)  benchmark  price.  The  majority  of  the  volatility 
experienced by the Corporation in commodity pricing in 2017 has been mitigated for 2018 by the commodity risk 
management  contracts  described  below,  as  well  as  the  completion  of  the  Towerbirch  pipeline  expansion  at 
Groundbirch, allocating Painted Pony an increase in direct to AECO production of 130MMcf/d. 

Financial Risk Management
The Corporation uses financial derivative contracts to mitigate some of its exposure to commodity price, foreign 
exchange and interest rate risk. The use of these transactions is governed by and is subject to risk management 
policies established by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "Board"). These instruments are not used for 
trading or speculative purposes. The Corporation has not designated its financial derivative contracts as effective 
accounting hedges, even though the Corporation considers all financial derivative contracts to be effective economic 
hedges. As a result, all such contracts are recorded at fair value on the consolidated statement of financial position, 
with  changes  in  the  fair  value  being  recognized  as  an  unrealized  gain  or  loss  on  the  consolidated  statement  of 
operations.

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11

 
Realized Gain (Loss) on Risk Management Contracts

Realized gain (loss) on risk management contracts ($000s)
Per unit ($/Mcfe)

Three months ended
   December 31,

Years ended
December 31,

2017
24,156
0.83

2016
(1,632)
(0.09)

2017
44,002
0.47

2016
19,912
0.38

The Corporation’s method of determining the fair values of derivative financial instruments is disclosed in note 17 to 
the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. 

At December 31, 2017, the Corporation held commodity risk management contracts summarized as follows: 

Financial AECO Natural Gas Contracts

Options traded
AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap
AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Fixed Price Swap

AECO Call Option Sold

AECO Call Option Sold

Term
January 2018 - September 2018

January 2018 - March 2018
January 2018 - September 2018

January 2018 - September 2018

January 2018 - June 2018

January 2018 - December 2018

January 2018 - June 2019

January 2018 - June 2018

January 2018 - June 2018

January 2018 - March 2018

January 2018 - December 2018

January 2018 - December 2018

January 2018 - December 2018

April 2018 - June 2019

April 2018 - March 2019

January 2018 - December 2019

January 2018 - December 2019

Financial Dawn Natural Gas Contracts

Options traded
Dawn Fixed Price Swap
Dawn Fixed Price Swap

Term
April 2018 - March 2019
April 2018 - March 2019

Financial NYMEX Basis Differential Contracts

Options traded
NYMEX-AECO Basis Swap
NYMEX-AECO Basis Swap
NYMEX-Dawn Basis Swap

Term
April 2018 - October 2018
April 2019 - September 2021
January 2018 - December 2018

7

Volume
 (GJ/d)
6,000

10,000
10,000

10,000

6,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

5,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

15,000

Price
 (CDN$/GJ)
3.07

3.18
2.84

2.85

3.03

2.95

2.66

2.88

3.01

3.16

2.57

2.56

2.32

2.62

2.32

2.80

2.93

Volume
 (GJ/d)
10,000
10,000

Price
 (CDN$/GJ)
3.47
3.50

Volume 
(MMBtu/d)
10,000
10,000
10,000

Price
(NYMEX less 
US$/MMBtu)
1.14
1.14
0.11

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11

 
Financial Station 2 Natural Gas Contracts

Options traded
Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Term
January 2018 - March 2018

January 2018 - March 2018

January 2018 - March 2018

January 2018 - March 2018

January 2018 - March 2018

January 2018 - March 2018

January 2018 - June 2018

January 2018 - December 2019

April 2018 - June 2019

April 2018 - September 2019

April 2018 - September 2019

Financial AECO Basis Differential Contracts

Options traded
AECO-Station 2 Basis Swap

Term
November 2018 - October 2020

AECO-Station 2 Basis Swap

November 2018 - October 2020

AECO-Station 2 Basis Swap

November 2018 - August 2021

AECO-Station 2 Basis Swap

November 2019 - October 2020

Financial WTI Crude Oil Contracts

Options traded
WTI Fixed Price Swap

WTI Fixed Price Swap

WTI Fixed Price Swap

WTI Fixed Price Swap

WTI Fixed Price Swap

Financial Propane Contracts

Options traded
Conway Fixed Price Swap
Conway Fixed Price Swap
Conway Fixed Price Swap

Term
January 2018 - December 2018

January 2018 - December 2018

January 2018 - December 2018

January 2018 - December 2019

January 2018 - December 2019

Term
January 2018 - December 2018
January 2018 - December 2018
January 2018 - December 2018

Volume
 (GJ/d)
30,000

10,000

15,000

10,000

10,000

15,000

5,000

10,000

12,000

10,000

5,000

Price
 (CDN$/GJ)
1.78

1.88

1.74

1.89

1.91

2.70

2.50

2.45

2.35

2.30

2.34

Volume
 (GJ/d)
10,000

20,000

20,000

10,000

Price 
(AECO less 
CDN$/GJ)
0.32

0.32

0.29

0.33

Volume 
(Bbl/d)
500

Price 
(CDN$/Bbl)
65.15

250

250

500

500

70.15

71.05

70.20

70.20

Volume 
(GAL/d)
8,400
10,500
8,400

Price 
(CDN$/GAL)
0.90
0.88
1.00

In addition to the commodity risk management contracts discussed above, the Corporation has entered into physical 
delivery sales contracts to manage commodity risk. 

The Corporation has the following foreign exchange risk management contract in place as at December 31, 2017:

Reference 
Currency
USD

Notional amount (USD 000s)
$1,000/month

 Term
January 2018 - April 2018

Strike Rate
1.3538 CAD/USD

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ROYALTIES

Royalty expense ($000s)

Per unit ($/Mcfe)
Royalties as a % of Revenue (%)

Three months ended
   December 31,

Years ended
December 31,

2017

906
0.03

1.3

2016
1,382
0.07

2.1

2017

4,901
0.05

2.0

2016
2,672
0.05

2.2

For the year ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, royalties averaged 2.0% and 2.2% of revenue.  
For the three months ended December 31, 2017, the lower royalty rate of 1.3% compared to 2.1% for the three 
months ended December 31, 2016 can be attributed to reduced royalty rates on lower realized natural gas prices.  
The majority of the Corporation’s properties are on the west side of the British Columbia royalty line and are eligible 
to  receive  an  average  royalty  credit  of  approximately  $2.2  million  per  well.  The  remainder  of  the  Corporation's 
properties, on the east side of the British Columbia royalty line, are eligible to receive an average royalty credit of 
approximately $0.8 million per well.  

During 2018, the Corporation anticipates overall royalty rates to be approximately 2.0% to 2.5% of total revenues. 
This estimate considers the combined impact of incremental sales volumes from newly drilled wells that will qualify 
for royalty holidays, net of royalties paid on wells that have obtained the full benefit of provincial royalty incentives.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating expenses ($000s)

Per unit ($/Mcfe)

Three months ended
   December 31,

Years ended
December 31,

2017

18,095
0.62

2016
12,035
0.59

2017

59,834
0.64

2016
34,535
0.68

Operating expenses increased by $0.03 per Mcfe or 5% in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter 
of 2016 and decreased by $0.04 per Mcfe or 6% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2016. Per unit operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 have improved primarily 
as a result of incremental production volumes positively impacting fixed cost components, as well as lower rental 
expenses and consulting fees in 2017. Per unit operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2017
increased over 2016 due to voluntarily shut-ins of production, attributable to commodity pricing declines.

For 2018, the Corporation anticipates that average per unit operating expenses will be between $0.60 and $0.65 
per Mcfe.

TRANSPORTATION COSTS

Transportation costs ($000s)
Per unit ($/Mcfe)

Three months ended
   December 31,
2016
2017
7,653
13,646
0.38
0.47

Years ended
December 31,
2016
15,894
0.31

2017
39,197
0.42

Transportation costs for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $0.09 per Mcfe or 24%
and $0.11 per Mcfe or 35%, respectively, compared to the three months and year ended December 31, 2016. 

For both the three months and year ended December 31, 2017, the increased transportation costs per unit are the 
result of an increase in transport tolls on third party pipelines, as well as higher liquids trucking costs compared to 
the  three  months  and  year  ended  December 31,  2016,  due  to  a  44%  and  130%  increase  in  liquids  production 
respectively.

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13

 
 
 
 
During 2017, the Corporation signed various firm transportation agreements which facilitated its diversification into 
the Dawn, Sumas, and AECO markets.  On November 1, 2017, under a 10 year firm transportation agreement, the 
Corporation began delivering 38 MMcf/d of natural gas to the Dawn market via the Long Term Fixed Price service, 
with delivered volumes increasing to 88 MMcf/d by November 2019. On November 1, 2017, the Corporation began 
delivering 6.4 MMcf/d of natural gas to Sumas via firm transportation on the Enbridge T-South system. As of February 
1, 2018 the Corporation was delivering 174 MMcf/d to the AECO/NIT system with firm transportation through the 
NGTL Towerbirch expansion. 

For 2018, the Corporation expects average per unit transportation costs to be between $0.70 and $0.75 per Mcfe.  
2018 per unit transportation costs are expected to be higher than 2017 as a result of increasing sales to more distant 
sales points as part of our natural gas market diversification strategy, increased tolls on third party pipelines and an 
anticipated increase in liquids production.  

OPERATING NETBACKS 

($/Mcfe)

Realized commodity price

Realized gain on risk management contracts

Royalties

Operating expenses

Transportation costs

Operating netbacks

Three months ended
   December 31,

Years ended
December 31,

2017

2.34

0.83

(0.03)

(0.62)

(0.47)

2.05

2016
3.22

(0.09)

(0.07)

(0.59)

(0.38)

2.09

2017

2.65

0.47

(0.05)

(0.64)

(0.42)

2.01

2016
2.39

0.38

(0.05)

(0.68)

(0.31)

1.73

For the three months ended December 31, 2017, operating netbacks decreased by $0.04 per Mcfe or 2% compared 
to the three months ended December 31, 2016. For the three months ended December 31, 2017, the decrease in 
operating netbacks was the result of an 8% increase in combined per unit royalties, operating, and transportation 
costs compared to the three months ended December 31, 2016, and lower realized commodity prices, offset by an 
increase in realized gains on risk management contracts. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, operating netbacks increased by $0.28 per Mcfe or 16%, compared to the 
year ended December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the increase in operating netbacks is the 
result  of  an  11%  increase  in  realized  commodity  prices,  a  24%  increase  in  realized  gains  on  risk  management 
contracts, offset by a 7% increase in combined per unit royalties, operating, and transportation costs compared to 
the year ended December 31, 2016.

The Corporation’s operating netback for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 was 88% and 76%
of revenue, respectively, compared to 65% and 72% of revenue for the three months and year ended December 31, 
2016, respectively.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

($000s, except per Mcfe)

Gross expenses
Capitalized
Capital recoveries
Operating recoveries
Net expenses
Per unit ($/Mcfe)

Three months ended
   December 31,

Years ended
December 31,

2017
7,749
(1,703)
(857)
(196)
4,993

0.17

2016
6,963
(2,646)
(668)
(118)
3,531

0.17

2017
26,134
(5,764)
(3,339)
(549)
16,482

0.18

2016
19,310
(5,937)
(2,343)
(464)
10,566

0.21

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15

 
Net general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2017 were comparable 
to the three months ended December 31, 2016.   Annual net G&A decreased by $0.03 per Mcfe or 14%, compared 
to the year ended December 31, 2016, due to higher production volumes.

The Corporation’s policy of allocating and capitalizing costs associated with new capital projects remained unchanged 
for the year ended December 31, 2017. G&A capitalized and operating recoveries are in accordance with industry 
practice.

For 2018, with increased production, the Corporation anticipates that per unit G&A expenses will average in the 
range of $0.12 to $0.16 per Mcfe.

UGR ACQUISITION COSTS

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Corporation expensed $5.5 million ($0.06 per Mcfe) in acquisition costs 
related to the UGR acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 2017, UGR acquisition costs were $0.04 per basic 
share.

FINANCE EXPENSE

($000s)

Finance lease expense

Interest expense

Accretion

Total

Per unit ($/Mcfe)

Three months ended
   December 31,
2016
9,730

13,247

2017

Years ended
December 31,
2016
14,165

2017

44,157

5,837

877

19,961

0.69

2,691

158

12,579

0.62

15,640

1,794

61,591

0.66

8,055

550

22,770

0.45

Finance lease expense is a component of the capital fee paid on facilities treated as a capital lease, and varies with 
production  volumes  processed.  The  capital  fee  includes  finance  lease  expense  and  any  amortization  of  the 
outstanding finance lease obligation. 

Interest expense includes interest on bank debt and standby charges on the Corporation’s syndicated credit facilities, 
as well as interest on the senior notes and convertible debentures issued during the third quarter of 2017. 

Per unit finance expense for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 was $0.69 per Mcfe and $0.66
per  Mcfe,  respectively,  compared  to  $0.62  per  Mcfe  and  $0.45  per  Mcfe  for  the  three  months  and  year  ended
December 31, 2016. Interest expense increased for both the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 due 
to larger available syndicated credit facilities on which standby fees are calculated, as well as additional interest 
expense related to the senior notes and convertible debentures. 

Accretion expense consists of accretion on the decommissioning obligation, senior notes and convertible debentures.  
Accretion expense on the decommissioning obligation increased for the three months and year ended December 31, 
2017, compared to the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 as a result of a higher decommissioning 
liability balance and a higher risk free rate. At December 31, 2017, the risk free rate was 2.3% compared to 2.1% at 
December 31, 2016. The Corporation has estimated the net present value of the decommissioning obligation based 
on  an  undiscounted  total  future  liability  of  $106.0  million  at  December 31,  2017,  compared  to  $64.2  million  at 
December 31, 2016. 

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ADJUSTED FUNDS FLOW FROM OPERATIONS

($000s, except per Mcfe)
Petroleum and natural gas revenue
Royalties
Realized gain (loss) on risk management contracts
Operating expenses
Transportation costs
General and administrative expenses
Costs on acquisition of UGR
Finance lease expense
Interest expense
Adjusted funds flow from operations
Per unit ($/Mcfe)

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE

($000s)
Gross expense
Capitalized

Share unit expense (recovery) 

Total

Three months ended
   December 31,
2016

Years ended
December 31,
2016
2017
65,155 249,186 121,580
(2,672)
(1,382)
(4,901)
19,912
(1,632)
44,002
(34,535)
(12,035)
(59,834)
(15,894)
(7,653)
(39,197)
(10,566)
(3,531)
(16,482)
— (5,497)
—
(14,165)
(9,730)
(44,157)
(8,055)
(2,691)
(15,640)
55,605
26,501 107,480
1.09
1.14

1.31

2017
67,798
(906)
24,156
(18,095)
(13,646)
(4,993)
—
(13,247)
(5,837)
35,230
1.21

Three months ended
   December 31,
2016
711
(121)

2017
1,205
(586)

Years ended
December 31,
2017
2016
3,484
3,118
(620)
(913)

(399)

220

1,284

1,874

(1,724)

481

2,914

5,778

Gross share-based compensation expense was approximately $1.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 
2017 and $0.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016. There were 600,000 stock options granted 
during the three months ended December 31, 2017 at a weighted average exercise price of $3.52. For the three 
months ended December 31, 2017, the weighted average fair value of stock options granted was $1.62 per stock 
option. 

Gross share-based compensation expense was approximately $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, 
compared to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. There were 3,376,650 stock options granted during 
the year ended December 31, 2017 at a weighted average exercise price of $4.42. For the year ended December 31, 
2017, the weighted average fair value of stock options granted was $2.00 per stock option. 

Gross share-based compensation expense is a non-cash estimate of the cost of granting stock options to purchase 
shares,  calculated  using  the  Black-Scholes  model. The  expense  does  not  represent  actual  cash  compensation 
realized by the recipients of the stock options upon the exercise of these stock options.

Share Unit Plans
The Corporation has a deferred share unit ("DSU") plan, whereby DSUs are issued to members of the Board and 
eligible executive officers. Each DSU is a notional unit equal in value to one common share in the capital of the 
Corporation (“Common Share”), which entitles the holder to a cash payment upon redemption. DSUs vest upon grant 
but can only be converted to cash upon the holder ceasing to be a director and/or executive officer of the Corporation. 
The expense associated with the DSU plan is determined based on the 20-day volume weighted average price of 
Common Shares at the grant date. The expense is recognized in the statement of operations immediately upon 
grant, with a corresponding DSU liability recorded as a current liability in the statement of financial position.  At period 
end dates, the DSU liability is adjusted based on the 20-day volume weighted average price of Common Shares. 
As at December 31, 2017, there were 690,104 DSUs outstanding under the plan. 

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17

                           
The Corporation has a restricted share unit (“RSU”) plan, whereby RSUs are issued to eligible employees.  Each 
RSU is a notional unit equal in value to one Common Share, which entitles the holder to a cash payment upon 
redemption. RSUs vest in three equal installments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, at 
which time the holder is eligible to receive a cash payment equal to the number of vested awards multiplied by the 
fair market value. The expense associated with the RSU plan is determined based on the 20-day volume weighted 
average price of Common Shares at the grant date. The expense is recognized in the statement of operations over 
the vesting period, with a corresponding RSU liability recorded as a current liability in the statement of financial 
position. At period end dates, the RSU liability is adjusted based on the 20-day volume weighted average price of 
Common Shares. As at December 31, 2017, there were 222,630 RSUs outstanding under the plan.

The Corporation has a performance share unit (“PSU”) plan, whereby PSUs are issued to eligible executive officers. 
Each PSU is a notional unit equal in value to one Common Share, which entitles the holder to a cash payment upon 
redemption. PSUs vest upon the third anniversary of the grant date, at which time the holder is eligible to receive a 
cash payment equal to the number of vested awards multiplied by the fair market value. The unit value is adjusted 
for a performance multiplier which can range from 0 to 2 and is dependent on the performance of the Corporation 
for a predefined period. The expense associated with the PSU plan is determined based on the 20-day weighted 
average price of Common Shares at the grant date. The expense is recognized in the statement of operations over 
the vesting period, with a corresponding PSU liability recorded as a current liability in the statement of financial 
position. At period end dates, the PSU liability is adjusted based on the 20-day volume weighted average price of 
Common Shares. As at December 31, 2017, there were 303,900 PSUs outstanding under the plan.

DEPLETION AND DEPRECIATION EXPENSE

Depletion and depreciation ($000s)
Per unit ($/Mcfe)

Three months ended
   December 31,
2016
16,491
0.81

2017
24,921
0.86

Years ended
December 31,
2016
43,329
0.85

2017
83,887
0.89

Depletion and depreciation expense per unit for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 of $0.86/Mcfe 
and $0.89/Mcfe, respectively, were comparable to the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 depletion 
and depreciation expense of $0.81/Mcfe and $0.85/Mcfe, respectively. The depletion calculation for the three months 
ended December 31, 2017 included future development costs associated with the development of the Corporation's 
proved plus probable reserves of $4.1 billion, compared to $2.9 billion for the three months ended December 31, 
2016.  

The  Corporation’s  exploration  and  evaluation  (“E&E”)  assets  totaling  $159.0  million  as  at  December 31,  2017, 
compared to $114.3 million as at December 31, 2016, were not subject to depletion. The increase in E&E assets 
was the direct result of the undeveloped land acquired in the UGR acquisition. Substantially all of the E&E assets 
relate to undeveloped land. 

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13

 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

($000s)
Drilling and completions
Facilities and equipment
Lease acquisitions and retention
Seismic
Property dispositions
Capitalized G&A
     Exploration and development
Head office expenditures
     Capital expenditures
Capital lease assets
Share-based compensation
Decommissioning costs1
UGR acquisition
     Total
1. Subsequent to the date of acquisition, decommissioning liabilities acquired in the UGR acquisition were revalued, resulting in a $7.1 million increase to capital expenditures.

Three months ended
   December 31,
2016
37,081
11,234
138
166
9
2,646
51,274
232
51,506
(4,140)
121
(2,214)
—
45,273

Years ended
December 31,
2016
152,894
43,767
614
716
(386)
5,937
203,542
849
204,391
360,860
620
7,929
—
573,800

2017
45,144
14,954
294
267
—
1,703
62,362
103
62,465
130,000
586
5,322
—
198,373

2017
240,640
49,613
1,095
4,143
19
5,764
301,274
1,340
302,614
130,000
913
14,973
207,491
655,991

During the three months and year ended December 31, 2017, the Corporation invested $62.4 million and $301.3 
million, respectively, in exploration and development capital expenditures, compared to $51.3 million and $203.5 
million, respectively, during the three months and year ended December 31, 2016. 

Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2017 included $240.6 million on drilling and completions 
activity. The Corporation drilled 52 (52.0 net) and completed 51 (51.0 net) Montney natural gas wells during 2017 
as part of the Corporation’s capital program. Facilities capital of $49.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017
included equipping costs, pipeline construction costs and spending on processing facilities.

In 2018, the Corporation intends to drill 29 (29.0 net) and complete 31 (31.0 net) Montney horizontal natural gas 
wells on its 100% working interest lands.  

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As  at  December 31,  2017,  the  corporation  had  working  capital  of  $33.0  million  and  net  debt  of  $363.9  million.  
Management  anticipates  that  the  Corporation  will  continue  to  have  adequate  liquidity  to  fund  working  capital 
requirements and capital expenditures through a combination of cash flows, available credit facilities, senior notes 
and convertible debentures.  As a result of the current commodity pricing environment, uncertainty exists in the 
commodity, credit and capital markets, which the Corporation continues to monitor in conjunction with its financing 
alternatives.  

SENIOR NOTES

On August 23, 2017, the Corporation issued $150.0 million of 8.5% senior unsecured notes (the "Notes") with a 5 
year term by way of private placement. Proceeds net of discount and transaction costs of $8.9 million amounted to 
$141.1 million. Interest is payable in equal quarterly installments in arrears. The Notes are fully and unconditionally 
guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest, on a senior unsecured basis by the Corporation. There are 
no maintenance financial covenants. 

The Notes are non-callable by the Corporation prior to the three year anniversary. If the Corporation chooses to 
redeem the Notes prior to August 23, 2020, they will be subject to a make-whole premium equal to the Canada Yield 
Price, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At any time on or after August 23, 2020, the Corporation can redeem all or 
part of the Notes at the redemption prices set forth in the table below plus any accrued and unpaid interest.

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Redemption Schedule

August 23, 2020 - August 22, 2021

August 23, 2021 - February 22, 2022

February 23, 2022 - August 23, 2022

Percentage

104.250%

102.125%

100.000%

If a change of control event occurs at any time before maturity, the Corporation must offer to repurchase the Notes 
at a price according to the redemption schedule above.

CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES

On August 23, 2017, the Corporation issued $50.0 million of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures (the 
"Debentures") for net proceeds of $47.7 million. The Debentures mature on August 23, 2021 and bear interest at 
6.5% per annum payable quarterly commencing November 23, 2017. At the holder's option, the Debentures may be 
converted into common shares of the Corporation at any time prior to the close of business on the date of maturity 
at a conversion price of $5.60 per share (the "conversion price").

The Debentures are non-redeemable by the Corporation between August 23, 2017 and February 22, 2020 other 
than pursuant to the 90% redemption right (see Change of Control below). The Debentures are redeemable by the 
Corporation between February 23, 2020 and August 23, 2021 at a redemption price equal to principal amount plus 
interest. Redemption may be satisfied in common shares if the 30-day volume weighted average price ('VWAP") on 
notice date and the closing price immediately prior to notice date are both greater than 140% of the conversion price. 

On  maturity,  the  Corporation  may  satisfy  its  obligation  to  Debenture  holders  by  issuing  common  shares  if  the 
Corporation's market capitalization exceeds $750 million. The number of common shares issued is calculated based 
on 95% of the lesser of the 30-day VWAP and the 2-day VWAP on the date of maturity. 

Upon occurrence of a change of control event, the Corporation must offer to repurchase the Debentures at a price 
according to the schedule below. If 90% or more of the principal amount accept the offer, the Corporation shall have 
the right to repurchase 100% of the Debentures outstanding.

Redemption Schedule

August 23, 2017 - August 22, 2018

August 23, 2018 - February 22, 2020

February 23, 2020 - August 23, 2021

BANK DEBT

Percentage of 
Principal 

110.000%

105.000%

100.000%

At December 31, 2017, the Corporation’s syndicated credit facilities consisted of available credit facilities of $450 
million.  The  available  facilities  are  provided  by  a  syndicate  of  financial  institutions,  and  include  a  $400  million 
extendable revolving facility and a $50 million operating facility. The facilities revolve for a 2-year period, which is 
extendable  annually,  subject  to  syndicate  approval.  The  facilities  are  subject  to  semi-annual  review  and  re-
determination of borrowing base by April 30 and October 31 of each year, or in the circumstance of a material adverse 
change. Any re-determination of the borrowing base is effective immediately, and if the borrowing base is reduced, 
the Corporation has 60 days to repay any shortfall.

As at December 31, 2017, Painted Pony had $160 million in bankers’ acceptances with an effective interest rate of 
3.65% per annum. In addition, as at December 31, 2017, the Corporation had outstanding letters of credit totaling 
$21.5 million and US$15.0 million, which reduce the credit available on the syndicated facilities. At December 31, 
2016, the Corporation had an outstanding letter of credit of $14.9 million. 

The credit facilities bear interest on a matrix system that ranges from the bank’s prime rate plus 1.0% to the bank’s 
prime rate plus 3.25% per annum depending on the Corporation’s senior debt to quarterly annualized EBITDA ratio 
as defined by the lenders, ranging from less than 1.00:1 to 3.00:1. The credit facilities provide that advances may 

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be  made  by  way  of  prime  rate  loans,  U.S.  Base  Rate  loans,  London  InterBank  Offered  Rate  loans,  bankers’ 
acceptances, letters of credit or letters of guarantee. A standby fee of 0.5% to 0.8125% per annum is charged on 
the undrawn portion of the credit facilities, also calculated depending on the Corporation’s senior debt to quarterly 
annualized EBITDA ratio, as defined by the lenders. 

Security over all of the Corporation’s assets is provided by a floating charge demand debenture in the aggregate 
amount of $1.0 billion. The Corporation has provided a negative pledge and an undertaking to provide fixed charges 
over its petroleum and natural gas reserves in certain circumstances. The Corporation's syndicated credit facilities 
include financial covenants as follows: senior debt to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.00:1 on a trailing four fiscal 
quarter basis, and total debt to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 4.25:1 on a trailing four fiscal quarter basis until Q2 
2018, thereafter of not greater than 4.00:1 on a trailing four fiscal quarter basis. At December 31, 2017 the senior 
debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.77:1.00, and the total debt to EBITDA ratio was 3.28:1.00.The Corporation is in compliance 
with all covenants as at December 31, 2017.

ALTAGAS STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

The Corporation is party to a series of agreements (collectively the “Strategic Alliance”) with AltaGas Ltd. (“AltaGas”) 
relating to the development of processing infrastructure and marketing services for natural gas and NGLs. 

Under the Strategic Alliance, AltaGas committed to building gas processing facilities including a 198 MMcf/d shallow 
cut gas processing facility at the Townsend property and related pipeline infrastructure, which commenced commercial 
operations in 2016. Painted Pony does not acquire any legal right, title, or interest in the Townsend Facility or pipeline. 
All construction costs were borne by AltaGas. The Corporation has the right to a minimum of 198 MMcf/d of firm 
capacity, in respect of which there is a take or pay obligation on production volumes delivered to the facility of 180 
MMcf/d.

During the second quarter of 2017, Painted Pony entered into an agreement with AltaGas in respect of a Townsend 
Phase 2 expansion. The Townsend Phase 2 expansion consists of a 99 MMcf/d gas processing train located on the 
existing Townsend site adjacent to, and sharing joint equipment with the original Townsend Facility. The Corporation 
has  the  right  to  the  full  99  MMcf/d  of  firm  capacity  at Townsend  Phase  2,  since  commencement  of  commercial 
operation in the fourth quarter of 2017, in respect of which there is a take or pay obligation on production volumes 
delivered to the facility of 90 MMcf/d commencing in the first quarter of 2018. 

The Townsend Facility, related pipeline infrastructure and Phase 2 expansion have been recorded as a finance lease. 
Painted Pony has recorded the asset, representing the total estimated construction cost of the Townsend Facility of 
$490.9 million, with a corresponding obligation on the statement of financial position. Over the course of the 20-year 
lease, there will be a capital fee paid to AltaGas, which will include finance costs and the amortization of the obligation. 
The associated processing fee will be recorded in operating expenses. 

Total expected payments based on annual take or pay volumes, including both the principal and financing components, 
are reflected in the table below.

($000s)
Processing
Transportation
Total
Principal

Within 1 year
52,328
9,880
62,208
3,282

After 1 year but not 
more than five years
269,998
53,114
323,112
64,981

More than five 
years
579,843
182,355
762,198
422,597

Total
902,169
245,349
1,147,518
490,860

In conjunction with the Phase 2 expansion, AltaGas commissioned a fractionation facility and railway terminal.  All 
NGL Mix produced at the expanded AltaGas Townsend Facility is now pipelined directly to the AltaGas Fractionation 
Facility, while the stabilized condensate flows directly to the AltaGas Rail Terminal.  

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COMMITMENTS
The following is a summary of the estimated costs required to fulfill Painted Pony’s remaining contractual commitments 
as at December 31, 2017.

($000s)
Transportation and processing

Interest on senior notes

Interest on convertible debentures
Office leases and other
Total commitments

2018
77,704

2019
90,093

2020
99,775

2021
98,020

2022 Thereafter

Total
97,438 1,030,077 1,493,107

14,242
3,250
1,740

67,595
14,765
12,188
2,438
3,181
101
96,936 108,958 117,755 115,324 107,021 1,030,077 1,576,071

14,613
3,250
117

14,399
3,250
1,216

9,576
—
7

—
—
—

Transportation commitments include contracts to transport natural gas and NGLs through third-party owned pipeline 
systems in Canada. Processing commitments include contracts to process natural gas through third-party owned 
gas processing facilities in British Columbia. Interest on senior notes includes quarterly interest on senior notes.  
Interest on convertible debentures includes quarterly interest on convertible debentures.  Office leases include the 
Corporation’s contractual obligations for office space.

The Corporation has certain lease arrangements that are reflected in the commitments table above, which were 
entered into in the normal course of operations. All leases, other than the Townsend Facility finance lease, have 
been treated as operating leases whereby the lease payments are included in operating expenses or general and 
administrative expenses depending on the nature of the lease.  

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
No off balance sheet arrangements existed as at December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016, except those noted 
within.

SHARE CAPITAL
The Corporation has an unlimited number of Common Shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares ("Preferred 
Shares") authorized for issuance. As at December 31, 2017 and March 7, 2018, there were 160,995,692 Common 
Shares issued and outstanding, respectively.  At December 31, 2017 and March 7, 2018, there were no Preferred 
Shares issued and outstanding.

The Corporation has a stock option plan, pursuant to which options to purchase Common Shares are granted to 
officers and employees of the Corporation.  Stock options are granted at the volume weighted average trading price 
of the Common Shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of grant, and have a five-year term. 
Stock options granted vest as to one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. As 
at December 31, 2017, an aggregate of 10,298,367 stock options were issued and outstanding at a weighted-average 
price of $6.01 per stock option.  As at March 7, 2018, an aggregate of 11,836,192 stock options were issued and 
outstanding at a weighted-average price of $5.33 per stock option. 

INCOME TAXES
As at December 31, 2017, the Corporation had a $7.8 million deferred tax liability. This compares to a $32.6 million 
deferred  tax  asset  at  December 31,  2016.  The  deferred  tax  expense  was  $45.4  million  during  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2017, compared to a deferred income tax recovery of $17.9 million during the year ended December 31, 
2016.

The Corporation expects that future taxable income will be available to utilize accumulated tax pools. Painted Pony’s 
estimated tax pools at December 31, 2017 were $1.4 billion.  

DIVIDENDS
The Corporation has not declared or paid any dividends and does not intend to do so in the near future. 

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PERFORMANCE COMPARED TO EXPECTATIONS
Readers are reminded that forward-looking statements in this MD&A are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, 
many of which are beyond Painted Pony’s control and are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, 
some or all of which may prove to be incorrect. See "Advisories - Forward-looking Statements" in the MD&A for 
further discussion of forward looking statements, risks and uncertainties. A comparison of actual performance to the 
previously announced expectations of the Corporation is as follows: 

•  For the fourth quarter of 2017, the Corporation expected to receive a realized natural gas price at a premium 
to the benchmark Westcoast Station 2 price and comparable to the AECO (5A) benchmark price.  The actual 
weighted  average  price  received  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  represented  a  196%  premium  to  the 
Westcoast Station 2 price and a 2% discount to the AECO 5A daily spot price.

•  Painted Pony’s royalty rate for the fourth quarter of 2017 was expected to be approximately 2.5% of total 
revenues. The actual royalty rate for the fourth quarter of 2017 was 1.3% of total revenues. Royalty rates 
were lower than expectation due to pricing declines during the fourth quarter of 2017.

•  Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2017 were expected to be between $0.60 and $0.65 per Mcfe. 

Actual operating expenses for the fourth quarter were $0.62 per Mcfe. 

•  Transportation  expenses  for  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  were  expected  to  be  between  $0.35  and  $0.40 
per Mcfe. Actual transportation expenses for the quarter were $0.47 per Mcfe due to an increase in transport 
tolls on third party pipelines, as well as higher liquids trucking costs.

•  Net G&A expenses for the fourth quarter of 2017 were expected to be $0.10 to $0.15 per Mcfe. Actual net 
G&A for the fourth quarter were $0.17 per Mcfe. G&A expenses were higher than expectation due to increased 
professional fees. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that 
affect  the  application  of  IFRS  accounting  policies,  reported  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities,  and  income  and 
expenses. Accordingly, actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are 
reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates 
are revised and in any future periods affected. 

Critical Accounting Judgments 
The following are critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying accounting policies and 
that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

Cash-Generating Units 
The Corporation’s assets are aggregated into cash-generating units (“CGU” or “CGUs”) for the purpose of 
assessing impairment.  CGUs are based on an assessment of the unit’s ability to generate independent 
cash inflows.  The determination of these CGUs was based on management’s judgment in regard to shared 
infrastructure, geographical proximity, petroleum type and exposure to market risk and materiality. By their 
nature, these assumptions are subject to management’s judgment and may impact the carrying value of the 
Corporation’s net assets in future periods.  

Impairment Indicators
Judgments are required to assess when impairment indicators exist and impairment testing is required.  The 
Corporation is required to consider information from both external sources (such as negative downturn in 
commodity prices, significant adverse changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment 
in  which  the  entity  operates)  and  internal  sources  (such  as  downward  revisions  in  reserves,  significant 
adverse effect on the financial and operational performance of a CGU, evidence of obsolescence or physical 
damage to the asset). In determining the recoverable amount of assets, in the absence of quoted market 
prices, impairment tests are based on estimates of reserves, production rates, future petroleum and natural 
gas prices, future costs, discount rates, market value of land and other relevant assumptions.

The application of the Corporation’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) assets requires 
management to make certain judgments as to future events and circumstances as to whether economic 
quantities of reserves have been found.

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Deferred Taxes 
In  determining  its  deferred  tax  provisions,  the  Corporation  must  apply  judgment  when  interpreting  and 
applying tax laws and regulations. The determination of the appropriate rules may be uncertain for many 
periods.  The final outcome could result in amounts different from those initially recorded and could impact 
tax expense in the periods where a determination is made. Judgments are also made by management to 
determine the likelihood of whether deferred tax assets at the end of the reporting period will be realized 
from future taxable income.

Critical Accounting Estimates 
The following are key estimates made by management affecting the measurement of balances and transactions in 
these consolidated financial statements.

Impact of Reserves 
Estimation of recoverable quantities of proved and probable reserves includes estimates regarding future 
commodity prices, exchange rates, discount rates and production and transportation costs for future cash 
flows as well as the interpretation of complex geological and geophysical models and data.  Changes in 
expected future cash flows in reported reserves can affect the impairment of assets, the decommissioning 
obligation, the economic feasibility of E&E assets and the amounts reported for depletion and depreciation 
of  property,  plant  and  equipment  (“PP&E”),  and  the  recognition  of  deferred  tax  assets.   These  reserve 
estimates are prepared in accordance with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and are verified 
by  independent  qualified  reserve  evaluators,  who  work  with  information  provided  by  the  Corporation  to 
establish reserve determinations in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure 
for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”).

In a business combination, management makes estimates of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed  which  includes  assessing  the  value  of  petroleum  and  natural  gas  properties  based  upon  the 
estimation of recoverable quantities of proved and probable reserves being acquired.

Share-Based Compensation 
All equity-settled, share-based awards issued by the Corporation are fair valued using the Black-Scholes 
option-pricing model. In assessing the fair value of equity-based compensation, estimates have to be made 
regarding  the  expected  volatility  in  share  price,  option  life,  dividend  yield,  risk-free  rate  and  estimated 
forfeitures at the initial grant date.

Derivative Financial Instruments 
Painted Pony records risk management contracts at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the 
consolidated  statements  of  operations. The  Corporation’s  estimate  of  the  fair  value  is  determined  using 
observable  market  data  and  external  counterparty  information,  including  estimated  forward  prices  and 
volatility in those prices. 

Decommissioning Obligation
The Corporation estimates future remediation costs of production facilities, wells and pipelines at different 
stages of development and construction of assets or facilities. In most instances, removal of assets occurs 
many years into the future. This requires estimates regarding abandonment date, future environmental and 
regulatory legislation, the extent of reclamation activities, the engineering methodology for estimating cost, 
future removal technologies in determining the removal cost and liability-specific discount rates to determine 
the present value of these cash flows. 

Deferred Taxes 
Tax provisions are based on enacted or substantively enacted laws. Changes in those laws could affect 
amounts recognized in income or loss both in the period of change, which would include any impact on 
cumulative provisions, and in future periods. 

Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent it is considered probable that those assets will be 
recoverable. This involves an assessment of when those deferred tax assets are likely to reverse and a 
judgment as to whether or not there will be sufficient taxable income available to offset the tax assets when 
they do reverse. This requires assumptions regarding future profitability and is therefore inherently uncertain. 
Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecasted cash flows from operations. 

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FUTURE ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
A number of new accounting standards, amendments to accounting standards and interpretations are effective for 
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and have not yet been applied in preparing the consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The standards applicable to the Corporation are as 
follows and will be adopted on their respective effective dates:

Financial Instruments
In July 2014, the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”, which replaces IAS 39 “Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”. The standard will come into effect for annual periods beginning on or 
after January 1, 2018 with earlier adoption permitted. 

IFRS 9 introduces a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortized cost or fair 
value  and  replaces  the  multiple  rules  in  IAS  39. The  approach  is  based  on  how  an  entity  manages  its  financial 
instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. 
For financial liabilities, IFRS 9 retains most of the requirements of IAS 39; however, where the fair value option is 
applied to financial liabilities, any change in fair value resulting from an entity’s own credit risk is recorded in OCI 
rather  than  the  statement  of  operations,  unless  this  creates  an  accounting  mismatch.  Based  on  its  preliminary 
assessment, the Corporation does not anticipate these changes to have a material impact on its consolidated financial 
statements.  

In  addition,  IFRS  9  introduces  a  new  expected  credit  loss  model  for  calculating  impairment  of  financial  assets, 
replacing the incurred loss impairment model required by IAS 39. The new model will result in more timely recognition 
of expected credit losses. Painted Pony does not anticipate the new impairment model to have a material impact on 
the consolidated financial statements. 

IFRS 9 also contains a new model to be applied for hedge accounting, aligning hedge accounting more closely with 
risk management. The Corporation does not currently apply hedge accounting to its risk management contracts and 
does not currently intend to apply hedge accounting to any of its existing risk management contracts on adoption of 
IFRS 9. 

Revenue Recognition
As of January 1, 2018, the Corporation has adopted IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which 
replaces  IAS  18  “Revenue”. The  standard  provides  a  single,  principles  based  5  step  model  to  be  applied  to  all 
contracts with customers. The standard requires an entity to recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and 
services for the amount it expects to receive, when control is transferred to the purchaser. Disclosure requirements 
have also been expanded. 

The standard has been adopted using a modified retrospective approach effective January 1, 2018. The Corporation 
has reviewed its revenue streams and underlying contracts with customers and has determined that there will not 
be a material impact on its earnings.  Additional disclosures will be implemented. 

Leases
In January 2016, the IAS issued IFRS 16 “Leases”, which replaces IAS 17 “Leases”, and provides that a single 
recognition and measurement model for leases would apply, with required recognition of assets and liabilities for 
most leases. For lessees, IFRS 16 removes the classification of leases as either operating or finance leases, effectively 
treating all leases as finance leases. Certain short-term leases (less than 12 months) and leases of low-value assets 
are exempt from the requirements, and may continue to be treated as operating leases. 

IFRS 16 is effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted if IFRS 15 “Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers” has been adopted. The standard may be applied retrospectively or using a modified 
retrospective  approach.  It  is  anticipated  that  the  adoption  of  IFRS  16  will  have  an  impact  on  the  Corporation’s 
consolidated statement of financial position. 

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BUSINESS RISKS
Painted Pony’s production and exploration and development activities are concentrated in western Canada, where 
activity is highly competitive and includes a variety of companies ranging from smaller junior producers to the much 
larger integrated producers. Painted Pony is subject to various types of business risks and uncertainties, including 
but not limited to:

volatility of natural gas and crude oil prices; 
availability of qualified personnel and drilling equipment; 
finding and developing petroleum and natural gas reserves at economic costs;
production of petroleum and natural gas in commercial quantities; and

• 
• 
• 
• 
•  marketability of petroleum and natural gas production.

In order to reduce exploration risk, the Corporation strives to employ highly qualified and motivated professional 
employees and consultants with a demonstrated ability to generate quality proprietary geological and geophysical 
prospects. To help maximize drilling success, Painted Pony combines exploration in areas that afford multi-zone 
prospect potential, targeting a range of low to moderate risk prospects with minimal exposure to select high-risk 
plays with high-reward opportunities.  Painted Pony also explores in areas where the Corporation’s officers and 
employees have significant experience.

The Corporation mitigates its risks related to producing hydrocarbons through the utilization of the most appropriate 
technology and information systems. Painted Pony seeks operational control of its projects, where feasible. 

Oil  and  gas  exploration,  development  and  production  can  involve  environmental  risks  such  as  pollution  of  the 
environment and destruction of natural habitat, as well as safety risks such as personal injury. In order to mitigate 
such risks, Painted Pony conducts its operations with high standards and follows safety procedures intended to 
reduce the potential for personal injury to employees, contractors and the public at large. The Corporation maintains 
insurance coverage to address significant business risks, at market rates and within defined limits and deductibles. 

The amount and terms of this insurance are reviewed on an ongoing basis and adjusted as necessary to reflect 
changing corporate requirements, as well as industry standards and government regulations.  Painted Pony may 
periodically use financial or physical delivery hedges to reduce its exposure against the potential adverse impact of 
commodity  price  volatility,  as  governed  by  formal  policies  approved  by  senior  management,  subject  to  controls 
established by the Board. 

The Corporation uses financial derivatives and physical delivery sales contracts to mitigate some of the exposure 
to commodity price risk, and provide a level of stability to operating cash flows which enables the Corporation to fund 
its capital development program. 

Additional information about the Corporation’s business risks is outlined in the advisories section of this MD&A and 
is available in Painted Pony’s AIF for the year ended December 31, 2017 that is filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

LEGAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, REMEDIATION AND OTHER CONTINGENT MATTERS 
The Corporation reviews legal, environmental, remediation and other contingent matters to determine whether a 
loss is probable based on judgment and interpretation of laws and regulations, and to determine whether the loss 
can reasonably be estimated.  When the loss is determined, it is charged to income.  The Corporation’s management 
monitors known and potential contingent matters and makes appropriate provisions by charges to income when 
warranted by the circumstances.

The Corporation may from time to time be involved in legal claims or litigation arising in the normal course of business.  
The outcome of legal claims or litigation is uncertain and there can be no assurance that such legal claims or litigation 
will be resolved in the Corporation’s favor. Other than disclosed herein, the Corporation does not currently believe 
that the outcome of adverse decisions in any pending or threatened legal claims or litigation, or any amount which 
it may be required to pay, would have a material adverse impact on its financial position or results of operations.

Aboriginal peoples have claimed aboriginal title and rights to portions of western Canada, including northeast British 
Columbia. On May 31, 2017, the British Columbia Supreme Court denied an injunction application brought by the 
Blueberry River First Nation ("BRFN") which sought to restrain the Province of British Columbia from, among other 

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things, permitting new oil and gas activities within a portion of northeast British Columbia, where a substantial portion 
of the Corporation’s land is situated. Had the injunction application been successful, it would likely have had an 
adverse  impact  on  the  Corporation,  its  operations  and  production.  The  interlocutory  injunction  was  part  of  an 
underlying claim, by the BRFN against the Province of British Columbia, filed on March 3, 2015, which seeks relief 
for alleged breaches of treaty rights in northeast British Columbia. The underlying claim is scheduled to be heard by 
the British Columbia Supreme Court in the spring 2018. The Corporation was not a party to the interlocutory injunction 
and it is not party to the underlying claim.

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS & PROCEDURES AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 
The Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) have designed, or caused to 
be designed under their supervision, disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”), as defined in National Instrument 
52-109  -  Certification  of  Disclosure  in  Issuer’s  Annual  and  Interim  Filings  (“NI  52-109”)  to  provide  reasonable 
assurance that: (i) material information relating to the Corporation is made known to the Corporation’s CEO and CFO 
by others, particularly during the period in which the annual and interim filings are being prepared; and (ii) information 
required to be disclosed by the Corporation in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by 
it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in 
securities  legislation. As  at  December 31,  2017,  the  CEO  and  CFO  evaluated  the  design  and  operation  of  the 
Corporation’s DC&P. Based  on that evaluation,  the CEO and CFO concluded  that the Corporation’s DC&P was 
effective as at December 31, 2017.

The Corporation’s CEO and CFO have designed, or caused to be designed under their supervision, internal controls 
over financial reporting (“ICFR”), as defined in NI 52-109, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. The 
Corporation has established and maintains ICFR using the criteria that were set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). As at December 31, 
2017, the CEO and CFO evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of the Corporation’s ICFR. Based on that 
evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Corporation’s ICFR was effective as at December 31, 2017. 

No material changes in the Corporation’s ICFR were identified during the period beginning on October 1, 2017 and 
ended  on  December 31,  2017  that  have  materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the 
Corporation’s ICFR. It should be noted that a control system, including the Corporation’s disclosure and internal 
controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute assurance 
that the objectives of the control system will be met and it should not be expected that the disclosure and internal 
controls will prevent all errors or fraud. 

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY INFORMATION
The following tables set forth selected consolidated financial information of the Corporation for the eight most recently 
completed quarters ending at the fourth quarter of 2017.  

Quarter ended ($000s, except where noted)
Petroleum and natural gas revenue
Cash flow from operating activities
Per share - basic
Per share - diluted
Adjusted funds flow from operations
Per share - basic
Per share - diluted
Net income
Per share - basic
Per share - diluted
Capital expenditures
Working capital (deficiency)
Bank debt
Senior notes
Convertible debentures - liability
Net debt
Total assets
Decommissioning obligation
Average daily production volumes (boe/d)
Average daily production volumes (MMcfe/d)
Realized commodity prices

Natural gas ($/Mcf)
NGLs ($/bbl)
Total ($/Mcfe)

Operating netbacks ($/Mcfe)

Quarter ended ($000s, except where noted)
Petroleum and natural gas revenue
Cash flow from operating activities
Per share - basic
Per share - diluted
Adjusted funds flow from operations
Per share - basic
Per share - diluted
Net income (loss)
Per share - basic
Per share - diluted
Capital expenditures
Working capital (deficiency)
Bank debt
Net debt
Total assets
Decommissioning obligation
Average daily production volumes (boe/d)
Average daily production volumes (MMcfe/d)
Realized commodity prices

Natural gas ($/Mcf)
NGLs ($/bbl)
Total ($/Mcfe)

Operating netbacks ($/Mcfe)

Dec 31, 2017 Sept 30, 2017
50,016
29,609
0.18
0.18
29,462
0.18
0.18
14,592
0.09
0.09
85,592
(21,486)
93,759
141,260
44,597
336,405
1,809,283
41,255
42,353
254.1

67,798
27,417
0.17
0.16
35,230
0.22
0.21
37,067
0.23
0.22
62,465
33,025
149,228
141,613
44,887
363,884
2,031,643
46,811
52,544
315.3

Jun 30, 2017 Mar 31, 2017
64,948
31,661
0.32
0.31
24,799
0.25
0.25
56,888
0.57
0.56
96,678
(74,225)
232,649
—
—
299,791
1,406,214
30,431
35,878
215.3

66,424
18,230
0.13
0.13
17,989
0.13
0.13
13,829
0.10
0.10
57,879
(30,794)
235,547
—
—
283,538
1,742,761
44,517
40,574
243.4

1.66
56.81
2.34
2.05

1.59
45.70
2.14
2.12

2.64
47.04
3.00
1.81

2.87
50.30
3.35
2.08

Dec 31, 2016 Sept 30, 2016
27,987
10,325
0.10
0.10
12,639
0.13
0.12
11,614
0.12
0.11
50,471
(36,626)
172,054
202,494
1,290,228
32,015
22,741
136.4

65,155
21,859
0.22
0.21
26,501
0.26
0.26
(27,761)
(0.28)
(0.28)
51,506
(73,647)
200,836
228,463
1,336,955
29,857
36,695
220.2

Jun 30, 2016 Mar 31, 2016
16,575
7,202
0.07
0.07
7,557
0.08
0.08
(2,151)
(0.02)
(0.02)
67,076
(26,016)
87,559
137,239
857,942
25,738
16,601
99.6

11,863
5,272
0.05
0.05
8,908
0.09
0.09
(33,559)
(0.34)
(0.34)
35,338
(36,677)
136,897
164,493
876,295
27,321
16,634
99.8

2.78
46.62
3.22
2.09

1.97
41.67
2.23
1.74

0.94
41.73
1.31
1.44

1.60
36.26
1.83
1.21

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL INFORMATION
The following tables set forth selected consolidated annual financial information of the Corporation for the three most 
recently completed years ending December 31, 2017. 

Year ended 
($000s, except where noted)

Petroleum and natural gas revenue

Cash flow from operating activities

Per share - basic

Per share - diluted

Dec 31,
2017

249,186

106,917

0.76

0.74

Dec 31,
2016
121,580

44,658

0.45

0.45

Dec 31,
2015
81,583

31,705

0.32

0.32

Adjusted funds flow from operations

107,480

55,605

28,466

Per share - basic
Per share - diluted

Net income (loss)

Per share - basic

Per share - diluted

Capital expenditures
Working capital (deficiency)

Bank debt

Senior notes

Convertible debentures - liability

Net debt

Total assets

Decommissioning obligation

Average daily production volumes (boe/d)

Average daily production volumes (MMcfe/d)

0.76
0.75

0.56
0.56

122,376

(51,857)

0.87

0.85

302,614

33,025

149,228

141,613

44,887

363,884

(0.52)

(0.52)

204,391
(73,647)

200,836

—

—

228,463

2,031,643

1,336,955

46,811

42,882
257.3

29,857

23,204
139.2

0.29
0.29

(5,210)

(0.05)

(0.05)

106,654
(4,629)

63,626

—

—

77,361

781,574

21,480

15,604
93.6

Significant factors and trends that have affected the Corporation’s results during the above annual and quarterly 
periods include:

•  Petroleum and natural gas revenues are impacted by both fluctuating commodity prices and production 
volumes. The Corporation’s successful capital program and commencement of commercial operations at 
the Townsend Facility have generated incremental production volumes, offset by shut-in production volumes 
during low pricing environments. The commodity prices realized by the Corporation have approximated the 
AECO daily spot gas prices and Edmonton par light oil prices with periodic widening of differentials throughout 
the above periods. The reference price fluctuations reflect changes in supply and demand by commodity, 
both internationally and domestically. 

•  Adjusted  funds  flow  from  operations  reflects  the  impact  of  fluctuating  commodity  prices  on  a  growing 
production  base.  Operating  and  transportation  cost  variations  track  seasonal  weather-related  issues 
combined with fixed commitments. Natural gas and crude oil prices declined through the first half of 2016. 
Prices started to recover in the second half of 2016, and into the first and second quarter of 2017, however 
declined through the third and fourth quarter of 2017.

•  Royalties  vary  due  to  commodity  prices,  production  levels  and  the  status  of  provincial  royalty  incentive 
programs. As the production base matures, incremental royalties occur on wells as the maximum volumes 
provided for under provincial incentive programs are attained.  

•  Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) throughout the periods was primarily influenced by 

unrealized gains or losses on risk management contracts and acquisition costs.

•  Fluctuations in capital expenditures have reflected both available capital resources and capital spending 

restraints during weaker commodity price cycles. 

•  As the Corporation’s focus has shifted to development and production, the Corporation has begun utilizing 
bank debt and has issued convertible debentures and senior notes to assist with the capital program and 
debt repayment. As the Corporation proceeds with its growth plans, bank debt amounted to $149.2 million 

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as at December 31, 2017, the carrying value of senior notes was $141.6 million and the carrying value of 
the liability portion of the convertible debentures was $44.9 million.    

•  Total  assets  and  non-current  liabilities  have  increased  as  the  Corporation’s  capital  program  has  been 

executed.

ADVISORIES
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements in this MD&A constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, 
the “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking 
statements relate to future events, including expectations of future production, components of cash flow and net 
income, expected future events, including with respect to the Corporation’s well program, contractual commitments, 
capital expenditures, dividend policy and credit facility, and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and 
subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this 
MD&A may be forward-looking statements. Such statements and information may be identified by words such as 
“anticipate”,  “will”,  “intend”,  “could”,  “should”,  “may”,  “might”,  “expect”,  “forecast”,  “plan”,  “potential”,  “project”, 
“assume”, “contemplate”, “believe”, “budget”, “shall”, “continue”, “milestone”, “target”, “vision”, “forward looking to”, 
and similar terms or the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology. The forward-looking statements contained 
in this MD&A involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are beyond the Corporation’s 
control, which may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking 
statements. 

The  forward-looking  statements  contained  in  this  MD&A  represent  management’s  reasonable  projections, 
expectations and estimates as of the date of this document; however, undue reliance should not be placed upon 
them as they are derived from numerous assumptions, certain or all of which may prove to be incorrect. These 
assumptions are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including the business risks discussed in 
this MD&A and the risks discussed in the Corporation’s AIF for the year ended December 31, 2017, many of which 
are beyond Painted Pony’s control and which may cause actual performance and financial results to differ materially 
from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In 
addition,  forward-looking  statements  may  include  statements  or  information  attributable  to  third-party  industry 
sources. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which such forward-
looking statements are based will occur.

In particular, and without limitation, this MD&A contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the following:

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

the  expectation  that  efficiencies  associated  with  the  Townsend  Phase  2  expansion  will  reduce  the  fixed 
capital fee on a per MCF basis paid by the Corporation by approximately 20% after commencement of the 
Townsend Phase 2 expansion take or pay;
the Corporation receiving a natural gas price that represents a premium to the Westcoast Station 2 price 
and comparable to the AECO (5A) benchmark price; 
expectations with respect to average price estimates for 2018;  
the expectation that exposure to Station 2 pricing is expected to average below 15% in 2018;
the expectation that overall royalties for 2018 will be approximately 2.0% to 2.5% of total revenues; 
the expectation that average per unit operating expenses for 2018 will be between $0.60 and $0.65 per 
Mcfe, assuming normal seasonal weather conditions;
the expectation that average per unit transportation costs for 2018 will be between $0.70 and $0.75 per 
Mcfe;
the expectation that per unit G&A expenses will average between $0.12 to $0.16 per Mcfe for 2018;
the expectation that the Corporation's 2018 capital program will include drilling 29 (29.0 net) and completing  
31 (31.0 net) wells;
the Corporation having adequate liquidity to fund working capital requirements and capital expenditures 
through a combination of cash flows, available credit facilities, senior notes and convertible debentures;
expectations as to timing and outcome of the next review of the Corporation’s credit facilities;
expectations as to the estimated costs required to fulfill the Corporation's remaining contractual commitments 
as at December 31, 2017;
expectations with respect to the declaration or payment of dividends;
expectations that future taxable income will be available to utilize accumulated tax pools;
expectations regarding future accounting pronouncements and their impact on the Corporation; and
expectations regarding the underlying claim filed by BRFN against the Province of British Columbia.

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With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A, assumptions have been made regarding: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

the utilization of available credit facilities for 2018;
the validity of data used by GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd.(“GLJ”) in their independent reserves evaluation;
the continued adherence to contractual commitments; 
the  financial  position  of  the  applicable  entities  mitigating  the  risk  of  accounts  receivable  becoming 
uncollectible; and
the cost structure of the Corporation.

Certain or all of the forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements represent 
the Corporation’s views as of the date of this MD&A and such information should not be relied upon as representing 
the Corporation’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this MD&A. The Corporation has attempted to 
identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary from the current 
expectations or estimates expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. 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.  Other risks 
and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

normal  risks  common  to  the  oil  and  gas  industry,  including  exploration,  development  and  production 
operations risks;
volatility of commodity prices;
changes in interest and foreign exchange rates;
risks and uncertainty of petroleum and natural gas geological deposits and reserves estimates;
health, safety and environmental risks;
revisions,  amendments  or  changes  to  capital  expenditure  plans  including  exploration,  development  and 
exploitation projects;
uncertainty of estimates and projections of production and costs;
unforeseen title defects; 
risks arising from future acquisition activities; 
restrictions contained in the Corporation’s credit facility; 
uncertainty of the outcome of the underlying claim against the Province of British Columbia filed by the BRFN 
and the risk of delays resulting from the need to change the location of planned activities and a potential 
reduction in future volumes of natural gas and NGLs available for production by the Corporation; 
risks as to the availability and pricing of appropriate financing alternatives on acceptable terms; 
potential changes in income tax regulations, governmental policies, rules, practices or approval process 
changes, or delays, or enhancements; 
delays resulting from adverse weather conditions;
delays resulting from an inability to obtain required regulatory approvals and ability to access sufficient debt 
or equity capital from internal and external sources; and
the Corporation’s ability to attract and retain qualified professional employees and consultants. 

Statements relating to “reserves” or “resources” are by their nature deemed to be forward-looking statements, as 
they involve the implied assessment based on certain estimates and assumptions that the resources and reserves 
described can be profitably produced in the future.

There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained herein will prove to be accurate, as 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 statements. From time to time, Painted Pony’s management 
makes estimates and forms opinions on which the forward-looking statements are based.  The Corporation assumes 
no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management’s estimates, or opinions change, 
unless prescribed by securities laws. Furthermore, readers should be aware that historical results are not necessarily 
indicative of future performance.

Forecast Prices and Costs
Reserves estimates are calculated using the forecast price and cost assumptions by the reserves evaluator which 
were in effect at the time of the applicable reserves evaluation.  The complete GLJ January 1, 2018 price forecast 
is available on its website at gljpc.com.  

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Gross Reserves
Unless otherwise stated, references to “reserves” are to the Corporation’s gross reserves, defined as the Corporation’s 
working interest (operating or non-operating) share before deduction of royalties and without including any royalty 
interests of the Corporation.

Estimated Future Net Revenues 
Estimated future net revenues are stated before deducting income taxes and future estimated site restoration costs 
and are reduced for estimated future abandonment costs and estimated capital for future development associated 
with the reserves. The undiscounted and discounted net present values disclosed do not represent the fair market 
value of the reserves.

Potential Transactions
Within its focus area, the Corporation regularly reviews potential property acquisitions and corporate merger and 
acquisition opportunities for the purpose of determining whether any such potential transaction would benefit the 
Corporation, as well as the terms on which such a potential transaction would be available. As a result, the Corporation 
may from time to time be involved in discussions or negotiations with other parties or their agents in respect of 
potential property acquisitions and corporate merger and acquisition opportunities. The Corporation is not committed 
to  any  such  potential  transaction  and  cannot  be  reasonably  confident  that  it  can  complete  any  such  potential 
transaction until appropriate legal documentation has been signed by the relevant parties.

BOE Conversions
Barrel of oil equivalent amounts have been calculated by using the conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet (6 
Mcf) of natural gas to one barrel of oil (1 bbl).  Boe amounts may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation.  A 
boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf to 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at 
the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.  

MCFE Conversions
Thousands of cubic feet of gas equivalent amounts have been calculated by using the conversion ratio of one barrel 
of oil (1 bbl) to six thousand cubic feet (6 Mcf) of natural gas.  Mcfe amounts may be misleading, particularly if used 
in isolation.  A conversion ratio of 1 bbl to 6 Mcf is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily 
applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.  

thousand cubic feet 
thousand cubic feet per day 

Abbreviations
Mcf 
Mcf/d 
MMcf/d million cubic feet per day 
boe       barrels of oil equivalent   
boe/d   barrels of oil equivalent per day   
thousand barrels of oil equivalent 
Mboe 
bbls 
barrels   

bbls/d 
NGLs  
Mcfe 
Mcfe/d   
MMcfe/d 
MMBtu   
MMBtu/d 

barrels per day
natural gas liquids
thousand cubic feet equivalent
thousand cubic feet equivalent per day
million cubic feet equivalent per day
million British thermal units 
million British thermal units per day

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information regarding the Corporation and its business and operations, including the AIF for the year ended 
December 31, 2017 is available on the Corporation’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.  Copies of the Corporation’s 
disclosure can also be obtained by contacting the Corporation at Painted Pony Energy Ltd., Suite 1800, 736 – 6 
Avenue  SW.,  Calgary,  Alberta  T2P  3T7  (Phone  (403)  475-0440),  by  email  at  info@paintedpony.ca  or  on  the 
Corporation’s website at www.paintedpony.ca. 

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27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Management of Painted Pony Energy Ltd. (the “Corporation”) is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the 
accompanying consolidated financial statements and all other information contained in this report.  The consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
and include amounts that are based on management’s informed judgments and estimates where necessary.

The Corporation has established internal accounting control systems which are designed to provide reasonable 
assurance regarding the reliability of the Corporation’s financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated 
financial statements together with the other financial information for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.

The Board of Directors, through its Audit & Risk Committee, monitors management’s financial and accounting policies 
and practices and the preparation of these consolidated financial statements. The Audit & Risk Committee meets 
periodically with the external auditors and management to review the work of each and the propriety of the discharge 
of their responsibilities.

The Audit & Risk Committee reviews the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation with management and 
the external auditors prior to submission to the Board of Directors for final approval. The Board of Directors also 
reviews the consolidated financial statements before they are finalized. The Board of Directors has approved the 
consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

The external auditors have full and free access to the Audit & Risk Committee to discuss auditing and financial 
reporting matters. The Audit & Risk Committee reviews the independence of the external auditors and pre-approves 
audit  and  permitted  non-audit  services  and  fees. The  Shareholders  have  appointed  KPMG  LLP  as  the  external 
auditors of the Corporation, and in that capacity, they have audited the consolidated financial statements for the 
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

“signed” 
Patrick R. Ward  
President and CEO 

March 7, 2018

“signed” 
W. Derek Aylesworth 
Senior Vice President and CFO

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

To the Shareholders of Painted Pony Energy Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Painted Pony Energy Ltd, which comprise 
the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the consolidated 
statements  of  operations,  changes  in  equity  and  cash  flows  for  the  years  then  ended,  and  notes,  comprising  a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements

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

Auditors’ Responsibility

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

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

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

Opinion

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

Chartered Professional Accountants
March 7, 2018
Calgary, Canada

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PAINTED PONY ENERGY LTD. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
($000s)

As at

ASSETS

Current assets
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Fair value of risk management contracts (note 16)  

Non-current assets
Fair value of risk management contracts (note 16) 
Exploration and evaluation (note 5)
Property, plant and equipment (note 6)
Deferred tax (note 12)

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Share unit liability (note 15)
Fair value of risk management contracts (note 16)
Current portion of finance lease obligation (note 18)

Non-current liabilities
Fair value of risk management contracts (note 16)
Bank debt (note 7)
Senior notes (note 8)
Convertible debentures (note 9)
Decommissioning obligation (note 13)
Finance lease obligation (note 18)
Deferred tax (note 12)

EQUITY

Share capital (note 14)
Equity portion of convertible debentures (note 9)
Contributed surplus
Retained earnings (deficit)

December 31, 2017

December 31, 2016

39,115
1,664
65,016
105,795

22,552
159,004
1,744,292
—
2,031,643

66,931
2,004
553
3,282
72,770

294
149,228
141,613
44,887
46,811
487,578
7,772
950,953

1,015,235
2,382
55,203
7,870
1,080,690
2,031,643

29,568
1,109
—
30,677

1,269
114,251
1,158,198
32,560
1,336,955

54,903
3,401
46,020
—
104,324

15,768
200,836
—
—
29,857
360,860
—
711,645

687,701
—
52,115
(114,506)
625,310
1,336,955

Commitments (notes 18 & 19)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Approved on behalf of the Board:

“signed” Joan E. Dunne 
Director 

“signed” Patrick R. Ward
Director 

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PAINTED PONY ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
($000s, except per share amounts)

Revenue
Petroleum and natural gas
Royalties

Realized gain on risk management contracts (note 16)
Unrealized gain (loss) on risk management contracts (note 16)

Expenses
Operating
Transportation
General and administrative
Costs on acquisition of UGR Blair Creek Ltd. (note 4)
Share-based compensation (note 15)
Depletion and depreciation (note 6)

Income (loss) from operations

Finance expense (note 11)
Income (loss) before taxes

Deferred tax (expense) recovery (note 12)

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

Years ended December 31,
2016

2017

249,186
(4,901)
244,285
44,002
146,465
434,752

59,834
39,197
16,482
5,497
481
83,887
205,378
229,374

(61,591)
167,783

(45,407)

122,376

121,580
(2,672)
118,908
19,912
(75,664)
63,156

34,535
15,894
10,566
—
5,778
43,329
110,102
(46,946)

(22,770)
(69,716)

17,859

(51,857)

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) per share: ($ per share)
Basic (note 10)

Diluted (note 10)

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

0.87
0.85

(0.52)
(0.52)

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PAINTED PONY ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
($000s, except shares)

Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

Equity 
portion of 
convertible 
debentures

Contributed 
surplus

Retained 
earnings / 
(deficit)

Total equity

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,382

—

2,382

48,930

(62,649)

672,983

3,484

(299)

—

—

3,484

700

—

(51,857)

(51,857)

52,115

(114,506)

625,310

220,170

110,992

(3,730)

3,118

72

2,382

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

3,118

(30)

—

—

122,376

122,376

55,203

7,870

1,080,690

Balance at December 31, 2015

Share-based compensation

Stock options exercised (note 14)

Net loss and comprehensive loss

Balance at December 31, 2016

Acquisition of UGR Blair Creek Ltd. (note 4)

Issuance of shares (note 14)

Share issue costs, net of tax impact

Share-based compensation

Stock options exercised (note 14)

Issuance of convertible debentures, 
   net of tax impact (note 9)

Net income and comprehensive income

Number of 
Common 
Shares

Share 
capital

100,030,942

686,702

—

127,250

—

100,158,192

41,000,000

19,820,000

—

—

17,500

—

—

—

999

—

687,701

220,170

110,992

(3,730)

—

102

—

—

Balance at December 31, 2017

160,995,692

1,015,235

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

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PAINTED PONY ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
($000s)

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

Adjustments for:

Depletion and depreciation

Share-based compensation

Accretion expense

Deferred income tax expense (recovery)

Unrealized (gain) loss on risk management contracts
Decommissioning expenditures

Changes in non-cash working capital

Cash flows from investing activities:

Property, plant and equipment additions

Cash assumed on acquisition of UGR Blair Creek Ltd. 
Changes in non-cash working capital

Cash flows from financing activities:

Issuance of shares

Exercise of stock options
Increase (repayment) in bank debt   
Share issue costs

Issuance of senior notes

Issuance of convertible debentures

Changes in non-cash working capital

Change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.  

33

Years ended December 31,

2017

2016

122,376

(51,857)

83,887

2,205

1,794

45,407

(146,465)
—

(2,287)
106,917

(302,614)

864
(4,195)
(305,945)

110,992

72
(99,825)
(5,074)

141,115

47,718

4,030

199,028

—
—
—

43,329

2,864

550

(17,859)

75,664
(102)

(7,931)
44,658

(204,391)

—
20,609
(183,782)

—

700
137,210
—

—

—

1,214

139,124

—
—
—

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PAINTED PONY ENERGY LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As at and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 
______________________________________________________________________________

1.  REPORTING ENTITY 

Painted Pony Energy Ltd.’s (“Painted Pony” or the “Corporation”) principal business activity is the exploration, 
development  and  production  of  petroleum  and  natural  gas  resources  in  western  Canada. The  consolidated 
financial statements of the Corporation as at and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 include the 
accounts of the Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries, UGR Blair Creek Ltd. (from the date of acquisition 
- see note 4) and Painted Rock Resources Ltd. The Corporation’s head office is located at 1800, 736 - 6th Avenue 
S.W.,  Calgary,  Alberta.  On  January  1,  2018,  the  wholly  owned  subsidiaries  were  amalgamated  with  the 
Corporation.

2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards  (“IFRS”)  as  issued  by  the  International Accounting  Standards  Board  (“IASB”).  The  consolidated 
financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) on 
March 7, 2018.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for risk management 
contracts and share and cash settled awards, which are measured at fair value. The methods used to measure 
fair value are discussed in note 17.  

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Corporation’s and its 
subsidiaries' functional currency.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make 
judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts 
of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with revisions to accounting estimates 
recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any applicable future periods. 

(a)  Critical Accounting Judgments 

The  following  are  critical  judgments  that  management  has  made  in  the  process  of  applying  accounting 
policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial 
statements.

Cash-Generating Units 
The Corporation’s assets are aggregated into cash-generating units (“CGU” or “CGUs”) for the purpose of 
assessing impairment.  CGUs are based on an assessment of the unit’s ability to generate independent 
cash inflows.  The determination of these CGUs was based on management’s judgment in regard to shared 
infrastructure, geographical proximity, petroleum type and exposure to market risk and materiality. By their 
nature, these assumptions are subject to management’s judgment and may impact the carrying value of the 
Corporation’s net assets in future periods.  

Impairment Indicators
Judgments are required to assess when impairment indicators exist and impairment testing is required.  The 
Corporation is required to consider information from both external sources (such as negative downturn in 
commodity prices, significant adverse changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment 
in  which  the  entity  operates)  and  internal  sources  (such  as  downward  revisions  in  reserves,  significant 
adverse effect on the financial and operational performance of a CGU, evidence of obsolescence or physical 
damage to the asset). In determining the recoverable amount of assets, in the absence of quoted market 

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prices, impairment tests are based on estimates of reserves, production rates, future petroleum and natural 
gas prices, future costs, discount rates, market value of land and other relevant assumptions.

The application of the Corporation’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) assets requires 
management to make certain judgments as to future events and circumstances as to whether economic 
quantities of reserves have been found.

Deferred Taxes 
In  determining  its  deferred  tax  provisions,  the  Corporation  must  apply  judgment  when  interpreting  and 
applying tax laws and regulations. The determination of the appropriate rules may be uncertain for many 
periods.  The final outcome could result in amounts different from those initially recorded and could impact 
tax expense in the periods where a determination is made. Judgments are also made by management to 
determine the likelihood of whether deferred tax assets at the end of the reporting period will be realized 
from future taxable income.

(b)  Critical Accounting Estimates 

The  following  are  key  estimates  made  by  management  affecting  the  measurement  of  balances  and 
transactions in these consolidated financial statements.

Impact of Reserves 
Estimation of recoverable quantities of proved and probable reserves includes estimates regarding future 
commodity prices, exchange rates, discount rates and production and transportation costs for future cash 
flows as well as the interpretation of complex geological and geophysical models and data.  Changes in 
expected future cash flows in reported reserves can affect the impairment of assets, the decommissioning 
obligation, the economic feasibility of E&E assets and the amounts reported for depletion and depreciation 
of  property,  plant  and  equipment  (“PP&E”),  and  the  recognition  of  deferred  tax  assets.   These  reserve 
estimates are prepared in accordance with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and are verified 
by  independent  qualified  reserve  evaluators,  who  work  with  information  provided  by  the  Corporation  to 
establish reserve determinations in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure 
for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”).

In a business combination, management makes estimates of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed  which  includes  assessing  the  value  of  petroleum  and  natural  gas  properties  based  upon  the 
estimation of recoverable quantities of proved and probable reserves being acquired.

Share-Based Compensation 
All equity-settled, share-based awards issued by the Corporation are fair valued using the Black-Scholes 
option-pricing model. In assessing the fair value of equity-based compensation, estimates have to be made 
regarding  the  expected  volatility  in  share  price,  option  life,  dividend  yield,  risk-free  rate  and  estimated 
forfeitures at the initial grant date.

Derivative Financial Instruments 
Painted Pony records risk management contracts at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the 
consolidated  statements  of  operations. The  Corporation’s  estimate  of  the  fair  value  is  determined  using 
observable  market  data  and  external  counterparty  information,  including  estimated  forward  prices  and 
volatility in those prices. 

Decommissioning Obligation
The Corporation estimates future remediation costs of production facilities, wells and pipelines at different 
stages of development and construction of assets or facilities. In most instances, removal of assets occurs 
many years into the future. This requires estimates regarding abandonment date, future environmental and 
regulatory legislation, the extent of reclamation activities, the engineering methodology for estimating cost, 
future removal technologies in determining the removal cost and liability-specific discount rates to determine 
the present value of these cash flows. 

Deferred Taxes 
Tax provisions are based on enacted or substantively enacted laws. Changes in those laws could affect 
amounts recognized in income or loss both in the period of change, which would include any impact on 
cumulative provisions, and in future periods. 

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Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent it is considered probable that those assets will be 
recoverable. This involves an assessment of when those deferred tax assets are likely to reverse and a 
judgment as to whether or not there will be sufficient taxable income available to offset the tax assets when 
they do reverse. This requires assumptions regarding future profitability and is therefore inherently uncertain. 
Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecasted cash flows from operations. 

3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all years presented in these consolidated 
financial statements, by both the Corporation and its subsidiaries. 

(a)  Basis of Consolidation

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Corporation. Control exists when the Corporation has the power 
to  govern  the  financial  and  operating  policies  of  an  entity  so  as  to  obtain  benefits  from  its  activities.  In 
assessing control, potential voting rights that currently are exercisable are taken into account. The financial 
statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control 
commences until the date that control ceases.

Business Combinations
The purchase method of accounting is used to account for acquisitions of subsidiaries and assets that meet 
the definition of a business under IFRS. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets 
given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. Identifiable 
assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured 
initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of 
the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill.  If the cost of 
acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized 
immediately in the consolidated statement of operations.

Jointly Controlled Operations and Jointly Controlled Assets
A  portion  of  the  Corporation’s  petroleum  and  natural  gas  activities  involve  jointly  controlled  assets. The 
consolidated financial statements include the Corporation’s share of these jointly controlled assets and a 
proportionate share of the relevant revenue and related costs.

Transactions Eliminated on Consolidation
Intercompany  balances  and  transactions,  and  any  unrealized  income  and  expenses  arising  from 
intercompany transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

(b)  Financial instruments

Non-Derivative Financial Instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, 
bank debt, senior notes and convertible debentures. Non-derivative financial instruments are recognized 
initially at fair value plus, for instruments not at fair value through comprehensive income or loss, any directly 
attributable  transaction  costs.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition,  non-derivative  financial  instruments  are 
measured as described below. 

Accounts  receivable,  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities,  bank  debt,  senior  notes  and  convertible 
debentures are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, less any impairment 
losses. 

Compound Financial Instruments
The Corporation's compound financial instruments are comprised of its convertible debentures that can be 
converted into common shares in the capital of the Corporation (“Common Share” or "Common Shares") at 

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the option of the holder.  The liability component of the convertible debentures is recognized initially at fair 
value of a similar liability that does not have an equity conversion option.  The equity component is recognized 
initially as the difference between the fair value of the convertible debenture and the fair value of the liability 
component.  Any directly attributable transaction costs are allocated to the liability and equity components 
in proportion to their initial carrying values.  Subsequent to initial recognition the liability component of the 
convertible debentures is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.  The equity 
component of the convertible debentures is not re-measured subsequent to initial recognition.  

Derivative Financial Instruments 
The  Corporation  has  entered  into  certain  financial  risk  management  contracts  in  order  to  manage  the 
exposure to market risks from fluctuations in commodity prices and foreign currency. These instruments are 
not  used  for  trading  or  speculative  purposes.  The  Corporation  has  not  designated  its  financial  risk 
management contracts as effective accounting hedges and, therefore, has not applied hedge accounting, 
even though the Corporation considers all risk management contracts to be economic hedges. As a result, 
all financial risk management contracts are classified as fair value through profit or loss and are recorded 
on the consolidated statement of financial position at fair value.  Transaction costs are recognized in income 
or loss when incurred.  

The Corporation has issued deferred share units (“DSU” or “DSUs”) to members of the Board and eligible 
executive officers. Each DSU is a notional unit equal in value to a Common Share, which entitles the holder 
to a cash payment upon redemption. DSUs are measured at fair value upon grant and each period end date, 
using the 20-day volume weighted average price of Common Shares. DSUs are classified as fair value 
through profit or loss and are recorded on the consolidated statement of financial position at fair value. 

The Corporation has issued preferred share units ("PSU" or "PSUs") to eligible executive officers.  Each 
PSU is a notional unit equal in value to a Common Share, which entitles the holder to a cash payment upon 
redemption.  PSUs are measured at fair value through profit or loss and are recorded on the consolidated 
statement of financial position at fair value.  

The Corporation has issued restricted share units ("RSU" or "RSUs") to eligible employees.  Each RSU is 
a notional unit equal in value to a Common Share, which entitles the holder to a cash payment on redemption.  
RSUs are measured at fair value through profit or loss and are recorded on the consolidated statement of 
financial position at fair value.  

(c)  Exploration and Evaluation Assets and Property, Plant and Equipment 

Recognition and Measurement
(i)  Exploration and evaluation assets

Pre-license costs are expensed as incurred. E&E costs, including the costs of acquiring licenses, seismic, 
exploration drilling and directly attributable general and administrative costs initially are capitalized as 
E&E assets according to the nature of the assets acquired. The costs are accumulated in cost centers 
pending determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability.

The technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource is considered to be 
determinable when proved or probable reserves are determined to exist.  A review is carried out, on a 
quarterly  basis,  to  ascertain  whether  proved  or  probable  reserves  have  been  discovered.  Upon 
determination of proved or probable reserves, E&E assets attributable to those reserves are first tested 
for impairment and then reclassified from E&E assets to PP&E. 

(ii)  Property, plant and equipment

Items of PP&E, which include petroleum and natural gas development and production assets, and finance 
lease  assets,  are  measured  at  cost  less  accumulated  depletion,  depreciation  and  accumulated 
impairment losses. Development and production assets are grouped into CGUs for impairment testing.  
When significant parts of an item of PP&E, including petroleum and natural gas interests, have different 
useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items.

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Gains and losses on disposal of PP&E, are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal, or 
fair value or properties received, with the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in income or 
loss.

Costs incurred subsequent to the determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability and the 
costs of replacing parts of PP&E are recognized as petroleum and natural gas interests only when they 
increase the future economic benefits embodied in the specific assets to which they relate. All other 
expenditures are recognized in income or loss as incurred.  Such capitalized petroleum and natural gas 
interests generally represent costs incurred in developing proved and/or probable reserves and bringing 
on or enhancing production from such reserves. The carrying amount of any replaced or sold component 
is derecognized. The costs of periodic servicing of PP&E are recognized in income or loss.

Depletion and Depreciation
The net carrying value of development or production assets and finance lease assets are depleted using 
the unit of production method by reference to the ratio of production in the period to the related proved and 
probable reserves, taking into account estimated future development costs necessary to bring those reserves 
into production. Future development costs are estimated taking into account the level of development required 
to produce the reserves. These estimates are reviewed by independent reserve engineers on an annual 
basis, at a minimum. 

Proved and probable reserves are estimated using independent reserve engineer reports in accordance 
with NI 51-101 and represent the estimated quantities of petroleum, natural gas and natural gas liquids which 
geological,  geophysical  and  engineering  data  demonstrate  with  a  specified  degree  of  certainty  to  be 
recoverable in future years from known reservoirs and which are considered commercially producible. There 
should be a 50 percent statistical probability that the actual quantity of recoverable reserves will be more 
than the amount estimated as proved and probable and a 50 percent statistical probability that it will be less. 
The  equivalent  statistical  probabilities  for  proved  reserve  components  are  90  percent  and  10  percent, 
respectively.

Such reserves may be considered commercially producible if management has the intention of developing 
and producing them and such intention is based upon:

• 
• 

• 

a reasonable assessment of the future economics of such production;
a reasonable expectation that there is a market for all or substantially all the expected petroleum and 
natural gas production; and
evidence that the necessary production, transmission and transportation facilities are available or can 
be made available.

In determining reserves for use in the depletion and impairment calculations, a barrel of oil equivalent (“boe”) 
conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of gas (“Mcf”) to one barrel of oil (“bbl”) (6 Mcf:1 bbl) is used as 
an energy equivalency conversion method. 

For other assets, depreciation is recognized in income or loss on a declining-balance rate of 20% based on 
their estimated useful lives.  E&E assets are not depreciated.

(d)  Impairment

Financial Assets
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence 
that it is impaired. A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or 
more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference 
between its carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the 
original effective interest rate.

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Individually  significant  financial  assets  are  tested  for  impairment  on  an  individual  basis.  The  remaining 
financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics. All impairment 
losses are recognized in income or loss. 

An  impairment  loss  is  reversed  if  the  reversal  can  be  related  objectively  to  an  event  occurring  after  the 
impairment loss was recognized. For financial assets measured at amortized cost the reversal is recognized 
in income or loss.

Non-financial Assets
The carrying amounts of the Corporation’s non-financial assets, other than E&E assets and deferred tax 
assets, are reviewed whenever there is an indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s 
recoverable amount is estimated.  

For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together into CGUs, being the smallest group of 
assets that generate cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of 
other assets or groups of assets.  The recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is the greater of its value 
in use and its fair value less costs of disposal. 

Fair value less costs of disposal is derived by estimating the discounted after-tax future net cash flows from
proved plus probable oil and gas reserves, adjusted for the discounted abandonment and reclamation costs 
on proved plus probable undeveloped oil and gas reserves. Discounted future net cash flows are based on 
forecasted commodity prices and costs over the expected economic life of the reserves and discounted 
using market-based rates to reflect a market participant’s view of the risks associated with the assets. Value 
in use is assessed using the expected future cash flows from proved plus probable oil and gas reserves 
discounted at a pre-tax rate, adjusted for the discounted abandonment and reclamation costs associated 
with wells without reserves and facilities that relate to the CGUs.

E&E assets are assessed for impairment if: (i) sufficient data exists to determine technical feasibility and 
commercial viability, or (ii) facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable 
amount. 

An  impairment  loss  is  recognized  if  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  or  its  CGU  exceeds  its  estimated 
recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in income or loss. For purposes of impairment testing, 
E&E assets are combined with cash-generating units.

Impairment losses recognized in prior years are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the 
loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the 
estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that 
the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of 
depletion and depreciation, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

(e)  Leased Assets 

Payments made under operating leases are recognized in income or loss on a straight-line basis (or as 
otherwise contractually defined) over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognized as 
part of the total lease expense over the term of the lease.

Leases which transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. 
On initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its fair value and the 
present value of the minimum lease payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted for 
in accordance with the accounting policy applicable to the asset. Minimum lease payments are apportioned 
between the finance expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated 
to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining 
balance of the liability. 

(f)  Share Capital

Common Shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of shares and 
stock options are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of tax.

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(g)  Share-Based Compensation

The Corporation has issued stock options to acquire Common Shares to directors, executive officers and 
employees.  The fair value of stock options on the date they are granted is recognized as share-based 
compensation  expense  with a  corresponding  increase  in contributed  surplus  over the vesting  period.   A 
forfeiture  rate  is  estimated  on  the  grant  date,  and  the  expense  is  adjusted  to  reflect  actual  forfeitures 
throughout the vesting period. The Corporation uses the Black-Scholes model to estimate fair value.

The Corporation has issued DSUs, PSUs and RSUs. The DSUs, PSUs and RSUs are accounted for as 
cash-settled, share-based payment plans.  The fair value of the amount payable under the DSU, PSU, and 
RSU plans are recognized as an expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities.  The liability is calculated 
at each reporting date and at settlement date.  Any changes in the fair value of the liability are recognized 
in the consolidated statement of operations.  

A  portion  of  share-based  compensation  directly  attributable  to  the  exploitation  and  development  of  the 
Corporation's assets is capitalized. 

(h)  Provisions

A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Corporation has a present legal or constructive 
obligation that can be estimated reliably and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required 
to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-
tax risk free rate. 

Decommissioning Obligation
The  Corporation’s  activities  give  rise  to  dismantling,  decommissioning  and  site  disturbance  remediation 
activities. Provision is made for the estimated cost of site restoration and is capitalized in the relevant asset 
category. 

The decommissioning obligation is measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the 
expenditure  required  to  settle  the  present  obligation  at  the  reporting  date.  Subsequent  to  the  initial 
measurement, the obligation is adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes 
in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The increase in the provision due to the passage 
of time is recognized as a finance expense whereas increases/decreases due to changes in the estimated 
future cash flows are capitalized. Actual costs incurred upon settlement of the decommissioning obligation 
are charged against the provision to the extent the provision had been established.

(i)  Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of petroleum and natural gas is recorded when the significant risks and rewards of 
ownership of the product are transferred to the buyer, which is usually when legal title passes to the external 
party, and when collection is reasonably assured. 

(j)  Finance Expense

Finance  expense  consists  of  interest  expense  and  standby  fees  on  credit  facilities,  costs  related  to  the 
implementation  of  the  credit  facilities,  accretion  on  the  decommissioning  obligation,  senior  notes  and 
convertible debentures, and costs associated with the finance lease obligation. 

(k)  Income Tax

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax expense and is recognized in net income or loss 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity.

Deferred tax is recognized using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences between 
the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  for  financial  reporting  purposes  and  the  amounts  used  for 
taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction 
that is not a business combination.  Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied 
to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable 
right to offset, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, 

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or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their 
tax assets and liabilities will be realized simultaneously.  

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

(l)  Foreign Currency Translation

The  principal  currency  of  the  economic  environment  in  which  the  Corporation  and  its  wholly  owned 
subsidiaries operate is the Canadian dollar.  Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 
are translated into Canadian dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, and revenues and 
expenses are translated into Canadian dollars at average exchange rates.  All translation gains and losses 
are recorded in income or loss.

(m) Per Share Information

Basic per share information is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of Common Shares 
outstanding during the period.  Diluted per share information reflects the potential dilutive effect of stock 
options and convertible debentures.  Anti-dilutive instruments are not included in the determination of diluted 
income (loss) per share.

(n)  Future Accounting Pronouncements 

A  number  of  new  accounting  standards,  amendments  to  accounting  standards  and  interpretations  are 
effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and have not been applied in preparing 
the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The standards applicable to 
the Corporation are as follows and will be adopted on their respective effective dates:

Financial Instruments
In July 2014, the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”, which replaces IAS 39 
“Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”. The standard will come into effect for annual periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with earlier adoption permitted. 

IFRS 9 introduces a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortized cost 
or fair value and replaces the multiple rules in IAS 39. The approach is based on how an entity manages its 
financial instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the 
financial assets. For financial liabilities, IFRS 9 retains most of the requirements of IAS 39; however, where 
the fair value option is applied to financial liabilities, any change in fair value resulting from an entity’s own 
credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income ("OCI") rather than the statement of operations, unless 
this  creates  an  accounting  mismatch.  Based  on  its  preliminary  assessment,  the  Corporation  does  not 
anticipate these changes to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.  

In addition, IFRS 9 introduces a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment of financial assets, 
replacing the incurred loss impairment model required by IAS 39. The new model will result in more timely 
recognition of expected credit losses. Painted Pony does not anticipate the new impairment model to have 
a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. 

IFRS 9 also contains a new model to be applied for hedge accounting, aligning hedge accounting more 
closely  with  risk  management.  The  Corporation  does  not  currently  apply  hedge  accounting  to  its  risk 
management contracts and does not currently intend to apply hedge accounting to any of its existing risk 
management contracts on adoption of IFRS 9. 

Revenue Recognition
As of January 1, 2018, the Corporation has adopted IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, 
which replaces IAS 18 “Revenue”. The standard provides a single, principles based 5 step model to be 
applied to all contracts with customers. The standard requires an entity to recognize revenue to reflect the 
transfer  of  goods  and  services  for  the  amount  it  expects  to  receive,  when  control  is  transferred  to  the 
purchaser. Disclosure requirements have also been expanded. 

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The  standard  has  been  adopted  using  a  modified  retrospective  approach  as  of  January  1,  2018.  The 
Corporation has reviewed its revenue streams and underlying contracts with customers and has determined 
that there will not be a material impact on its earnings.  Additional disclosure will be implemented. 

Leases
In January 2016, the IAS issued IFRS 16 “Leases”, which replaces IAS 17 “Leases”, and provides that a 
single recognition and measurement model for leases would apply, with required recognition of assets and 
liabilities for most leases. For lessees, IFRS 16 removes the classification of leases as either operating or 
finance  leases,  effectively  treating  all  leases  as  finance  leases.  Certain  short-term  leases  (less  than  12 
months) and leases of low-value assets are exempt from the requirements, and may continue to be treated 
as operating leases. 

IFRS 16 is effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted if IFRS 
15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” has been adopted. The standard may be applied retrospectively 
or using a modified retrospective approach. It is anticipated that the adoption of IFRS 16 will have an impact 
on the Corporation’s consolidated statement of financial position. 

4.  ACQUISITION OF UGR BLAIR CREEK LTD.

Effective May 16, 2017, the Corporation acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of UGR Blair Creek 
Ltd. ("UGR") in exchange for the issuance of 41.0 million Common Shares of the Corporation with an assigned 
value of $220.2 million. The Common Shares were ascribed a fair value of $5.37 per Common Share issued, 
as determined based on the Corporation's closing share price at the date of closing, being May 16, 2017.  The 
UGR acquisition is a strategic expansion of the Corporation's Montney project in NEBC, providing for an expansion 
of  the  Corporation's  land  base,  natural  gas  processing  infrastructure,  reserves  and  drilling  inventory.  The 
operations from the UGR acquisition have been included in the results of the Corporation commencing May 16, 
2017.  Acquisition costs of $5.5 million were expensed through the consolidated statement of operations. The 
UGR acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The allocation of the purchase 
price, based on management's estimates of fair values, is as follows: 

($000s)

Fair value of the net assets acquired:

Cash

Other current assets

Current liabilities

Risk management contracts

Property, plant and equipment

Exploration and evaluation

Bank debt

Decommissioning obligation
Deferred tax asset

Net assets acquired

Consideration:

Common Shares (41.0 million shares @ $5.37/share)

864

5,884

(8,865)

775

207,491

58,743

(48,217)

(1,093)
4,588
220,170

220,170

On acquisition, the Corporation recorded the decommissioning obligation at a credit adjusted risk free rate 
resulting  in  a  decommissioning  obligation  totaling  $1.1  million.  Subsequent  to  the  date  of  acquisition,  the 
decommissioning obligation was revalued using the risk free rate, resulting in an adjustment of $7.1 million, 
with a corresponding increase to property, plant and equipment. 

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Included in the consolidated statement of operations are the following amounts relating to the UGR acquisition 
from May 16, 2017 to December 31, 2017.

($000s)

Revenue

Net income and comprehensive income

24,542

10,115

If  the  UGR  acquisition  had  occurred  on  January  1,  2017,  the  Corporation's  estimated  pro  forma  results  of 
revenue and net income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2017 would have been 
as follows:

($000s)

Revenue

Net income and comprehensive income 

5.  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS

($000s)
As at December 31, 2015

Transfer to property, plant and equipment

As at December 31, 2016

 UGR acquisition (note 4)
Transfer to property, plant and equipment

As at December 31, 2017

Painted Pony 
Energy Ltd.

249,186

122,376

UGR acquisition 
(January 1, 2017 

to closing date) Pro forma results

17,868

5,765

267,054

128,141

116,145
(1,894)
114,251
58,743
(13,990)
159,004

Exploration  and  evaluation  assets  consist  of  undeveloped  lands  and  unevaluated  seismic  data  on  the 
Corporation’s exploration projects which are pending the determination of proved or probable reserves. Additions 
represent the Corporation’s share of costs incurred on E&E assets during the period. Transfers are made to 
PP&E as proved or probable reserves are determined. E&E assets are expensed due to non-economic drilling 
and completion activities and lease expiries. The Corporation assesses the recoverability of E&E assets on the 
transfer to PP&E.

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43

6.  PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

($000s)

Cost:
As at December 31, 2015

Capital expenditures
Non-cash additions
Finance lease assets
Transfer from exploration and evaluation

As at December 31, 2016

Capital expenditures
UGR acquisition (note 4)
Finance lease assets
Non-cash additions
Transfer from exploration and evaluation

As at December 31, 2017

Accumulated depletion and depreciation:
As at December 31, 2015

Depletion and depreciation

As at December 31, 2016

Depletion and depreciation

As at December 31, 2017

Carrying amounts:

December 31, 2016
December 31, 2017

802,392
204,391
8,549
360,860
1,894
1,378,086
302,614
207,491
130,000
15,886
13,990
2,048,067

176,559
43,329
219,888
83,887
303,775

1,158,198
1,744,292

Estimated future development costs associated with the development of the Corporation’s proved plus probable 
reserves at December 31, 2017 and at December 31, 2016 were $4.1 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively.

Property Swap 

On July 27, 2016, Painted Pony announced that it had entered into a non-cash asset exchange agreement, in 
respect of acreage, wells and non-operated facility interests, with a large industry partner on jointly held acreage 
in the Daiber, Cameron and Blair Creek areas of British Columbia. The asset exchange closed on September 
26, 2016, with an effective date of January 1, 2016. Adjustments between the effective and closing dates are 
included in PP&E as property dispositions. Management performed an assessment of the exchange agreement, 
and concluded that the transaction did not meet the criteria to record an accounting gain or loss.

Capitalized General and Administrative Expense, Recoveries and Share-Based Compensation

($000s)

General and administrative
Capital recoveries
Share-based compensation
Total

44

Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
5,937
5,764
2,343
3,339
620
913
8,900
10,016

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7.  BANK DEBT

At December 31, 2017, the Corporation’s syndicated credit facilities consisted of available credit facilities of $450 
million. The available facilities are provided by a syndicate of financial institutions, and include a $400 million 
extendable revolving facility and a $50 million operating facility. The facilities revolve for a 2-year period, which 
is extendable annually, subject to syndicate approval. The facilities are subject to semi-annual review and re-
determination of borrowing base by April 30 and October 31 of each year, or in the circumstance of a material 
adverse change. Any re-determination of the borrowing base is effective immediately, and if the borrowing base 
is reduced, the Corporation has 60 days to repay any shortfall.

As at December 31, 2017, Painted Pony had $160 million in bankers’ acceptances with an effective interest rate 
of 3.65% per annum. In addition, as at December 31, 2017 the Corporation had outstanding letters of credit 
totaling  $21.5  million  and  US$15.0  million,  which  reduce  the  credit  available  on  the  syndicated  facilities. At 
December 31, 2016, the Corporation had an outstanding letter of credit of $14.9 million. 

The credit facilities bear interest on a matrix system that ranges from the bank’s prime rate plus 1.0% to the 
bank’s prime rate plus 3.25% per annum depending on the Corporation’s senior debt to quarterly annualized 
EBITDA ratio as defined by the lenders, ranging from less than 1.00:1 to 3.00:1. The credit facilities provide that 
advances may be made by way of prime rate loans, U.S. Base Rate loans, London InterBank Offered Rate loans, 
bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit or letters of guarantee. A standby fee of 0.5% to 0.8125% per annum is 
charged on the undrawn portion of the credit facilities, also calculated depending on the Corporation’s senior 
debt to quarterly annualized EBITDA ratio, as defined by the lenders. 

Security over all of the Corporation’s assets is provided by a floating charge demand debenture in the aggregate 
amount of $1.0 billion. The Corporation has provided a negative pledge and an undertaking to provide fixed 
charges over its petroleum and natural gas reserves in certain circumstances. The Corporation's syndicated 
credit facilities include financial covenants as follows: senior debt to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.00:1 on 
a trailing four fiscal quarter basis, and total debt to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 4.25:1 on a trailing four fiscal 
quarter  basis  until  Q2  2018,  thereafter  of  not  greater  than  4.00:1  on  a  trailing  four  fiscal  quarter  basis. At 
December 31,  2017  the  senior  debt  to  EBITDA  ratio  was  1.77:1.00,  and  the  total  debt  to  EBITDA  ratio  was 
3.28:1.00. The Corporation is in compliance with all covenants as at December 31, 2017.

8.  SENIOR NOTES

On August 23, 2017, the Corporation issued $150.0 million of 8.5% senior unsecured notes (the "Notes") with 
a  5  year  term  by  way  of  private  placement.  Proceeds  net  of  discount  and  transaction  costs  of  $8.9  million 
amounted to $141.1 million. Interest is payable in equal quarterly installments in arrears. The Notes are fully and 
unconditionally  guaranteed  as  to  the  payment  of  principal  and  interest,  on  a  senior  unsecured  basis  by  the 
Corporation. There are no maintenance financial covenants. 

The Notes are non-callable by the Corporation prior to the three year anniversary. If the Corporation chooses to 
redeem the Notes prior to August 23, 2020, they will be subject to a make-whole premium equal to the Canada 
Yield Price, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At any time on or after August 23, 2020, the Corporation can 
redeem all or part of the Notes at the redemption prices set forth in the table below plus any accrued and unpaid 
interest.

Redemption Schedule

August 23, 2020 - August 22, 2021
August 23, 2021 - February 22, 2022
February 23, 2022 - August 23, 2022

Percentage
104.250%
102.125%
100.000%

If a change of control event occurs at any time before maturity, the Corporation must offer to repurchase the 
Notes at a price according to the redemption schedule above. 

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The Notes were recorded at their fair value on the date of issuance of $141.1 million. Accretion of the liability 
will  be  included  in  finance  expense  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations. At  December 31,  2017  the 
carrying  value  of  the  Notes  was  $141.6  million  and  accretion  expense  of  $0.5  million  was  recorded  in  the 
consolidated statement of operations.

9.  CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES

($000s)
Balance at December 31, 2016

Issuance of convertible debentures

Issue costs

Deferred tax liability

Accretion of discount

Balance at December 31, 2017

Liability component 
—

Equity component 
—

46,607

(2,128)

—

408

44,887

3,393

(154)

(857)

—

2,382

On August 23, 2017, the Corporation issued $50.0 million of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures 
(the  "Debentures")  for  net  proceeds  of  $47.7  million. The  Debentures  mature  on August  23,  2021  and  bear 
interest at 6.5% per annum payable quarterly. At the holder's option, the Debentures may be converted into 
Common  Shares  of  the  Corporation  at  any  time  prior  to  the  close  of  business  on  the  date  of  maturity  at  a 
conversion price of $5.60 per share (the "conversion price").

The Debentures are non-redeemable by the Corporation between August 23, 2017 and February 22, 2020 other 
than pursuant to the 90% redemption right (see change of control below). The Debentures are redeemable by 
the Corporation between February 23, 2020 and August 23, 2021 at a redemption price equal to the principal 
amount plus interest. Redemption may be satisfied in Common Shares if the 30-day volume weighted average 
price ("VWAP") on notice date and the closing price immediately prior to notice date are both greater than 140% 
of the conversion price. 

On maturity, the Corporation may satisfy its obligation to Debenture holders by issuing Common Shares if the 
Corporation's market capitalization exceeds $750 million. The number of Common Shares issued is calculated 
based on 95% of the lesser of the 30-day VWAP and the 2-day VWAP on the date of maturity. 

Upon occurrence of a change of control event, the Corporation must offer to repurchase the Debentures at a 
price according to the schedule below. If 90% or more of the principal amount accept the offer, the Corporation 
shall have the right to repurchase 100% of the Debentures outstanding.  

Redemption Schedule

August 23, 2017 - August 22, 2018
August 23, 2018 - February 22, 2020
February 23, 2020 - August 23, 2021

Percentage of 
Principal 
110.000%
105.000%
100.000%

The liability component of the Debentures was recognized initially at the fair value of a similar liability that does 
not have an equity conversion option, which was calculated based on a market interest rate of 8.5%. The difference 
between the $50.0 million principal amount of the Debentures and the fair value of the liability component was 
recognized in shareholder's equity, net of deferred taxes. Total transaction costs directly attributable to the offering 
of $2.3 million were allocated to the liability and equity components of the Debentures proportionately. 

Accretion of the liability component and accrued interest payable on the Debentures are included in accretion 
and  financing  expense  respectively,  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations. At  December 31,  2017  the 
carrying value of the Debentures was $44.9 million. 

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10. NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

($000s, except shares and per share amounts)

Years ended December 31,

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)-basic

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)-diluted

2017
122,376

123,227

2016
(51,857)

(51,857)

Weighted average Common Shares-basic

Weighted average Common Shares-diluted

140,717,740

144,149,853

100,069,546

100,069,546

Net income (loss) per share - basic ($/share)

Net income (loss) per share - diluted ($/share)

0.87

0.85

(0.52)

(0.52)

The average market value of the Common Shares for purposes of determining the dilutive effect of outstanding 
stock options was based on quoted market prices for the year. For the year ended December 31, 2017, there 
were 252,074 stock options were included in the weighted-average diluted share calculation of Common Shares.  
For the year ended December 31, 2016, all stock options were excluded from the weighted-average diluted 
share calculation of Common Shares as they were anti-dilutive. 

The Common Shares potentially issuable on conversion of the Debentures were included in diluted net income 
and comprehensive income per share. For the year ended December 31, 2017, 3,180,039 potential Common 
Shares (December 31, 2016 - nil) were included in diluted net income and comprehensive income per share. 

11. FINANCE EXPENSE

($000s)

Finance lease expense (note 18)

Interest expense

Accretion

Total

Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
14,165
44,157

15,640

1,794

61,591

8,055

550

22,770

Finance lease expense is a component of the capital fee paid on facilities treated as a capital lease, and varies 
with production volumes processed. The capital fee includes finance lease expense and any amortization of the 
outstanding finance lease obligation. Interest expense includes interest on bank debt and standby charges on 
the Corporation’s syndicated credit facilities, as well as interest on the senior notes and convertible debentures. 
Accretion  expense  consists  of  accretion  on  the  decommissioning  obligation,  senior  notes  and  convertible 
debentures.  

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12. DEFERRED TAX

Reconciliation of effective tax rate:

($000s)

Years ended December 31,

Income (loss) before taxes
Combined corporate tax rate

Expected tax reduction

Non-deductible expenses

Non-deductible share-based compensation

Change in statutory rates and true-ups

Other

2017

167,783

26.5%

44,462

337

584

14

10

2016
(69,716)

26.5%

(18,475)

45

759

(214)

26

Total deferred tax expense (recovery)

45,407

(17,859)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

($000s)

Deferred tax liabilities:

PP&E and E&E assets

Fair value of risk management contracts

Senior notes

Convertible debentures

Other

Less deferred tax assets:

Non-capital losses

Fair value of risk management contracts

Decommissioning obligation

Finance costs

Other

Net deferred tax (liability) asset

December 31, 2017

December 31, 2016

(101,559)

(23,415)

(1,049)

(465)

(382)

(69,174)

—

—

—

—

(126,870)

(69,174)

103,327

—

12,639

3,132

—

(7,772)

75,897

16,038

7,912

—

1,887

32,560

The Corporation has non-capital losses of $382.7 million which expire in the years 2026 through 2035. The 
Corporation has determined that it is likely that these losses will be utilized against future taxable income.  Total 
tax pools at December 31, 2017 were $1.4 billion (December 31, 2016 – $0.9 billion).

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13. DECOMMISSIONING OBLIGATION

($000s)

Balance, beginning of year

UGR acquisition (note 4)

Provisions

Decommissioning expenditures

Revisions

Accretion

Balance, end of year

December 31, 2017
29,857

December 31, 2016
21,480

1,093

9,032

—

5,941

888

46,811

—

7,721

(102)

208

550

29,857

The Corporation’s decommissioning obligation results from its ownership interest in petroleum and natural gas 
assets  including  well  sites  and  facilities.  The  total  decommissioning  obligation  is  estimated  based  on  the 
Corporation’s net ownership interest in all wells and facilities, estimated costs to reclaim and abandon these 
wells and facilities and the estimated timing of the costs to be incurred in future years. The Corporation has 
estimated the net present value of the decommissioning obligation based on an undiscounted total future liability 
of $106.0 million, compared to $64.2 million at December 31, 2016, with payments expected to be made over 
the next 11 to 49 years. The discount factor, being the risk-free rate related to the liability at December 31, 2017, 
was 2.3%, compared to 2.1% at December 31, 2016, and the inflation rate was 2% at both December 31, 2017
and 2016. 

14. SHARE CAPITAL

(a)  Authorized

The Corporation has an unlimited number of Common Shares and Preferred Shares authorized for issuance. 
At December 31, 2017, there were 160,995,692 Common Shares outstanding, compared to 100,158,192
Common Shares outstanding at December 31, 2016.  At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there 
were no Preferred Shares outstanding. 

On April 5, 2017, Painted Pony completed a public offering of 19.8 million Common Shares at a price of 
$5.60  per  Common  Share  for  aggregate  gross  proceeds  of  approximately  $111.0  million  (including  the 
exercise in full of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters). 

On May 16, 2017, the Corporation issued 41.0 million Common Shares to acquire all of the issued and 
outstanding shares of UGR (see note 4). At the closing date of the UGR acquisition, the Common Shares 
were ascribed a fair value of $5.37 per Common Share issued, resulting in total share consideration of $220.2 
million (gross of share issue costs).

The Common Shares entitle the holder thereof to one vote for every share held. There are no fixed dividends 
payable on the Common Shares.  In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation, the Common 
Shares are entitled to receive, on a pro rata basis, all assets of the Corporation as are distributable to the 
holders of shares.

(b)  Stock options

The Corporation has a stock option program pursuant to which options to purchase Common Shares are 
granted to officers and employees of the Corporation.  Stock options are granted at the volume weighted 
average trading price of the Common Shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of 
grant, and have a five-year term. Stock options granted vest as to one-third on each of the first, second and 
third anniversaries of the grant date.

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The number and weighted average exercise prices of stock options are as follows:

As at December 31, 2015

     Granted

     Exercised

     Forfeited 

     Expired

As at December 31, 2016

     Granted

     Exercised

     Forfeited

     Expired

As at December 31, 2017

Weighted Average
Exercise Price ($)
8.26

4.30

5.50

7.23
11.07

7.45

4.42

4.14
10.71

10.16

6.01

Number
8,875,467

1,066,650

(127,250)

(43,350)

(1,149,000)

8,622,517

3,376,650

(17,500)

(179,400)

(1,503,900)

10,298,367

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

Number of 
Stock Options 
Outstanding
2,037,750

Exercise 
Price Range ($)
3.47 - 4.20

Weighted Average 
Remaining Life 
(Years)
4.0

Number of 
Stock Options 
Exercisable
311,498

1,837,350

2,199,500

1,811,667

2,412,100

10,298,367

4.21 - 4.28

4.29 - 5.40

5.41 - 8.61

8.62 - 14.14

6.01

2.9

4.4

1.2

1.4

2.8

1,837,350

—

1,700,167

2,412,100

6,261,115

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise
Price ($)
4.14

4.26

—

6.79

9.72

7.04

The  Corporation  accounts  for  its  stock  options  using  the  fair  value  method.  In  accordance  with  the 
Corporation’s incentive stock plan, these stock options have an exercise price equal to the fair value of the 
Common Shares at the date of grant. 

The  weighted-average  fair  values  of  the  stock  options  granted  and  the  assumptions  used  in  the  Black-
Scholes option pricing model were as follows:  

Fair value per stock option ($)
Volatility (%)
Life (years)
Risk-free interest rate (%)

Years ended December 31,
2016
2017
1.86
2.00
50
51
5
5
0.68
1.34

A  forfeiture  rate  of  9%  was  used  when  measuring  share-based  compensation  during  the  year  ended
December 31, 2017, compared to 11% during the year ended December 31, 2016.

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The components of share-based compensation expense (recovery) are presented in the table below:

($000s)

Years ended December 31,

Share-based compensation

Share unit expense (recovery) (note 15)

Total

15. SHARE UNIT PLANS

(a)  Deferred Share Units

2017
2,205

(1,724)

481

2016
2,864

2,914

5,778

The Corporation has a DSU plan, whereby DSUs are issued to members of the Board and eligible executive 
officers. Each DSU is a notional unit equal in value to one Common Share, which entitles the holder to a 
cash payment upon redemption. DSUs vest upon grant but can only be converted to cash upon the holder 
ceasing to be a director and/or executive officer of the Corporation. The expense associated with the DSU 
plan is determined based on the 20-day volume weighted average price of Common Shares at the grant 
date. The expense is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations immediately upon grant, with 
a corresponding DSU liability recorded as a current liability in the consolidated statement of financial position.  
At period end dates, the DSU liability is adjusted based on the 20-day volume weighted average price of 
Common Shares.  

The following table summarizes information related to the DSUs:

Deferred share units
Balance, beginning of year

     Granted

     Accrued but not granted

     Prior accrual reversal

Balance, end of year

(b)  Restricted Share Units

December 31, 2017
352,689

December 31, 2016
143,337

407,762

—

(70,347)

690,104

139,005

70,347

—

352,689

The Corporation has a RSU plan, whereby RSUs are issued to eligible employees.  Each RSU is a notional 
unit equal in value to one Common Share, which entitles the holder to a cash payment upon redemption. 
RSUs vest in three equal installments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, at which 
time the holder is eligible to receive a cash payment equal to the number of vested awards multiplied by the 
fair market value. The expense associated with the RSU plan is determined based on the 20-day volume 
weighted average price of Common Shares at the grant date. The expense is recognized in the consolidated 
statement  of  operations  over  the  vesting  period,  with  a  corresponding  RSU  liability  recorded  in  the 
consolidated statement of financial position. At period end dates, the RSU liability is adjusted based on the 
20-day volume weighted average price of Common Shares. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the 
Company granted 222,630 RSUs. There were no RSUs granted in 2016.

(c)  Preferred Share Units

The Corporation has a PSU plan, whereby PSUs are issued to eligible executive officers. Each PSU is a 
notional  unit  equal  in  value  to  one  Common  Share,  which  entitles  the  holder  to  a  cash  payment  upon 
redemption. PSUs vest upon the third anniversary of the grant date, at which time the holder is eligible to 
receive a cash payment equal to the number of vested awards multiplied by the fair market value. The unit 
value is adjusted for a performance multiplier which can range from 0 to 2 and is dependent on the performance 
of the Corporation for a predefined period. The expense associated with the PSU plan is determined based 
on the 20-day weighted average price of Common Shares at the grant date. The expense is recognized in 

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the consolidated statement of operations over the vesting period, with a corresponding PSU liability recorded 
in the consolidated statement of financial position. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company 
granted 303,900 PSUs. There were no PSUs granted in 2016.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a recovery of $1.7 million related to the 
share unit plans, compared to an expense of $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.  In addition, 
$0.3 million was capitalized (2016 - $nil). 

16. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The  Corporation’s  activities  expose  it  to  a  variety  of  financial  risks  that  arise  as  a  result  of  its  exploration, 
development, production and financing activities. These include market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

The  Board  oversees  management’s  establishment  and  execution  of  the  Corporation’s  risk  management 
framework.  Management  has  implemented  and  monitors  compliance  with  risk  management  policies.  The 
Corporation’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Corporation, 
to  set  appropriate  risk  limits  and  controls  and  to  monitor  risks  and  adherence  to  market  conditions  and  the 
Corporation’s activities. 

(a)  Market risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and 
interest rates, will affect the Corporation’s income or the value of the financial instruments. The objective of 
market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, 
while optimizing the return. 

Natural gas prices obtained by the Corporation are influenced by both US and Canadian supply and demand. 
The exchange rate effect cannot be quantified but generally an increase in the value of the Canadian dollar 
as compared to the U.S. dollar will reduce the prices received by the Corporation for its petroleum and natural 
gas sales. Commodity price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of 
changes in commodity prices. Commodity prices for petroleum and natural gas are impacted by not only the 
relationship between the Canadian and United States dollars, but also upon world political and economic 
events that dictate the levels of supply and demand.

The Corporation’s production is usually sold through near term sales contracts with prices fixed at the time 
of transfer of custody or on the basis of a monthly average market price. The Corporation, however, may 
give consideration in certain circumstances to the appropriateness of entering into long term fixed price 
marketing contracts. The majority of the Corporation’s natural gas and NGLs are sold to one purchaser 
monthly on a best-efforts basis. 

The Corporation uses financial derivatives and physical delivery sales contracts to mitigate some of the 
exposure to commodity price risk, and provide a level of stability to operating cash flows which enables the 
Corporation to fund its capital development program. The use of these transactions is governed by and is 
subject to risk management policies established by the Board. 

These instruments are not used for trading or speculative purposes. The Corporation has not designated its 
financial derivative contracts as effective accounting hedges, even though the Corporation considers all 
commodity contracts to be effective economic hedges. As a result, all such commodity contracts are recorded 
at fair value on the consolidated statement of financial position, with changes in the fair value being recognized 
as an unrealized gain or loss in the consolidated statement of operations. 

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are required to be classified into a hierarchy that prioritizes 
the inputs used to measure the fair value. The Corporation’s risk management contracts are valued using 
Level 2 inputs. Assets and liabilities in Level 2 are based on valuation models and techniques where the 
significant inputs are derived from quoted indices. 

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The following is a summary of all commodity risk management contracts in place as at December 31, 
2017. 

Financial AECO Natural Gas Contracts

Options traded
AECO Fixed Price Swap

Term
January 2018 - September 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - March 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - September 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - September 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - June 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - December 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - June 2019

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - June 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - June 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - March 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap
AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - December 2018
January 2018 - December 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - December 2018

AECO Fixed Price Swap

April 2018 - June 2019

AECO Fixed Price Swap

April 2018 - March 2019

AECO Call Option Sold

January 2018 - December 2019

AECO Call Option Sold

January 2018 - December 2019

Volume
 (GJ/d)
6,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

6,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

5,000

10,000

10,000
10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

15,000

Price
 (CDN$/GJ)
3.07

3.18

2.84

2.85

3.03

2.95

2.66

2.88

3.01

3.16

2.57
2.56

2.32

2.62

2.32

2.80

2.93

Financial Dawn Natural Gas Contracts

Options traded
Dawn Fixed Price Swap

Term
April 2018 - March 2019

Dawn Fixed Price Swap

April 2018 - March 2019

Financial NYMEX Basis Differential Contracts

Options traded
NYMEX-AECO Basis Swap
NYMEX-AECO Basis Swap
NYMEX-Dawn Basis Swap

Term
April 2018 - October 2018
April 2019 - September 2021
January 2018 - December 2018

Volume
 (GJ/d)
10,000

10,000

Price
 (CDN$/GJ)
3.47

3.50

Volume 
(MMBtu/d)
10,000
10,000
10,000

Price
(NYMEX less 
US$/MMBtu)
1.14
1.14
0.11

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Financial Station 2 Natural Gas Contracts

Options traded
Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

Term
January 2018 - March 2018

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - March 2018

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - March 2018

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - March 2018

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - March 2018

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - March 2018

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - June 2018

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - December 2019

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

April 2018 - June 2019

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

April 2018 - September 2019

Stn. 2 Fixed Price Swap

April 2018 - September 2019

Financial AECO Basis Differential Contracts

Options traded
AECO-Station 2 Basis Swap

Term
November 2018 - October 2020

AECO-Station 2 Basis Swap

November 2018 - October 2020

AECO-Station 2 Basis Swap

November 2018 - August 2021

AECO-Station 2 Basis Swap

November 2019 - October 2020

Financial WTI Crude Oil Contracts

Options traded
WTI Fixed Price Swap

Term
January 2018 - December 2018

WTI Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - December 2018

WTI Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - December 2018

WTI Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - December 2019

WTI Fixed Price Swap

January 2018 - December 2019

Financial Propane Contracts

Options traded
Conway Fixed Price Swap
Conway Fixed Price Swap
Conway Fixed Price Swap

Term
January 2018 - December 2018
January 2018 - December 2018
January 2018 - December 2018

Volume
 (GJ/d)
30,000

Price
 (CDN$/GJ)
1.78

10,000

15,000

10,000

10,000

15,000

5,000

10,000

12,000

10,000

5,000

1.88

1.74

1.89

1.91

2.70

2.50

2.45

2.35

2.30

2.34

Volume
 (GJ/d)
10,000

20,000

20,000

10,000

Price 
(AECO less 
CDN$/GJ)
0.32

0.32

0.29

0.33

Volume 
(Bbl/d)
500

Price 
(CDN$/Bbl)
65.15

250

250

500

500

70.15

71.05

70.20

70.20

Volume 
(GAL/d)
8,400
10,500
8,400

Price 
(CDN$/GAL)
0.90
0.88
1.00

In addition to the commodity risk management contracts discussed above, the Corporation has entered into 
physical delivery sales contracts to manage commodity risk. These contracts are considered normal sales 
contracts and are not recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements. 

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The Corporation has the following foreign exchange risk management contract in place as at December 31, 
2017:

Reference 
Currency
USD

Notional amount (USD 000s)
$1,000/month

 Term
January 2018 - April 2018

Strike Rate
1.3538 CAD/USD

Changes in the price assumptions can have a significant effect on the fair value of the derivative assets and 
liabilities and thereby impact income. For financial instruments in place at December 31, 2017, it is estimated 
that a $0.10 per mcf change in forward natural gas prices used to calculate the fair value of natural gas 
derivatives  at  December 31,  2017  would  result  in  a  $4.9  million  change  in  income  for  the  year  ended 
December 31,  2017.  It  is  estimated  that  a  $1.00  per  bbl  change  in  the  forward  crude  oil  prices  used  to 
calculate the fair value of crude oil derivatives at December 31, 2017 would result in a $0.9 million change 
in income for the year ended December 31, 2017. 

Foreign currency exchange risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of 
changes in foreign exchange rates. Substantially all of the Corporation’s petroleum and natural gas sales 
are conducted in Canada and are denominated in Canadian dollars, however, Canadian commodity prices 
are influenced by fluctuations in the Canadian to U.S. dollar exchange rate. A 1% change in the CAD/US 
dollar exchange rate would not result in a material change to income for the year ended December 31, 2017. 

Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates.  
The Corporation is exposed to interest rate fluctuations on its bank debt which bears a floating rate of interest. 
For the year ended December 31, 2017, it is estimated that a 1.0% change in interest rates would result in 
a change to income for the year of $1.2 million.  

Financial assets and liabilities are presented on a net basis if the Corporation has a legal right to offset and 
intends  to  either  settle  on  a  net  basis  or  to  realize  the  asset  and  settle  the  liability  simultaneously. The 
Corporation offsets financial assets and liabilities when the counterparty, currency and timing of settlement 
are the same.  The following tables provide a summary of the Corporation’s offsetting financial derivative 
positions,  and  how  risk  management  contracts  are  classified  on  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial 
position, respectively.

($000)

Gross in-the-money risk management contracts
Gross out-of-the-money risk management contracts
Net fair value of risk management contracts

December 31, 2017
92,200
(5,479)
86,721

December 31, 2016
1,269
(61,788)
(60,519)

($000)

Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net fair value of risk management contracts

December 31, 2017
65,016
22,552
(553)
(294)
86,721

December 31, 2016
—
1,269
(46,020)
(15,768)
(60,519)

(b)  Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Corporation if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument 
fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally from the Corporation’s receivables from joint 
venture partners and petroleum and natural gas purchasers. The Corporation’s maximum exposure to credit 
risk at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

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($000)

Accounts receivable

Fair value of risk management contracts

Total

December 31, 2017
39,115

December 31, 2016
29,568

87,568

126,683

1,269

30,837

Accounts receivable
All of the Corporation’s operations are conducted in Canada. The Corporation’s exposure to credit risk is 
influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer.

Receivables from petroleum and natural gas purchasers are normally collected on the 25th day of the month 
following production. The Corporation’s policy to mitigate credit risk associated with these balances is to 
establish marketing relationships with large purchasers. The Corporation historically has not experienced 
any collection issues with its petroleum and natural gas purchasers. Receivables from joint venture partners 
are typically collected within one to three months of the joint venture bill being issued. The Corporation does 
not typically obtain collateral from petroleum and natural gas purchasers or joint venture partners; however, 
the Corporation does have the ability to withhold joint venture partners’ share of production from operated 
wells in the event of non-payment.

The Corporation does not anticipate any default as it transacts with creditworthy customers and management 
does not expect any losses from non-performance by these customers. As such, a provision for doubtful 
accounts has not been recorded at either December 31, 2017 or 2016.

The breakdown of accounts receivable at the reporting date by type of customer was:

($000)

Petroleum and natural gas revenue

Financial risk management contracts

Joint interest

Other

Total

December 31, 2017
28,946

December 31, 2016
27,781

7,805

282

2,082

39,115

—

523

1,264

29,568

The Corporation has one primary purchaser of natural gas and NGLs; these purchases accounted for $23.8 
million of accounts receivable at December 31, 2017, compared to $23.6 million as at December 31, 2016. 
As at December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Corporation’s accounts receivable is aged as follows:

($000)

Less than 30 days

From 31 - 90 days

More than 90 days
Total

December 31, 2017
38,227

December 31, 2016
29,542

771

117
39,115

24

2
29,568

Derivative Financial Instruments
The use of financial swap agreements involves a degree of credit risk that the Corporation manages through 
its risk management policies which are designed to limit eligible counterparties to those with investment 
grade credit ratings or better. 

(c)  Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become 
due. The Corporation’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, to the extent possible, that it will always 
have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without 
incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Corporation’s reputation.

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Management closely monitors cash flow requirements to ensure that is has sufficient borrowing capacity to 
meet operational and financial obligations currently and in the foreseeable future; this excludes the potential 
impact of extreme circumstances that cannot reasonably be predicted, such as natural disasters. To achieve 
this objective, the Corporation prepares annual capital expenditure budgets, which are regularly monitored 
and updated as considered necessary. Further, the Corporation utilizes authority for expenditures on both 
operated and non-operated projects to further manage capital expenditures. The Corporation also typically 
collects its petroleum and natural gas revenues from most properties on the 25th of each month. 

To facilitate the capital expenditure program, the Corporation has an aggregate of $450 million in available 
syndicated credit facilities at December 31, 2017 compared to $325 million at December 31, 2016, which 
are reviewed semi-annually by its lenders. 

(d)   Capital management

The Corporation’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market 
confidence and to sustain future development of the business. The Corporation manages its capital structure 
and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of 
the underlying petroleum and natural gas assets. The Corporation considers its capital structure to include 
shareholders’ equity, loans and borrowings and working capital. In order to maintain or adjust the capital 
structure, the Corporation may issue shares or debt and adjust its capital spending to manage current and 
projected debt levels.

The Corporation monitors capital based on the total debt to cash flow ratio, on a trailing four fiscal quarter 
basis. This  ratio  is  calculated  as  total  debt,  defined  as  outstanding  loans  and  borrowings  plus  or  minus 
working capital, excluding fair value of risk management contracts, divided by cash flow from operations 
before changes in non-cash working capital and decommissioning expenditures for the most recent calendar 
four quarters. In order to facilitate the management of this ratio, the Corporation prepares annual capital 
expenditure budgets, which are updated as necessary depending on varying factors including current and 
forecast prices, successful capital deployment and general industry conditions. The annual and updated 
budgets are approved by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. 

As  a  result  of  shifting  from  an  exploration-focused  program  to  a  development-focused  program,  the 
Corporation has adapted its approach to capital management to include low cost bank debt and introduced 
fixed  term  debt  to  ensure  financial  liquidity,  as  part  of  the  capital  structure  going  forward.  Neither  the 
Corporation nor its subsidiaries is subject to externally imposed capital requirements. The syndicated credit 
facilities are subject to a periodic review of the borrowing base which is directly impacted by the value of the 
petroleum and natural gas reserves.

17. DETERMINATION OF FAIR VALUES

A number of the Corporation’s accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for 
both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair values have been determined for measurement and/
or  disclosure  purposes  based  on  the  following  methods.  When  applicable,  further  information  about  the 
assumptions made in determining fair values is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability. 

(a)  Property, Plant and Equipment and Exploration and Evaluation Assets

The fair values of PP&E and E&E assets recognized in an acquisition, are based on market values. The fair 
values of PP&E and E&E are the estimated amounts for which they could be exchanged on the acquisition 
date between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing wherein 
the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. The fair value of petroleum 
and natural gas interests (included in PP&E) and E&E assets is estimated with reference to the discounted 
cash flows expected to be derived from petroleum and natural gas production, based on externally prepared 
reserve reports. The risk-adjusted discount rate is specific to the asset with reference to general market 
conditions.

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(b)  Accounts  Receivable,  Accounts  Payable  and  Accrued  Liabilities,  Bank  Debt,  Senior  Notes  and 

Convertible Debentures
The fair value of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and bank debt are estimated 
as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. At 
December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of these balances approximated their carrying 
value. Bank debt has a floating rate of interest and therefore the carrying value approximates the fair value.   
The fair value of the senior notes fluctuates in response to changes in the market rates of interest payable 
on  similar  instruments.   At  December  31,  2017,  the  carrying  value  of  the  senior  notes  and  convertible 
debentures approximated fair value. 

(c)  Stock Options

The  fair  value  of  employee  stock  options  is  measured  using  a  Black-Scholes  option  pricing  model. 
Measurement inputs include share price on measurement date, exercise price of the instrument, expected 
volatility, weighted average expected life of the instruments (based on historical experience and general 
stock option holder behavior), expected dividends and the risk-free interest rate.

(d)  Derivatives

Measurement
The Corporation classifies the fair value of derivative transactions according to the following hierarchy based 
on the amount of observable inputs used to value the instrument. 

(i) 

(ii) 

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

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

(iii) 

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

The fair value of commodity price risk management contracts is determined by discounting the difference 
between the contracted prices and published forward price curves as at the date of the consolidated statement 
of financial position, using the remaining contracted petroleum and natural gas volumes and risk-free interest 
rate (based on published government rates). The fair value of foreign exchange contracts is determined 
based on the difference between the contracted forward rate and current forward rates, using the remaining 
settlement amount. The Corporation’s commodity price contracts and foreign exchange contracts are valued 
using Level 2 of the hierarchy.

The fair value of DSUs, PSUs and RSUs is measured upon grant and at each period end date, using the 
20-day volume weighted average price of Common Shares. The Corporation’s DSUs, PSUs and RSUs are 
valued using Level 1 of the hierarchy. 

18. FINANCE LEASE OBLIGATION   

The Corporation is party to a series of agreements relating to the development of processing infrastructure for 
natural gas and natural gas liquids. The facilities and related pipeline infrastructure included in these agreements 
have been recorded as a finance lease. The Corporation has recorded the asset, with a corresponding obligation 
on the consolidated statement of financial position. Over the course of the 20-year lease, there is a capital fee, 
which will include finance expense and the amortization of the obligation.

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The  cost  of  the  facilities  and  related  pipeline  infrastructure  capitalized  was  $490.9  million.  Total  expected 
payments based on annual take or pay volumes, including both the principal and financing components, are 
reflected in the table below.

($000s)
Processing
Transportation
Total
Principal

Within 1 year
52,328
9,880
62,208
3,282

After 1 year but not 
more than five years
269,998
53,114
323,112
64,981

More than 
five years
579,843
182,355
762,198
422,597

Total
902,169
245,349
1,147,518
490,860

The Corporation has the right to a minimum of 198 MMcf/d of firm capacity at the Townsend Facility, of which 
there is a take or pay obligation on production volumes delivered to the facility of 180 MMcf/d. The Corporation 
also has the right to the full 99 MMcf/d of firm capacity of the new gas processing train at Townsend, in respect 
of which there is a take or pay obligation on production volumes delivered to the facility of 90 MMcf/d commencing 
in the first quarter of 2018. 

19. COMMITMENTS 

($000s)

Transportation and processing
Interest on senior notes

Interest on convertible debentures
Office leases and other
Total commitments

2018
77,704

2019
90,093

2020
99,775

14,399

14,613

2021
98,020

14,765

2022 Thereafter

Total
97,438 1,030,077 1,493,107
67,595

9,576

—

2,438
12,188
3,181
101
96,936 108,958 117,755 115,324 107,021 1,030,077 1,576,071

3,250
117

3,250
1,216

—
—

—
7

14,242
3,250
1,740

Transportation commitments include contracts to transport natural gas and NGLs through third-party owned 
pipeline systems in Canada. Processing commitments include contracts to process natural gas through third-
party owned gas processing facilities in British Columbia. Interest on senior notes includes quarterly interest on 
senior notes.  Interest on convertible debentures includes quarterly interest on convertible debentures. Office 
leases include the Corporation’s contractual obligations for office space. 

The Corporation has certain lease arrangements that are reflected in the commitments table above, which were 
entered into in the normal course of operations. All leases, other than the Townsend Facility finance leases, have 
been treated as operating leases whereby the lease payments are included in operating expenses or general 
and administrative expenses depending on the nature of the lease.  

20. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES

 (a) Key Management Personnel Compensation

Key management personnel are persons who have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing 
and controlling the activities of the Corporation, directly or indirectly. This includes all directors and executives 
of the Corporation. Short-term compensation includes salaries, bonuses and short-term benefits paid to 
executives and fees paid to directors. Share-based compensation represents amortization of the expense 
associated with stock options, PSUs and DSUs granted to executives and directors. 

($000)

Short-term compensation
Share-based compensation
Total

December 31, 2017
5,454
379
5,833

December 31, 2016
4,256
4,711
8,967

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(b) Presentation in Consolidated Statements of Operations

In the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, items are primarily disclosed by nature except for 
employee compensation costs which are included in general and administrative expenses and operating 
expenses. In the year ended December 31, 2017, employee compensation costs of $7.0 million were included 
in general and administrative expenses, compared to $6.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2016. In 
the year ended December 31, 2017 employee compensation costs of $1.1 million were included in operating 
expenses, compared to $1.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2016. 

(c) Presentation in Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Changes in non-cash working capital are comprised of:

($000)

Source/(use) of cash:

   Accounts receivable

   Prepaid expenses and deposits

   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   Non-cash working capital on business combination 

   Share unit liability

   Operating activities

   Investing activities

   Financing activities

December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016

(9,547)

(555)

12,028

(2,981)

(1,397)
(2,452)

(2,287)

(4,195)

4,030

(2,452)

(21,394)

467

31,905

—

2,914
13,892

(7,931)

20,609

1,214

13,892

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Corporate 
Information

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Glenn R. Carley 
Chairman of the Board
Compensation and HR Committee  
Nominating Committee  
Governance Committee  
Audit and Risk Committee

Patrick R. Ward 
President and Chief Executive Officer

Stuart W. Jaggard 
Chief Financial Officer

Richard W. Kessy 
Chief Operating Officer

Kevin D. Angus
Independent Director
Compensation and HR Committee (Chair)

Edwin S. (Ted) Hanbury 
Senior Vice President, Strategic Projects

Paul J. Beitel
Director

Joan E. Dunne
Independent Director
Audit and Risk Committee (Chair) 
Reserves and HSE Committee

Nereus L. Joubert
Independent Director
Governance Committee (Chair)  
Nominating Committee (Chair)
Compensation and HR Committee

Lynn Kis
Independent Director
Reserves and HSE Committee (Chair) 
Audit and Risk Committee

Arthur J. G. Madden
Independent Director
Audit and Risk Committee 
Governance Committee 
Nominating Committee

George W. Voneiff
Director
Reserves and HSE Committee

Patrick R. Ward
Director
President and Chief Executive Officer

DESIGN: ARTHUR / HUNTER

Tonya L. Fleming 
Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

L. Barry McNamara 
Vice President, Development and Marketing

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING

The Toronto Stock Exchange
Trading symbol for Common Shares: PONY

AUDITORS

KPMG LLP

BANKERS

The Toronto-Dominion Bank
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Alberta Treasury Branches
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Royal Bank of Canada
HSBC Bank Canada
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Canadian Branch

EVALUATION ENGINEERS

GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd.

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT

TSX Trust Company

HEAD OFFICE

1800, 736 - 6 Ave SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3T7
T  403.475.0440      F  403.238.1487 
TOLL FREE 1.866.975.0440
info@paintedpony.ca 
E 
W  www.paintedpony.ca

 
PAINTED PONY ENERGY LTD.

1800, 736 - 6 Ave SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3T7
T 
403.475.0440
F 
403.238.1487
TOLL FREE 1.866.975.0440
E 
info@paintedpony.ca
W  www.paintedpony.ca

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