Form 6-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of August 2010

Commission File Number 001-33161

 

 

NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY PARTNERS INC.

 

 

Zone 3 Acheson Industrial Area

2-53016 Highway 60

Acheson, Alberta

Canada T7X 5A7

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  ¨             Form 40-F  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ¨

 

 

 


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Documents Included as Part of this Report

 

1. Interim consolidated financial statements of North American Energy Partners Inc. for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

 

2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

 

3. Canadian Supplement to Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2010.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY PARTNERS INC.
By:   /s/ David Blackley
Name:   David Blackley
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Date: August 4, 2010


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NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY PARTNERS INC.

Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)

(Unaudited)

LOGO


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LOGO

 

Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)

 

    June 30, 2010     March 31, 2010  
    (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

  

Current assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $78,868      $103,005   

Accounts receivable, net (allowance for doubtful accounts of $773, March 2010 – $1,691)

  89,925      111,884   

Unbilled revenue

  90,284      84,702   

Inventories (note 5)

  10,385      5,659   

Prepaid expenses and deposits

  10,744      6,881   

Deferred tax assets

  2,843      3,481   
             
  283,049      315,612   

Prepaid expenses and deposits

  3,573      4,005   

Assets held for sale

  838      838   

Property, plant and equipment (note 6)

  326,550      328,743   

Intangible assets, net (accumulated amortization of $5,179, March 2010 – $4,591)

  7,652      7,669   

Deferred financing costs (note 7)

  8,539      6,725   

Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint venture (note 8)

  3,215      2,917   

Goodwill

  25,111      25,111   

Deferred tax assets

  24,112      10,997   
             
  $682,639      $702,617   
             

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

Current liabilities:

   

Accounts payable

  $71,847      $66,876   

Accrued liabilities

  32,818      47,191   

Billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

  3,067      1,614   

Current portion of capital lease obligations

  4,699      5,053   

Current portion of derivative financial instruments (note 12(a))

  2,550      22,054   

Current portion of term facilities (note 9(a))

  10,000      6,072   

Deferred tax liabilities

  21,527      16,781   
             
  146,508      165,641   

Deferred lease inducements

  734      761   

Long term accrued liabilities

  15,317      14,943   

Capital lease obligations

  7,314      8,340   

Term facilities (note 9(a))

  65,946      22,374   

8  3/4% senior notes (note 9(b))

       203,120   

Series 1 debentures (note 9(c))

  225,000        

Director deferred stock unit liability (note 15(d))

  2,674      2,548   

Restricted share unit liability (note 15(c))

  1,333      1,030   

Derivative financial instruments (note 12(a))

  14,291      75,001   

Asset retirement obligation

  368      360   

Deferred tax liabilities

  31,931      27,441   
             
  511,416      521,559   

Shareholders’ equity:

   

Common shares (authorized – unlimited number of voting and non-voting common shares; issued and outstanding – June 30, 2010 – 36,062,036 voting common shares (March 31, 2010 – 36,049,276 voting common shares) (note 10(a))

  303,593      303,505   

Additional paid-in capital (note 10(b))

  7,825      7,439   

Deficit

  (140,195   (129,886
             
  171,223      181,058   
             
  $682,639      $702,617   
             

Contingencies (note 16)

   

Subsequent events (note 20)

   

United States and Canadian accounting policy differences (note 21)

   

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

   

 

2  Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


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LOGO

 

Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income

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

(Unaudited)

 

    Three months ended
June 30,
 
    2010     2009  

Revenue

  $183,594      $146,519   

Project costs

  77,277      54,262   

Equipment costs

  65,003      46,044   

Equipment operating lease expense

  17,491      12,349   

Depreciation

  8,203      8,724   
             

Gross profit

  15,620      25,140   

General and administrative costs

  13,729      14,976   

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

  (4   41   

Gain on disposal of assets held for sale

       (317

Amortization of intangible assets

  588      493   

Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated joint venture (note 8)

  243      (191
             

Operating income before the undernoted

  1,064      10,138   

Interest expense, net (note 11)

  7,729      6,552   

Foreign exchange gain

  (1,697   (19,436

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments (note 12(a))

  3,008      10,021   

Loss on debt extinguishment (note 7 and 9(b))

  4,346        

Other expense

       533   
             

(Loss) income before income taxes

  (12,322   12,468   

Income taxes (benefit) (note 13(c)):

   

Current

  1,228        

Deferred

  (3,241   2,541   
             

Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income for the period

  (10,309   9,927   
             

Net (loss) income per share – basic (note 10(c))

  $(0.29   $0.28   
             

Net (loss) income per share – diluted (note 10(c))

  $(0.29   $0.27   
             

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Financial Statements  3


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Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)

 

    Common
shares
  Additional
paid-in
capital
    Deficit     Total  

Balance at March 31, 2008

  $301,894   $4,351      $(22,701   $283,544   

Net loss

         (135,404   (135,404

Stock-based compensation

    1,888           1,888   

Deferred performance share unit plan

    61           61   

Reclassification on exercise of stock options

  834   (834          

Issued upon exercise of stock options

  703             703   
                       

Balance at March 31, 2009

  $303,431   $5,466      $(158,105   $150,792   

Net income

         28,219      28,219   

Stock-based compensation

    2,135           2,135   

Deferred performance share unit plan

    123           123   

Reclassified to restricted share unit liability

    (20        (20

Reclassification on exercise of stock options

  21   (21          

Cash settlement of stock options

    (244        (244

Issued upon exercise of stock options

  53             53   
                       

Balance at March 31, 2010

  $303,505   $7,439      $(129,886   $181,058   

Net loss

         (10,309   (10,309

Stock-based compensation

    405           405   

Deferred performance share unit plan

    5           5   

Reclassification on exercise of stock options

  24   (24          

Issued upon exercise of stock options

  64             64   
                       

Balance at June 30, 2010

  $303,593   $7,825      $(140,195   $171,223   
                       

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

4  Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


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Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

    Three months ended
June 30,
 

Cash provided by (used in):

  2010     2009  

Operating activities:

   

Net (loss) income for the period

  $(10,309   $9,927   

Items not affecting cash:

   

Depreciation

  8,203      8,724   

Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated joint venture

  243      (191

Amortization of intangible assets

  588      493   

Amortization of deferred lease inducements

  (27   (26

Amortization of deferred financing costs

  526      805   

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

  (4   41   

Gain on disposal of assets held for sale

       (317

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on 8 3/4% senior notes

  (732   (19,540

Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments measured at fair value

  3,008      6,685   

Loss on debt extinguishment

  4,346        

Stock-based compensation expense (note 15)

  839      1,817   

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

  8      9   

Deferred income taxes (benefit)

  (3,241   2,541   

Net changes in non-cash working capital (note 13(b))

  12,356      (18,690
             
  15,804      (7,722
             

Investing activities:

   

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

  (6,018   (19,221

Addition to intangible assets

  (571   (489

Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint venture (note 8)

  (541   (500

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

  60      138   

Proceeds on disposal of assets held for sale

       960   

Net changes in non-cash working capital (note 13(b))

  (2,768   (1,272
             
  (9,838   (20,384
             

Financing activities:

   

Repayment of term facilities

  (2,500     

Increase in term facilities

  50,000      11,800   

Financing costs (note 9(a) and 9(c))

  (7,704   (1,115

Redemption of 8 3/ 4% senior notes (note 9(b))

  (202,410     

Issuance of series 1 debentures (note 9(c))

  225,000        

Settlement of swap liabilities (note 12(a))

  (91,125     

Proceeds from stock options exercised

  64        

Repayment of capital lease obligations

  (1,428   (1,470
             
  (30,103   9,215   
             

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  (24,137   (18,891

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  103,005      98,880   
             

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $78,868      $79,989   
             

Supplemental cash flow information (note 13(a))

   

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Financial Statements  5


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Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

1. Nature of operations

North American Energy Partners Inc. (the “Company”), formerly NACG Holdings Inc., was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on October 17, 2003. On November 26, 2003, the Company purchased all the issued and outstanding shares of North American Construction Group Inc. (“NACGI”), including subsidiaries of NACGI, from Norama Ltd. which had been operating continuously in Western Canada since 1953. The Company had no operations prior to November 26, 2003. The Company undertakes several types of projects including heavy construction, industrial and commercial site development and pipeline and piling installations in Canada.

2. Basis of presentation

These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP for interim financial statements and do not include all of the disclosures normally contained in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and as such these interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the most recent annual financial statements. Material items that give rise to measurement differences to the consolidated financial statements under Canadian GAAP are outlined in note 21.

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, North American Construction Group Inc. (“NACGI”) and North American Fleet Company Ltd. (“NAFCL”), and the following 100% owned subsidiaries of NACGI:

 

Ÿ North American Caisson Ltd.

Ÿ North American Construction Ltd.

Ÿ North American Engineering Inc.

Ÿ North American Enterprises Ltd.

Ÿ North American Industries Inc.

Ÿ North American Maintenance Ltd.

  

Ÿ North American Mining Inc.

Ÿ North American Mining U.S. Inc.

Ÿ North American Pile Driving Inc.

Ÿ North American Pipeline Inc.

Ÿ North American Road Inc.

Ÿ North American Services Inc.

  

Ÿ North American Site Development Ltd.

Ÿ North American Site Services Inc.

Ÿ North American Tailing and Environmental Ltd.

Ÿ DF Investments Limited

Ÿ Drillco Foundation Co. Ltd.

3. United States accounting pronouncements recently adopted

i) Improvements to financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities

In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-17, “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, which amends ASC 810, “Consolidation”. The amendments give guidance and clarification of how to determine when a reporting entity should include the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interests and results of activities of a variable interest entity in its consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted this ASU effective April 1, 2010. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.

4. Recent United States accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

i) Revenue recognition

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, “Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements”, which addresses the accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements to enable vendors to account for products or services separately rather than as a combined unit. The amendments establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The amendments also eliminate the residual method of allocation and require that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. For the Company, this ASU is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified on or after April 1, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on its interim consolidated financial statements.

ii) Embedded credit derivatives

In March 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-11, “Scope Exception Related to Embedded Credit Derivatives”, which clarifies that financial instruments that contain embedded credit-derivative features related only to the transfer of credit risk in the form of subordination of one instrument to another are not subject to bifurcation and separate accounting. The scope exception only applies to an embedded derivative feature that relates to subordination between tranches of debt issued by an entity and other features that relate to another type of risk must be evaluated for separation as an embedded derivative. The ASU is effective for the Company beginning on July 1, 2010, with early adoption permitted in the first fiscal quarter beginning after March 5, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on its interim consolidated financial statements.

 

6  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


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Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

iii) Share based payment awards

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-13, “Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades”, which clarifies that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. This ASU will amend ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” and it is effective for the Company beginning on April 1, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on its interim consolidated financial statements.

5. Inventories

 

    June 30, 2010   March 31, 2010

Tracks, undercarriage and other

  $5,855   $2,612

Spare tires

  3,351   1,868

Job materials

  1,179   1,179
         
  $10,385   $5,659
         

6. Property, plant and equipment

 

June 30, 2010

  Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
  Net Book Value

Heavy equipment

  $342,562   $99,177   $243,385

Major component parts in use

  33,766   9,707   24,059

Other equipment

  27,299   11,716   15,583

Licensed motor vehicles

  18,123   12,521   5,602

Office and computer equipment

  10,471   8,575   1,896

Buildings

  21,657   2,872   18,785

Land

  281     281

Leasehold improvements

  9,311   3,207   6,104

Assets under capital lease

  22,497   11,642   10,855
             
  $485,967   $159,417   $326,550
             

 

March 31, 2010

  Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
  Net Book Value

Heavy equipment

  $339,312   $95,473   $243,839

Major component parts in use

  33,452   8,297   25,155

Other equipment

  25,666   10,910   14,756

Licensed motor vehicles

  16,296   10,692   5,604

Office and computer equipment

  9,746   3,786   5,960

Buildings

  21,710   6,832   14,878

Land

  281     281

Leasehold improvements

  9,314   2,960   6,354

Assets under capital lease

  24,304   12,388   11,916
             
  $480,081   $151,338   $328,743
             

Assets under capital lease are comprised as follows at June 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010:

 

June 30, 2010

  Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
  Net Book Value

Other equipment

  $64   $31   $33

Licensed motor vehicles

  22,428   11,606   10,822

Office and computer equipment

  5   5  
             
  $22,497   $11,642   $10,855
             

 

March 31, 2010

  Cost   Accumulated
Depreciation
  Net Book Value

Other equipment

  $64   $29   $35

Licensed motor vehicles

  24,235   12,354   11,881

Office and computer equipment

  5   5  
             
  $24,304   $12,388   $11,916
             

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  7


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Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2010, additions to property, plant and equipment included $47 of assets that were acquired by means of capital leases (three months ended June 30, 2009 – $624). Depreciation of equipment under capital lease of $708 (three months ended June 30, 2009 – $1,159) was included in depreciation expense.

7. Deferred financing costs

 

June 30, 2010

  Cost   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net Book Value

Term & Revolving Facilities

  $5,362   $3,324   $2,038

Series 1 Debentures

  6,670   169   6,501
             
  $12,032   $3,493   $8,539
             

 

March 31, 2010

  Cost   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net Book Value

8  3/4% senior notes

  $16,521   $12,014   $4,507

Term & Revolving Facilities

  4,328   3,150   1,178

Series 1 Debentures

  1,040     1,040
             
  $21,889   $15,164   $6,725
             

Amortization of deferred financing costs of $526 was included in interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2010 (three months ended June 30, 2009 – $805).

At April 28, 2010, unamortized deferred financing costs of $4,324 on 8 3/4% senior notes were written off to loss on debt extinguishment (note 9(b)).

8. Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint venture

The Company is engaged in a joint venture, Noramac Joint Venture (JV) with Fort McKay Construction Ltd. The Company has joint control (50% proportionate interest) of this entity which was formed for the purpose of expanding the Company’s market opportunities and establishing strategic alliances in Northern Alberta. The Company owns a 49% interest in Noramac Ventures Inc., a nominee company established by the two joint venture partners.

As of June 30, 2010, the Company’s investment in and advances to the unconsolidated joint venture totaled $3,215 (March 31, 2010 – $2,917). The condensed financial data for investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint venture is summarized as follows:

 

    June 30, 2010   March 31, 2010

Current assets

  $10,192   $8,952

Long term assets

  1,329   153

Current liabilities

  5,093   3,271

Long term liabilities

  7,020   5,940
         

 

Three months ended June 30,

  2010     2009

Gross revenues

  $4,346      $1,270

Gross profit

  359      607

Net (loss) income

  (486   381
           

Equity in (loss) earnings of unconsolidated joint venture

  $(243   $191
           

9. Long Term Debt

a) Credit Facilities

 

    June 30, 2010     March 31, 2010  

Term A Facility

  $27,509      $28,446   

Term B Facility

  48,437        
             

Total term facilities

  $75,946      $28,446   

Less: current portion

  (10,000   (6,072
             
  $65,946      $22,374   
             

On April 30, 2010, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement to extend the term of the credit facilities and increase the amount of the term loans. These facilities mature on April 30, 2013.

 

8  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


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Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

The new credit facilities include an $85.0 million Revolving Facility (previously $90.0 million), a $28.4 million Term A Facility and a $50.0 million Term B Facility. Advances under the Revolving Facility may be repaid from time to time at the Company’s option. The term facilities include scheduled repayments totalling $10.0 million per year with $2.5 million paid on the last day of each quarter commencing June 30, 2010. In addition, the Company must make annual payments within 120 days of the end of its fiscal year in the amount of 50% of Consolidated Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the credit agreement) to a maximum of $4.0 million.

Interest on Canadian prime rate loans is paid at variable rates based on the Canadian prime rate plus the applicable pricing margin (as defined in the credit agreement). Interest on US base rate loans is paid at a rate per annum equal to the US base rate plus the applicable pricing margin. Interest on Canadian prime rate and US base rate loans is payable monthly in arrears and computed on the basis of a 365 day or 366 day year, as the case may be. Interest on LIBOR loans is paid during each interest period at a rate per annum, calculated on a 360 day year, equal to the LIBOR rate with respect to such interest period plus the applicable pricing margin. Stamping Fees and interest related to the issuance of Bankers’ Acceptances is paid in advance upon the issuance of such Bankers’ Acceptance.

The credit facilities are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s existing and after-acquired property and contain certain restrictive covenants including, but not limited to, incurring additional debt, transferring or selling assets, making investments including acquisitions, paying dividends or redeeming shares of capital stock. The Company is also required to meet certain financial covenants under the credit agreement and was in compliance with these covenants at June 30, 2010.

As of June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $75.9 million (March 31, 2010 – $28.4 million) under the term facilities and had issued $14.4 million (March 31, 2010 – $10.4 million) in letters of credit under the Revolving Facility to support performance guarantees associated with customer contracts. The funds available for borrowing under the Revolving Facility are reduced by any outstanding letters of credit. The Company’s unused borrowing availability under the credit facility was $70.6 million at June 30, 2010.

During the three months ended June 30, 2010, financing fees of $1,034 were incurred in connection with the modifications made to the amended and restated credit agreement. These fees have been recorded as deferred financing costs and are being amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the credit agreement (note 7).

b) 8 3/4% senior notes

 

    June 30,
2010
  March 31,
2010

8  3/4% senior unsecured notes due 2011 ($US)

  $–   $200,000

Unrealized foreign exchange

    3,120
         
  $–   $203,120
         

On April 28, 2010, the Company redeemed the 8 3/4% senior notes for a total of $202,410 and wrote off deferred financing costs of $4,324 (note 7).

c) Series 1 Debentures

On April 7, 2010, the Company issued, through private placement in Canada and the US, $225.0 million of 9.125% Series 1 Debentures (the “Series 1 Debentures”). The Series 1 Debentures mature on April 7, 2017. The Series 1 Debentures will bear interest from the date of issue at 9.125% per annum and such interest is payable in equal instalments semi-annually in arrears on April 7 and October 7 in each year, commencing on October 7, 2010.

The Series 1 Debentures are unsecured senior obligations and rank equally with all other existing and future unsecured senior debt and senior to any subordinated debt that may be issued by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Series 1 Debentures are effectively subordinated to all secured debt to the extent of collateral on such debt.

At any time prior to April 7, 2013, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Series 1 Debentures, with the net cash proceeds of one or more public equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 109.125% of the principal amount; plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, so long as:

 

i) at least 65% of the original aggregate amount of the Series 1 Debentures remains outstanding after each redemption; and

 

ii) any redemption by the Company is made within 90 days of the equity offering.

At any time prior to April 7, 2013, the Company may on one or more occasions redeem the Series 1 Debentures, in whole or in part, at a redemption price which is equal to the greater of (a) the Canada Yield Price (as defined in the trust indenture) and (b) 100% of the aggregate principal amount of Series 1 Debentures redeemed, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  9


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Series 1 Debentures are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after: April 7, 2013 at 104.563% of the principal amount; April 7, 2014 at 103.042% of the principal amount; April 7, 2015 at 101.520% of the principal amount; April 7, 2016 and thereafter at 100% of the principal amount; plus, in each case, interest accrued to the redemption date.

If a change of control occurs, the Company will be required to offer to purchase all or a portion of each debenture holder’s Series 1 Debentures, at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Series 1 Debentures offered for repurchase plus accrued interest to the date of purchase.

During the three months ended June 30, 2010, financing fees of $5,630 were incurred in connection with the issuance of the Series 1 Debentures in addition to $1,040 that was incurred in March 2010. These fees have been recorded as deferred financing costs and are being amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the Series 1 Debentures (note 7).

10. Shares

a) Common shares

Authorized:

Unlimited number of common voting shares

Unlimited number of common non-voting shares

Issued and outstanding:

 

    Number of
Shares
  Amount

Common voting shares

   
         

Issued and outstanding at March 31, 2010

  36,049,276   $303,505

Issued upon exercise of options

  12,760   64

Transferred from additional paid-in capital on exercise of stock options

    24
         

Issued and outstanding at June 30, 2010

  36,062,036   $303,593
         

b) Additional paid-in capital

 

Balance, March 31, 2010

  $7,439   

Stock-based compensation (note 15(a))

  405   

Deferred performance share unit plan (note 15(b))

  5   

Transferred to common shares on exercise of stock options

  (24
       

Balance, June 30, 2010

  $7,825   
       

c) Net (loss) income per share

 

    Three months ended June 30,
    2010     2009

Net (loss) income available to common shareholders

  $(10,309   $9,927

Weighted average number of common shares

  36,056,988      36,038,746
           

Basic net (loss) income per share

  $(0.29   $0.28
           

Net (loss) income available to common shareholders

  $(10,309   $9,927

Weighted average number of common shares

  36,056,988      36,038,476

Dilutive effect of stock options and deferred performance shares units

       558,592
           

Weighted average number of diluted common shares

  36,056,988      36,597,068
           

Diluted net (loss) income per share

  $(0.29   $0.27
           

At June 30, 2010, 915,572 options were anti-dilutive and therefore were not considered in computing diluted earnings per share (June 30, 2009 – 836,754).

 

10  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

11. Interest expense

 

    Three months ended June 30,
        2010           2009    

Interest on 8 3/4% senior notes and swaps

  $1,147   $5,144

Interest on capital lease obligations

  208   291

Amortization of deferred financing costs

  526   805

Interest on term facilities

  1,057   165

Interest on Series 1 Debentures

  4,734  
         

Interest on long term debt

  $7,672   $6,405

Other interest

  57   147
         
  $7,729   $6,552
         

12. Financial instruments and risk management

a) Fair value of financial instruments

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

The fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to the relatively short periods to maturity for the instruments.

The fair values of amounts due under the Term Facilities are based on management estimates which are determined by discounting cash flows required under the instruments at the interest rate currently estimated to be available for instruments with similar terms. Based on these estimates and by using the outstanding balance of $75.9 million at June 30, 2010 and $28.4 million at March 31, 2010, the fair value of amounts due under the Term Facilities as at June 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010 are not significantly different than their carrying value.

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

 

    June 30, 2010   March 31, 2010
    Carrying Amount   Fair Value   Carrying Amount   Fair Value

8  3/4% senior notes (i)

  $–   $–   $203,120   $203,526

Capital lease obligations (ii)

  12,013   11,946   13,393   13,291

Series 1 Debentures (ii i)

  225,000   232,182    
                 

 

(i)

The US Dollar denominated 8 3/4% senior notes were redeemed during the three months ended June 30, 2010. The fair value of the 8 3/4% senior notes on March 31, 2010 was based upon the period end closing market price translated into Canadian Dollars at period end exchange rates as at March 31, 2010. Expected discounted cash flows were not included in the fair value calculation.

(ii) The fair values of amounts due under capital leases are based on management estimates which are determined by discounting cash flows required under the instruments at the interest rates currently estimated to be available for instruments with similar terms.
(iii) The fair value of the Series 1 Debentures is based upon the expected discounted cash flows and the period end market price of similar financial instruments.

Fair value hierarchy of financial instruments

The Company has segregated all financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date. At June 30, 2010, the Company had no financial assets or financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis which were classified as Level 1 or Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. Since the Company primarily uses observable inputs of similar instruments and discounted cash flows in its valuation of its derivative financial instruments, these fair value measurements are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of the Company’s embedded derivatives are based on appropriate price modeling commonly used by market participants to estimate fair value. Such modeling includes option pricing models and discounted cash flow analysis, using observable market based inputs including foreign currency rates and discount factors to estimate fair value. The Company considers its own credit risk or the credit risk of the counterparty in determining fair value, depending on whether the fair values are in an asset or liability position. Fair value determined using valuation models requires the use of assumptions concerning the amount and timing of future cash flows. Fair value amounts reflect management’s best estimates using external, readily observable, market data such as future prices, interest rate yield curves, foreign exchange rates and discount rates for time value. It is possible that the assumptions used in establishing fair value amounts will differ from future outcomes and the effect of such variations could be material.

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  11


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value net of accrued interest in the financial statements on a recurring basis, all of which are classified as “Derivative financial instruments” on the Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized below:

 

June 30, 2010

  Carrying Value  

Embedded price escalation features in a long term customer construction contract

  $5,731   

Embedded price escalation features in certain long term supplier contracts

  11,110   
       
  $16,841   

Less: current portion

  (2,550
       
  $14,291   
       

 

March 31, 2010

  Carrying Value  

Cross-currency swaps for US dollar 8 3/4% senior notes

  $66,268   

Interest rate swaps for US dollar 8 3/4% senior notes

  14,843   
       

Cross-currency and interest rate swaps for US dollar 8 3/4% senior notes

  $81,111   

Embedded price escalation features in a long term customer construction contract

  6,481   

Embedded price escalation features in certain long term supplier contracts

  9,463   
       
  $97,055   

Less: current portion

  (22,054
       
  $75,001   
       

On April 8, 2010, the Company settled the cross-currency and interest rate swaps, including accrued interest for a total of $91,125 in conjunction with the settlement of 8 3/4% senior notes (note 9(b)).

The realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments is comprised as follows:

 

    Three months ended
June 30,
 
    2010     2009  

Realized and unrealized loss on cross-currency and interest rate swaps

  $2,111      $23,171   

Unrealized (gain) loss on embedded price escalation features in a long term customer construction contract

  (750   3,287   

Unrealized loss (gain) on embedded price escalation features in certain long term supplier contracts

  1,647      (14,164
             

Unrealized gain on early redemption option on 8 3/4% senior notes

       (2,273
             
  $3,008      $10,021   
             

b) Risk Management

The Company’s Board of Directors has responsibility for the establishment and approval of the Company’s risk management policies. Management performs a risk assessment on a continual basis to help ensure that all significant risks related to the Company and its operations including market and credit risks associated with its financial instruments, have been reviewed and assessed as a result of changes in market conditions and the Company’s operating activities.

i) Market Risk

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

To manage the exposure related to changes in market risk, the Company uses various risk management techniques including the use of derivative instruments. Such instruments may be used to establish a fixed price for a commodity, an interest-bearing obligation or a cash flow denominated in a foreign currency. The Company does not hold or use any derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

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

Foreign exchange risk

Foreign exchange risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

12  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Company regularly transacts in foreign currencies when purchasing equipment, spare parts as well as certain general and administrative goods and services. These exposures are generally of a short-term nature and the effect of changes in exchange rates has not been significant in the past. The Company may fix its exposure in either the Canadian Dollar or the US Dollar for these short-term transactions, if material.

Interest rate risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect future cash flows or the fair values of its financial instruments. Amounts outstanding under the Company’s Term Facilities are subject to a floating rate. The Company’s Series 1 Debentures are subject to a fixed rate. The Company’s interest rate risk arises from long term, fixed rate borrowings that create risk to fair value and variable rate borrowings that create risk to cash flow. Changes in market interest rates cause the fair value of long term debt with fixed interest rates to fluctuate but do not affect earnings, as the Company’s debt is carried at amortized cost and the carrying value does not change as interest rates change.

ii) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that financial loss to the Company may be incurred if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company manages the credit risk associated with its cash by holding its funds with what it believes to be reputable financial institutions. The Company is also exposed to credit risk through its accounts receivable and unbilled revenue. Credit risk for trade and other accounts receivables, and unbilled revenue are managed through established credit monitoring activities.

The Company has a concentration of customers in the oil and gas sector. The concentration risk is mitigated primarily by the customers being large investment grade organizations. The credit worthiness of new customers is subject to review by management through consideration of the type of customer and the size of the contract.

Credit risk on long term revenue construction contract and long term supplier contracts derivative financial instruments arises from the possibility that the counterparties to the agreements may default on their respective obligations under the agreements. This credit risk only arises in instances where these agreements have positive fair value for the Company.

13. Other information

a) Supplemental cash flow information

 

    Three months ended
June 30,
    2010   2009

Cash paid during the period for:

   

Interest

  $16,820   $21,241

Income taxes

  601   6,063

Cash received during the period for:

   

Interest

  767   3,329

Non-cash transactions:

   

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment by means of capital leases

  47   624
         

b) Net change in non-cash working capital

 

    Three months ended
June 30,
 
    2010     2009  

Operating activities:

   

Accounts receivable

  $22,877      $8,362   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  (918   (77

Unbilled revenue

  (5,582   (2,487

Inventories

  (4,726   4,097   

Prepaid expenses and deposits

  (3,431   (2,750

Accounts payable

  7,739      (5,106

Accrued liabilities

  (5,430   (20,910

Long term accrued liabilities

  374      267   

Billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

  1,453      (86
             
  $12,356      $(18,690)   
             

Investing activities:

   

Accounts payable

  $(2,768)      $(1,272)   
             

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  13


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

c) Income taxes

Income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2010 differs from the statutory rate of 27.77% primarily due to the effect of changes in enacted tax rates and the realization of capital loss on the extinguishment of the 8 3/4% senior notes and the cross-currency swap. Income tax as a percentage of income before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2009 differed from the statutory rate of 28.91% primarily due to the effect of changes in enacted tax rates and the benefit from changes in the timing of the reversal of temporary differences.

14. Segmented information

a) General overview

The Company operates in the following reportable business segments, which follow the organization, management and reporting structure within the Company:

 

Ÿ  

Heavy Construction and Mining:

The Heavy Construction and Mining segment provides mining and site preparation services, including overburden removal and reclamation services, project management, underground utility construction, equipment rental to a variety of customers, environmental services including construction and modification of tailing ponds and reclamation of completed mine sites to environmental standards throughout Canada.

Ÿ  

Piling:

The Piling segment provides deep foundation construction and design build services to a variety of industrial and commercial customers throughout Western Canada and Ontario.

Ÿ  

Pipeline:

The Pipeline segment provides both small and large diameter pipeline construction and installation services as well as equipment rental to energy and industrial clients throughout Western Canada.

The accounting policies of the reportable operating segments are the same as those described in the significant accounting policies in note 3 of the annual consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2010. Certain business units of the Company have been aggregated into the Heavy Construction and Mining segment as they have similar economic characteristics. These business units are considered to have similar economic characteristics based on similarities in the nature of the services provided, the customer base and the resources used to provide these services.

b) Results by business segment

 

Three months ended June 30, 2010

  Heavy
Construction
and Mining
  Piling   Pipeline     Total

Revenues from external customers

  $163,609   $19,146   $839      $183,594

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

  5,809   639   20      6,468

Segment profits

  22,247   1,394   (723   22,918

Segment assets

  419,828   98,574   14,087      532,489

Capital expenditures

  3,129   1,193   348      4,670
                   

 

Three months ended June 30, 2009

  Heavy
Construction
and Mining
  Piling   Pipeline   Total

Revenues from external customers

  $131,826   $14,618   $75   $146,519

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

  6,722   562   222   7,506

Segment profits

  23,514   2,684   367   26,565

Segment assets

  375,455   85,759   7,506   468,720

Capital expenditures

  16,672   2     16,674
                 

 

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Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

c) Reconciliations

i) Income before income taxes

 

Three months ended June 30,

  2010     2009  

Total profit for reportable segments

  $22,918      $26,565   

Less: unallocated corporate expenses:

   

General and administrative expense

  13,729      14,976   

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

  (4   41   

Gain on disposal of assets held for sale

       (317

Amortization of intangible assets

  588      493   

Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated joint venture

  243      (191

Interest expense, net

  7,729      6,552   

Foreign exchange gain

  (1,697   (19,436

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments

  3,008      10,021   

Loss on debt extinguishment

  4,346        

Other expense

       533   

Unallocated equipment costs (i)

  7,298      1,425   
             

(Loss) income before income taxes

  $(12,322   $12,468   
             

 

(i) Unallocated equipment costs represent actual equipment costs, including non-cash items such as depreciation, which have not been allocated to reportable segments. Unallocated equipment recoveries arise when actual equipment costs charged to the reportable segment exceed actual equipment costs incurred.

ii) Total assets

 

    June 30, 2010   March 31, 2010

Total assets for reportable segments

  $532,489   $542,843

Corporate assets:

   

Cash

  78,868   103,005

Property, plant and equipment

  17,976   17,883

Deferred income taxes

  26,955   14,478

Other

  26,351   24,408
         

Total corporate assets

  $150,150   $159,774
         

Total assets

  $682,639   $702,617
         

The Company’s goodwill of $25,111 is assigned to the Piling segment. All of the Company’s assets are located in Canada.

iii) Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

Three months ended June 30,

  2010   2009

Total depreciation for reportable segments

  $6,468   $7,506

Depreciation for corporate assets

  1,735   1,218
         

Total depreciation

  $8,203   $8,724
         

iv) Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment

 

Three months ended June 30,

  2010   2009

Total capital expenditures for reportable segments

  $4,670   $16,674

Capital expenditures for corporate assets

  1,919   3,036
         

Total capital expenditures

  $6,589   $19,710
         

d) Customers

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

 

Three months ended June 30,

  2010   2009

Customer A

  40%   55%

Customer B

  30%   18%

Customer C

  7%   10%
         

The revenue by major customer was earned in Heavy Construction and Mining and Piling segments.

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  15


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

15. Stock-based compensation plan

Stock-based compensation expenses included in general and administrative costs are as follows:

 

Three months ended June 30,

  2010   2009

Share option plan

  $405   $929

Deferred performance share unit plan

  5   214

Restricted share unit plan

  303  

Director’s share unit plan

  126   674
         
  $839   $1,817
         

a) Share option plan

Under the 2004 Amended and Restated Share Option Plan, directors, officers, employees and certain service providers to the Company are eligible to receive stock options to acquire voting common shares in the Company. Each stock option provides the right to acquire one common share in the Company and expires ten years from the grant date or on termination of employment. Options may be exercised at a price determined at the time the option is awarded, and vest as follows: no options vest on the award date and twenty percent vest on each subsequent anniversary date.

 

    Three months ended June 30,  
    2010     2009  
    Number of
options
    Weighted average
exercise price
($ per share)
    Number of
options
    Weighted average
exercise price
($ per share)
 

Outstanding, beginning of period

  2,250,804      7.84      2,071,884      7.53   

Granted

            160,000      8.28   

Exercised (i)

  (12,760   (5.00          

Options settled for cash

            (40,000   (5.00

Forfeited

  (800   (13.50   (10,380   (6.51
                         

Outstanding, end of period

  2,237,244      7.85      2,181,504      7.64   
                         
(i) All stock options exercised resulted in new common shares being issued (note 10(a)).

At June 30, 2010, the weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options is 6.4 years (March 31, 2010 – 6.6 years). At June 30, 2010, the Company had 1,418,828 exercisable options (March 31, 2010 – 1,244,908) with a weighted average exercise price of $6.55 (March 31, 2010 – $6.46).

Cash received from the option exercises for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $64 (June 30, 2009 – $nil). For the three months ended June 30, 2010, there were no options settled in cash (June 30, 2009 – 40,000).

The fair value of each option granted by the Company was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

    Three months ended June 30,
            2010           2009

Number of options granted

    160,000

Weighted average fair value per option granted ($)

    5.89

Weighted average assumptions:

   

Dividend yield

    Nil%

Expected volatility

    77.47%

Risk-free interest rate

    3.44%

Expected life (years)

    6.5
         

The Company uses company specific historical data to estimate the expected life of the option, such as employee option exercise and employee post-vesting departure behavior. Since the Company's shares have been publicly traded for a period that is shorter than the expected life of the share option, expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of a peer group of similar entities in addition to its own historical volatility.

b) Deferred performance share unit plan

On March 19, 2008, the Company approved a Deferred Performance Share Unit (“DPSU”) Plan which became effective April 1, 2008.

DPSUs are granted each fiscal year with respect of services to be provided in that fiscal year and the following two fiscal years. The DPSUs vest at the end of a three-year term and are subject to the performance criteria approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors at the date of grant. Such performance criterion includes the passage of time and is based upon return on invested capital calculated as operating income divided by average operating assets. The date of the third fiscal year-end following the date of the grant of DPSUs is the maturity date for

 

16  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

such DPSUs. At the maturity date, the Compensation Committee assesses the participant against the performance criteria and determines the number of DPSUs that have been earned (earned DPSUs).

The settlement of the participant’s entitlement is made at the Company’s option either in cash in an amount equivalent to the number of earned DPSUs multiplied by the value of the Company’s common shares at the date of maturity or in a number of common shares equal to the number of earned DPSUs. If settled in common shares, the common shares are purchased on the open market or through the issuance of shares from treasury.

The fair value of each unit under the DPSU Plan was estimated on the date of the grant using Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used in estimating the fair value of the units issued under the DPSU Plan are as follows:

 

    Three months ended June 30,
            2010           2009(i)

Number of units granted

    748,791

Weighted average fair value per unit granted ($)

    3.65

Assumptions:

   

Dividend yield

    Nil%

Expected volatility

    95.49%

Risk-free interest rate

    1.35%

Expected life (years)

    3.0
         

 

(i) Since the Company’s shares have been publicly traded for a period that is shorter than the expected life of the DPSU, expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of a peer group of similar entities in addition to its own historical volatility.

 

    Three months ended June 30,  
    2010     2009  
    Number of units     Number of units  

Outstanding, beginning of period

  507,295 (i)    91,005   

Granted

       748,791   

Exercised

         

Forfeited

  (3,294   (19,001
             

Outstanding, end of period

  504,001      820,795   
             

 

(i) On December 18, 2009, the Company converted 389,204 DPSUs into RSUs at a conversion factor of 80%.

The weighted average exercise price per unit is $nil.

At June 30, 2010, the weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding DPSU Plan units is 1.96 years (March 31, 2010 – 2.2 years). Compensation expense was based upon management’s assessment of performance against return on invested capital targets and the ultimate number of units expected to be issued. As at June 30, 2010, there was approximately $716 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based payment arrangements under the DPSU Plan (June 30, 2009 – $1,465), which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.96 years and is subject to performance adjustments.

c) Restricted share unit plan

On December 3, 2009, the Company approved a Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”) Plan which became effective December 18, 2009.

RSUs are granted each fiscal year with respect to services to be provided in that fiscal year and the following two fiscal years. The RSUs vest at the end of a three-year term. The Company classifies RSUs as a liability as the Company has the ability and intent to settle the awards in cash.

Compensation expense is calculated based on the weighted average number of vested shares multiplied by the fair value of each RSU as determined by the closing value of the Company’s common shares on each period end date. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the vesting period of the RSU term.

 

    Three months ended June 30,
    2010     2009
    Number of units     Number of units

Outstanding, beginning of period

  468,815 (i)   

Granted

      

Exercised

      

Forfeited

  (15,564  
           

Outstanding, end of period

  453,251     
           

 

(i) On December 18, 2009, the Company converted certain middle manager’s DPSUs into RSUs at a conversion factor of 80%.

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  17


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

At June 30, 2010, the redemption value of these units was $9.41/unit (March 31, 2010 – $9.68/unit).

Using the redemption value of $9.41/unit at June 30, 2010, there was approximately $2,932 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based payment arrangement under the RSU Plan and these costs are expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining contractual life of the RSUs of 2.1 years (March 31, 2010 – 2.3 years).

d) Director’s deferred stock unit plan

On November 27, 2007, the Company approved a Directors’ Deferred Stock Unit (“DDSU”) Plan, which became effective January 1, 2008. Under the DDSU Plan, non-officer directors of the Company receive 50% of their annual fixed remuneration (which is included in general and administrative costs) in the form of DDSUs and may elect to receive all or a part of their annual fixed remuneration in excess of 50% in the form of DDSUs. The number of DDSUs to be credited to the participants deferred unit account is determined by dividing the amount of the participant’s deferred remuneration by the Canadian Dollar equivalent of the Company’s weighted average share price of the last five trading days on the New York Stock Exchange at the end of the period. The DDSUs vest immediately upon grant and are only redeemable upon death or retirement of the participant for cash determined by the market price of the Company’s common shares for the five trading days immediately preceding death or retirement. Directors, who are not US taxpayers, may elect to defer the maturity date until a date no later than December 1st of the calendar year following the year in which the actual maturity date occurred.

 

    Three months ended June 30,
                2010               2009

Outstanding, beginning of period

  263,266   139,691

Granted

  20,889   33,317
         

Outstanding, end of period

  284,155   173,008
         

At June 30, 2010, the redemption value of these units was $9.41/unit (March 31, 2010 – $9.68/unit). There is no unrecognized compensation expense related to the DDSUs, since these awards vest immediately when granted.

16. Contingencies

During the normal course of the Company’s operations, various legal and tax matters are pending. In the opinion of management, these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

17. Seasonality

The Company generally experiences a decline in revenues during the first quarter of each fiscal year due to seasonality, as weather conditions make operations in the Company’s operating regions difficult during this period. The level of activity in the Heavy Construction and Mining and Pipeline segments declines when frost leaves the ground and many secondary roads are temporarily rendered incapable of supporting the weight of heavy equipment. The duration of this period is referred to as “spring breakup” and has a direct effect on the Company’s activity levels. Revenues during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year are typically highest as ground conditions are most favorable in the Company’s operating regions. As a result, full-year results are not likely to be a direct multiple of any particular quarter or combination of quarters. In addition to revenue variability, gross margins can be negatively affected in less active periods because the Company is likely to incur higher maintenance and repair costs due to its equipment being available for service.

18. Claims revenue

At June 30, 2010, due to the timing of receipt of signed change orders, Heavy Construction and Mining segment, Piling segment and Pipeline segment had approximately $0.6 million, $1.3 million and $0.1 million in claims revenue recognized to the extent of costs incurred respectively.

19. Comparative figures

Certain of the comparative figures have been reclassified from statements previously presented to conform to the presentation of the current year consolidated financial statements.

20. Subsequent events

On July 6, 2010, the Company was notified by a major customer that a standby letter of credit in the amount of $2.0 million is required to support performance guarantees. As a result of the issuance of this standby letter of credit, the borrowing availability under the Company’s Revolving Facility decreased to $68.6 million.

 

18  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

21. United States and Canadian accounting policy differences

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP, which differs in certain respects from Canadian GAAP. If Canadian GAAP were employed, the Company's net income would be adjusted as follows:

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Loss and Deficit - Three months
ended June 30, 2010

  US GAAP     Adjustments     Canadian GAAP  

Revenue (e)

  $183,594      $2,173      $185,767   

Project costs (e)

  77,277      1,993      79,270   

Equipment costs

  65,003           65,003   

Equipment operating lease expense

  17,491           17,491   

Depreciation (a)

  8,203      (32   8,171   
                   

Gross profit

  15,620      212      15,832   

General and administrative costs (c) and (e)

  13,729      410      14,139   

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

  (4        (4

Amortization of intangible assets (b)

  588      175      763   

Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture (e)

  243      (243     
                   

Operating income before the undernoted

  1,064      (130   934   

Interest expense, net (b)

  7,729      (381   7,348   

Foreign exchange gain

  (1,697        (1,697

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments (d)

  3,008      (891   2,117   

Loss on debt extinguishment (b)

  4,346      (2,884   1,462   
                   

Loss before income taxes

  (12,322   4,026      (8,296

Income taxes (benefit):

     

Current

  1,228           1,228   

Deferred (f)

  (3,241   1,016      (2,225
                   

Net loss and comprehensive loss for the period

  (10,309   3,010      (7,299

Deficit, beginning of period

  (129,886   1,081      (128,805
                   

Deficit, end of period

  $(140,195   $4,091      $(136,104
                   

Net loss per share – basic

  $(0.29   $0.09      $(0.20
                   

Net loss per share – diluted

  $(0.29   $0.09      $(0.20
                   

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income and Deficit - Three
months ended June 30, 2009

  US GAAP     Adjustments     Canadian GAAP  

Revenue (e)

  $146,519      $584      $147,103   

Project costs (e)

  54,262      291      54,553   

Equipment costs

  46,044           46,044   

Equipment operating lease expense

  12,349           12,349   

Depreciation (a)

  8,724      (31   8,693   
                   

Gross profit

  25,140      324      25,464   

General and administrative costs (c) and (e)

  14,976      90      15,066   

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

  41           41   

Gain on disposal of assets held for sale

  (317        (317

Amortization of intangible assets (b)

  493      209      702   

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint venture (e)

  (191   191        
                   

Operating income before the undernoted

  10,138      (166   9,972   

Interest expense, net (b)

  6,552      (584   5,968   

Foreign exchange gain (b)

  (19,436   221      (19,215

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments (d)

  10,021           10,021   

Other expense

  533           533   
                   

Income before income taxes

  12,468      197      12,665   

Income taxes:

     

Current

              

Deferred (f)

  2,541      54      2,595   
                   

Net income and comprehensive income for the period

  9,927      143      10,070   

Deficit, beginning of period

  (158,105   126      (157,979
                   

Deficit, end of period

  $(148,178   $269      $(147,909
                   

Net income per share – basic

  $0.28      $–      $0.28   
                   

Net income per share – diluted

  $0.27      $0.01      $0.28   
                   

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  19


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

The cumulative effect of material differences between US and Canadian GAAP on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company is as follows:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 30, 2010

  US GAAP     Adjustments     Canadian GAAP  

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents (e)

  $78,868      $824      $79,692   

Accounts receivable, net (e)

  89,925      2,497      92,422   

Unbilled revenue (e)

  90,284      1,773      92,057   

Inventories

  10,385           10,385   

Prepaid expenses and deposits (e)

  10,744      3      10,747   

Deferred tax assets

  2,843           2,843   
                   
  283,049      5,097      288,146   

Prepaid expenses and deposits

  3,573           3,573   

Assets held for sale

  838           838   

Property, plant and equipment (a) and (e)

  326,550      47      326,597   

Intangible assets, net (b)

  7,652      2,023      9,675   

Deferred financing costs (b)

  8,539      (8,539     

Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint venture (e)

  3,215      (3,215     

Goodwill

  25,111           25,111   

Deferred tax assets

  24,112           24,112   
                   
  $682,639      $(4,587   $678,052   
                   

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable (e)

  $71,847      $2,516      $74,363   

Accrued liabilities (e)

  32,818      30      32,848   

Billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

  3,067           3,067   

Current portion of capital lease obligations

  4,699           4,699   

Current portion of derivative financial instruments

  2,550           2,550   

Current portion of term facilities

  10,000           10,000   

Deferred tax liabilities

  21,527           21,527   
                   
  146,508      2,546      149,054   

Deferred lease inducements

  734           734   

Long term accrued liabilities

  15,317           15,317   

Capital lease obligations

  7,314           7,314   

Term facilities

  65,946           65,946   

Series 1 debentures (b) and (d)

  225,000      (7,482   217,518   

Director deferred stock unit liability

  2,674           2,674   

Restricted share unit liability

  1,333           1,333   

Derivative financial instruments

  14,291           14,291   

Asset retirement obligation

  368           368   

Deferred tax liabilities (f)

  31,931      (36   31,895   
                   
  511,416      (4,972   506,444   
                   

Shareholders' equity:

     

Common shares (authorized – unlimited number of voting and non-voting common shares; issued and outstanding – June 30, 2010 – 36,062,036 voting common shares)

  303,593      (3,458   300,135   

Additional paid-in capital (c) and (f)

  7,825      (248   7,577   

Deficit (a — f)

  (140,195   4,091      (136,104
                   
  171,223      385      171,608   
                   
  $682,639      $(4,587   $678,052   
                   

 

20  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as at March 31, 2010

  US GAAP     Adjustments     Canadian GAAP  

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents (e)

  $103,005      $1,240      $104,245   

Accounts receivable, net (e)

  111,884      1,432      113,316   

Unbilled revenue (e)

  84,702      1,794      86,496   

Inventories

  5,659           5,659   

Prepaid expenses and deposits (e)

  6,881      87      6,968   

Deferred taxes assets

  3,481           3,481   
                   
  315,612      4,553      320,165   

Prepaid expenses and deposits

  4,005           4,005   

Assets held for sale

  838           838   

Property, plant and equipment (a)

  328,743      (536   328,207   

Intangible assets, net (b)

  7,669      1,051      8,720   

Deferred financing costs (b)

  6,725      (5,685   1,040   

Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint venture (e)

  2,917      (2,917     

Goodwill

  25,111           25,111   

Deferred taxes assets

  10,997           10,997   
                   
  $702,617      $(3,534   $699,083   
                   

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable (e)

  $66,876      $1,637      $68,513   

Accrued liabilities

  47,191           47,191   

Billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

  1,614           1,614   

Current portion of capital lease obligations

  5,053           5,053   

Current portion of derivative financial instruments

  22,054      (1,506   20,548   

Current portion of term facilities

  6,072           6,072   

Deferred taxes liabilities

  16,781           16,781   
                   
  165,641      131      165,772   

Deferred lease inducements

  761           761   

Long term accrued liabilities

  14,943           14,943   

Capital lease obligations

  8,340           8,340   

Term facilities

  22,374           22,374   

8  3/4% senior notes (b) and (d)

  203,120      (1,506   201,614   

Director deferred stock unit liability

  2,548           2,548   

Restricted share unit liability

  1,030           1,030   

Derivative financial instruments

  75,001      1,506      76,507   

Asset retirement obligation

  360           360   

Deferred taxes liabilities (f)

  27,441      (1,052   26,389   
                   
  521,559      (921   520,638   
                   

Shareholders' equity:

     

Common shares (authorized – unlimited number of voting and non-voting common shares; issued and outstanding – March 31, 2010 – 36,049,276 voting common shares)

  303,505      (3,458   300,047   

Additional paid-in capital (c) and (f)

  7,439      (236   7,203   

Deficit (a – f)

  (129,886   1,081      (128,805
                   
  181,058      (2,613   178,445   
                   
  $702,617      $(3,534   $699,083   
                   

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  21


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

The cumulative effect of material differences between US and Canadian GAAP on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of the Company is as follows:

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Three months ended June 30, 2010

                 

Cash provided by (used in):

  US GAAP     Adjustments     Canadian GAAP  

Operating activities:

     

Net loss for the period

  $ (10,309 )    $3,010      $ (7,299 ) 

Items not affecting cash:

     

Depreciation

    8,203      (32     8,171   

Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture

    243      (243       

Amortization of intangible assets

    588      175        763   

Amortization of deferred lease inducements

    (27          (27

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    526      (291     235   

Amortization of premium on Series 1 Debentures

         (90     (90

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

    (4          (4

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on 8 3/4% senior notes

    (732          (732

Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments measured at fair value

    3,008      (891     2,117   

Loss on debt extinguishment

    4,346      (2,884     1,462   

Stock-based compensation expense

    839      (12     827   

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

    8             8   

Deferred income taxes (benefit)

    (3,241   1,016        (2,225

Net changes in non-cash working capital

    12,356      (533     11,823   
                       
    15,804      (775 )      15,029   
                       

Investing activities:

     

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

    (6,018   (551     (6,569

Addition to intangible assets

    (571   (113     (684

Investment in and advance to unconsolidated joint venture

    (541   541          

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

    60             60   

Net changes in non-cash working capital

    (2,768   482        (2,286
                       
    (9,838   359        (9,479
                       

Financing activities:

     

Repayment of term facilities

    (2,500          (2,500

Increase in term facilities

    50,000             50,000   

Financing costs

    (7,704          (7,704

Redemption of 8 3/4% senior notes

    (202,410          (202,410

Issuance of series 1 debentures

    225,000             225,000   

Settlement of swap liabilities

    (91,125          (91,125

Proceeds from stock options exercised

    64             64   

Repayment of capital lease obligations

    (1,428          (1,428
                       
    (30,103          (30,103
                       

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (24,137   (416     (24,553

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    103,005      1,240        104,245   
                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

    $78,868      $824        $79,692   
                       

 

22  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Three months ended June 30, 2009

                 
Cash provided by (used in):   US GAAP     Adjustments     Canadian GAAP  

Operating activities:

     

Net income for the period

  $9,927      $143      $10,070   

Items not affecting cash:

     

Depreciation

  8,724      (31   8,693   

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint venture

  (191   191        

Amortization of intangible assets

  493      209      702   

Amortization of deferred lease inducements

  (26        (26

Amortization of deferred financing costs

  805      (584   221   

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment

  41           41   

Gain on disposal of assets held for sale

  (317        (317

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on 8 3/4% senior notes

  (19,540   221      (19,319

Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments measured at fair value

  6,685           6,685   

Stock-based compensation expense

  1,817      (12   1,805   

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

  9           9   

Deferred income taxes

  2,541      54      2,595   

Net changes in non-cash working capital

  (18,690   (407   (19,097
                   
  (7,722   (216   (7,938
                   

Investing activities:

     

Purchase of plant and equipment

  (19,221        (19,221

Addition to intangible assets

  (489        (489

Investment in and advance to unconsolidated joint venture

  (500   500        

Proceeds on disposal of plant and equipment

  138           138   

Proceeds on disposal of assets held for sale

  960           960   

Net changes in non-cash working capital

  (1,272        (1,272
                   
  (20,384   500      (19,884
                   

Financing activities:

     

Increase in term facilities

  11,800           11,800   

Financing costs

  (1,115        (1,115

Repayment of capital lease obligations

  (1,470        (1,470
                   
  9,215           9,215   
                   

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  (18,891   284      (18,607

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  98,880           98,880   
                   

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $79,989      $284      $80,273   
                   

The areas of material difference between Canadian and US GAAP and their effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements are described below:

a) Capitalization of interest

US GAAP requires capitalization of interest costs as part of the historical cost of acquiring certain qualifying assets that require a period of time to prepare for their intended use. This is not required under Canadian GAAP. The capitalized amount is subject to depreciation in accordance with the Company’s policies when the asset is placed into service.

b) Financing costs, discounts and premiums

Under US GAAP, deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the Company's 9.125% Series 1 Debentures and 8 3/4% senior notes were being amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Prior to April 1, 2007, the transaction costs on the 8 3/4% senior notes were recorded as a deferred asset under Canadian GAAP and these deferred financing costs were being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the debt.

Effective April 1, 2007, the Company adopted CICA Handbook Section 3855, "Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement", on a retrospective basis without restatement as described below. Although Section 3855 also requires the use of the effective interest method to account for the amortization of finance costs, the requirement to bifurcate the issuer's early prepayment option on issuance of debt (which is not required under US GAAP) resulted in an additional premium of $3,497 on the Series 1 Debentures that is being amortized over the term of the Series 1 Debentures under Canadian GAAP. The same was being done on the extinguished 8 3/4% senior notes. The unamortized premium is disclosed as part of the carrying amount of the “Series 1 Debentures” in the Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign denominated transaction costs, discounts and premiums on the 8 3/4% senior notes were considered as part of the carrying value of the related financial liability under Canadian GAAP and were subject to foreign currency gains or losses resulting from periodic translation procedures as they were treated as a monetary item under Canadian GAAP. Under US GAAP, foreign denominated transaction costs are considered non-monetary and are not subject to foreign currency gains and losses resulting from periodic translation procedures.

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  23


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

In connection with the adoption of Section 3855, transaction costs incurred in connection with the Company’s amended and restated credit agreement of $1,622 were reclassified from deferred financing costs to intangible assets on April 1, 2007 under Canadian GAAP and these costs continued to be amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the credit facilities. Under US GAAP, the Company continues to amortize these transaction costs over the stated term of the related facilities using the effective interest method. The Company discloses the unamortized deferred financing costs related to the Series 1 Debentures, the 8 3/4% senior notes and the credit facilities as “Deferred financing costs” on the Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets (June 30, 2010 – $8,539; March 31, 2010– $6,725) with the amortization charge classified as “Interest expense” on the Interim Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Under Canadian GAAP, the unamortized financing costs related to the Series 1 Debentures (June 30, 2010 – $6,501) and the 8 3/4% senior notes (March 31, 2010 – $1,506) are included in “Series 1 debentures” and “8 3/4% senior notes” respectively whilst the unamortized deferred financing costs in connection with the credit facilities (June 30, 2010 – $1,910; March 31, 2010 – $1,051) are included in “Intangible assets” on the Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets resulting in a Canadian and US GAAP presentation difference.

c) Stock-based compensation

Up until April 1, 2006, the Company followed the provisions of ASC 718, “Share-Based Payment”, for US GAAP purposes. As the Company uses the fair value method of accounting for all stock-based compensation payments under Canadian GAAP, there were no differences between Canadian and US GAAP prior to April 1, 2006. On April 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment", which is now a part of ASC 718. As the Company used the minimum value method for purposes of complying with ASC 718, it was required to adopt the provisions under the revised guidance prospectively. Under Canadian GAAP, the Company was permitted to exclude volatility from the determination of the fair value of stock options granted until the filing of its initial registration statement relating to the initial public offering of voting shares on July 21, 2006. As a result, for options issued between April 1, 2006 and July 21, 2006, there is a difference between Canadian and US GAAP relating to the determination of the fair value of options granted.

d) Derivative financial instruments

Under Canadian GAAP, the Company determined that the issuer's early prepayment option asset included in the Series 1 Debentures of $3,895 should be bifurcated from the host contract, along with a contingent embedded derivative liability of $398 in the Series 1 Debentures that provides for accelerated redemption by the holders in certain instances. These embedded derivatives were measured at fair value at April 7, 2010, the inception date of the Series 1 Debentures with the residual amount of the proceeds being allocated to the debt. Changes in fair value of the embedded derivatives are recognized in net income and the carrying amount of the Series 1 Debentures is accreted to par value over the term of the Series 1 Debentures using the effective interest method and is recognized as interest expense as discussed in b) above. The same accounting treatment was used on the extinguished 8 3/4% senior notes.

Under US GAAP, ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and debt instruments, be recorded on the Balance Sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The contingent embedded derivative in the Series 1 Debentures that provides for accelerated redemption by the holders in certain instances did not meet the criteria for bifurcation from the debt contract and separate measurement at fair value and was not bifurcated from the host contract and measured at fair value resulting in a US GAAP and Canadian GAAP difference. The contingent embedded derivative in the 8 3/4% senior notes that provide for accelerated redemption by the holders in certain instances met the criteria for bifurcation from the debt contract and separate measurement at fair value. The embedded derivative in the 8 3/4% senior notes was measured at fair value and changes in fair value recorded in net income for all periods presented. The issuer's early prepayment option included in both the Series 1 Debentures and the 8 3 /4% senior notes did not meet the criteria as an embedded derivative under ASC 815 and was not bifurcated from the host contract resulting in a US GAAP and Canadian GAAP difference.

 

24  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

e) Joint venture

The Company owns a 49% interest in Noramac Ventures Inc., a nominee company for the Company’s Noramac Joint Venture (JV) and the Company has joint control of this entity. Under US GAAP, the Company records its share of earnings of the JV using the equity method of accounting. Under Canadian GAAP, the Company uses the proportionate consolidation method of accounting for the JV. Under the proportionate consolidation method the Company recognizes its share of the results of operations, cash flows, and financial position of the JV on a line-by-line basis in its consolidated financial statements and eliminates its share of all material intercompany transactions with the JV. While there is no effect on net income or earnings per share as a result of the US GAAP treatment of the joint venture, as compared to Canadian GAAP, there are presentation differences affecting the disclosures in the interim consolidated financial statements and the supporting notes. Under Canadian GAAP, the following assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and cash flows would be recorded using the proportionate consolidation method:

 

    June 30, 2010     March 31, 2010  

Current assets

  $5,096      $4,476   

Long term assets

  665      77   

Current liabilities

  2,547      1,636   

Long term liabilities

  3,510      2,970   
             

Net equity

  $(296   $(53
             

 

Three months ended June 30,

                   2010                        2009  

Gross revenues

  $2,173      $584   

Gross profit

  180      293   

Expense

  (423   (102
             

Net (loss) income

  $(243   $191   
             

Three months ended June 30,

  2010     2009  

Cash flow resulting from operating activities

  $(775   $284   

Cash flow resulting from investing activities

  359        
             

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

  (416   284   
             

f) Other matters

Other adjustments relate to the tax effect of items (a) through (d) above. The tax effects of temporary differences are described as future income taxes under Canadian GAAP whereas in these financial statements such amounts are described as deferred income taxes under US GAAP. In addition, Canadian GAAP generally refers to additional paid-in capital as contributed surplus for financial statement presentation purposes.

g) Recently adopted Canadian accounting pronouncements

i) Accounting changes

In June 2009, the CICA amended Handbook Section 1506, “Accounting Changes”, to exclude from its scope changes in accounting policies upon the complete replacement of an entity’s primary basis of accounting. The Company adopted these amendments effective April 1, 2010. The adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.

ii) Financial instruments – recognition and measurement

In June 2009, the CICA amended Handbook Section 3855, “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement”, to clarify the application of the effective interest method after a debt instrument has been impaired. The Section has also been amended to clarify when an embedded prepayment option is separated from its host instrument for accounting purposes. The Company adopted these amendments effective April 1, 2010. The adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.

h) Recent Canadian accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

i) Financial instruments – recognition and measurement

In June 2009, the CICA amended Handbook Section 3855, “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement”, to clarify the application of the effective interest method after a debt instrument has been impaired. The Section has also been amended to clarify when an embedded prepayment option is separated from its host instrument for accounting purposes. The amendments apply to interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011 for the amendments relating to embedded prepayment options. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the amendments to the standard.

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  25


Table of Contents

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

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

(Unaudited)

 

 

ii) Comprehensive revaluation of assets and liabilities

In August 2009, the CICA amended Handbook Section 1625, “Comprehensive Revaluation of Assets and Liabilities”, as a result of issuing Section 1582, “Business Combinations”, Section 1601, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, and Section 1602, “Non-Controlling Interests”, in January 2009. The amendments apply prospectively to comprehensive revaluations of assets and liabilities occurring in fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Earlier adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year, provided that Section 1582 is also adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the amendments to the standard.

iii) Multiple deliverable arrangements

In December 2009, the CICA issued Emerging Issues Committee (EIC) 175, “Multiple deliverable arrangements”. This abstract addresses how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting. It also addresses how arrangement consideration should be measured and allocated to the separate units of accounting in the arrangement. For the Company, this abstract is effective on a prospective basis to all revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables entered into or materially modified in the fiscal period beginning April 1, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this abstract on the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.

 

26  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

 

NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY PARTNERS INC.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

LOGO


Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

A.

  Explanatory Notes   3
 

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

  3
 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

  3
 

Adoption of United States GAAP

  4

B.

  Financial results   5
 

Analysis of Consolidated Results

  5
 

Segment Results

  6
 

Non-Operating Income and Expense

  7
 

Backlog

  9
 

Claims and Change Orders

  9
 

Summary of Consolidated Quarterly Results

  10
 

Summary of Consolidated Financial Position

  11
 

Summary of Consolidated Cash Flows

  12

C.

  Outlook   12

D.

  Legal and Labour Matters   13
 

Laws and Regulations and Environmental Matters

  13
 

Employees and Labour Relations

  13

E.

  Resources and Systems   13
 

Outstanding Share Data

  13
 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

  13
 

Capital Commitments

  17
 

Debt Ratings

  17
 

Related Parties

  18
 

Internal Systems and Processes

  19
 

Recently Adopted Accounting Policies

  19
 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

  19

F.

  Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors   20
 

Forward-Looking Information

  20
 

Risk Factors

  22
 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

  22

G.

  General Matters   22
 

Additional Information

  22

 

2  Management’s Discussion and Analysis  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

A. Explanatory Notes

August 4, 2010

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the three months ended June 30, 2010 should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the three months ended June 30, 2010. These statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (US) generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This interim MD&A should also be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2010, together with our annual MD&A for the year ended March 31, 2010. The consolidated financial statements and additional information relating to our business, including our most recent Annual Information Form (AIF), are available on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ SEDAR System at www.sedar.com, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and our company web site at www.nacg.ca.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Our MD&A is intended to enable readers to gain an understanding of our current results and financial position. To do so, we provide information and analysis comparing results of operations and financial position for the current period to those of the preceding periods. We also provide analysis and commentary that we believe is necessary to assess our future prospects. Accordingly, certain sections of this report contain forward-looking information that is based on current plans and expectations. This forward-looking information is affected by risks and uncertainties that could have a material impact on future prospects. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors” for a discussion of the risks and uncertainties related to such information. Readers are cautioned that actual events and results may vary.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The body of generally accepted accounting principles applicable to us is commonly referred to as “GAAP”. A non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Canadian securities regulatory authorities as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so adjusted in the most comparable GAAP measures. In our MD&A, we use non-GAAP financial measures such as “net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization” (EBITDA) and “Consolidated EBITDA” (as defined in our credit agreement). Consolidated EBITDA is defined as EBITDA, excluding the effects of unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss, realized and unrealized gain or loss on derivative financial instruments, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, gain or loss on disposal of plant and equipment and certain other non-cash items included in the calculation of net income. We believe that EBITDA is a meaningful measure of the performance of our business because it excludes items, such as depreciation and amortization, interest and taxes that are not directly related to the operating performance of our business. Management reviews EBITDA to determine whether plant and equipment are being allocated efficiently. In addition, our credit facility requires us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum senior leverage ratio, which are calculated using Consolidated EBITDA. Non-compliance with these financial covenants could result in our being required to immediately repay all amounts outstanding under our credit facility. As EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures, our computations of EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA may vary from others in our industry. EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to operating income or net income as measures of operating performance or cash flows as measures of liquidity. EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA have important limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under US GAAP or Canadian GAAP. For example, EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA do not:

 

Ÿ  

reflect our cash expenditures or requirements for capital expenditures or capital commitments;

 

Ÿ  

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

 

Ÿ  

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

 

Ÿ  

include tax payments that represent a reduction in cash available to us; and

 

Ÿ  

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

Consolidated EBITDA excludes unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses and realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, which, in the case of unrealized losses, may ultimately result in a liability that will need to be paid and in the case of realized losses, represents an actual use of cash during the period. Where relevant, particularly for earnings-based measures, we provide tables in this document that reconcile non-GAAP measures used to amounts reported on the face of the consolidated financial statements.

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis  3


Table of Contents

 

Adoption of United States GAAP

As a Canadian based company, we have historically prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP and provided reconciliations to United States (US) GAAP. In 2006, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) published a new strategic plan that significantly affected financial reporting requirements for Canadian public companies. The AcSB strategic plan outlined the convergence of Canadian GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) over an expected five-year transitional period. In February 2008, the AcSB confirmed that IFRS would be mandatory in Canada for profit-oriented publicly accountable entities for fiscal periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011, unless we, as a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registrant and as permitted by National Instrument 52-107, were to adopt US GAAP on or before this date.

After significant analysis and consideration regarding the merits of reporting under IFRS or US GAAP, we decided to adopt US GAAP, commencing in fiscal 2010, as our primary reporting standard for our consolidated financial statements. Our interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2009, including related notes and accompanying MD&A, were restated based on US GAAP on June 10, 2010 and are available on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ SEDAR System at www.sedar.com, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and our company web site at www.nacg.ca. All comparative figures contained in our current interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2010, including related notes and this MD&A, reflect our results in accordance with US GAAP as our reporting standard.

As required by National Instrument 52-107, for the fiscal year of adoption of US GAAP and one subsequent fiscal year, we will provide a Canadian Supplement to our MD&A that restates, based on financial information reconciled to Canadian GAAP, those parts of our MD&A that would contain material differences if they were based on financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. In support of the adoption of US GAAP commencing in fiscal 2010 we provided a Canadian Supplement MD&A for our audited consolidated financial statements, related notes and accompanying MD&A, for the year ended March 31, 2010. As well, we provided a Canadian Supplement MD&A for each of the restated interim periods for fiscal 2010. The Canadian Supplement MD&A will continue to be provided through fiscal 2011 for each of the reporting periods.

 

4  Management’s Discussion and Analysis  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

 

B. Financial results

Consolidated Three Month Results

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010     % of
Revenue
  2009   % of
Revenue
  Change  

Revenue

  $183,594      100.0%   $146,519   100.0%   $37,075   

Project costs

  77,277      42.1%   54,262   37.0%   23,015   

Equipment costs

  65,003      35.4%   46,044   31.4%   18,959   

Equipment operating lease expense

  17,491      9.5%   12,349   8.4%   5,142   

Depreciation

  8,203      4.5%   8,724   6.0%   (521
                         

Gross profit

  15,620      8.5%   25,140   17.2%   (9,520

General and administrative costs

  13,729      7.5%   14,976   10.2%   (1,247
                         

Operating income

  1,064      0.6%   10,138   6.9%   (9,074

Net (loss) income

  $(10,309   (5.6)%   $9,927   6.8%   $(20,236

Per share information

         

Net (loss) income – basic

  (0.29     0.28     (0.57

Net (loss) income – diluted

  (0.29     0.27     (0.56

EBITDA(1)

  4,198      2.3%   28,237   19.3%   (24,039

Consolidated EBITDA(1) (as defined within our credit agreement)

  $12,179      6.6%   $19,394   13.2%   $(7,215
                         

 

(1)

A reconciliation of net (loss) income to EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA is as follows:

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010     2009     Change  

Net (loss) income

  $(10,309   $9,927      $(20,236

Adjustments:

     

Interest expense

  7,729      6,552      1,177   

Income taxes (benefit)

  (2,013   2,541      (4,554

Depreciation

  8,203      8,724      (521

Amortization of intangible assets

  588      493      95   
                   

EBITDA

  $4,198      $28,237      $(24,039

Adjustments:

     

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on senior notes

       (19,540   19,540   

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments

  3,008      10,021      (7,013

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale

  (4   (276   272   

Stock-based compensation expense

  410      1,143      (733

Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated joint venture

  243      (191   434   

Loss on debt extinguishment

  4,324           4,324   
                   

Consolidated EBITDA (as defined within our credit agreement)

  $12,179      $19,394      $(7,215
                   

Analysis of Consolidated Results

Revenue

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, consolidated revenues of $183.6 million were $37.1 million higher than in the same period last year. As anticipated, recurring services grew during the quarter, reflecting higher activity on our long-term contract with Canadian Natural1 and increased demand for mine support services from Syncrude2 and Suncor3. These gains were partially offset by reduced activity at Shell Albian’s4 Muskeg River operation, which was shut down during the period in preparation for maintenance and the transition to production at the Jackpine Mine.

The improvement in consolidated revenues was further supported by an increase in Piling segment revenues which benefited from increased commercial and industrial construction market activity during the quarter. These gains were made despite abnormally high precipitation levels in Western Canada during the spring break-up period which delayed some piling work to future periods.

 

1 Canadian Natural Resources Limited (Canadian Natural) Horizon project
2 Syncrude Canada Ltd. (Syncrude) – a joint venture amongst Canadian Oil Sands Limited (37%), Imperial Oil Resources (25%), Suncor Energy Inc. (formerly Petro-Canada Oil and Gas) (12%), Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (SIPC) (9%), Nexen Oil Sands Partnership (7%), Murphy Oil Company Ltd. (5%) and Mocal Energy Limited (5%). SIPC purchased the Syncrude interest of ConocoPhillips Oil Sands Partnership II on June 25, 2010.
3 Suncor Energy Inc. (Suncor)
4 Shell Canada Energy, a division of Shell Canada Limited, the operator of the Shell Albian Sands’ (Shell Albian) oils sands mining and extraction operations on behalf of Athabasca Oil Sands Project (AOSP), a joint venture amongst Shell Canada Limited (60%), Chevron Canada Limited (20%) and Marathon Oil Canada Corporation (20%). Prior to January 1, 2009, these operations were run by Albian Sands Energy Inc.

 

North American Energy Partners Inc.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis  5


Table of Contents

 

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $15.6 million (8.5% of revenue), compared to $25.1 million (17.2% of revenue) in the prior period. The decline in gross profit reflects a $2.3 million reduction in profit on our long-term overburden removal contract resulting from the negative impact of a weaker Canadian dollar on the value of the contract. Consolidated gross profit was also negatively affected by higher equipment costs due to increased repair maintenance activity during the longer than usual spring break-up period as well as by reduced margins in our Piling segment due to delays in executing a higher than normal amount of change orders.

Project costs, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 42.1% during the three months ended June 30, 2010, from 37.0% in the same period last year while equipment costs increased to 35.4% of revenue, from 31.4% last year, reflecting the negative margin effect of a longer than usual spring break-up period and an increase in scheduled major overhaul maintenance work on our leased fleet. Equipment operating lease expense increased $5.1 million to $17.5 million as a result of new operating leases added during the prior fiscal year to support our long-term overburden removal contract. Depreciation decreased to 4.5% of revenue in the three months ended June 30, 2010, from 6.0% of revenue in the same period last year. Depreciation in the prior-year period included an accelerated depreciation charge of $1.8 million as certain aged equipment was prepared for sale.

Operating income

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded operating income of $1.1 million (0.6% of revenue) compared to an operating income of $10.1 million (6.9% of revenue) during the same period last year. General and administrative (G&A) costs decreased by $1.2 million year-over-year, with prior-year period G&A costs negatively affected by the valuation of our deferred performance share units and director share units, as a result of increases in our share price.

Net (loss) income

We recorded a net loss of $10.3 million (basic and diluted loss per share of $0.29) for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to net income of $9.9 million (basic income per share of $0.28 and diluted income per share of $0.27) during the same period last year. The non-cash items affecting results in the most recent period included a loss related to the write-off of deferred financing costs on the extinguishment of our 8 3 /4% senior notes and a loss relating to embedded derivatives in long-term supplier contracts. These items were partially offset by a realized foreign exchange gain resulting from the extinguishment of our 8 3 /4% senior notes and a gain relating to embedded derivatives in a long-term customer contract. Net income for the same period last year was positively affected by the positive foreign exchange impact of the strengthening Canadian dollar on our 8 3 /4% senior notes, a gain related to embedded derivatives in an early redemption option on our 8 3 /4% senior notes and a gain relating to embedded derivatives in long-term supplier contracts, which was partially offset by a loss on our cross-currency and interest rate swaps and a loss relating to embedded derivatives in a long-term customer contract. Excluding the above items, net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2010 would have been $4.1 million (basic and diluted loss per share of $0.11), compared to net income of $0.1 million (basic and diluted income per share of $nil) during the same period last year.

Segment Results

Heavy Construction and Mining

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010   2009   Change  

Segment revenue

  $163,609   $131,826   $31,783   

Segment profit

  22,247   23,514   (1,267

Profit margin

  13.6%   17.8%  

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, Heavy Construction and Mining segment revenues increased $31.8 million, to $163.6 million, primarily as a result of increased recurring services revenue. The growth in recurring services revenue was driven by a return to planned operational levels on our long-term overburden removal contract at Canadian Natural and increased mining services provided to Syncrude, under our extended master services agreement. We also increased activity levels at Suncor’s site under a new mining service agreement that includes additional scope. The recurring services gains were partially offset by lower activity levels at Shell Albian’s sites as a result of the shutdown of the Muskeg River site for maintenance and in preparation for the transition to production at the Jackpine mine. Project development revenues also increased in the current period as a result of a construction project executed for Exxon’s Kearl5 project.

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, Heavy Construction and Mining profit margin was 13.6% of revenue, compared to 17.8% of revenue during the same period last year. This change primarily reflects a $2.3 million foreign exchange-related reduction in profit forecast for our long-term overburden removal contract. In the prior year we recorded a $4.0 million profit increase in our forecast for this same project as a result of an increase in the strength of the Canadian dollar. Contributing to the reduced segment profit was lower project efficiency during the longer than normal spring break-up period.

 

5 Exxon’s Kearl project is a joint venture oil sands mining and extraction project. Imperial Oil Limited holds a 70.96% interest in the joint venture with ExxonMobil Canada Properties, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation (Exxon). Imperial Oil Limited is the project operator.

 

6  Management’s Discussion and Analysis  North American Energy Partners Inc.


Table of Contents

 

Piling

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010   2009   Change  

Segment revenue

  $19,146   $14,618   $4,528   

Segment profit

  1,394   2,684   (1,290

Profit margin

  7.3%   18.4%  

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Piling segment recorded revenues of $19.1 million, an increase of $4.5 million over the same period last year. The improvement in Piling segment revenue reflects a partial recovery in activity levels in the commercial and industrial construction markets. These gains were made despite abnormally high precipitation levels in Western Canada which delayed some piling work to future periods.

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, Piling profit margin decreased to 7.3% of revenue, from 18.4% of revenue a year ago. This decline reflects the delay in the execution of a higher than normal amount of change orders to future periods. Contributing to the lower margins for the current period was a larger than normal amount of equipment tooling costs and the effect of the abnormally high precipitation levels on project efficiency.

Pipeline

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010     2009     Change  

Segment revenue

  $839      $75      $764   

Segment (loss) profit

  (723   367      (1,090

(Loss) profit margin

  (86.2 )%    489.3  

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Pipeline segment increased revenues to $0.8 million, from $0.1 million a year ago reflecting the partial resumption of work on a contract in British Columbia during the period.

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Pipeline segment recorded a loss of $0.7 million compared to a profit of $0.4 million during the same period last year. The loss in the current period was the result of fixed project costs incurred during a temporary shutdown of work on a contract in British Columbia.

Non-Operating Income and Expense

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010     2009     Change  

Interest expense

     

Long-term debt

     

Interest on 8  3/4% senior notes and swaps

  1,147      5,144      (3,997

Interest on series 1 debentures

  4,734      —        4,734   

Interest on term facilities

  1,057      165      892   

Interest on capital lease obligations

  208      291      (83

Amortization of deferred financing costs

  526      805      (279
                   

Interest on long-term debt

  7,672      6,405      1,267   

Other interest

  57      147      (90
                   

Total interest expense

  $7,729      $6,552      $1,177   

Foreign exchange gain

  (1,697   (19,436   17,739   

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments

  3,008      10,021      (7,013

Other expense

  —        533      (533

Income taxes (benefit)

  (2,013   2,541      (4,554

Interest expense

Total interest expense increased $1.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the prior year. In April 2010, we closed a private placement of 9.125% Series 1 Debentures due April 7, 2017 for gross proceeds of $225.0 million. On March 29, 2010, we issued a redemption notice to holders of the 8 3/4% senior notes to redeem all outstanding 8 3/4% senior notes and, on April 28, 2010, the notes were redeemed and cancelled. The redemption amount included the US$200.0 million principal outstanding and US$7.1 million of accrued interest. On April 8, 2010, we terminated the cross currency and interest rate swaps used to provide an economic hedge on the US dollar denominated 8 3/4% senior notes. Interest expense on our 8 3/4% senior notes of $1.1 million reflects the amount of interest for the current period until redemption was complete. Interest expense of $4.7 million for the new Series 1 Debentures reflects interest for the partial period that followed the issuance of the Series 1 Debentures on April 7, 2010. The redemption and associated swap agreement terminations eliminate the refinancing risk in December 2011. A more detailed discussion on the restructuring of our long-term debt can be found under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

 

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On April 30, 2010, we also entered into a fourth amended and restated credit agreement to extend the term of the credit agreement and to add additional borrowing capacity of up to $50.0 million through a second term facility within the credit agreement. At June 30, 2010, the second term facility was fully drawn at $50.0 million. The new term facility, along with the existing term facility, matures on April 30, 2013. At June 30, 2010, we had $75.9 million outstanding on the Term Facility ($28.4 million at March 31, 2010). Interest expense for the credit facility, for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $1.1 million, an increase of $0.9 million compared to the prior year.

Foreign exchange gain

The foreign exchange gains recognized in the current and prior year three-month periods relate primarily to the effect of changes in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar on the carrying value of the US$200 million 8 3 /4% senior notes. The increase in the value of the Canadian dollar, from 0.9846 CAN/US at March 31, 2010 to 0.9874 CAN/US at April 28, 2010 when the 8 3/4% senior notes were redeemed, resulted in a realized foreign exchange gain. A more detailed discussion about our foreign currency risk can be found under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk – Foreign exchange risk”.

Realized and unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments

The realized and unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments reflect changes in the fair value of derivatives embedded in our previously held US dollar denominated 8 3/4% senior notes, as well as changes in the fair value of the cross-currency and interest rate swaps that we employed to provide an economic hedge for our previously held US dollar denominated 8 3/4% senior notes. Realized and unrealized gains and losses also include changes in the value of embedded derivatives in a long-term customer contract and in supplier maintenance agreements. The realized and unrealized gains and losses on these derivative financial instruments, for the three months ended June 30, 2010 are detailed in the table below:

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010     2009     Change  

Swap liability loss

  $1,783      $19,835      $(18,052

Redemption option embedded derivative gain

       (2,273   2,273   

Supplier contracts embedded derivatives loss (gain)

  1,647      (14,164   15,811   

Customer contract embedded derivative (gain) loss

  (750   3,287      (4,037

Swap interest payment

  328      3,336      (3,008
                   

Total

  $3,008      $10,021      $(7,013
                   

The measurement of embedded derivatives, as required by GAAP, causes our reported net income to fluctuate as Canadian/US dollar exchange rates, interest rates and the US-PPI for Mining Machinery and Equipment change. The accounting for these derivatives has no impact on operations, Consolidated EBITDA (as defined within our credit agreement) or how we evaluate performance.

The Swap liability loss reflects the changes in the fair value of the cross-currency and interest rate swaps that we employed to provide an economic hedge for our previously held US dollar denominated 8 3 /4% senior notes. Changes in the fair value of these swaps generally had an offsetting effect to changes in the value of our previously held 8 3/4% senior notes (and resulting foreign exchange gains and losses), with both being triggered by variations in the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate. However, the valuations of the derivative financial instruments were also impacted by changes in interest rates and the remaining present value of scheduled interest payments on the swaps, which occurred in June and December of each year until termination of the swap agreements on April 8, 2010.

The redemption option embedded derivative gain in the prior year reflects changes in the fair value of a derivative embedded in our previously held US dollar denominated 8 3/4% senior notes. Changes in fair value resulted from changes in long-term bond interest rates during a reporting period.

With respect to the supplier contracts, the fair value of the embedded derivative related to a long-term maintenance contract was increased as a result of the addition of certain pieces of heavy equipment to the repair and maintenance program with the supplier contract in the three months ended June 30, 2010. Included in the embedded derivative valuation was the impact of fluctuations in provisions that require a price adjustment to reflect changes in the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate and the United States government published Producers’ Price Index (US-PPI) for Mining Machinery and Equipment from the original contract amount.

With respect to the long-term customer contract, there is a provision that requires an adjustment to customer billings to reflect actual exchange rates and price indices. The embedded derivative instrument takes into account the impact on revenues, but does not consider the impact on costs as a result of fluctuations in these measures.

The measurement of swap interest payment loss reflects the realized loss on our previously held interest rate swaps. As of February 2, 2009, one of three swap agreements hedging the interest and currency risk associated with our previously held US dollar denominated 8 3/4% senior notes was cancelled by the counterparties. As a result of the counterparties’ cancellation of this US dollar interest rate swap, we were incurring higher interest expense and we were exposed to interest rate and foreign currency risk.

 

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Income taxes (benefit)

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded current income tax expense of $1.2 million and deferred income tax benefit of $3.2 million for a total income tax recovery of $2.0 million. This compares to combined income tax expense of $2.5 million for the same period last year. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes differs from the statutory rate of 27.77% primarily due to the effect of changes in enacted tax rates and the realization of capital loss on the extinguishment of the 8 3/4% senior notes and the cross-currency swap. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes differed from the statutory rate of 28.91% primarily due to the effect of changes in enacted tax rates and the benefit from changes in the timing of the reversal of temporary differences.

Backlog

Backlog is a measure of the amount of secured work we have outstanding and, as such, is an indicator of a base level of future revenue potential. Backlog is not a GAAP measure. As a result, the definition and determination of a backlog will vary among different organizations ascribing a value to backlog. Although backlog reflects business that we consider to be firm, cancellations or reductions may occur and may reduce backlog and future income.

We define backlog as work that has a high certainty of being performed as evidenced by the existence of a signed contract or work order specifying job scope, value and timing. We have also set a policy that our definition of backlog will be limited to contracts or work orders with values exceeding $500,000 and work that will be performed in the next five years, even if the related contracts extend beyond five years.

Our measure of backlog does not define what we expect our future workload to be. We work with our customers using cost-plus, time-and-materials, unit-price and lump-sum contracts. This mix of contract types varies year-by-year. Our definition of backlog results in the exclusion of a range of services to be provided under cost-plus and time-and-material contracts performed under master service agreements where scope is not clearly defined. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, the total amount of revenue earned from time-and-material contracts performed under our master services agreements was approximately $81.9 million.

Our estimated backlog by segment and contract type as at June 30, 2010 and 2009 as well as March 31, 2010 was:

By Segment

(dollars in thousands)

  June 30,
2010
  March 31,
2010
  June 30,
2009

Heavy Construction and Mining

  $807,111   $725,767   $696,412

Piling

  16,579   16,423   5,731

Pipeline

  5,989   6,861  
             

Total

  $829,679   $749,051   $702,143
             
By Contract Type    

(dollars in thousands)

  June 30,
2010
  March 31,
2010
  June 30,
2009

Unit-Price

  $796,670   $722,710   $698,550

Lump-Sum

  28,383   18,429   2,165

Time-and-Materials and Cost-Plus

  4,626   7,912   1,428
             

Total

  $829,679   $749,051   $702,143
             

A contract with a single customer represented approximately $768.8 million of our June 30, 2010 backlog, compared to $674.6 million reported as backlog in our interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and $706.7 million in our annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended March 31, 2010.

We expect that approximately $248.3 million of total backlog will be performed and realized in the twelve months ending June 30, 2011.*

Claims and Change Orders

Due to the complexity of the projects we undertake, changes often occur after work has commenced. These changes include but are not limited to:

 

Ÿ  

changes in client requirements, specifications and design;

Ÿ  

changes in materials and work schedules; and

Ÿ  

changes in ground and weather conditions.

 

* This paragraph contains forward-looking information. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors” for a discussion on the risks and uncertainties related to such information.

 

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Contract change management processes require that we prepare and submit change orders to the client requesting approval of scope and/or price adjustments to the contract. Accounting guidelines require that we consider changes in cost estimates that have occurred up to the release of the financial statements and reflect the impact of these changes in the financial statements. Conversely, potential revenue associated with increases in cost estimates is not included in financial statements until an agreement is reached with a client or specific criteria for the recognition of revenue from unapproved change orders and claims are met. This can, and often does, lead to costs being recognized in one period and revenue being recognized in subsequent periods.

Occasionally, disagreements arise regarding changes, their nature, measurement, timing and other characteristics that impact costs and revenue under the contract. If a change becomes a point of dispute between our customer and us, we then consider it to be a claim. Historical claim recoveries should not be considered indicative of future claim recoveries.

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, due to the timing of receipt of signed change orders, the Heavy Construction and Mining segment had approximately $0.6 million in claims revenue recognized to the extent of costs incurred, the Piling segment had $1.3 million in claims revenue recognized to the extent of costs incurred, and the Pipeline segment had $0.1 million in claims revenue recognized to the extent of costs incurred. We are working with our customers to come to resolution on additional amounts, if any, to be paid to us in respect to these additional costs.

Summary of Consolidated Quarterly Results

 

 

    June 30,
2010
    March 31,
2010
    Dec 31,
2009
  Sept 30,
2009
  Jun 30,
2009
  Mar 31,
2009
    Dec 31,
2008
    Sept 30,
2008
    Fiscal 2011     Fiscal 2010   Fiscal 2009

Revenue

  $183.6      $220.6      $221.2   $170.7   $146.5   $174.7      $258.6      $280.3

Gross profit

  15.6      32.7      47.6   33.8   25.1   32.9      51.4      44.7

Operating income (loss)

  1.1      13.1      31.3   18.9   10.1   (129.2   (1.9   23.4

Net (loss) income

  (10.3   (0.9   14.9   4.3   9.9   (137.1   (15.0   2.9

Net (loss) income per share – Basic(±)

  $(0.29   $(0.03   $0.41   $0.12   $0.28   $(3.80   $(0.42   $0.08

Net (loss) income per share – Diluted(±)

  $(0.29   $(0.03   $0.41   $0.12   $0.27   $(3.80   $(0.42   $0.08
                                         

 

±

Net income (loss) per share for each quarter has been computed based on the weighted average number of shares issued and outstanding during the respective quarter; therefore, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual total. Per-share calculations are based on full dollar and share amounts.

A number of factors have the potential to contribute to variations in our quarterly financial results between periods, including the capital project-based nature of our project development revenue, seasonal weather and ground conditions, capital spending decisions by our customers on large oil sands projects, the timing of equipment maintenance and repairs, claims and change orders and the accounting for unrealized non-cash gains and losses related to foreign exchange and derivative financial instruments.

We generally experience a decline in revenues during the first three months of each fiscal year due to seasonality, as weather conditions make performance in our operating regions difficult during this period. The level of activity in the Heavy Construction and Mining and Pipeline segments declines when frost leaves the ground and many secondary roads are temporarily rendered incapable of supporting the weight of heavy equipment. The duration of this period is referred to as “spring breakup” and it has a direct impact on our activity levels. Revenues during the three months ended March 31 of each fiscal year are typically highest as ground conditions are most favourable in our operating regions. As a result, full-year results are not likely to be a direct multiple of any particular three month period or combination of three month periods. In addition to revenue variability, gross margins can be negatively impacted in less active periods because we are likely to incur higher maintenance and repair costs due to our equipment being available for servicing.

The timing of large projects can influence quarterly revenues. For example, Pipeline segment revenues were as high as $87.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008, as low as $0.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2009 and are currently at $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. The Heavy Construction and Mining segment experienced reduced volumes in the three months ended December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009 as a result of the temporary shut-down of overburden removal at the Horizon project while Canadian Natural prepared for operations start-up. Subsequent three-month periods reflected the ramp up of overburden removal activities at the Horizon project through to the three months ended March 31, 2010, where activity returned to planned activity levels. Changes in demand under our master service agreements with Shell Albian and Syncrude had a positive effect on our revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2009 respectively. Changes in demand with Syncrude had a negative effect on our revenues for the three month periods subsequent to June 30, 2009, until the current three month period ended June 30, 2010. Master service agreement demand from Shell Albian positively

 

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affected period-over-period comparatives until the current three month period ended June 30, 2009, as a result of a shut down at Shell Albian’s Muskeg River mine for planned maintenance and in preparation for the operational start-up of the Jackpine mine.

Variations in quarterly results can also be caused by changes in our operating leverage. During periods of higher activity, we have experienced improvements in operating margin. This reflects the impact of relatively fixed costs, such as G&A costs, being spread over higher revenue levels. If activity decreases, these same fixed costs are spread over lower revenue levels. Net income and income per share are also subject to operating leverage as provided by fixed interest expense.

Profitability also varies from quarter-to-quarter as a result of claims and change orders. Claims and change orders are a normal aspect of the contracting business but can cause variability in profit margin due to the unmatched recognition of costs and revenues. For further explanation, see “Claims and Change Orders”. As an example, during the three months ended June 30, 2008, a $5.3 million claim was recognized causing gross margins for the Pipeline segment to be higher than normal. The additional costs relating to this claim were incurred and recognized in the year ended March 31, 2007 and in the three months ended June 30, 2007.

We have also experienced net income variability in all periods due to the recognition of unrealized non-cash gains and losses on both derivative financial instruments and our previously held US dollar denominated 8 3/4% senior notes, primarily driven by changes in the Canadian/ US dollar exchange rate. The 8 3/4% senior notes were redeemed on April 28, 2010 and the associated cross-currency and interest rate swaps were terminated on April  8, 2010.

Summary of Consolidated Financial Position

 

(dollars in thousands)

  As at June 30, 2010     As at March 31, 2010     Change  

Cash

  $78,868      $103,005      $(24,137

Current assets (excluding cash)

  204,181      212,607      (8,426

Current liabilities

  (146,508   (165,641   19,133   
                   

Net working capital

  136,541      149,971      (13,430

Property, plant and equipment

  326,550      328,743      (2,193

Total assets

  682,639      702,617      (19,978

Capital lease obligations (including current portion)

  (12,013   (13,393   1,380   

Total long-term financial liabilities(†)

  (331,875   (327,356   (4,519
                   

Total long-term financial liabilities exclude the current portions of capital lease obligations, current portions of derivative financial instruments, long-term lease inducements, asset retirement obligations and both current and non-current deferred income tax balances.

At June 30, 2010, net working capital (cash and current assets less current liabilities) was $136.5 million compared to $150.0 million at March 31, 2010, a decrease of $13.4 million.

The cash balance at June 30, 2010 was $24.1 million lower than at March 31, 2010 reflecting the redemption of the 8 3/4% senior notes and associated currency and interest rate swaps.

Current assets excluding cash decreased $8.4 million between March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010. A $22.0 million decrease in trade receivables and holdbacks along with a $5.6 million increase in unbilled revenue during the three month period ended June 30, 2010 was partially offset by a $4.7 million planned increase of parts inventory, for the purpose of completing scheduled major equipment overhauls in the coming months and a $3.9 million increase in prepaid expenses, as a result of annual payments of both insurance premiums and property taxes.

Current liabilities decreased $19.1 million between June 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010, as a result of a $5.0 million increase in accounts payable offset by a $14.4 million reduction in accrued liabilities primarily as a result of our April 2010 interest payment for our 8 3 /4% senior notes and interest rate swap. The current portion of embedded derivatives in financial instruments decreased $19.5 million primarily as a result of the redemption of both our 8 3 /4% senior notes and the accompanying currency and interest rate swaps. Equipment purchases of $3.5 million, which are scheduled to be paid after June 30, 2010, are included in accounts payable as of June 30, 2010.

Property, plant and equipment decreased by $2.2 million between March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010. This reflects the capital investment of $6.1 million of equipment purchases and new capital leases during the three months ending June 30, 2010, more than offset by depreciation of $8.2 million.

Total long-term financial liabilities increased by $4.5 million between March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, due largely to a $225.0 million increase from issuance of the Series 1 Debentures and an increase of $43.6 million in the long-term portion of our term loan resulting from new term loans under our amended and restated credit agreement. This was substantially offset by a $203.1 million decrease in the carrying amount of our 8 3 /4% senior notes resulting from the redemption of the senior notes and a $61.5 million decrease related to the cross-currency and interest rate swap agreements due to the settlement of the swap liabilities.

 

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Summary of Consolidated Cash Flows

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010     2009     Change  

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $15,804      $(7,722   $23,526   

Cash used in investing activities

  (9,838   (20,384   10,546   

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (30,103   9,215      (39,318
                   

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

  (24,137   $(18,891   $(5,246
                   

Operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $15.8 million, compared to $7.7 million used by operations for the three months ended June 30, 2009. The cash provided by operating activities in the current period is primarily a result of improved non-cash net working capital.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $9.8 million compared to $20.4 million for the same period a year ago. Investing activities this year included capital expenditures of $6.0 million and a net outflow from non-cash working capital of $2.8 million. Cash used in investing activities last year included capital expenditures of $19.2 million and a net outflow from non-cash working capital of $1.3 million partly offset by an inflow of proceeds from asset dispositions of $1.0 million.

Financing activities

Cash used in financing activities during the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $30.1 million, primarily as a result of the debt refinancing and swap cancellation activities, which included $6.7 million of financing costs for the fourth amended and restated credit agreement and the Series 1 Debentures (an additional $1.0 million of financing costs for these items was incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2010). Additional activity included scheduled repayments on our term credit facility of $2.5 million and the $1.4 million repayment of capital lease obligations. Cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended June 30, 2009 of $9.2 million was a result of the addition of a term facility as part of our third amended and restated credit agreement partly offset by $1.1 million of associated financing costs and the $1.5 million repayment of capital lease obligations.

C. Outlook

While spring break-up weather conditions have extended into the second quarter, we still anticipate a gradual strengthening of demand for services through the balance of the year.*

In the oil sands, demand for recurring services is expected to remain strong and we are currently working with all four of the active oil sands operators. We are also continuing to develop our new tailings pond and reclamations services offering, which over time, is expected to provide opportunities to further expand our recurring services business. Currently, we are working with customers to develop pilot projects related to their tailings pond management strategies.*

Our outlook for project development in the oil sands also remains positive. We continue to win piling and heavy construction-related projects at Exxon’s Kearl site and see opportunities to further expand our business with this customer. Other new developments such as Husky Energy Inc.’s Sunrise6, ConocoPhillips’ Surmont7 and Suncor’s Firebag in situ projects are moving forward and could eventually provide additional project development opportunities as they reach the construction phase.*

In the Piling division, activity levels are beginning to ramp up as weather conditions in Western Canada improve and projects delayed by the earlier rainy conditions get underway. The Piling division built up a significant backlog of projects over the past six months and anticipates it will be able to work through these projects by the end of the fiscal year. The division has also been successful in attracting a growing volume of business in the Ontario market, including its first significant commercial development piling project.

The Pipeline division anticipates a stronger second and third quarter with work on two new projects getting underway in August 2010. These include TransCanada Pipelines’8 NPS Groundbirch Mainline project, which involves the construction of 77 kilometres of 36-inch pipeline in British Columbia. The Pipeline division will also commence work on the second

 

* This paragraph contains forward-looking information. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors” for a discussion on the risks and uncertainties related to such information.
6 Husky Energy Inc.’s (Husky Energy) Sunrise Oil Sand project is a 50/50 joint venture with BP Canada Energy Company (BP), a wholly owned subsidiary of BP PLC. The Sunrise project is operated by Husky Energy.
7 ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Corporation’s (ConocoPhillips) Surmount Oil Sand in situ project is a 50/50 joint venture between ConocoPhillips Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company and Total E&P Canada Ltd. (Total), a wholly owned subsidiary of Total SA. ConocoPhillips Canada is the project operator.
8 TransCanada Pipelines Limited (TransCanada Pipelines), a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada Corporation.

 

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phase of Spectra Energy’s9 Maxhamish Loop project, which involves the construction of 30 kilometres of 24-inch pipeline, also in British Columbia. Both projects are scheduled for completion in November 2010.*

Overall we are encouraged by the improving market conditions and by our increasing backlog of work.

D. Legal and Labour Matters

Laws and Regulations and Environmental Matters

Many aspects of our operations are subject to various federal, provincial and local laws and regulations, including:

 

Ÿ  

permit and licensing requirements applicable to contractors in their respective trades;

 

Ÿ  

building and similar codes and zoning ordinances;

 

Ÿ  

laws and regulations relating to consumer protection; and

 

Ÿ  

laws and regulations relating to worker safety and protection of human health.

For a more detailed discussion of laws and regulations and environmental matters applicable to us, see our most recent annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Employees and Labour Relations

As of June 30, 2010, we had 470 salaried employees and over 1,850 hourly employees. Our hourly workforce fluctuates according to the seasonality of our business and the staging and timing of projects by our customers. The hourly workforce typically ranges in size from 1,000 employees to approximately 2,500 employees depending on the time of year and duration of awarded projects. We also utilize the services of subcontractors in our construction business. An estimated 8% to 10% of the construction work we do is performed by subcontractors. Approximately 1,600 employees are members of various unions and work under collective bargaining agreements. The majority of our work is done through employees governed by our mining overburden collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955, the primary term of which expired on October 31, 2009. As of the end of June 2010 negotiations remained underway for the renewal of this union agreement and we are confident that a renewal agreement will be reached without a labour disruption. Other collective agreements in operation include the provincial Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) agreements in Alberta and Ontario with both the Operating Engineers and Labourers Unions, Piling sector collective agreements in Saskatchewan with the Operating Engineers and Labourers, Pipeline sector agreements in both British Columbia and Alberta with the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) as well as an all-sector agreement with CLAC in Ontario. We are subject to other industry and specialty collective agreements under which we complete work and the primary terms of all of these agreements are currently in effect. The provincial collective agreement between IUOE Local 955 and the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association expires February 28, 2011. Management is confident a settlement will be reached without disruption. We believe that our relationships with all our employees, both union and non-union, are strong. We have not experienced a strike or lockout. *

E. Resources and Systems

Outstanding Share Data

We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of voting Common Shares and an unlimited number of Non-Voting Common Shares. As at August 4, 2010, there were 36,072,036 voting Common Shares outstanding (36,038,476 as at March 31, 2010). We had no Non-Voting Common Shares outstanding on any of the foregoing dates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity requirements

Our primary uses of cash are for plant and equipment purchases, to fulfill debt repayment and interest payment obligations, to fund operating lease obligations and to finance working capital requirements.

We maintain a significant equipment and vehicle fleet comprised of units with remaining useful lives covering a variety of time spans. It is important to adequately maintain our large revenue-producing fleet in order to avoid equipment downtime, which can impact our revenue stream and inhibit our ability to satisfactorily perform on our projects. Once units reach the end of their useful lives, they are replaced as it becomes cost prohibitive to continue to maintain them. As a result, we are continually acquiring new equipment both to replace retired units and to support our growth as we take on new projects. In order to maintain a balance of owned and leased equipment, we have financed a portion of our heavy construction fleet through operating leases. In addition, we continue to lease our motor vehicle fleet through our capital lease facilities.

We require between $30 million and $40 million annually for sustaining capital expenditures and our total capital requirements typically range from $75 million to $150 million depending on our growth capital requirements. With the

 

9 Spectra Energy Partners, LP (Spectra Energy)
* This paragraph contains forward-looking information. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors” for a discussion on the risks and uncertainties related to such information.

 

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potential future customer demand for larger-sized heavy equipment in the oil sands, we expect our capital needs in the current fiscal year to be approximately $50 to $75 million.

We typically finance approximately 30% to 50% of our total capital requirements through our operating lease facilities and the remainder from cash flow from operations. We believe our operating and capital lease facilities and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet these requirements. Our equipment fleet value is currently split among owned (43%), leased (46%) and rented equipment (11%). Approximately 37% of our leased fleet is specific to one long-term overburden removal project. This equipment mix is a change from the mix reported in previous periods as a result of our declining need for the same levels of rental equipment, along with the conversion of some rental equipment to operating leases to meet specific volume demands. Our equipment ownership strategy allows us to meet our customers’ variable service requirements while balancing the need to maximize equipment utilization with the need to achieve the lowest ownership costs. We are continually evaluating our capital needs and continue to monitor equipment lead times with suppliers to ensure that we control our capital spending while still being in a position to respond to opportunities when they materialize.*

We continue to receive interest from finance companies to support our current lease requirements and we have availability under one of our supplier’s leasing program to meet our current equipment needs from this supplier. We anticipate having sufficient lease capacity to meet our capital requirements in fiscal year 2011.*

Long-term Debt Restructuring

Our long-term debt, as at March 31, 2010, included US$200.0 million of 8 3/4% senior unsecured notes due in December 2011 (the “8 3/4% senior notes”). The foreign currency risk relating to both the principal and interest portions of the 8 3/4% senior notes was managed with Canadian dollar interest rate swap and cross-currency swap agreements. The swap agreements were an economic hedge but had not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes. The US$200.0 million principal amount was fixed at C$1.315=US$1.000, resulting in a principal repayment of $263.0 million due on December 1, 2011. A more detailed discussion of this cancellation can be found below in the “Foreign exchange risk” and “Interest rate risk” sections of “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

In April 2010, we issued C$225.0 million of Series 1 Debentures and entered into an amended and restated credit agreement that extended the maturity of our credit facilities to April 2013 and provided a new $50.0 million term loan. The net proceeds of the Series 1 Debentures, combined with the new $50.0 million term loan and cash on hand were used to redeem all outstanding 8 3/4% senior notes and terminate the associated swap agreements in April 2010. The full details of this debt restructuring are as follows:

9.125% Series 1 Debentures

On April 7, 2010, we closed a private placement of 9.125% Series 1 Debentures (the “Series 1 Debentures”) due 2017 for gross proceeds of $225.0 million and net proceeds after commissions and related expenses of $218.3 million. A more detailed discussion on the Series 1 Debentures can be found under “9.125% Series 1 Debentures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

8 3/ 4% Senior Notes Redemption

Beginning December 1, 2009, our 8 3/4% senior notes were redeemable at 100% of the principal amount. On March 29, 2010, we issued a redemption notice to holders of the notes to redeem all outstanding 8 3/4% senior notes and, on April 28, 2010, the notes were redeemed and cancelled. The redemption amount included the US$200.0 million principal outstanding and US$7.1 million of accrued interest. The redemption and associated swap agreement terminations eliminate refinancing risk in December 2011.

In connection with the redemption of our 8 3/4% senior notes, we wrote off deferred financing costs of $4.5 million.

Termination of Cross-Currency and Interest Rate Swaps

On April 8, 2010, we terminated the cross-currency and interest rate swaps associated with the 8 3/4% senior notes. The payment to the counterparties required to terminate the swaps was $91.1 million and represented the fair value of the swap agreements, including accrued interest.

$50.0 million Term Facility

On April 30, 2010, we entered into a fourth amended and restated credit agreement to extend the term of the credit agreement and also to add additional borrowings of up to $50.0 million through a second term facility within the credit agreement. At April 30, 2010, the second term facility was fully drawn at $50.0 million. The new term facility, along with the existing term facility, matures on April 30, 2013. A more detailed discussion on the April 30, 2010 amended and restated credit agreement can be found under “Credit facilities” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Letters of credit

One of our major contracts allows the customer to require that we provide up to $50.0 million in letters of credit. As at June 30, 2010, we had $10.0 million in letters of credit outstanding in connection with this contract (we had $14.4

 

* This paragraph contains forward-looking information. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors” for a discussion on the risks and uncertainties related to such information.

 

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million in letters of credit outstanding in total for all customers as of June 30, 2010). Any change in the amount of the letters of credit required by this customer must be requested by November 1st in each year for an issue date of January 1st following the date of such request, for the remaining life of the contract. In July 2010, we issued another $2.0 million in letters of credit for another contract.

Sources of liquidity

Our principal sources of cash are funds from operations and borrowings under our credit facility. As of June 30, 2010, the credit facility includes the $85.0 million Revolving Facility and the outstanding borrowings of $75.9 million (March 31, 2010 – $28.4 million) under the Term Facilities, after the scheduled principal payments of $2.5 million in the quarter. As of June 30, 2010, we had issued $14.4 million (March 31, 2010 – $10.4 million) in letters of credit under the Revolving Facility to support performance guarantees associated with customer contracts. Our unused borrowing availability under the Revolving Facility was $70.6 million at June 30, 2010.

As at June 30, 2010, we had $8.2 million in trade receivables that were more than 30 days past due compared to $7.5 million as at March 31, 2010. We have currently provided an allowance for doubtful accounts related to our trade receivables of $0.8 million ($1.7 million at March 31, 2010). We continue to monitor the credit worthiness of our customers. To date our exposure to potential write-downs in trade receivables has been limited to the financial condition of developers of condominiums and high-rise developments in our Piling segment.

Working capital fluctuations effect on cash

The seasonality of our business results in a higher accounts receivable balance between December and early February during peak activity levels, which may result in an increase in our working capital requirements. Our working capital is also significantly affected by the timing of the completion of projects. In some cases, our customers are permitted to withhold payment of a percentage of the amount owing to us for a stipulated period of time (such percentage and time period is usually defined by the contract and in some cases provincial legislation). This amount acts as a form of security for our customers and is referred to as a “holdback”. Typically, we are only entitled to collect payment on holdbacks once substantial completion of the contract is performed; there are no outstanding claims by subcontractors or others related to work performed by us; and we have met the time period specified by the contract (usually 45 days after completion of the work). However, in some cases, we are able to negotiate the progressive release of holdbacks as the job reaches various stages of completion. As at June 30, 2010, holdbacks totaled $5.5 million, up from $3.9 million as at March 31, 2010. Holdbacks represent 6.1% of our total accounts receivable as at June 30, 2010 (3.5% as at March 31, 2010).*

Cash requirements

As at June 30, 2010, our cash balance of $78.9 million was $24.1 million lower than our cash balance at March 31, 2010. The change in cash balance reflects the April 2010 settlement of our 8 3/4% senior notes and the accompanying currency and interest rate swaps, funded in part by our Series 1 Debentures and the addition of an additional term facility secured through our fourth amended and restated credit facility. We anticipate that we will generate a net cash surplus from operations at least through March 31, 2011. In the event that we require additional funding, we believe that any such funding requirements would be satisfied by the funds available from our credit facilities described immediately below.*

Credit facilities

On April 30, 2010, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement to extend the term of the credit facilities and increase the amount of the term loans. The new credit facilities provide for total borrowings of up to $163.4 million (previously $125.0 million) under which revolving loans, term loans and letters of credit may be issued. The Revolving Facility of $85.0 million (previously $90.0 million) was undrawn at closing. The new agreement includes two term facilities providing for borrowings of up to $78.4 million. At April 30, 2010, the Term A Facility and Term B Facility were both fully drawn at $28.4 million and $50.0 million, respectively. The new facilities mature on April 30, 2013.

Advances under the Revolving Facility may be repaid from time to time at our option. The Term Facilities include scheduled repayments totaling $10.0 million per year with $2.5 million paid on the last day of each quarter commencing June 30, 2010. In addition, we must make annual payments within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year in the amount of 50% of Consolidated Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the credit agreement) to a maximum of $4.0 million.

The facilities bear interest at variable rates based on the Canadian prime rate plus the applicable pricing margin (as defined within the credit agreement). Interest on US base rate loans is paid at a rate per annum equal to the US base rate plus the applicable pricing margin. Interest on Canadian prime and US base rate loans is payable monthly in arrears and computed on the basis of a 365-day or 366-day year, as the case may be. Interest on US dollar LIBOR loans is paid during each interest period at a rate per annum, calculated on a 360-day year, equal to the US dollar LIBOR rate with respect to such interest period plus the applicable pricing margin. Stamping Fees and interest on Banker’s Acceptance advances are paid in advance, at the time of issuance.

 

* This paragraph contains forward-looking information. Please refer to “Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors” for a discussion on the risks and uncertainties related to such information.

 

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The new credit facilities are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our existing and after acquired property and contain customary covenants including, but not limited to, incurring additional debt, transferring or selling assets, making investments including acquisitions or paying dividends or redeeming shares of capital stock. We are also required to meet certain financial covenants under the new credit agreement including: (i) Senior Leverage Ratio (Senior Leverage to Consolidated EBITDA) must be less than 2.0 times, (ii) Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense) must be greater than 2.5 times, and (iii) Current Ratio (Current Assets to Current Liabilities) must be greater than 1.25 times. Continued access to the facilities is not contingent on the maintenance of a specific credit rating. These covenants are unchanged from the previous third amended and restated credit agreement.

Financing fees of $1.0 million were incurred in connection with the amended and restated credit agreement, dated April 30, 2010 and were recorded as deferred financing costs.

Consolidated EBITDA is defined within the credit agreement to be the sum, without duplication, of (a) consolidated net income, (b) consolidated interest expense, (c) provision for taxes based on income, (d) total depreciation expense, (e) total amortization expense, (f) costs and expenses incurred by us in entering into the credit facility, (g) accrual of stock-based compensation expense to the extent not paid in cash or if satisfied by the issuance of new equity, (h) the non-cash currency translation losses or mark-to-market losses on any hedge agreement (defined in the credit agreement) or any embedded derivative, and (i) other non-cash items including goodwill impairment (other than any such non-cash item to the extent it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period) but only, in the case of clauses (b)-(i), to the extent deducted in the calculation of consolidated net income, less (i) the non-cash currency translation gains or mark-to-market gains on any hedge agreement or any embedded derivative to the extent added in the calculation of consolidated net income, and (ii) other non-cash items added in the calculation of consolidated net income (other than any such non-cash item to the extent it will result in the receipt of cash payments in any future period), all of the foregoing as determined on a consolidated basis in conformity with GAAP.

The credit facility may be prepaid in whole or in part without penalty, except for bankers’ acceptances, which are not pre-payable prior to their maturity. However, the credit facility requires prepayments under various circumstances, such as: (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset dispositions, (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds from our issuance of equity (unless the use of such securities’ proceeds is otherwise designated by the applicable offering document) and (iii) 100% of all casualty insurance and condemnation proceeds, subject to exceptions.

9.125% Series 1 Debentures

On April 7, 2010, we closed a private placement of Series 1 Debentures for gross proceeds of $225.0 million and net proceeds after commissions and related expenses of $218.3 million. Financing fees of $6.6 million were incurred in connection with the Series 1 Debentures and were recorded as deferred financing costs.

The Series 1 Debentures are unsecured senior obligations and rank equally with all other existing and future unsecured senior debt and senior to any subordinated debt that may be issued by us or any of our subsidiaries. The Series 1 Debentures are effectively subordinated to all secured debt to the extent of the value of the collateral.

At any time prior to April 7, 2013, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Series 1 Debentures, with the net cash proceeds of one or more of our Public Equity Offerings (as defined in the trust indenture that governs the Series 1 Debenture) at a redemption price equal to 109.125% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, so long as:

 

i. at least 65% of the original aggregate amount of the Series 1 Debentures remains outstanding after each redemption; and
ii. any redemption is made within 90 days of the equity offering.

At any time prior to April 7, 2013, we may on one or more occasions redeem the Series 1 Debentures, in whole or in part, at a redemption price which is equal to the greater of (a) the Canada Yield Price (as defined in the trust indenture that governs the Series 1 Debenture) and (b) 100% of the aggregate principal amount of Series 1 Debentures redeemed, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

The Series 1 Debentures are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after: April 7, 2013 at 104.563% of the principal amount; April 7, 2014 at 103.042% of the principal amount; April 7, 2015 at 101.520% of the principal amount; April 7, 2016 and thereafter at 100% of the principal amount; plus, in each case, interest accrued to the redemption date.

If a change of control, as defined in the trust indenture, occurs we will be required to offer to purchase all or a portion of each holder’s Series 1 Debentures at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Series 1 Debentures offered for repurchase plus accrued interest to the date of purchase.

The Series 1 Debentures were rated B+ by Standard & Poor’s and B3 by Moody’s (see “Debt Ratings”).

 

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Capital resources

We acquire our equipment requirements in three ways: capital expenditures, capital leases and operating leases. Capital expenditures require the outflow of cash for the full value of the equipment at the time of purchase. Capital leases, while not considered capital expenditures, are restricted under the terms of our credit agreement to a maximum of $30.0 million. Operating leases are not considered capital expenditures and are not restricted under the terms of our credit agreement.

We define our equipment requirements as either sustaining capital additions, those that are needed to keep our existing fleet of equipment at its optimal useful life through capital maintenance or replacement, or growth capital additions, those that are needed to perform larger or a greater number of projects.

A summary of equipment additions by nature and by period is shown on the table below:

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010   2009   Change  

Capital Expenditures

     

Sustaining

  $3,341   $2,161   $1,180   

Growth

  3,248   17,549   (14,301
               

Total

  $6,589   $19,710   $(13,121

Capital Leases

     

Sustaining

  $–   $–   $–   

Growth

  48   624   (576
               

Total

  $48   $624   $(576

Total Sustaining Capital Additions

  $3,341   $2,161   $1,180   

Total Growth Capital Additions

  $3,296   $18,173   $(14,877

Operating Leases

  $4,938   $5,608   ($670
               

The increase in sustaining capital additions, for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the same periods in the prior year, is reflective of increases in capital maintenance activity in the current period.

The reduction in growth capital additions, for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the same periods in the prior year, reflects the impact of fewer development projects as a result of the current economic slowdown.

There is a minimal change in operating leases for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the same period in the previous year.

Capital Commitments

Contractual obligations and other commitments

Our principal contractual obligations relate to our long-term debt, capital and operating leases and supplier contracts. The following table summarizes our future contractual obligations, excluding interest payments, unless otherwise noted, as of June 30, 2010.

 

    Payments due by fiscal year

(dollars in thousands)

  Total   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015 and
after

Series 1 Debentures

  $225,000   $–   $–   $–   $–   $225,000

Term Facilities

  75,946   7,500   10,000   10,000   48,446  

Capital leases (including interest)

  12,981   4,111   5,220   2,998   474   178

Operating leases

  188,040   49,282   56,628   38,876   26,919   16,335

Supplier contracts

  53,083   9,505   14,751   14,751   11,816   2,260
                         

Total contractual obligations

  $555,050   $70,398   $86,599   $66,625   $87,655   $243,773
                         

Off-balance sheet arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements in place at this time.

Debt Ratings

Debt Ratings

Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) affirmed our corporate credit ratings in March 2010 and April 2010, respectively. S&P increased our Outlook from ‘negative’ to ‘stable’. Both agencies also provided a rating for our new Series 1 Debentures.

 

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Our credit ratings from these two agencies are as follows:

 

Category

  

Standard & Poor’s

   Moody’s

Corporate Rating

   B+ (‘stable’ outlook)    B2 (‘stable’ outlook)

Series 1 Debentures

   B+ (recovery rating of “3”)    B3 (LGD rating of “5”)
           
Loss Given Default:

A credit rating is a current opinion of the credit worthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the credit worthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion evaluates the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default. A credit rating is not a statement of fact or recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation or make any investment decisions nor is it a comment regarding an issuer’s market price or suitability for a particular investor. A credit rating speaks only as of the date it is issued and can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by the issuing rating agency if it decides circumstances warrant a revision. We undertake no obligation to maintain our credit ratings or to advise investors of a change in ratings.

A definition of the categories of each rating has been obtained from each respective rating organization’s website as outlined below:

Standard and Poor’s

An obligation rated B is regarded as having speculative characteristics, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

A recovery rating of “3” for the Series 1 Debentures indicates an expectation for an average of 50% to 70% recovery in the event of a payment default.

A Standard & Poor’s rating outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate term (typically nine months to two years). In determining a rating outlook, consideration is given to any changes in the economic and/or fundamental business conditions. An outlook is not necessarily a precursor of a rating change or future CreditWatch action. A Stable outlook means that a rating is not likely to change.

Moody’s

Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Moody’s appends numerical modifiers to each generic rating classification from “Aaa” through “C”. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

LGD assessments are opinions about expected loss given default on fixed income obligations expressed as a percent of principal and accrued interest at the resolution of the default. An LGD assessment (or rate) is the expected LGD divided by the expected amount of principal and interest due at resolution. A LGD rating of “5” indicates a loss range of greater than or equal to 70% and less than 90%.

A Moody’s rating outlook is an opinion regarding the likely direction of an issuer’s rating over the medium term. Where assigned, rating outlooks fall into the following four categories: Positive (“POS”), Negative (“NEG”), Stable (“STA”) and Developing (“DEV” – contingent upon an event). In the few instances where an issuer has multiple ratings with outlooks of differing directions, an “(m)” modifier (indicating multiple, differing outlooks) will be displayed and Moody’s written research will describe any differences and provide the rationale for these differences. A “RUR” (Rating(s) Under Review) designation indicates that the issuer has one or more ratings under review for possible change, and thus overrides the outlook designation. When an outlook has not been assigned to an eligible entity, “NOO” (No Outlook) may be displayed. A Stable outlook means that a rating is not likely to change.

Related Parties

We may receive consulting and advisory services provided by the principals or employees of companies owned or operated by certain of our directors (the Sponsors) with respect to the organization of our employee benefit and compensation arrangements and other matters and no fee is charged for these consulting and advisory services.

In order for the Sponsors to provide such advice and consulting, we provide the Sponsors with reports, financial data and other information. This permits them to consult with and advise our management on matters relating to our operations, company affairs and finances. In addition, this permits them to visit and inspect any of our properties and facilities. These services are provided in the normal course of operations and are measured at the value of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.

Additionally, we provide shared service support for our joint venture nominee, Noramac Ventures Inc.

 

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Internal Systems and Processes

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

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

As of June 30, 2010, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in National Instrument 52-109 under the Canadian Securities Administrators Rules and Policies. Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that as a result of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) discussed below, the disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2010.

Material changes to internal controls over financial reporting

As of March 31, 2010, we assessed the effectiveness of our ICFR. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). During this process we identified a continued material weakness in ICFR as described below and as a result, we concluded that our ICFR was ineffective as of March 31, 2010.

Similar to the material weakness identified for the year ended March 31, 2009, we did not maintain effective processes and controls specific to revenue recognition. We did not effectively develop, communicate and implement sufficient monitoring controls over the completeness and accuracy of forecasts, including the consideration of project changes subsequent to the end of each reporting period. The accounts that could be affected by these deficiencies are revenue, project costs, unbilled revenue and billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts. This material weakness in ICFR, which is pervasive in nature, resulted in material errors in the financial statements that were corrected prior to release of the financial statements. Further, there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Notwithstanding the above mentioned weakness, we have concluded that the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report fairly present our consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

Material changes to internal controls over financial reporting and remediation plans

In response to the continued material weakness in revenue recognition identified above, during the three months ended and subsequent to March 31, 2010, we put a dedicated project team in place, led by a senior member of our Finance team, to develop and implement standard business practices and controls specific to ensuring the accuracy of forecast, including the consideration of project changes subsequent to the end of each reporting period. As of June 30, 2010, progress has been made on our remediation plans and we will evaluate the effectiveness of these controls during the fiscal year to determine if they adequately address our ability to recognize revenue in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of the risks associated with such weakness, please see our most recent annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Recently Adopted Accounting Policies

Improvements to financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities

In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-17, “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, which amends ASC 810, “Consolidation”. The amendments give guidance and clarification of how to determine when a reporting entity should include the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interests and results of activities of a variable interest entity in its consolidated financial statements. We adopted this ASU effective April 1, 2010. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our interim consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Revenue recognition

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, “Revenue Recognition: Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements”, which addresses the accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements to enable vendors to account for products or services separately rather than as a combined unit. The amendments establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The amendments also eliminate the residual method of allocation and require that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. For us, this ASU is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified on or after April 1, 2011. We are currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on our interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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Embedded credit derivatives

In March 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-11, “Scope Exception Related to Embedded Credit Derivatives”, which clarifies that financial instruments that contain embedded credit-derivative features related only to the transfer of credit risk in the form of subordination of one instrument to another are not subject to bifurcation and separate accounting. The scope exception only applies to an embedded derivative feature that relates to subordination between tranches of debt issued by an entity and other features that relate to another type of risk must be evaluated for separation as an embedded derivative. The ASU was effective for us beginning on July 1, 2010, with early adoption permitted in first fiscal quarter beginning after March 5, 2010. We are currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on our interim consolidated financial statements.

Share based payment awards

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-13, “Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades”, which clarifies that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. This ASU will amend ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation” and it is effective for us beginning on April 1, 2011. We are currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on our interim consolidated financial statements.

F. Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors

Forward-Looking Information

This document contains forward-looking information that is based on expectations and estimates as of the date of this document. Our forward-looking information is information that is subject to known and unknown risks and other factors that may cause future actions, conditions or events to differ materially from the anticipated actions, conditions or events expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is information that does not relate strictly to historical or current facts and can be identified by the use of the future tense or other forward-looking words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “should”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “target”, “objective”, “projection”, “forecast”, “continue”, “strategy”, “intend”, “position” or the negative of those terms or other variations of them or comparable terminology.

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

 

(a) the amount of our backlog expected to be performed and realized in the twelve months ending June 30, 2011;

 

(b) our expectation of continued gradual strengthening of demand of our services through the balance of the year;

 

(c) our expectation that demand for recurring services will continue to be strong and our development of the our new tailings pond and reclamations services offering will provide opportunities to further expand our recurring services business;

 

(d) our expectation that we will receive project development opportunities as new mine developments such as Husky Energy’s Sunrise, ConocoPhillips’s Surmont, and Suncor’s Firebag projects move forward to the construction phase;

 

(e) our expectation that the Piling division will be able to work through the backlog of projects that have built up over the last six months by the end of the fiscal year;

 

(f) our expectation that the Pipeline segment will have a stronger second and third quarter with work on two new projects getting underway in August 2010;

 

(g) the expectation for a renewal agreement between our employees party to a collective bargaining agreement which expired October 31, 2009 and us;

 

(h) the expectation that the provincial collective agreement between IUOE Local 955 and the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association expiring on February 28, 2011 will reach a settlement;

 

(i) our expectation that our capital needs in fiscal 2011 will be approximately $50-$75 million;

 

(j) our operating and lease facilities and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our capital requirements;

 

(k) our lease capacity will be sufficient to meet our capital requirements in fiscal 2011;

 

(l) the seasonality of our business results may result in an increase in working capital requirements;

 

(m) our expectation that we will generate a net cash surplus from operations through March 31, 2011; and

 

(n) any additional funding required by us will be satisfied by the credit facility.

The forward-looking information in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m) and (n) rely on certain market conditions and demand for our services and are based on the assumptions that: despite the slowdown in the global

 

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economy and tightening of credit conditions, we still expect to see strong demand for our recurring services as the oil sands continue to be an economically viable source of energy, our customers and potential customers continue to invest in the oil sands and other natural resource developments; our customers and potential customers will continue to outsource the type of activities for which we are capable of providing service; and the Western Canadian economy continues to develop with additional investment in public construction; and are subject to the following risks and uncertainties, which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information contained in this MD&A, but are not limited to:

 

Ÿ  

anticipated new major capital projects in the oil sands may not materialize;

 

Ÿ  

demand for our services may be adversely impacted by regulations affecting the energy industry;

 

Ÿ  

failure by our customers to obtain required permits and licenses may affect the demand for our services;

 

Ÿ  

changes in our customers’ perception of oil prices over the long-term could cause our customers to defer, reduce or stop their capital investment in oil sands projects, which would, in turn, reduce our revenue from those customers;

 

Ÿ  

reduced financing as a result of the tightening credit markets may affect our customers’ decisions to invest in infrastructure projects;

 

Ÿ  

insufficient pipeline, upgrading and refining capacity or lack of sufficient governmental infrastructure to support growth in the oil sands region could cause our customers to delay, reduce or cancel plans to construct new oil sands projects or expand existing projects, which would, in turn, reduce our revenue from those customers;

 

Ÿ  

a change in strategy by our customers to reduce outsourcing could adversely affect our results;

 

Ÿ  

cost overruns by our customers on their projects may cause our customers to terminate future projects or expansions which could adversely affect the amount of work we receive from those customers;

 

Ÿ  

because most of our customers are Canadian energy companies, a further downturn in the Canadian energy industry could result in a decrease in the demand for our services;

 

Ÿ  

shortages of qualified personnel or significant labour disputes could adversely affect our business; and

 

Ÿ  

unanticipated short term shutdowns of our customers’ operating facilities may result in temporary cessation or cancellation of projects in which we are participating.

The forward-looking information in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m) and (n) rely on our ability to execute our growth strategy and are based on the assumptions that the management team can successfully manage the business; we can maintain and develop our relationships with our current customers; we will be successful in developing relationships with new customers; we will be successful in the competitive bidding process to secure new projects; we will identify and implement improvements in our maintenance and fleet management practices; we will be able to benefit from increased recurring revenue base tied to the operational activities of the oil sands; we will be able to access sufficient funds to finance our capital growth; and are subject to the risks and uncertainties that:

 

Ÿ  

continued reduced demand for oil and other commodities as a result of slowing market conditions in the global economy may result in reduced oil production and a decline in oil prices;

 

Ÿ  

if we are unable to obtain surety bonds or letters of credit required by some of our customers, our business could be impaired;

 

Ÿ  

we are dependent on our ability to lease equipment and a tightening of this form of credit could adversely affect our ability to bid for new work and/or supply some of our existing contracts;

 

Ÿ  

our business is highly competitive and competitors may outbid us on major projects that are awarded based on bid proposals;

 

Ÿ  

our customer base is concentrated and the loss of or a significant reduction in business from a major customer could adversely impact our financial condition;

 

Ÿ  

lump-sum and unit-price contracts expose us to losses when our estimates of project costs are lower than actual costs;

 

Ÿ  

our operations are subject to weather-related factors that may cause delays in our project work; and

 

Ÿ  

environmental laws and regulations may expose us to liability arising out of our operations or the operations of our customers.

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

 

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performance or achievements to differ materially from current expectations. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those expected or estimated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect us. See “Risk Factors” below and risk factors highlighted in materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities filed in the United States and Canada from time to time, including, but not limited to, our most recent Annual Information Form.

Risk Factors

For the three months ended June 30, 2010, there has been no significant change in our risk factors discussed in our most recent annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which was current as of June 10, 2010. The risk factors discussed in our most recent annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be reviewed in conjunction with this interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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

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

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

Foreign exchange risk

Foreign exchange risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. We regularly transact in foreign currencies when purchasing equipment and spare parts as well as certain general and administrative goods and services. These exposures are generally of a short-term nature and the impact of changes in exchange rates has not been significant in the past. We may fix our exposure in either the Canadian dollar or the US dollar for these short-term transactions, if material.

At June 30, 2010, with other variables unchanged, the impact of a $0.01 increase (decrease) in exchange rates of the Canadian dollar to the US dollar on short-term exposures would be insignificant and there would be no impact to other comprehensive income.

Interest rate risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect future cash flows or the fair values of our financial instruments. Amounts outstanding under our amended credit facilities are subject to a floating rate. Our Series 1 Debentures are subject to a fixed rate. Our interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings issued at fixed rates that create fair value interest rate risk and variable rate borrowings that create cash flow interest rate risk.

In some circumstances, floating rate funding may be used for short-term borrowings and other liquidity requirements. We may use derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk. We manage our interest rate risk exposure by using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt and may use derivative instruments to achieve the desired proportion of variable to fixed-rate debt.

At June 30, 2010, we held $75.9 million of floating rate debt pertaining to our term facilities within our amended and restated credit agreement (March 31, 2010 – $28.4 million). As at June 30, 2010, holding all other variables constant, a 100 basis point increase (decrease) to interest rates on floating rate debt would result in a $0.8 million increase (decrease) in effective annual interest costs. This assumes that the amount of floating rate debt remains unchanged from that which was held at June  30, 2010.

G. General Matters

Our corporate head office is located at Suite 2400, 500 4th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2V6. Our corporate head office telephone and facsimile numbers are 403-767-4825 and 403-767-4849, respectively.

Additional Information

Additional information relating to us, including our Annual Information Form dated June 10, 2010, can be found on the Canadian Securities Administrators System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) database at www.sedar.com, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and our company’s web site at www.nacg.ca.

 

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NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY PARTNERS INC.

CANADIAN SUPPLEMENT TO:

Interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

LOGO

This document supplements the Interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and has been prepared pursuant to Section 5.2 of National Instrument 51-102- Continuous Disclosure Obligations


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Canadian Supplement to Interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

August 4, 2010

Summary of differences between US GAAP and Canadian GAAP

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and the accompanying interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) have been prepared in accordance with United States (US) generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). As required by the National Instrument 52-107, for the fiscal year of adoption of US GAAP and one subsequent fiscal year, we are required to provide a Canadian Supplement to our MD&A that restates, based on financial information reconciled to Canadian GAAP, those parts of our MD&A that would contain material differences if they were based on financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The Canadian Supplement to the MD&A should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited financial statements and interim MD&A for the three months ended June 30, 2010, prepared in accordance with US GAAP, and our annual audited financial statements, related MD&A and Canadian Supplement to the MD&A for the year ended March 31, 2010. The consolidated financial statements and additional information relating to our business, including our most recent Annual Information Form (AIF), are available on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ SEDAR System at www.sedar.com, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and our company web site at www.nacg.ca.

The material differences between US GAAP and Canadian GAAP on our financial position and results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2010 are explained and quantified in note 21 to our interim financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

The “Consolidated Three Months Results” tables in this supplement highlight the differences between Canadian and US GAAP. The tables in this supplement reporting the “Reconciliation of net (loss) income to EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA”, “Non-Operating Income and Expense” and “Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments” for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and “Summary of Consolidated Quarterly Results” are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. Amounts included in this supplement are in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share information and amounts included in the tables.

Non-GAAP financial measures

In addition to measures based on US GAAP and Canadian GAAP, we use terms such as “net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization” (EBITDA) and “Consolidated EBITDA” (as defined in our credit agreement). These terms are not defined by US GAAP or Canadian GAAP and readers should refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in our interim MD&A for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and our annual MD&A for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

 

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Consolidated Three Month Results

 

    Three months ended June 30,

(dollars in thousands, except per share
information)

  2010
(Canadian
GAAP)
    Adjustments     2010 (US
GAAP)
    2009
(Canadian
GAAP)
  Adjustments     2009
(US GAAP)

Revenue (e)

  $185,767      $(2,173   $183,594      $147,103   $(584   $146,519

Project costs (e)

  79,270      (1,993   77,277      54,553   (291   54,262

Equipment costs

  65,003           65,003      46,044        46,044

Equipment operating lease expense

  17,491           17,491      12,349        12,349

Depreciation (a)

  8,171      32      8,203      8,693   31      8,724
                                 

Gross profit

  15,832      (212   15,620      25,464   (324   25,140

General and administrative costs (c) and (e)

  14,139      (410   13,729      15,066   (90   14,976

Operating income

  934      130      1,064      9,972   166      10,138
                                 

Net (loss) income

  $(7,299   $(3,010   $(10,309   $10,070   $(143   $9,927

Per share information

           

Net (loss) income – basic

  $(0.20   $(0.09   $(0.29   $0.28   $–      $0.28

Net (loss) income – diluted

  $(0.20   $(0.09   $(0.29   $0.28   $(0.01   $0.27

EBITDA

  $7,986      $(3,788   $4,198      $28,028   $209      $28,237

Consolidated EBITDA (as defined within our credit agreement)

  $12,179      $–      $12,179      $19,394   $–      $19,394
                                 

Reconciliation of net (loss) income to EBITDA and Consolidated EBITDA (Canadian GAAP)

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010     2009     Change  

Net (loss) income

  $(7,299   $10,070      $(17,369

Adjustments:

     

Interest expense

  7,348      5,968      1,380   

Income taxes (benefit)

  (997   2,595      (3,592

Depreciation

  8,171      8,693      (522

Amortization of intangible assets

  763      702      61   
                   

EBITDA

  $7,986      $28,028      $(20,042

Adjustments:

     

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on 8 3 /4% senior notes

       (19,319   19,319   

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments

  2,117      10,021      (7,904

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale

  (4   (276   272   

Stock-based compensation expense

  398      1,131      (733

Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated joint venture

  243      (191   434   

Loss on debt extinguishment

  1,439           1,439   
                   

Consolidated EBITDA (as defined within our credit agreement)

  $12,179      $19,394      $(7,215
                   

 

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Non-Operating Income and Expense (Canadian GAAP)

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

      2010             2009           Change    

Interest expense

     

Interest on 8  3/4% senior notes and swaps

  $1,147      $5,144      $(3,997

Interest on capital lease obligations

  208      291      (83

Amortization of deferred financing costs

  235      221      14   

Amortization of premium on series 1 debentures

  (90        (90

Interest on term facilities

  1,057      165      892   

Interest on series 1 debentures

  4,734           4,734   
                   

Interest on long term debt

  $7,291      $5,821      $1,470   

Other interest

  57      147      (90
                   

Total interest expense

  $7,348      $5,968      1,380   

Foreign exchange gain

  (1,697   (19,215   17,518   

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments

  2,117      10,021      (7,904

Other expense

       533      (533

Income taxes (benefit)

  (997   2,595      (3,592
                   

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments (Canadian GAAP)

 

    Three months ended June 30,  

(dollars in thousands)

  2010     2009     Change  

Swap liability loss

  $1,783      $19,835      $(18,052

Redemption option embedded derivative gain on 8 3 /4% senior notes

       (2,273   2,273   

Redemption options embedded derivatives gain on the series 1 debentures

  (891        (891

Supplier contracts embedded derivatives loss (gain)

  1,647      (14,164   15,811   

Customer contract embedded derivative (gain) loss

  (750   3,287      (4,037

Swap interest payment

  328      3,336      (3,008
                   

Total

  $2,117      $10,021      $(7,904
                   

Summary of Consolidated Quarterly Results (Canadian GAAP)

 

    June 30,
2010
    March 31,
2010
    Dec 31,
2009
  Sept 30,
2009
  Jun 30,
2009
  Mar 31,
2009
    Dec 31,
2008
    Sept 30,
2008
 

(dollars in millions)

  Fiscal 2011     Fiscal 2010   Fiscal 2009  

Revenue

  $185.8      $222.4      $222.7   $171.1   $147.1   $174.7      $258.6      $280.3   

Gross profit

  15.8      32.9      48.1   33.7   25.5   33.0      51.5      44.7   

Operating income (loss)

  0.9      13.0      31.1   18.8   10.0   (129.3   (2.1   23.2   

Net (loss) income

  (7.3   (3.0   15.6   6.5   10.1   (136.7   (14.6   (1.1

Net (loss) income per share – Basic

  $(0.20   $(0.08   $0.43   $0.18   $0.28   $(3.79   $(0.41   $(0.03

Net (loss) income per share – Diluted

  $(0.20   $(0.08   $0.43   $0.18   $0.28   $(3.79   $(0.41   $(0.03
                                           

Canadian and United States accounting policies differences

A detailed reconciliation of our results for the first quarter is included in note 21 to our interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

The differences between US GAAP and Canadian GAAP that have the most significant impact on our financial position and results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2010, include accounting for: capitalization of interest, financing costs, discounts and premiums, derivative financial instruments and stock-based compensation.

a) Capitalization of interest

US GAAP requires capitalization of interest costs as part of the historical cost of acquiring certain qualifying assets that require a period of time to prepare for their intended use. This is not required under Canadian GAAP. The capitalized amount is subject to depreciation in accordance with our policies when the asset is placed into service.

b) Financing costs, discounts and premiums

Under US GAAP, deferred financing costs incurred in connection with our 9.125% Series 1 Debentures and our 8 3/4% senior notes were being amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Prior to April 1,

 

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2007, the transaction costs on the 8 3/4% senior notes were recorded as a deferred asset under Canadian GAAP and these deferred financing costs were being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the debt.

Effective April 1, 2007, we adopted CICA Handbook Section 3855, “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement”, on a retrospective basis without restatement as described below. Although Section 3855 also requires the use of the effective interest method to account for the amortization of finance costs, the requirement to bifurcate the issuer’s early prepayment option on issuance of debt (which is not required under US GAAP) resulted in an additional premium of $3.5 million on the Series 1 Debentures that is being amortized over the term of the Series 1 Debentures under Canadian GAAP. The same was being done on the extinguished 8 3/4% senior notes. The unamortized premium is disclosed as part of the carrying amount of the “Series 1 Debentures” in the interim Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign denominated transaction costs, discounts and premiums on the 8 3/4% senior notes were considered as part of the carrying value of the related financial liability under Canadian GAAP and were subject to foreign currency gains or losses resulting from periodic translation procedures as they were treated as a monetary item under Canadian GAAP. Under US GAAP, foreign denominated transaction costs are considered non-monetary and are not subject to foreign currency gains and losses resulting from periodic translation procedures.

In connection with the adoption of Section 3855, transaction costs incurred in connection with our amended and restated credit agreement of $1.6 million were reclassified from deferred financing costs to intangible assets on April 1, 2007 under Canadian GAAP and these costs continued to be amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the credit facilities. Under US GAAP, we continue to amortize these transaction costs over the stated term of the related facilities using the effective interest method. We disclose the unamortized deferred financing costs related to the Series 1 Debentures, the 8 3/4% senior notes and the credit facilities as “Deferred financing costs” of $8.5 million (March 31, 2010: $6.7 million) on the Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets with the amortization charge classified as “Interest expense” on the Interim Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Under Canadian GAAP, the unamortized financing costs related to the Series 1 Debentures ($6.5 million at June 30, 2010) and the 8 3/4% senior notes ($1.5 million at March 31, 2010) are included in “Series 1 debentures” and “8 3/4% senior notes” respectively whilst the unamortized deferred financing costs in connection with the credit facilities of $1.9 million (March 31, 2010: $1.1 million) are included in “Intangible assets” on the Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets resulting in a Canadian and US GAAP presentation difference.

c) Stock-based compensation

Up until April 1, 2006, we followed the provisions of ASC 718, “Share-Based Payment”, for US GAAP purposes. As we use the fair value method of accounting for all stock-based compensation payments under Canadian GAAP, there were no differences between Canadian and US GAAP prior to April 1, 2006. On April 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”, which is now a part of ASC 718. As we used the minimum value method for purposes of complying with ASC 718, we were required to adopt the provisions under the revised guidance prospectively. Under Canadian GAAP, we were permitted to exclude volatility from the determination of the fair value of stock options granted until the filing of our initial registration statement relating to our initial public offering of voting shares on July 21, 2006. As a result, for options issued between April 1, 2006 and July 21, 2006, there is a difference between Canadian and US GAAP relating to the determination of the fair value of options granted.

d) Derivative financial instruments

Under Canadian GAAP, we determined that the issuer’s early prepayment option asset included in the Series 1 Debentures of $3.9 million should be bifurcated from the host contract, along with a contingent embedded derivative liability of $0.4 million in the Series 1 Debentures that provide for accelerated redemption by the holders in certain instances (as defined in the trust indenture that governs the Series 1 Debentures). These embedded derivatives were measured at fair value at April 7, 2010, the inception date of the Series 1 Debentures and the residual amount of the proceeds was allocated to the debt. Changes in fair value of the embedded derivatives are recognized in net income and the carrying amount of the Series 1 Debentures is accreted to par value over the term of the Series 1 Debentures using the effective interest method and is recognized as interest expense as discussed in b) above. The same accounting treatment was used on the extinguished 8 3/4 % senior notes.

Under US GAAP, ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and debt instruments, be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The contingent embedded derivative in the Series 1 Debentures that provides for accelerated redemption by the holders in certain instances (as defined in the trust indenture that governs the Series 1 Debentures) did not meet the criteria for bifurcation from the debt contract and separate measurement at fair value and was not bifurcated from the host contract and measured at fair value resulting in a US GAAP and Canadian GAAP difference. The contingent embedded derivative in the 8 3/4% senior notes that provide for accelerated redemption by the holders in certain instances met the criteria for bifurcation from the debt contract and separate measurement at fair value. The embedded derivative was measured at fair value and changes in fair value recorded in net income for all periods presented. The issuer’s early prepayment option included in both the Series 1 Debentures (as defined in the trust indenture that governs the Series 1 Debentures) and the 8 3/4%

 

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senior notes did not meet the criteria as an embedded derivative under ASC 815 and was not bifurcated from the host contract resulting in a US GAAP and Canadian GAAP difference.

e) Joint venture

We own a 49% interest in Noramac Ventures Inc., a nominee company for our Noramac Joint Venture (JV) and we have joint control of this entity. Under US GAAP, we record our share of earnings of the JV using the equity method of accounting. Under Canadian GAAP, we use the proportionate consolidation method of accounting for the JV. Under the proportionate consolidation method, we recognize our share of the results of operations, cash flows, and financial position of the JV on a line-by-line basis in our consolidated financial statements and eliminate our share of all material intercompany transactions with the JV. While there is no impact on net income or earnings per share as a result of the US GAAP treatment of the joint venture, as compared to Canadian GAAP, there are presentation differences affecting the disclosures in the consolidated financial statements and supporting notes.

f) Other matters

Other adjustments relate to the tax effect of items (a) through (d) above. The tax effects of temporary differences are described as future income taxes under Canadian GAAP whereas in these financial statements such amounts are described as deferred income taxes under US GAAP. In addition, Canadian GAAP generally refers to additional paid-in capital as contributed surplus for financial statement presentation purposes.

Recently adopted Canadian accounting pronouncements

Accounting changes

In June 2009, the CICA amended Handbook Section 1506, “Accounting Changes”, to exclude from its scope changes in accounting policies upon the complete replacement of an entity’s primary basis of accounting. We adopted these amendments effective April, 2010. The adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on our interim consolidated financial statements.

Financial instruments – recognition and measurement

In June 2009, the CICA amended Handbook Section 3855, “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement”, to clarify the application of the effective interest method after a debt instrument has been impaired. The Section has also been amended to clarify when an embedded prepayment option is separated from its host instrument for accounting purposes. We adopted these amendments effective April 1, 2010. The adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on our interim consolidated financial statements.

Recent Canadian accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

Financial instruments – recognition and measurement

In June 2009, the CICA amended Handbook Section 3855, “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement”, to clarify the application of the effective interest method after a debt instrument has been impaired. The Section has also been amended to clarify when an embedded prepayment option is separated from its host instrument for accounting purposes. The amendments apply to interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011 for the amendments relating to embedded prepayment options. We are currently evaluating the effect of the amendments to the standard.

Comprehensive revaluation of assets and liabilities

In August 2009, the CICA amended Handbook Section 1625, “Comprehensive Revaluation of Assets and Liabilities”, as a result of issuing Section 1582, “Business Combinations”, Section 1601, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, and Section 1602, “Non-Controlling Interests”, in January 2009. The amendments apply prospectively to comprehensive revaluations of assets and liabilities occurring in fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Earlier adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year, provided that Section 1582 is also adopted. We are currently evaluating the effect of the amendments to the standard.

Multiple deliverable arrangements

In December 2009, the CICA issued Emerging Issues Committee (EIC) 175, “Multiple deliverable arrangements”. This abstract addresses how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting. It also addresses how arrangement consideration should be measured and allocated to the separate units of accounting in the arrangement. For us, this abstract is effective on a prospective basis to all revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables entered into or materially modified in the fiscal period beginning April 1, 2011. We are currently evaluating the effect of this abstract on our interim consolidated financial statements.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis under US GAAP

Please refer to our interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and our accompanying MD&A under US GAAP, filed August 4, 2010. Our interim MD&A should also be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2010, together with our annual MD&A and

 

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Canadian Supplement to the MD&A for the year ended March 31, 2010. The differences between US GAAP and Canadian GAAP, described above, affect the discussion and analysis in several sections of our interim MD&A for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

Additional information

The consolidated financial statements, and additional information relating to our business, including our Annual Information Form (AIF), are available on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ SEDAR System at www.sedar.com, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and our company web site at www.nacg.ca.

 

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FORM 52-109F2

CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM FILINGS

I, Rodney J. Ruston, the Chief Executive Officer of North American Energy Partners Inc., certify the following:

 

1. Review: I have reviewed the interim financial statements and interim MD&A (together, the “interim filings”) of North American Partners Inc. (the “issuer”) for the interim period ended June 30, 2010.

 

2. No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings.

 

3. Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial statements together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings.

 

4. Responsibility: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.

 

5. Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings

 

  (a) designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that

 

  (i) material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and

 

  (ii) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and

 

  (b) designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP.

 

5.1 Control framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is COSO and COBIT.

 

5.2 ICFR – material weakness relating to design: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A for each material weakness relating to design existing at the end of the interim period

 

  (a) a description of the material weakness;

 

  (b) the impact of the material weakness on the issuer’s financial reporting and its ICFR; and

 

  (c) the issuer’s current plans, if any, or any actions already undertaken, for remediating the material weakness.

 

5.3 Limitation on scope of design: N/A

 

6. Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on April 1, 2010 and ended on June 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR.

Date: August 4, 2010

 

 

/s/ Rodney J. Ruston

Chief Executive Officer


Table of Contents

 

FORM 52-109F2

CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM FILINGS

I, David Blackley, the Chief Financial Officer of North American Energy Partners Inc., certify the following:

 

1. Review: I have reviewed the interim financial statements and interim MD&A (together, the “interim filings”) of North American Partners Inc. (the “issuer”) for the interim period ended June 30, 2010.

 

2. No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings.

 

3. Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial statements together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings.

 

4. Responsibility: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.

 

5. Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings

 

  (a) designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that

 

  (i) material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and

 

  (ii) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and

 

  (b) designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP.

 

5.1 Control framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is COSO and COBIT.

 

5.2 ICFR – material weakness relating to design: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A for each material weakness relating to design existing at the end of the interim period

 

  (a) a description of the material weakness;

 

  (b) the impact of the material weakness on the issuer’s financial reporting and its ICFR; and

 

  (c) the issuer’s current plans, if any, or any actions already undertaken, for remediating the material weakness.

 

5.3 Limitation on scope of design: N/A

 

6. Reporting changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on April 1, 2010 and ended on June 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR.

Date: August 4, 2010

 

 

/s/ David Blackley

Chief Financial Officer