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Long‐term Value Focus
Annual Report 2018
MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS
2018
Our management team enters 2019 more optimistic about Pine Cliff’s outlook than we have been in a couple of years. Our natural
gas market diversification strategy was successful in generating positive funds flow in 2018 despite enduring the lowest AECO
natural gas prices in the past 19 years, and 2019 natural gas prices have started this year at materially higher levels than we
experienced at this time last year. We were also able to use our extensive seismic database to expand our prospect inventory by
identifying a number of operated, drilling locations on our existing land base. On the macro side, LNG Canada announced in the
last quarter of 2018 that it will be proceeding with a $40 billion LNG project in Western Canada that will initially export two Bcf
per day of Western Canada gas. This project is one of Canada’s largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken and will play a
significant role in addressing the issue of getting Canadian natural gas to the world. Other significant Pine Cliff highlights from the
fourth quarter and 2018 include:
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generated $4.4 million of adjusted funds flow ($0.01 per basic share) for the three months ended December 31, 2018;
generated $10.5 million ($0.03 per basic share) of adjusted funds flow during the year ended December 31, 2018;
realized a $2.51 per Mcf gas price for the three months ended December 31, 2018, 44% higher than the AECO 5A
benchmark of $1.74 per Mcf;
realized a $2.07 per Mcf gas price for the year ended December 31, 2018, 34% higher than the AECO 5A benchmark of
$1.54 per Mcf;
achieved average production of 19,684 Boe/d (94% natural gas) in 2018, only 8% lower than the 21,408 Boe/d in 2017,
despite incurring only $6.5 million of drilling and recompletion capital spending in 2018, over half of which was spent in
the fourth quarter of 2018 with no corresponding increase in production from that specific spend until 2019;
completed a private placement of $19 million of term debt to Alberta Investment Management Corporation and extended
$12 million of insider debt to 2020 to eliminate $18 million in bank debt, ending 2018 with $3.6 million in cash; and
drilled and completed a 100% working interest horizontal oil well that was successfully brought on production in January,
2019.
Capital Allocation/Operations Update
Since 2012, Pine Cliff has grown by acquisitions as we have historically been able to purchase existing production at more accretive
metrics than growing organically. In 2018, our team focused on identifying growth opportunities within our Central Alberta land
base using the 420 square kilometers of 3D and 813 kilometers of 2D seismic we own or license in the area. This work resulted in
Pine Cliff drilling our first horizontal oil well (100% working interest) targeting the Pekisko formation which came on
production on January 14, 2019. Although the well was initially restricted for the first 14 days, it flowed at an average rate of 410
Boe/d for the first 30 days of production, consisting of 238 Bbl/d of 30 degree API oil and 940 Mcf/d of raw natural gas. This
well produced at an average rate of 390 Boe/d (63% oil and NGLs) for the first 57 days of production.
The Pine Cliff team currently estimates that there are approximately 19 gross (15.8 net) Pekisko and Basal Quartz oil well locations
on our Central Alberta lands that would be economic to drill at today’s commodity strip pricing, with 3 (2.5 net) of these locations
booked in our Reserve Report prepared by McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd at December 31, 2018. We own extensive
infrastructure, operations and seismic in Central Alberta and we will continue to evaluate further development and acquisition
potential in this area.
I think the success of this well is yet another example of how Pine Cliff has focused on optimizing the allocation of capital to
create value for our shareholders. We have built a business that has consistently generated positive cash flow in volatile commodity
price environments and our entire company views our job as allocating excess cash to the areas of our business where we think it
can deliver the greatest return. Between 2012 and 2015, we felt that growth by acquisition was the best use of capital. When natural
gas prices dropped in 2016 through 2018, we pivoted and focused on diversifying Pine Cliff’s natural gas markets with our internal
infrastructure, strengthening our balance sheet by reducing our $156 million in bank debt to zero and bringing in strong equity
partners to hold Pine Cliff’s term debt. In 2019, we will continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities as well as opportunities to
generate value on our existing lands through more drilling activity, all while maintaining a strong balance sheet. We believe that
adding the option of oil drilling does not alter our value creation strategy in any way, but instead upgrades our portfolio of capital
allocation options to generate positive returns. The fact that we were able to successfully deploy resources in such diverse areas of
the energy industry in the past seven years is an affirmation of Pine Cliff’s “bench strength” and I would like to commend each of
our team members who have been involved in these initiatives.
MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS
2018
Natural Gas Outlook
Many areas of Western Canada have just experienced the coldest February in 40 years. In February, Pine Cliff achieved realized natural
gas prices over $3.00 per Mcf and storage inventories in Canada are 21% lower than we saw at this time in 2018. Unfortunately, with the
cold weather we also experienced well freeze offs that impacted our production, but that is a trade we will always take. With the cold
weather this past winter, natural gas storage in North America is currently below the five year average storage levels in both the United
States and Canada, all at a time when the US is set to double their LNG export capacity from less than four Bcf/d to over eight Bcf/d. It
appears it could be another volatile year in natural gas prices, but forward strip pricing currently indicates it should be a better year for
natural gas prices than in 2018, which would translate to extra cash flow for Pine Cliff.
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Thank you again from the Pine Cliff team for your patience as our shareholders and be assured that we will continue to do everything we
can to build long term value in your investment in our company.
Yours truly,
Phil Hodge
President and Chief Executive Officer
March 13, 2019
Please refer to the attached Management’s Discussion and Analysis for Reader Advisories regarding forward-looking information, non-GAAP measures and oil and gas
measurements and definitions. This President’s Message should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Pine Cliff Energy Ltd. together with
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the period ended December 31, 2018, which can be found on www.sedar.com and is subject to the same cautionary statements as set out
therein.
RESERVES INFORMATION
2018
RESERVES INFORMATION
McDaniel & Associates Consultants Limited (“McDaniel”) was engaged to prepare evaluations of the reserves of Pine Cliff Energy Ltd.
(the “Company”) at December 31, 2018. The evaluations of petroleum and natural gas reserves were conducted in accordance with
National Instrument 51‐101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51‐101”) with the effective date of December 31,
2018. The gross reserves in the following tables represent Pine Cliff’s ownership interest before royalties and before consideration of
the Company’s royalty interest reserves. As defined in NI 51‐101, proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high
degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved
reserves. Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely
that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves.
Tables may not add due to rounding.
Where amounts are expressed on a Boe basis, natural gas volumes have been converted to oil equivalence at six Mcf per one Bbl.
Where amounts are expressed in Mcfe, natural gas liquids and oil volumes are converted to one Mcfe using the same ratio. The terms
Boe and Mcfe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. This conversion ratio is based on an energy equivalency conversion
method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.
Highlights of Pine Cliff’s reserves for the 2018 year include:
Positive technical revisions of 7.1 MMBOE on a proved basis and 6.1 MMBOE on a proved plus probable basis in Pine Cliff
properties due to continued strong performance of base production;
Prior to adjusting for 2018 production, total positive net changes to proved reserves were 4.4 MMBOE (9%), largely a result
of improved well performance and a successful well recompletion program;
Remaining proved reserves of 48.3 MMBOE (92% natural gas) at December 31, 2018, decreased by 2.8 MMBOE (5%) from
51.1 MMBOE (95% natural gas) at December 31, 2017;
Prior to adjusting for 2018 production, total positive net changes to proved plus probable reserves were 1.6 MMBOE,
largely a result of improved well performance;
Remaining proved plus probable reserves of 61.6 MMBOE (92% natural gas) at December 31, 2018 decreased by 5.6
MMBOE (8%) from 67.2 MMBOE (94% natural gas) at December 31, 2017;
Approximately 78% of total reserves are classified as proved reserves and approximately 22% are classified as probable
reserves;
Approximately 97% of proved reserves are classified as proved developed producing;
Net present value for proved plus probable reserves of $150.8 million, discounted at 10%, a decrease of $89.3 million, or
37%, from December 31, 2017, mainly as a result of decreases in the future natural gas price deck; and
In line with Pine Cliff’s historical focus on acquisitions rather than drilling existing reserves, the McDaniel reserve report
reflects a conservative future development capital program of $68.3 million over the next five years.
Summary of Remaining Working Interest Reserves, as of December 31, 2018
Reserve Category
Proved
Light, Medium and
Heavy Oil
Natural Gas and
CBM
MBbl
MMcf
Natural Gas
Liquids
MBbl
BOE
MBOE
Developed Producing
492.4
260,512.8
2,843.4
46,754.6
Developed Non‐Producing
86.2
995.9
39.1
291.3
Undeveloped
Total Proved
Probable
185.8
5,223.4
174.0
1,230.3
764.4
266,732.1
3,056.4
48,276.1
320.3
71,787.1
1,018.3
13,303.1
Total Proved plus Probable
1,084.7
338,519.2
4,074.7
61,579.2
3
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
Summary of Net Present Values of Future Net Revenue, Before Income Taxes, as of December 31, 20181
RESERVES INFORMATION
2018
($millions)
Reserve Category
Proved
Developed Producing
Developed Non‐Producing
Undeveloped
Total Proved
Probable
Discounted at (% per year)
0%
5%
10%
15%
43.4
6.7
16.1
66.1
114.9
79.3
88.1
87.0
5.2
4.3
3.7
9.2
5.4
3.0
93.7
77.3
97.7
93.7
53.0
37.4
Total Proved plus Probable
181.0
171.0
150.8
131.1
1 Includes abandonment and reclamation costs.
Reconciliation of Gross Reserves by Principal Product Type, as of December 31, 2018
Light, Medium, and Heavy
Oil and Natural Gas Liquids
Natural Gas and Coal Bed
Methane
BOE
Proved
(MBbl)
Proved plus
Probable
(MBbl)
Proved
(MMcf)
Proved
plus
Probable
(MMcf)
Proved
(MBOE)
Proved plus
Probable
(MBOE)
3,054.8
4,312.9
288,108.5 377,431.5
51,072.9
67,218.2
300.9
1,042.1
0.0
(56.9)
(94.5)
493.1
985.3
0.5
1,189.3
2,663.7
36,335.2
30,628.5
3.5
2.9
499.1
7,097.9
0.6
937.1
6,090.0
1.0
(112.4)
(599.8)
(1,435.5)
(156.9)
(351.7)
(94.4)
(17,749.3)
(30,216.6)
(3,052.7)
(5,130.5)
1,191.6
1,272.1
19,178.9
1,643.0
4,388.0
1,545.9
(425.6)
(425.6)
(40,555.3)
(40,555.3)
(7,184.8)
(7,184.8)
3,820.8
5,159.4
266,732.1 338,519.2
48,276.1
61,579.2
December 31, 2017
Extension
Technical Revisions
Acquisitions
Change in Working Interest
Economic Factors
Total Changes
Production
December 31, 2018
Finding, Development and Acquisition (“FD&A”) Costs
Pine Cliff has been developing its asset base, primarily through acquisitions. Over the past three years, the Company has incurred the
following FD&A costs, including changes in future development capital:
$/Boe
Proved Reserves
Proved plus probable reserves
$/Mcfe
Proved Reserves
2018(1)
2017(1)
2016(2)
3 year average(1)
5.29
5.25
0.88
4.58
6.29
0.76
0.01
0.33
0.00
3.34
4.10
0.56
Proved plus probable reserves
0.68
0.88
1 FD&A costs, including changes in future development capital, are calculated as the aggregate of development capital plus acquisition capital, net of
dispositions (2016 capital and reserve dispositions are excluded in the three year average calculation), plus the change in future development capital
for the period divided by the change in total reserves for the period, excluding production.
2 FD&A costs, including changes in future development capital, are calculated as the aggregate of development capital plus acquisition capital and
excluding disposition capital plus the change in future development capital divided by the change in total reserves for the period, excluding
dispositions and production.
0.05
1.05
4
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
RESERVES INFORMATION
2018
Pine Cliff has incurred the following FD&A costs, excluding changes in future development capital:
$/Boe
Proved Reserves
Proved plus probable reserves
$/Mcfe
Proved Reserves
2018(3)
2017(3)
2016(4)
3 year average(3)
2.38
6.76
0.40
2.55
3.17
0.43
1.86
2.94
0.31
2.28
3.75
0.38
Proved plus probable reserves
0.62
1.13
3 FD&A costs, excluding changes in future development capital, are calculated as the aggregate of development capital plus acquisition capital, net of
dispositions (2016 capital and reserve dispositions are excluded in the three year average calculation) for the period divided by the change in total
reserves for the period, excluding production.
4 FD&A costs, excluding changes in future development capital, are calculated as the aggregate of development capital plus acquisition capital and
excluding disposition capital divided by the change in total reserves for the period, excluding dispositions and production.
0.49
0.53
Commodity Prices
The Commodity prices used in the above calculations of reserves are as follows:
Year
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024‐2033
Thereafter
WTI Oil (US$/Bbl)1
58.58
64.60
68.20
71.00
72.81
82.41
+2.0%/yr
$C to US$ Foreign
exchange rate1
1.32
1.28
1.25
1.25
1.24
1.24
1.24
Edmonton Light Crude Oil
(Cdn$/Bbl) 1
67.30
75.84
80.17
83.22
85.34
96.61
+2.0%/yr
AECO Gas
(Cdn$/MMBtu) 1
1.88
2.31
2.74
3.05
3.21
3.65
+2.0%/yr
1 Source: Average of three consultant price forecasts, effective January 1, 2019 (McDaniel, GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd. and Sproule Associates
Limited).
Please refer to the attached Management’s Discussion and Analysis for Reader Advisories regarding forward-looking information, non-GAAP measures and oil and gas measurements and
definitions. This Reserves Information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Pine Cliff Energy Ltd. together with Management’s Discussion and
Analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2018, which can be found on www.sedar.com and is subject to the same cautionary statements as set out therein.
5
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
INTRODUCTION
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is a review of the operations and current financial position of Pine Cliff Energy
Ltd. (“Pine Cliff” or the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2018. This MD&A is dated and based on information available
as at March 13, 2019 and should be read in conjunction with audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2018 and 2017 (“Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(“GAAP”). Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form, may be found on
www.sedar.com and by visiting Pine Cliff’s website at www.pinecliffenergy.com.
Pine Cliff’s head office is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”) are listed for trading
on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “PNE”.
READER ADVISORIES
This MD&A contains financial measures that are not defined under IFRS and forward‐looking statements. Please refer to the sections
titled “NON‐GAAP MEASURES” and “FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION”.
Other Measurements
All amounts herein are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. All references to $CAD or $ are to Canadian dollars
and monetary references to $US are to United States dollars.
Natural gas liquids and oil volumes are recorded in barrels of oil (“Bbl”) and are converted to a thousand cubic feet equivalent (“Mcfe”)
using a ratio of one (1) Bbl to six (6) thousand cubic feet. Natural gas volumes recorded in thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) are converted
to barrels of oil equivalent (“Boe”) using the ratio of six (6) thousand cubic feet to one (1) Bbl. This conversion ratio is based on energy
equivalence primarily at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. The terms Boe or Mcfe may be
misleading, particularly if used in isolation.
2018 AND FOURTH QUARTER 2018 HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights from 2018 and the fourth quarter of 2018 are as follows:
generated $4.4 million of adjusted funds flow ($0.01 per basic share) for the three months ended December 31, 2018;
generated $10.5 million ($0.03 per basic share) of adjusted funds flow during the year ended December 31, 2018;
realized a $2.51 per Mcf gas price for the three months ended December 31, 2018, 44% higher than the AECO 5A
benchmark of $1.74 per Mcf;
realized a $2.07 per Mcf gas price for the year ended December 31, 2018, 34% higher than the AECO 5A benchmark of
$1.54 per Mcf;
achieved average production of 19,684 Boe/d (94% natural gas) in 2018, only 8% lower than the 21,408 Boe/d in 2017,
despite incurring minor drilling and recompletion capital spending in 2018, over half of which was spent in the fourth
quarter of 2018 with no corresponding increase in production from that specific spend until 2019;
completed a private placement of $19 million of term debt to Alberta Investment Management Corporation and extended
$12 million of insider debt to 2020 to eliminate $18 million in bank debt, ending 2018 with $3.6 million in cash; and
drilled and completed a 100% working interest horizontal oil well that was successfully brought on production in
January, 2019.
6
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
SELECTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
($000s, unless otherwise indicated)
FINANCIAL1
Oil and gas sales (before royalties)
Total revenue (net of royalties)
Cash flow from operating activities
Adjusted funds flow2
Per share – Basic and Diluted ($/share)
Loss for the year
Per share – Basic and Diluted ($/share)
Total assets
Total non‐current financial liabilities
Total liabilities
Capital expenditures
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Net Debt2
Weighted average common shares outstanding (000s) ‐
Basic and Diluted
OPERATIONS
Production
Natural gas (Mcf/d)
Natural gas liquids (Bbl/d)
Crude oil (Bbl/d)
Total (Boe/d)
Total (Mcfe/d)
Realized commodity sales prices
Natural gas ($/Mcf)
Natural gas liquids ($/Boe)
Crude oil ($/Bbl)
Total ($/Boe)
Netback ($/Boe)
Operating netback2
Corporate netback2
Netback ($/Mcfe)
Operating netback2
Corporate netback2
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
107,385
100,063
8,616
10,513
0.03
(72,719)
(0.24)
354,215
60,280
293,241
10,665
307
(285)
56,819
307,076
111,110
940
226
19,684
118,104
2.07
53.33
59.74
14.95
2.68
1.47
0.45
0.25
125,018
115,076
25,009
28,705
0.09
(67,864)
(0.22)
405,228
29,307
276,135
13,477
(62)
(429)
53,638
307,076
121,718
924
198
21,408
128,448
2.39
43.81
57.17
16.00
4.88
3.68
0.81
0.61
118,642
111,052
22,489
19,741
0.06
(50,387)
(0.16)
491,897
40,086
296,139
9,159
(807)
(63,112)
64,224
306,329
124,906
924
753
22,495
134,970
2.13
32.53
37.41
14.41
4.08
2.39
0.68
0.40
1 Includes results for acquisitions and excludes results for dispositions from the closing dates.
2 This is a non‐GAAP measure, see NON‐GAAP MEASURES for additional information.
7
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
Three months ended December 31,
2017
2018
Year ended December 31,
2017
2018
($000s, unless otherwise indicated)
FINANCIAL
Oil and gas sales (before royalty expense)
Cash flow from operating activities
Adjusted funds flow1
Per share – Basic and Diluted ($/share)1
Earnings (loss)
Per share – Basic and Diluted ($/share)
Capital expenditures
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Net debt1
Weighted‐average common shares outstanding (000s)
Basic
Diluted
OPERATIONS
Production
Natural gas (Mcf/d)
Natural gas liquids (Bbl/d)
Crude oil (Bbl/d)
Total (Boe/d)
Realized commodity sales prices
Natural gas ($/Mcf)
Natural gas liquids ($/Boe)
Crude oil ($/Bbl)
Combined ($/Boe)
Netback ($/Boe)
Oil and gas sales
Royalty expense
Transportation expenses
Operating expenses
Operating netback ($/Boe)1
General and administrative expenses
Interest and bank charges, net of dividend income
Corporate netback ($/Boe)1
Operating netback ($ per Mcfe)1
Corporate netback ($ per Mcfe)1
30,110
1,415
4,433
0.01
(28,520)
(0.09)
4,302
(61)
(51)
56,819
28,663
(4,350)
3,759
0.01
(32,996)
(0.11)
3,091
44
(148)
53,638
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
110,295
957
236
19,576
122,304
880
225
21,489
2.51
44.85
32.14
16.72
16.72
(0.95)
(1.80)
(10.41)
3.56
(0.42)
(0.68)
2.46
0.59
0.41
2.09
47.73
62.41
14.50
14.50
(1.06)
(1.34)
(9.25)
2.85
(0.55)
(0.40)
1.90
0.48
0.32
107,385
8,616
10,513
0.03
(72,719)
(0.24)
10,665
307
(285)
56,819
307,076
307,076
111,110
940
226
19,684
2.07
53.33
59.74
14.95
14.95
(1.02)
(1.74)
(9.51)
2.68
(0.67)
(0.54)
1.47
0.45
0.25
125,018
25,009
28,705
0.09
(67,864)
(0.22)
13,477
(62)
(429)
53,638
307,076
307,076
121,718
924
198
21,408
2.39
43.81
57.17
16.00
16.00
(1.30)
(1.12)
(8.70)
4.88
(0.76)
(0.44)
3.68
0.81
0.61
1 This is a non‐GAAP measure, see NON‐GAAP MEASURES for additional information.
SENSITIVITIES
Pine Cliff’s results are sensitive to changes in the business environment in which it operates. The following chart shows the Company’s
sensitivity to key commodity price variables and interest rates on variable rate debt. The sensitivity calculations are performed
independently showing the effect of the change of one variable; all other variables are held constant.
8
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
Business environment sensitivities
Realized crude oil price2
Realized natural gas price2
Impact on annual adjusted funds flow1
Change
$1.00
$0.10
$000s
405
3,744
$ per share3
0.00
0.01
Interest rate on variable rate debt4
1 This analysis does not adjust for changes in working capital and uses corporate royalty rates from the year ended December 31, 2018.
2 Pine Cliff has prepared this analysis using its Q4 2018 production volumes annualized for twelve months.
3 Based on the Q4 2018 basic weighted average shares outstanding.
4 Based on December 31, 2018 bank debt of $nil, 2020 $6 Million Notes and 2020 Related Party Notes, as defined herein, of $6.0 million, less cash
of $3.6 million.
1.0%
84
0.00
BENCHMARK PRICES
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
% Change
2018
2017
% Change
Natural gas
NYMEX (US$/Mmbtu)1
AECO Daily 5A (C$/Mcf)2
Crude oil
WTI (US$/Bbl)
Edmonton Light (C$/Bbl)
Foreign exchange
US$/C$
3.73
1.74
52.41
38.94
2.91
1.68
55.40
68.98
28
4
(5)
(44)
3.09
1.54
63.17
68.44
3.07
2.14
50.95
62.85
1.295
1
(28)
24
9
‐
1.331
1 Mmbtu is the abbreviation for millions of British thermal units. One Mcf of natural gas is approximately 1.02 Mmbtu.
2 AECO prices are quoted in $/Gigajoule. Price has been converted from $/GJ to $/Mcf by multiplying by 1.05.
1.300
1.270
5
Quarterly Benchmark Prices
Pine Cliff’s financial results are influenced by fluctuations in commodity prices, dollar exchange rates and price differentials. The
following table shows select market benchmark average prices and foreign exchange rates in the last eight quarters to assist in
understanding the volatility in prices and foreign exchange rates that have impacted Pine Cliff’s business.
Q4‐2018
Q3‐2018
Q2‐2018
Q1‐2018 Q4‐2017 Q3‐2017
Q2‐2017 Q1‐2017
Natural gas
NYMEX (US$/Mmbtu)1
AECO Daily 5A (C$/Mcf) 2
Pine Cliff’ realized natural
gas price ($/Mcf)
Crude oil
WTI (US$/Bbl)
Edmonton Light (C$/Bbl)
Foreign exchange
3.73
1.74
2.51
2.85
1.19
1.88
2.78
1.18
1.55
2.99
2.07
2.35
2.91
1.68
2.09
2.98
1.45
1.86
3.13
2.77
2.82
3.25
2.68
2.83
52.41
38.94
69.50
81.95
67.88
80.66
62.87
72.21
55.40
68.98
48.20
56.65
48.28
61.87
51.91
63.91
US$/C$
1.250
1.310
1 Mmbtu is the abbreviation for millions of British thermal units. One Mcf of natural gas is approximately 1.02 Mmbtu.
2 AECO prices are quoted in $/Gigajoule. Price has been converted from $/GJ to $/Mcf by multiplying by 1.05.
1.331
1.270
1.270
1.290
1.340
1.320
During the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, the AECO daily benchmark increased by 4% and decreased 28%
compared to the same periods of 2017. The changes for the quarter and year are mainly due to supply and demand factors including
pipeline and storage constraints, weather, economic conditions in producing and consuming regions throughout North America and
political factors. While the price realized by the Company for natural gas production from Western Canada is still influenced by the
Alberta price hub AECO, diversification projects to delivery points such as Dawn, Empress and TransGas into Saskatchewan have
decreased that influence significantly. The diversification projects materially increased realized natural gas pricing for Pine Cliff in
9
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
fiscal 2018. See “OIL AND GAS SALES” section for additional information on the diversification project premiums compared to AECO
5A.
The average benchmarks for WTI and Edmonton Light crude increased by 24% and 9%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, as
compared to the same period in 2017, due to increasing global demand and the management of global crude oil production volumes
by OPEC and several non‐OPEC countries. Canadian crude prices are based upon refinery postings at Edmonton, Alberta and are linked
to WTI through transportation tariffs to common markets and the foreign exchange rate.
The supply and demand dynamics for certain NGL components such as ethane, propane, butane, and condensate in the recent past has
impacted the relationship between the price of NGLs and the price of oil.
SALES VOLUMES
Total sales volumes by product
2018
2017 % Change
2018
2017 % Change
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
Natural gas (Mcf)
NGLs (Bbl)
Crude oil (Bbl)
Total Boe
Total Mcfe
10,147,122 11,251,434
80,985
20,762
1,976,986
10,805,898 11,861,916
88,039
21,757
1,800,983
(10) 40,555,104 44,428,062
337,130
9
73,784
5
7,815,591
(9)
(9) 43,108,596 46,893,546
343,162
82,420
7,184,766
Natural gas weighting
94%
95%
(1)
94%
95%
(9)
2
12
(8)
(8)
1
Average daily sales volumes by product
2018
2017 % Change
2018
2017 % Change
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
Natural gas (Mcf/d)
NGLs (Bbl/d)
Crude oil (Bbl/d)
Total (Boe/d)
Total (Mcfe/d)
110,295
957
236
19,576
117,456
122,304
880
225
21,489
128,934
(10)
9
5
(9)
(9)
111,110
940
226
19,684
118,104
121,718
924
198
21,408
128,448
(9)
2
14
(8)
(8)
Average daily sales volumes by area
Central (Boe/d)
Southern (Boe/d)
Edson (Boe/d)
Total (Boe/d)
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
9,097
8,517
1,962
19,576
2017 % Change
10,382
8,958
2,149
21,489
(12)
(5)
(9)
(9)
2018
9,231
8,462
1,991
19,684
2017 % Change
10,039
9,141
2,228
21,408
(8)
(7)
(11)
(8)
Pine Cliff’s sales volumes decreased by 9% to 19,576 Boe/d (117,456 Mcfe/d) and 8% to 19,684 Boe/d (118,104 Mcfe/d) for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the same periods in 2017. The decreases relate mainly to natural gas
production declines and short term voluntary shut‐ins for the first three quarters of 2018 due to low natural gas commodity pricing,
slightly offset by production gains from the Company’s recompletion and drilling programs. Pine Cliff’s sales volumes only decreased
by 8% for the year ended December 31, 2018, despite only incurring $6.5 million of drilling and recompletion capital spending with
approximately half of that amount being spent in the fourth quarter of 2018 with no corresponding production until 2019.
Pine Cliff is projecting 2019 production volumes of 18,500 – 19,000 Boe/d (111,000 – 114,000 Mcfe/d), weighted approximately 93%
towards natural gas.
10
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
OIL AND GAS SALES
($000s)
Natural gas
NGL
Crude oil
Total oil and gas sales
% of revenue from natural gas sales
Realized prices
$ per unit
Natural gas ($/Mcf)
NGL ($/Bbl)
Crude oil ($/Bbl)
Total ($/Boe)
Total ($/Mcfe)
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
25,462
3,949
699
30,110
85%
2017 % Change
23,507
3,864
1,292
28,663
82%
8
2
(46)
5
3
2018
84,161
18,300
4,924
107,385
78%
2017 % Change
106,104
14,772
4,142
125,018
85%
(21)
24
19
(14)
(7)
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
2.51
44.85
32.14
16.72
2.79
2017 % Change
2.09
47.73
62.41
14.50
2.42
20
(6)
(49)
15
15
2018
2.07
53.33
59.74
14.95
2.49
2017 % Change
2.39
43.81
57.17
16.00
2.67
(13)
22
4
(7)
(7)
Oil and gas sales in the three months ended December 31, 2018 of $30.1 million increased by $1.4 million from $28.7 million in the
three months ended December 31, 2017, with a $4.0 million increase from higher realized commodity pricing being offset by a $2.6
million decrease from lower production. Oil and gas sales for the year ended December 31, 2018, decreased by $17.6 million to $107.4
million from $125.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, with $7.5 million of the decrease attributable to lower realized
prices and $10.1 million from lower sales volumes.
Pine Cliff’s realized natural gas price was $2.51 per Mcf in the three months ended December 31, 2018, 20% higher than the $2.09 per
Mcf realized in the corresponding period of the prior year, despite the AECO 5A reference prices being only 4% higher, as a result of
Pine Cliff’s marketing diversification to non‐AECO markets and fixed price physical natural gas sales contracts. Pine Cliff’s realized
natural gas price was $2.07 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2018, 13% lower than the $2.39 per Mcf in the corresponding
period of the prior year as a result of lower natural gas market prices, somewhat offset by marketing diversification premiums and
fixed price physical natural gas sales contracts. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, Pine Cliff’s realized natural
gas pricing was 44% and 34% higher than the AECO 5A benchmark compared to 24% and 12% in the corresponding periods of the
prior year.
For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, Pine Cliff’s realized NGL prices were $44.85 per Bbl and $53.33 per Bbl,
compared to $47.73 per Bbl and $43.81 per Bbl in the corresponding periods of the prior year. For the three months and year ended
December 31, 2018, Pine Cliff’s realized oil prices were $32.14 per Bbl and $59.74 per Bbl, compared to $62.41 per Bbl and $57.17 per
Bbl in the corresponding periods of the prior year. The fluctuations in NGL and oil prices were a direct result of changes in the
Edmonton Light oil price. Pine Cliff’s realized NGL prices in the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 were 115% and 69%
of Edmonton Light compared to 69% and 70% in the corresponding periods of the prior year. Pine Cliff’s realized oil prices in the
three months and year ended December 31, 2018 were 83% and 87% of Edmonton Light compared to 90% and 91% in the
corresponding periods of the prior year.
ROYALTY EXPENSE
($000s)
Total royalty expense
$ per Boe
$ per Mcfe
Royalty expense as a % of oil and gas sales
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
1,714
0.95
0.16
6%
2017 % Change
2,095
1.06
0.18
7%
(18)
(10)
(10)
(14)
2018
7,357
1.02
0.17
7%
2017 % Change
10,152
1.30
0.22
8%
(28)
(22)
(22)
(13)
For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, total royalty expense decreased by 18% and 28% to $1.7 million and $7.4
million from $2.1 million and $10.2 million in the corresponding periods of the prior year. Royalty expense as a percentage of oil and
gas sales decreased to 6% and 7% in the three months ended December 31, 2018, compared to 7% and 8% in the corresponding
11
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
periods of the prior year. The decrease in royalty expenses as a percentage of oil in gas sales for the three months ended December 31,
2018, primarily due to gas crown royalties being charged on a reference price that is lower than Pine Cliff’s realized gas price and
higher gas cost allowance adjustments as realized sales prices increased compared to 2017. The decrease in royalty expenses as a
percentage of oil in gas sales for the year ended December 31, 2018 is due to lower commodity prices, gas crown royalties being
charged on a reference price that is lower than Pine Cliff’s realized gas price and higher gas cost allowance adjustments.
Pine Cliff anticipates royalty expenses to average 7% of oil and gas sales in 2019.
TRANSPORTATION COSTS
($000s)
Total transportation costs
$ per Boe
$ per Mcfe
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
3,244
1.80
0.30
2017 % Change
2,648
1.34
0.22
23
34
34
2018
12,525
1.74
0.29
2017 % Change
8,733
1.12
0.19
43
55
55
Transportation costs increased by 23% and 43% to $3.2 million and $12.5 million for the three months and year ended December 31,
2018, as compared to $2.6 million and $8.7 million in the corresponding periods of the prior year, primarily a result of higher
transportation expenses related to the Company diversifying its natural gas sales delivery to non‐AECO markets, including the delivery
of approximately 11,000 Mcf/d to Dawn during the three months and year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in transportation
costs was more than offset by a higher realized natural gas price during the three months and year ended December 31, 2018.
Pine Cliff anticipates transportation expenses to average $1.80 per Boe ($0.30 per Mcfe) in 2019.
OPERATING EXPENSES
($000s)
Total operating expenses
$ per Boe
$ per Mcfe
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017 % Change
2018
2017 % Change
18,745
18,288
10.41
1.73
9.25
1.54
2
13
13
68,332
68,029
9.51
1.59
8.70
1.45
‐
9
9
Operating expenses increased by 2% to $18.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $18.3 million in
the corresponding period of the prior year, primarily a result of timing of fixed costs and lower third party revenues. On a per Boe
basis, operating costs increased to $10.41 per Boe for the three months ended December 31, 2018 compared $9.25 per Boe in the
corresponding period of 2017, primarily as a result of lower sales volumes, timing of fixed costs and lower third party fee revenue.
Operating expenses were consistent for the year ended December 31, 2018 at $68.3 million from $68.0 million in the previous year.
On a per Boe basis, operating costs increased to $9.51 per Boe for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared $8.70 per Boe in the
corresponding period of 2017, primarily as a result of lower sales volumes, higher power costs and lower third party fee revenue.
Pine Cliff anticipates operating expenses to average $9.80 per Boe ($1.63 per Mcfe) in 2019.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (“G&A”)
($000s)
Gross G&A
Less: overhead recoveries
Total G&A expenses
$ per Boe
$ per Mcfe
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
1,703
(947)
756
0.42
0.07
2017 % Change
2018
2017 % Change
1,705
(622)
1,083
0.55
0.09
‐
52
(30)
(24)
(24)
7,516
(2,678)
4,838
0.67
0.11
8,162
(2,247)
5,915
0.76
0.13
(8)
19
(18)
(12)
(12)
G&A expenses decreased to $0.8 million and $4.8 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $1.1
million and $5.9 million in the corresponding periods of the prior year. The decrease in G&A during the three months and year ended
December 31, 2018, primarily a result of higher overhead recoveries and lower discretionary staffing costs.
12
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
Despite a decrease in production in 2018 compared to 2017, G&A per Boe decreased 24% to $0.42 per Boe and 12% to $0.67 per Boe
for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $0.55 per Boe and $0.76 per Boe in the corresponding periods
of 2017, primarily as a result of higher overhead recoveries and lower discretionary staffing costs.
Pine Cliff anticipates G&A expenses to average $0.75 per Boe ($0.13 per Mcfe) in 2019.
SHARE‐BASED PAYMENTS
($000s)
Total share‐based payments
$ per Boe
$ per Mcfe
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
505
0.28
0.05
2017 % Change
868
0.44
0.07
(42)
(36)
(36)
2018
2,231
0.31
0.05
2017 % Change
3,578
0.46
0.08
(38)
(33)
(33)
The decrease in share‐based payments of 42% and 38% for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the
prior periods of 2017, primarily due to the decrease in the fair value of the stock options granted in 2018 to $0.12 from $0.26 per
option granted in 2017 and a decrease in stock options granted in 2018 as compared to 2017. The Company has an equity settled stock‐
based compensation plan. Stock options are granted to certain officers, directors, employees and consultants, with the number, term
and vesting period of the options granted being determined at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors to a maximum of
10% of outstanding Pine Cliff Common Shares.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, Pine Cliff granted 7,697,800 stock options to purchase Common Shares at a weighted
average exercise price of $0.33. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had 21,028,804 stock options outstanding representing 6.8%
of Common Shares outstanding (December 31, 2017 – 21,316,406 representing 6.9% of Common Shares outstanding).
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION, AND IMPAIRMENT
($000s)
2018
2017 % Change
2018
2017 % Change
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
Total depletion and depreciation
11,420
11,992
(5)
43,760
49,150
$ per Boe
$ per Mcfe
Impairment
6.34
1.06
‐
6.07
1.01
‐
4
4
‐
6.09
1.02
‐
Total depletion, depreciation, and impairment
11,420
11,992
(5)
43,760
$ per Boe
$ per Mcfe
6.34
1.06
6.07
1.01
4
4
6.09
1.02
6.29
1.05
17,800
66,950
8.57
1.43
(11)
(3)
(3)
(100)
(35)
(29)
(29)
Depletion and depreciation expense, excluding impairment for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, totaled $11.4
million and $43.8 million compared to $12.0 million and $49.2 million in the corresponding periods of the prior year. The decreases
are a result of lower sales volumes and a lower depletable base. Depletion and depreciation per Boe will fluctuate from one period to
the next depending on the amount and type of capital spending and changes in reserves. Depletion is calculated using total proved and
probable reserves and reserves estimates are subject to revision.
Property, Plant and Equipment (“PP&E”) Impairment Assessment
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had four Cash Generating Units (“CGU”) being the Southern CGU, Central Gas CGU, Edson CGU,
and Coal Bed Methane CGU. The Company reviewed each CGU’s property and equipment at December 31, 2018 for indicators of
impairment and determined that an indicator related to the decrease in future commodity prices was present. The company prepared
estimates of both the value in use and fair value less cost to sell of each of the Company’s CGUs. When it is determined that any CGU
carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, that CGU is considered impaired and an impairment expense is reported that equals
this excess.
13
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
The following table outlines forecast benchmark prices and exchange rates used in the Company’s impairment test as at December 31,
2018:
Year
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024‐2033
Thereafter
WTI Oil (US$/Bbl)1
58.58
64.60
68.20
71.00
72.81
82.41
+2.0%/yr
$C to US$ Foreign
exchange rate1
1.32
1.28
1.25
1.25
1.24
1.24
1.24
Edmonton Light Crude Oil
(Cdn$/Bbl) 1
67.30
75.84
80.17
83.22
85.34
96.61
+2.0%/yr
AECO Gas
(Cdn$/MMBtu) 1
1.88
2.31
2.74
3.05
3.21
3.65
+2.0%/yr
1 Source: Average of three consultant price forecasts, effective January 1, 2019 (McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd., GLJ Petroleum Consultants
Ltd. and Sproule Associates Limited).
The recoverable amounts of each of the Company’s CGU’s at December 31, 2018 were estimated at their fair value less cost to sell,
based on the net present value of discounted future cash flow from operating activities from oil and gas reserves as estimated by the
Company’s independent reserves evaluator at December 31, 2018. The fair value less costs to sell used to determine the recoverable
amounts are classified as Level 3 fair value measurements as certain key assumptions are not based on observable market data, but
rather, the Company’s management best estimates.
The Company used a pre‐tax 15% discount rate for the December 31, 2018 impairment test which took into account risks specific to
the CGU’s and inherent in the oil and gas business. The impairment testing concluded that the fair value less costs to sell for the
Company’s CGU’s at December 31, 2018 is greater than the carrying amounts and therefore no impairment was recorded in 2018.
The following CGU’s were impaired as at December 31, 2017:
CGUs
Edson
Coal Bed Methane
Total Impairment
2018
‐
‐
‐
2017
14,000
3,800
17,800
Exploration and Evaluation Assets (“E&E”) Impairment Assessment
In accordance with IFRS, an impairment test is performed if the Company identified an indication of impairment. An E&E asset shall
be assessed for impairment before reclassification to PP&E if the Company determines technical feasibility and commercial viability
of extraction. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company determined that no indicators of impairment existed on its E&E assets
and therefore an impairment test was only performed for E&E assets transferred to PP&E.
FINANCE EXPENSES
($000s)
Interest expense and bank charges
Non cash:
Accretion on decommissioning provision
Accretion on subordinated promissory notes
Total finance expenses
$ per Boe
$ per Mcfe
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
1,218
1,453
77
2,748
1.53
0.25
2017 % Change
842
1,305
57
2,204
1.11
0.19
45
11
35
25
38
38
2018
3,855
5,389
267
9,511
1.32
0.22
2017 % Change
3,694
4,984
221
8,899
1.14
0.19
4
8
21
7
16
16
Finance expenses increased by 25% and 7% to $2.7 million and $9.5 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018,
as compared to $2.2 million and $8.9 million in the corresponding periods of the prior year, primarily a result of higher interest costs
due to higher interest rates paid on the additional subordinated promissory notes as well as an increase in accretion expenses related
to a higher inflation rate used to unwind the discount. Please refer to the “DEBT, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES” section for
additional information.
14
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
DIVIDEND INCOME
($000s)
Total dividend income
$ per Boe
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017 % Change
2018
2017 % Change
‐
‐
52
0.03
(100)
(100)
35
‐
210
0.03
(83)
(100)
During the year ended December 31, 2018, Pine Cliff received $0.035 million in dividends from its investment in one dividend paying
company.
DEFERRED INCOME TAX
For the year ended December 31, 2018, deferred income tax expenses amounted to $28.9 million from $20.8 million in the same period
of 2017.
As at December 31, 2018, the Company did not record a future income tax asset (December 31, 2017 ‐ $29.3 million) as it is not
currently probable that Pine Cliff can utilize its tax pools against taxable profit. As at December 31, 2018, a deferred income tax asset
has not been recognized on $73.4 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $33.3 million) of deductible temporary differences as it is not probable
that future taxable earnings will be available against which the Company can utilize the benefits.
The Company had the following tax pools, including non‐capital loss carry‐forwards, at December 31, 2018:
Category of tax pool
Undepreciated capital costs
Canadian oil and gas property expenditures
Canadian development expenditures
Canadian exploration expenditures
Share issue costs
Non‐capital losses carried forward 1
Capital losses carried forward2
Rate of Utilization (%)
4 ‐ 100
10
30
100
20
100
2018
34,726
226,174
12,760
167
1,680
109,941
4,119
389,567
1 Non‐capital losses expire between the years 2030 and 2038.
2 The capital losses carried forward can only be claimed against taxable capital gains.
As at December 31, 2018, the unused non‐capital losses expire between 2030 and 2038, and the unused capital losses have no expiry
date. The deductible temporary differences do not expire under tax legislation. Pine Cliff has approximately $389.6 million in tax pools
as at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 ‐ $383.0 million), available for future use as deductions from taxable income.
REALIZED LOSS IN INVESTMENTS
Pine Cliff sold its investment in one public dividend paying company for proceeds of $2.3 million and realized a loss on that sale of $2.7
million during the first quarter of 2018.
15
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
EARNINGS (LOSS)
Year to year variance analysis:
($000s)
Loss for the year ended December 31, 2017
Price variance
Volume variance
Royalty expense
Transportation costs
Operating expenses
General and administrative
Depletion and depreciation
Share‐based payments
Finance expenses
Realized loss in investments
Dividend income
Deferred income expense
Impairment
Loss for the year ended December 31, 2018
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
($000s)
Exploration and evaluation
Property, plant and equipment
Capital expenditures
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Total
(67,864)
(7,542)
(10,091)
2,795
(3,792)
(303)
1,077
5,390
1,347
(612)
(2,687)
(175)
(8,062)
17,800
(72,719)
Year ended December 31,
2018
239
10,426
10,665
307
(285)
10,687
2017
79
13,398
13,477
(62)
(429)
12,986
Capital expenditures on PP&E of $10.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 were directed towards drilling nine gross
(2.0 net) wells in the Edson and Central areas for $5.9 million, facility and maintenance capital of $3.2 million, recompletions of $0.6
million and $0.7 million of other miscellaneous capital additions.
DECOMMISSIONING PROVISION
The total future decommissioning provision of $216.2 million was estimated by management based on the Company’s working interest
and estimated costs to remediate, reclaim and abandon its wells, pipelines, and facilities and estimated timing of the costs to be
incurred in future periods.
At December 31, 2018, the estimated total undiscounted and uninflated amount required to settle the decommissioning liabilities was
$264.6 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $244.3 million). The discounted and inflated amount required to settle the decommissioning
liabilities of $216.2 million has been calculated assuming a 1.88% inflation rate (December 31, 2017 – 1.72%) and discounted using
an average risk‐free interest rate of 2.88% (December 31, 2017 – 2.57%). These obligations are currently expected to be settled based
on the useful lives of the underlying assets, some of which extend beyond 35 years into the future.
16
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
DEBT, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Bank Credit Facilities
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had an $11.0 million syndicated credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with three Canadian
Financial Institutions (the “Syndicate”) (December 31, 2017 ‐ $45.0 million Credit Facility). The Credit Facility of $11.0 million consists
of a $6.0 million revolving syndicated credit facility and a $5.0 million revolving operating facility. Security consists of floating demand
debentures totaling $150.0 million and a general security agreement with first ranking over all current and acquired properties.
Amounts drawn under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2018, were $nil (December 31, 2017 ‐ $18.0 million). Borrowings under the
Credit Facility bear interest at the Canadian prime rate plus 1.5% to 4.0% or the bankers’ acceptance rates plus 2.5% to 5.0%,
depending, in each case, on the ratio of consolidated debt to EBITDA, plus applicable standby fees. EBITDA is calculated as earnings
(loss) excluding depreciation, depletion, impairment and accretion, share based payments, interest, taxes and other non‐cash items.
The Credit Facility matures July 28, 2019, and if it is not renewed it will convert to a one day term loan due on July 29, 2019. The Credit
Facility is reviewed semi‐annually on November 30th and May 31st.
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had $2.9 million in letters of credit issued against its Credit Facility (December 31, 2017 ‐ $2.0
million). The Credit Facility does not contain any financial covenants but Pine Cliff is subject to non‐financial covenants under its Credit
Facility. Compliance with these covenants is monitored on a regular basis and as at December, 2018, Pine Cliff was in compliance with
all covenants.
Letter of Credit Facility
In the first quarter of 2019, the Company entered into a $2.6 million letter of credit facility (the “LC Facility”) with a Canadian bank
which is supported by a performance guarantee from Export Development Canada. The LC Facility is for issuing letters of credit to
counterparties and is available on a demand basis. Letters of credit issued under the LC Facility incur an issuance fee of 4% per annum.
The Company transferred $1.1 million of the existing $2.9 million letters of credit to the LC Facility.
Due to Related Party Note
As at December 31, 2018, Pine Cliff had a $6.0 million promissory note outstanding to the Company’s Chairman of the Board maturing
on September 30, 2020 (“2020 Related Party Note”) that bears interest at 0.25% less than the monthly average effective interest rate
paid on the Credit Facility and is payable monthly. The 2020 Related Party Note is secured by a $6.0 million floating charge debenture
over all of the Company’s assets and is subordinated to any and all claims in favor of the Credit Facility and the holder of the $30 Million
2020 Notes and $19 Million 2022 Notes, as defined herein. Interest paid on the 2020 Related Party Note for the year December 31,
2018 was $0.3 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $0.2 million).
$6 Million Subordinated Promissory Notes due September 30, 2020
On July 29, 2016, the Company issued $6.0 million in promissory notes maturing on July 29, 2018. In July 2018, these notes were
amended to mature on September 30, 2020 (“$6 Million 2020 Notes”). The $6 Million 2020 Notes bear interest at 0.25% less than the
monthly average effective interest rate paid on the Credit Facility, payable monthly. The $6 Million 2020 Notes were issued to a
shareholder and a relative of that shareholder, owning directly or by discretion and control, greater than 10% of the Common Shares.
The $6 Million 2020 Notes are secured by a $6.0 million of floating charge debenture over all of the Company’s assets and are
subordinated to any and all claims in favor of the Credit Facility and the $30 Million 2020 Note and $19 Million 2022 Note holders.
$30 Million Subordinated Promissory Notes due September 30, 2020
On August 10, 2016, the Company issued 30,000 units (“2020 Units” or “2020 Unit”) at a price of $1,000 per 2020 Unit for aggregate
proceeds of $30.0 million. Each 2020 Unit is comprised of: (i) one promissory note with a par value of $1,000 per note and bearing
interest at 6.75% per annum ("$30 Million 2020 Note” or “$30 Million 2020 Notes"), which are payable semi‐annually; and (ii) 150
Common Share purchase warrants ("2018 Warrants"). The $30 Million 2020 Notes mature on September 30, 2020 and all or a portion
of the principal amount outstanding can be repaid earlier without penalty and the $30 Million 2020 Notes are secured by a $30.0
million floating charge debenture over all of the Company’s assets and is subordinated to any and all claims in favor of the Credit
Facility. A total of 4.5 million 2018 Warrants were issued, entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share for each 2018 Warrant
at a price of $1.38. The 2018 Warrants all expired on August 10, 2018.
The $30 Million 2020 Notes were determined to be a hybrid instrument with an embedded derivative. The fair value of the debt
component of the $30 Million 2020 Notes were determined on issuance to be 7.8%, using the effective interest rate method, by
discounting future payments of interest and principal with the residual value allocated to Warrants. The value of the debt will accrete
up to the principal balance at maturity.
17
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
$19 Million Subordinated Promissory Notes due July 31, 2022
On July 13, 2018, the Company issued 19,000 units (“2022 Units” or “2022 Unit”) at a price of $1,000 per 2022 Unit for aggregate
proceeds of $19.0 million. Each 2022 Unit is comprised of: (i) one promissory note with a par value of $1,000 per note and bearing
interest at 7.05% per annum ("$19 Million 2022 Note " or “$19 Million 2022 Notes”), which are payable semi‐annually; and (ii) 150
Common Share purchase warrants ("2021 Warrants"). The $19 Million 2022 Notes mature on July 31, 2022 and all or a portion of
the principal amount outstanding can be repaid without penalty after three years. A total of 2.85 million 2021 Warrants were issued,
entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share of Pine Cliff for each 2021 Warrant at a price of $0.51, until July 13, 2021.
The $19 Million 2022 Notes were determined to be a hybrid instrument with an embedded derivative. The fair value of the debt
component of the $19 Million 2022 Notes were determined on issuance to be 7.6%, using the effective interest rate method, by
discounting future payments of interest and principal with the residual value allocated to Warrants. The value of the debt will accrete
up to the principal balance at maturity.
Share Capital
Share capital
Common Shares
Stock options
Warrants
Capital Resources
March 13, 2019
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
307,075,787
20,545,804
2,850,000
307,075,787
21,028,804
2,850,000
307,075,787
21,316,406
4,500,000
Pine Cliff’s capital budget for 2019 has been approved by its board of directors at approximately $10.0 million, including $2.5 million
for abandonments and reclamation and before acquisitions and dispositions. Pine Cliff anticipates funding its capital budget through
adjusted funds flow. Budgeted future capital expenditures related to drilling are largely discretionary in nature and Pine Cliff is able
to adjust the nature, amount and timing of most planned capital expenditures to changes in the business and commodity price
environment.
Pine Cliff will continue to focus on additional opportunities to enhance shareholders’ long term value which could include additional
asset acquisitions or dispositions.
Liquidity
It is anticipated that cash flows from operating activities and the unused portion of the Credit Facility will allow Pine Cliff to meet its
financial liabilities, as well as fund future capital requirements, at a reasonable cost. The Company believes it has sufficient funding to
meet its obligations as they come due and, if required, would consider selling non‐core assets, additional debt financing, or issuing
equity in order to meet its future liabilities.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company financed its capital expenditures with cash flow from operating activities and
its Credit Facility.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
As at December 31, 2018, the Company has the following commitments and other contractual obligations:
($000s)
Subordinated promissory notes1
Trade and other payables
Due to related party
Future interest
Lease Obligations
Transportation2
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
‐
16,772
‐
4,229
963
9,244
36,000
‐
6,000
3,506
980
7,066
‐
‐
‐
1,340
885
6,096
19,000
‐
‐
1,005
692
5,249
‐
‐
‐
‐
517
3,168
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
12,145
Total commitments and contingencies
31,208
53,552
8,321
25,946
3,685
12,145
1 Principal amount.
2 Firm transportation agreements.
18
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
QUARTERLY TRENDS AND SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
($000s, unless otherwise indicated)
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
2018
2017
FINANCIAL
Total revenue
Cash flow from operating activities
Adjusted funds flow1
Adjusted funds flow per share –
basic and diluted ($/share)1
Impairments
Earnings (loss)
Earnings (loss) per share – basic
and diluted ($/share)
Capital expenditures
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Net debt1
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
PRODUCTION VOLUMES
Natural gas (Mcf/d)
Natural gas liquids (Bbl/d)
Crude oil (Bbl/d)
Average sales volumes (Boe/d)
28,396
1,415
4,433
24,148
(309)
1,920
20,419
531
(977)
27,100
6,979
5,137
25,444
(4,350)
3,759
23,892
5,517
2,879
0.01
‐
(28,520)
0.01
‐
(10,710)
0.00
‐
(17,909)
0.02
‐
(15,580)
0.01
‐
(32,996)
0.01
17,800
(30,214)
(0.09)
4,302
(61)
(51)
56,819
(0.03)
1,910
659
(16)
56,325
(0.06)
1,276
(3)
(135)
54,737
(0.05)
3,177
(288)
(83)
52,414
(0.11)
3,091
44
(148)
53,638
(0.10)
3,318
(9)
(65)
53,377
34,005
10,007
10,834
0.04
‐
(2,118)
(0.01)
3,267
(97)
(216)
52,562
31,735
13,835
11,233
0.04
‐
(2,536)
(0.01)
3,801
‐
‐
58,930
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
307,076
110,295
957
236
19,576
111,067
861
231
19,603
110,242
967
216
19,557
112,871
977
219
20,008
122,304
880
225
21,489
124,450
998
123
21,863
119,410
912
263
21,077
120,677
903
198
21,214
Average sales volumes (Mcfe/d)
117,456
117,618
117,342
120,048
128,934
131,178
126,462
127,284
PRICES AND NETBACKS
Total oil and gas sales ($/Boe)
Operating netback ($/Boe)1
Corporate netback ($/Boe)1
Total oil and gas sales ($/Mcfe)
Operating netback ($/Mcfe)1
16.72
3.56
2.46
2.79
0.59
14.21
2.34
1.06
2.37
0.39
12.33
0.72
(0.55)
2.06
0.12
Corporate netback ($/Mcfe)1
(0.09)
1 This is a non‐GAAP measure, see NON‐GAAP MEASURES for additional information.
0.41
0.18
16.50
4.04
2.86
2.75
0.67
0.48
14.50
2.85
1.90
2.49
0.48
0.32
12.75
2.30
1.44
2.13
0.38
0.24
18.55
7.41
5.65
3.09
1.24
0.94
18.41
7.14
5.88
3.07
1.19
0.98
Over the past eight quarters, Pine Cliff’s revenues, cash flow from operating activities, adjusted funds flow, and earnings (losses) have
fluctuated primarily due to changes in commodity prices and sales volumes. Earnings (losses) also fluctuate with non‐cash
expenditures, including depletion, depreciation, impairments and deferred income taxes. Selected highlights for the past eight quarters
are presented below:
Sales volumes decreased from the first quarter of 2017 until the second quarter of 2017, mainly related to natural production
declines. Average sales volumes increased in the third quarter of 2017 due to a successful recompletion program in the
Company’s Central Area. Average sales volumes decreased in the fourth quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2018
related to natural production declines and short term production outages, primarily due to voluntary shut‐ins in response to
low natural gas commodity prices. Average sales volumes increased in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the second
quarter of 2018, mainly due to realizing a full quarter of production from wells drilled in the first half of 2018. Average sales
volumes decreased in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2018 due to natural production declines,
partially offset by production from fourth quarter 2018 capital projects.
Adjusted funds flow of $11.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 was the highest in the eight quarters presented as a result of
the highest natural gas prices in the eight quarters. Adjusted funds flow decreased from the first quarter of 2017 through the
third quarter of 2017, largely a result of fluctuations in natural gas prices and sales volumes. Adjusted funds flow increased
19
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
from in the fourth quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018 as a result of higher natural gas prices, slightly offset by lower
sales volumes. Adjusted funds flow decreased from the first quarter of 2018 to the second quarter of 2018, mainly as a result
of lower commodity prices and sales volumes. Adjusted funds flow increased from the third quarter of 2018 to the fourth
quarter of 2018 compared to the second quarter of 2018, mainly as a result of higher commodity prices.
Loss of $2.1 million in the second quarter of 2018 was the lowest in the eight quarters presented as a result of that quarter
having the highest natural gas price in the eight quarters. Losses decreased from the first and second quarters of 2017,
primarily as a result of higher oil and gas sales, slightly offset by a decrease in sales volumes. Losses increased in the third
quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2017, primarily as a result of impairment and lower commodity prices,
slightly offset by higher sales volumes. Losses increased in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2017,
primarily as a result of a deferred income tax expense. Losses decreased in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the fourth
quarter of 2017, mainly as a result of higher oil and gas revenues and a lower deferred income tax expense. Losses increased
in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2018, mainly as a result of lower oil and gas revenues. Losses
decreased from the second quarter of 2018 to the third quarter of 2018, mainly as a result of higher commodity prices and
higher sales volumes. Losses increased from the third quarter of 2018 to the fourth quarter of 2018 compared as a result of
a deferred income tax expense, slightly offset by higher commodity prices.
Total revenue of $34.0 million in the second quarter of 2017 was the highest in the eight quarters presented due to high
natural gas prices. Total revenues have fluctuated from the first quarter of 2017 to the third quarter of 2018, mainly as a
result of changes in commodity prices and sales volumes. Total revenues increased in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared
to the third quarter of 2018, mainly as a result of higher commodity prices, slightly offset by lower sales volumes.
OFF BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS
Pine Cliff was not involved in any off‐balance sheet transactions during the periods presented, nor has it entered into any such
arrangements as of the effective date of this MD&A.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Financial instruments of the Company consist of cash, trade and other receivables, investments, trade and other payables, due to
related party, subordinated promissory notes, and bank debt. The carrying values of cash, trade and other receivables and trade and
other payables approximate their respective fair values due to their short‐term to maturity. The carrying values of due to related party,
subordinated promissory notes, and bank debt approximate their respective fair values due to their interest rates reflecting current
market conditions.
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value are classified into levels, reflecting the method used to make the
measurements. Level 1 fair value measurements are based on quoted prices that 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. Pine Cliff has no level 2 or level 3 financial instruments. Assessment of the significance of a
particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy level.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows from operating activities of the Company’s financial instruments will
fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Components of market risk to which Pine Cliff is exposed are discussed below.
Commodity Price Risk
The Company is exposed to commodity price risk since its revenues are dependent on the prices of crude oil and natural gas.
Commodity prices have fluctuated widely during recent years due to global and regional factors including, but not limited to, supply
and demand, inventory levels, weather, economic changes and geopolitical factors and instability. Changes in oil and natural gas prices
may have a significant effect, positively or negatively, on the ability of the Company to meet its obligations, capital spending targets
and expected operational results. A material decline or extended period of low oil or natural gas prices could result in a reduction of
net production revenue. The economics of producing from some wells may change because of lower prices, which could result in
reduced production of oil or natural gas and a reduction in the volumes of Pine Cliff’s reserves. Management may also elect not to
produce from certain wells at lower prices.
20
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
Physical Sales Contracts
At December 31, 2018, the Company had the following physical natural gas sales contracts in place:
Contractual Term
January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019
January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019
January 1, 2019 to March 31, 20193
January 1, 2019 to March 31, 20193
Delivery Point
AECO
DAWN2
EMPRESS
EMPRESS
Physical Delivery
Quantity (GJ/day)
5,000
4,000
2,500
2,500
Fixed Sale Price
($CAD/GJ)
$2.46
$5.30
+$2.60
+$3.35
Fixed Sale Price
($CAD/Mcf)1
$2.58
$5.57
+$2.73
+$3.52
1 Price has been converted from $/GJ to $/Mcf by multiplying by 1.05.
2 Dawn Hub into Dawn Township, Ontario.
3 AECO 5A plus listed premium.
Subsequent to December 31, 2018, the Company entered into the following additional physical natural gas sales contracts in place:
Contractual Term
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
Delivery Point
Physical Delivery
Quantity (GJ/day)
AECO
AECO
DAWN2
DAWN2
AECO
5,000
5,000
4,000
4,000
2,500
Fixed Sale Price
($CAD/GJ)
$1.20
$1.29
$3.40
$3.44
$1.33
Fixed Sale Price
($CAD/Mcf)1
$1.26
$1.35
$3.57
$3.62
$1.40
1 Price has been converted from $/GJ to $/Mcf by multiplying by 1.05.
2 Dawn Hub into Dawn Township, Ontario.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is principally exposed to interest rate risk to the extent it draws on its variable rate debt less cash. Changes in market
interest rates could affect the cash flow from operating activities associated with variable rate debt. If interest rates applicable to Pine
Cliff’s variable rate debt less cash increased or decreased by one percent, it is estimated that Pine Cliff’s loss for the year ended
December 31, 2018, would have increased or decreased, respectively, by $0.1 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $0.3 million).
Equity Price Risk
Equity price risk refers to the risk that the fair value of investments will fluctuate due to changes in equity markets for each company.
Equity price risk is also influenced from the estimated realizable value of investments that the Company holds.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company and its share price are exposed to risk on foreign exchange rates because the oil and natural gas prices it receives are
indirectly determined in reference to United States dollar denominated commodity prices. The Company manages this risk by
monitoring the foreign exchange rate and evaluating its effect on cash flow from operating activities. Pine Cliff has not entered into
any derivative financial instruments to manage this risk at this time.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that a third party will not complete its contractual obligations under a financial instrument and cause the
Company to incur a financial loss. Pine Cliff’s maximum exposure to credit risk is the sum of the carrying values of its trade and other
receivables, commodity contracts and cash, which are a reflection of management’s assessment of the associated maximum exposure
to such credit risk.
To mitigate the credit risk on its cash, the Company maintains its cash balances with major Canadian chartered banks. To mitigate the
credit risk on trade and other receivables and commodity contracts, Pine Cliff assesses the financial strength of its counterparties and
enters into relationships with larger purchasers with established credit histories.
The Company’s trade and other receivables balance at December 31, 2018 of $13.5 million (December 31, 2017 – $15.1 million),
primarily with oil and gas marketers, joint venture partners and crown royalty credits with the Province of Alberta. Amounts due from
these parties have generally been received within 30 to 60 days. When determining whether amounts that are past due are collectible,
management assesses the creditworthiness and past payment history of the counterparty, as well as the nature of the past due amount.
21
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
The Company generally considers amounts greater than 90 days to be past due. As at December 31, 2018, there was $1.0 million
(December 31, 2017 ‐ $0.5 million) of trade and other receivables over 90 days. Pine Cliff assesses its trade and other receivables
quarterly to determine if there has been any impairment. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $0.3
million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $0.2 million) of bad debt expense against trade and other accounts receivables.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that Pine Cliff will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due. Pine Cliff manages its
liquidity risk through actively managing it capital, which it defines as cash, debt and equity. Capital management strategies include
continuously monitoring forecasted and actual cash flow from operating, financing and investing activities, available credit under the
Credit Facility, and opportunities to issue additional equity. Pine Cliff actively monitors its credit and working capital to ensure that it
has sufficient available funds to meet its financial requirements at a reasonable cost. Management believes that funds generated from
these sources currently will be adequate to settle Pine Cliff’s financial liabilities.
The Company currently has an $11.0 million Credit Facility, as defined herein, of which none was drawn at December 31, 2018. The
unused portion of the Credit Facility and cash provided by operating activities are expected to allow Pine Cliff to meet its financial
liabilities, as well as future capital requirements. There is a risk that the borrowing base of the Credit Facility could be reduced or
withdrawn, which may create liquidity risk. Additionally, Pine Cliff has a $6.0 million promissory note and a $6.0 million subordinated
promissory note that are both due on September 30, 2020 and if this Credit Facility along with the promissory notes are not renewed
it may create liquidity risk. If required, Pine Cliff will also consider additional short‐term financing or issuing equity in order to meet
its future liabilities.
The Credit Facility matures July 28, 2019. The lenders review the Credit Facility semi‐annually on May 31st and November 30th, with
the next review scheduled for May 31, 2019. In the event the Credit Facility is not extended, indebtedness under the Credit Facility will
become due and repayable on July 29, 2019. There is also a risk that the Credit Facilities will not be renewed for the same amount or
on the same terms or that the lenders reduce the borrowing base as a result of their regularly scheduled borrowing base review. Any
of these events could affect Pine Cliff’s ability to fund ongoing operations.
RISK FACTORS
Certain activities of the Company are affected by factors that are beyond its control or influence. Additional risks and uncertainties that
management may be unaware of, or that they determine to be immaterial may also become important factors which affect the
Company. Along with the risks discussed in this MD&A, other business risks faced by the Company may be found under “Risk Factors”
in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form which is available under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com or by
contacting the Company.
Operational
This category encompasses a number of risks. Wells may produce at lower initial production rates than planned, or face steeper decline
rates. Operating costs can increase due to such considerations as unanticipated workovers or higher than expected costs associated
with corrosion. Pine Cliff follows prudent industry practices with respect to insurance where practicable and as guided by external
experts, but cannot fully insure against all risks. With respect to non‐insurable operating risks, the Company has attempted to design
business process controls and accountability to identify problems at the earliest possible occasion and implement solutions. However,
investors must appreciate that operational risk is very much a characteristic of the business, and can never be entirely eliminated.
Reserves
The Company retains independent reserve evaluators and had 100% of the reserves reviewed. The methodologies used assess the
certainty of recovery on reserve categories under National Instrument 51‐101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51‐
101”). As per NI 51‐101, there is a 90% probability of attaining proven reserves and a 50% probability of attaining the proven plus
probable reserves assigned. The Company plans to fund additional drilling and infrastructure expenditures from internal funds flows
from operations, as well as the Credit Facility, in order to achieve the reserve assignments. There remains a probability that for
technical or economic reasons, the reserves assigned may not be attained. Pine Cliff believes this risk is moderate to low as it is
operating in well‐established environments. As with operational risk, however, Pine Cliff again cautions investors that reserve risk is
endemic and cannot be eliminated.
Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Risks
Safety, environmental and regulatory risks are the risks of loss or lost opportunity resulting from changes to laws governing safety, the
environment, royalties and taxation. Safety, environmental and regulatory risks Pine Cliff is exposed to include: aboriginal land claims;
uncertainties associated with regulatory approvals; uncertainty of government policy changes; the risk of carrying out operations with
22
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
minimal environmental impact; changes in or adoption of new laws and regulations or changes in how they are interpreted or enforced;
obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities and stakeholder support for activities and growth plans.
In November 2015, the Province of Alberta released its Climate Leadership Plan which will impact businesses that contribute to carbon
emissions in Alberta. The plan's four key areas include imposing carbon pricing that is applied across all sectors, starting at $20 per
tonne on January 1, 2017 and moving to $30 per tonne on January 1, 2018, and a 45 percent reduction in methane emissions by the oil
and gas sector by 2025. The Company is currently monitoring developments in this plan and will evaluate the expected impact of the
plan on its results of operations.
In October 2016, the Government of Canada announced a pan‐Canadian approach to the pricing of carbon emissions. The plan includes
imposing carbon pricing beginning at a minimum of $10 per tonne in 2018 and rising by $10 per tonne each year to $50 per tonne in
2022. Provinces and territories have a year to introduce their own carbon pricing or adopt a cap‐and trade system that meets or
exceeds the federal benchmark. If provinces and territories fail to implement a price or cap‐and‐trade plan by 2018, the Government
of Canada has indicated that they will implement a price in that jurisdiction.
The Government of Alberta has indicated that it intends to meet the federal carbon pricing guidelines, and accordingly the Government
of Canada proposals are not expected to significantly impact the Company’s results of operations. However, both the Government of
Alberta and Government of Canada’s approaches to pricing of carbon emissions could nonetheless have material adverse effects on the
Company’s results of operations, which may include, but are not limited to: increased compliance costs, permitting delays, substantial
costs to generate or purchase applicable emission credits or allowance, all of which may increase operating expenses.
The oil and gas industry activities entail numerous environmental impacts which can be detrimental. Even normal operations can
generate carbon emissions. Wells can blow out, or pipelines can fail with consequent contamination of soil, air, and water. A small
number of Pine Cliff’s wells produce natural gas with a high content of hydrogen sulphide, which is poisonous and can be fatal, thus
requiring the highest standards of operational responsibility and emergency response practices and procedures.
Resource industries in Canada are subject to extensive environmental legislation and regulations at Federal, Provincial, and Municipal
levels. Thus, the Company is at risk not only to the cost of the incidents themselves, but to various sanctions which can be imposed by
governments or government instrumentalities. The Company expects that environmental legislation and regulations will continue to
be assessed, may become stricter over time, and that the costs of compliance may grow. The international and domestic debate upon
controls of greenhouse gas emissions will continue, with unpredictable but potentially material consequences for the oil and gas
industry and its participants.
To mitigate environmental risk the Company conducts its operations to target compliance with government regulations and guidelines.
Monitoring and reporting programs for environmental health and safety performance in day‐to‐day operations, as well as inspections
and assessments, are designed to provide assurance that to the best of the Company’s ability, environmental and regulatory standards
are met.
Staffing
Pine Cliff functions in a very competitive environment for professional staff, and this staff is key to the Company’s ultimate success.
Recognizing this, Pine Cliff’s board of directors approved a competitive compensation program including bonuses based on the annual
adjusted funds flow performance of the Company, benefits and a stock option program to provide for long‐term incentives and to retain
staff.
To date, Pine Cliff has found that it has been able to attract qualified individuals to complement its existing team and to build strength
in areas where required.
Fiscal Environment
Resource industries are subject to payments to various levels of government, predominantly corporate income taxes to the federal and
provincial governments and royalties to provincial governments. In recent years, while the corporate income tax regime has been
stable, the royalty regime has not been. A series of changes have had at times both positive and negative effects, but have certainly
served to emphasize the materiality of this risk. There is potential for additional future changes to the taxation and royalty regime in
Alberta and Saskatchewan and corresponding changes in other jurisdictions where Pine Cliff may operate has created uncertainty
surrounding the ability to accurately estimate future taxation and royalties, resulting in additional volatility and uncertainty in the oil
and gas market. As a single company, we have no ability to mitigate this risk other than through geographic diversification.
23
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
Management believes that the most critical accounting policies that may have an impact on the Company’s financial results are those
that specifically relate to the accounting for its oil and gas interests, including amounts recorded for depletion and the impairment test
which are both based on estimates of proved and probable reserves, production rates, oil prices, future costs and other relevant
assumptions. Actual results could differ materially from such judgments or estimates.
Judgments
Cash Generating Units
Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”) are defined as the lowest grouping of integrated assets that generate identifiable cash inflows that are
largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets. The classification of assets into CGUs requires significant
judgment and interpretations with respect to the integration between assets, the existence of active markets, external users, share
infrastructures and the way in which management monitors Pine Cliff’s operations.
Impairment indicators
Judgments are required to assess when impairment indicators exist and impairment testing is required. When assessing the
recoverability of petroleum and natural gas properties, each CGU’s carrying value is compared to its recoverable amount, defined as
the greater of its fair value less cost to sell and value in use. In determining the recoverable amount of assets, in the absence of quoted
market prices, impairment tests are based on reserve estimates, market value of undeveloped lands and other relevant assumptions.
Estimates
Reserves
Petroleum and natural gas reserves are used in the calculation of depletion, impairment and impairment reversals and are depleted
on a unit of production basis at a rate calculated by reference to proved and probable reserves determined in accordance with NI 51‐
101 which incorporate the estimated future cost of developing and extracting those reserves. Reserve estimates and their resulting
cash flows are based on engineering data, probability assessments of reserve recoveries, future prices and costs, future production
rates, discount rates and the timing and extent of future capital expenditures, all of which are subject to many uncertainties and
interpretation. Management expects that over time Pine Cliff’s reserve estimates will be revised, either upward or downward, based
on updated information such as the results of future drilling, production costs, testing and production levels and changes to forward
petroleum and natural gas prices.
Exploration and evaluation assets
The application of the Company’s accounting policy for E&E expenditures requires judgment in determining whether it is likely that
future economic benefit exists when activities have not reached a stage where technical feasibility and commercial viability can be
reasonably determined. Factors such as drilling results, future capital programs, future operating expenses, as well as estimated
reserves are considered. In addition, management uses judgment to determine when E&E assets are reclassified to PP&E.
Decommissioning provision
Decommissioning, abandonment and site reclamation expenditures will be incurred by the Company at the end of the operating life of
the Company’s facilities and properties. Decommissioning expenditures are uncertain and cost estimates can vary in response to many
factors including changes to relevant legal requirements, the emergence of new restoration techniques, experience at other production
sites, and changes to the credit‐adjusted risk‐free discount rate and expected inflation rate. The expected timing and amount of
expenditures can also change, for example, in response to changes in reserves or changes in laws and regulations or their
interpretation. As a result, there could be significant adjustments to the provisions established which would affect future financial
results.
Deferred income taxes
The Company recognizes the net deferred tax benefit related to deferred tax assets to the extent that it is probable that the deductible
temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future. Assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets requires the Company
to make significant estimates related to expectations of future taxable income. Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecast
cash flow from operating activities and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flow from
24
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
operating activities and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Company to realize the net deferred tax
assets recorded at the reporting date could be impacted. Additionally, future changes in tax laws in the jurisdictions in which the
Company operates could limit the ability of the Company to obtain tax deductions in future periods.
Share‐based payments
All equity‐settled, share‐based awards issued by the Company are recorded at fair value 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.
Contingencies
By their nature, contingencies will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The assessment of
contingencies inherently involves the exercise of significant judgment and estimates of the outcome of future events.
ACCOUNTING POLICY AND STANDARD CHANGES
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2018 the Company adopted IFRS 9. IFRS 9 replaces the sections of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and
Measurements.
IFRS 9 includes a new classification and measurement approach for financial assets and a forward‐looking 'expected credit loss' model.
IFRS 9 replaces the multiple classification and measurements models for financial assets with a new model that only has two
measurements categories; amortized cost and fair value through profit or loss or other comprehensive income (loss). This
determination is made at initial recognition. As a result of adopting IFRS 9, the Company’s accounts receivables were reclassified from
loans and receivables at amortized cost to financial assets at amortized cost. For financial liabilities, the new standard retains most of
the IAS 39 requirements. The main change arises in cases where the Company chooses to designate a financial liability as fair value
through earnings (loss). In these situations, the portion of the fair value change related to the Company’s own credit risk is recognized
in FVOCI. The Company has no financial liabilities that are measured at fair value through net earnings.
The classification of the Company’s investments changed from available‐for‐sale to financial assets measured at fair value. On the day
an investment is acquired the Company can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument by instrument basis) to designate
investments in equity instruments as at FVTPL, provided those investments are not recorded as FVOCI. The Company’s investments
will be measured at FVTPL, with gains or losses arising from changes in fair value recognized in the statements of comprehensive loss.
The Company has designated its investment as FVTPL on its initial adoption of IFRS 9. The adoption of IFRS 9 did not have a material
impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”)
Effective January 1, 2018 the Company adopted IFRS 15 using a modified retrospective approach. IFRS 15 replaces IAS 18 Revenue,
IAS 11 Construction Contracts, and related interpretations. IFRS 15 provides a single, principles‐based five‐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.
Revenue Recognition Policy
Revenue associated with the sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids is measured based on the consideration specified in
contracts with customers. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when Pine Cliff satisfies a performance obligation by
transferring a promised good or service to a customer. A good or service is transferred when the customer obtains control of that good
or service. The transfer of control of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids usually coincides with title passing to the customer and
the customer taking physical possession. The Company principally satisfies its performance obligations at a point in time and the
amounts of revenue recognized relating to performance obligations satisfied over time are not significant. Collection of revenue
associated with the sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids occurs on or about the 25th of the month following production.
Pine Cliff enters into physical delivery sales contracts to manage commodity price risk. These contracts are considered normal
executory sales contracts and are not recorded at fair value through profit or loss.
25
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
Future Accounting Changes
IFRS 16 Leases (“IFRS 16”)
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, which replaces IAS 17 Leases. IFRS 16 requires the recognition of lease assets and liabilities
on the balance sheet for most leases, where the entity is acting as a lessee. For lessees applying IFRS 16, the dual classification model
of leases as either operating leases or finance leases no longer exists, effectively treating all leases as finance leases. Certain short‐term
leases (less than 12 months) and leases of low‐value assets less than $5,000 USD are exempt from the balance sheet recognition
requirements, and may continue to be treated as operating leases. Lessors will continue with the dual classification model for leases
and the accounting for lessors remains virtually unchanged.
The standard will come into effect for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted if the
entity is also applying IFRS 15. IFRS 16 is required to be adopted either retrospectively or using a modified retrospective approach.
The modified retrospective approach does not require restatement of prior period financial information as it recognizes the cumulative
effect as an adjustment to opening retained earnings and applies the standard prospectively.
IFRS 16 will be applied by Pine Cliff on January 1, 2019. The Company will adopt IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach,
whereby the initial effect of applying the standard is estimated to have an impact on the Financial Statements. The impact on the
opening balance sheet at January 1, 2019, is expected to increase PP&E and a corresponding increase to accounts payable and finance
lease obligations. Interest expense will be recognized on the lease obligation and lease payments will be applied against the lease
obligation and accounts payable.
CONTROL ENVIRONMENT
Disclosure controls and procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”), as defined in National Instrument 52‐109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual
and Interim Filings, are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s annual
filings, interim filings or other reports filed, or submitted by the Company under securities legislation is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified under securities legislation and include controls and procedures designed
to ensure that information required to be so disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive
Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The
CEO and the CFO of Pine Cliff evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s DC&P. Based on that evaluation,
the CEO and CFO concluded that Pine Cliff’s DC&P were effective as at December 31, 2018.
Internal control over financial reporting
Internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”), as defined in National Instrument 52‐109, includes those policies and procedures
that:
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of
assets of Pine Cliff;
are designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of Financial
Statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of Pine Cliff are
being made in accordance with authorizations of management of Pine Cliff; and
are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Financial Statements.
The CEO and CFO have designed, or caused to be designed under their supervision, ICFR as defined in National Instrument 52‐109 of
the Canadian Securities Administrators, in order to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of Financial Statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. The control framework the Company used to
design its ICFR was in accordance with the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission “COSO 2013”.
The Company’s CEO and CFO have evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under their supervision, the effectiveness of the Company’s
internal controls over financial reporting at the financial period end of the Company and concluded that such internal controls over
financial reporting are effective. It should be noted that while Pine Cliff’s CEO and CFO believe that the Company’s internal controls
and procedures provide a reasonable level of assurance and are effective, however they do not expect that these controls will prevent
all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance
that its objectives are met.
26
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
NON‐GAAP MEASURES
This MD&A uses the terms “adjusted funds flow”, “operating netbacks”, “corporate netbacks” and “net debt” which are not recognized
measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company uses these
measures to evaluate its performance, leverage and liquidity. These measures should not be considered as an alternative to, or more
meaningful than, IFRS measures including earnings (loss), cash flow from operating activities, or total liabilities.
Adjusted Funds Flow
The Company considers adjusted funds flow a key performance measure as it demonstrates the Company’s ability to generate the
funds necessary to repay debt and fund future growth through capital investment. Adjusted funds flow and adjusted funds flow per
share and per Boe or Mcfe should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flow from operating activities
presented on the statement of cash flow which is considered the most directly comparable measure under IFRS. Adjusted funds flow
is calculated as cash flow from operating activities before changes in non‐cash working capital and decommissioning obligations
settled. Adjusted funds flow per share is calculated using the same weighted average number of shares outstanding as in the case of
the earnings per share calculation for a reporting period. Adjusted funds flow per Boe or Mcfe is calculated using the sales volumes
reported for a reporting period. Pine Cliff’s method of calculating this measure may differ from other companies, and accordingly, it
may not be comparable to measures used by other companies.
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
($000s)
Cash flow from operating activities
Adjusted by:
Change in non‐cash working capital
Decommissioning obligation settled
Adjusted funds flow
Adjusted funds flow ($/Boe)
Adjusted funds flow ($/Mcfe)
Adjusted funds flow – basic and diluted
($/share)
Operating and Corporate Netback
2017 % Change
(4,350)
(133)
2017 % Change
25,009
(66)
2018
1,415
2,281
737
4,433
2.46
0.41
6,891
1,218
3,759
1.90
0.32
(67)
(39)
18
29
29
‐
0.01
0.01
2018
8,616
(833)
2,730
1,313
2,383
10,513
28,705
1.47
0.25
0.03
3.68
0.61
0.09
(163)
15
(63)
(60)
(60)
(67)
The Company considers operating netback to be a key indicator of profitability relative to current commodity prices. Operating
netback and operating netback per Boe and per Mcfe are calculated as the sum of oil and gas sales, less royalties, transportation and
operating expenses on an absolute and a per Boe or per Mcfe basis, respectively. Company management uses operating netback on a
per Boe basis in operational and capital allocation decisions.
The Company considers corporate netback to be a key indicator of overall results. Corporate netback on an absolute dollar and
corporate netback per Boe and per Mcfe are calculated as operating netback, less G&A and interest expense plus dividend income.
Pine Cliff uses these measures to assist in understanding the Company’s ability to generate positive cash flow from operating activities
at current commodity prices and it provides an analytical tool to benchmark changes in operational performance against prior periods.
Readers are cautioned, however, that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to other terms such as earnings (loss)
determined in accordance with IFRS as a measure of performance. Pine Cliff’s method of calculating these measures may differ from
other companies, and accordingly, it may not be comparable to measures used by other companies.
27
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
Three months ended December 31,
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
$ Change
2018
2017
$ Change
16.72
(0.95)
(1.80)
(10.41)
3.56
(0.42)
14.50
(1.06)
(1.34)
(9.25)
2.85
(0.55)
2.22
0.11
(0.46)
(1.16)
0.71
0.13
14.95
(1.02)
(1.74)
(9.51)
2.68
(0.67)
16.00
(1.30)
(1.12)
(8.70)
4.88
(0.76)
(0.68)
(0.40)
(0.28)
(0.54)
(0.44)
2.46
0.59
0.41
1.90
0.48
0.32
0.56
0.11
0.09
1.47
0.45
0.25
3.68
0.81
0.61
(1.05)
0.28
(0.62)
(0.81)
(2.20)
0.09
(0.10)
(2.21)
(0.36)
(0.36)
($ per Boe, unless otherwise indicated)
Oil and gas sales
Royalty expense
Transportation costs
Operating expenses
Operating netback
General and administrative
Interest and bank charges, net of
dividend income
Corporate netback
Operating netback ($ per Mcfe)
Corporate netback ($ per Mcfe)
Net Debt
The Company considers net debt to be a key indicator of leverage. Net debt is calculated as the sum of bank debt, amounts due to
related party, subordinated promissory notes and trade and other payables less trade and other receivables, cash, prepaid expenses
and deposits, and investments as shown in the table below:
($000s)
Bank debt
Due to related party – due September 30, 2020
Subordinated promissory notes1
Trade and other payables
Less:
Trade and other receivables
Cash
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Investments
Net debt
Year ended December 31,
2018
‐
6,000
55,000
16,772
(13,536)
(3,563)
(3,854)
‐
56,819
2017
18,000
5,000
36,000
17,288
(15,148)
(1,075)
(3,882)
(2,545)
53,638
$ Change
(18,000)
1,000
19,000
(516)
1,612
(2,488)
28
2,545
3,181
1 The subordinated promissory notes for net debt are presented at the principal amount with $36.0 million due on September 30, 2020 and $19.0
million due on July 31, 2022.
Net debt is not a recognized measure under IFRS and Pine Cliff’s method of calculating this measure may differ from other companies,
and accordingly, it may not be comparable to measures used by other companies.
28
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2018
FORWARD‐LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained in this MD&A include statements which contain words such as “anticipate”, “could”, “should”, “expect”,
“seek”, “may”, “intend”, “likely”, “will”, “believe” and similar expressions, statements relating to matters that are not historical facts,
and such statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the
future, constitute “forward‐looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and are based on
certain assumptions and analysis made by us derived from our experience and perceptions. Forward‐looking information in the MD&A
and Annual MD&A includes, but is not limited to: expected production levels, expected operating costs, expected transportation costs,
royalty and G&A levels; future capital expenditures, including the amount and nature thereof; future acquisition opportunities
including Pine Cliff’s ability to execute on those opportunities; future drilling opportunities and Pine Cliff’s ability to generate reserves
and production from the undrilled locations; ability to implement a dividend or buy back shares; oil and natural gas prices and demand;
expansion and other development trends of the oil and natural gas industry; business strategy and guidance; expansion and growth of
our business and operations; amounts drawn on Pine Cliff’s credit facility and repayment thereof; amounts due to related party and
due pursuant to subordinated promissory notes and repayment thereof; maintenance of existing customer, supplier and partner
relationships; supply channels; accounting policies; risks; Pine Cliff’s ability to generate cash flow from operating activities and
adjusted funds flow; and other such matters.
All such forward‐looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and
perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are
appropriate in the circumstances. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions are difficult to predict and may affect operations, and may
include, without limitation: foreign exchange fluctuations; equipment and labour shortages and inflationary costs; general economic
conditions; industry conditions; changes in applicable environmental, taxation and other laws and regulations as well as how such
laws and regulations are interpreted and enforced; the ability of oil and natural gas companies to raise capital; the effect of weather
conditions on operations and facilities; the existence of operating risks; volatility of oil and natural gas prices; oil and gas product
supply and demand; risks inherent in the ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities to meet current and future
obligations; increased competition; stock market volatility; opportunities available to or pursued by us; and other factors, many of
which are beyond our control. The foregoing factors are not exhaustive.
Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward‐looking
information and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward‐looking information will
transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits will be derived there from. Except as required by law, Pine Cliff disclaims any
intention or obligation to update or revise any forward‐looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
Undrilled locations consist of drilling and recompletion locations booked in the independent reserve report dated February 12, 2018
prepared by McDaniel & Associates Consultants Limited and unbooked drilling and recompletion locations. Unbooked drilling and
recompletion locations are internal estimates based on evaluation of geologic, reserves and spacing based on industry practice. There
is no guarantee that Pine Cliff will drill these locations and there is no certainty that the drilling or completing of these locations will
result in additional reserves and production or achieve expected internal rates of return. Pine Cliff activity depends on availability of
capital, regulatory approvals, commodity prices, drilling costs and other factors.
Natural gas liquids and oil volumes are recorded in barrels of oil (“Bbl”) and are converted to a thousand cubic feet equivalent (“Mcfe”)
using a ratio of one (1) Bbl to six (6) thousand cubic feet. Natural gas volumes recorded in thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) are converted
to barrels of oil equivalent (“Boe”) using the ratio of six (6) thousand cubic feet to one (1) Bbl. This conversion ratio is based on energy
equivalence primarily at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. The terms Boe or Mcfe may be
misleading, particularly if used in isolation.
Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy
equivalency of oil, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.
The forward‐looking information contained in this MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
29
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
Management is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the consolidated financial statements together with all operational
and other financial information contained in the annual report. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by
management in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board and utilize the best estimates and careful judgments of Management where appropriate. Operational and other financial
information contained throughout the annual report is consistent with that provided in the consolidated financial statements.
Management has developed and maintains a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that all transactions
are accurate and reliably recorded, that the consolidated financial statements accurately report the Company’s operating and financial
results within acceptable limits of materiality, that all other operational and financial information presented is accurate and that the
Company’s assets are properly safeguarded.
The Audit Committee, comprised of non‐management directors, acts on behalf of the Board of Directors to ensure that management
fulfills its financial reporting and internal control responsibilities. The Audit Committee meets regularly with management and the
external auditors to discuss financial reporting and internal control matters and ensures each party is properly discharging its
responsibilities. The Audit Committee reviewed the consolidated financial statements with Management and the external auditors and
recommended approval to the Board of Directors, who approved these consolidated financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements have been audited by Deloitte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards on behalf of the shareholders and have unlimited and unrestricted access to the Audit
Committee.
“Signed Philip B. Hodge”
“Signed Cheryne A. Lowe”
Philip B. Hodge, President and Chief Executive Officer
Cheryne A. Lowe, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate
Secretary
30
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
2018
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
To the Shareholders of Pine Cliff Energy Ltd.
Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Pine Cliff Energy Ltd. (the “Company”), which comprise the consolidated
statements of financial position as at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss,
consolidated statements of changes in equity and consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended, and notes to the
consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies (collectively referred to as the “financial
statements”).
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as
at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards (“Canadian GAAS”). Our responsibilities
under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our
report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial
statements in Canada, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that
the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Other Information
Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises:
● Management’s Discussion and Analysis
●
The information, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon, in the Annual Report.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express any form of assurance
conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information
identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or
our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
We obtained Management’s Discussion and Analysis prior to the date of this auditor’s report. If, based on the work we have performed
on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that
fact in this auditor’s report. We have nothing to report in this regard.
The Annual Report is expected to be made available to us after the date of the auditor’s report. If, based on the work we will perform
on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that
fact to those charged with governance.
Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and for such
internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern,
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either
intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high
level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian GAAS will always detect a material
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial
statements.
31
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
2018
As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian GAAS, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism
throughout the audit. We also:
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related
●
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design
and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to
provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one
resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of
internal control.
●
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Company’s
internal control.
●
disclosures made by management.
●
Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on
the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to
draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s
report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
●
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and
whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair
presentation.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our
independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is David Langlois.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Calgary, Alberta
March 13, 2019
32
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Canadian dollars, 000s)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash
Trade and other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Investments
Total current assets
Exploration and evaluation
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred income taxes
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Bank debt
Due to related party
Subordinated promissory notes
Decommissioning provision
Total current liabilities
Due to related party
Subordinated promissory notes
Decommissioning provision
Total liabilities
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital
Warrants
Contributed surplus
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Deficit
Total shareholders' equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
Note
7, 18
8
9
10
11
6
12
13
14
15
13
14
15
16
As at December 31,
2017
2018
3,563
13,536
3,854
‐
20,953
22,620
310,642
‐
354,215
16,772
‐
‐
‐
2,466
19,238
6,000
54,280
213,723
293,241
268,743
288
12,515
‐
(220,572)
60,974
354,215
1,075
15,148
3,882
2,545
22,650
29,387
323,958
29,233
405,228
17,288
18,000
5,000
6,000
1,309
47,597
‐
29,307
199,231
276,135
268,743
958
9,326
(2,081)
(147,853)
129,093
405,228
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:
“Signed George F. Fink”
George F. Fink, Director
33
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
“Signed Randy M. Jarock”
Randy M. Jarock, Director
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Canadian dollars, 000s except per share data)
REVENUE
Oil and gas sales
Royalty expense
Oil and gas sales, net of royalties
Dividend income
Total revenue
EXPENSES
Operating
Transportation
Depletion and depreciation
Impairment
Share‐based payments
Finance
General and administrative
Realized loss on investments
Total expenses
Loss before income taxes
Deferred income tax expense
LOSS FOR THE YEAR
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized loss on investments
Deferred income taxes on unrealized loss on investments
Amounts reclassified from comprehensive loss
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE YEAR, NET OF TAX
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE YEAR
Loss per share ($)
Basic and diluted
Note
17
10
10
16
18
19
8
11
Years ended December 31,
2018
2017
107,385
(7,357)
100,028
35
100,063
68,332
12,525
43,760
‐
2,231
9,511
4,838
2,687
143,884
(43,821)
(28,898)
(72,719)
(2,081)
‐
2,081
‐
(72,719)
125,018
(10,152)
114,866
210
115,076
68,029
8,733
49,150
17,800
3,578
8,899
5,915
‐
162,104
(47,028)
(20,836)
(67,864)
(2,750)
371
‐
(2,379)
(70,243)
16
(0.24)
(0.22)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
34
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Canadian dollars, 000s)
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN):
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Loss for the year
Items not affecting cash:
Depletion and depreciation
Impairment
Share‐based payments
Finance expenses
Loss on sale of investments
Deferred income tax expense
Interest and bank charges
Decommissioning obligations settled
Changes in non‐cash working capital accounts
Cash provided by operating activities
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Property, plant and equipment
Exploration and evaluation
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Sale of investments
Changes in non‐cash working capital accounts
Cash used in investing activities
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Bank debt
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
Note
2018
2017
Years ended December 31,
10
10
16
18
8
11
18
15
18
10
9
10
10
8
18
12
14
13
(72,719)
(67,864)
43,760
‐
2,231
9,511
2,687
28,898
(3,855)
(2,730)
833
8,616
49,150
17,800
3,578
8,899
‐
20,836
(3,694)
(2,383)
(1,313)
25,009
(10,426)
(13,398)
(239)
(307)
285
2,274
291
(8,122)
(18,000)
18,994
1,000
1,994
2,488
1,075
3,563
(79)
62
429
‐
1,755
(11,231)
(12,851)
‐
‐
(12,851)
927
148
1,075
Issuance of subordinated promissory notes, net of share issue costs
Issuance of related party debt
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash
Cash ‐ beginning of year
CASH ‐ END OF YEAR
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
35
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Canadian dollars, 000s)
Note
Share
capital
Contributed
surplus1
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
gain (loss)2
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2017
Loss for the period
Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax
Share‐based payments
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
Loss for the period
Realized loss on sale of investments
Issuance of warrants
Expiry of warrants
Share‐based payments
268,743
‐
‐
‐
268,743
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
5,748
‐
‐
3,578
9,326
‐
‐
‐
958
2,231
16
298
‐
(2,379)
‐
(2,081)
‐
2,081
‐
‐
‐
Warrants
Deficit
958
‐
‐
‐
958
‐
‐
288
(958)
‐
(79,989)
(67,864)
‐
‐
(147,853)
(72,719)
‐
‐
‐
‐
Total
Equity
195,758
(67,864)
(2,379)
3,578
129,093
(72,719)
2,081
288
‐
2,231
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2018
268,743
12,515
‐
288
(220,572)
60,974
1Contributed surplus is comprised of share‐based payments.
2Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of unrealized gains and losses on available‐for‐sale investments.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
36
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As at December 31, 2018 and 2017 and for the years then ended
(all tabular amounts in Canadian dollars 000s, unless otherwise indicated)
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS
Pine Cliff Energy Ltd. (“Pine Cliff” or the “Company”) is a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and
incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). The address of the Company’s registered office is Suite 850, 1015 ‐ 4th
Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 1J4.
Pine Cliff is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas in the Western Canadian
Sedimentary Basin and conducts many of its activities jointly with others; these consolidated financial statements (the “Financial
Statements”) reflect only the Company’s proportionate interest in such activities.
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION
a) Statement of Compliance
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
The Financial Statements were authorized for issue by the Company’s board of directors on March 13, 2019.
b) Basis of measurement
The Financial Statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments and share‐based
payment transactions which are measured at fair value.
c) Use of judgments and estimates
The timely preparation of 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, revenue and expenses as
well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the statement of financial position. Actual results could differ
materially from estimated amounts and affect the results reported in the Financial Statements. Estimates and underlying assumptions
are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the year in which the estimates are revised and
in any future years affected.
Information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty in applying accounting principles that have the most significant effect on
the amounts recognized in the Financial Statements are included in the notes.
Judgments
In the process of applying Pine Cliff’s accounting policies, judgments, apart from those involving estimates, have been made, of which
the following may have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the Financial Statements:
Note 6 – Financial instruments
Note 9 – Exploration and evaluation assets (“E&E”)
Note 10 – Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”)
Note 15 – Decommissioning provision
Note 16 – Share capital
Cash Generating Units
Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”) are defined as the lowest grouping of integrated assets that generate identifiable cash inflows that are
largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets. The classification of assets into CGUs requires significant
judgment and interpretations with respect to the integration between assets, the existence of active markets, external users, share
infrastructures and the way in which management monitors Pine Cliff’s operations.
Impairment indicators
Judgments are required to assess when impairment indicators exist and impairment testing is required. When assessing the
recoverability of petroleum and natural gas properties, each CGU’s carrying value is compared to its recoverable amount, defined as
37
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
the greater of its fair value less cost to sell and value in use. In determining the recoverable amount of assets, in the absence of quoted
market prices, impairment tests are based on reserve estimates, market value of undeveloped lands and other relevant assumptions.
Estimates
Reserves
Petroleum and natural gas reserves are used in the calculation of depletion, impairment and impairment reversals and are depleted
on a unit of production basis at a rate calculated by reference to proved and probable reserves determined in accordance with National
Instrument 51‐101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities which incorporate the estimated future cost of developing and
extracting those reserves. Reserve estimates and their resulting cash flows are based on engineering data, probability assessments of
reserve recoveries, future prices and costs, future production rates, discount rates and the timing and extent of future capital
expenditures, all of which are subject to many uncertainties and interpretation. Management expects that over time its reserve
estimates will be revised, either upward or downward, based on updated information such as the results of future drilling, production
costs, testing and production levels and changes to forward petroleum and natural gas prices.
Exploration and evaluation assets
The application of the Company’s accounting policy for E&E expenditures requires judgment in determining whether it is likely that
future economic benefit exists when activities have not reached a stage where technical feasibility and commercial viability can be
reasonably determined. Factors such as drilling results, future capital programs, future operating expenses, as well as estimated
reserves are considered. In addition, management uses judgment to determine when E&E assets are reclassified to PP&E.
Decommissioning provision
Decommissioning, abandonment and site reclamation expenditures will be incurred by the Company at the end of the operating life of
the Company’s facilities and properties. Decommissioning expenditures are uncertain and cost estimates can vary in response to many
factors including changes to relevant legal requirements, the emergence of new restoration techniques, experience at other production
sites, and changes to the credit‐adjusted risk‐free discount rate and expected inflation rate. The expected timing and amount of
expenditures can also change, for example, in response to changes in reserves or changes in laws and regulations or their
interpretation. As a result, there could be significant adjustments to the provisions established which would affect future financial
results.
Deferred income taxes
The Company recognizes the net deferred tax benefit related to deferred tax assets to the extent that it is probable that the deductible
temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future. Assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets requires the Company
to make significant estimates related to expectations of future taxable income. Estimates of future taxable income are based on forecast
cash flow from operating activities and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flow from
operating activities and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Company to realize the net deferred tax
assets recorded at the reporting date could be impacted. Additionally, future changes in tax laws in the jurisdictions in which the
Company operates could limit the ability of the Company to obtain tax deductions in future periods.
Share‐based payments
All equity‐settled, share‐based awards issued by the Company are recorded at fair value 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.
Contingencies
By their nature, contingencies will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The assessment of
contingencies inherently involves the exercise of significant judgment and estimates of the outcome of future events.
d) Presentation currency
The Company’s functional and presentation currency is the Canadian dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities are translated into
Canadian dollars at the rates prevailing on the reporting date. Non‐monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars
at the rates prevailing on the transaction dates. Exchange gains and losses are recorded as income or expense in the period in which
they occur.
38
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in the Financial Statements. Certain
comparative amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
a) Basis of consolidation
The Financial Statements include the accounts of Pine Cliff and its subsidiary companies, Geomark Exploration Ltd., Geomark Minerals
USA Inc., WMC International Limited and Pine Cliff Border Pipelines Limited. All subsidiary companies are wholly owned. All
intercompany balances, transactions and earnings or losses are eliminated upon consolidation.
b) Revenue recognition
Revenues from the sale of petroleum and natural gas are recorded when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been
transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Petroleum and natural
gas revenues are recognized when all of the following conditions have been satisfied:
Pine Cliff has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the production to the buyer which usually occurs
at the time petroleum or natural gas passes through a terminal point;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company; and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be reliably measured.
Dividend income is recorded when earned.
c) Foreign currency transactions
Items included in the Financial Statements of each consolidated entity are measured using the currency of the primary economic
environment in which the entity operates (the "Functional Currency"). Foreign currency transactions are translated into the
Functional Currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting
from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities not denominated in the Functional
Currency of an entity are recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
d)
Joint arrangements
Pine Cliff conducts significant portions of its oil and gas operations through jointly controlled operations and the Financial Statements
reflect only the Company’s proportionate interest in such activities. Contractual arrangements for the Company’s jointly controlled
operations, whereby it does not have a 100% working interest, govern that the partners have rights to the assets and obligations for
the liability. It is possible that at some future date allocation adjustments to revenues and expenditures could result from revised
billings, audit or litigation with these other participants. Pine Cliff does not have any joint arrangements that are individually material
to the Company or that are structured through joint venture arrangements.
e) Cash
Cash is comprised of cash on hand and short‐term highly liquid investments that mature within three months of the date of their
purchase.
f)
Investments
Investments consist of equity securities classified on initial recognition as available‐for‐sale and are carried at fair value. Fair value is
determined by multiplying the period end trading price of the investments by the number of equity securities held as at period end.
Unrealized holding gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss. Net gains and losses arising on disposal
are recognized in net earnings.
g) Exploration and evaluation assets
E&E costs are initially capitalized with the intent to establish commercially viable reserves.
E&E includes undeveloped land license acquisitions, un‐booked locations in acquisitions, exploration drilling and testing and directly
attributable general and administrative costs. Expenditures incurred prior to obtaining the legal right to explore are expensed as
incurred. E&E assets continue to be capitalized as long as sufficient progress is being made to assess the reserves and economic
viability of the well and/or related project. Once technical feasibility and commercial viability has been established, E&E assets are
39
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
transferred to PP&E. E&E assets are assessed for impairment either annually, upon transfer to PP&E or where indicators arise to
ensure they are not carried above their recoverable amounts.
h) Property, plant and equipment
PP&E assets include developed assets acquired, transferred‐in E&E costs, development drilling and other surface expenditures. PP&E
assets are carried at cost less accumulated depletion and depreciation and impairment losses. The initial cost of an asset is comprised
of its purchase price or construction cost, including expenditures such as drilling costs, the present value of the initial and changes in
the estimate of any decommissioning obligation associated with the asset, expenses on qualifying assets and costs that are directly
attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary to operate as intended by management and which result in
an identifiable future benefit. Improvements that increase capacity or extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.
Expenditures on major maintenance of producing assets include the cost of replacement assets or parts of assets, inspection costs,
turnaround costs, or overhaul costs. Where an asset, or part of an asset that was separately depreciated, is replaced and it is probable
that there are future economic benefits associated with the item, the expenditure is capitalized and the carrying amount of the replaced
item is derecognized. Inspection costs associated with major maintenance programs and necessary for continued operation of the
asset are capitalized and amortized over the period to the next inspection. All other maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
i) Depletion and depreciation
When commercial production has commenced in an area, PP&E assets, including estimated future development costs, are depleted
using the unit‐of‐production method over their proved plus probable reserve life. Furniture, fixtures and other equipment are
depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight line basis. Overhauls and turnarounds are depreciated over their expected
life on unit of production. Depletion and depreciation is recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
Depletion and depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed annually, with any amendments considered to be
changes in estimates and accounted for prospectively.
j)
Impairment of E&E and PP&E
The carrying amounts of the Company's E&E and PP&E assets are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine whether
there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, then the assets’ carrying amounts are assessed for impairment. For the
purpose of impairment testing, assets that are not evaluated individually are grouped together into CGUs.
The recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is the greater of its value‐in‐use and its fair value. An impairment loss is recognized if the
carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. In assessing the carrying value of its unproved properties, the
Company takes into account future plans for those properties, the remaining terms of the leases and other factors that may be
indicators of potential impairment. Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of loss. Impairment losses
recognized in respect of a CGU are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to reduce
the carrying amount of the other assets of the CGU on a pro‐rata basis.
For assets excluding goodwill, impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications
that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. If the amount of the impairment loss decreases in a subsequent period and the decrease
can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the 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.
k)
Impairment of financial assets
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 flow from operating activities of that asset. 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. An impairment
loss in respect of an available‐for‐sale financial asset is calculated by reference to its current fair value.
All impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. An impairment loss is reversed if there is
an indicator that the impairment 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 the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
40
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
l) Decommissioning provision
The Company recognizes a decommissioning provision in the period in which it has a present legal or constructive liability and a
reasonable estimate of the amount can be made. On a periodic basis, Pine Cliff management reviews these estimates, and changes, if
any, are prospectively applied. The decommissioning provision is recorded as a liability, with a corresponding increase to the carrying
amount of the related asset. The capitalized amount is depleted on a unit‐of‐production basis over the life of the associated proved
plus probable reserves. Periodic revisions to the liability specific discount rates, estimated timing of cash flows and/or to the original
estimated undiscounted costs can also result in change to the decommissioning provision. The decommissioning provision is increased
each reporting period with the passage of time as reported in the finance expenses as an accretion of decommissioning liabilities
expense and changes in the estimated future cash flows are capitalized. Actual costs incurred upon settlement of the provision are
recorded against the provision to the extent of the liability recorded and the remaining balance of the actual costs is recorded in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
m) Income taxes
Income tax is recognized in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive loss or directly
in equity.
Current income tax is the expected tax on taxable income less adjustments to prior periods using tax rates enacted, or substantively
enacted as at the reporting date in jurisdictions where the Company operates.
Deferred income taxes are recognized based on temporary differences arising between the tax value of assets and liabilities and their
carrying amounts in the Financial Statements. Deferred tax liabilities are not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of
goodwill and are not accounted for if they arise from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business
combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable income. Deferred income taxes are calculated on
the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted as at the reporting date and apply to when the related deferred income tax
asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when
there is a legally enforceable right to settle on a net basis and when such assets and liabilities relate to income taxes imposed by the
same taxation authority.
A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is
probable that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each
reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
n) Share‐based payments
Under the Company’s stock option plan described in note 16, options to purchase common shares of Pine Cliff (“Common Shares”)
are granted to directors, officers, employees, and consultants. The fair value of common share purchase options is calculated at the
date of grant using the Black‐Scholes option pricing model and that value is recorded as compensation expense over the vesting period
of the option with an offsetting credit to contributed surplus. At the end of each reporting period, the Company assesses for subsequent
periods its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to vest and recognizes the impact of the revisions in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive loss. Upon exercise of share purchase options, the proceeds received net of any transaction costs and the
fair value of the exercised share purchase options are credited to share capital.
The Company estimates future forfeitures for stock options and expenses stock options based on the Company’s estimate of stock
options expected to reach vesting. Any difference between the number of stock options expected to vest and the number of stock
options which actually vest is accounted for as a change in estimate when those stock options become vested or are forfeited before
vesting.
o) Financial instruments
Financial instruments are measured at fair value on initial recognition of the instrument and are classified into one of the following
three categories: amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) or fair value through profit or loss
(“FVTPL”).
Cash, trade and other receivables, are classified as financial assets at amortized cost and reported at amortized cost. A provision for
impairment of trade and other receivables is established when there is evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts
due according to the original terms of the receivables. Investments are classified as financial assets measured at FVTPL. Trade and
other payables, due to related party, subordinated promissory notes and bank debt are classified as financial liabilities at amortized
cost.
41
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
Subsequent measurement of financial instruments is based on their initial classification. FVTPL financial instruments are measured
at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized in the statement of consolidated comprehensive loss. All other financial
instruments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded at FVTPL depending on their initial classification and
measurement. The remaining categories of financial instruments are recognized at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
p) Risk management contracts
The Company is exposed to market risks resulting from fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest
rates in the normal course of its business. The Company may use a variety of instruments to manage these exposures. Fair values of
financial instruments are based on third party quotes or valuations provided by independent third parties. Any realized gains or losses
on risk management contracts are recognized in earnings (loss) in the period they occur. The Company has not designated any of its
risk management contracts as effective accounting hedges.
q) Earnings (loss) per share
Basic per share amounts are calculated by dividing the earnings or loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the
weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the reporting period.
Diluted per share amounts are calculated similar to basic per share amounts except that the weighted average Common Shares
outstanding are increased to include additional Common Shares from the assumed exercise of dilutive share options. The number of
additional outstanding Common Shares is calculated by assuming that the outstanding in‐the‐money share options were exercised and
that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire Common Shares at the average market price during the reporting period.
r) Finance expenses
Finance expenses are comprised of interest expenses and bank charges on borrowings and the accretion of decommissioning liabilities
and subordinated promissory notes. Interest expenses and bank charges are considered operating expenses on the statement of cash
flows. Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of qualifying assets are capitalized during the period of time that is required to
complete and prepare the assets for their intended use or sale. Qualifying assets are those assets that necessarily take a substantial
period of time to get ready for their intended use. All other borrowing costs are recognized in income or loss. The capitalization rate
used to determine the amount of borrowing costs to be capitalized is the weighted average interest rate applicable to the Company’s
outstanding borrowings during the period.
4. ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
As of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the following new accounting pronouncements, in accordance with the transitional
provision of the standard. A brief description of each new accounting policy and its impact on the Company’s financial statements are
as follows:
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”)
Effective January 1, 2018 the Company adopted IFRS 9. IFRS 9 replaces the sections of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and
Measurements.
IFRS 9 includes a new classification and measurement approach for financial assets and a forward‐looking 'expected credit loss' model.
IFRS 9 replaces the multiple classification and measurements models for financial assets with a new model that only has two
measurements categories; amortized cost and fair value through profit or loss or other comprehensive income (loss). This
determination is made at initial recognition. As a result of adopting IFRS 9, the Company’s accounts receivables were reclassified from
loans and receivables at amortized cost to financial assets at amortized cost. For financial liabilities, the new standard retains most of
the IAS 39 requirements. The main change arises in cases where the Company chooses to designate a financial liability as fair value
through earnings (loss). In these situations, the portion of the fair value change related to the Company’s own credit risk is recognized
in FVOCI. The Company has no financial liabilities that are measured at fair value through net earnings.
The classification of the Company’s investments changed from available‐for‐sale to financial assets measured at fair value. On the day
an investment is acquired the Company can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument by instrument basis) to designate
investments in equity instruments as at FVTPL, provided those investments are not recorded as FVOCI. The Company’s investments
will be measured at FVTPL, with gains or losses arising from changes in fair value recognized in the statements of comprehensive loss.
The Company has designated its investment as FVTPL on its initial adoption of IFRS 9. The adoption of IFRS 9 did not have a material
impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
42
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”)
Effective January 1, 2018 the Company adopted IFRS 15 using a modified retrospective approach. IFRS 15 replaces IAS 18 Revenue,
IAS 11 Construction Contracts, and related interpretations. IFRS 15 provides a single, principles‐based five‐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. Additional disclosures required by IFRS 15 are detailed
in note 17.
Revenue Recognition Policy
Revenue associated with the sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids is measured based on the consideration specified in
contracts with customers. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when Pine Cliff satisfies a performance obligation by
transferring a promised good or service to a customer. A good or service is transferred when the customer obtains control of that good
or service. The transfer of control of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids usually coincides with title passing to the customer and
the customer taking physical possession. The Company principally satisfies its performance obligations at a point in time and the
amounts of revenue recognized relating to performance obligations satisfied over time are not significant. Collection of revenue
associated with the sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids occurs on or about the 25th of the month following production.
Pine Cliff enters into physical delivery sales contracts to manage commodity price risk. These contracts are considered normal
executory sales contracts and are not recorded at fair value through profit or loss.
5. FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES
IFRS 16 Leases (“IFRS 16”)
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, which replaces IAS 17 Leases. IFRS 16 requires the recognition of lease assets and liabilities
on the balance sheet for most leases, where the entity is acting as a lessee. For lessees applying IFRS 16, the dual classification model
of leases as either operating leases or finance leases no longer exists, effectively treating all leases as finance leases. Certain short‐term
leases (less than 12 months) and leases of low‐value assets less than $5,000 USD are exempt from the balance sheet recognition
requirements, and may continue to be treated as operating leases. Lessors will continue with the dual classification model for leases
and the accounting for lessors remains virtually unchanged.
The standard will come into effect for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted if the
entity is also applying IFRS 15. IFRS 16 is required to be adopted either retrospectively or using a modified retrospective approach.
The modified retrospective approach does not require restatement of prior period financial information as it recognizes the cumulative
effect as an adjustment to opening retained earnings and applies the standard prospectively.
IFRS 16 will be applied by Pine Cliff on January 1, 2019. The Company will adopt IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach,
whereby the initial effect of applying the standard is estimated to be a $3.6 million increase to the right of use assets (included in
“PP&E”) with the corresponding lease obligations measured equally in trade and accounts payable and lease obligations. The weighted
average incremental borrowing rate that will be used to determine the lease obligation at adoption is 4.7%. The right of use assets and
lease obligations are mainly from the Company’s head office lease in Calgary and vehicles for the field operations staff.
6. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial instruments and fair value measurement
Financial instruments of the Company consist of cash, trade and other receivables, investments, trade and other payables, due to
related party, subordinated promissory notes, and bank debt. The carrying values of cash, trade and other receivables and trade and
other payables approximate their respective fair values due to their short‐term to maturity. The carrying values of due to related party,
subordinated promissory notes, and bank debt approximate their respective fair values due to their interest rates reflecting current
market conditions.
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value are classified into levels, reflecting the method used to make the
measurements. Level 1 fair value measurements are based on quoted prices that 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. Pine Cliff has no level 2 or level 3 financial instruments. Assessment of the significance of a
particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy level.
43
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
The following table sets out the Company’s classification, carrying value and fair value of financial assets and liabilities as at December
31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
Description
Carrying value
Fair value
Carrying value
Fair value
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
Cash
Trade and other receivables
Investments
Trade and other payables
Due to related party
Subordinated promissory notes
Bank debt
7. RISK MANAGEMENT
3,563
13,536
‐
(16,772)
(6,000)
(54,280)
‐
3,563
13,536
‐
(16,772)
(6,000)
(54,280)
‐
1,075
15,148
2,545
(17,288)
(5,000)
(35,307)
(18,000)
1,075
15,148
2,545
(17,288)
(5,000)
(35,307)
(18,000)
The Company is exposed to both financial and non‐financial risks inherent in the oil and gas business. Financial risks include:
commodity prices, interest rates, equity price, foreign exchange, credit availability and liquidity. Financial risks can be managed, at
least to a degree, through the utilization of financial instruments. Certain non‐financial risks can be mitigated through the use of
insurance and/or other risk transfer mechanisms, good business practices and process controls, while others must simply be borne.
All risks can have an impact upon the financial performance of the Company.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flow from operating activities of the Company’s financial instruments will
fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Components of market risk to which Pine Cliff is exposed are discussed below.
Commodity Price Risk
The Company is exposed to commodity price risk since its revenues are dependent on the prices of crude oil and natural gas.
Commodity prices have fluctuated widely during recent years due to global and regional factors including, but not limited to, supply
and demand, inventory levels, weather, economic changes and geopolitical factors and instability. Changes in oil and natural gas prices
may have a significant effect, positively or negatively, on the ability of the Company to meet its obligations, capital spending targets
and expected operational results. A material decline or extended period of low oil or natural gas prices could result in a reduction of
net production revenue. The economics of producing from some wells may change because of lower prices, which could result in
reduced production of oil or natural gas and a reduction in the volumes of Pine Cliff’s reserves. Management may also elect not to
produce from certain wells at lower prices.
Physical Sales Contracts
At December 31, 2018, the Company had the following physical natural gas sales contracts in place:
Contractual Term
January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019
January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019
January 1, 2019 to March 31, 20193
January 1, 2019 to March 31, 20193
Delivery Point
AECO
DAWN2
EMPRESS
EMPRESS
Physical Delivery
Quantity (GJ/day)
5,000
4,000
2,500
2,500
Fixed Sale Price
($CAD/GJ)
$2.46
$5.30
+$2.60
+$3.35
Fixed Sale Price
($CAD/Mcf)1
$2.58
$5.57
+$2.73
+$3.52
1 Price has been converted from $/GJ to $/Mcf by multiplying by 1.05.
2 Dawn Hub into Dawn Township, Ontario.
3 AECO 5A plus listed premium.
44
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
Subsequent to December 31, 2018, the Company entered into the following additional physical natural gas sales contracts in place:
Contractual Term
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019
Delivery Point
Physical Delivery
Quantity (GJ/day)
AECO
AECO
DAWN2
DAWN2
AECO
5,000
5,000
4,000
4,000
2,500
Fixed Sale Price
($CAD/GJ)
$1.20
$1.29
$3.40
$3.44
$1.33
Fixed Sale Price
($CAD/Mcf)1
$1.26
$1.35
$3.57
$3.62
$1.40
1 Price has been converted from $/GJ to $/Mcf by multiplying by 1.05.
2 Dawn Hub into Dawn Township, Ontario.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is principally exposed to interest rate risk to the extent it draws on its variable rate debt less cash. Changes in market
interest rates could affect the cash flow from operating activities associated with variable rate debt. If interest rates applicable to Pine
Cliff’s variable rate debt less cash increased or decreased by one percent, it is estimated that Pine Cliff’s loss for the year ended
December 31, 2018, would have increased or decreased, respectively, by $0.1 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $0.3 million).
Equity Price Risk
Equity price risk refers to the risk that the fair value of investments will fluctuate due to changes in equity markets for each company.
Equity price risk is also influenced from the estimated realizable value of investments that the Company holds.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company and its share price are exposed to risk on foreign exchange rates because the oil and natural gas prices it receives are
indirectly determined in reference to United States dollar denominated commodity prices. The Company manages this risk by
monitoring the foreign exchange rate and evaluating its effect on cash flow from operating activities. Pine Cliff has not entered into
any derivative financial instruments to manage this risk at this time.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that a third party will not complete its contractual obligations under a financial instrument and cause the
Company to incur a financial loss. Pine Cliff’s maximum exposure to credit risk is the sum of the carrying values of its trade and other
receivables, commodity contracts and cash, which are a reflection of management’s assessment of the associated maximum exposure
to such credit risk.
To mitigate the credit risk on its cash, the Company maintains its cash balances with major Canadian chartered banks. To mitigate the
credit risk on trade and other receivables and commodity contracts, Pine Cliff assesses the financial strength of its counterparties and
enters into relationships with larger purchasers with established credit histories.
The Company’s trade and other receivables balance at December 31, 2018 of $13.5 million (December 31, 2017 – $15.1 million), is
primarily with oil and gas marketers, joint venture partners and crown royalty credits with the Province of Alberta. Amounts due from
these parties have generally been received within 30 to 60 days. When determining whether amounts that are past due are collectible,
management assesses the creditworthiness and past payment history of the counterparty, as well as the nature of the past due amount.
The Company generally considers amounts greater than 90 days to be past due. As at December 31, 2018, there was $1.0 million
(December 31, 2017 ‐ $0.5 million) of trade and other receivables over 90 days. Pine Cliff assesses its trade and other receivables
quarterly to determine if there has been any impairment. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $0.3
million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $0.2 million) of bad debt expense against trade and other accounts receivables.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that Pine Cliff will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due. Pine Cliff manages its
liquidity risk through actively managing it capital, which it defines as cash, debt and equity. Capital management strategies include
continuously monitoring forecasted and actual cash flow from operating, financing and investing activities, available credit under the
Credit Facility, as defined in note 12, and opportunities to issue additional equity. Pine Cliff actively monitors its credit and working
capital to ensure that it has sufficient available funds to meet its financial requirements at a reasonable cost. Management believes that
funds generated from these sources currently will be adequate to settle Pine Cliff’s financial liabilities.
45
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
The Company currently has an $11.0 million Credit Facility, as defined herein, of which none was drawn at December 31, 2018. The
unused portion of the Credit Facility and cash provided by operating activities are expected to allow Pine Cliff to meet its financial
liabilities, as well as future capital requirements. There is a risk that the borrowing base of the Credit Facility could be reduced or
withdrawn, which may create liquidity risk, see Note 12. Additionally, Pine Cliff has a $6.0 million promissory note and a $6.0 million
subordinated promissory note that are both due on September 30, 2020, see Note 13 and Note 14 and if this Credit Facility along with
the promissory notes are not renewed it may create liquidity risk. If required, Pine Cliff will also consider additional short‐term
financing or issuing equity in order to meet its future liabilities.
The Credit Facility matures July 28, 2019. The lenders review the Credit Facility semi‐annually on May 31st and November 30th, with
the next review scheduled for May 31, 2019. In the event the Credit Facility is not extended, indebtedness under the Credit Facility will
become due and repayable on July 29, 2019. There is also a risk that the Credit Facilities will not be renewed for the same amount or
on the same terms or that the lenders reduce the borrowing base as a result of their regularly scheduled borrowing base review. Any
of these events could affect Pine Cliff’s ability to fund ongoing operations.
8. INVESTMENTS
Pine Cliff sold its investment in one public dividend paying company for proceeds of $2.3 million and realized a loss on that sale of $2.7
million during the first quarter of 2018.
9. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION
Exploration and evaluation assets:
Balance at December 31, 2016
Additions
Transfer to property, plant, and equipment
Balance at December 31, 2017
Additions
Transfer to property, plant and equipment
Balance at December 31, 2018
E&E Impairment Assessment
Oil and gas
properties
30,579
36
(4,302)
26,313
193
(7,006)
19,500
Mineral
properties
3,031
43
‐
3,074
46
‐
3,120
Total
33,610
79
(4,302)
29,387
239
(7,006)
22,620
In accordance with IFRS, an impairment test is performed if the Company identified an indication of impairment. An E&E asset shall
be assessed for impairment before reclassification to PP&E if the Company determines technical feasibility and commercial viability
of extraction. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company determined that no indicators of impairment existed on its E&E assets
and therefore an impairment test was only performed for E&E assets transferred to PP&E.
10. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Cost:
Balance at December 31, 2016
Additions
Transfer from exploration and evaluation
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Decommissioning provision
Balance at December 31, 2017
Additions
Transfer from exploration and evaluation
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Decommissioning provision
Balance at December 31, 2018
46
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
($000s)
547,284
13,398
4,302
(62)
(496)
(5,944)
558,482
10,426
7,006
307
(369)
12,990
588,842
Accumulated depletion and depreciation:
Balance at December 31, 2016
Depletion and depreciation
Impairment
Dispositions
Balance at December 31, 2017
Depletion and depreciation
Dispositions
Balance at December 31, 2018
Carrying value at:
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2018
PP&E Impairment Assessment
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
($000s)
(167,641)
(49,150)
(17,800)
67
(234,524)
(43,760)
84
(278,200)
($000s)
323,958
310,642
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had four CGU’s being the Southern CGU, Central Gas CGU, Edson CGU, and Coal Bed Methane
CGU. The Company reviewed each CGU’s property and equipment at December 31, 2018 for indicators of impairment and determined
that an indicator related to the decrease in future commodity prices was present. The company prepared estimates of both the value
in use and fair value less cost to sell of each of the Company’s CGUs. When it is determined that any CGU carrying value exceeds its
recoverable amount, that CGU is considered impaired and an impairment expense is reported that equals this excess.
The following table outlines forecast benchmark prices and exchange rates used in the Company’s impairment test as at December 31,
2018:
Year
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024‐2033
Thereafter
WTI Oil (US$/Bbl)1
58.58
64.60
68.20
71.00
72.81
82.41
+2.0%/yr
$C to US$ Foreign
exchange rate1
1.32
1.28
1.25
1.25
1.24
1.24
1.24
Edmonton Light Crude Oil
(Cdn$/Bbl) 1
67.30
75.84
80.17
83.22
85.34
96.61
+2.0%/yr
AECO Gas
(Cdn$/MMBtu) 1
1.88
2.31
2.74
3.05
3.21
3.65
+2.0%/yr
1 Source: Average of three consultant price forecasts, effective January 1, 2019 (McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd., GLJ Petroleum Consultants
Ltd. and Sproule Associates Limited).
The recoverable amounts of each of the Company’s CGU’s at December 31, 2018 were estimated at their fair value less cost to sell,
based on the net present value of discounted future cash flow from operating activities from oil and gas reserves as estimated by the
Company’s independent reserves evaluator at December 31, 2018. The fair value less costs to sell used to determine the recoverable
amounts are classified as Level 3 fair value measurements as certain key assumptions are not based on observable market data, but
rather, the Company’s management best estimates.
The Company used a pre‐tax 15% discount rate for the December 31, 2018 impairment test which took into account risks specific to
the CGU’s and inherent in the oil and gas business. The impairment testing concluded that the fair value less costs to sell for the
Company’s CGU’s at December 31, 2018 is greater than the carrying amounts and therefore no impairment was recorded in 2018.
The following CGU’s were impaired as at December 31, 2017:
CGUs
Edson
Coal Bed Methane
Total Impairment
2018
‐
‐
‐
2017
14,000
3,800
17,800
47
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
11. DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
At December 31, 2018, a deferred income tax asset of $nil (December 31, 2017 ‐ $29.2 million) has been recognized as the Company
believes, based on estimated cash flows, its realization is not probable within the allowable timeframes.
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
Share issue costs
Investment
Decommissioning provision
Property and equipment
Capital losses carried forward
Non‐capital losses carried forward
Asset before unrecognized deferred income tax
Less: unrecognized deferred income tax
Net deferred income tax asset
2018
454
‐
58,362
(15,474)
336
29,676
73,354
(73,354)
‐
As at December 31,
2017
863
324
54,044
(15,124)
155
22,271
62,533
(33,300)
29,233
As at December 31, 2018, a deferred income tax asset has not been recognized on $73.4 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $33.3 million)
of deductible temporary differences as it is not probable that future taxable earnings will be available against which the Company can
utilize the benefits.
Pine Cliff has approximately $389.6 million in tax pools as at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 ‐ $383.0 million), available for
future use as deductions from taxable income. Included in the Company’s tax pools are estimated non‐capital loss carry‐forwards of
$109.9 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $82.6 million) that expire between the years 2030 and 2038.
Income tax expense differs from that which would be expected from applying the effective Canadian federal and provincial tax rates
to income before income taxes as follows:
Loss before income taxes
Corporate income tax rate
Computed income tax recovery
Non‐taxable dividends
Non‐deductible compensation expense
Changes in tax rate
Changes in the unrecorded benefit of tax pools
Realized loss on sale of investments
Return to provision true‐up
Other
Deferred income tax expense
12. BANK DEBT
2018
(43,821)
27%
(11,832)
(9)
675
(106)
39,435
725
10
‐
28,898
Years ended December 31,
2017
(47,028)
27%
(12,676)
(57)
964
(31)
29,689
‐
2,910
37
20,836
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had an $11.0 million syndicated credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with three Canadian
Financial Institutions (the “Syndicate”) (December 31, 2017 ‐ $45.0 million Credit Facility). The Credit Facility of $11.0 million consists
of a $6.0 million revolving syndicated credit facility and a $5.0 million revolving operating facility. Security consists of floating demand
debentures totaling $150.0 million and a general security agreement with first ranking over all current and acquired properties.
Amounts drawn under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2018, were $nil (December 31, 2017 ‐ $18.0 million). Borrowings under the
Credit Facility bear interest at the Canadian prime rate plus 1.5% to 4.0% or the bankers’ acceptance rates plus 2.5% to 5.0%,
depending, in each case, on the ratio of consolidated debt to EBITDA, plus applicable standby fees. EBITDA is calculated as earnings
(loss) excluding depreciation, depletion, impairment and accretion, share based payments, interest, taxes and other non‐cash items.
The Credit Facility matures July 28, 2019, and if it is not renewed it will convert to a one day term loan due on July 29, 2019. The Credit
Facility is reviewed semi‐annually on November 30th and May 31st.
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had $2.9 million in letters of credit issued against its Credit Facility (December 31, 2017 ‐ $2.0
million). The Credit Facility does not contain any financial covenants but Pine Cliff is subject to non‐financial covenants under its Credit
Facility. Compliance with these covenants is monitored on a regular basis and as at December, 2018, Pine Cliff was in compliance with
all covenants.
48
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
Letter of Credit Facility
In the first quarter of 2019, the Company entered into a $2.6 million letter of credit facility (the “LC Facility”) with a Canadian bank
which is supported by a performance guarantee from Export Development Canada. The LC Facility is for issuing letters of credit to
counterparties and is available on a demand basis. Letters of credit issued under the LC Facility incur an issuance fee of 4% per annum.
The Company transferred $1.1 million of the existing $2.9 million letters of credit to the LC Facility.
13. DUE TO RELATED PARTY
As at December 31, 2018, Pine Cliff had a $6.0 million promissory note outstanding to the Company’s Chairman of the Board maturing
on September 30, 2020 (“2020 Related Party Note”) that bears interest at 0.25% less than the monthly average effective interest rate
paid on the Credit Facility and is payable monthly. The 2020 Related Party Note is secured by a $6.0 million floating charge debenture
over all of the Company’s assets and is subordinated to any and all claims in favor of the Credit Facility and the holder of the $30 Million
2020 Notes and $19 Million 2022 Notes, as defined herein. Interest paid on the 2020 Related Party Note for the year December 31,
2018 was $0.3 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $0.2 million).
14. SUBORDINATED PROMISSORY NOTES
Subordinated promissory notes due September 30, 2020:
Issued – July 29, 2016
Subordinated promissory notes due September 30, 2020, as at December 31, 2018 and December 31,
2017
Subordinated promissory notes due September 30, 2020:
Subordinated promissory notes due September 30, 2020, as at December 31, 2016
Accretion expense
Subordinated promissory notes due September 30, 2020, as at December 31, 2017
Accretion expense
Subordinated promissory notes due September 30, 2020, as at December 31, 2018
Subordinated promissory notes due July 31, 2022, as at December 31, 2017
Subordinated promissory notes due July 31, 2022, issued July 13, 2018
Accretion expense
Subordinated promissory notes due July 31, 2022, as at December 31, 2018
Total subordinated promissory notes, as at December 31, 2017
Total subordinated promissory notes, as at December 31, 2018
$6 Million Subordinated Promissory Notes due September 30, 2020
6,000
6,000
29,086
221
29,307
237
29,544
‐
18,706
30
18,736
35,307
54,280
On July 29, 2016, the Company issued $6.0 million in promissory notes maturing on July 29, 2018. In July 2018, these notes were
amended to mature on September 30, 2020 (“$6 Million 2020 Notes”). The $6 Million 2020 Notes bear interest at 0.25% less than the
monthly average effective interest rate paid on the Credit Facility, payable monthly. The $6 Million 2020 Notes were issued to a
shareholder and a relative of that shareholder, owning directly or by discretion and control, greater than 10% of the Common Shares.
The $6 Million 2020 Notes are secured by a $6.0 million of floating charge debenture over all of the Company’s assets and are
subordinated to any and all claims in favor of the Credit Facility and the $30 Million 2020 Note and $19 Million 2022 Note holders.
$30 Million Subordinated Promissory Notes due September 30, 2020
On August 10, 2016, the Company issued 30,000 units (“2020 Units” or “2020 Unit”) at a price of $1,000 per 2020 Unit for aggregate
proceeds of $30.0 million. Each 2020 Unit is comprised of: (i) one promissory note with a par value of $1,000 per note and bearing
interest at 6.75% per annum ("$30 Million 2020 Note” or “$30 Million 2020 Notes"), which are payable semi‐annually; and (ii) 150
Common Share purchase warrants ("2018 Warrants"). The $30 Million 2020 Notes mature on September 30, 2020 and all or a portion
of the principal amount outstanding can be repaid earlier without penalty. The $30 Million 2020 Notes are secured by a $30.0 million
floating charge debenture over all of the Company’s assets and is subordinated to any and all claims in favor of the Credit Facility. A
total of 4.5 million 2018 Warrants were issued, entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share for each 2018 Warrant at a price
of $1.38. The 2018 Warrants all expired on August 10, 2018.
The $30 Million 2020 Notes were determined to be a hybrid instrument with an embedded derivative. The fair value of the debt
component of the $30 Million 2020 Notes were determined on issuance to be 7.8%, using the effective interest rate method, by
49
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
discounting future payments of interest and principal with the residual value allocated to Warrants. The value of the debt will accrete
up to the principal balance at maturity.
$19 Million Subordinated Promissory Notes due July 31, 2022
On July 13, 2018, the Company issued 19,000 units (“2022 Units” or “2022 Unit”) at a price of $1,000 per 2022 Unit for aggregate
proceeds of $19.0 million. Each 2022 Unit is comprised of: (i) one promissory note with a par value of $1,000 per note and bearing
interest at 7.05% per annum ("$19 Million 2022 Note " or “$19 Million 2022 Notes”), which are payable semi‐annually; and (ii) 150
Common Share purchase warrants ("2021 Warrants"). The $19 Million 2022 Notes mature on July 31, 2022 and all or a portion of
the principal amount outstanding can be repaid without penalty after three years. A total of 2.85 million 2021 Warrants were issued,
entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share of Pine Cliff for each 2021 Warrant at a price of $0.51, until July 13, 2021.
The $19 Million 2022 Notes were determined to be a hybrid instrument with an embedded derivative. The fair value of the debt
component of the $19 Million 2022 Notes were determined on issuance to be 7.6%, using the effective interest rate method, by
discounting future payments of interest and principal with the residual value allocated to Warrants. The value of the debt will accrete
up to the principal balance at maturity.
15. DECOMMISSIONING PROVISION
The total future decommissioning provision of $216.2 million was estimated by management based on the Company’s working interest
and estimated costs to remediate, reclaim and abandon its wells, pipelines, and facilities and estimated timing of the costs to be
incurred in future periods.
At December 31, 2018, the estimated total undiscounted and uninflated amount required to settle the decommissioning liabilities was
$264.6 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $244.3 million). The discounted and inflated amount required to settle the decommissioning
liabilities of $216.2 million has been calculated assuming a 1.88% inflation rate (December 31, 2017 – 1.72%) and discounted using
an average risk‐free interest rate of 2.88% (December 31, 2017 – 2.57%). These obligations are currently expected to be settled based
on the useful lives of the underlying assets, some of which extend beyond 35 years into the future.
Decommissioning provision, January 1, 2017
Increase relating to development activities
Provisions related to acquisitions
Decommissioning expenditures
Revisions (changes in estimates, inflation rate, and discount rates)
Accretion
Decommissioning provision, December 31, 2017
Increase relating to development activities
Decommissioning expenditures
Revisions (changes in estimates, inflation rate, and discount rates)
Accretion
Decommissioning provision, December 31, 2018
Less current portion of decommissioning provision
Non‐current portion of decommissioning provision
16. SHARE CAPITAL
Authorized
($000s)
203,883
99
261
(2,383)
(6,304)
4,984
200,540
82
(2,730)
12,908
5,389
216,189
(2,466)
213,723
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares without nominal or par value. The Company is also
authorized to issue, in one or more series, an unlimited number of Class B Preferred Shares without nominal or par value.
Issued
Issued and outstanding share capital continuity:
Balance, January 1, 2017
Balance, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018
Stock Options
Common Shares
(000s)
307,076
307,076
Share capital
($000s)
268,743
268,743
The Company provides an equity settled stock option plan (the “Option Plan”) for its directors, employees and consultants. Under the
Option Plan, the Company may grant stock options up to 10% of outstanding Common Shares on the grant date. The term and vesting
50
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
period of the options granted are determined at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. The exercise price of each option
granted equals the market price of the Company’s stock immediately preceding the date of grant and the option’s maximum term is
five years.
Stock options issued and outstanding:
Outstanding, January 1, 2017
Granted
Expired
Forfeited
Outstanding, December 31, 2017
Granted
Expired
Forfeited
Outstanding, December 31, 2018
Exercisable, December 31, 2018
Options
(000s)
22,773
5,710
(4,839)
(2,328)
21,316
7,698
(6,598)
(1,387)
21,029
6,438
Exercise price:
$0.31 ‐ $0.71
$0.72 ‐ $1.12
$1.13 ‐ $1.53
Stock options
outstanding
(000s)
7,457
5,783
7,789
21,029
Weighted‐average
remaining term
(years)
2.4
1.3
1.3
1.7
Stock options
exercisable
(000s)
15
1,938
4,485
6,438
Weighted‐average
exercise price
($ per share)
1.20
0.78
1.19
1.32
1.06
0.33
1.23
0.82
0.75
1.02
Weighted‐average
remaining term
(years)
0.9
0.4
0.9
0.7
The Company records share‐based payment expense over the vesting period, based on the fair value of the options granted to
employees, directors and consultants. One third of the stock options granted vest annually on the first, second, and third anniversaries
of the grant date and expire one year after each respective vesting date. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company
granted 7,697,800 stock options (December 31, 2017 – 5,710,150) with a fair value of $0.12 (December 31, 2017 ‐ $0.26) per option
using the Black‐Scholes option pricing model using the following key assumptions:
Assumptions (weighted average):
Exercise price ($)
Estimated volatility of underlying common shares (%)
Expected life (years)
Risk‐free rate (%)
Forfeiture rate (%)
Expected dividend yield (%)
Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
0.78
0.33
50.2
49.8
3.0
3.0
0.8
2.1
3.9
3.9
0.0
0.0
Estimated volatility is measured as the standard deviation of expected share price returns based on statistical analysis of historical
daily share prices for a representative period.
Per Share Calculations
The average market value of the Common Shares for the purposes of calculating the dilutive effect of stock options and warrants was
based on quoted market prices for the period that the options were outstanding. In calculating the weighted average number of diluted
shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, all stock options and warrants were excluded as they were not
dilutive.
Loss per share calculation:
Numerator
Loss for the year
Denominator (000s)
Weighted‐average Common Shares outstanding – basic and diluted
Loss per share – basic and diluted ($)
51
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
(72,719)
(67,864)
307,076
(0.24)
307,076
(0.22)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
17. OIL AND GAS SALES
The Company’s oil and gas sales revenue is determined pursuant to the terms of the marketing agreements. The revenue for natural
gas, NGL and crude oil is based on the commodity price in the month of production, adjusted for quality, location, allowable deductions,
if any, or other factors. Oil and gas sales revenues are based on marketed indices that are determined on a monthly or daily basis.
($000s)
Natural gas
NGL
Crude oil
Total oil and gas sales
18. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Changes in non‐cash working capital:
Trade and other receivables
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Trade and other payables and accrued liabilities
Change related to:
Operating activities
Investing activities
Finance expenses:
Interest expense and bank charges
Non cash:
Accretion on decommissioning provision
Accretion on subordinated promissory notes
Total finance expenses
Years ended December 31,
2018
84,161
18,300
4,924
107,385
2017
106,104
14,772
4,142
125,018
Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
1,612
28
(516)
1,124
833
291
1,124
4,864
(391)
(4,031)
442
(1,313)
1,755
442
Years ended December 31,
2017
3,694
2018
3,855
5,389
267
9,511
4,984
221
8,899
Cash interest paid in the year ended December 31, 2018, was $2.6 million (December 31, 2017 ‐ $3.4 million). Dividends received
during the year ended December 31, 2018, were $0.035 million (December 31, 2017 –$0.2 million).
19. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
General and administrative expenses by nature were as follows:
General and administration expenses:
Staff expenses
Public company expenses
Professional fees
Investor relations
Office and other costs
Bad debt expense
Overhead recoveries
Total general and administration expenses
52
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
Years ended December 31,
2017
5,069
349
836
37
1,672
200
(2,248)
5,915
2018
4,876
299
686
23
1,371
261
(2,678)
4,838
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
20. KEY MANAGEMENT RENUMERATION
Key management personnel are those persons, including all directors and officers, having authority and responsibility for planning,
directing and controlling the activities of the Company. In addition to their salaries, the Company also provides non‐cash benefits to
its directors and officers. Directors and officers also participate in the Option Plan. Director and officer compensation was as follows:
Key management remuneration:
Short‐term benefits1
Share‐based payments2
Total key management remuneration
Years ended December 31,
2017
1,809
1,580
3,389
2018
1,498
1,157
2,655
1 Short‐term benefits includes the salary, other non‐cash short‐term benefits and directors fees paid to Pine Cliff’s officers and directors.
2 Share‐based payments computed for officers and the board of directors are included in Note 16 and include the fair value of awards expensed in the
year.
21. COMMITMENTS
As at December 31, 2018, the Company has the following commitments and other contractual obligations:
($000s)
Subordinated promissory notes1
Trade and other payables
Due to related party
Future interest
Lease Obligations
Transportation2
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
‐
16,772
‐
4,229
963
9,244
36,000
‐
6,000
3,506
980
7,066
‐
‐
‐
1,340
885
6,096
19,000
‐
‐
1,005
692
5,249
‐
‐
‐
‐
517
3,168
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
12,145
Total commitments and contingencies
31,208
53,552
8,321
25,946
3,685
12,145
1 Principal amount.
2 Firm transportation agreements.
22. CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Company’s objectives when managing capital, which the Company defines to include shareholders’ equity and net debt, is to ensure
that it has the financial capacity, liquidity and flexibility to fund its capital program and acquisitions. As it is not unusual for capital
expenditures and acquisitions to exceed cash flow from operating activities in a given period, the Company is required to maintain
financial flexibility and liquidity to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. In order to maintain or adjust
the capital structure, the Company may issue debt, new shares or a combination thereof and make adjustments to its capital investment
programs.
The Company defines and computes its net debt as follows:
Bank debt
Due to related party
Subordinated promissory notes1
Trade and other payables and accrued liabilities
Less:
Trade and other receivables
Cash
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Investments
Net debt
Equity
1 The subordinated promissory notes for net debt are presented at the principal amount.
53
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
2018
‐
6,000
55,000
16,772
(13,536)
(3,563)
(3,854)
‐
56,819
60,974
As at December 31,
2017
18,000
5,000
36,000
17,288
(15,148)
(1,075)
(3,882)
(2,545)
53,638
129,093
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2018
The Company monitors the leverage in its capital structure and the strength of its balance sheet by reviewing its net debt to equity
ratio and its debt‐to‐adjusted funds flow (cash flow from operating activities before changes in non‐cash working capital and
decommissioning liabilities) ratio. Net debt‐to‐adjusted funds flow and net debt do not have a specified meaning under IFRS and may
not be comparable to measures used by other companies.
As Pine Cliff’s oil and gas production increases, cash flow from operating activities are expected to increasingly provide the necessary
capital for oil and gas exploration and development activities. However, due to the potential impact of adverse changes in commodity
prices, production rates, capital efficiencies and material and service costs, Pine Cliff may not generate sufficient cash flow from
operating activities to entirely fund its planned oil and gas capital programs or future acquisitions. Accordingly, the Company will
continually evaluate the stage of development of its proved and producing reserves and the expected return on investment of
acquisitions and consider issuing equity and/or debt to provide additional financing to maintain appropriate net debt and equity levels.
The Company sets the amounts of capital in proportion to risk and manages to ensure the Company’s net debt to equity ratio is less
than one.
Net debt to equity is computed as follows:
Net debt to equity ratio:
Net debt
Equity
Net debt to equity
2018
56,819
60,974
0.9
As at December 31,
2017
53,638
129,093
0.4
The Company considers adjusted funds flow to be a key performance measure as it demonstrates the Company’s ability to generate
funds necessary to repay debt and to fund future growth through capital investment. Net debt‐to‐adjusted funds flow is computed as
follows:
Net debt‐to‐adjusted funds flow calculation:
Cash provided by operating activities
Increase (decrease) in non‐cash working capital
Decommissioning obligations settled
Adjusted funds flow
Net debt
Net debt‐to‐adjusted funds flow
2018
8,616
(833)
2,730
10,513
56,819
5.4
As at December 31,
2017
25,009
1,313
2,383
28,705
53,638
1.9
The Company’s financial objectives and strategy as described above have remained substantially unchanged over the reporting
periods. These objectives and strategy are reviewed on an annual basis. The Company believes its ratios are within reasonable limits,
in light of the relative size of the Company and its capital management objectives.
54
PINE CLIFF ENERGY LTD.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gary J. Drummond
George F. Fink ‐ Chairman
Philip B. Hodge
Randy M. Jarock
William S. Rice
OFFICERS
Philip B. Hodge
President and Chief Executive Officer
Terry L. McNeill
Chief Operating Officer
Cheryne A. Lowe
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
Heather A. Isidoro
Vice President, Business Development
Christopher S. Lee
Vice President, Geology
HEAD OFFICE
850, 1015 – 4th Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2R 1J4
Phone: (403) 269‐2289
Fax: (403) 265‐7488
CORPORATE INFORMATION
2018
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Odyssey Trust Company of Canada
AUDITORS
Deloitte LLP
BANKERS
Toronto‐Dominion Bank
Canadian Western Bank
Business Development Bank of Canada
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
TSX Exchange
Trading Symbol: PNE
WEBSITE
www.pinecliffenergy.com
INVESTOR CONTACT
info@pinecliffenergy.com