NAL Oil & Gas Trust ("NAL" or the "Trust") (TSX:NAE.UN) today announced its
financial and operational results for the first quarter of 2010. All amounts are
in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.
SUMMARY
Following positive performance in 2009, NAL's active first quarter delivered
results that are on target with guidance announced earlier this year. Commenting
on NAL's first quarter, Mr. Andrew Wiswell, President and CEO stated,
"operationally and financially, the Trust has built on the momentum created in
2009 by completing the Trust's most active capital spending program in its 14
year history. Overall, results were positive and build on management's track
record of delivering consistent results. Operationally, the Trust spent 37
percent of the revised capital program, running 11 rigs concentrated in our core
areas. Financially, the Trust's balance sheet strength and capability were
enhanced through a $100 million equity financing and renewed credit lines at the
existing $550 million level. With approximately $350 million of available credit
today, NAL continues to actively evaluate assets that will add opportunity to
the portfolio and create value for our unitholders."
2010 YEAR TO DATE ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
-- Spent $78 million in capital expenditures of which $56.0 million was directed
toward drilling, completion and tie-in operations, running 11 rigs throughout
each of our core areas, drilling 48 (21.1 net) wells, of which 75 percent were
horizontal oil wells.
-- Participated in 11 Cardium oil wells focused on the Garrington area, which
continue to deliver volumes consistent with expectations and achieving rates of
return in the 30 - 50 percent range.
-- Delineated a new pool discovery at Hoffer in SE Saskatchewan, which was
drilled during the fourth quarter 2009. The initial well came on at a first
month average production rate of 300 bbls/d and continues to produce at
approximately 150 bbls/d after six months (Trust 50 percent working interest).
-- Drilled one natural gas well at Fireweed, BC (Trust 100 percent working
interest). Initial production from the Fireweed Doig horizontal commenced in
April at a rate of 1,000 boe/d. Results in Fireweed have validated the
significant resource potential of this liquids rich gas pool.
-- Opportunistically added strategic land in existing core areas, spending
approximately $20 million on land and seismic in the Edson area of Alberta and
in the Torquay and Hoffer areas in SE Saskatchewan.
-- Delivered record quarterly production volumes in line with expectations in
the first quarter, averaging 30,120 boe per day.
-- Reduced operating costs by 10 percent to $10.81 per boe compared to $11.95
per boe for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. Operating costs continue to trend
down driven by lower natural gas prices impacting the cost of power and
continued gains from an aggressive optimization program in field operations.
-- Renewed the Trust's fully secured revolving credit facility at the current
level of $550 million, approximately $350 million of which is currently
available after taking the recent equity financing into consideration.
-- Completed a $100 million equity financing, with approximately $10 - 15
million of the proceeds to be directed toward second half 2010 drilling and $20
million dedicated toward strategic land acquisition in NAL's core areas. NAL
remains active in evaluating property and corporate acquisitions.
2010 UPDATED GUIDANCE
Based on first quarter performance and the recently completed $100 million
equity financing, the Trust has increased its capital expenditure guidance for
2010 and lowered its operating cost forecast.
May 2010 January 2010
Guidance Guidance
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Production (boe/d) 29,500 - 30,500 29,500 - 30,500
Net capital expenditures ($MM) 210 175
Operating costs ($/boe) 10.75 - 11.25 11.00 - 11.50
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ALLOCATION
The table below illustrates the allocation of the increased capital
expenditures. The incremental capital will be directed toward drilling in the
third and fourth quarters of 2010 in support of the active land acquisition
program in the first quarter. Due to the timing of the incremental spending, the
Trust does not expect material incremental volumes during the year and as a
result, has not adjusted the full year average production volumes guidance at
this time.
2010 Exploration & Development Guidance ($MM)
May January
Drill, Complete & Tie-in 153 140
Recompletion 7 7
Plant & Facilities 10 8
Land & Seismic 30 10
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Subtotal E&D 200 165
Other 10 10
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Total 210 175
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PAYOUT RATIO
NAL's first quarter total payout ratio of 158 percent, based on funds from
operations ("FFO"), is largely the result of an active first quarter drilling
and land acquisition program. Historically and strategically, the Trust's first
quarter capital program tends to be higher in order to complete winter drilling
activities prior to spring break-up and road bans coming into effect. In 2010,
NAL spent $78 million in total capital expenditures which represents
approximately 107 percent of FFO, while the distribution payout represents
approximately 51 percent of FFO. On a full year basis, NAL expects to maintain a
total payout ratio which includes capital expenditures and distributions in the
125 - 130 percent range. Despite this level of spending, and after taking into
consideration the net proceeds from the recent equity financing, the Trust's
balance sheet position remains solid with a forecast total debt to cash flow
ratio of 1.5 times, including debentures, on a full year average basis.
CORPORATE CONVERSION
Currently, NAL plans to convert to a dividend paying corporation in the fall of
2010. By itself, the change in structure of the underlying entity from a trust
to corporation, does not affect our business plan or our disciplined operational
and financial focus.
NAL's Board will continue to assess the Trust's dividend and payout policy based
upon commodity prices, NAL's asset base and opportunities, and other market
factors. Assuming commodity prices remain consistent with current levels, the
Trust has no plans to change the $0.09 per month distribution prior to
conversion. After conversion, the Trust's total return will be driven by a
combination of growth and yield, with yield remaining a strong component of the
overall return. Specific payout and dividend levels will be established closer
to the time of conversion.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Please refer to the disclaimer on forward-looking information set forth under
the Management's Discussion and Analysis in this press release. The disclaimer
is applicable to all forward-looking information in this press release,
including the updated guidance for full year 2010 set forth above.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
Please refer to the discussion of non-GAAP measures set forth under the
Management's Discussion and Analysis regarding the use of the following terms:
"funds from operations", "payout ratio" and "operating netback".
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
At 3:30 p.m. MDT (5:30 p.m. EDT) on May 4, 2010, NAL will hold a conference call
to discuss the first quarter 2010 results. Mr. Andrew Wiswell, President and
CEO, will host the conference call with other members of the management team.
The call is open to analysts, investors, and all interested parties. If you wish
to participate, call 1-800-769-8320 toll free across North America. The
conference call will also be accessible through the internet at
http://events.digitalmedia.telus.com/nal/050410/index.php
A recorded playback of the call will be available until May 11, 2010 by calling
1-800-408-3053, reservation 2425380.
Notes: (1) All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.
(2) When converting natural gas to barrels of oil equivalent (boe)
within this press release, NAL uses the widely recognized
standard of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) to one barrel of oil.
However, boe's may be misleading, particularly if used in
isolation. A conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 boe is based on an
energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the
burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the
wellhead.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Three months ended
(thousands of dollars, except per unit and boe data)
(unaudited)
----------------------------------------
March 31, March 31, December 31,
2010 2009 2009
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FINANCIAL
Revenue(1) $ 136,883 $ 80,662 $ 111,477
Cash flow from operating
activities 63,648 66,546 53,060
Cash flow per unit - basic 0.46 0.69 0.45
Cash flow per unit - diluted 0.44 0.67 0.44
Funds from operations 73,242 62,024 62,953
Funds from operations per unit
- basic 0.53 0.64 0.53
Funds from operations per unit
- diluted 0.51 0.62 0.51
Net income 29,349 4,724 5,634
Distributions declared 37,185 29,816 32,625
Distributions per unit 0.27 0.31 0.27
Basic payout ratio:
based on cash flow from
operating activities 58% 45% 61%
based on funds from operations 51% 48% 52%
Basic payout ratio including
capital expenditures(2) :
based on cash flow from
operating activities 181% 99% 130%
based on funds from operations 158% 107% 110%
Units outstanding (000's)
Period end 137,881 96,181 137,471
Weighted average 137,660 96,181 118,174
Capital expenditures(3) 78,317 36,936 36,764
Property acquisitions
(dispositions), net (12,702) 1,314 (17,255)
Corporate acquisitions, net(4) 309 - 310,051
Net debt, excluding convertible
debentures(5) 309,136 324,614 282,727
Convertible debentures (at face
value) 194,744 79,744 194,744
OPERATING
Daily production(6)
Crude oil (bbl/d) 11,788 9,990 10,290
Natural gas (Mcf/d) 93,328 68,966 78,265
Natural gas liquids (bbl/d) 2,777 2,352 2,413
Oil equivalent (boe/d) 30,120 23,836 25,748
OPERATING NETBACK ($/boe)
Revenue before hedging gains
(losses) 50.49 37.60 47.06
Royalties (8.54) (6.59) (8.95)
Operating costs (10.81) (11.95) (10.21)
Other income(7) 0.16 0.20 0.15
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Operating netback before
hedging 31.30 19.26 28.05
Hedging gains (losses) 0.63 12.95 4.71
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Operating netback 31.93 32.21 32.76
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(1) Oil, natural gas and liquid sales less transportation costs and prior to
royalties and hedging.
(2) Capital expenditures included are net of non-controlling interest amount
of $0.1 million (2009 - $0.6) for the three months ended March 31, 2010,
attributable to the Tiberius and Spear properties.
(3) Excludes property and corporate acquisitions, and is net of drilling
incentive credits of $2.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
(4) Represents total consideration for corporate acquisitions including
fees.
(5) Bank debt plus working capital and other liabilities, excluding
derivative contracts, notes payable/receivable and future income tax
balances.
(6) Includes royalty interest volumes.
(7) Excludes minimal Trust interest paid on notes with Manulife Financial
Corporation.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following discussion and analysis ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction
with the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 and the audited consolidated financial statements
and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2009 of NAL Oil & Gas Trust ("NAL" or
the "Trust"). It contains information and opinions on the Trust's future outlook
based on currently available information. All amounts are reported in Canadian
dollars, unless otherwise stated. Where applicable, natural gas has been
converted to barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") based on a ratio of six thousand
cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil. The boe rate is based on an
energy equivalent conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and
does not represent a value equivalent at the wellhead. Use of boe in isolation
may be misleading.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Throughout this discussion and analysis, Management uses the terms funds from
operations, funds from operations per unit, payout ratio, cash flow from
operations per unit, net debt to trailing 12 month cash flow, operating netback
and cash flow netback. These are considered useful supplemental measures as they
provide an indication of the results generated by the Trust's principal business
activities. Management uses the terms to facilitate the understanding of the
results of operations. However, these terms do not have any standardized meaning
as prescribed by Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP").
Investors should be cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an
alternative to net income determined in accordance with GAAP as an indication of
NAL's performance. NAL's method of calculating these measures may differ from
other income funds and companies and, accordingly, they may not be comparable to
measures used by other income funds and companies.
Funds from operations is calculated as cash flow from operating activities
before changes in non-cash working capital. Funds from operations does not
represent operating cash flows or operating profits for the period and should
not be viewed as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities
calculated in accordance with GAAP. Funds from operations is considered by
Management to be a more meaningful key performance indicator of NAL's ability to
generate cash to finance operations and to pay monthly distributions. Funds from
operations per unit and cash flow from operations per unit are calculated using
the weighted average units outstanding for the period.
Payout ratio is calculated as distributions declared for a period as a
percentage of either cash flow from operating activities or funds from
operations; both measures are stated.
Net debt to trailing 12 months cash flow is calculated as net debt as a
proportion of funds from operations for the previous 12 months. Net debt is
defined as bank debt, plus convertible debentures at face value, plus working
capital and other liabilities, excluding derivative contracts, notes
payable/receivable and future income tax balances.
The following table reconciles cash flows from operating activities to funds
from operations:
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Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
$ (000s) 2010 2009
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Cash flow from operating activities $63,648 $ 66,546
Add back change in non-cash working capital 9,594 (4,522)
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Funds from operations $73,242 $ 62,024
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking information as to the
Trust's internal projections, expectations and beliefs relating to future events
or future performance. Forward looking information is typically identified by
words such as "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "may",
"will", "could", "plan", "intend", "should", "believe", "outlook", "project",
"potential", "target", and similar words suggesting future events or future
performance. In addition, statements relating to "reserves" are forward-looking
statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates
and assumptions, that the reserves described exist in the quantities estimated
and can be profitably produced in the future.
In particular, this MD&A contains forward-looking information pertaining to the
following, without limitation: the amount and timing of cash flows and
distributions to unitholders; reserves and reserves values; 2010 production;
future tax treatment of the Trust; future corporate conversion of the Trust and
its subsidiaries; the Trust's tax pools; future oil and gas prices; operating,
drilling and completion costs; the amount of future asset retirement
obligations; future liquidity and future financial capacity; the initiation of
an "at-the-market" financing program; future results from operations; payout
ratios; cost estimates and royalty rates; drilling plans; tie-in of wells;
future development, exploration, and acquisition and development activities and
related expenditures; and rates of return.
With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A and the press
release through which it was disseminated, we have made assumptions regarding,
among other things: future oil and natural gas prices; future capital
expenditure levels; future oil and natural gas production levels; future
exchange rates; the amount of future cash distributions that we intend to pay;
the cost of expanding our property holdings; our ability to obtain equipment in
a timely manner to carry out exploration and development activities; our ability
to market our oil and natural gas successfully to current and new customers; the
impact of increasing competition; our ability to obtain financing on acceptable
terms; and our ability to add production and reserves through our development
and exploitation activities.
Although NAL believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking
information contained in the MD&A and the press release through which it was
disseminated, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking information are
made, are reasonable, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans,
intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking information are based
will occur. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from
those anticipated and which may cause NAL's actual performance and financial
results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections
of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, without
limitation: changes in commodity prices; unanticipated operating results or
production declines; the impact of weather conditions on seasonal demand and
NAL's ability to execute its capital program; risks inherent in oil and gas
operations; the imprecision of reserve estimates; limited, unfavorable or no
access to capital or credit markets; the impact of competitors; the lack of
availability of qualified operating or management personnel; the inability to
obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, when
required; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions; general
economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; fluctuations in
foreign exchange or interest rates; changes in government regulation of the oil
and gas industry, including environmental regulation; changes in royalty rates;
changes in tax laws; stock market volatility and market valuations; OPEC's
ability to control production and balance global supply and demand for crude oil
at desired price levels; political uncertainty, including the risk of
hostilities in the petroleum producing regions of the world; and other risk
factors discussed in other public filings of the Trust including the Trust's
current Annual Information Form.
NAL cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results
is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in the MD&A is made
as of the date of this MD&A. The forward-looking information contained in the
MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
The Trust spent $56.0 million on drilling, completion and tie-in operations
during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $30.5 million during the first
quarter of 2009. There were 48 (21.1 net) wells drilled in the first quarter
compared to 26 (9.8 net) wells during the same period in 2009 which is
consistent with an expanded capital program year over year. Operations were
conducted across NAL's operations with 22 wells drilled in Saskatchewan, two in
British Columbia and 24 in Alberta.
The Trust participated in 36 (18 net) horizontal wells with 85 percent of the
activity focused on oil projects across Saskatchewan and Alberta. There were two
(1.5 net) water injectors drilled in East Prairie for pressure support in an
existing oil pool and one (0.5 net) dry and abandoned Leduc well drilled in the
Sylvan Lake area. The Trust will continue to focus on horizontal oil drilling
for the remainder of the year with significant programs in the Cardium drilling
15 (10 net) additional wells and in the Mississippian throughout southeast
Saskatchewan drilling 40 (19 net) wells.
First Quarter Drilling Activity
Service Dry &
Crude Oil Natural Gas Wells Abandoned Total
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Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
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Operated wells 33 16.0 2 1.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 38 19.5
Non-operated
wells 6 0.7 4 0.9 0 0 0 0 10 1.6
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Total wells
drilled 39 16.7 6 2.4 2 1.5 1 0.5 48 21.1
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Southeast Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, there were 22 (10.1 net) horizontal oil wells drilled during
the first quarter with activity focused on the Mississippian in Alida,
Nottingham and Hoffer.
A new pool discovery at Hoffer was drilled in the fourth quarter of 2009. The
1D15-31/1D7-6-2-15W2 well has had cumulative oil production of 34,000 bbls over
a six month period with a water cut less than 30 percent and is expected to
capture over 200,000 bbls of oil reserves. Current production from this well is
150 bbls of oil per day. The Trust has successfully completed the first program
of delineation drilling with five additional wells on stream in April at rates
of 75 - 200 bbls of oil per day. Seismic and mapping support significant running
room on this play over a large contiguous land block (35 sections at 50 percent
working interest) which NAL controls. Additional capital of $5 million has been
layered in to support step out drilling over the next three quarters allowing
NAL to test the continuity and extent of the play. It is expected that the Trust
will drill between 10 - 15 gross wells in this area over the remainder of the
year. Plans to build a full scale battery are in the preliminary stages with
expectations for construction starting in the first quarter of 2011. These wells
qualify for the 100,000 bbl royalty holiday in Saskatchewan which, coupled with
current oil prices, yield netbacks of approximately $45/boe and a recycle ratio
of three times.
A successful 10 well drilling program in Alida and Nottingham continues to
deliver efficient production additions to existing infrastructure where
incremental operating costs are less than $5/bbl and capital efficiency is
between $10 - 15/boe. This program will continue with an expectation of 10
additional wells being drilled over the next three quarters.
Alberta
In Alberta, NAL participated in drilling 24 (9.6 net) locations including 11 (6
net) Cardium wells: six (3.5 net) at Garrington and five (2.5 net) at Pine Creek
with production expected to commence during the second quarter. The Trust is
currently drilling a three well pad through break up in Garrington and it is
expected that another three well pad will be drilled in July. The 16-9-34-4W5M
well was completed using water and has been on production for 14 days. Early
results appear to be in line with surrounding wells completed using oil which
lends support for a broader application of water as a completion fluid in this
area. Savings are anticipated to be $300,000 - $400,000 per well, but we will
continue to monitor well performance to get more history before we move forward
with a change in completion practices. Cardium well results to date continue to
meet production expectations with first month average actual production rates of
166 boe/d and six month average rates at 77 boe/d. These production rates
combined with drill and completion costs of $2.5 - 3.0 million yield 40 percent
rates of return at current prices which continue to support an active
development program going forward.
NAL has updated its' corporate presentation that lists those Cardium wells in
the Garrington area which have at least one month of production history. NAL's
corporate presentation may be found on the website at www.nal.ca.
In Pine Creek, drilling and completion costs were higher in the Cardium than
expected due to lower penetration rates and increased rock stress creating
additional difficulties for placing proppant / sand during completion
operations. Outcomes are highly variable and the Trust will be monitoring
results from recent wells before considering an expanded program.
NAL is planning a three well Cardium program at Lochend/North Cochrane in order
to evaluate the considerable land base in the area. Drilling is expected to
commence in July.
The Trust has the financial capability and prospect inventory to capture the
maximum drilling incentives available in the current Alberta program through the
end of the first quarter in 2011 with a focus on resource style oil drilling.
The continuation of the five percent royalty program and a reduction in the cap
on maximum royalty rates for oil from 50 to 40 percent and natural gas from 50
to 36 percent will continue to support competitive economics and encourage
activity in Alberta.
Northeast British Columbia
There were two (1.5 net) wells drilled in Fireweed and Trutch during the first
quarter. Production from the Fireweed Doig horizontal A-A086-I/094-A-12
commenced in April at a rate of 1,000 boe/d (5 mmcf/d + 40 bbls/mmcf of free
condensate) at a flowing tubing pressure of 12 mpa. Continued good results in
Fireweed have validated the significant resource potential of this pool. A
second Fireweed well at D-B007-A/94-A-12 was rig released in April with
completion activity to commence in June and production expected in the third
quarter. The Trutch halfway horizontal C-A024-I/094-G-10 was testing at rates of
2.2 mmcf/d and is expected to be tied in by the end of the third quarter
depending on access conditions.
In Sukunka, the d-27-F well was shut in for March and most of April to repair a
casing leak resulting in a 130 boe/d negative impact to average production in
the first and second quarters. The well is now back on stream and producing 400
boe/d net to the Trust.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Capital expenditures, before property acquisitions and dispositions, for the
quarter ended March 31, 2010 totaled $78.3 million compared with $36.9 million
for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The year-over-year increase is tied to the
corresponding increase in wells drilled as well as a continued shift towards
horizontal drilling and multi stage frac completions which significantly
increases per well costs. First quarter land expenditures of $18.1 million
represent a combination of Crown and private land purchases adding 26.5 net
sections to core positions in the Pine Creek and Edson area of Alberta and
contiguous lands on trend with Hoffer and Torquay in southeast Saskatchewan.
Capital Expenditures ($000s)
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Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
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Drilling, completion and production equipment 55,993 30,464
Plant and facilities 427 2,859
Seismic 1,661 89
Land 18,149 1,975
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Total exploitation and development 76,230 35,387
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Office equipment 290 238
Capitalized G&A 1,524 1,159
Capitalized unit-based compensation 275 152
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Total other capital 2,089 1,549
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Total capitalized expenditures before
acquisitions 78,319 36,936
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Property acquisitions (dispositions), net (12,702) 1,314
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Total capitalized expenditures 65,617 38,250
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PRODUCTION
First quarter 2010 production of 30,120 boe/d was slightly above the guidance
mid-point of 30,000 boe/d after taking into account 100 boe/d of dispositions.
This production level represents an increase of 26 percent over production of
23,836 boe/d in the comparable period of 2009. The increase is due to the
ongoing execution of the Trust's capital program as well as the impact of
acquisitions completed in 2009.
Average Daily Production Volumes
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Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
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Oil (bbl/d) 11,788 9,990
Natural gas (Mcf/d) 93,328 68,966
NGLs (bbl/d) 2,777 2,352
Oil equivalent (boe/d) 30,120 23,836
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Oil equivalent volumes of 30,120 boe/d for the first quarter of 2010 include 301
boe/d (2009 - 442 boe/d), attributable to the non-controlling interest in the
Tiberius and Spear properties (see "Related Party Transactions").
For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, oil and natural gas liquids production
represented 48 percent of total production volume with natural gas representing
52 percent of total production volume.
Production Weighting
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Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
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Oil 39% 42%
Natural gas 52% 48%
NGLs 9% 10%
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REVENUE
Gross revenue from oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids sales, after
transportation costs and prior to hedging, totaled $136.9 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2010, 70 percent higher than the first quarter of 2009.
The increase is due to a 26 percent increase in production and a 34 percent
increase in the average realized price per boe, driven by a 69 percent increase
in the realized crude oil price partially offset by a five percent decrease in
the realized natural gas price. The increase in realized prices reflects higher
West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") prices, slightly offset by a stronger Canadian
dollar.
Revenue
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Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue(1) ($000s)
Oil 81,085 40,684
Gas 42,064 32,576
NGLs 13,752 6,977
Sulphur (18) 425
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Total revenue 136,883 80,662
$/boe 50.49 37.60
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(1) Oil, natural gas and liquid sales less transportation costs and prior to
royalties and hedging.
OIL MARKETING
NAL markets its crude oil based on refiners' posted prices at Edmonton, Alberta
and Cromer, Manitoba adjusted for transportation and the quality of crude oil at
each field battery. The refiners' posted prices are influenced by the WTI
benchmark price, transportation costs, exchange rates and the supply/demand
situation of particular crude oil quality streams during the year.
NAL's first quarter average realized Canadian crude oil price per barrel, net of
transportation costs excluding hedging, was $76.43, as compared to $45.25 for
the comparable quarter of 2009. The increase in realized price
quarter-over-quarter of 69 percent, or $31.18/bbl, was primarily driven by a 83
percent increase in the WTI price (U.S.$/bbl) over the comparable period,
partially offset by a 16 percent increase in the value of the Canadian dollar.
For the first quarter of 2010, NAL's crude oil price differential was 93
percent, an increase of nine percentage points from the comparable period in
2009. The differential is calculated as realized price as a percentage of the
WTI price stated in Canadian dollars. The increase in 2010 resulted from a
tighter differential between WTI and Edmonton/Cromer posted prices, due to
relatively strong demand for light crude in western Canada during the first
quarter.
Natural gas liquids averaged $55.02/bbl in the first quarter of 2010, a 67
percent increase from the $32.96/bbl realized in 2009.
NATURAL GAS MARKETING
Approximately 70 percent of NAL's current gas production is sold under marketing
arrangements tied to the Alberta monthly or daily spot price ("AECO"), with the
remaining 30 percent tied to NYMEX or other indexed reference prices.
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Trust's natural gas sales
averaged $5.01/Mcf compared to $5.25/Mcf in the comparable period of 2009, a
decrease of five percent. The quarter-over-quarter decrease in gas price was
largely attributable to marketing a portion of natural gas based on the monthly
benchmark. The AECO monthly price decreased five percent quarter-over-quarter,
compared to a one percent increase in the daily AECO price.
Prices for Lake Erie natural gas decreased to $5.70/Mcf in the first quarter of
2010, compared to $6.32/Mcf in 2009, a decrease of ten percent. Lake Erie
production of 3.2 mmcf/d accounted for three percent of the Trust's natural gas
production in the first quarter of 2010, as compared to five percent in the
comparable period of 2009. Natural gas sales from the Lake Erie property
generally receive a higher price due to the close proximity of the Ontario and
Northeastern U.S. markets.
Average Pricing
(net of transportation charges)
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Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
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Liquids
WTI (US$/bbl) 78.69 43.08
NAL average oil (Cdn$/bbl) 76.43 45.25
NAL natural gas liquids (Cdn$/bbl) 55.02 32.96
Natural Gas (Cdn$/mcf)
AECO - daily spot 4.96 4.92
AECO - monthly 5.36 5.63
NAL Western Canada natural gas 4.98 5.19
NAL Lake Erie natural gas 5.70 6.32
NAL average natural gas 5.01 5.25
NAL Oil Equivalent before hedging
(Cdn$/boe - 6:1) 50.49 37.60
Average Foreign Exchange Rate (Cdn$/US$) 1.041 1.245
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISK MANAGEMENT
NAL employs risk management practices to assist in managing cash flows and to
support capital programs and distributions. NAL currently has derivative
contracts in place to assist in managing the risks associated with commodity
prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
NAL's commodity hedging policy currently provides authorization for management
to hedge up to 60 percent of forecasted total production, net of royalties.
Management's practice is to hedge more near-term volumes on a six to 12 month
forward basis with more limited volumes hedged in future periods. The execution
of NAL's commodity hedging program is layered in using a combination of swaps
and collars. As at March 31, 2010, NAL had several financial WTI oil contracts
and AECO natural gas contracts in place.
NAL hedges floating rate debt for periods of up to five years. As at March 31,
2010, NAL had several interest rate swaps outstanding with a total notional
value of US$139 million.
NAL's foreign exchange hedging policy currently provides authorization to hedge
up to 50 percent of US dollar exposure for up to 24 months. As at March 31,
2010, NAL had several exchange rate swaps outstanding with a total notional
value of US$72 million.
All derivative contract counterparties are Canadian chartered banks in the
Trust's lending syndicate.
Realized gains on derivative contracts were $1.4 million for the first quarter
of 2010, compared to $27.8 million in the comparable quarter of 2009. Gains are
lower due primarily to rising oil prices versus hedge positions and lower gains
on gas positions due to lower gas prices. Oil losses are somewhat offset by
foreign exchange gains related to a rising Canadian dollar.
All derivative contracts are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value based
upon forward curves at March 31, 2010. Changes in the fair value of the
derivative contracts are recognized in net income for the period.
Fair value is calculated at a point in time based on an approximation of the
amounts that would be received or paid to settle these instruments, with
reference to forward prices at March 31, 2010. Accordingly, the magnitude of the
unrealized gain or loss will continue to fluctuate with changes in commodity
prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
The fair value of the derivatives at March 31, 2010 was a net asset of $16.0
million, comprised of a $19.0 million asset on gas contracts, partially offset
by a $11.3 million liability on oil contracts, a $5.7 million asset on foreign
exchange contracts and a $2.7 million asset on interest rate swaps.
First quarter income for 2010 includes an $18.5 million unrealized gain on
derivatives resulting from the change in the fair value of the derivative
contracts during the quarter from an unrealized loss of $2.5 million at December
31, 2009 to an unrealized gain of $16.0 million at March 31, 2010. The $18.5
million unrealized gain was comprised of a $1.5 million unrealized gain on crude
oil contracts, a $0.2 million unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, a $15.0
million unrealized gain on natural gas contracts and a $1.8 million unrealized
gain on foreign exchange swaps.
The gain/loss on all forward derivative contracts is as follows:
Gain / (Loss) on Derivative Contracts ($000s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss):
Crude oil contracts 1,546 (21,198)
Natural gas contracts 15,021 2,701
Interest rate swaps 191 (678)
Exchange rate swaps 1,751 671
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss) 18,509 (18,504)
Realized gain (loss):
Crude oil contracts (2,082) 20,752
Natural gas contracts 2,497 6,956
Interest rate swaps (257) (29)
Exchange rate swaps 1,290 83
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized gain 1,448 27,762
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain on derivative contracts 19,957 9,258
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a summary of the realized gains and losses on risk
management contracts:
Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Contracts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodity contracts:
Average crude volumes hedged (bbl/d) 6,366 3,603
Crude oil realized gain (loss) ($000s) (2,082) 20,752
Gain (loss) per bbl hedged ($) (3.63) 63.99
Average natural gas volumes hedged (GJ/d) 37,967 29,000
Natural gas realized gain ($000s) 2,497 6,956
Gain per GJ hedged ($) 0.73 2.67
Average BOE hedged (boe/d) 12,363 8,185
Total realized commodity contracts gain
($000s) 415 27,708
Gain per boe hedged ($) 0.37 37.61
Gain per boe ($) 0.15 12.91
Exchange rate swaps realized gain ($000s) 1,290 83
Gain per boe ($) 0.48 0.04
Interest rate swaps realized gain (loss)
($000s) (257) (29)
Gain (loss) per boe ($) (0.09) (0.01)
Total realized gain ($000s) 1,448 27,762
Gain per boe ($) 0.54 12.94
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average hedged boes for the first quarter of 2010 were 12,363 as compared to
10,226 for the fourth quarter of 2009.
NAL has the following interest rate risk management contracts outstanding:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Trust
INTEREST RATE (millions) Fixed Counterparty
CONTRACT Remaining Term (1) Rate Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Dec 2011 $39.0 1.5864% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Jan 2013 $22.0 1.3850% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Jan 2014 $22.0 1.5100% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Mar 2013 $14.0 1.8500% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Mar 2013 $14.0 1.8750% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Mar 2014 $14.0 1.9300% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Mar 2014 $14.0 1.9850% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Notional debt amount
NAL has the following exchange rate risk management contracts outstanding:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCHANGE RATE Amount(1) Trust Counterparty
CONTRACT Remaining Term (US$ MM) Fixed Rate Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swaps-floating
to fixed Apr - Dec 2010 $8.0 1.0966 BofC Average Noon Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Notional US$ denominated commodity sales per month.
From April 1 to December 31, 2010, NAL also has a commitment to sell US$9
million ($1 million/month) at 1.045 if the monthly Bank of Canada average noon
rate exceeds 1.045. NAL is paid a premium of approximately $10,000 a month when
the average noon rate falls between 0.95 and 1.045.
NAL has the following commodity risk management contracts outstanding:
CRUDE OIL Q2-10 Q3-10 Q4-10 Q1-11 Q2-11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
US$ Collar Contracts
-------------------------
$US WTI Collar Volume
(bbl/d) 3,700 2,800 2,600 800 800
Bought Puts - Average
Strike Price ($US/bbl) $ 63.59 $ 65.63 $ 65.87 $ 81.25 $ 81.25
Sold Calls - Average
Strike Price ($US/bbl) $ 74.94 $ 77.55 $ 78.05 $ 94.47 $ 94.47
US$ Swap Contracts
-------------------------
$US WTI Swap Volume
(bbl/d) 2,800 3,200 3,300 - -
Average WTI Swap Price
($US/bbl) $ 79.45 $ 83.91 $ 83.82 - -
Total Oil Volume (bbl/d) 6,500 6,000 5,900 800 800
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS Q2-10 Q3-10 Q4-10 Q1-11 Q2-11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swap Contracts
-------------------------
AECO Swap Volume (GJ/d) 39,000 40,000 27,337 4,000 4,000
AECO Average Price
($Cdn/GJ) $ 5.60 $ 5.61 $ 5.66 $ 5.78 $ 5.78
Total Natural gas Volume
(GJ/d) 39,000 40,000 27,337 4,000 4,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the remainder of 2010, the Trust has outstanding contracts representing
approximately 48 percent of its net liquids and natural gas production after
royalties.
ROYALTY EXPENSES
Crown, freehold and overriding royalties were $23.1 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2010. Expressed as a percentage of gross sales net of
transportation costs, before gain/loss on derivative contracts, the net royalty
rate was 16.9 percent for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, a decrease from the
17.5 percent experienced in the same period of the previous year.
Royalties increased to $8.54 per boe for the first quarter of 2010, an increase
of 30 percent compared to the first quarter of 2009. The increase is
attributable to higher commodity prices on a quarter-over-quarter basis.
On March 11, 2010 the Alberta Government announced measures to improve the
Province of Alberta's competitive position in the oil and gas industry. The
current royalty framework for natural gas and conventional oil will be modified
for all production effective January 1, 2011. The government will make the five
percent maximum royalty rate during the first year of production incentive
permanent and the maximum royalties paid on oil and gas production will be
lowered from 50 percent to 40 percent for oil and 36 percent for natural gas.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, 45 percent of crude oil and 67 percent of
natural gas production was from Alberta.
Royalty Expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royalties ($000s) 23,146 14,134
As % of revenue 16.9 17.5
$/boe 8.54 6.59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING COSTS
Operating costs averaged $10.81 per boe for the quarter ended March 31, 2010,
down 10 percent from $11.95 per boe for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.
Operating costs continue to trend down driven by lower natural gas prices
impacting the cost of power and continued gains from an aggressive optimization
program in field operations. Based on emerging cost trends the Trust has lowered
its guidance for operating costs to a range of $10.75 - 11.25 per boe.
Operating Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating costs ($000s) 29,304 25,640
As a % of revenue 21.4 31.8
$/boe 10.81 11.95
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INCOME
Other income was $0.12 per boe for the first quarter of 2010 compared to $0.45
per boe in the comparable quarter of 2009. Other income includes gas processing
fees, other miscellaneous income and fees and interest income and interest
expense on notes due from and to MFC (see "Related Party Transactions"). In the
first quarter of 2010, interest expense totaled $0.1 million, as compared to net
interest income of $0.5 million for the comparable period of 2009, the decrease
being attributable to the repayment of a note receivable from MFC in the first
quarter of 2009.
Other Income
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on notes with MFC ($000s) (112) 544
Other ($000s) 443 420
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income ($000s) 331 964
As a % of revenue 0.2 1.20
Interest on notes with MFC ($/boe) (0.04) 0.25
Other ($/boe) 0.16 0.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income ($/boe) 0.12 0.45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING NETBACK
For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, NAL's operating netback, before hedging
gains, was $31.30 per boe, an increase of 63 percent from $19.26 per boe for the
quarter ended March 31, 2009. The increase was due to higher revenues, a result
of higher crude oil prices, and decreased operating costs, partially offset by
increased royalty expense. Hedging gains, related to commodity and exchange rate
derivative contracts, were $0.63 per boe in the first quarter of 2010, as
compared to $12.95 per boe in 2009, the decrease in 2010 attributable mainly to
higher realized crude oil prices.
Operating Netback
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION
Oil (bbl/d) 11,788 9,990
Gas (Mcf/d) 93,328 68,966
NGLs (bbl/d) 2,777 2,352
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total (boe/d) 30,120 23,836
REVENUE
Oil ($/bbl) 76.43 45.25
Gas ($/Mcf) 5.01 5.25
NGLs ($/bbl) 55.02 32.96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 50.49 37.60
ROYALTIES
Oil ($/bbl) 15.11 8.62
Gas ($/Mcf) 0.47 0.77
NGLs ($/bbl) 12.54 7.73
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 8.54 6.59
OPERATING EXPENSES
Oil ($/bbl) 10.92 11.36
Gas ($/Mcf) 1.83 2.16
NGLs ($/bbl) 9.28 9.59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 10.81 11.95
OTHER INCOME(1)
Oil ($/bbl) 0.25 0.24
Gas ($/Mcf) 0.02 0.03
NGLs ($/bbl) 0.18 0.19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 0.16 0.20
OPERATING NETBACK, BEFORE HEDGING
Oil ($/bbl) 50.65 25.51
Gas ($/Mcf) 2.73 2.35
NGLs ($/bbl) 33.38 15.83
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 31.30 19.26
HEDGING GAINS/(LOSSES)(2)
Oil ($/bbl) (0.75) 23.17
Gas ($/Mcf) 0.30 1.12
NGLs ($/bbl) - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 0.63 12.95
OPERATING NETBACK, AFTER HEDGING
Oil ($/bbl) 49.90 48.68
Gas ($/Mcf) 3.03 3.47
NGLs ($/bbl) 33.38 15.83
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ($/boe) 31.93 32.21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Excludes interest on notes with MFC.
(2) Realized hedging gains/losses on commodity and exchange rate derivative
contracts.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
General and administrative ("G&A") expenses include direct costs incurred by the
Trust plus the reimbursement of the G&A expenses incurred by NAL Resources
Management Limited (the "Manager") on the Trust's behalf.
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, G&A expenses were $4.4 million,
compared with $2.6 million in the comparable quarter of 2009. In addition, $1.5
million of G&A costs relating to exploitation and development activities were
capitalized in the first quarter of 2010, compared with $1.2 million in the
first quarter of 2009. G&A expense per boe was $1.61 in the quarter, as compared
to $1.22 for the same period in 2009.
The year-over-year increase in total G&A of $2.1 million is attributable to a
lower payout under the 2008 short term incentive plan of the Manager than was
provided for at December 31, 2008, resulting in lower charges in the first
quarter of 2009 ($0.8 million), plus slightly higher compensation costs in the
first quarter of 2010 as compared to 2009.
General and Administrative Expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
G&A ($000s)
Expensed 4,359 2,618
Capitalized 1,524 1,159
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total G&A ($000s) 5,883 3,777
Expensed G&A costs:
($/boe) 1.61 1.22
As % of revenue 3.2 3.2
Per trust unit ($) 0.03 0.03
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNIT-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
The employees of the Manager are all members of a unit-based incentive plan (the
"Plan"). The Plan results in employees of the Manager receiving cash
compensation based upon the value and overall return of a specified number of
notional trust units. The Plan consists of Restricted Trust Units ("RTUs") and
Performance Trust Units ("PTUs"). RTUs vest as to one third of the amount of the
grant on November 30 in each of three years after the date of grant. PTUs vest
on November 30, three years from the date of grant. Distributions paid on the
Trust's outstanding trust units during the vesting period are assumed to be paid
on the awarded notional trust units and reinvested in additional notional units
on the date of distribution. Upon vesting, the employee of the Manager is
entitled to a cash payout based on the trust unit price at the date of vesting
of the units held. In addition, the PTUs have a performance multiplier which is
based on the Trust's performance relative to its peers and may range from zero
to two times the market value of the notional trust units held at vesting.
During the first quarter of 2010, the Trust recorded a $0.7 million charge for
unit-based incentive compensation that reflects the impact of vesting,
additional notional units and an increase in the PTU performance multiplier for
the 2009 grant. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in the unit
price of the Trust of six percent, from $13.74 at December 31, 2009 to $12.95 at
March 31, 2010. A decrease in unit price results in previously accrued amounts
being reversed to the extent not vested.
Unit-based incentive compensation increased by 57 percent compared to the first
quarter of 2009, from $0.5 million in 2009 to $0.7 million in 2010. The increase
is a reflection of a 90 percent increase in unit price used to determine the
compensation, year-over-year, from $6.80 a unit at March 31, 2009 to $12.95 at
March 31, 2010. In addition, during the first quarter of 2010 the unit price
decreased from the December 31, 2009 unit price by six percent, resulting in a
decrease to previously accrued amounts.
At March 31, 2010, the unit price used to determine unit-based incentive
compensation was $12.95. The closing unit price of the Trust on the Toronto
Stock Exchange on May 3, 2010 was $12.67.
The calculation of unit-based compensation expense is made at the end of each
quarter based on the quarter end trust unit price and estimated performance
factors. The compensation charges relating to the units granted are recognized
over the vesting period based on the trust unit price, number of RTUs and PTUs
outstanding, and the expected performance multiplier. As a result, the expense
recorded in the accounts will fluctuate in each quarter and over time.
At March 31, 2010, the Trust has recorded a total accumulated liability for
unit-based incentive compensation in the amount of $10.2 million, of which $5.4
million is recorded as current as it is payable in December 2010, and $4.8
million is long-term as it is payable in December 2011 and December 2012.
Unit-Based Compensation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit-based compensation ($000s):
Expensed 439 302
Capitalized 275 152
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total unit-based compensation 714 454
Expensed unit-based compensation:
As % of revenue 0.3 0.37
$/boe 0.16 0.14
Per trust unit ($) - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Trust is managed by the Manager. The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Manulife Financial Corporation ("MFC") and also manages NAL Resources Limited
("NAL Resources"), another wholly-owned subsidiary of MFC. NAL Resources and the
Trust maintain ownership interests in many of the same oil and natural gas
properties in which NAL Resources is the joint operator. As a result, a
significant portion of the net operating revenues and capital expenditures
during the year are based on joint amounts from NAL Resources. These
transactions are in the normal course of joint operations and are measured using
the fair value established through the original transactions with third parties.
The Manager provides certain services to the Trust and its subsidiary entities
pursuant to an administrative services and cost sharing agreement. This
agreement requires the Trust to reimburse the Manager at cost for G&A and
unit-based compensation expenses incurred by the Manager on behalf of the Trust
calculated on a unit of production basis. The Agreement does not provide for any
base or performance fees to be payable to the Manager.
The Trust paid $3.6 million (2009 - $1.9 million) for the reimbursement of G&A
expenses during the first quarter. The Trust also pays the Manager its share of
unit-based incentive compensation expense when cash compensation is paid to
employees under the terms of the Plan, of which $6.9 million was paid in the
first quarter of 2010, representing units that vested on November 30, 2009 (2009
- $2.3 million).
At March 31, 2010 the Trust owed the Manager $1.7 million for the reimbursement
of G&A and had a payable to NAL Resources of $0.8 million, relating to capital
expenditures less net operating revenues.
The Trust and a wholly owned subsidiary of MFC jointly own a limited partnership
(the "Partnership"). This Partnership holds the assets acquired from the
acquisitions of Tiberius Exploration Inc. ("Tiberius") and Spear Exploration
Inc. ("Spear") in February 2008. In addition, both the Trust and MFC entered
into net profit interest royalty agreements ("NPI") with the Partnership. These
agreements entitle each royalty holder to a 49.5 percent interest in the cash
flow from the Partnership's reserves. In exchange for this interest, the royalty
holders each paid $49.6 million to the Partnership by way of promissory notes in
2008.
The Trust, by virtue of being the owner of the general partner of the
Partnership under the partnership agreement, is required to consolidate the
results of the Partnership into its financial statements on the basis that the
Trust has control over the Partnership. Accordingly, the Trust reports all
revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of the Partnership, together with its
wholly owned subsidiaries and partnerships, in its consolidated financial
statements. The 50 percent share of net income and net assets of the Partnership
attributable to MFC is then deducted from net income and net assets as a
one-line entry, in the income statement and balance sheet, ensuring that the
bottom line net income and net assets reported represent only the Trust's
interest.
During the first quarter of 2009, MFC repaid the note receivable to the
Partnership of $49.6 million. The Partnership then paid an equal distribution of
$49.6 million to MFC. This resulted in a $49.6 million reduction to the
non-controlling interest on the balance sheet.
As at March 31, 2010, there is a note payable of $8.3 million to MFC arising
from the Tiberius and Spear acquisition. The note payable is included on
consolidation of the Partnership, but is effectively eliminated through the
non-controlling interest. The note is due on demand, unsecured and bears
interest at prime plus three percent. The amount of the note payable to MFC is
adjusted to reflect MFC's share of the capital expenditures of the Partnership
which MFC has funded, less any loan repayments made.
Net interest expense on this note of $0.1 million was payable by the Trust for
the first quarter of 2010 (2009 - $0.5 million net interest income) and is
reported as other income.
INTEREST
Interest on bank debt includes the interest rate charge on borrowings, plus a
standby fee, a stamping fee and the fee for renewal. Interest on bank debt for
the first quarter of 2010 was $3.1 million, an increase of $1.1 million from
$2.0 million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase was due to an
increase in average effective interest rates, partially offset by a decrease in
average debt levels. Average outstanding bank debt for the first quarter of 2010
was $232.5 million, $63.9 million lower than the $296.4 million outstanding for
the first quarter of 2009. NAL's effective interest rate averaged 5.39 percent
during the first quarter of 2010, compared to 2.58 percent during the comparable
period in 2009. The increase in the rate from the first quarter of 2009 is
attributable to increases in the bank fees that are included in debt costs.
NAL's interest is calculated based upon a floating rate before the effect of any
interest rate swaps.
Interest on convertible debentures represents interest charges of $3.1 million
for the three months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to $1.3 million for the
same period in 2009. The interest includes the interest on the 2007 debentures
at 6.75 percent and the interest on the debentures issued in December 2009 at
6.25 percent. Accretion of the debt discount was $1.0 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to $0.4 million for the same period in
2009. The increase in interest and accretion is due to the December 2009
issuance of convertible debentures.
Interest and Debt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on bank debt ($000s)(1) 3,086 1,963
Interest and accretion on convertible
debentures ($000s) 4,133 1,724
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest ($000) 7,219 3,687
Bank debt outstanding at period end ($000s) 244,695 304,918
Convertible debentures at period end ($000s)(2) 178,624 74,382
$/boe:
Interest on bank debt 1.14 0.92
Interest on convertible debentures 1.16 0.63
Accretion on convertible debentures 0.37 0.17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest 2.67 1.72
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Excludes interest rate contract impact.
(2) Debt component of the debentures, as reported on the balance sheet.
CASH FLOW NETBACK
For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, NAL's cash flow netback was $27.73 per
boe, a six percent decrease from $29.54 per boe for the comparable period in
2009. The decrease was due to a lower operating netback after hedging, higher
G&A expenses, including unit-based incentive compensation, and higher interest
charges.
Cash Flow Netback ($/boe)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating netback, after hedging 31.93 32.21
G&A expenses, including unit-based incentive
compensation (1.77) (1.36)
Interest on bank debt and convertible
debentures(1) (2.30) (1.55)
Interest on notes with MFC(2) (0.04) 0.25
Realized loss on interest rate derivative
contracts (0.09) (0.01)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow netback 27.73 29.54
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Excludes non-cash accretion on convertible debentures.
(2) Reported as other income.
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND ACCRETION OF ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS ("DDA")
Depletion of oil and natural gas properties, including the capitalized portion
of the asset retirement obligations, and depreciation of equipment is provided
for on a unit-of-production basis using estimated proved reserves volumes.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, depletion on property, plant and equipment
and accretion on the asset retirement obligations was $23.86 per boe, 14 percent
higher than the $20.99 per boe for the same period in 2009. The increase in
depletion rate per boe in 2010 reflects a higher depletion rate associated with
the oil and gas properties of Breaker Energy Ltd. which was acquired in December
2009.
The DDA rate will fluctuate period-over-period depending on the amount and type
of capital expenditures and the amount of reserves added.
Depletion, Depreciation and Accretion Expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depletion and depreciation ($000s) 62,036 43,208
Accretion of asset retirement obligation
($000s) 2,631 1,828
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total DDA ($000s) 64,667 45,036
DDA rate per boe ($) 23.86 20.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXES
In the first quarter of 2010, NAL had a future income tax recovery of $2.2
million compared to a $6.1 million recovery in the corresponding period of the
prior year.
The Trust is a taxable entity and files a trust income tax return annually. The
Trust's taxable income consists of royalty income, distributions from a
subsidiary trust and interest and dividends from other subsidiaries, less
deductions for the Trust's G&A expenses, Canadian Oil and Gas Property Expense
("COGPE") and issue costs. In addition, Canadian Exploration Expense ("CEE"),
Canadian Development Expense ("CDE") and Undepreciated Capital Cost ("UCC") are
incurred and deducted by the Trust's subsidiaries. The Trust is taxable only on
remaining income, if any, that is not distributed to unitholders.
As at March 31, 2010, the Trust's (including all subsidiaries) estimated tax
pools (unaudited) available for deduction from future taxable income
approximated $1.3 billion, of which approximately 34 percent represented COGPE,
21 percent represented UCC, with the balance represented by CEE, CDE, trust unit
issue costs and non-capital loss carry forwards.
Estimated Tax Pools ($ millions)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31,
March 31, 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian exploration expense 51 50
Canadian development expense 412 379
Canadian oil and gas property expense 440 436
Undepreciated capital costs 272 274
Other (including loss carry forwards) 123 128
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total estimated tax pools 1,298 1,267
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on current strip prices at March 31, 2010, the Trust is not expected to be
taxable in 2010.
Under the specified investment flow-through ("SIFT") legislation, effective
January 1, 2011, distributions to unitholders will not be deductible against
income by publicly traded income trusts and, as a result, the Trust will be
taxed on its income similar to corporations. These measures are considered
enacted for purposes of GAAP. Accordingly, the Trust has measured future income
tax assets and liabilities under the SIFT tax rules. The scheduling of the
reversal of temporary differences is based on management's best estimates and
current assumptions, which may change. Bill C-10, containing the legislation for
the provincial SIFT rate, received Royal Assent on March 12, 2009. The Alberta
provincial tax rate for 2011 is expected to be 10 percent. This will result in
an effective combined SIFT rate of 26.5 percent in 2011 and 25.0 percent in
2012, a three percent decrease from that in the original legislation. The Trust
has tax effected all temporary differences.
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
The Trust has recorded a non-controlling interest in respect of the 50 percent
ownership interest held by MFC in the Partnership holding the Tiberius and Spear
assets (see "Related Party Transactions").
The non-controlling interest presented in the statement of income has two
components: the royalty paid to MFC under the NPI, being a cash payment to the
royalty holder, and 50 percent of net income remaining in the Partnership, after
NPI expense, attributable to MFC. This share of net income attributable to MFC
is a non-cash item.
The non-controlling interest in the consolidated statement of income is
comprised of:
Non-Controlling Interest ($000s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profits interest expense (income) 618 243
Share of net income attributable to MFC 174 616
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
792 859
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NET INCOME
Net income is a measure impacted by both cash and non-cash items. The largest
non-cash items impacting the Trust's net income are DDA, unrealized gains or
losses on derivative contracts and future income taxes.
Net income for the first quarter of 2010 was $29.3 million compared to $4.7
million for the comparable period in 2009. The increase of $24.6 million was
mainly due to increased revenues net of royalties ($47.8 million) and increased
gains on derivative contracts ($10.7 million), offset by increased operating
costs ($3.7 million), increased G&A ($1.7 million), increased DD&A expense
($18.8 million), a lower tax recovery ($4.0 million) and increased interest
charges ($3.5 million).
Net Income ($000s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 29,349 4,724
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
The capital structure of the Trust is comprised of trust units, bank debt and
convertible debentures.
As at March 31, 2010, NAL had 137,880,631 trust units outstanding, compared with
137,471,209 trust units as at December 31, 2009. The increase from December 31,
2009 is attributable to 409,422 units issued under the Trust's distribution
reinvestment plan ("DRIP").
Under NAL's distribution reinvestment plan (the "DRIP"), unitholders may elect
to reinvest distributions or make optional cash payments to acquire trust units
from treasury under the DRIP at 95 percent of the average market price with no
additional fees or commissions. The operation of the DRIP was reinstated
effective with the March distribution payable on April 15, 2009, following
suspension of the program in October 2008. Participation in the DRIP has
averaged 13.9 percent for this quarter.
The premium distribution reinvestment plan ("Premium DRIP") allows unitholders
to exchange such units for a cash payment, from the plan broker, equal to 102
percent of the monthly distribution. The Premium DRIP program has been suspended
since March 10, 2006.
On April 14, 2010, the Trust issued pursuant to a bought deal offering 7,550,000
trust units at a price of $13.25 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $100.0
million.
As at March 31, 2010 the Trust had net debt of $503.9 million (net of working
capital and other liabilities, excluding derivative contracts, note payable with
MFC and future income taxes) including the convertible debentures at face value
of $194.7 million. Excluding the convertible debentures, net debt was $309.1
million, compared with $282.7 million at December 31, 2009. The increase in net
debt, excluding convertible debentures, of $26.4 million during 2010 is
attributable to increased bank debt of $14.0 million and a negative change in
working capital of $12.4 million.
Bank debt outstanding was $244.7 million at March 31, 2010 compared with $230.7
million as at December 31, 2009. Of the $244.7 million outstanding at March 31,
2010, all is outstanding under the production facility.
At the end of the first quarter, the Trust had a net debt (excluding convertible
debentures) to 12 months trailing cash flow ratio of 1.28 times and a total net
debt (including convertible debentures) to 12 months trailing cash flow ratio of
2.08 times.
Subsequent to quarter end, the Trust renewed its credit facility at the
previously approved amount of $550 million. The credit facility is a fully
secured, extendible, revolving facility and will revolve until April 30, 2011 at
which time it is extendible for a further 364-day revolving period upon
agreement between the Trust and the bank syndicate. The facility consists of a
$535 million production facility and a $15 million working capital facility. The
credit facility is fully secured by first priority security interests in all
present and after acquired properties and assets of the Trust and its subsidiary
and affiliated entities. The purpose of the facility is to fund property
acquisitions and capital expenditures. Principal repayments to the bank are not
required at this time. Should principal repayments become mandatory, and in the
absence of refinancing arrangements, the Trust would be required to repay the
facility in five equal quarterly installments commencing May 1, 2012.
The Trust has two series of convertible debentures currently outstanding.
On December 3, 2009, the Trust issued $115 million principal amount of 6.25
percent convertible unsecured subordinated debentures. Interest on the
debentures is paid semi-annually in arrears, on June 30 and December 31, and the
debentures are convertible at the option of the holder, at anytime, into fully
paid trust units at a conversion price of $16.50 per trust unit. The debentures
mature on December 31, 2014 at which time they are due and payable. The
debentures are redeemable by the Trust at a price of $1,050 per debenture on or
after January 1, 2013 and on or before December 31, 2013, and at a price of
$1,025 per debenture on or after January 1, 2014 and on or before December 31,
2014. On redemption or maturity, the Trust may opt to satisfy its obligation to
repay the principal by issuing trust units. If all of the outstanding debentures
were converted at the conversion price, an additional 7.0 million trust units
would be required to be issued.
In addition, the Trust has outstanding $79.7 million principal amount of 6.75
percent convertible extendible unsecured subordinated debentures. Interest on
these debentures is paid semi-annually in arrears, on February 28 and August 31,
and the debentures are convertible at the option of the holder, at any time,
into fully paid trust units at a conversion price of $14.00 per trust unit. The
debentures mature on August 31, 2012 at which time they are due and payable. The
debentures are redeemable by the Trust at a price of $1,050 per debenture on or
after September 1, 2010 and on or before August 31, 2011, and at a price of
$1,025 per debenture on or after September 1, 2011 and on or before August 31,
2012. On redemption or maturity, the Trust may opt to satisfy its obligation to
repay the principal by issuing trust units. If all of the outstanding debentures
were converted at the conversion price, an additional 5.7 million trust units
would be required to be issued.
The convertible debentures are classified as debt on the balance sheet with a
portion of the proceeds allocated to equity, representing the value of the
conversion feature. As the debentures are converted to trust units, a portion of
the debt and equity amounts are transferred to Unitholders' Capital. The debt
component of the convertible debentures is carried net of issue costs. The debt
balance, net of issue costs, accretes over time to the principal amount owing on
maturity. The accretion of the debt discount and the interest paid to debenture
holders are expensed each period as part of the line item "interest and
accretion on convertible debentures" in the consolidated statement of income.
The Trust recognized $1.0 million (2009 - $0.4 million) of accretion of the debt
discount in the first quarter of 2010.
As at May 3, 2010, the Trust has 145,599,324 trust units and $194.7 million in
convertible debentures outstanding.
Capitalization
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2010 2009 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust unit equity ($000s) 891,380 894,192 532,171
Bank debt ($000s) 244,695 230,713 304,918
Working capital deficit
(surplus)(1) ($000s) 64,441 52,014 21,057
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt excluding convertible
debentures 309,136 282,727 325,975
Convertible debentures
($000s)(2) 194,744 194,744 79,744
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt 503,880 477,471 405,719
Net debt excluding convertible
debentures to trailing 12-
month cash flow(3) 1.28 1.23 1.10
Total net debt to trailing
12-month cash flow(3) 2.08 2.07 1.37
Trust units outstanding (000s) 137,881 137,471 96,181
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Working capital and other liabilities, excludes derivative contract,
future income tax and notes with MFC.
(2) Convertible debentures included at face value.
(3) Calculated as net debt divided by funds from operations for the previous
12 months.
The Trust actively manages its payout ratio (including capital) to ensure that
its capital program can be executed and distribution levels are maintained. The
targeted payout ratios may change over time in response to market conditions and
opportunities available to the Trust. In addition to cash generated from
operations, the Trust may use a combination of equity and debt to take advantage
of opportunities, both internally generated and acquisitions. The recent equity
offering will be used to repay indebtedness incurred in connection with certain
acquisitions and to fund the Trust's expanded 2010 capital program. Funds from
operations is a non-GAAP measure used by management as an indicator of the
Trust's ability to generate cash from operations. Currently, the Trust has a
bank line of $550 million of which $245 million is drawn down at March 31, 2010,
leaving available capacity of $305 million.
For 2010, the Trust expects to continue to benefit from an active hedging
program. Currently, the Trust has in place oil hedges for approximately 53
percent of net forecasted (after royalty) production for 2010. Crude volumes are
hedged at an average price of US$82.54 per boe on fixed price contracts. On
collared contracts, crude volumes are hedged at an average ceiling price of
US$76.63 per boe and at an average floor price of US$64.87 per boe. For natural
gas, remaining 2010 hedges total approximately 44 percent of net budgeted
production volumes hedged at an average floor price in excess of $5.62 per GJ
($5.93 per Mcf).
NAL's capital program is designed to be scalable and flexible in response to
commodity prices and market conditions. For 2010, the Trust plans for a $210
million capital program. The Trust, through the Manager, operates approximately
85 percent of the assets to which the capital program is directed, allowing for
significant flexibility over the scale and timing of the program.
Fluctuations in commodity prices, market conditions or potential growth
opportunities may make it necessary to adjust forecasted capital expenditures
and/or distributions levels.
Under the tax legislation regarding the change in the taxation of income trusts,
the Trust has a grandfathering period to 2011, when the rules come into effect.
The grandfathering period restricts "undue expansion" of the Trust by placing
growth limits for issuances of equity and convertible debt, based on the market
capitalization of the Trust on October 31, 2006, the date of the announcement of
the changes in the tax legislation. For the remainder of 2010, the Trust has
approximately $428 million of safe harbour available, after taking into
consideration the equity offering that closed subsequent to quarter end.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
At March 31, 2010, the Trust reported an asset retirement obligation ("ARO")
balance of $131.9 million ($127.9 million as at December 31, 2009) for future
abandonment and reclamation of the Trust's oil and gas properties and
facilities. The ARO balance was increased by $2.3 million due to liabilities
incurred and revisions to estimates and $2.6 million from accretion expense, and
was reduced by $0.9 million for actual abandonment and reclamation expenditures
incurred during the first quarter.
DISTRIBUTIONS TO UNITHOLDERS
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Trust distributed 58 percent of
its cash flow from operating activities, as compared to 45 percent for the same
period in 2009. The payout associated with cash flow from operating activities
will fluctuate significantly period over period as cash flow from operating
activities includes changes in non-cash working capital associated with
operating activities. The Trust has distributed in excess of its net income in
each period, due to the non-cash charges included in net income. Cash flow from
operations usually exceeds net income, as net income includes non-cash charges
such as DDA, future income tax expense and unrealized gains and losses on
derivative contracts.
The Board of Directors of NAL Energy Inc. sets distribution levels taking into
consideration commodity prices, the forecasted cash flow of the Trust, financial
market conditions, availability of financing, internal capital investment
opportunities and taxability.
Given that distributions have exceeded net income during 2010, the excess could
be considered to be an economic return of capital to the unitholders. The
Trust's business model is such that it distributes a certain proportion of its
cash flow while retaining cash to execute planned capital programs. As a result
of the depleting nature of oil and gas assets, ongoing capital expenditures are
required in order to manage production declines as well as to invest in
facilities and infrastructure. NAL's 2010 capital program may not fully replace
production. When the Trust sets distribution levels, depletion expense is not
considered to be an indicative measure for maintaining productive capacity, and
therefore, net income is not considered a driver of distribution levels. The
Trust grows its productive capacity and sustains its cash flow through
development activities and acquisitions. NAL's productive capacity and future
cash flow will be dependent on its ability to acquire assets and continue to
find economic reserves. Acquisitions are financed through equity, debt or a
combination of the two.
Generally, the capital expenditures of the Trust and the distributions in any
given period exceed the cash flow from operating activities. The shortfall is
financed from a combination of debt and equity. Fluctuations in commodity
prices, other market factors, or growth opportunities may make it necessary to
adjust forecasted capital expenditures or distributions levels.
NAL intends to continue to make cash distributions to unitholders. However,
these cash distributions cannot be guaranteed. The primary drivers of the level
of distributions are the factors that contribute to cash flow, namely
production, operating costs and commodity prices as well as the opportunities
for capital expenditures. The future sustainability of this distribution policy
will be dependent upon maintaining productive capacity through both capital
expenditures and acquisitions. A significant further decrease in commodity
prices may impact cash from operating activities, access to credit facilities
and the Trust's ability to fund operations and maintain distributions.
Distributions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
($000s except for percentages) 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow from operating activities 63,648 66,546
Net income 29,349 4,724
Actual cash distributions paid or payable 37,185 29,816
Excess of cash flow from operating activities
over cash distribution paid 26,463 36,730
Percentage of cash flow from operations
distributed 58% 45%
Excess (shortfall) of net income over cash
distributions paid (7,836) (25,092)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
As stated in the non-GAAP measures section of the MD&A, NAL uses funds from
operations as a key performance indicator to measure the ability of the Trust to
generate cash from operations and to pay monthly distributions.
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, funds from operations amounted to
$73.2 million, compared with $62.0 million for the three months ended March 31,
2009. The 18 percent increase is due to higher revenues resulting from higher
crude oil prices. On a per trust unit basis, funds from operations decreased 17
percent from $0.64 in 2009 to $0.53 in 2010.
Funds from Operations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funds from operations ($000s) 73,242 62,024
Funds from operations per trust unit 0.53 0.64
Payout ratio based on funds from operations 51% 48%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
NAL has no variable interest entities.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Joint Venture Agreement:
Effective April 20, 2009, the Trust and MFC entered into a joint venture
agreement with a senior industry partner. The arrangement consists of a three
year commitment to spend $50 million to earn an interest in freehold and crown
acreage. The Trust has a 65 percent interest in this agreement and MFC a 35
percent interest and therefore the Trust's net commitment is $32.5 million. The
agreement is exclusive and structured to be extendible for up to an additional
six years for a total potential commitment of $150 million ($97.5 million net to
the Trust) to earn an interest in over 150 sections (97.5 net) of freehold and
crown acreage. If the capital spending commitments are not met, interests in the
freehold and crown acreage will not be earned and the Trust will not be required
to pay unspent commitment amounts to the senior industry partner. As at March
31, 2010, the Trust had spent $3.6 million under this agreement.
Farm-in Agreement:
Effective August 10, 2009, the Trust and MFC entered into a Farm-in Agreement
with a senior industry partner. The arrangement consists of a two year initial
commitment, with a minimum capital commitment of $30 million in the first year
and $50 million in the second year, with an option for a third year, at NAL's
election, for an additional $50 million commitment. The Trust has a 60 percent
interest in this agreement and MFC a 40 percent interest. The Agreement provides
the opportunity to earn an interest in approximately 1,400 gross sections of
undeveloped oil and gas rights in Alberta held by the partner. If the capital
spending commitments are not met, interest in the acreage will not be earned and
the Trust will not be required to pay any unspent amounts under the Agreement.
As at March 31, 2010, the Trust has spent $15.6 million under this agreement.
Other:
NAL has entered into several contractual obligations as part of conducting
day-to-day business. NAL has the following commitments for the next five years:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office lease(1) 3,116 3,505 3,505 3,482 3,414
Office lease - Clipper
and Breaker(2) 1,633 2,184 2,192 358 -
Transportation agreement 3,544 - - - -
Processing agreement(3) 1,529 2,242 401 384 -
Convertible debentures(4) - - 79,744 - 115,000
Bank debt - - 146,817 97,878 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 9,822 7,931 232,659 102,102 118,414
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents the full amount of office lease commitments, including both
base rent and operating costs, in relation to the lease held by the
Manager, of which the Trust is allocated a pro rata share (currently
approximately 64 percent) of the expense on a monthly basis.
(2) Represents the full amount of office lease assumed with the acquisitions
of the Clipper and Breaker. MFC will reimburse the Trust for 50 percent
of the Clipper obligation under the base price adjustment clause.
(3) Represents gas processing agreements with take or pay components.
(4) Principal amount.
QUARTERLY INFORMATION
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s, except per unit
and production amounts) Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue, net of
royalties(1) 135,662 88,165 85,988 60,922 77,791
Per unit 0.99 0.75 0.77 0.60 0.81
Cash flow from operations 63,648 53,060 52,999 63,690 66,546
Per unit 0.46 0.45 0.47 0.63 0.69
Funds from operations(2) 73,242 62,953 53,766 51,998 62,024
Per unit 0.53 0.53 0.48 0.51 0.64
Net income (loss) 29,349 5,634 8,249 (9,407) 4,724
Per unit
basic 0.21 0.05 0.07 (0.09) 0.05
diluted 0.21 0.05 0.07 (0.09) 0.05
Average oil equivalent
production (boe/d - 6:1) 30,120 25,748(3) 23,418 23,049 23,836
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s, except per unit
and production amounts) Q4 Q3 Q2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue, net of
royalties(1) 161,156 234,993 58,861
Per unit 1.68 2.46 0.63
Cash flow from operations 77,326 98,860 73,295
Per unit 0.80 1.03 0.78
Funds from operations(2) 67,040 79,233 88,578
Per unit 0.70 0.83 0.94
Net income (loss) 55,374 111,045 (17,572)
Per unit
basic 0.58 1.16 (0.19)
diluted 0.56 1.11 (0.19)
Average oil equivalent
production (boe/d - 6:1) 23,984 23,808 23,791
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents revenue, net of royalties, plus gain (loss) on derivative
contracts
(2) Represents cash flow from operating activities prior to the change in
non-cash working capital items
(3) Includes Breaker volumes effective December 11, 2009
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES ("DC&P")
NAL's certifying officers have designed DC&P, or caused them to be designed
under their supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that all material
information required to be disclosed by NAL in its interim filings is processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable
securities legislation.
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING ("ICFR")
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer are responsible for
establishing and maintaining ICFR, as such term is defined in National
Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim
Filings. The control framework NAL's officers used to design NAL's ICFR is the
Internal Control -- Integrated Framework (the "COSO Framework") published by The
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO").
Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer, NAL conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its ICFR as at
December 31, 2009 based on the COSO Framework. Based on this evaluation, the
officers concluded that as of December 31, 2009, NAL's ICFR provides reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
There has not been any change in NAL's internal control over financial reporting
during the first three months of 2010 that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, NAL's internal control over financial
reporting.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The significant accounting policies used by NAL are disclosed in the notes to
NAL's December 31, 2009 audited consolidated financial statements. Certain
accounting policies require that management make appropriate decisions when
formulating estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The Manager reviews the estimates
regularly. The emergence of new information and changed circumstances may result
in actual results or changes in estimated amounts that differ materially from
current estimates. NAL might realize different results from the application of
new accounting standards published, from time to time, by various regulatory
bodies. An assessment of NAL's significant accounting estimates is discussed in
the MD&A filed with NAL's audited consolidated financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 2009.
FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")
In February 2008, the Accounting Standards Board confirmed that the transition
date to IFRS from Canadian GAAP will be January 1, 2011 for publicly accountable
enterprises. Therefore, the Trust will be required to report its results in
accordance with IFRS starting in 2011, with comparative disclosure for 2010.
The Trust has an IFRS conversion plan and has established timelines for the
completion and execution of the conversion project. The conversion plan includes
the following phases:
1. An IFRS diagnostic phase which involves a high level assessment of the
differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS, identifying major impact areas.
2. An in-depth review of GAAP differences and determination of transition policy
choices as well as ongoing IFRS accounting policies.
3. The implementation phase where solutions are developed and assessed. This
involves an evaluation of information systems, business processes, procedures,
internal controls and training to support the new accounting requirements.
4. A post implementation phase which involves the parallel running of 2010
financial results, the preparation of IFRS financial statements and disclosures
and a review of processes and controls to make any required changes.
The IFRS diagnostic phase is complete. Phase two progress to date has included
an in-depth review of the significant areas of difference in order to identify
all specific Canadian GAAP and IFRS differences and to make recommendations to
the Board of Directors on IFRS accounting policies.
The Trust considers the significant IFRS differences and majority of the
implementation work to be in relation to property, plant equipment ("PP&E"). To
date, IFRS policies for PP&E have been developed, subject to Board approval. At
this stage, it is premature to provide meaningful numerical analysis on the
impact of the anticipated changes. Despite this, implementation steps are being
mapped out in anticipation of this approval.
The Trust has also identified a number of other areas where potentially
significant differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS exist for the Trust.
Provisions, including asset retirement obligations ("ARO") and onerous
contracts, as well as unit based compensation have been reviewed, accounting
policies recommended and implementation steps are being developed. During the
first quarter of 2010, the review of all other IFRS standards where potential
differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS exist has been completed, including
financial instruments, interests in joint ventures and income taxes, with
recommendations for accounting policies developed, subject to Board approval.
Next steps include the review of presentation and disclosure standards.
In July 2009, the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") issued
certain amendments and exemptions to IFRS 1 in order to make it more practical
for Canadian entities adopting IFRS for the first time. The amendment allows the
Trust to elect to measure its oil and gas assets at the date of transition to
IFRS using the net book value based on the entity's previous GAAP at December
31, 2009, allowing for IFRS to be adopted prospectively to its full cost pool,
rather than performing retrospective assessment of the oil and gas assets and
related expenditures. The Trust intends to use this election on adoption of
IFRS.
The most significant change identified will be to PP&E. The Trust, like many
other Canadian oil and gas reporting issuers, applies the "full cost" accounting
methodology to its oil and gas assets. Under full cost, capital expenditures are
maintained in a single cost centre for each country, and the cost centre is
subject to a single depletion calculation and impairment test. IFRS will require
a much more detailed assessment of oil and gas assets as follows:
- Capital expenditures have to be segregated between exploration and evaluation
("E&E") and development and production ("D&P") assets. In addition, assets have
to be aggregated at a component level. On transition, this requires establishing
the book value of the undeveloped land and unproved properties and then
allocating the remaining carrying value to the D&P assets, based on reserve
allocations for each component.
- For depletion and depreciation purposes, the Trust must determine an
appropriate depletion or depreciation method, and must deplete by component.
There is the choice whether to deplete E&E assets or not. In addition, there is
the option to deplete using a reserve base of proved reserves or both proved
plus probable reserves. NAL has not yet selected the depletion methodology it
will use.
- Impairment tests are to be calculated at a cash generating unit level ("CGU"),
which is defined as the lowest level of assets that produce independent cash
inflows. The Trust must identify its CGU's for this purpose. An impairment test
must be performed individually for all CGU's when indicators suggest there may
be impairment. There will be more CGU's than the single Canadian full cost pool.
The recognition of impairment in a prior year must be reversed should impairment
conditions reverse.
Provisions and contingent liabilities and assets, including ARO are identified
and calculated somewhat differently under IFRS. ARO calculations are expected to
be impacted due to differences in the discount rates to be used to present value
the liability. In addition, under IFRS, ARO is required to be revalued each
reporting period at the then prevailing interest rate. This may increase or
decrease the ARO recorded on the balance sheet depending on the direction of
change in interest rates. In addition, onerous contracts will require
identification and, to the extent they exist, must be recorded as a liability on
the balance sheet.
IFRS would allow the Trust to use IFRS rules for business combinations on a
prospective basis rather than restating all business combinations. The IFRS
business combination rules converge with the new CICA Handbook Section 1582 that
is also effective for NAL on January 1, 2011, however, early adoption is
permitted. The Trust intends to elect this exemption on transition to IFRS.
Regular reporting on the status of IFRS is provided to the Board of Directors
through the Audit Committee. The expectation is to finalize all policy
recommendations for IFRS reporting and to submit these policies to the Board for
approval during the second quarter of 2010.
In addition, the Trust has actively engaged its auditors in the conversion
project and will continue to engage in ongoing discussions as the project
progresses.
The development of the Trust's opening balance sheet in accordance with IFRS, as
at January 1, 2010, is in progress. In addition, the Trust expects to commence
parallel internal reporting of 2010 results during the second quarter of 2010.
Financial systems have been modified to accommodate the reporting of both
Canadian GAAP financial results and IFRS financial results in 2010. In addition,
modifications have been made to ensure data is captured with the added level of
granularity required under IFRS. As accounting policies are finalized further
modifications to the financial systems may be required. Other IT systems that
capture data used in the financial system are under review as to whether any
modifications are required.
Internal staff have been assigned to lead the transition project, supplemented
with consultants as required. Training of key internal finance and accounting
personnel has begun both through external IFRS oil and gas training and internal
training. As accounting policies are finalized, training will be expanded to
other key personnel within the organization.
As accounting policies are finalized under IFRS, NAL will be assessing the
impact on its various business activities, including banking arrangements,
compensation arrangements and risk management agreements, during 2010.
Internal business processes and controls are being assessed and developed to
enable the collection of information so that data can be attained in the manner
necessary to report under IFRS both on an ongoing basis and on transition. For
example, processes are currently being developed to enable the monitoring of E&E
assets and when the transfer to D&P will occur. As processes are developed or
amended, internal controls are being assessed to determine any required changes.
This will be an ongoing process throughout 2010 to ensure all changes in
accounting policies include appropriate controls and procedures.
In addition, NAL will also ensure that adequate information regarding the
transition is provided to all stakeholders on a timely basis. It is anticipated
that IFRS information will be provided at investor conferences during the second
half of 2010.
The International Accounting Standards Board is currently undertaking an
extractive activities project to develop accounting standards specifically
related to the oil and gas industry. However, it is not expected that the
project will be completed prior to IFRS adoption in Canada.
The transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS is a significant undertaking that may
materially affect our reported financial position and results of operations. As
we have not finalized our accounting policies, we are unable to quantify the
impact of adopting IFRS on our financial statements. Notwithstanding this, the
Trust is confident that it will meet the requirements for transition by the
changeover deadline.
Dated: May 4, 2010
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands of dollars) (unaudited)
As at As at
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current assets
Cash $ 5,042 $ 1,604
Accounts receivable 51,255 61,631
Prepaids and other receivables 11,301 15,663
Derivative contracts (Note 11) 24,714 6,285
Future income tax asset - 3,132
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
92,312 88,315
Derivative contracts (Note 11) 2,652 2,461
Goodwill 14,722 14,722
Property, plant and equipment (Note 3) 1,511,167 1,503,952
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,620,853 $ 1,609,450
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Unitholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 111,495 $ 110,897
Note payable (Note 2) 8,331 8,907
Distributions payable to unitholders 12,409 12,372
Derivative contracts (Note 11) 11,342 11,231
Future income tax liability 1,665 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
145,242 143,407
Bank debt (Note 4) 244,695 230,713
Convertible debentures (Note 5) 178,624 177,977
Other liabilities (Note 6) 8,135 7,643
Asset retirement obligations (Note 8) 131,917 127,872
Future income tax liability 17,818 24,778
Non-controlling interest (Note 9) 3,042 2,868
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
729,473 715,258
Unitholders' equity
Unitholders' capital (Note 10) 1,487,053 1,482,029
Equity component of convertible debentures
(Note 5) 12,628 12,628
Deficit (Note10) (608,301) (600,465)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
891,380 894,192
$ 1,620,853 $ 1,609,450
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments (Note 12)
Subsequent event (Note 13)
Trust units outstanding (000s) 137,881 137,471
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME, COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND DEFICIT
Three months ended March 31,
(thousands of dollars, except per unit amounts) (unaudited)
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue
Oil, natural gas and liquid sales $ 138,520 $ 81,703
Crown royalties (17,105) (10,611)
Freehold and other royalties (6,041) (3,523)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
115,374 67,569
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts (Note 11):
Realized gain 1,448 27,762
Unrealized gain (loss) 18,509 (18,504)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
19,957 9,258
Other income 331 964
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
135,662 77,791
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses
Operating 29,304 25,640
Transportation 1,637 1,041
General and administrative 4,359 2,618
Unit-based incentive compensation (Note 7) 439 302
Interest on bank debt 3,086 1,963
Interest and accretion on convertible
debentures 4,133 1,724
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 62,036 43,208
Accretion on asset retirement obligations 2,631 1,828
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
107,625 78,324
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before taxes and non-controlling
interest 28,037 (533)
Income tax recovery (expense) (59) 1
Future income tax reduction 2,163 6,115
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income tax reduction 2,104 6,116
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before non-controlling interest 30,141 5,583
Non-controlling interest (Note 9) (792) (859)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income and comprehensive income 29,349 4,724
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, beginning of period (600,465) (489,512)
Net income 29,349 4,724
Distributions declared (37,185) (29,816)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, end of period $ (608,301) $ (514,604)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income per trust unit (Note 10)
Basic $ 0.21 $ 0.05
Diluted $ 0.21 $ 0.05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average trust units outstanding
(000s) 137,660 96,181
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three months ended March 31,
(thousands of dollars) (unaudited)
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Activities
Net income $ 29,349 $ 4,724
Items not involving cash:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 62,036 43,208
Accretion on asset retirement obligations 2,631 1,828
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative
contracts (18,509) 18,504
Future income tax reduction (2,163) (6,115)
Non-cash accretion expense on convertible
debentures 991 378
Non-controlling interest 174 616
Lease amortization (376)
Abandonment and reclamation (891) (1,119)
Change in non-cash working capital (9,594) 4,522
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
63,648 66,546
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
Distributions paid to unitholders (31,969) (36,549)
Increase in bank debt 13,982 22,586
Issue of trust units, net of issue costs (155) -
Note repayment from MFC (Note 2) - 49,599
Partnership distribution paid to MFC - (49,802)
Issuance of convertible debentures, net of
issue costs (344) -
Change in non-cash working capital - 33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(18,486) (14,133)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment (78,319) (36,936)
Property acquisitions (1,974) (1,314)
Proceeds from dispositions 14,676 -
Disposition of Spearpoint (309) -
Change in non-cash working capital 24,202 (7,132)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(41,724) (45,382)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in cash 3,438 7,031
Cash, beginning of period 1,604 5,584
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash, end of period $ 5,042 $ 12,615
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow
information:
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest $ 6,796 $ 4,678
Tax $ 59 $ (72)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to Notes 8 and 10 for significant non-cash amounts not included in the
cash flow statement.
See accompanying notes.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Three months ended March 31, 2010
(Tabular amounts in thousands of dollars, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Management prepared the interim consolidated financial statements of NAL Oil &
Gas Trust ("NAL" or the "Trust") in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in Canada and following the same accounting policies and
methods of computation as the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2009. The following disclosure is incremental to the
disclosure included within the annual financial statements. Please read the
interim consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto in NAL's annual report for the year ended
December 31, 2009.
2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Trust is managed by NAL Resources Management Limited (the "Manager"). The
Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation ("MFC")
and also manages on its behalf NAL Resources Limited, another wholly-owned
subsidiary of MFC.
The Manager provides certain services to the Trust pursuant to an administrative
services and cost sharing agreement. This agreement requires the Trust to
reimburse the Manager, at cost, for general and administrative ("G&A") expenses
incurred by the Manager on behalf of the Trust. The Trust paid $3.6 million
(2009 - $1.9 million) for the reimbursement of G&A expenses during the first
quarter. The Trust also pays the Manager its share of unit-based compensation
expense when cash compensation is paid to employees under the terms of the
Manager's incentive compensation plans, of which $6.9 million was paid relating
to notional units that vested on November 30, 2009 (2009 - $2.3 million).
The Trust and a wholly owned subsidiary of MFC jointly own a limited partnership
(the "Partnership"). This Partnership holds the assets acquired from the
acquisition of Tiberius Exploration Inc. and Spear Exploration Inc. ("Tiberius
and Spear") in February 2008. Both the Trust and MFC have entered into net
profit interest royalty agreements ("NPI") with the Partnership. These
agreements entitle each royalty holder to a 49.5 percent interest in the cash
flow from the Partnership's reserves. In exchange for this interest, the royalty
holders each paid $49.6 million to the Partnership by way of promissory notes in
2008. Although the MFC note resided in the Partnership, it was consolidated by
virtue of the Trust having control of the Partnership as described below.
The Trust, by virtue of being the owner of the general partner under the
partnership agreement, is required to consolidate the results of the Partnership
into its financial statements on the basis that the Trust has control over the
Partnership.
During the first quarter of 2009, MFC repaid the note receivable to the
Partnership for $49.6 million. The Partnership then paid an equal distribution
of $49.6 million to MFC. This resulted in a $49.6 million reduction to the
non-controlling interest (Note 9). In addition, during 2009 the Partnership paid
distributions to its partners, MFC's share being $5.0 million (Note 9).
As at March 31, 2010, there is a note payable of $8.3 million with MFC arising
from the Tiberius and Spear acquisition. The note payable is included on
consolidation of the Partnership, but is effectively eliminated through the
non-controlling interest. The note is due on demand, unsecured and bears
interest at prime plus three percent. The amount of the note payable to MFC is
adjusted to reflect MFC's share of the capital expenditures of the Partnership
which MFC has funded, less any loan repayments made.
Net interest expense on this note of $0.1 million was payable by the Trust for
the first quarter of 2010 (2009 - $0.5 million net interest income) and is
reported as other income.
The following amounts are due to and from related parties as at March 31, 2010
and have been included in prepaids and other receivables, accounts payable and
accrued liabilities and note payable on the balance sheet:
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due from (to) NAL Resources Limited $ (757) $ 1,731
Due from (to) NAL Resources Management Limited (1,660) (8,753)
Due from (to) Manulife Financial
Corporation(1) (9,187) (9,472)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (11,604) $ (16,494)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Included on consolidation, eliminated through non-controlling interest.
Represents note payable of $8.3 million (2009: $8.9 million), plus
amounts due from (to) MFC of ($0.9) million (2009: ($0.6) million),
presented in accounts payable/accounts receivable, relating to the net
interest and NPI amounts due.
3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Petroleum and natural gas properties, at cost $ 2,648,519 $ 2,579,268
Less: Accumulated depletion and depreciation (1,137,352) (1,075,316)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,511,167 $ 1,503,952
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The calculation of first quarter depletion and depreciation included future
development costs for proved reserves of $209.2 million (2009 - $46.3 million)
and excluded costs associated with undeveloped land and unproved properties of
$141.0 million (2009 - $40.1 million)
During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Trust capitalized $1.5 million
(2009 - $1.2 million) of G&A costs and $0.3 million (2009 - $0.2 million) of
unit-based incentive compensation that were directly related to exploitation and
development programs.
4. BANK DEBT
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production loan facility $ 244,695 $ 230,713
Working capital facility - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debt outstanding $ 244,695 $ 230,713
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trust maintains a fully secured, extendible, revolving term credit facility
with a syndicate of Canadian chartered banks and one U.S. based lender. The
facility consists of a $535 million production facility and a $15 million
working capital facility. The total amount of the facility is determined by
reference to a borrowing base. The borrowing base is calculated by the bank
syndicate and is based on the net present value of the Trust's oil and gas
reserves and other assets. Given that the borrowing base is dependent on the
Trust's reserves and future commodity prices, lending limits are subject to
change on renewal.
The credit facility is fully secured by first priority security interests in all
existing and future acquired properties and assets of the Trust and its
subsidiary and affiliated entities. The facility will revolve until April 30,
2011 at which time it may be extended for a further 364-day revolving period
upon agreement between the Trust and the bank syndicate. If the credit facility
is not extended in April 2011, the amounts outstanding at that time will be
converted to a two-year term loan. The term loan will be payable in five equal
quarterly installments commencing May 1, 2012.
The Trust is restricted under the credit facility from making distributions to
its unitholders in excess of its consolidated operating cash flow during the 18
month period preceding the distribution date. The Trust is in compliance with
this covenant.
Amounts are advanced under the credit facility in Canadian dollars by way of
prime interest rate based loans and by issues of bankers' acceptances and in
U.S. dollars by way of U.S. based interest rate and Libor based loans. The
interest charged on advances is at the prevailing interest rate for bankers'
acceptances, Libor loans, lenders' prime or U.S. base rates plus an applicable
margin or stamping fee. The applicable margin or stamping fee, if any, varies
based on the consolidated debt-to-cash flow ratio of the Trust. As at March 31,
2010 and December 31, 2009 all amounts outstanding were in Canadian dollars.
On March 31, 2010 the effective interest rate on amounts outstanding under the
credit facility was 3.33 percent (2009 - 1.80 percent). The Trust's interest
charge includes this fixed interest rate component, plus a standby fee, a
stamping fee and the fee for renewal.
5. CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
The following table reconciles the principal amount, debt component and
equity component of the convertible debentures.
Three months ended March 31, 2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.25% 6.75% Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal, beginning of period $ 115,000 $ 79,744 $ 194,744
Issued during period - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal, end of period $ 115,000 $ 79,744 $ 194,744
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt component, beginning of
period $ 102,450 $ 75,527 $ 177,977
Issued during period - - -
Issue costs (344) - (344)
Accretion 605 386 991
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt component, end of period $ 102,711 $ 75,913 $ 178,624
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity component, beginning of
period $ 8,036 $ 4,592 $ 12,628
Issued during period - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity component, end of period $ 8,036 $ 4,592 $ 12,628
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 31, 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.25% 6.75% Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal, beginning of period $ - $ 79,744 $ 79,744
Issued during period 115,000 - 115,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal, end of period $ 115,000 $ 79,744 $ 194,744
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt component, beginning of
period $ - $ 74,004 $ 74,004
Issued during period 106,965 - 106,965
Issue costs (4,714) - (4,714)
Accretion 199 1,523 1,722
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt component, end of period $ 102,450 $ 75,527 $ 177,977
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity component, beginning of
period $ - $ 4,592 $ 4,592
Issued during period 8,036 - 8,036
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity component, end of period $ 8,036 $ 4,592 $ 12,628
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. OTHER LIABILITIES
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit-based incentive compensation (Note 7) $ 4,847 $ 3,935
Excess office lease obligations(1) 3,288 3,708
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 8,135 $ 7,643
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents the present value of the long-term portion of office lease
obligations, in excess of sub-leases, assumed on the acquisitions of
Clipper and Breaker. MFC will reimburse the Trust for 50 percent of the
Clipper obligation of $0.7 million, under the base price adjustment
clause.
7. UNIT-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
The Trust recorded a total compensation expense of $0.7 million in the first
three months of 2010, of which $0.4 million was recorded as an expense and $0.3
million as property, plant and equipment ($8.8 million was expensed and $3.7
million recorded as property, plant and equipment for the year ended December
31, 2009). The compensation expense was based on the March 31, 2010 trust unit
price of $12.95 (December 31, 2009 - $13.74), accrued distributions, performance
factors, and the number of units vesting on maturity.
The following table reconciles the change in total accrued trust unit-based
incentive compensation relating to the plan:
Three months ended Year ended
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of period $ 16,411 $ 6,274
Increase in liability 714 12,461
Cash payout, relating to units vested (6,944) (2,324)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of period $ 10,181 $ 16,411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current portion of liability(1) $ 5,334 $ 12,476
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term liability(2) $ 4,847 $ 3,935
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
(2) Included in other liabilities.
8. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
The following table reconciles the Trust's asset retirement obligations.
Three months ended Year ended
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of period $ 127,872 $ 90,844
Accretion expense 2,631 7,856
Revisions to estimates (569) 558
Liabilities incurred 954 1,522
Liabilities acquired 2,062 32,311
Liabilities disposed (142) -
Liabilities settled (891) (5,219)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of period $ 131,917 $ 127,872
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAL's estimated credit-adjusted risk-free rate of eight to nine percent (2009 -
eight to nine percent) and an inflation rate of two percent (2009 - two percent)
were used to calculate the present value of the asset retirement obligations.
9. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
The Trust has recorded a non-controlling interest in respect of the 50 percent
ownership interest held by MFC in the Partnership holding the Tiberius and Spear
assets. The non-controlling interest on the balance sheet represents 50 percent
of the net assets of the Partnership as follows:
Three months ended Year ended
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-controlling interest, beginning of period $ 2,868 $ 56,380
Net income attributable to non-controlling
interest 174 1,040
Distributions to MFC(1) - (54,552)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-controlling interest, end of period $ 3,042 $ 2,868
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes $49.6 million distribution paid following settlement of note
receivable (Note 2).
The non-controlling interest in the statement of income is comprised of:
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profits interest expense $ 618 $ 243
Share of net income attributable to MFC 174 616
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 792 $ 859
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. UNITHOLDERS EQUITY
Units Issued:
Three months ended Year ended
March 31, 2010 December 31, 2009
Units Amount Units Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning of the period 137,471 $ 1,482,029 96,181 $ 1,042,183
Equity offering - - 9,603 86,422
Issued on corporate acquisitions - - 30,453 345,075
Less issue expenses (net of tax) - (155) - (3,565)
Issued from Distribution
Reinvestment Plan 410 5,179 1,234 11,914
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of the period 137,881 $ 1,487,053 137,471 $ 1,482,029
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Unit Information
Basic net income per trust unit is calculated using the weighted average number
of trust units outstanding. The calculation of diluted net income per trust unit
includes the weighted average trust units potentially issueable on the
conversion of the convertible debentures. For the three months ended March 31,
2010 and 2009, the trust units potentially issueable on the conversion of the
convertible debentures are anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded from the
calculation. Total weighted average trust units issuable on conversion of the
convertible debentures and excluded from the diluted net income per trust unit
calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were 12,665,697 (2009 -
5,696,000). As at March 31, 2010, the convertible debentures outstanding are
convertible to 12,665,697 trust units.
Deficit
The deficit is comprised of the following:
Three months ended Year ended
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated income $ 591,580 $ 562,231
Accumulated cash distributions (1,199,881) (1,162,696)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (608,301) $ (600,465)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
NAL has the following foreign exchange rate derivative contracts
outstanding:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCHANGE RATE Amount Trust Counterparty
CONTRACT Remaining Term (US$ MM)(1) Fixed Rate Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swaps-floating
to fixed Apr - Dec 2010 $8.0 1.0966 BofC Average Noon Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Notional US$ denominated commodity sales per month.
From April 1 to December 31, 2010, NAL also has a commitment to sell US$9
million ($1 million/month) at 1.045 if the monthly Bank of Canada average noon
rate exceeds 1.045. NAL is paid a premium of approximately $10,000 a month when
the average noon rate for the day falls between 0.95 and 1.045.
The fair value of foreign exchange derivative contracts has been included on the
balance sheet with changes in the fair value reported separately on the
statement of income as unrealized gain (loss). As at March 31, 2010, if exchange
rates had strengthened by $0.01, with all other variables held constant, net
income for the period would have been $0.7 million higher, due to changes in the
fair value of the derivative contracts. An equal and opposite effect would have
occurred to net income had exchange rates been $0.01 weaker.
Commodity price risk
NAL has the following commodity derivative contracts outstanding:
CRUDE OIL Q2-10 Q3-10 Q4-10 Q1-11 Q2-11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
US$ Collar Contracts
-------------------------
$US WTI Collar Volume
(bbl/d) 3,700 2,800 2,600 800 800
Bought Puts - Average
Strike Price ($US/bbl) $ 63.59 $ 65.63 $ 65.87 $ 81.25 $ 81.25
Sold Calls - Average
Strike Price ($US/bbl) $ 74.94 $ 77.55 $ 78.05 $ 94.47 $ 94.47
US$ Swap Contracts
-------------------------
$US WTI Swap Volume
(bbl/d) 2,800 3,200 3,300 - -
Average WTI Swap Price
($US/bbl) $ 79.45 $ 83.91 $ 83.82 - -
Total Oil Volume (bbl/d) 6,500 6,000 5,900 800 800
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS Q2-10 Q3-10 Q4-10 Q1-11 Q2-11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swap Contracts
-------------------------
AECO Swap Volume (GJ/d) 39,000 40,000 27,337 4,000 4,000
AECO Average Price
($Cdn/GJ) $ 5.60 $ 5.61 $ 5.66 $ 5.78 $ 5.78
Total Natural gas Volume
(GJ/d) 39,000 40,000 27,337 4,000 4,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fair value of commodity derivative contracts has been included on the
balance sheet with changes in the fair value reported separately on the
statement of income as unrealized gain (loss). As at March 31, 2010, if oil and
natural gas liquids prices had been $1.00 per barrel lower and natural gas
prices $0.10 per Mcf lower, with all other variables held constant, net income
for the period would have been $2.4 million higher, due to changes in the fair
value of the derivative contracts. An equal and opposite effect would have
occurred to net income had oil and natural gas liquids prices been $1.00 per
barrel higher and natural gas $0.10 per Mcf higher.
Interest rate risk
NAL has the following interest rate derivative contracts outstanding:
Amount Trust
INTEREST RATE (millions) Fixed Counterparty
CONTRACT Remaining Term (1) Rate Floating Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Dec 2011 $39.0 1.5864% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Jan 2013 $22.0 1.3850% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Jan 2014 $22.0 1.5100% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Mar 2013 $14.0 1.8500% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Mar 2013 $14.0 1.8750% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Mar 2014 $14.0 1.9300% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
Swaps-floating
to fixed Mar 2010 - Mar 2014 $14.0 1.9850% CAD-BA-CDOR (3 months)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Notional debt amount
The fair value of interest rate derivative contracts has been included on the
balance sheet with changes in the fair value reported separately on the
statement of income as unrealized gain (loss). As at March 31, 2010, if interest
rates had been one percent lower, with all other variables held constant, net
income for the period would have been $4.2 million lower, due to changes in the
fair value of the derivative contracts. An equal and opposite effect would have
occurred to net income had exchange rates been one percent higher.
Fair Value of Derivative Contracts
Derivative contracts are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet as current
or long-term, assets or liabilities, based on their fair values on a contract by
contract basis. The fair value of commodity contracts is determined as the
difference between the contracted prices and published forward curves (ranging
from US$83.76 per barrel to US$86.04 per barrel for oil and $3.44 per GJ to
$4.82 per GJ for natural gas) as of the balance sheet date, using the remaining
contracted oil and natural gas volumes with option contracts also including an
element of volatility. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is determined
by discounting the difference between the contracted interest rate and forward
bankers' acceptances rates (ranging from 0.539 percent to 2.766 percent) as of
the balance sheet date, using the notional debt amount and outstanding term of
the swap. The fair value of the exchange rate derivatives is calculated as the
discounted value of the difference between the contracted exchange rate and the
market forward exchange rates (ranging from 1.0146 to 1.0208) as of the balance
sheet date, using the notional U.S. dollar amount and outstanding term of the
swap. The fair value of the derivative contracts is as follows:
Three months ended Year ended
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of commodity contracts $ 7,635 $ (8,932)
Fair value of interest rate swaps 2,652 2,461
Fair value of foreign exchange rate swaps 5,737 3,986
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 16,024 $ (2,485)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The gain/(loss) on derivative contracts is as follows:
Gain / (Loss) on Derivative Contracts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss):
Crude oil contracts $ 1,546 $ (21,198)
Natural gas contracts 15,021 2,701
Interest rate swaps 191 (678)
Exchange rate swaps 1,751 671
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss) 18,509 (18,504)
Realized gain (loss):
Crude oil contracts (2,082) 20,752
Natural gas contracts 2,497 6,956
Interest rate swaps (257) (29)
Exchange rate swaps 1,290 83
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized gain 1,448 27,762
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain on derivative contracts $ 19,957 $ 9,258
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
These contracts are presented on the balance sheet as short term / long
term, assets and liabilities as follows:
Three months ended
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current unrealized loss on derivative
contracts $ (11,342) $ (11,231)
Current unrealized gain on derivative
contracts 24,714 6,285
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current unrealized gain (loss) on derivative
contracts 13,372 (4,946)
Long term unrealized gain on derivative
contracts 2,652 2,461
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net fair value of derivative contracts $ 16,024 $ (2,485)
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The following table reconciles the movement in the fair value of the Trust's
derivative contracts:
Three months ended March 31
-----------------------------
2010 2009
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Unrealized gain (loss), beginning of period $ (2,485) $ 65,406
Unrealized gain, end of period 16,024 46,902
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Unrealized gain (loss) for the period 18,509 (18,504)
Realized gain in the period 1,448 27,762
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Gain on derivative contracts $ 19,957 $ 9,258
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12. COMMITMENTS
(i) Joint Venture Agreement:
Effective April 20, 2009, the Trust and MFC entered into a joint venture
agreement with a senior industry partner. The arrangement consists of a three
year commitment to spend $50 million on or before August 31, 2012, to earn an
interest in freehold and crown acreage. The Trust has a 65 percent interest in
this agreement and MFC a 35 percent interest and therefore the Trust's net
commitment is $32.5 million. The agreement is exclusive and structured to be
extendible for up to an additional six years for a total potential commitment of
$150 million ($97.5 million net to the Trust) to earn an interest in over 150
sections (97.5 net) of freehold and crown acreage. If the capital spending
commitments are not met, interests in the freehold and crown acreage will not be
earned and the Trust will not be required to pay unspent commitment amounts to
the senior industry partner. As at March 31, 2010, the Trust had spent $3.6
million under this agreement.
(ii) Farm-in Agreement:
Effective August 10, 2009, the Trust and MFC entered into a farm-in agreement
with a senior industry partner. The arrangement consists of a two year initial
commitment, with a minimum capital commitment of $30 million in the first year
and $50 million in the second year, with an option for a third year, at NAL's
election, for an additional $50 million commitment. The Trust has a 60 percent
interest in this agreement and MFC a 40 percent interest. The agreement provides
the opportunity to earn an interest in approximately 1,400 gross sections of
undeveloped oil and gas rights in Alberta held by the partner. If the capital
spending commitments are not met, interest in the acreage will not be earned and
the Trust will not be required to pay any unspent amounts under the agreement.
As at March 31, 2010, the Trust has spent $15.6 million under this agreement.
(iii) Other:
NAL has entered into several contractual obligations as part of conducting
day-to-day business. NAL has the following commitments for the next five
years:
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($000s) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office lease(1) 3,116 3,505 3,505 3,482 3,414
Office lease - Clipper
and Breaker(2) 1,633 2,184 2,192 358 -
Transportation agreement 3,544 - - - -
Processing agreement(3) 1,529 2,242 401 384 -
Convertible debentures(4) - - 79,744 - 115,000
Bank debt - - 146,817 97,878 -
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Total 9,822 7,931 232,659 102,102 118,414
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(1) Represents the full amount of office lease commitments, including both
base rent and operating costs, in relation to the lease held by the
Manager, of which the Trust is allocated a pro rata share (currently
approximately 64 percent) of the expense on a monthly basis.
(2) Represents the full amount of office lease assumed with the acquisitions
of the Clipper and Breaker. MFC will reimburse the Trust for 50 percent
of the Clipper obligation under the base price adjustment clause.
(3) Represents gas processing agreements with take or pay components.
(4) Principal amount.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On April 14, 2010, the Trust issued pursuant to a bought deal offering
7,550,000 trust units at a price of $13.25 per unit for aggregate gross
proceeds of $100 million.
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TRADING PERFORMANCE
For the Quarter Ended
------------------------------------------
31-Mar-10 31-Dec-09 31-Mar-09 31-Dec-08
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PRICE
High $ 14.95 $ 14.00 $ 8.99 $ 13.14
Low $ 12.50 $ 10.75 $ 5.38 $ 5.90
Close $ 12.95 $ 13.74 $ 6.80 $ 8.05
Daily Average Volume 589,149 490,127 359,591 475,410
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NAL Oil & Gas Trust provides investors with a yield-oriented opportunity to
participate in the Canadian Upstream Oil and Gas Industry. The Trust generates
monthly cash distributions for its Unitholders by pursuing a strategy of
acquiring, developing, producing and selling crude oil, natural gas and natural
gas liquids from pools in southeastern Saskatchewan, central Alberta,
northeastern British Columbia and Lake Erie, Ontario. Trust units trade on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "NAE.UN".
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