UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
o REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b)
OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 0-30858
ALTERRUS SYSTEMS INC.
(formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
Alberta, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
120 Columbia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 3Z8
(Address of principal executive offices)
John N. Hamilton
120 Columbia Street, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6A 3Z8
Phone: (604) 837-2697
Fax: (866) 279-8218
(Name, Telephone, Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
None | | None |
Title of each class | | Name of each exchange |
| | on which registered |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Common Stock, no par value
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
94,986,003 common shares, without par value, issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012, and 95,816,003 common shares, without par value, issued and outstanding as of August 14, 2012.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No x
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non Accelerated filer x |
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP | o | International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board | x | Other | o |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 o Item 18 x
If this is an annual report, indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I | | | | |
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ITEM 1 | | Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors | | 4 |
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ITEM 2 | | Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable | | 5 |
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ITEM 3 | | Key Information | | 5 |
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ITEM 4 | | Information on the Company | | 12 |
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ITEM 5 | | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects | | 17 |
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ITEM 6 | | Directors, Senior Management and Employees | | 23 |
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ITEM 7 | | Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions | | 27 |
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ITEM 8 | | Financial Information | | 28 |
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ITEM 9 | | The Offer and Listing | | 29 |
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ITEM 10 | | Additional Information | | 30 |
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ITEM 11 | | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | | 39 |
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ITEM 12 | | Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities | | 39 |
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PART II | | | | |
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ITEM 13 | | Defaults, Dividends, Arrearages and Delinquencies | | 39 |
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ITEM 14 | | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds | | 39 |
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ITEM 15 | | Control and Procedures | | 39 |
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ITEM 16A | | Audit Committee Financial Expert | | 41 |
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ITEM 16B | | Code of Ethics | | 42 |
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ITEM 16C | | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | | 42 |
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ITEM 16D | | Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committee | | 42 |
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ITEM 16E | | Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers | | 42 |
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ITEM 16F | | Change in registrant’s certifying accountant | | 42 |
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ITEM 16G | | Corporate governance | | 42 |
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ITEM 16H | | Mining Safety | | 42 |
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PART III | | | | |
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ITEM 17 | | Financial Statements | | 42 |
| | | | |
ITEM 18 | | Financial Statements | | F-1 |
| | | | |
ITEM 19 | | Exhibits | | 43 |
PART I
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain written and oral statements made by our Company and subsidiaries of our Company may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes statements made in this report, in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC’), in press releases, and in certain other oral and written presentations. Generally, the words “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “plans”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “projects”, “predicts”, “potential”, “continues”, “intends”, and other similar words identify forward-looking statements. All statements that address operating results, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements related to sales, earnings per share results, and statements expressing general expectations about future operating results, are forward-looking statements and are based upon the Company’s current expectations and various assumptions. The Company believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and assumptions, but there can be no assurance that the Company will realize its expectations or that the Company’s assumptions will prove correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks that could cause them to differ materially from actual results. Accordingly, the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We believe that these risks include but are not limited to the risks described in this report under Part I, Item 3, Subsection D entitled “Risk Factors” and Part I, Item 5, entitled “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and that are otherwise described from time to time in our SEC reports filed after this report. These statements appear in a number of places in this Form 20-F and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of us, our directors or our officers, with respect to, among other things: (i) our liquidity and capital resources, (ii) our financing opportunities and plans, (iii) our ability to attract customers to generate revenues, (iv) competition in our business segment, (v) market and other trends affecting our future financial condition or results of operations, (vi) our growth strategy and operating strategy, and (vii) the declaration and/or payment of dividends.
This Form 20-F and in particular the “Outlook” section, contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the ability to implement corporate strategies, the state of domestic capital markets, the ability to obtain financing, operating risks, changes in general economic conditions, and other factors are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors.
It is important to note that:
| Unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements in this Form 20-F describe the Company’s expectations as of March 31, 2012. |
· | Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements as the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements if known or unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors affect the Company’s business, or if the Company’s estimates or assumptions prove inaccurate. Therefore, the Company cannot provide any assurance that forward-looking statements will materialize. |
· | The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason, except as required by law. |
For a brief description of material factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this Form 20-F, please see “RISK FACTORS”.
The risks and uncertainties that could affect future events or the Company's future financial performance are more fully described in the Company's annual reports (on Form 20-F filed in the U.S. and Canada) and the other recent filings in the U.S. and Canada. These filings are available at www.sec.gov in the U.S. and www.sedar.com in Canada.
Investors and prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. The factors that might cause such differences include, among others, those set forth in this annual report, and we undertake no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this annual report on Form 20-F after the date of this report.
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
The current business activity of Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.) is to focus on the continued development, marketing and operation of the Company’s High Density Vertical Growth System, “VertiCropTM”.
The VertiCrop™ System is designed to grow vegetables, herbs and other leafy plant crops much more efficiently and with greater food value than in agricultural field conditions. The VertiCrop™ system is enabled by high contribution margins, and by existing market price premiums commanded by year round, locally grown, pesticide, herbicide free produce. The VertiCrop™ system’s small footprint and high yield enable market expansion into previously under addressed urban and near urban marketplaces.
On June 8, 2012, the Company changed its name from Valcent Products Inc. to Alterrus Systems Inc. The common shares began trading under the new name at market open on June 12, 2012. The new trading symbol of the Company is ASIUF with a new CUSIP number of 02153P105. The Company’s website is www.alterrus.ca.
As at August 14, 2012, 95,816,003 common shares were issued and outstanding, the Company had 19,271,792 warrants outstanding and 10,873,019 share options outstanding. In addition, the Company had a commitment to issue 200,000 common shares. (see ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS, Liquidity and Capital Resources).
All amounts are stated in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial information set forth below for each of the two years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, which is expressed in United States dollars (the Company prepares its financial statements in United States dollars), has been derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the financial years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 filed as part of this Form 20-F under Item 18. The March 31, 2011 numbers have been restated due to a correction of an error. See Note 22 (c) of the consolidated financial statements. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, which differ in certain respects from the principles the Company would have followed had its consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). The selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the discussion in Item 5 of this Form 20-F and the said consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto. Historical results from any prior period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.
IFRS | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Revenue | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Net loss from operations | | $ | 1,758,660 | | | $ | 5,461,093 | |
Net loss for the year | | $ | 1,891,229 | | | $ | 4,274,219 | |
Loss per share | | $ | 0.02 | | | $ | 0.07 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding | | | 91,859,221 | | | | 58,047,835 | |
Total assets | | $ | 1,341,011 | | | $ | 1,001,036 | |
Net assets (liabilities) | | $ | (3,311,618 | ) | | $ | (1,465,413 | ) |
Pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-8567 "First-Time Application of International Financial Reporting Standards", the Company is only required to include selected financial data prepared in compliance with IFRS extracted or derived from the consolidated financial statements for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (earlier periods are not required to be included).
Furthermore, pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-8879 "Acceptance from Foreign Private Issuers of Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance with International Reporting Standards without Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP", the Company includes selected financial data prepared in compliance with IFRS without reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
Exchange Rates
Exchange Rates (CDN to 1 USD) For the five most recent years ended March 31, calculated on the average of 12 month end closing days | |
| | |
March 31, 2012 | | $ | 1.007 | |
March 31, 2011 | | $ | 0.9850 | |
March 31, 2010 | | $ | 0.9219 | |
March 31, 2009 | | $ | 0.8969 | |
March 31, 2008 | | $ | 0.9708 | |
Exchange Rates (CDN to 1 USD) for eight most recent months | | Period High | | | Period Low | |
| | | | | | |
July 31, 2012 | | $ | 0.9966 | | | $ | 0.9793 | |
June 2012 | | $ | 0.9816 | | | $ | 0.9601 | |
May 2012 | | $ | 1.0168 | | | $ | 0.0971 | |
April 2012 | | $ | 1.0194 | | | $ | 0.9966 | |
March 2012 | | $ | 1.0072 | | | $ | 0.9982 | |
February 2012 | | $ | 1.0075 | | | $ | 0.9992 | |
January 2012 | | $ | 0.998 | | | $ | 0.9717 | |
December 2011 | | $ | 0.9902 | | | $ | 0.9626 | |
November 2011 | | $ | 1.0032 | | | $ | 0.9534 | |
Exchange Rate (CDN to 1 USD) August 14, 2012: $1.0087
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not Applicable.
REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not Applicable.
RISK FACTORS
Our business entails a significant degree of risk, and an investment in our securities should be considered highly speculative. An investment in our securities should only be undertaken by persons who can afford the loss of their entire investment. The following is a general description of material risks, which may adversely affect our business, our financial condition, including liquidity and profitability, and our results of operations, ultimately affecting the value of an investment in shares of our common stock.
General Business Risks
We are a development stage company and based on our historical operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities there is substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have a history of operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities, resulting in our continued dependence on external financing arrangements. In the event that we are unable to achieve or sustain profitability or are otherwise unable to secure additional external financing, we may not be able to meet our obligations as they come due, raising substantial doubts as to our ability to continue as a going concern. Any such inability to continue as a going concern may result in our security holders losing their entire investment. Our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, contemplate that we will continue as a going concern and do not contain any adjustments that might result if we were unable to continue as a going concern. Changes in our operating plans, our existing and anticipated working capital needs, the acceleration or modification of our expansion plans, lower than anticipated revenues, increased expenses, potential acquisitions or other events will all affect our ability to continue as a going concern.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
From inception, we have historically generated minimal revenues while sustaining substantial operating losses and we anticipate incurring continued operating losses and negative cash flows in the foreseeable future resulting in uncertainty of future profitability and limitation on our operations.
From inception, we have generated minimal revenues and experienced negative cash flows from operating losses. We anticipate continuing to incur such operating losses and negative cash flows in the foreseeable future, and to accumulate increasing deficits as we increase our expenditures for (i) technology, (ii) infrastructure, (iii) research and development, (iv) sales and marketing, (v) interest charges and expenses related to previous equity and debt financings, and (v) general business enhancements. Any increases in our operating expenses will require us to achieve significant revenue before we can attain profitability. In the event that we are unable to achieve profitability or raise sufficient funding to cover our losses, we may not be able to meet our obligations as they come due, raising substantial doubts as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have historically had working capital shortages, even following significant financing transactions.
We have had working capital shortages in the past and, although we raised significant capital through debt and equity offerings, we have generated significant losses, which have impacted working capital. As of March 31, 2012, our balance sheet reflects a working capital deficit of $3.8 million. This condition has continued since the date of those financial statements, and we expect that these conditions will continue for the foreseeable future unless we are able to raise a substantial amount of additional financing. In view of the matters described herein, our ability to continue to pursue our plan of operations as described herein is dependent upon our ability to raise the capital necessary to meet our financial requirements on a continuing basis.
Our accumulated deficit and level of debt make it more difficult to borrow funds.
As of the year ended March 31, 2012, and as a result of historical operating losses from prior operations, we had a deficit from prior operations of $2.2 million and a deficit of $52 million from losses accumulated during our development stage resulting in a total accumulated deficit of $54.2 million. Lenders generally regard an accumulated deficit as a negative factor in assessing creditworthiness, and for this reason, the extent of our accumulated deficit, coupled with our historical operating losses will negatively impact our ability to borrow funds if and when required. Any inability to borrow funds, or a reduction in favorability of terms upon which we are able to borrow funds, including the amount available to us, the applicable interest rate and the collateralization required, may affect our ability to meet our obligations as they come due, and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, raising substantial doubts as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
In addition, the Company also has aggregate debt of $4.65 million as at March 31, 2012 and total assets of only $1.34 million making it unreasonable to obtain debt due to the imbalance of debt over assets.
Our debt arrangements include the provision of a secured interest in our assets and may make it more difficult to borrow funds, or default of debt provisions may impact our assets and ability to operate; certain unsecured debt instruments are due upon demand and may cause financial liquidity difficulties for the Company.
On July 14, 2011 the company entered into a Secured Bridge Loan with a third party in the amount of $700,000 giving them a first secured charge on the Company’s El Paso property thus increasing the costs of borrowing to any new lenders and making debt instruments less desirable to potential lenders. Proceeds on sale of the El Paso property must first be applied to the Secured Bridge Loan limiting the ability of the Company to use such funds in its operations.
On February 3, 2012 the company entered into a Bridge Loan with a third party in the amount of CDN $500,000 to be solely used to construct the Company’s first commercial VertiCrop System.
In addition, the Company has interest bearing promissory notes that are due upon demand in the aggregate of $1.89 million. A demand by the debt holder(s) of such debt securities could cause financial hardship, litigation, and other negative influence on the financial condition of the Company that could cause disruption to our operations.
Our having recently undergone a significant restructuring coupled with our limited experience as a publicly traded company with substantial operations in several different industries, may increase our expenses and place significant demands on our management.
From inception we have undergone several changes in business direction and consequently have previously had only limited operations. Due to economic circumstances and to make our Company more conducive to investment the shareholders of the Company approved a special resolution to reorganize the capital structure of the Company by a share consolidation of its common shares on the basis of one new share for each eighteen old shares. This share consolidation became effective July 16, 2009. Our most recent change in business direction and this significant restructuring may make it difficult to respond to our regulatory and reporting obligations, and could increase our general, administrative, legal and auditing costs and place substantial time demands on our management. We anticipate that, due to the increased complexity of our corporate structure and increased reporting and governance obligations, and our simultaneous past pursuit of various product lines in different industries, our regulatory and reporting obligations will require further expenditures to train additional personnel and retain appropriate legal and accounting professional services. In the event that these expenditures precede, or are not subsequently followed by revenues, or that we are unable to raise sufficient funding to cover any increase in our expenses, we may not be able to meet our obligations as they come due, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be negatively affected, raising substantial doubts as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
We identified material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires management to assess our internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) pursuant to a defined framework. In making that assessment, management identified a material weakness in our disclosure controls as a result of several material weaknesses identified in our ICFR as described in Item 15T below. There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, and accordingly, even effective ICFR can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Material weaknesses make it more likely that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. In addition, effective ICFR at any point in time may become ineffective in future periods because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with our established policies and procedures.
Lack of insurance coverage on fixed assets located in the United States
The Company cut back its operations in its U.S. based research facilities last year to a bare minimum. As a result of lack of financing, insurance has lapsed on many of our key fixed assets. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company decided to sell its property and remaining equipment in El Paso, Texas. In October 2010, the Company stopped amortizing these assets and classified these assets as assets held for sale. As at March 31, 2012, assets held for sale totalled $433,254 (Land $245,485 and Building $187,769). The Company is still actively searching for a buyer of the land and building and expects to sell the assets held for sale within the next twelve months.
No equipment was written down during the year ended March 31, 2012. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company determined that certain equipment used for development of some of its products had no continuing value to the Company and therefore wrote off the amount of $250,749, being the carrying value of those assets to the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
Disruptions in the Global Financial and Capital Markets May Impact Our Ability to Obtain Financing.
The global financial and capital markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption, including the failures of financial services companies and the related liquidity crisis. Although we expect to meet our near term liquidity needs with our working capital on hand and near term financing instruments, we will continue to need further funding to achieve our business objectives. In the past, the issuance of debt and equity securities has been the major source of capital and liquidity for us. The extraordinary conditions in the global financial and capital markets have currently limited the availability of this funding. If the disruptions in the global financial and capital markets continue, debt or equity financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to fund future operations by way of financing, including public or private offerings of equity or debt securities, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely impacted.
Risks Associated With Our Businesses and Industries
We face serious competition in our business segments from new market entrants as well as a number of established companies with greater resources and existing customer bases.
The markets for our potential products rapidly evolve and are intensely competitive as new products are regularly introduced. Competition in our market segments is based primarily upon:
| • | brand name recognition; |
| • | Availability of financial resources; |
| • | the quality and efficiency of products; |
| • | reviews received for products from independent reviewers who publish in magazines, websites, newspapers and other industry publications; |
| • | Availability of access to markets; |
| • | the price of each product; and |
| • | the number of products then available. |
We face competition from other industrial manufacturers, all of whom could generally sell through the same combination of channels as we intend to.
To remain competitive in the market for our products and potential products, we rely heavily upon what we believe to be our superior potential product quality, marketing and sales abilities, proprietary technology, product development capabilities and our management’s experience. However, we may not be able to effectively compete in these intensely competitive markets, as some of our competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases and greater financial, marketing, service, support, technical and other resources, affording them the ability to undertake more extensive marketing campaigns and adopt more aggressive pricing policies, than we can. Moreover, we believe that competition from new entrants will increase as the market for each of our potential products expands. If our potential product lines are not successful, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be negatively affected.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
Our intellectual property may not be adequately protected from unauthorized use by others, which could increase our litigation costs and adversely affect our sales.
Our intellectual property assets/rights which ate in the patents pending not provide meaningful protection from unauthorized use by others, which could result in an increase in competing products and a reduction in our own sales. Moreover, if we must pursue litigation in the future to enforce or otherwise protect our intellectual property rights, or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, we may not prevail and will likely have to make substantial expenditures and divert valuable resources in any case. We may not have adequate remedies if our proprietary content is appropriated or if our intellectual property does not adequately protect unauthorized use by others.
During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company and the Company’s legal counsel performed a comprehensive review of the Company’s improved VertiCrop™ intellectual property and a Purchase Agreement that contained intellectual property relating to the vertical plant growing technology. The Company concluded that they were not using the intellectual property that was contemplated in the Purchase Agreement and thus terminated the Purchase Agreement on May 17, 2011.
If our potential products infringe upon proprietary rights of others, lawsuits may be brought requiring us to pay large legal expenses and judgments and redesign or discontinue selling one or more of our potential products.
We are not aware of any circumstances under which our potential products infringe upon any valid existing proprietary rights of third parties. Infringement claims, however, could arise at any time, whether or not meritorious, and could result in costly litigation or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. If we are found to have infringed the proprietary rights of others, we could be required to pay damages, redesign our potential products or discontinue their sale. Any of these outcomes, individually or collectively, would negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to successfully break into new markets, implement our growth strategy or manage our business as it does grow, our future operating results could suffer.
As a development stage company, we face several challenges in entering each of the industrial markets and consumer retail markets for our respective potential products, particularly consumers’ lack of awareness of our Company and our potential product lines, competing for market share with established consumer retail product manufacturers and difficulties in competing for, hiring and retaining representative personnel in each of our respective potential markets. In addition, we face several challenges common to any new market entrant, including problems typically associated with unfamiliarity of local market conditions and market demographics. Each new market we enter may also have different competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns, which may require us to adjust our growth strategy or modify the way in which we manage our business. To the extent that we are unable to break into or meet the challenges associated with establishing ourselves in a new market, our future operating results could suffer and our financial condition and business may be negatively affected.
Changes in consumer and industrial preferences or discretionary spending may negatively affect our future operating results.
Within the industrial/retail businesses and industries in which we intend to operate, revenues are largely generated by industrial and retail consumer preferences and discretionary spending. Our success as a potential manufacturer and retailer of consumer and industrial products will depend, in part, on the popularity of each of our potential product offerings. Any shift in consumer sentiment away from our potential product or industrial product lines could have a negative effect on our ability to achieve future profitability. Our success also depends on a number of factors affecting levels of consumer discretionary income and spending, including, the following, among other, social and economic conditions:
| • | general business conditions; |
| • | interest rates; |
| • | inflation; |
| • | consumer debt levels; |
| • | the availability of consumer credit; |
| • | taxation; |
| • | fuel prices and electrical power rates; |
| • | unemployment trends; |
| • | natural disasters; |
| • | terrorist attacks and acts of war; and |
| • | other matters that influences consumer confidence and spending. |
Consumer and end user purchases of discretionary items, including our potential products and product lines, could decline during periods in which discretionary income is lower or actual or perceived unfavorable economic conditions exist. Should this occur, and if we are unable to introduce new products and product lines that consumers find appealing, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be negatively affected.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
We may be subject to adverse publicity or claims by consumers arising out of use of our potential product lines.
We may be subject to complaints from or litigation by consumers, whether or not meritorious, relating to quality, health, efficiency, efficacy, or operational aspects of our potential consumer and industrial product lines including environmental impacts. Such claims could arise at any time and, should they arise, we may not be successful in defending them. Any litigation, regardless of the outcome, would entail significant costs and use of management time, which could impair our ability to generate revenue and profit. For these reasons or, should we be found liable with regard to a claim arising out of any of our potential product lines, our business, financial condition, and results of operations would be negatively affected.
We face substantial competition in attracting and retaining qualified senior management and key personnel and may be unable to develop and grow our business if we cannot attract and retain senior management and key personnel as necessary, or if we were to lose our existing senior management and key personnel.
As a development stage company, our success, to a large extent, depends upon our ability to attract, hire and retain highly qualified and knowledgeable senior management and key personnel who possess the skills and experience necessary to satisfy our business and client service needs. Our ability to attract and retain such senior management and key personnel will depend on numerous factors, including our ability to offer salaries, benefits and professional growth opportunities that are comparable with and competitive to those offered by more established consumer retail product manufacturers and industrial product manufacturers. We may be required to invest significant time and resources in attracting and retaining, as necessary, additional senior management and key personnel, and many of the companies with which we will compete for any such individuals have greater financial and other resources which afford them the ability to undertake more extensive and aggressive hiring campaigns than we can. Furthermore, an important component to the overall compensation offered to our senior management and key personnel will be equity. If our stock prices do not appreciate over time, it may be difficult for us to attract and retain senior management and key personnel. Moreover, should we lose any member of our senior management or key personnel, we may be unable to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of our trade secrets, including our technical knowledge, practices, procedures or client lists by such individuals. The normal running of our operations may be interrupted, and our financial condition and results of operations negatively affected as a result of any inability on our part to attract or retain the services of qualified and experienced senior management and key personnel. If any member of our existing senior management or key personnel left and a suitable replacement was not found, or should any of our former senior management or key personnel disclose our trade secrets, the normal running of our operation may be negatively interrupted.
There is no certainty that our key projects will be operationally successful or profitable.
We are highly dependent upon the success of our high density vertical plant growing systems commercialization. The risks associated with the replication of laboratory results or prototype tests in the larger scale demonstration projects and commercialization projects are critical to the Company. If the expected results cannot be replicated on a commercial scale, the expected revenue from these ventures will not be realized and the investment in our pilot projects is unlikely to be recovered. This would have a very material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results.
There is no certainty that our key projects will be operationally successful or profitable.
We are highly dependent upon the success of our VertiCrop™ plant growing system – our core business. Although we are optimistic that there is a large amount of interest for these technologies, if that demand does not materialize to the extent that we project or we are not successful in promoting and distributing our technology, this will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results.
Risks Associated With an Investment In Our Common Stock
Unless an active trading market develops for our securities, you may not be able to sell your shares.
Although, we are a reporting company and our common shares are listed on the OTC QB under the symbol “ASIUF” and the CNSX under the symbol “ASI” , currently, there is only a limited trading market for our common stock and a more active trading market may never develop or, if it does develop, may not be maintained. Failure to develop or maintain an active trading market will have a generally negative effect on the price of our common stock, and you may be unable to sell your common stock or any attempted sale of such common stock may have the effect of lowering the market price and therefore your investment could be a partial or complete loss.
Under certain circumstances, some of our outstanding common stock purchase warrants may be exercised without our receiving any cash.
As at March 31, 2012, we have outstanding warrants to purchase some of our common stock exercisable on a “net cashless” basis, which means they can be exercised, without payment of the stated exercise price, solely in exchange for cancellation of some number of common shares into which the warrants are exercisable. The number of shares for which any such warrant would be cancelled under a net cashless exercise would be the number of shares having a then current market value equal to the aggregate exercise price of the warrant, in whole or in part, based on its stated exercise price. In effect, a net cashless exercise of any such warrants would mean that, even though we would receive no cash, we would have to issue additional shares, thereby diluting, potentially significantly, our reportable earnings per share. Although the circumstances under which the net cashless exercise provision may be elected by the holders of our warrants may be limited, any such exercise could have a negative effect, directly or indirectly, on the trading market price of our common stock.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
Since our common stock is thinly traded it is more susceptible to extreme rises or declines in price, and you may not be able to sell your shares at or above the price paid.
Since our common stock is thinly traded its trading price is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to extreme fluctuations in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:
| • | the trading volume of our shares; |
| • | the number of securities analysts, market-makers and brokers following our common stock; |
| • | changes in, or failure to achieve, financial estimates by securities analysts; |
| • | new products introduced or announced by us or our competitors; |
| • | announcements of technological innovations by us or our competitors; |
| • | actual or anticipated variations in quarterly operating results; |
| • | conditions or trends in our business industries; |
| • | announcements by us of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
| • | additions or departures of key personnel; |
| • | sales of our common stock; and |
| • | general stock market price and volume fluctuations of publicly-traded, and particularly microcap, companies. |
You may have difficulty reselling shares of our common stock, either at or above the price you paid, or even at fair market value. The stock markets often experience significant price and volume changes that are not related to the operating performance of individual companies, and because our common stock is thinly traded it is particularly susceptible to such changes. These broad market changes may cause the market price of our common stock to decline regardless of how well we perform as a company. In addition, securities class action litigation has often been initiated following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities. A securities class action suit against us could result in substantial legal fees, potential liabilities and the diversion of management’s attention and resources from our business. Moreover, and as noted below, our shares are currently traded on the OTC:QB and the CNSX and, further, are subject to the penny stock regulations. Price fluctuations in such shares are particularly volatile and subject to manipulation by market-makers, short-sellers and option traders.
Our common stock is subject to the “penny stock” regulations, which are likely to make it more difficult to sell.
Our common stock is considered a “penny stock,” which generally is a stock trading under US$5.00 and not registered on a national securities exchange. The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. These rules generally have the result of reducing trading in such stocks, restricting the pool of potential investors for such stocks, and making it more difficult for investors to sell their shares once acquired. Prior to a transaction in a penny stock, a broker-dealer is required to:
| • | deliver to a prospective investor a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market; |
| • | provide the prospective investor with current bid and ask quotations for the penny stock; |
| • | explain to the prospective investor the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction; |
| • | provide investors monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in their account; and |
| • | make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. |
These requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for a stock that is subject to the penny stock rules. Since our common stock is subject to the penny stock rules, investors in our common stock may find it more difficult to sell their shares.
We are a Canadian Company, and must ensure compliance with Canadian as well as American securities laws. As a result, there may be securities regulations in the jurisdiction where our shareholders are resident that must be met, and such regulations may impact the ability of our shareholders to trade our securities.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain informational requirements of the Exchange Act to which domestic United States issuers are subject.
As a foreign private issuer we are not required to comply with all of the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. As a result, there may be less information concerning our Company publicly available than if we were a domestic United States issuer. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short profit provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Therefore, our shareholders may not know on a timely basis when our officers, directors and principal shareholders purchase or sell shares of our common stock. See “ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION”.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
As we are a Canadian company with much of our assets and key personnel located outside of the United States, you may have difficulty in acquiring United States jurisdiction or enforcing a United States judgment against us, our key personnel or our assets.
We are a Canadian company organized under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). Many of our assets and certain of our key personnel, including our directors and officers, reside outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to effect service of process within the United States upon us or any of our key personnel, or to enforce against us or any of our key personnel judgments obtained in United States’ courts, including judgments relating to United States federal securities laws. In addition, Canadian courts may not permit you to bring an original action in Canada or recognize or enforce judgments of United States’ courts obtained against us predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or of any state thereof. Accordingly, you may have more difficulty in protecting your interests in the face of actions taken by our management, members of our board of directors or our controlling shareholders than you would otherwise as shareholder in a United States public company.
We do not intend to pay any common stock dividends in the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid a dividend on our common stock and, because we have very limited resources and a substantial accumulated deficit, we do not anticipate declaring or paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Rather, we intend to retain earnings, if any, for the continued operation and expansion of our business. It is unlikely, therefore, that the holders of our common stock will have an opportunity to profit from anything other than potential appreciation in the value of our common shares held by them. If you require dividend income, you should not rely on an investment in our common stock. See “Dividend Policy”.
Future issuances of our common stock from equity financing, exercise of existing and future warrants and options, and convertible and future debt settlements, and equity issuances for services may depress our stock price and dilute your interest. Our stock trades at less than $0.10 per share leading to high levels of dilution from equity issuances.
As at August 14, 2012, we have convertible instruments that could be converted into approximately 7.5 million common shares, approximately 24.6 million share purchase warrants and approximately 10.9 million options to purchase shares of our common stock. In addition, the Company has a commitment to issue 200,000 common shares.
We may issue additional shares of our common stock in future financings or grant stock options to our employees, officers, directors and consultants under our stock option plan. We may issue common shares for services rendered. Any such issuances could have the effect of depressing the market price of our common stock and, in any case, would dilute the percentage ownership interests in our Company by our shareholders. In addition, we could issue serial preferred stock having rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock, including the right to receive dividends and/or preferences upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up in excess of, or prior to, the rights of the holders of our common stock. This could depress the value of our common stock and could reduce or eliminate amounts that would otherwise have been available to pay dividends on our common stock (which are unlikely in any case) or to make distributions on liquidation.
Additionally, if possible under terms that we believe to be appropriate given our financial condition and other circumstances, we will likely seek to raise additional financing during our fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. We may also issue additional shares, options, and warrants to obtain necessary services.
Some of the issuances we have made in the past, and are likely to make in the future, have been issued at prices below market and at prices below our historical market prices. Consequently, our shareholders have suffered dilution in the value of their shares and can expect that we will be issuing additional securities on similar terms. Further dilution can be expected to occur when our outstanding options and warrants are exercised or debentures are converted at prices below the market.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
Corporate History
Prior Business Operations - We were incorporated in accordance with the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on January 19, 1996, as 681673 Alberta Ltd., later changed to Ironclad Systems Inc. Beginning in 1996, following the completion of a public offering, the Company’s common shares began trading as a junior capital pool company on the Alberta Stock Exchange (later becoming part of the Canadian Venture Exchange, which was thereafter acquired and renamed the TSX Venture Exchange). On March 24, 2004, the changed the Company’s name to Valcent Products Inc. On May 3, 2005 the Company delisted the Company’s common stock from the TSX Venture Exchange, maintaining only the Company’s OTC Bulletin Board listing; the Company’s symbol changed to “VCTPF”
The Company formed a wholly-owned Nevada corporation, Valcent USA, Inc. to conduct operations in the United States in October 2005. In turn, Valcent USA, Inc. organized Valcent Management, LLC, a wholly-owned limited liability corporation under the laws of Nevada, to serve as general partner to Valcent Manufacturing Ltd.; a limited partnership also formed by Valcent USA, Inc., under the laws of Texas, wherein Valcent USA, Inc. serves as limited partner to Valcent Manufacturing Ltd.
Also during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, Valcent Products EU Limited (“Valcent EU”) was incorporated by Valcent Products Inc. in the domicile of England to conduct operations in Europe. Valcent Products EU Limited has developed and commercialized the Company’s VertiCrop™ vertical growing technology.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
On May 5, 2008, Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC, a Texas limited liability corporation, was formed as a 50% owned subsidiary of each of Valcent, USA Inc. and Global Green Solutions Inc. to develop algae related technologies. To concentrate on its core vertical plant growing technologies, during July, 2010, Valcent Products Inc. and its subsidiary Valcent USA and Global Green Solutions Inc., Inc. agreed to the wind-up and dissolution of Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC, through which they had jointly pursued development of algae related research and development projects.
The shareholders of the Company approved a special resolution on June 22, 2009 to reorganize the capital structure of the Company through a consolidation of its common shares on the basis of one new share for each eighteen (1:18) old shares. This share consolidation became effective July 16, 2009. Also effective July 16, 2009, Valcent’s trading symbol changed to “VCTZF”. Unless otherwise noted, all references to the number of common shares and or prices(s) per share are stated on a post-consolidation basis.
On January 27, 2012 the Company incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary Local Gardens Vancouver Inc. to operate and install the Company’s first commercial VertiCrop™ system.
On June 12, 2012, the Company announced the official name change to Alterrus Systems Inc. and began trading on the OTC QB under the new symbol “ASIUF”and new CUSIP number of 02153P105.
On July 26, 2012 our shares began trading on the Canadian National Stock Exchange (“CNSX”) under the symbol “ASI”.
Organizational Structure
The following organizational chart sets forth the Company’s current corporate structure and reflects subsidiary interests relating to the Company’s various entities as at March 31, 2012.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.) formed a wholly-owned Nevada corporation, Valcent USA, Inc. to conduct a range of business development initiatives in the United States in October 2005. In turn, Valcent USA, Inc. formed Valcent Management, LLC, as a wholly-owned limited liability corporation under the laws of Nevada to serve as the general partner to Valcent Manufacturing Ltd. A limited partnership was also formed by Valcent USA, Inc. under the laws of Texas, wherein Valcent USA, Inc. serves as limited partner to Valcent Manufacturing Ltd.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
Valcent Products EU Limited was incorporated in the domicile of England in November 2006 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Valcent Products Inc. to develop and sell vertical plant growing systems in Europe. During August 2010 Valcent Products EU Limited incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary Valcent (EU) Eastern Europe in Poland.
Vertigro Algae Technologies, LLC, a Texas Limited Liability Corporation was formed in May 2008 as a 50% owned subsidiary to each of Valcent, USA Inc. and Global Green Solutions Inc. to develop algae related technologies. During July, 2010, Valcent Products Inc. and its subsidiary Valcent USA and Global Green Solutions Inc., Inc. agreed to the wind-up and dissolution of Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC, through which they had jointly pursued development of algae related research and development projects.
On January 27, 2012, Alterrus Systems Inc. incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary Local Garden Vancouver Inc. to operate the Company’s first commercial VertiCropTM System.
Business Overview
The Company is in the business of developing, selling and operating world-leading vertical farming solutions primarily through its high density vertical growing systems named VertiCrop™.
The Company has created an innovative, highly efficient and streamlined system that provides cost effective solutions for crop production, with significant operating and capital cost savings over traditional field agriculture. The VertiCrop™ system will enable users to create revenue-generating space on underdeveloped/underused property, and to also restructure their supply chain
VertiCrop™ is a patent pending technology comprised of a suspended tray on a moving conveyor. VertiCrop™ provides maximum exposure to light (either natural or artificial), along with precisely measured nutrients for the plants. Designed to grow in a closed loop and controlled environment, VertiCrop™ eliminates the need for harmful herbicides and pesticides, while maximizing food taste and nutrition. Developed over several years by the Company, VertiCrop™ grows higher quality produce much more efficiently and with greater food value, when compared to commercial field agricultural.
| • | Specially designed trays suspended from overhead track. |
| • | Closed loop conveyor passing through feeding stations which provide water and nutrients. |
| • | Supplementary lighting to enhance growth and provide for year round production. |
| • | Even airflow over the plants and equal exposure to light. |
| • | Water and nutrient run-off from the feeding station is captured and recycled. |
| • | Conducive to optimum workflow – the crop comes to the crop worker. |
| • | Can operate in closed and greenhouse application. |
From inception we have generated minimal cost recoveries from the Company’s business operations and have traditionally met the Company’s ongoing obligations by raising capital through external sources of financing, such as private placement, convertible notes, demand and promissory notes, and director and shareholder advances.
As at March 31, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $443,342 and is actively pursuing the sale of certain assets for proceeds above their carrying value of $433,254. Subsequent to year end, the Company was able to raise an additional $1,750,000 through an unsecured convertible debenture, facility agreement and operating line of credit to support operations and the construction of commercial VertiCrop System in downtown Vancouver. Although the Company has successfully raised funds in the past and expects to be a going concern for the next twelve months. Further financing will be required for operations beyond the next twelve months. While there is no assurance these funds can be raised, the Company believes such financing will be available as required.
ii) Over the last 18 months new management has shifted the Company’s focus from being a research and development Company to marketing, operating and commercializing the Company’s VertiCropTM System.
Potential Markets – High Density Vertical Growth System for Vegetables: Vertical growing systems have been proposed as possible solutions for increasing urban food supplies while decreasing the ecological impact of farming, and as a result, we expect the technology to compete with traditional growing techniques Vertical growing, hydroponics and greenhouse production have yet to be combined into an integrated commercial production system, but, such a system would have major potential for the realization of environmentally sustainable urban food
VertiCrop™ Technology – Concept and Advantages: The VertiCrop™ technology provides a solution to rapidly increasing food costs caused by transportation/fuel due to the cost of oil and transport fuels. Under traditional farming practice, a reduction in availability and nutritional values results in the food people consume. The VertiCrop™ is designed to grow vegetables and other plants close to urban centers much more efficiently and with greater food value than in agricultural field conditions that require transportation of product to distant consumption markets.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
As the world population increases, agricultural land and water resources rapidly diminish. Alternative and innovative solutions have to be found to feed people and reduce the consumption of water, land, energy, and food miles.
VertiCrop™ is an innovative and exciting vertical growing system which:
| · | Produces up to 20 times the normal production volume for field crops |
| · | Requires approximately 5% of the normal water requirements for field crops |
| · | Can be built on non arable lands and close to major city markets |
| · | Can work in a variety of environments: urban, suburban, countryside, etc. |
| · | Minimizes or eliminates the need for herbicides and insecticides |
| · | Will have very significant operating and capital cost savings over field agriculture |
| · | Will drastically reduce transportation costs to market, resulting in further savings, higher quality and fresher foods on delivery and less transportation pollution |
| · | Is modular and easily scalable from small to very large food production situations |
The VertiCrop™ grows plants in closely spaced shelves vertically arranged on panels that are moving on an overhead conveyor system. The system is designed to provide maximum sunlight and precisely correct nutrients to each plant. Ultraviolet light and filter systems may exclude the need for herbicides and pesticides. Sophisticated control systems gain optimum growth performance through the correct distribution of nutrients, the accurate balancing of PH and the delivery of the correct amount of heat, light and water.
System Advantages
| · | reduced global transport costs and associated carbon emissions |
| · | food and fuel safety, security and sovereignty |
| · | local food is better for public health |
| · | building local economies |
| · | control of externalities and true costs |
Commercial Deployment of the VertiCrop™ System – Vancouver, BC: On April 17, 2012 the Company closed its financing with a commercial lending institution for the first North American installation of VertiCrop™, a high-density vertical growing system. The company announced in December 2011, that it had entered into a memorandum of understanding with EasyPark to erect the first VertiCrop™ on the top level of a parkade in the downtown core of Vancouver, Canada.
Manufacturing, Fulfillment and Suppliers: Components for the VertiCrop™ System will be supplied and manufactured from various sources. in the UK, Holland, China and North America. As of the date of this annual report, we have no long-term written agreements and no intentions of entering into any such agreements with any suppliers or manufacturers, and we are not substantially dependent, nor do we anticipate becoming substantially dependent, upon any one or more suppliers, as we believe that there are many such suppliers available with the capabilities that we will require.
Competition
Competition in each of the industries in which we intend to sell our potential products is based primarily upon:
| • | brand name recognition; |
| • | availability of financial resources; |
| • | the quality of products; |
| • | reviews received for products from independent reviewers who publish in magazines, websites, newspapers and other industry publications; |
| • | the price of each product; and |
| • | the number of products then available. |
We will rely, for all of our potential product lines, on what we believe to be our superior product quality, product innovation, marketing and sales abilities, proprietary technology, product development capabilities, and our management’s experience to compete within each of our market segments. However, we may not be able to effectively compete in these intensely competitive markets. Moreover, some of our competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases and greater financial, marketing, service, support, technical and other resources, affording them the ability to undertake more extensive marketing campaigns and adopt more aggressive pricing policies, than we can. Furthermore, we believe that competition from new entrants will increase as the markets for each of our potential products expand.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
Patents Issued and Pending
We rely for our business on a combination of our pending patents, trademarks and trade secrets in order to protect our intellectual property. Our pending patents, trademarks and trade secrets are among the most important assets we possess in our ability to generate revenue and profits and we will depend significantly on these intellectual property assets in being able to effectively compete in our markets.
We cannot be certain that the precautions we have taken to safeguard our pending patents, trademarks and trade secrets will provide meaningful protection from unauthorized use. If we must pursue litigation in the future to enforce or otherwise protect our intellectual property rights, or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, we may not prevail and will likely have to make substantial expenditures and divert valuable resources in the process. Moreover, we may not have adequate remedies if our intellectual property is appropriated or our trade secrets are disclosed.
As of the date of this annual report, we have received case and/or application numbers for each of the intellectual property assets for which we are seeking patents. Patent status for each division is provided as follows:
Division | International Patent Applications | Published International Application |
High Density Vertical Growth System | 1 | 1 |
All other remaining patent applications are in the preliminary stages of the application process.
Trademarks
We are in the process of applying for registration of our trademarks in the United States and Canada in order to establish and protect our brand names as part of our intellectual property assets. To date we have received registration for Alterrus®” in the United States and Canada. All other remaining registrations are in the preliminary stages of the application process and remain pending.
Trade Secrets
Whenever we deem it important for purposes of maintaining competitive advantages, we require parties with whom we share, or who otherwise are likely to become privy to, our trade secrets or other confidential information to execute and deliver to us confidentiality and/or non-disclosure agreements. Among others, this includes employees, consultants and other advisors, each of whom we require to execute such an agreement upon commencement of their employment, consulting or advisory relationships. These agreements generally provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the individual by us during the course of the individual’s relationship with us, be kept confidential and not to be disclosed to third parties except under specific circumstances.
As of the date of this annual report, we are in the process of drafting confidentiality and/or non-disclosure agreements for our other key employees, consultants and advisors.
Seasonality
We may experience slight seasonal fluctuations in the sale of our potential High Density Vertical Growth System however, we believe that the overall effects of any seasonal variations in sales activity will be insignificant due to the nature and intent of the products to provide year round growing capability.
Regulations
We are not currently subject to direct regulation by any foreign or domestic government agency, other than regulations applicable to businesses generally.
Property, Plant and Equipment
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company decided to sell its property and remaining equipment in El Paso, Texas. In October 2010, the Company stopped amortizing these assets and classified these assets as assets held for sale. As at March 31, 2012, assets held for sale totalled $433,254. (Land $245,485 and Building $187,769). The Company is still actively searching for a buyer of the land and building and expects to sell the assets held for sale within the next twelve months.
Our principal executive offices are located at 120 Columbia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6A 3Z8. Our telephone number is (604) 837-2697.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion and analysis should be read together with our audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2012 and the notes to the financial statements. Our audited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
OPERATING LEGACY AND ACCUMULATED LOSSES
Fluctuations in Results
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, operating results have fluctuated significantly and past performance should not be used as an indication of future performance.
The following financial data is derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements for each of the three most recently completed financial years. Fiscal years 2012 and 2011 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). These financial statements are the Company's first financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Company includes selected financial data prepared in compliance with IFRS without reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company's accounting policies are presented in Note 2 of the accompanying audited annual consolidated financial statements for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to select accounting policies and make estimates, judgments and assumptions. Such estimates, judgments and assumptions may have a significant impact on the financial statements. These include:
| · | Estimates and judgment used in the classification and valuation of derivative instruments |
| · | Determination of assets held for sale |
| · | Inputs used in accounting for share-based payments |
Actual amounts could differ from the estimates used and accordingly, affect the results of operations.
Derivative Instruments
IFRS requires that embedded derivative instruments be bifurcated and assessed, along with free-standing derivative instruments such as warrants and certain non-employee stock-options to determine whether they should be considered a derivative liability and subject to re-measurement at each reporting period at their fair value.
In determining whether a contract represents a derivative or contains an embedded derivative, the most significant area where judgment has been applied pertains to the determination as to whether the contract can be settled net, one of the criteria in determining whether a contract for a non-financial asset is considered a derivative and accounted for as such. Judgment is also applied in determining whether an embedded derivative is closely related to the host contract, in which case bifurcation and separate accounting are not necessary.
The Company has measured and classified instruments with conversion features or down-round provision as either compound instruments or host instruments with embedded derivatives. Conversion features that are deemed to be derivative liabilities and embedded derivates that require separation from the host instrument are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Fair value represents point-in-time estimates that may change in subsequent reporting periods due to market conditions or other factors. Estimated fair values are designed to approximate amounts at which the financial instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. Multiple methods exist by which fair value can be determined, which can cause values (or a range of reasonable values) to differ. There is no universal model that can be broadly applied to all items being valued. Further, assumptions underlying the valuations may require estimation of share price volatility, discount rates, interest free rates, defaults and other relevant variables. Fair value of our host debt is based on the comparable market debt without the conversion feature. The fair value of a derivative liability which is not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques, which requires estimation. Standards require the use of a three-level hierarchy for disclosing fair values for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Judgment and estimation are required to determine in which category of the hierarchy items should be included. When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within more than one level of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on our assessment of the lowest level input that is the most significant to the fair value measurement.
Assets held for sale
There are specific criteria to recognize and present assets held for sale. The land and building in El Paso, Texas have been classified as an asset held for sale. There is also judgment in relation to assessing whether the asset held for sale is being carried at the lower of carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
Share-based payments
The share purchase option plan allows Company employees and consultants to acquire shares of the Company. The fair value of share purchase options granted is recognized as an employee or consultant expense with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes (direct employee) or provides services similar to those performed by a direct employee.
The fair value is measured at grant date and each tranche is recognized on a straight line basis over the period during which the share purchase options vest. The fair value of the share purchase options granted is measured using the Black–Scholes option pricing model taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share purchase options were granted. At each reporting date, the amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share purchase options that are expected to vest.
Equity–settled share–based payment transactions with parties other than employees are measured at the fair value of the goods or services, except where that fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which case they are measure at the fair value of the equity instruments granted, measured at the date the entity obtains the goods or the counterparty renders the service.
IFRS | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Revenue | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Net loss from operations | | $ | 1,758,660 | | | $ | 5,461,093 | |
Net loss for the year | | $ | 1,891,229 | | | $ | 4,274,219 | |
Loss per share | | $ | 0.02 | | | $ | 0.07 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding | | | 91,859,221 | | | | 58,047,835 | |
Total assets | | $ | 1,341,011 | | | $ | 1,001,036 | |
Net assets (liabilities) | | $ | (3,311,618 | ) | | $ | (1,465,413 | ) |
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
Operating Results
For the year ended March 31, 2012 we focused on the following business initiatives:
| (i) | the development and commercialization of Alterrus’ “High Density Vertical Growth System” (“VertiCrop™”) designed to produce vegetables and other leafy produce, |
| (ii) | developing the first North American installation of Alterrus’ VertiCropTM system |
For the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company focused on:
| (i) | the development and commercialization of Alterrus’ “High Density Vertical Growth System” (“VertiCrop™”) designed to produce vegetables and other plant crops, |
| (ii) | restructuring activities as noted in this annual report, and |
We incurred net losses of $1,891,229 for the year ended March 31, 2012, compared to $4,274,219 for the year ended March 31, 2011. Our loss from operations decreased by $3,702,433 to $1,758,660 for the year ended March 31, 2012. This decrease is a direct result of two charges that went to stock-based compensation totaling $2,061,031 in 2011 that were directly related to a Private Placement Agreement (‘PP Agreement”) the Company entered into on December 31, 2010 with a third party and a related party (Refer to ITEM 4: INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY, Equity Issuance) In addition, during the year ended March 31, 2012 the Company downsized its operation in the UK and reduced other costs to preserve cash and refocus the Company operations to building its first commercial VertiCrop System in North America.
Operating Expenses
Product development – Product development expenses decreased by $571,017 to $949,280 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 as compared with the twelve months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease is due the Company refocusing its efforts in research and development thus downsizing its UK and overseeing global operations of the commercialization of the VertiCrop™ System at the parent location.
Debt Interest – Debt interest decreased from $511,877 in 2011 to $156,043 in 2012, a decrease of $355,834. The decrease in debt interest is related to the cash settlement of convertible debt and a debt for share settlement for promissory notes.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
Accretion – Accretion expense increased from $2,674 in 2011 to $3,091 in 2012, an increase of $417. This increase is a direct result of accretion modification of the February 2010 convertible debt instrument.
Investor relations – Investor relations fees decreased $285,997 to $98,639 (2011 - $384,636) for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 as a result of an decreased number of third party consultants in investor related advisory activities to help assist the Company in finding new avenues of financing. Proceeds from private placements decreased from $1.5 million in fiscal 2011 to $62,238 in fiscal 2012.
Advertising and media development – Advertising and media development was $25,014 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 and was lower by $24,803 than for the same period in (2011 -$49,817) due to reduction in advertising and marketing budget relating to promotions and more of a focus on the development of the VertiCrop system.
Professional fees – Professional fees decreased by $109,636 to $421,935 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 from $531,571 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 due to simplifying its accounting as a result of extinguishing certain complex convertible debt instruments as well as reporting under a single framework as opposed to two frameworks in 2011. This simplification reduced accounting and audit fees during the year ended March 31, 2012.
Office and miscellaneous – Office and miscellaneous expenses increased $67,832 to $306,607 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 from $238,775 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011. The increase is primarily due a change in office space during the year and accruals for delinquent tax return filings. This increase has been offset by reduced activity in the Company’s US and UK subsidiaries and cost streamlining in the current period.
Travel – Travel expenses decreased by $152,926 to $107,728 (2011 - $260,654) for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 as a result of decreased activity in UK subsidiary and US subsidiary operations and more focus locally in development of the VertiCrop market place in North America.
Amortization – Amortization decreased by $151,232 to $25,183 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 (2011 - $176,415) due to a decreasing capital asset base and because equipment write-downs in fiscal 2011 were recorded in amortization expense.
Rent – Rent expenses decreased $33,344 to $82,967 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 from $116,311 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011, resulting from changing Vancouver offices to a new location with lowered monthly costs and no ongoing lease.
Stock-based compensation – Stock-based compensation expense was $2,162,925 in fiscal 2011 versus a recovery of $272,086 in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2011, the Company issued 2,050,000 stock options and committed to issuing 6,647,195 stock options to consultants of the Company. During fiscal 2012, 675,824 additional options were granted. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the stock options committed but not granted were revalued at the time of issuance by applying the fair value method using Black-Scholes. The Company included the difference in the initial value of the options earned but not granted of $372,136, as a credit to stock-based compensation in the statement of comprehensive loss.
Filing and transfer agent fees – Filing and transfer agent fees decreased $6,299 to $13,393 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012, from $19,692 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease is primarily attributable to costs in 2011 associated with the increased activity relating to the Company’s restructuring initiatives in 2011.
Other Income and loss
Foreign exchange (loss) gain - Due to fluctuations, primarily, in the Canadian dollar and British Pound as related to the US dollar, the Company incurred a foreign exchange loss of $614 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to a loss of $146,948 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2011.
Recovery (write -off) of advances – During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company had written off a advance due from Global Green Solutions Inc. (“GGS”) in the amount of $657,641 due GGS’s lack of capital and financial ability to repay the debt on a current basis. During the year ended March 31, 2012, $4,500 of this amount was recovered and the Company wrote-off and an unrecoverable advance.
Gain on settlement of debts – During the year ended Match 31, 2012 the Company did not incur any gain on settlement of debt. During fiscal 2011, the Company incurred a $2,096,124 gain on settlement of a convertible debt.
Write-down of property and equipment – There were no write downs of property and equipment during the year ended March 31, 2012. The Company recognized a write-down of property and equipment from its subsidiaries relating to decreased business operations. The write-down amounting to $250,748 was recorded during the year ended March 31, 2011.
Gain on disposal of assets - During the year ended March 31, 2012 the Company sold some assets that it had previously written-off resulting in a gain of $42,825.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company relies primarily on equity financings to fund its activities. Although the Company has been successful in completing equity financings in the past, there is no assurance that the Company will secure the necessary financings in the future.
The Company’s accumulated losses during the development stage at March 31, 2012 are $54.2 million. The Company’s working capital deficit as at March 31, 2012 was $3.85 million which is more than the $2 million in working capital deficit as at March 31, 2011. This increase in working capital deficit was a result of a reduction in the amount of private placements during fiscal 2012; the Company raised funds through promissory notes and funds were used towards operations. There still remains substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company’s ability to continue as a going-concern is dependent upon the economic development of its products, the attainment of profitable operations and the Company’s ability to obtain further financing. The Company is currently seeking additional external funding to finance its operations and obligations of approximately $600,000 million for the next twelve months. Management is considering all possible financing alternatives, including equity financing, debt financing, joint-venture, corporate collaboration and licensing arrangements. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its financing efforts or in the success of its products.
The Company's primary objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders, and to have sufficient liquidity available to fund ongoing expenditures and suitable business opportunities as they arise The Company considers the components of shareholders' equity, as well as its cash and cash equivalents as capital.
The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may issue equity, sell assets, or return capital to shareholders as well as issue or repay debt. There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year ended March 31, 2012. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed equity requirements.
We had cash of $443,342 as of March 31, 2012. Subsequent to year end, we were able to raise an additional $1,750,000 through an unsecured convertible debenture, facility agreement and operating line of credit to support operations and the construction of its commercial VertiCrop System in downtown Vancouver. Although the Company has successfully raised funds in the past and expects to be a going concern for the next twelve months. We cannot be certain that any required additional financing will be available on terms favorable to us. If additional funds are raised by the issuance of our equity securities, such as through the issuance and exercise of warrants, then existing stockholders will experience dilution of their ownership interest. If adequate funds are not available or not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to fund our commercialization of our products, develop or enhance services or respond to competitive pressures.
During the twelve months ended March 31, 2012, the Company issued 3,794,413 common shares in a private placement for gross proceeds of $331,254, 200,000 common shares for consulting services in the amount of $26,500, 450,000 common shares for investor relation services in the amount of $59,250, and management and finance incentives of 7,323,019 shares in the amount of $1,143,461. The Company’s issued and outstanding shares as at March 31, 2012 were 94,986,003.
During the twelve months ended March 31, 2012, the Company used a total of $1,108,890 (2011 - $1,837,264) in cash related to its operations. This cash was funded from the net proceeds of private placements of $57,370 (2011 - $1,460,572), proceeds from share subscriptions $248,018 (2011- $21,000) amounts received from related parties of $nil (2011 - $1,477,653), amounts received from debt issuance of $1,201,285 (2011 - $26,000). These amounts were used to also fund $25,000 (2011 - $169,488) in repayment of promissory notes, $nil (2011 – $792,898) in convertible notes and $nil (2011 – $175,506) in repayment of interest. The Company also acquired $683 (2011 – $nil) in property and equipment and received $39,306 (2011 - $nil) for disposal of assets during the twelve months ended March 31, 2012. In total the Company raised $411,406 more cash (2011 - $9,969 more cash) than it used during the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 leaving it with a cash and cash equivalents balance of $443,342 at March 31, 2012 (2011 - $31,936).
As at March 31, 2012, receivable of $355,348 (2011 - $300,233) consists of HST tax receivable of $336,777 and $17,534 of advances receivable.
Prepaid expenses as at March 31, 2012 of $7,933 (2011 - $98,288) consisting of prepaid property taxes.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company decided to sell its property and remaining equipment in El Paso, Texas. The Company is still actively searching for a buyer of the land and building and expects to sell the assets held for sale within the next twelve months.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased to $1,765,023 at March 31, 2012 from $1,601,161 at March 31, 2011 due to the Company’s current financial position the timing of paying payables has increased throughout the fiscal year.
Promissory notes increased from $558,212 at March 31, 2011 to $1,889,377 at March 31, 2012. On July 14, 2011 the Company issued a secured promissory note for $700,000 accruing interest at 18%. On February 3, 2012, the Company issued an additional promissory note for $501,350 accruing interest at 18%. Both promissory notes permit the holder to convert any unpaid accrued interest into shares at a conversion rate of $0.10.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
Our advances and amounts due from related parties increased by $686,283 to $941,661 as at March 31, 2012 (2011 - $255,378), largely due to key management salaries accrued but not paid of approximately $700,000.
Convertible notes increased as at March 31, 2012 to $56,568 from $51,698 at March 31, 2011 due to a modification the current convertible debt. On February 16, 2012, the company entered into an amendment to the promissory note whereby, the maturity date was extended to February 15, 2013, the interest rate was increased to 10% per annum, the unit conversion price was reduced to $0.10 and the share purchase warrant price was reduced to $0.20. Interest will continue to accrue on the $50,000 face value of these notes at the rate of interest of 8% per annum for the period up to February 15, 2012.
CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
Not applicable.
Fluctuations in Operating Results
Our annual operating results are likely to fluctuate significantly in the future as a result of numerous factors, including, among others:
| • | The availability of adequate financing; |
| • | Our ability to develop an organizational infrastructure and effective management systems; |
| • | The success of our advertising and marketing plans; |
| • | Market acceptance and general consumer demand for our products; |
| • | The performance of our products; |
| • | Our ability to effectively distribute our products; |
| • | The introduction of products that compete with our own; |
| • | The adoption of new disclosure and/or corporate governance requirements associated with the maintenance of our status as a publicly reporting issuer; |
| • | Potential lawsuits involving our products or other matters; and |
| • | General business and economic conditions; |
| • | Currency valuation fluctuations |
Impact of Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
The Company has engaged in a variety of different projects during the last two years as described in this annual report. The Company has incurred product development costs in the aggregate as follows:
Year | | Amount | |
| | | | |
2011 | | $ | 1,520,297 | |
2012 | | | 949,280 | |
Total | | $ | 2,469,577 | |
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following information is as of March 31, 2012 and in United States dollars:
As of March 31, 2012, we had the following known contractual obligations noted in this report or financial statements dated March 31, 2012:
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities at March 31, 2012:
In Dollars | | Total | | | Up to 3 Months | | | 3-12 Months | | | 1 and 2 years | |
Accounts payable | | | 1,765,023 | | | | 1,765,023 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Promissory notes payable | | | 1,889,377 | | | | - | | | | 1,889,377 | | | | - | |
Due to related parties | | | 941,661 | | | | 941,661 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Convertible notes | | | 56,568 | | | | - | | | | 56,568 | | | | - | |
| | | 4,652,629 | | | | 2,706,684 | | | | 1,945,945 | | | | - | |
As at March 31, 2011
In Dollars | | Total | | | Up to 3 Months | | | 3-12 Months | | | 1 and 2 years | |
Accounts payable | | | 1,601,161 | | | | 1,601,161 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Promissory notes payable | | | 558,212 | | | | - | | | | 558,212 | | | | - | |
Due to related parties | | | 255,378 | | | | 255,378 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Convertible notes | | | 51,698 | | | | - | | | | 51,698 | | | | - | |
| | | 2,466,449 | | | | 1,856,539 | | | | 609,910 | | | | - | |
Leased premises
Subsequent to the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with a company controlled by a former director of the Company (collectively referred to as “GBS”). Under this agreement GBS would assume all past and present obligations and liabilities including but not limited to all the past due rent under the Company’s lease in Launceston, Cornwall, UK. In addition, GBS has entered into a new lease for these premises. For this arrangement, the Company agreed to pay GBP 5,000 to settle past services and grant a right to an exclusive territory within the UK. The GBP 5,000 ($7,983) has been recorded to accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party for investor relations services with the following terms $3,000 CDN a month and 300,000 common shares which were earned but not issued and included in commitment to issue shares as at March 31, 2011. The common shares were issued during the year ended March 31, 2012. The agreement was cancelled subsequent the year ended March 31, 2012.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party for internet marketing services for a one year term, CDN $1,500 a month and 50,000 common shares every quarter until June 2012. As at March 31, 2011, the remaining 50,000 common shares were earned but not issued and included in commitment to issue shares as at March 31, 2011. The common shares were issued during the year ended March 31, 2012. The agreement was cancelled during the year.
During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party to assist the Company with establishing a commercial site for its VertiCrop System for a four month term. Any extensions would be mutually agreed to. On successfully obtaining the necessary financing and ordering of the required components for the new commercial site the non-related party would receive a commission of $120,324 and 200,000 common shares. Subsequent to the year ended March 31, 2012 the non-related party earned its commission and shares which are being paid out over a predetermined schedule.
SAFE HARBOR
Not applicable
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth our directors and executive officers and their ages as of the date of March 31, 2012. Unless otherwise stated, the address for each of our directors and executive officers is Alterrus Systems Inc., 120 Columbia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 3Z8 Canada.
Name | | Age | | Position |
Stephen K. Fane (1) | | 66 | | Director, Executive Chair |
| | | | |
Christopher Ng (2) | | 53 | | Director, CEO |
| | | | |
John N. Hamilton (3) | | 59 | | CFO, Secretary |
| | | | |
Naveen Aggarwal (4) | | 53 | | Director |
| | | | |
Ray Torresan (5) | | 50 | | Director |
| | | | |
(1) | Appointed Executive Chair and a Director by resolution of the board of directors, in accordance with Section 111 and 121 respectively of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on May 14, 2012. |
(2) | Appointed Chief Executive Officer and a Director by resolution of the board of directors , in accordance with Sections 111 and 121 respectively of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on May 14, 2012 |
(3) | Appointed Chief Financial Officer and Secretary by resolution of the board of directors, in accordance with Sections 111 and 121 respectively of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on November 19, 2010 following the resignation of Bob Baker on the same date. |
| |
(4) | Appointed a director by resolution of the board of directors, in accordance with Sections 111 and 121 respectively of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on December 14, 2006. |
(5) | Appointed a director by resolution of the board of directors, in accordance with Sections 121 and 111 respectively of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on November 19, 2010. |
Stephen Kenneth Fane FCA, Chief Executive Financial Officer and Director of the Company.
Mr. Stephen Fane became a director and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer on December 16, 2010. On May 14, 2011 Mr. Fane’s role with the Company changed, whereby he became the Company’s Executive Chair. Mr. Fane became a hydroponic greenhouse entrepreneur twenty years ago. In 1990, Fane acquired a 5-acre hydroponic greenhouse operation that produced bell peppers which he expanded to over 75 acres under glass. Fane merged his operation with another large-scale producer and took the combined entity public as an Income Trust on the TSX. Fane was President & CEO of Hot House Growers Income Fund from December 2003 to October 2006 where he was responsible for operations totaling more than 135 acres under glass and the raising of $70M through the public offering process. In late 2006, the Trust was merged with another large scale producer to form one of the world's largest greenhouse production and marketing companies. Prior to his career in agriculture, he was a partner at Coopers & Lybrand, a predecessor to Price WaterhouseCoopers.
Christopher Ng, Chief Operating Office and Director of the Company.
Mr. Christopher Ng became a director and Chief Operating Officer of the Company on January 01, 2011 On May 14, 2011 Mr. Ng’s role with the Company changed, whereby he became the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining the Company Mr. Ng was with Lululemon Athletica, were is served as its Chief Supply Chain Officer, overseeing technology, logistics and manufacturing departments through Lululemon’s explosive growth period. Mr. Ng’s career began in 1981 were he was an Administration Manger for the Royal Bank. In 1983 Mr. Ng as a joint venture owner started a successful athletic footwear and apparel chain. Mr. Ng took the operation from seven to seventy–seven stores. Mr. Ng then went on to start his own retail consulting business in 1995 specializing in IT, and was subsequently recruited to become the vice president of Aritiza, where Mr. Ng was responsible for the technology, logistics and security departments, Mr. Ng was strategically involve with the growth of this ladies fashion chain from five to thirteen stores. Mr. Ng has been a commissioned officer in the Canadian Forces Reserve for 27 years.
John N. Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company
Mr. John N. Hamilton became the Company’s, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary on November 19, 2010. Mr. Hamilton began his career in 1976 with Clarkson Gordon, a predecessor to Ernst Young were he obtained his CA. Mr. Hamilton has held the position of CFO and President of other private and public companies and has spear headed a number of company’s that have listed on the VSE, TSX and NASDAQ. Mr. Hamilton has over 25 years of experience with financial and strategic planning. For a period of time Mr. Hamilton was a partner with Mr. Fane in the hydroponic greenhouse and venture capital business. Mr. Hamilton was also involved in the entertainment business were he acted as Executive Producer on over 70 hours of television programming with gross production budgets in excess of $20 million.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES - continued
Naveen Aggarwal, Director of the Company
Mr. Naveen Aggarwal has been a director of the Company since December 14, 2006. Mr. Aggarwal is also a principal of Interactive Technologies Fund, based in Toronto, Ontario. He also serves on the Board of Directors of FourSpots Inc. and Infolinx Communications Ltd. and is a former director of Verrus Mobile Technologies Inc. He brings over twenty-five years experience with a variety of technologies (Hardware, Software, Consulting Services) and vertical markets (Telecom, Government, Finance, Retail) in the areas of development, sales, and marketing in senior management roles. Mr. Aggarwal has held senior level positions at many leading international companies including TIBCO Software (General Manager of Telecom Line of Business, Worldwide), Sun Microsystems, Netscape Communications, and Nortel. Naveen received degrees in Neurophysiology and Mathematics/Computer Science at the University of Toronto.
Ray Torresan, Director of the Company
Mr. Ray Torresan became a director of the Company on November 19, 2011. Mr. Torresan is an experienced venture capitalist and past president of Torresan|TCI Communications, a Vancouver public relations company. He personally managed stakeholder communications programs for many of British Columbia’s major organizations. Mr. Torresan is now a member of institute B a Vancouver based company that is a new aged business incubator and accelerator. He is a recipient of a National Award of Excellence from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) for his work in corporate communications and reputation management. Mr. Torresan received his APR (Accredited Public Relations Practitioner) from CPRS and is a past-director of its Vancouver chapter.
COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the total compensation paid to each of our directors and executive officers serving during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Annual Compensation | | | Long Term Compensation | |
| | | | | | |
Name and Principal Position | | Salary | | | Bonus/Fees | | | Awards Restricted Stock Awards | | | Securities Underlying Options/SARs (#) | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mr. Stephen K. Fane, CEO and Director (1) | | | 201,400 | | | | 134,938 | | | | 176,402 | | | | —, | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Christopher Ng, COO and Director (2) | | | 201,400 | | | | — | | | | 176,403 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chris Bradford Managing Director (EU) and Director (3) | | | 53,323 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
John N. Hamilton, CFO and Secretary (4) | | | 120,840 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Naveen Aggarwal Director | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ray Torresan (5) | | | — | | | | 4,867 | | | | | | | | 1,500,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | Amounts shown are for salary and bonus accrued for during the year ended March 31, 2012. In addition Mr. Fane was party to a Private Placement Agreement, whereby, he could earn up to 3,500,000 common shares and 1,000,000 options as an inducement to join the Company. The options exercise price is $0.15. Maturity date is September 30, 2016. Total 3,500,000 shares and 1,000,000 were issued to Mr. Fane pursuant to the above agreement. |
| |
(2) | Amounts shown are for salary accrued for during the year ended March 31, 2012. In addition Mr. Ng was party to a Private Placement Agreement whereby, he could earn up to 3,500,000 common shares and 1,000,000 options as an inducement to join the Company. As at March 31, 2011 Mr. Ng had earned 3,323,598 of the common shares and 1,000,000 of the options. The options exercise price is $0.15. Maturity date is September 30, 2016. Total 3,500,000 shares and 1,000,000 were issued to Mr. Ng pursuant to the above agreement. |
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(3) | Amounts shown are for salary received or accrued allowance for during the year ended March 31, 2012. |
| |
(4) | Amounts shown are for salary received or accrued for during the year ended March 31, 2012. |
| |
(5) | Amounts shown are for services provided during the year ended March 31, 2012. In addition, 1,500,000 share options were issued on July 6, 2012 for a 4 year term exercisable at $0.15 per option. |
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES - continued
BOARD PRACTICES
In accordance with Section 106(3) of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), each of our directors holds office for a term of one year or until their reappointment, unless otherwise removed or resigns, with such term expiring at the succeeding annual shareholders’ meeting. Officers are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, our board of directors.
We currently have no arrangements in place for the provision of benefits upon the termination of our directors or officers.
Board of Director Committees
We have one standing committee, the audit committee, comprised of members of our board of directors. Our audit committee was formed in 1996 and in March 2005 adopted a formal written charter. The current members of our audit committee include all the members of the Board of Directors: Naveen Aggarwal, Ray Torresan and Stephen. Fane. Our audit committee meets with our external auditors annually, prior to completion of our audited financial statements, and with our management at least quarterly throughout the fiscal year. Two members of the audit committee are independent directors; the Company acknowledges deficiencies exist resulting in ineffective oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures.
We have no formal compensation committee.
EMPLOYEES
As at March 31, 2012, Valcent Manufacturing Ltd. had no full time employees, and retained 1 consultant and 1 security guard as required.
As at March 31, 2012, Valcent Products EU Limited had no full time employees, and 2 consultants working on active projects.
As at March 31, 2012, Valcent Products Inc. had 3 consultants in senior management positions and engaged approximately 5 consultants, all of which provided services on a part time basis.
As at August 14, 2012, Alterrus Systems Inc. had 3 consultants in senior management positions and engaged approximately 5 consultants, all of which provided services on a part time basis.
Key Employees and Consultants
Our key consultants and their primary responsibilities as at August 14, 2012 are as follows:
Stephen K Fane, Executive Chair of the Company is responsible for strategic planning, financing and general corporate affairs.
Christopher Ng, COO of the Company is responsible for the corporate direction, leadership and implementation of the Company’s business plan as well as the day-to-day running of the production and distribution departments.
John N. Hamilton, CFO of the Company is responsible for the financial control, regulatory reporting, budgets, financial statements, monitoring expenditures and liquidity, reporting financial performance to the board and providing the Executive Chair and CEO with timely financial data.
Institute B, a consultant to the Company provides financing support, well other part-time consultants provide, marketing, branding, sales, website design and overall management support.
SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth, as of August 14, 2012, information regarding the share ownership of our common stock for each of our directors and executive officers serving during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. The number of shares beneficially owned is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rule, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the shareholder has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares which the shareholder has the right to acquire within 60 days.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES - continued
Name | | Amount and Nature of Ownership | | | Percent of Class* |
| | | | | |
Stephen K Fane, Executive Chair and Director (1) | | | 7,750,000 | | | | 8.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Christopher Ng, CEO and Director(2) | | | 7,250,001 | | | | 7.46 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
John N. Hamilton CFO and Secretary(3) | | | 300,000 | | | | 0.31 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Chris Bradford, Director (6) | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Naveen Aggarwal, Director (4) | | | 1,031,535 | | | | 1.07 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Ray Torresan (5) | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1.54 | % |
| | | 16,331,536 | | | | 18.38 | % |
* | No director or executive officer has different voting rights from any other holder of our common stock. Based on 95,816,003 shares issued and outstanding at August 14, 2012. Includes derivative instruments of holder in numerator and denominator of “Percent” calculation. |
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(1) | Consists of (i) 6,750,000 shares of common stock directly owned, (ii) 1,000,000 share options issued on September 30, 2011 for a five year term exercisable at $0.15 per option. |
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(2) | Consists of (i) 5,250,000 shares of common stock directly owned, (ii) 1,000,000 share options issued on September 30, 2011 for a five year term exercisable at $0.15 per option. (iii) 666,667 shares of common stock directly purchased by way of a private placement at $0.15 per unit and (iv) 333,334 warrants to purchase 333,334 common shares at $0.25 that were part of the same $0.15 unit offering. |
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(3) | Consists of 300,000 share options issued on November 17, 2010 for an eight year term exercisable at $0.10 per option share |
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(4) | Consists of (i) 38,888 shares of common stock beneficially owned through this director’s spouse, and (ii) 46,875 shares issued on May 19, 2009 from debt settlements for certain partial amounts owed at March 31, 2009, (iii) 500,000 share options issued on June 1, 2010 for an eight year term exercisable at $0.25 per option share (iv). 297,181 shares issued on March 31, 2011 from settlement for certain amounts owed as at March 31, 2011 and (v) 148,591 warrants issued as part of the debt settlement to purchase 144,591common shares at $0.25. |
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(5) | Consist of 1,500,000 share options issued on July 6, 2012 for a 4 year term exercisable at $0.15 per option. |
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(6) | Ceased being a director on December 15, 2011 |
2006 Stock Option Plan
On December 14, 2006, the Company replaced its existing Canadian and US stock option plans with a new single stock option plan (the “2006 Stock Option Plan”). The 2006 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on December 16, 2006 and adopted as amended by the Shareholders of the Company on February 15, 2008. The 2006 Stock Option Plan allows for share options to be issued to Company employees, directors, officers, and consultants on both a qualified and non-qualified basis. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock as to which options and bonuses may be granted from time to time under the Plan shall not exceed 20% (the “Plan Maximum”) of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. In addition, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock to which Incentive Stock Options may be granted shall not exceed 17% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. The plan is designed to encourage our directors, executive officers, consultants and other key employees to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company. The 2006 Stock Option Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, or a committee designated thereby, and reserve for issuance thereunder, in the aggregate, a total of 20% of our issued and outstanding common shares, on a non-diluted basis, to be increased or decreased as the number of our issued and outstanding shares change. The 2006 Stock Option Plan provides that the terms of the options and the option prices shall be fixed by the Board or committee and subject to the requirements of the exchange on which our common shares are traded, or any other governing regulatory body, at the time of grant. Options granted shall expire after a period of five years or terminate three months after the recipient ceases to be our employee.
During the year ended March 31, 2012, a total of 9,373,019 share options were outstanding.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
As of August 14, 2012, there were 95,816,003 common shares issued and outstanding. The table below sets forth certain information, to the extent known or reasonably ascertainable, regarding our major shareholders, including beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock, as of July 23, 2012. The number of shares beneficially owned is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rule, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the shareholder has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares which the shareholder has the right to acquire within 60 days.
| | Shares Beneficially Owned |
| | |
Major Shareholders | | Number | | | Percent* |
| | | | | |
Larry Thompson (1) | | | 11,407,227 | | | | 11.97 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Agosto Corporation Limited (2) | | | 7,969,402 | | | | 8.25 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Stephen K. Fane (3) | | | 7,750,000 | | | | 8.00 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Timothy Brock (4) | | | 7,525,643 | | | | 7.69 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Christopher Ng (5) | | | 7,250,001 | | | | 7.46. | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Institute B Development Corp.(6) | | | 7,339,783 | | | | 7.22 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Paul Sturt (7) | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5.22 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 54,305,056 | | | | 55.81 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Shares outstanding at July 23, 2012 | | | 95,816,003 | | | | | |
*Includes derivative instruments of holder in numerator and denominator of “Percent” calculation.
(1) | Consists of 11,303,562 shares of common stock directly owned. and (ii) 166,665 controlled through a family trust. |
(2) | Consists of (i) 7,192,832, shares are beneficially owned by Dr. Murphy, (ii) 7,081,721 shares held by Agosto Corporation, and (iii) 111,111 shares held by EXOMS Ltd. (iii) 776,570 warrants held by Agosto to purchase 776,570 common shares at $0.25. J. Gordon Murphy is the sole shareholder and a control person of both Agosto Corporation and EXOMS and therefore for the purposes of Rule 13d-3 Dr. Murphy may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares beneficially held by Agosto Corporation and EXOMS. |
(3) | Consists of (i) 6,750,000 shares of common stock directly owned, (ii) 1,000,000 share options issued on September 30, 2011 for a five year term exercisable at $0.15 per option. |
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(4) | Consists of (i) 5,478,741 shares are beneficially owned by Timothy Brock (ii) 2,281,046 shares held by Timothy Brock (iii) 3,197,695 shares held by West-Peak Ventures of Canada Ltd. (iii) 585,935 warrants held by Timothy Brock to purchase 585,935 common shares at $0.25. (iv) 1,460,967 warrants held by West-Peak to purchase 1,460,967 common shares at $0.25. Timothy Brock is the sole shareholder and a control person of West-Peak Ventures of Canada Ltd and therefore for the purposes of Rule 13d-3 Timothy Brock may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares beneficially held by West-Peak. |
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(5) | Consists of (i) 5,250,000 shares of common stock directly owned, (ii) 1,000,000 share options issued on September 30, 2011 for a five year term exercisable at $0.15 per option. (iii) 666,667 shares of common stock directly purchased by way of a private placement at $0.15 per unit and (iv) 333,334 warrants to purchase 333,334 common shares at $0.25 that were part of the same $0.15 unit offering. |
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(6) | Consists of (i) 1,129,164 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Darrell Kopke and his spouse, (ii) 323,019 shares of common stock held by Institute B Development Corp (iii) 564,582 warrants beneficially held by Darrell Kopke and his spouse to purchase 564,582 common shares at $0.25. (iii) 5,323,018 share options granted to Institute B Development Corp at an option price to be $0.15. Darrell Kopke the sole shareholder and a control person of Institute B Development Corp and therefore for the purposes of Rule 13d-3 Darrell may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares and options beneficially held by Institute B Development Corp |
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(7) | Consists of (i) 5,000,000 shares of common stock directly owned. |
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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - continued
At of August 14, 2012, we had 257 shareholders of record and an estimated 4,282 unregistered shareholders. As of August 14, 2012, there were 95,816,003 shares of common stock outstanding. United States shareholders held an estimated 12,500,000 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 13% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock.
We are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government or by another natural or legal person, severally or jointly and we have no knowledge of any arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in our control.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred the following expenditures charged by members of key management that included officers and directors or other parties that had significant influence over the financial and operating policy decisions of the Company, but did not have control over polices:
Related party transactions | | 2012 | | | 2011 | | |
Product development | | $ | 17,124 | | | $ | 400,944 | | |
Debt interest | | | 18,103 | | | | 171,710 | | |
Professional fees | | | - | | | | 20,000 | | |
Rent | | | - | | | | 2,349 | | |
Total | | $ | 35,227 | | | $ | 595,003 | | |
The related party transactions are in the ordinary course of business.
At March 31, 2012 and 2011, due to related parties was comprised of amounts owing to key management or former key management that included officers and directors or other parties that had significant influence over the financial and operating policy decisions of the Company, but did not have control over polices. The amounts owing were non-interest bearing and had no specific terms of repayment.
At March 31 2012, included in promissory notes payable from Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements is $199,997 (2011 - $558,212) owing to key management and $371,850 to former key management that included officers and directors or other parties that had significant influence over the financial and operating policy decisions of the Company, but did not have control over polices.
The Company has made payments to a company owned by former directors and officers of the Company pursuant to the Product License during the year ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and recorded the payments in product development. See Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements.
During the year ended March 31, 2012 there were no cash issue costs charged by beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares. (2011 - $nil)
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
See ITEM 18 and our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes beginning on page F-1 of this Form 20-F. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB.
Legal proceedings
The Company, in the normal course of its business, is subject to legal proceedings brought against it and its subsidiaries. For legal and other contingencies, if the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the Company will accrue a liability for the estimated loss. During the year ended March 31, 2012, Management became aware of a legal claim against the Company for property damage and contract default in the amount of approximately $195,000 plus related costs. Subsequent to March 31, 2012, the Company and the plaintiff agreed to a partial settlement worth $130,000 of this legal claim by permitting the claimant to remove its property from the site. The parties are still in negotiations with respect to the claim balance amount of approximately $65,000. The Company has recorded a provision of $66,766 for what it believes is the remaining obligation of the claim in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
A third party has a registered a claim against the Company for repayment of an outstanding payable in the amount of CDN $163,000 ($ 163,440). The pledge is against the GST/HST receivable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION - continued
We are not aware of any contemplated, legal, governmental or arbitration proceedings, including those related to bankruptcy, receivership or those involving a third party which have, or may have, significant effects on our financial position or profitability.
Dividend Policy
The Company has not paid any dividend or made any other distribution in respect of its outstanding shares and management does not anticipate that the Company will pay dividends or make any other distribution in respect on its shares in the foreseeable future. The Company's Board, from time to time, and on the basis of any earnings and the Company's financial requirements or any other relevant factor, will determine the future dividend or distribution policy of the Company with respect to its shares.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Significant changes in the affairs of the Company since the date of the audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended March 31, 2012, other than discussed in this Form 20-F are:
| · | On June 8, 2012, the Company changed its name from Valcent Products Inc. to Alterrus Systems Inc. |
| · | On May 2, 2012, the Company issued unsecured convertible debentures in the amount $500,000 accruing interest at 12% per annum with a term to May 2, 2014. Both principal and interest may be converted into units at $0.10 per unit, with each unit consisting of one common share and one half share purchase warrant. |
| · | On April 13, 2012, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan”) in the amount of CDN $1,000,000 (the “Term Loan”) accruing interest at 8% plus the lenders prime plus 2% to a maximum of 14% per annum The Loan also provides for a revolving loan of $250,000 (the “Operating Loan”) accruing interest at the same rate as the Term Loan. The Term Loan matures on April 15, 2019 and the Operating Loan is on demand failing demand April 15, 2012. The loans are secured by a lien on, and a security interest in, all present and future unencumbered assets of the Company. The Company may repay up to 15% of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan on the second and third anniversary date, up to 25% on the fourth anniversary date of the initial loan, thereafter the balance in whole in part without penalty or prepayment compensation. The loans are to be used to build and operate the Company’s first commercial VertiCrop System in downtown Vancouver BC. In addition, the lender will receive for 15 years a monthly 3% royalty based on gross revenues from the operation the VertiCrop System up until the earlier of the maturity date or the date the Company has repaid the loan in full. Thereafter, the royalty will be reduced to 1.5%. |
| · | On April 5, 2012 the Company entered into a License Agreement to license the parking space consisting of the roof of a parking facility located in Vancouver BC. The space will be used for the purpose of erecting one or two greenhouses that will incorporated the Company’s VertiCrop System. The initial term of the license is for 10 years with an option of two five year renewals subject to mutual agreement with the Licensor. The monthly rental fees for the entire roof top are $4,800 or $2,400 for each level. It the Company’s intention to erect only one greenhouse and rent one level at this time. |
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
The Company's common shares are listed for trading on the United States OTCQB tier of the OCT Markets Group’s quotation platform under the symbol “ASIUF” (formerly “VCTZF”, VCTCF” and “NTTRF”) and on the Canadian National Stock Exchange (“CNSX”) under the symbol “ASI”.
The Company only began trading on the CNSX on July 26, 2012 so the following table discloses only the annual high and low sales prices for the common shares of the Company for the five most recent financial years of the Company as traded on the OCT market place.
The prices have been adjusted to reflect a one-for-three common share consolidation effective May 3, 2005 and the further one-for-eighteen common share consolidation effective July 16, 2009.
Effective May 3, 2005, we changed our name from Nettron.com, Inc. to Valcent Products Inc. and delisted our common shares from the TSX-Venture Exchange, Inc. (formerly The Canadian Venture Exchange), where we had been trading under the symbol “NTT.H”, maintaining only our listing only on the United States OTC Bulletin Board.
Year Ended March 31, | | High | | | Low | |
2008 | | $ | 16.74 | | | $ | 8.10 | |
2009 | | $ | 13.32 | | | $ | 0.90 | |
2010 | | $ | 2.50 | | | $ | 0.21 | |
2011 | | $ | 0.42 | | | $ | 0.05 | |
2012 | | $ | 0.20 | | | $ | 0.02 | |
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING - continued
The following table discloses the high and low sales prices in US dollars for the common shares of the Company for each quarterly period within the two most recent financial years of the Company as traded on the OTC BB:
Quarter ended | | High | | | Low | |
June 30, 2010 | | $ | 0.42 | | | $ | 0.15 | |
September 30, 2010 | | $ | 0.19 | | | $ | 0.10 | |
December 31, 2010 | | $ | 0.14 | | | $ | 0.05 | |
March 31, 2011 | | $ | 0.26 | | | $ | 0.13 | |
June 30, 2011 | | $ | 0.17 | | | $ | 0.06 | |
September 30, 2011 | | $ | 0.20 | | | $ | 0.06 | |
December 31, 2011 | | $ | 0.11 | | | $ | 0.05 | |
March 31, 2012 | | $ | 0.07 | | | $ | 0.02 | |
The following table discloses the monthly high and low sales prices in US dollars for the common shares of the Company for the most recent six months as traded on the OTC BB:
Month | | High | | | Low | |
February 28, 2012 | | $ | 0.06 | | | $ | 0.02 | |
March 31, 2012 | | $ | 0.07 | | | $ | 0.03 | |
April 30, 2012 | | $ | 0.06 | | | $ | 0.04 | |
May 31, 2012 | | $ | 0.07 | | | $ | 0.03 | |
June 30, 2012 | | $ | 0.14 | | | $ | 0.03 | |
July 31, 2012 | | $ | 0.10 | | | $ | 0.03 | |
MARKETS
We voluntarily delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange on May 3, 2005. Since May 3, 2005, our common shares were quoted solely on the OTC Bulletin Board, under the symbol “VCTPF”. Since July 16, 2009, our common shares were quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, under the symbol “VCTZF”. Beginning on June 12, 2012 our common shares were quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “ASIUF” On July 26, 2012 our shares began trading on the CNSX under the symbol “ASI”.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the U.S. Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
SELLING SHAREHOLDER
Not applicable.
DILUTION
Not applicable.
EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHARE CAPITAL
This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the U.S. Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
Organization, Object and Purpose
We were incorporated in Canada on January 19, 1996, in accordance with the provision of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). Article 5 of our articles of incorporation provides that we are neither restricted from carrying on any business nor required to carry on a certain business.
Directors
Voting Powers
In accordance with Section 4.19 of our bylaws and Section 120 of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) if one of our directors is party to or has a material interest in a material contract or proposed material contract with us or with one of our subsidiaries, that director must disclose the nature and extent of their interest at the first meeting at which the proposed material contract is considered, or at the first meeting after which the director becomes an interested party, either in writing or, at the director’s request, entered into the meeting minutes. All material contracts or proposed material contracts in which one of our directors has a material interest must be referred to our board or shareholders for approval, even if not one which, in the ordinary course of business, would otherwise require approval. A director who is party to or has a material interest in a material contract or proposed material contract, shall refrain from voting on any resolution to approve the material contract unless it is one for (i) an arrangement by way of security for money lent to or obligations undertaken by the director for our benefit, (ii) a transaction relating primarily to the director’s remuneration, (iii) a contract for indemnity insurance, or (iv) a contract with an affiliate.
In accordance with our bylaws and the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) there are no limitations on the power of our directors, in the absence of an independent quorum, to vote compensation to themselves.
Borrowing Powers
In accordance with Section 3.01 of our bylaws and Section 103 of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) our directors may, without shareholder authorization, (i) borrow money on our credit, (ii) issue, reissue, sell or pledge debt obligations, (iii) give a guarantee on our behalf to secure performance of an obligation, and (iv) mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any of our property, owned or subsequently acquired, to secure any of our obligations. These powers can be modified by means of an amendment to our articles of incorporation or bylaws, or by unanimous shareholder consent.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers and Limitation of Liability
In accordance with Section 7 of our bylaws and Section 124 of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), each of our directors and officers is relieved from liability for the acts, receipts or defaults of any other of our directors, officers or employees, notwithstanding any loss, damage or expense caused to us, provided, however, that such director or officer discharges their own duties honestly, in good faith and with a view toward our best interests, and exercises the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would in comparable circumstances.
Subject to certain limitations as set forth in Section 124 of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), we have undertaken to indemnify our current or former directors and officers against all reasonable costs, charges and expenses, including amounts paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, incurred in respect of any civil, criminal or administrative proceedings to which such director or officer is made party to by reason of being or having been a director or officer. Our board of directors may, from time to time, purchase and maintain insurance policies for the benefit of our directors and officers as against any such liabilities incurred, except with respect to liability arising out of a director or officer’s failure to act honestly, in good faith and with a view toward our best interests. We do not presently maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance or reimbursement policy.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or controlling persons under the forgoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable as a matter of United States law.
Qualifications
There is no mandatory retirement age required by our bylaws or the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and no requirement that our directors be shareholders of our Company.
Common Shares
In accordance with Article 2 and Schedule A of our articles of incorporation filed January 19, 1996, and as amended, there are authorized an unlimited number of common shares which our directors may issue without nominal or par value.
Dividends
Holders of shares of our common stock are entitled, subject to the rights privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to our preferred shares, to receive such dividends as our directors may from time to time, by resolution, declare.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
Voting Rights
Holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive notice of and vote, on the basis of one vote for each common share so held, at every meeting of the shareholders of our Company.
Liquidation Rights
Holders of shares of our common stock are entitled, subject to the rights, preferences and privileges, of any authorized and outstanding class and series of our preferred shares, to receive, in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up or upon the distribution of any of our assets among the holders of shares of our common stock, other than by way of dividends, their pro rata share of such distribution.
Preferred Shares
In accordance with Article 2 and Schedule B of our articles of incorporation filed January 19, 1996, and as amended, there are authorized an unlimited number of preferred shares, which our directors may, from time to time, issue without nominal or par value in one or more series consisting of such number of shares as our directors may determine. Currently there are no preferred shares outstanding. Our directors, by resolution, may fix the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the preferred shares of each series, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the rate, form, entitlement and payment of preferential dividends, the redemption price, terms, procedure and conditions for redemption, if any, voting rights and conversion rights, and sinking fund, purchase fund or other provisions attaching to the preferred shares of such series.
Dividends
Holders of shares of our preferred stock shall be entitled to preference over holders of shares of our common stock and any other of our shares ranking junior with respect to the payment of dividends as our directors may from time to time, by resolution, declare. No dividend shall at any time be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any shares ranking junior to shares of our preferred stock unless all dividends up to and including the dividends payable for the last completed period for which such dividends were payable on each series of preferred shares then issued and outstanding shall have been declared and paid or set apart for payment at the date, nor shall we call for redemption or redeem or purchase for cancellation or reduce or otherwise pay off any of our shares of preferred stock or any shares ranking junior to shares of our preferred stock unless all dividends up to and including the dividends payable for the last completed period for which such dividends were payable on each series of preferred shares then issued and outstanding shall have been declared and paid or set apart for payment as of the date of such call for redemption, purchase, reduction or other payment.
Holders of shares of our preferred stock shall rank on parity with holders of shares of all other series of our preferred stock with respect to payment of dividends, exclusive of any conversion rights, and if cumulative dividends are not paid in full in respect of a series of our preferred stock, the holders of shares of all series of our preferred stock shall participate ratably.
Voting Rights
Holders of shares of our preferred stock shall be entitled to those voting rights which our directors may, by resolution, designate with respect thereto.
Liquidation Rights
Holders of shares of our preferred stock shall be entitled to preference over holders of shares of our common stock and any other of our shares ranking junior with respect to the distribution of our assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, and may also be given such other preferences as our directors may fix, by resolution, prior to issuance.
Holders of shares of our preferred stock shall rank on parity with holders of shares of all other series of our preferred stock with respect to distribution of assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, exclusive of any conversion rights, and if return of capital is not paid in full in respect of a series of our preferred stock, the holders of shares of all series of our preferred stock shall participate ratably.
Shareholder Action
In accordance with the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) ordinary resolutions, such as those adopting amendments to our bylaws, must be passed by a majority of shareholders voting thereon, whereas special resolutions require a majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders voting thereon. Special resolutions are required in (i) authorizing share splits where more than one class of shares exist, (ii) increasing stated capital with respect to a class or series of shares where the amount to be added is not received in consideration for the issuance of shares and where more than one class of shares exist, (iii) decreasing stated capital for any purpose, (iv) making certain amendments to or restating our articles of incorporation, (v) approving an amalgamation agreement, (vi) approving a continuance into another jurisdiction, (vii) selling, leasing or exchanging of all or substantially all of our property, other than in the ordinary course of business, or (viii) liquidating our assets and dissolving our Company.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
Shareholders Meetings
Annual Meetings
We normally hold our annual shareholders’ meeting shortly after completion of the preceding fiscal year at our principal executive offices in Canada with the record date begin set and notice provided to our shareholders not less than twenty-one nor more than fifty days prior to the meeting. Only those shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, the directors, auditors and any other persons required to attend under any provision of our articles of incorporation, bylaws or the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) are entitled to attend the meeting.
Special Meetings
Our board, the chairman of the board, managing director or president, have the power to call a special meeting at anytime, and notice of any special meeting shall state the text of any special resolutions to be submitted at the meeting.
Share Ownership
Although our shareholder are subject to certain beneficial ownership reporting requirements as a result of our having a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, there are no provisions in our bylaws governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
With the exception of the Investment Canada Act, as amended, and the potential application of the Competition Act there are no limitations on the ability or right of persons to own our securities, including the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our securities imposed by the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) or by our articles of incorporation or bylaws.
Investment Canada Act
The Investment Canada Act, as amended, generally prohibits implementation of any of a number of enumerated reviewable investments by an individual, government or agency thereof, corporation, partnership, trust or joint venture that is non-Canadian, as defined in the Investment Canada Act, unless the Minister responsible for administration of the Investment Canada Act is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of a net benefit to Canada.
In accordance with the provisions of the Investment Canada Act, an investment or series of investments to directly or indirectly acquire control of a Canadian company by a non-Canadian that is a “WTO Investor” or a Canadian company which was immediately prior to the investment controlled by a WTO Investor, is reviewable if the value of the assets of the company equal or exceed $256 million, the threshold established for the year 2006. In succeeding years, the threshold amount may be increased or decreased in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.1 of the Investment Canada Act. A WTO Investor is one who is a member of the World Trade Organization, currently comprised of one hundred forty-eight member countries, including the United States, or a WTO Investor-controlled entity, as defined in the Investment Canada Act.
An investment or series of investments to directly or indirectly acquire control of a Canadian company by a non-Canadian, other than a WTO Investor, is reviewable if the value of the assets of the company equal or exceed $5 million, or if an order for review is made by the Governor in Council on grounds that the investment is related to Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity.
Procedurally, the Investment Canada Act requires a non-Canadian who is establishing a new Canadian business or making an investment that will result in the acquisition of an existing Canadian business, to, depending on the transaction, file with the Director of Investments either notification of the transaction or an application for review.
Where an investment is reviewable in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Canada Act, an application for review must be filed prior to implementation of the investment, in response to which the non-Canadian investor will receive a receipt bearing a certified date. Within forty-five days following certified date the Minister responsible for administering the Investment Canada Act must either notify the non-Canadian investor that he is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of a net benefit to Canada or, if the Minister is unable to complete the review, notify the non-Canadian investor that the Minister shall, within thirty days unless a further period is agreed upon, complete consideration of the investment. Once the thirty day period has elapsed, the Minister will be deemed to be satisfied that the investment is likely to be of a net benefit to Canada and the investment may thereafter be implemented.
The notification procedure involves filing a brief statement of information at any time up to thirty days following implementation of the investment, in response to which the non-Canadian investor will receive a receipt bearing a certified date and advising the non-Canadian investor that the proposal is either unconditionally non-reviewable or that it will not be reviewed provided there is no additional notice of review issued within twenty-one days following the certified date.
Exempt from the notice and review provisions of the Investment Canada Act are, among other transactions, those acquisitions carried out (i) in the ordinary course of one’s business, (ii) in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan, (iii) for the purpose of facilitating financing, provided the acquirer divest himself of control within two years, and (iv) by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation, or corporate reorganization, following which the ultimate control remains unchanged.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
Exempt from the review provisions of the Investment Canada Act are investments to acquire control of Canadian businesses that (i) engage in the production of uranium, (ii) provide any financial services, (iii) provide transportation services, or (iv) constitute a cultural business.
Competition Act
The Competition Act, as amended, is designed to maintain and encourage competition while promoting efficiency and adaptability in the local Canadian economy, as well as to expand opportunities for Canadian participation in the world markets.
In accordance with the provisions of the Competition Act an investment giving rise to the acquisition or establishment, directly or indirectly, by one or more persons of control over or a significant interest in the whole or part of a business of a competitor, supplier, customer or other person may be subject to substantive review by the Commissioner of Competition, the officer responsible for administering the Competition Act.
Pre-investment notification must be made to the Commissioner of Competition by parties of a proposed transaction where certain party and transaction size thresholds are satisfied. The party size threshold requires that parties of a proposed transaction, together with their affiliates, have total assets in Canada or gross revenues from sales in, from or into Canada that exceed $400 million in the aggregate. The transaction size threshold requirements vary depending on the nature of the investment.
Transactions subject to pre-investment notification may not be completed until (i) the applicable statutory waiting periods have expired or have been earlier terminated by the Commissioner of Competition without his having taken action to prohibit the transaction’s implementation, or (ii) the Commissioner of Competition has issued an advance ruling certificate, or has waived the parties obligation to notify. Transactions involving only affiliates or those in the public interest, among others, are exempt from pre-investment notification requirements.
Regardless of whether pre-investment notification is required, the Commissioner of Competition may apply to the Competition Tribunal, a specialized tribunal established by Section 3 if the Competition Tribunal Act and empowered with the authority to hear and dispose of certain matters arising under the Competition Act, for substantive review of a transaction.
Where the Competition Tribunal finds the transaction likely to prevent or lessen competition substantially it may order the investment not proceed or, if it has been completed, may order its dissolution or the disposition of some of the assets or shares involved.
Change in Control
There are no provisions in our articles of incorporation or bylaws that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring.
EXCHANGE CONTROLS
There are no governmental laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation in Canada which restrict the import or export of capital, including the availability of cash and cash equivalents. With the exception of withholding tax requirements, there are no governmental laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation in Canada which affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments, to non-Canadian resident holders of shares of our securities.
Taxation
ANY TAX ADVICE IN THIS COMMUNICATION IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF (i) AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON ANY TAXPAYER OR (ii) PROMOTING, MARKETING OR RECOMMENDING TO ANOTHER PARTY ANY MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general discussion of material United States federal income tax consequences that may apply to holders and prospective holders of shares of our common stock. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the Code), Treasury Department regulations promulgated thereunder, published Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rulings and administrative pronouncements and court decisions of current applicability, any or all of which may materially and adversely change at any time, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this discussion does not consider the potential effects, adverse or beneficial, of any proposed changes in the governing tax law, whether by judicial, executive or legislative action, which, if effected, may be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis. Further, no opinion was requested by us, or has been provided by our counsel or independent registered public accounting firm, with respect to the United States income tax consequences described in the following discussion. Accordingly, we urge holders and prospective holders of shares of our common stock to consult with, and rely upon, their own tax advisors in analyzing the potential United States federal, state, local and non-United States tax consequences associated with purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of our common stock.
As used in this section the term "U.S. Holder" denotes the beneficial owner of one or more shares of our common stock who is:
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
| · | an individual citizen or resident of the United States; |
| · | a corporation, or entity taxable as a corporation, that is created or organized under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof or the District of Columbia; |
| · | an estate whose income is taxable in the United States irrespective of source; or |
| · | a trust if: (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust; and (b) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. |
This discussion does not address the tax consequences peculiar to, and the term U.S. Holder does not include, persons subject to special provisions of United States federal income tax law, such as tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred accounts, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, dealers in securities, persons or entities that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, shareholders who hold our common stock as part of a straddle, hedging or a conversion transaction, constructive sale or other arrangement involving more than one position, partners and other pass-through entities and persons holding an interest in such entities, and shareholders who acquired our common stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services. This discussion is limited to U.S. Holders who own shares of our common stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. This discussion does not address the consequences peculiar to persons or entities holding an interest in a shareholder or the consequences peculiar to a person of the ownership, exercise or disposition of any options, warrants or other rights to acquire shares of our common stock. If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds shares of our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership, or a partner in a partnership, holding shares of our common stock, we urge you to consult with, and rely upon, your own tax advisor in analyzing the potential United States federal, state, local and non-United States tax consequences associated with purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of our common stock.
Dividends
Though we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, should U.S. Holders of shares of our common stock receive dividend distributions:
| · | to the extent such distributions are paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, subject to any applicable foreign tax credit, and without a reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distributions, such holders would generally be required to include, in their gross income for United States federal income tax purposes, an amount equal to the United States Dollar value of such distributions on the date of receipt (based on the exchange rate on such date). |
| · | to the extent such dividend distributions exceed our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, the amount of any distribution so received will: (i) first be applied to reduce a U.S. Holder's adjusted basis in our common stock, and, as a return of basis, will not be subject to United States federal income tax; and (ii) thereafter, any residual amount of such distribution will be treated as a gain from the sale or exchange of our common stock, which amount is taxable as a capital gain. |
| · | Any taxable dividends received on shares of our common stock by a U.S. Holder who is an individual, a trust or an estate (an "Individual Holder") will be treated as qualified dividend income, which is subject to tax at preferential rates through December 31, 2010, provided that: |
| · | we are a qualified foreign corporation—one eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States, which the United States Treasury Department has determined to be satisfactory for this purpose and which includes an exchange of information program—for which purposes the Canada-US Income Tax Convention (1980) qualifies; |
| · | we are not a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which we do not believe we are, have been or anticipate that we will be); |
| · | the Individual Holder has held the common stock for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days prior to the date on which the common stock become ex-dividend; and |
| · | the Individual Holder is not obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. |
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
Special rules may apply to any extraordinary dividend—a dividend equal to or in excess of 10 percent of a shareholder's adjusted basis, or, under certain circumstances, the fair market value, of a share of common stock—requiring that such a distribution be treated as qualified dividend income. Any loss from the sale or exchange of shares of our common stock with respect to which an Individual Holder has received an extraordinary dividend treated as qualified dividend income will be deemed a long-term capital loss to the extent of such dividend. Taxable extraordinary dividends not treated as qualified dividend income will be taxed as ordinary income, rather than as capital gains.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder who pays, or has withheld from distributions, Canadian income tax with respect to the ownership of shares of our common stock may be entitled, at his election, to either a deduction or a tax credit for such foreign tax paid or withheld. Furthermore, a U.S. Holder that is a domestic corporation owning 10 percent or more of our voting stock may be eligible to claim a deemed paid foreign tax credit based on any underlying non-United States income taxes paid by us. The election to credit or deduct foreign taxes is made on a yearly basis and applies to all foreign income taxes paid by, or withheld from, the U.S. Holder during the year.
There are significant and complex limitations applicable to the foreign tax credit and as such we urge you to consult with, and rely upon, your own tax advisor regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit, the deemed paid foreign tax credit available to certain corporations and the application of limitations on the credit in light of your particular circumstances.
Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Common Stock
Generally, a U.S. Holder will recognize a taxable gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder's tax basis in such shares. Subject to certain qualifications and limitations, such gain or loss will be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the common stock for more than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains may apply to certain U.S. Holders who satisfy this minimum holding period. There are presently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains recognized by a corporation.
Special Rules
Special United States federal income tax rules apply to shareholders of passive foreign investment companies and controlled foreign corporations. The preceding discussions do not address the United States federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder in the event that we were treated as a passive foreign investment company or controlled foreign corporation. While our management does not believe that we are, or that we are likely to become, a passive foreign investment company or a controlled foreign corporation, the circumstances which would result in our becoming such are not entirely within our control and as such there always exists the possibility, however remote, that we may become a passive foreign investment company or controlled foreign corporation in the future.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
The status of being a passive foreign investment corporation (a PFIC) depends upon the composition of a company's income and assets and the market value of its assets and shares from time to time. There is no assurance that we will be considered, or not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held shares, certain adverse tax consequences could apply to the U.S. Holder.
If we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, gains recognized by such U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition of shares would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder's holding period for the shares. The amount allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other exchange and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as applicable, and an interest charge would be imposed on the amount allocated to such taxable year. Further, any distribution in respect of shares in excess of 125 percent of the average of the annual distributions on shares received by the U.S. Holder during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder's holding period, whichever is shorter, would be subject to taxation as described above. Certain elections may be available to U.S. Holders that may mitigate some of the adverse consequences resulting from PFIC status. However, regardless of whether such elections are made, dividends paid by a PFIC will not be "qualified dividend income" and will generally be taxed at the higher rates applicable to other items of ordinary income.
U.S. Holders and prospective holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential application of the PFIC rules to their ownership of our common stock.
Controlled Foreign Corporation
A controlled foreign corporation is a foreign corporation of which more than 50 percent of the stock, by vote or value, is owned, directly, indirectly or constructively, by U.S. Holders each of whom, directly, indirectly or constructively, owns 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the foreign corporation (each a "CFC Shareholder"). If we are a controlled foreign corporation, a CFC Shareholder would be treated as receiving current distributions of an allocable share of certain types of our income at the end of each year. Additionally, such a CFC Shareholder would recognize ordinary income to the extent of an allocable share of our earnings and profits, rather than capital gain, on the sale of his common stock. Our management does not believe that we are a controlled foreign corporation, because U.S. Holders who directly, indirectly or constructively own 10 percent or more of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock do not own more than 50 percent of shares of our common stock.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
United States Federal Income Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this discussion, a beneficial owner of our common stock that is not a U.S. Holder (other than a partnership or entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) is a "Non-U.S. Holder". If you are a partnership, or a partner in a partnership, holding shares of our common stock, we urge you to consult with, and rely upon, your own tax advisor in analyzing the potential United States federal, state, local and non-United States tax consequences associated with purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of our common stock.
Distributions on our Common Stock
Any distributions we pay to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax if the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a United States trade or business. If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a United States trade or business, any distributions we pay will be subject to United States federal income tax at regular graduated rates if: (a) those distributions are treated as dividends or capital gains (as previously described with respect to U.S. Holders); (b) are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's United States trade or business; and (c) if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States. In addition, a branch profits tax may be imposed at a 30 percent rate, or at such lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty, on the effectively connected earnings of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation.
Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Common Stock
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on any gain recognized on the disposition of shares of our common stock unless the gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and, if an income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States. If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a United States trade or business and a gain recognized on the disposition of shares of our common stock is effectively connected with that trade or business, and, if a tax treaty applies, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by such Non-U.S. Holder in the United States, such gain will be subject to United States federal income tax at regular graduated rates and, if the Non-U.S. Holder is a corporation, a branch profits tax may be imposed at a 30 percent rate, or at such lower rate established under an applicable income tax treaty. A Non-U.S. Holder who is: (i) an individual; (ii) present in the United States for 183 days or more in a taxable year; and (iii) who meets certain other requirements will also be subject to United States federal income tax on capital gains recognized during such year, including such gains realized from a disposition of our stock.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax
Generally, dividend payments or other taxable distributions made within the United States will be subject to information reporting requirements and a United States backup withholding tax if a U.S Holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number certified under penalties of perjury, as well as certain other information, or otherwise establish an exemption from backup withholding.
Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8ECI or W-8IMY as applicable.
If a Non-U.S. Holder sells shares to or through the United States office of a United States or foreign broker, the payment of proceeds generally will be subject to information reporting requirements and a backup withholding tax unless the Non-U.S. Holder properly certifies its non-United States status under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption and the payer or broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a United States person. Information reporting requirements and backup withholding taxes generally will not apply to the payment of proceeds of the sale of common shares effected outside the United States by a foreign office of a broker. Information reporting requirements (but not backup tax withholding requirements) will apply, however, to the payment of the sale proceeds if the broker is a United States person or has certain other contacts with the United States.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a holder generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules that exceed such holder's United States federal income tax liability by timely filing a properly completed claim for refund with the IRS.
Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following summary is a general discussion of material Canadian federal income tax consequences that may apply to holders and prospective holders of shares of our common stock that are non-residents of Canada (Non-Canadian Holders). This discussion is based on the Income Tax Act (Canada), the regulations promulgated thereunder, all amendments thereto publicly proposed by or on behalf of the Minster of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof, the published administrative practices of the Canada Revenue Agency and on the current provisions Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the Canada-US Treaty), any or all of which may materially and adversely change at any time, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this discussion does not consider the potential effects, adverse or beneficial, of any proposed changes in the governing tax law, whether by judicial, executive or legislative action, which, if effected, may be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis. No opinion was requested by us, or has been provided by our counsel or independent registered public accounting firm, with respect to the Canadian income tax consequences described in the following discussion. Accordingly, we urge holders and prospective holders of shares of our common stock to consult with, and rely upon, their own tax advisors in analyzing the potential Canadian federal, provincial, local and non-Canadian tax consequences associated with purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of our common stock.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
As used in this section the term "Non-Canadian Holder" denoted the beneficial owner of one or more shares of our common stock who is:
| · | a non-resident of Canada; |
| · | holds our common shares as capital property; |
| · | deals with us at arm's length; and |
| · | does not use or hold our common shares in or in the course of carrying on business in Canada. |
Dividends
Though we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, should a Non-Canadian Holder of shares of our common stock receive dividend distributions, such holder will be subject to a Canadian withholding tax equal to 25 percent, subject to such lower rate as may be available under an applicable tax treaty, of the gross amount of any distributions paid or deemed to be paid.
In accordance with the Canada-US Treaty the rate of withholding tax applicable to distributions paid to a Non-Canadian Holder who is a resident of the United States is:
| · | to the extent such holder beneficially owns at least 10 percent of our voting stock, 5 percent of the gross amount of such distribution paid; or |
| · | to the extent such holder beneficially owns less than 10 percent of our voting stock, 15 percent of the gross amount of such distribution paid. |
We are required to withhold the applicable amount from each distribution paid and remit the withheld amount directly to the Receiver General for Canada for the account of the Non-Canadian Holder.
In accordance with the Canada-US Treaty, certain tax-exempt entities residing in the United States may be exempt from Canadian withholding taxes, including any withholding taxes levied in respect of dividends received on our common shares.
Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Common Shares
A Non-Canadian Holder who disposes of shares of our common stock, including by deemed disposition upon death, will not be subject to Canadian federal income tax on any capital gain (or capital loss) thereby realized unless the common shares constitute "taxable Canadian property" as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada) and no relief is afforded under any applicable tax treaty. Generally, our common shares will not constitute taxable Canadian property of a Non-Canadian Holder unless: (i) the common shares are held as capital property used in carrying on a business (other than an insurance business) in Canada; or (ii) the Non-Canadian Holder or persons with whom the Non-Canadian Holder did not deal at arm's-length alone or together held or held options to acquire, at any time within the five years preceding the disposition, 25 percent or more of the shares of any class of our capital stock.
A Non-Canadian Holder who is resident of the United States and realizes a capital gain on disposition of common shares that are taxable Canadian property will nevertheless, by virtue of the Canada-US Treaty, generally be exempt from Canadian tax thereon unless: (i) more than 50 percent of the value of the common shares are derived from, or forms an interest in, Canadian real estate, including Canadian mineral resource properties, (ii) the common shares formed part of the business property of a permanent establishment that the Non-Canadian Holder has or had in Canada within the twelve months preceding disposition, or (iii) the Non-Canadian: (A) was a resident of Canada at any time within the ten years immediately preceding the disposition and for a total of 120 months during the twenty years, preceding the disposition, and (B) owned the common share when he ceased to be a resident of Canada.
A Non-Canadian Holder who is subject to Canadian tax in respect of a capital gain on disposition of common shares must include one-half of the capital gain in computing his taxable income earned in Canada. The Non-Canadian Holder may, subject to certain limitations, deduct one half of any capital loss arising on disposition of taxable Canadian property from taxable capital gains realized in the year of disposition in respect of taxable Canadian property and, to the extent not so deductible, from such taxable capital gains of any of the three preceding years or any subsequent year.
A Non-Canadian Holder whose common shares constitute taxable Canadian property and who is a resident of the United States and entitled to benefits under the Canada-US Treaty generally would be exempt from Canadian tax on any capital gain realized on a disposition of those shares in any event, provided such shares do not derive their value principally from Canadian real property (including Canadian resource properties). Our management is of the view that our common shares do not derive their value principally from Canadian real property. A Non Canadian Holder claiming exemption under the Treaty will, however, have Canadian tax filing obligations with respect to a disposition of common shares.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
All documents referred to in this annual report may be inspected at our offices during regular business hours located at 120 Columbia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 3Z8 (Canada), telephone (604) 837-2697.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Transaction risk
Alterrus’ operations do not employ financial instruments or derivatives which are market sensitive and the Company does not have financial market risks.
Exchange rate risk
Alterrus’ administrative operations are in Canada. The Company typically holds most of its funds in Canadian and USD dollars and typically acquires foreign currency on an as-needed basis and hence it is not significantly affected by exchange rate risk. The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk on intercompany transactions with its UK subsidiary. However, such transactions have been minor and the foreign exchange risk has been immaterial. The Company currently does not engage in foreign currency hedging.
Interest rate risk
Alterrus holds debt which may be subject to interest rate change risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The risk that the Company will realize a loss is limited because at present the Company holds all of its surplus cash in an interest bearing account and has no other interest bearing financial assets. Interest bearing financial liabilities includes promissory notes payable and convertible notes. These are current financial liabilities and subject to limited interest rate risk due to their short-term nature and their fixed rate interest rates.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Effective July 16, 2009, we effected a one-for-eighteen (1:18) reverse stock split which affected all of our shareholders equally but did not modify the rights of our shareholders.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”), as of March 31, 2012, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our CFO (our principal financial officer) and our acting CEO (our principal executive officer), who concluded, that because of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) described below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2012.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is also responsible for establishing ICFR as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the 1934 Act. Our ICFR are intended to be designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our ICFR are expected to include those policies and procedures that management believes are necessary that:
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES - continued
(i) | pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; |
(ii) | provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our directors; and |
(iii) | provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, and accordingly, even effective internal control can provide only reasonable assurance with respect of financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, effective internal control at a point in time may become ineffective in future periods because of changes in conditions or due to deterioration in the degree of compliance with our established policies and procedures.
Evaluation of Internal Controls and Procedures Over Financial Reporting
As of March 31, 2012, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) based on the criteria for effective ICFR established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and SEC guidance on conducting such assessments by smaller reporting companies and non-accelerated filers.
Based on that assessment, management concluded that, during the period covered by this report, such internal controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2012 and that material weaknesses in ICFR existed as more fully described below.
As defined by Auditing Standard No. 5, “An Audit of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting that is Integrated with an Audit of Financial Statements and Related Independence Rule and Conforming Amendments,” established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB"), a material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In connection with the assessment described above, management identified the following control deficiencies that represent material weaknesses as of March 31, 2012:
| (1) | Lack of an independent audit committee, audit committee financial expert, and no independent directors. Although our audit committee functions with one officer/director and two directors who are not corporate officers, the non-officers directors are paid consultants to the Company and as such may not be deemed truly independent. These factors may be counter to corporate governance practices as defined by the various stock exchanges and may lead to less effective or conflicted supervision over management; |
| (2) | Inadequate staffing and supervision within our bookkeeping operations combined with complex accounting transactions. We have two employees or consultants involved in bookkeeping functions in two separate operating business units where transactional volumes require such services, and we utilize independent consultants on a part-time basis to supplement our accounting staff. The relatively small number of people who are responsible for bookkeeping functions makes more difficult segregation of duties within our internal control system. The inadequate segregation of duties is a weakness because it could lead to the untimely identification and resolution of accounting and disclosure matters or could lead to a failure to perform timely and effective reviews which may result in a failure to detect errors in spreadsheets, calculations, or assumptions used to compile the financial statements and related disclosures as filed with the SEC. In addition complex transactions encountered in the year relating to convertible debentures, and revaluation issues in conjunction with re-structuring initiatives made the accounting function more complex requiring the services of third party outside accounting consultants; |
| (3) | Insufficient installation of information technology to assist in our accounting functions. Because of a lack of working capital and personnel, we have been unable to upgrade our information technology software and hardware to assist in providing effective controls; |
| (4) | Ineffective controls over period end financial disclosure and reporting processes; |
| (5) | Infrequent ongoing monitoring and a lack of separate evaluations when an effective monitoring and evaluative system is deemed necessary for corporate integrity; |
As of March 31, 2012, management assessed the effectiveness of our ICFR and based on that evaluation, they concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, the internal controls and procedures were not effective due to deficiencies that existed in the design or operation of our ICFR and contributed to the correction of an error which required restatement. See Note 22(c ) of the consolidated financial statements.. During the course of their evaluation, management did not discover any fraud involving management or any other personnel who play a significant role in our disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES - continued
Due to a lack of financial and personnel resources, we are not able to, and do not intend to, immediately take any action to remediate these material weaknesses. We will not be able to do so until, if ever, we acquire sufficient financing and staff to do so. We will implement further controls as circumstances, cash flow, and working capital permit. Notwithstanding the assessment that our ICFR was not effective and that there were material weaknesses as identified in this report, we believe that our amended consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, fairly presents our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the years covered thereby in all material respects.
The Company relies on the involvement of its Chief Financial Officer who is deemed a financial expert as well as consultants for period end financial disclosure and the reporting process. This risk is mitigated by the active involvement of the audit committee and the board of directors in reviewing the financial statements. However, the lack of full time personnel who have technical experience and knowledge is an internal control weakness and may result in the failure to timely report financial results.
It is unlikely that the above noted internal control weakness can be properly addressed until the Company grows to a significant size to warrant the expense, such as the hiring of additional personnel, associated with implementing additional segregation of duties. We are committed to improving our financial organization and internal controls. As part of this commitment, we intend to hire an additional person on a full time basis, when sufficient funds are available to us, with technical experience and knowledge in accounting to better segregate duties consistent with control objectives and will increase our personnel resources and technical accounting expertise within the accounting function.
Management believes that the material weaknesses set forth above were the result of the scale of our operations and are intrinsic to our small size.
We are committed to improving our financial organization. As part of this commitment, pending the availability of sufficient funds we will, (1) appoint one or more outside directors to our board of directors who shall be appointed to the audit committee of the Company resulting in a fully functioning audit committee who will undertake the oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures; (2) create a position to segregate duties consistent with control objectives and will increase our personnel resources; and (3) hire independent third parties to perform expert advice. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures and our internal controls over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and are committed to taking further action and implementing additional enhancements or improvements, as necessary and as funds allow.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the year ended March 31, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations which include but is not limited to the use of independent professionals for advice and guidance, interpretation of existing and/or changing rules and principles, segregation of management duties, scale of organization, and personnel factors. Internal control over financial reporting is a process which involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis, however these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process and it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
We presently have one audit committee member who is a “financial expert” which is Mr. Fane (as defined in accordance with Item 16A(b) of Form 20-F) however, Mr. Fane is not independent as that term is defined in Section 803A of the NYSE AMEX Company Guide and SEC Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act of 1934.
Each audit committee member is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
As of the date of the filing of this annual report on Form 20-F we have not adopted a code of ethics (as defined in accordance with Item 16B(a) of Form 20-F), however, we intend to, as soon as practicable, form a committee to advise on the content and adoption of a code of ethics.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Our independent auditors for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants of Vancouver, B.C.
AUDIT FEES
The aggregate audit fees billed for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012 for professional services rendered by BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants, for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements was $70,000. The aggregate audit fees billed for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 for audit of annual financial consolidated statements, assistance with SEC reviews, and quarterly financial reporting services rendered by BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants, for the audit of our annual financial statements was $235,320.
AUDIT RELATED FEES
BDO Canada LLP fees for the audit and review of financial statements not included in “Audit Fees” for the 2012 and 2011 was $ nil.
TAX FEES
The aggregate fees billed in the fiscal years ended 2012 and 2011 for professional tax compliance advice and planning was $nil (2011 - $11,000).
ALL OTHER FEES
BDO Canada LLP fees for other services performed for the 2012 and 2011 fiscal years not included in “Audit Fees” or “Audit Related Fees” were $nil, respectively.
AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Our audit committee charter requires us to request the prior approval of our audit committee on every occasion for which we engage our principal accountants or their associated entities to render any audit or non-audit services.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Not applicable
ITEM 16H. MINING SAFETY
Not applicable
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not applicable. See Item 18 Financial Statements
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Amended Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
Independent Auditor’s Report
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.) which comprises the consolidated statements of financial position as at March 31, 2012 and 2011 and April 1, 2010, and the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and related notes which includes a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained from our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.) as at March 31, 2012 and 2011 and April 1, 2010, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Emphasis of Matter
Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 2c in the financial statements, which indicates that the Company incurred accumulated losses of $54 million since inception and is expected to incur further losses in the development of its business. These conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 2c, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that casts substantial doubt upon the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Without modifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 22(c ) to the consolidated financial statements, which explains that the consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2012 have been amended for a correction of an error from those on which we originally reported on July 30, 2012.
/s/ BDO CANADA LLP
Chartered Accountants | |
| |
Vancouver, Canada | |
August 14, 2012 | |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |
| | Page |
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position | F-4 |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss | F-5 |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity | F-6 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | F-7 |
| | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | |
| | |
1 | Corporate Information | F-8 |
2 | Basis of Preparation | F-8 |
3 | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | F-9 |
4 | Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments | F-18 |
5 | Cash and Cash Equivalents | F-19 |
6 | Property and Equipment | F-20 |
7 | Product License and Technology Purchase | F-21 |
8 | Promissory Notes Payable | F-21 |
9 | Convertible Notes | F-22 |
10 | Share Capital and Reserves | F-27 |
11 | Product Development Costs | F-35 |
12 | General and Administrative Costs | F-35 |
13 | Interest and Financing Costs | F-36 |
14 | Non-Operating Expenses | F-36 |
15 | Related Party Transactions | F-36 |
16 | Commitments | F-37 |
17 | Financial Instruments | F-38 |
18 | Income Tax | F-40 |
19 | Supplemental Cash Flow Information | F-41 |
20 | Segmented Information | F-41 |
21 | Basic And Diluted Loss per Share | F-42 |
22 | First Time Adoption of IFRS | F-42 |
23 | Subsequent Events | F-50 |
Valcent Products Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(A Development Stage Company) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position | | | | | | | | | | |
(Expressed in US Dollars) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | As at March 31, | | | April 1, | |
| | Note | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | | | 2010 | |
ASSETS | | | | | Restated see (Note 22) | | | Restated see (Note 22) | | | (Note 22) | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 5 | | | $ | 443,342 | | | $ | 31,936 | | | $ | 21,967 | |
Receivables | | 10(b)(vi) | | | | 355,348 | | | | 300,233 | | | | 125,532 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | | | | 7,993 | | | | 98,288 | | | | 104,823 | |
Inventories | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 11,578 | |
Total current assets | | | | | | 806,683 | | | | 430,457 | | | | 263,900 | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets held for resale | | 6 | | | | 433,254 | | | | 433,254 | | | | - | |
Property and equipment | | 6 | | | | 101,074 | | | | 137,324 | | | | 997,596 | |
Product license | | 7 | | | | - | | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Total non-current assets | | | | | | 534,328 | | | | 570,579 | | | | 997,597 | |
Total assets | | | | | $ | 1,341,011 | | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | $ | 1,261,497 | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | | | $ | 1,765,023 | | | $ | 1,601,161 | | | $ | 872,376 | |
Promissory notes payable | | 8 | | | | 1,889,377 | | | | 558,212 | | | | 1,033,837 | |
Due to related parties | | 15 | | | | 941,661 | | | | 255,378 | | | | 253,429 | |
Convertible notes | | 9 | | | | 56,568 | | | | 51,698 | | | | 1,371,305 | |
Derivative liability | | 22 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,541,774 | |
Total current liabilities | | | | | | 4,652,629 | | | | 2,466,449 | | | | 6,072,721 | |
Shareholders' deficiency | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital | | 10 | | | | 45,462,858 | | | | 43,855,235 | | | | 39,011,557 | |
Contributed surplus | | 10 | | | | 5,453,547 | | | | 5,897,566 | | | | 4,159,012 | |
Commitment to issue shares | | 10 | | | | 43,000 | | | | 1,158,302 | | | | 126,000 | |
Equity component of convertible notes | | 9 | | | | 2,218 | | | | 5,496 | | | | - | |
Accumulated deficit from prior operations | | | | | | (2,265,325 | ) | | | (2,265,325 | ) | | | (2,265,325 | ) |
Accumulated deficit during the development stage | | | | | | (52,007,916 | ) | | | (50,116,687 | ) | | | (45,842,468 | ) |
Total shareholders' deficiency | | | | | | (3,311,618 | ) | | | (1,465,413 | ) | | | (4,811,224 | ) |
Total equity and liabilities | | | | | $ | 1,341,011 | | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | $ | 1,261,497 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Approved by the Board: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
/s/ Stephen K. Fane | | Director | | | | /s/ Christopher Ng | | Director | |
Valcent Products Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(A Development Stage Company) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Expressed in US Dollars) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Year Ended March 31, | |
| | Note | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | | | | | | | Restated see (Note 22) |
EXPENSES | | | | | | | | | |
Product development | | | 11 | | | $ | 949,280 | | | $ | 1,520,297 | |
General and administrative | | | 12 | | | | 809,380 | | | | 3,940,796 | |
Loss from operations | | | | | | | (1,758,660 | ) | | | (5,461,093 | ) |
Interest and financing costs | | | 13 | | | | (159,134 | ) | | | (514,551 | ) |
Non-operating gains (losses) | | | 14 | | | | 26,565 | | | | 1,701,425 | |
Loss and comprehensive loss | | | | | | $ | (1,891,229 | ) | | $ | (4,274,219 | ) |
Basic and diluted loss per share | | | | | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | $ | (0.07 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | | | 21 | | | | 91,859,221 | | | | 58,047,835 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | | | | | |
Valcent Products Inc. |
(A Development Stage Company) |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity |
(Expressed in US Dollars) | | | |
Restated see Note 22 and see Note 10b for more details.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Share capital | | | Contributed surplus | | | Commitment to issue shares | | | Equity component, convertible debt | | | Accumulated deficit from prior operations | | | Accumulated deficit during development stage | | | Total equity | |
Balance at April 1, 2010 | | $ | 39,011,557 | | | $ | 4,159,012 | | | $ | 126,000 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (2,265,325 | ) | | $ | (45,842,468 | ) | | $ | (4,811,224 | ) |
Loss for the year | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (4,274,219 | ) | | | (4,274,219 | ) |
Share capital issued | | | 4,853,678 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 4,853,678 | |
Return of shares to treasury | | | (10,000 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (10,000 | ) |
Warrant modification | | | | | | | 537,494 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 537,494 | |
Equity component of convertible debt | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,496 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 5,496 | |
Warrants issued | | | - | | | | 67,529 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 67,529 | |
For contributed services | | | - | | | | 126,000 | | | | (126,000 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Commitment to issue shares | | | | | | | | | | | 1,158,302 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,158,302 | |
Fair value of options | | | - | | | | 752,462 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 752,462 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | - | | | | 255,069 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 255,069 | |
Balance at March 31, 2011 | | $ | 43,855,235 | | | $ | 5,897,566 | | | $ | 1,158,302 | | | $ | 5,496 | | | $ | (2,265,325 | ) | | $ | (50,116,687 | ) | | $ | (1,465,413 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss for the year | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,891,229 | ) | | | (1,891,229 | ) |
Share capital issued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For private placements | | | 331,254 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 331,254 | |
Share issuance expenses | | | (30,709 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (30,709 | ) |
For services | | | 1,229,211 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,229,211 | |
Transfer from contributed surplus upon exercise of warrants | | | 77,867 | | | | (77,867 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Share issue commitment | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,155,302 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,155,302 | ) |
Fair value of shares issued on exercise of warrants | | | - | | | | (40,000 | ) | | | 40,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Equity component of convertible debt | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (3,278 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (3,278 | ) |
Stock-based compensation (Note 12) | | | - | | | | (326,152 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (326,152 | ) |
Balance, March 31, 2012 | | $ | 45,462,858 | | | $ | 5,453,547 | | | $ | 43,000 | | | $ | 2,218 | | | $ | (2,265,325 | ) | | $ | (52,007,916 | ) | | $ | (3,311,618 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Expressed in US Dollars)
| | | Year Ended | |
| | | March 31, | |
| Note | | 2012 | | | Restated see (Note 22) | |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | |
Loss for the year | | | $ | (1,891,229 | ) | | $ | (4,274,219 | ) |
Items not involving cash: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest and accretion | | | | 159,134 | | | | 454,462 | |
Warrant modification in investor relations and finder’s fees | | | | - | | | | 67,529 | |
Share based payment expense | | | | (260,086 | ) | | | 2,500,675 | |
Shares issued for interest, accretion and fees | | | | - | | | | 60,000 | |
Loss (gain) on settlement of debts | | | | - | | | | (2,096,124 | ) |
Write-down of property and equipment | | | | - | | | | 250,748 | |
Gain on disposal of vehicles, net, Note 6 | | | | (27,556 | ) | | | - | |
Write-off (recovery of receivable) | | | | 20,146 | | | | (2,997 | ) |
Write-down of product license | | | | 1 | | | | - | |
Amortization | | | | 25,183 | | | | 176,415 | |
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | | | | 338 | | | | 6,385 | |
Changes in non-cash working capital items | (Note19(a)) | | | 865,179 | | | | 1,019,862 | |
Cash used in operating activities | | | | (1,108,890 | ) | | | (1,837,264 | ) |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment | | | | (683 | ) | | | - | |
Proceeds from disposal of assets | | | | 39,306 | | | | - | |
Cash provided from investing activities | | | | 38,623 | | | | - | |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | | |
Advances from related parties | | | | - | | | | 1,477,653 | |
Proceeds from promissory notes | | | | 1,201,285 | | | | 26,000 | |
Repayment of promissory notes | | | | (25,000 | ) | | | (169,488 | ) |
Repayment of interest | | | | - | | | | (175,606 | ) |
Proceeds from issuance of common shares | | | | 62,238 | | | | 1,537,869 | |
Share issue expense | | | | (4,868 | ) | | | (77,297 | ) |
Repayments of long-term debt and convertible notes | | | | - | | | | (792,898 | ) |
Proceeds from share subscriptions | | | | 248,018 | | | | 21,000 | |
Cash generated by financing activities | | | | 1,481,673 | | | | 1,847,233 | |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during year | | | | 411,406 | | | | 9,969 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | | 31,936 | | | | 21,967 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | | $ | 443,342 | | | $ | 31,936 | |
Supplemental cash flow information (Note 19)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
1. CORPORATE INFORMATION
Alterrus Systems Inc, (formerly Valcent Products Inc.) (the “Company”) was incorporated under the Alberta Business Corporations Act on January 19, 1996. The Company’s current business activity is to focus on the continued development, marketing and operating of the Company’s High Density Vertical Growth System (“VertiCrop”) designed to produce higher yield of leafy green vegetables in any climate using a fraction of the resources needed for field agriculture. On June 16, 2012, the Company changed its name to Alterrus Systems Inc. The Company is listed on the OTCQB, having the symbol ASIUF. On July 26, 2012 the Company was successful in obtaining a Canadian National Stock Exchange (CNSX) listing, having the symbol of ASI.The address of the Company’s corporate office and principal place of business is 120 Columbia Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6A 3Z8.
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION
(a) Statement of Compliance
These consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). This is the first time that the Company has prepared its financial statements in accordance with IFRS, having previously prepared its annual financial statements in accordance with pre-changeover Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (pre-changeover Canadian GAAP)
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. Subject to certain transition elections and exemptions disclosed in Note 22, the Company consistently applied the accounting policies used in the preparation of its opening IFRS statement of financial position at April 1, 2010 throughout all periods presented, as if these policies had always been in effect. Note 22 discloses the impact of the transition to IFRS on the Company’s reported financial position, financial performance and cash flows, including the nature and effect of significant changes in accounting policies from those used in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2011 prepared under pre-changeover Canadian GAAP.
The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on August 14, 2012.
(b) Basis of Measurement
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of derivative liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars, which is also the Company’s functional currency.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with IFRS requires management to make certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment of complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in Note 4.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION (continued)
(c) Going Concern of Operations
The Company is currently seeking additional funding to finance its operations and obligations. Management is considering all possible financing alternatives, including equity financing, debt financing, joint-ventures, corporate collaboration and licensing arrangements. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its future financing attempts.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to meet its obligations and continue its operations for its next fiscal year. Realization values may be substantially different from carrying values as shown and these consolidated financial statements do not give effect to adjustments that would be necessary to the carrying values and classification of assets and liabilities should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. At March 31, 2012, the Company had not yet achieved profitable operations, had a deficit during the development stage of $52 million and working capital deficit of $3.8 million. The Company’s focus is furthering its development and commercialization of its VertiCrop system, therefore it will incur future losses. These factors cast substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is dependent upon its ability to raise the necessary funds and/or to obtain the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. As at March 31, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $443,342 and is actively pursuing the sale of certain assets for proceeds above their carrying value of $433,254. Subsequent to March 31, 2012, the Company was able to raise an additional $1,750,000 through an unsecured convertible debenture, facility agreement with a financial institution and an operating line of credit to support operations and the construction of commercial VertiCrop System in downtown Vancouver. See Note 23. Although the Company has successfully raised funds in the past and expects to be a going concern for the next twelve months, further financing will be required for operations. While there is no assurance these funds can be raised, the Company believes such financing will be available as required.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Principles of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the annual accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Valcent Products EU Limited (incorporated in the United Kingdom), and Valcent Manufacturing Ltd. (incorporated in the United Sates), and two months accounts of Local Garden Vancouver Inc., a newly incorporated entity in Canada. Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. All significant inter-company transactions, balances and unrealized gains and losses on intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The accounting policies and year ends of the Company’s subsidiaries are consistent with those applied by the Company.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(b) Foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency accounts are translated into United States dollars as follows:
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All differences are taken to the statement of comprehensive loss.
Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the initial transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined and the related translation differences are recognized in net income or other comprehensive loss consistent with where the gain or loss on the underlying non-monetary asset or liability has been recognized.
(c) Segment reporting
A business segment is a component of the Company’s assets and operations engaged in providing products or services that are subject to risks and returns that are different from those of other business segments. The directors have determined that the Company operates in one business segment being the research, product development, operations and resale of the VertiCorpTM System.
(d) Property, plant and equipment
Recognition and Measurement
On initial recognition, property, plant and equipment are valued at cost, being the purchase price and directly attributable cost of acquisition or construction required to bring the asset to the location and condition necessary to be capable of operating in the manner intended by the Company, including appropriate borrowing costs and the estimated present value of any future unavoidable costs of dismantling and removing items. Any corresponding liability is recognized within provisions.
| Property, plant and equipment are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation, less any accumulated impairment losses, with the exception of land which is not depreciated. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment. |
| The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Company and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(d) Property, plant and equipment (continued)
| Major Maintenance and Repairs |
| Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the profit or loss during the financial period in which they are incurred. |
| Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized within non-operating gains and (losses) in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. |
| The Company amortizes its leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Other assets are amortized using the straight-line method over 10 years for buildings, 5 years for equipment, 3 1/3 years for computer equipment and 5 years for furniture and fixtures and vehicles. |
During the year of acquisition, amortization is 50% of amounts otherwise determinable.
The assets’ depreciation methods, residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Non-current assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of:
| · | their carrying amount immediately prior to being classified as held for sale in accordance with the Company's accounting policy; and |
| · | fair value less costs to sell. |
Following their classification as held for sale, non-current assets are not depreciated. As the fair value of the assets less costs to sell exceeds their remaining carrying amount, no impairments had to be recorded in the reporting period.
(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. For cash flow statement presentation purposes, cash and cash equivalents includes bank overdrafts.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(f) Impairment of Non-Financial Assets
Impairment tests on intangible assets with indefinite useful economic lives are undertaken annually at the financial year end. Other non-financial assets are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell, the asset is written down accordingly.
Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the impairment test is carried out on the asset’s cash-generating unit, which is the lowest group of assets in which the asset belongs for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets. An impairment loss is charged to the profit or loss, except to the extent it reverses gains previously recognized in other comprehensive loss/income.
(g) Financial Instruments
Financial Assets
Financial assets within the scope of IAS 39 are classified as either financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, held to maturity investments, or available for sale financial assets, as appropriate. When financial assets are recognized initially, they are measured at fair value, plus, in the case of financial assets not at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs. The Company determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition and, where allowed and appropriate, re-evaluates this designation at each financial year end. The Company has no financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, held to maturity investments, or available for sale financial assets.
Loans and Receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market, do not qualify as trading assets, and have not been designated as either fair value through profit and loss or available for sale. After initial measurement loans and receivables are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method less any allowance for impairment. Amortized cost is calculated taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and includes fees that are an integral part of the effective interest rate and transaction costs. Gains and losses are recognized in the income statement when the loans and receivables are derecognized or impaired, as well as through the amortization process.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s-length transaction.
Fair values of financial instruments traded in active markets are determined based on quoted market prices, where available. Bid prices are used for assets held or liabilities to be issued; asking prices are used for assets to be acquired or liabilities held.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(g) Financial Instruments (continued)
For financial instruments not traded in an active market, fair values are determined based on appropriate valuation techniques. Such techniques may include discounted cash flow analysis, using recent arm’s-length market transactions, reference to the current fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same, and other valuation models. The Company applies a hierarchy to classify valuation methods used to measure financial instruments carried at fair value. Levels 1 to 3 are defined based on the degree to which fair value inputs are observable and have a significant effect on the recorded fair value, as follows:
| · | Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
| · | Level 2: Valuation techniques use significant observable inputs, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices), or valuations are based on quoted prices for similar instruments; and |
| · | Level 3: Valuation techniques use significant inputs that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). |
An analysis of fair values of financial instruments is provided in Note 17.
Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities are classified either as fair value through profit or loss or as other financial liabilities, based on the purpose for which the liability was incurred. Other financial liabilities comprise trade payables and accrued liabilities, promissory notes, debt portion of convertible note and amounts due to related parties. These liabilities are initially recognized at fair value net of any transaction costs directly attributable to the issuance of the instrument and subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, which ensures that any interest expense over the period to repayment is at a constant rate on the balance of the liability carrying in the statement of financial position. Interest expense in this context includes initial transaction costs and premiums payable on redemption, as well as any interest or coupon payable while the liability is outstanding.
Trade and other payables represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Company prior to the end of the period which are unpaid. Trade payable amounts are unsecured.
Compound Instruments
The Company may issue compound financial instruments such as convertible notes. Upon issuance, the Company determines whether the conversion feature represents an equity component or liability component. When the conversion feature represents an equity component, the proceeds received on issue of the convertible note are allocated into their liability and equity components. The amount initially attributed to the debt component equals the discounted cash flows using a market rate of interest that would be payable on a similar debt instrument that does not include an option to convert. Subsequently, the debt component is accounted for as a financial liability measured at amortized cost until extinguished on conversion or maturity of the note. The remainder of the proceeds is allocated to the conversion option and is recognized within shareholder’s equity, net of income tax effects.
If the conversion feature represents a liability, or if the convertible note includes any other embedded derivatives they will be separated from the host contract and accounted for as a derivative when the following three criteria are satisfied:
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
| · | When the economic risks and characteristics of the embedded derivative are not closely related to those of the host contract; |
| · | A separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a derivative; and |
| · | The entire instrument is not measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of comprehensive loss. |
The difference between the fair value of the total compound instrument and the fair value of the embedded derivative is assigned to the host contract. The embedded derivative is fair valued each reporting period using an appropriate fair value valuation model with changes in the fair value being recognized immediately in net loss and comprehensive loss.
(h) General Provisions
Provisions are recognized when (a), the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, and (b), it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the Company expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the income statement net of any reimbursement. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost.
Income tax expense comprises of current and deferred tax. Current tax and deferred tax are recognized in net income except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognized directly in equity or other comprehensive loss/income.
Current tax is the expected tax payable or recoverable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustments to the tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit nor loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.
Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(j) Share Capital
The Company’s common shares, preferred shares, certain share warrants and options are classified as equity instruments.
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company makes equity-settled stock-based payments to certain Company employees under the terms of its employee stock option scheme. In addition to those granted under the Company’s employee stock option scheme, the Company has granted stock options to some advisers. The fair value of options granted to employees is recognized as an employee expense and to advisers as professional fees, with a corresponding increase in equity by way of a credit to contributed surplus.
The fair value of stock-based payments to employees is measured at grant date and expensed on a straight-line basis over the expected vesting period. The fair value of the options granted is measured using a Black-Scholes valuation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted.
Where stock-based payments are granted to non-employees, they are recorded at the fair value of the goods or services received in the statement of comprehensive loss/income.
When the value of goods and services received in exchange for the stock-based payment cannot be reliably estimated, the fair value is measured by use of a valuation model. The expected life used in the model is adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.
All equity-settled stock-based payments are reflected in contributed surplus, until exercised. Upon exercise, shares are issued from treasury and the amount reflected in contributed surplus is credited to share capital along with any consideration paid.
Where a grant of options is cancelled or settled during the vesting period, excluding forfeitures when vesting conditions are not satisfied, the Company immediately accounts for the cancellation as an acceleration of vesting and recognizes the amount that otherwise would have been recognized for services received over the remainder of the vesting period. Any payment made to the employee on the cancellation is accounted for as the repurchase of an equity interest except to the extent that the payment exceeds the fair value of the equity instrument granted, measured at the repurchase date. Any such excess is recognized as an expense.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(k) Earnings / loss per share
Basic earnings / loss per share is computed by dividing the net income or loss applicable to common shares of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the relevant period.
Diluted earnings / loss per common share is computed by dividing the net income or loss applicable to common shares of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive instruments were exercised or converted. (Note 21)
(l) Product license and intangible assets
Product license costs include costs to acquire ownership rights and intellectual property relating to the VertiCrop vertical plant growing technology. Product development costs are expensed before the technology is identified as having economic potential.
Product development costs are capitalized when it is identified as having economic potential. The product license is considered to have economic potential when it is expected that resources can be legally and economically developed. Prior to capitalizing such costs, management determines that the following conditions have been met:
| i) | There is a probable future benefit that will contribute to future cash inflows; |
| ii) | The Company can obtain the benefit and control access to it; |
| iii) | The transaction or event giving rise to the benefit has already occurred. |
(m) Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an assessment of whether the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset. When substantially all risks and rewards of ownership are transferred from the lessor to the lessee, lease transactions are accounted for as finance leases. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases.
Leases of assets classified as finance leases are presented in the consolidated statements of financial position according to their nature. The interest element of the lease payment is recognized over the term of the lease based on the effective interest rate method and is included in financing expense. Payments made under operating leases are recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
(n) Inventory
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Costs include consumable parts and supplies, operating materials and transportation costs. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price for inventories less all estimated costs of completion and costs necessary to make the sale.
Inventories are written down to net realizable value when the cost of inventories is determined not to be recoverable. When the circumstances that previously caused inventories to be written down no longer exist or when there is clear evidence of an increase in net realizable value because of changed economic circumstances, the amount of the write-down is reversed.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(o) Standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective
Unless otherwise noted, the following revised standards and amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 with earlier application permitted unless otherwise noted. The Company has not yet assessed the impact of these standards and amendments or determined whether it will early adopt them.
| (i) | IFRS 9 is part of the IASB's wider project to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes two primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortized cost and fair value. The basis of classification depends on the entity's business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the new standard. |
| (ii) | IFRS 10 requires an entity to consolidate an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Under existing IFRS, consolidation is required when an entity has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. IFRS 10 replaces SIC-12 Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities and parts of IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements. The Company is yet to assess the full impact of IFRS 10 and intends to adopt the standard no later than the accounting period beginning April 1, 2013. |
| (iii) | IFRS 11 requires a venturer to classify its interest in a joint arrangement as a joint venture or joint operation. Joint ventures will be accounted for using the equity method of accounting whereas for a joint operation the venturer will recognize its share of the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of the joint operation. Under existing IFRS, entities have the choice to proportionately consolidate or equity account for interests in joint ventures. IFRS 11 supersedes IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures and SIC-13 Jointly Controlled Entities - Non-monetary Contributions by Venturers. The Company is yet to assess the full impact of IFRS 11 and intends to adopt the standard no later than the accounting period beginning April 1, 2013. |
| (iv) | IFRS 12 establishes disclosure requirements for interests in other entities, such as subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates, unconsolidated structured entities. The standard carries forward existing disclosures and also introduces significant additional disclosure requirements that address the nature of, and risks associated with, an entity’s interests in other entities. The Company is yet to assess the full impact of IFRS 12 and intends to adopt the standard no later than the accounting period beginning April 1, 2013. |
| (v) | IFRS 13 is a comprehensive standard for fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for use across all IFRS standards. The new standard clarifies that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants, at the measurement date. It also establishes disclosures about fair value measurement. Under existing IFRS, guidance on measuring and disclosing fair value is dispersed among the specific standards requiring fair value measurements and in many cases does not reflect a clear measurement basis or consistent disclosures. The Company is yet to assess the full impact of IFRS 13 and intends to adopt the standard no later than the accounting period beginning April 1, 2013. |
There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
The Company makes estimates and assumptions about the future that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
The effect of a change in an accounting estimate is recognized prospectively by including it in comprehensive income in the period of the change, if the change affects that period only; or in the period of change and future periods, if the change affects both.
Information about critical judgments in applying accounting policies that have the most significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities recognized in the financial statements within the next financial year are discussed below
(a) Valuation of Derivative Instruments
IFRS requires that embedded derivative instruments be bifurcated and assessed, along with free-standing derivative instruments such as warrants and certain non-employee stock-options to determine whether they should be considered a derivative liability and subject to re-measurement at each reporting period at their fair value.
In determining whether a contract represents a derivative or contains an embedded derivative, the most significant area where judgment has been applied pertains to the determination as to whether the contract can be settled net, one of the criteria in determining whether a contract for a non-financial asset is considered a derivative and accounted for as such. Judgment is also applied in determining whether an embedded derivative is closely related to the host contract, in which case bifurcation and separate accounting are not necessary.
The Company has measured and classified instruments with conversion features or down-round provision as either compound instruments or host instruments with embedded derivatives. Conversion features that are deemed to be derivative liabilities and embedded derivates that require separation from the host instrument are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Fair value represents point-in-time estimates that may change in subsequent reporting periods due to market conditions or other factors. Estimated fair values are designed to approximate amounts at which the financial instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. Multiple methods exist by which fair value can be determined, which can cause values (or a range of reasonable values) to differ. There is no universal model that can be broadly applied to all items being valued. Further, assumptions underlying the valuations may require estimation of share price volatility, discount rates, interest free rates, defaults and other relevant variables. Fair value of our host debt is based on the comparable market debt without the conversion feature. The fair value of a derivative liability which is not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques, which requires estimation. Standards require the use of a three-level hierarchy for disclosing fair values for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Judgment and estimation are required to determine in which category of the hierarchy items should be included. When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within more than one level of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on our assessment of the lowest level input that is the most significant to the fair value measurement. The Company utilized levels 2 and 3 with regards to the fair value inputs.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS (continued)
(b) Assets held for sale
During the year ended March 31, 2011, certain assets were classified as held for sale. Management is committed to selling by negotiating with buyers, receiving offers and counter-offers, and the asset is available immediately for sale as a turn-key operation or real estate. A real-estate agent is engaged to sell the property and the sale is highly probable within the next twelve months given recent letters of intent to purchase. Completion of the plan to sell the assets does not require any further significant efforts. As all criteria were met for classification under held for sale, the land and building in El Paso, Texas have been classified as assets held for sale. There is judgment in relation to assessing whether the asset held for sale is being carried at the lower of carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell.
(c) Stock based compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based payments which requires companies to recognize the cost of such awards of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of those awards. The Company estimates the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant utilizing a Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of the short term traded options that have no vesting restrictions. Certain key assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model include the expected stock price volatility, forfeitures, dividend yield, interest risk free return and expected term.
5. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash at banks and on hand earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
| | Land (a) | | | Building (a) | | | Equipment | | | Computer Equipment | | | Furniture and fixtures | | | Vehicles | | | Leasehold improve-ments | | | Total | |
COST | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, April 1, 2010 | | $ | 245,485 | | | $ | 648,413 | | | $ | 616,709 | | | $ | 152,149 | | | $ | 84,886 | | | $ | 42,788 | | | $ | 186,828 | | | $ | 1,977,258 | |
Additions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 145 | | | | | | | | 145 | |
Reclassification (a) | | | (245,485 | ) | | | (648,413 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (893,898 | ) |
Balance, March 31, 2011 | | | - | | | | - | | | | 616,709 | | | | 152,149 | | | | 84,886 | | | | 42,933 | | | | 186,828 | | | | 1,083,505 | |
Additions | | | - | | | | - | | | | 683 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 683 | |
Disposals | | | - | | | | - | | | | (29,135 | ) | | | - | | | | (1,940 | ) | | | (42,933 | ) | | | - | | | | (74,008 | ) |
Balance, March 31, 2012 | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 588,257 | | | $ | 152,149 | | | $ | 82,946 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 186,828 | | | $ | 1,010,180 | |
DEPRECIATION | |
Balance, April 1, 2010 | | $ | - | | | $ | 444,582 | | | $ | 273,656 | | | $ | 132,515 | | | $ | 59,675 | | | $ | 17,266 | | | $ | 51,968 | | | $ | 979,662 | |
Depreciation | | | - | | | | 16,062 | | | | 113,473 | | | | 11,318 | | | | 10,036 | | | | 8,704 | | | | 16,822 | | | | 176,415 | |
Write-offs | | | - | | | | - | | | | 104,006 | | | | 8,316 | | | | 15,175 | | | | 5,213 | | | | 118,038 | | | | 250,748 | |
Reclassification (a) | | | - | | | | (460,644 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (460,644 | ) |
Balance, March 31, 2011 | | | - | | | | - | | | | 491,135 | | | | 152,149 | | | | 84,886 | | | | 31,183 | | | | 186,828 | | | | 946,181 | |
Depreciation | | | - | | | | - | | | | 25,183 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 25,183 | |
Disposals | | | - | | | | - | | | | (29,135 | ) | | | - | | | | (1,940 | ) | | | (31,183 | ) | | | - | | | | (62,258 | ) |
Balance, March 31, 2012 | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 487,183 | | | $ | 152,149 | | | $ | 82,946 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 186,828 | | | $ | 909,106 | |
CARRYING AMOUNTS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
April 1, 2010 | | $ | 245,485 | | | $ | 203,831 | | | $ | 343,053 | | | $ | 19,634 | | | $ | 25,211 | | | $ | 25,522 | | | $ | 134,860 | | | $ | 997,596 | |
March 31, 2011 | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 125,574 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 11,750 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 137,324 | |
March 31, 2012 | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 101,074 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 101,074 | |
(a) | During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company decided to sell its property in El Paso, Texas. In October 2010, the Company stopped amortizing these assets and classified these assets as assets held for sale. As at March 31, 2012, assets held for sale totaled $433,254 (Land $245,485 and Building $187,769) (2011 - $433,254). The Company is still actively searching for a buyer of the land and building and expects to sell the assets held for sale within the next twelve months. |
During the year ended March 31, 2011, as a result of a decision to shift the Company’s focus from being a research and development Company to marketing and commercializing the Company’s VertiCrop System, the Company determined that certain equipment used for development of some of its products had no continuing value to the Company and therefore wrote off the amount of $250,748, being the carrying value of those assets, to the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
Disposals
During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company disposed of vehicles, equipment and furniture for $54,575, of which $15,269 was for settlement of wages at their fair value and $39,306 was received in cash. Carrying values for the equipment disposed was $nil, except for a vehicle with carrying value of $11,750. Gain recorded on disposal of capital assets during the year ended March 31, 2012 is $42,825.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
7. PRODUCT LICENSE AND TECHNOLOGY PURCHASE
The Company entered into a purchase agreement on April 1, 2009 and amended March 8, 2010, to acquire all ownership rights and intellectual property relating to its VertiCrop vertical plant growing technology and Tomorrow Garden Kit technology.
During the year ended March 31, 2012, $18,000 (2011 - $192,000) was paid or accrued to the licensor under the terms of the purchase agreement, with such costs recorded as product development costs.
During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company performed a comprehensive review of the Purchase Agreement and the Company’s improved VertiCrop technology and concluded that it is not using the intellectual property relating to the vertical plant growing technology as was contemplated in the Purchase Agreement and thus terminated the Purchase Agreement. Due to this termination, the Product License $1 (2011 - $nil) was written-off during the year.
8. PROMISSORY NOTES PAYABLE
Promissory notes payable consisted of the following due to lenders:
| | As at March 31, | | | At April 1, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | | | 2010 | |
8% and 10% simple interest, unsecured, due on demand (a) | | $ | 583,835 | | | $ | 558,212 | | | $ | 1,033,837 | |
18% simple interest, secured, due July 14, 2012 (b) | | | 790,099 | | | | - | | | | - | |
18% simple interest, unsecured, due February 2, 2014 (c) | | | 515,443 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | $ | 1,889,377 | | | $ | 558,212 | | | $ | 1,033,837 | |
(a) | Promissory notes of $583,835 include amounts to related parties. See Note 15 for more details. Total interest accrued during the year ended March 31, 2012 was $53,279 (2011 - $4,843). |
(b) | On July 14, 2011, the Company issued a secured promissory note for $700,000 accruing interest at 18% per annum with a conversion feature connected to any unpaid accrued interest. The principal and accrued interest is due on demand with any unpaid accrued interest, at the option of the lender, able to be converted into units at a price per unit of $0.10. Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one warrant. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.15 for a two-year period. The note is secured by a lien on, and a security interest in, certain real property located in El Paso, Texas owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Total interest accrued during the year ended March 31, 2012 is $90,099. This note is past due, due on demand and presented as a current liability. |
(c) | On February 3, 2012, the Company issued a promissory note for $501,350 (CDN$500,000) accruing interest at 18% per annum with a conversion feature connected to any accrued interest. The note matures February, 2014 but the principal and accrued interest is due on demand with any accrued interest, at the option of the lender, may be converted into units at a price per unit of $0.10. Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one warrant. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.15 for a two year period. The Company may repay the note and interest at any time without penalty. Total interest accrued during the year ended March 31, 2012 is $14,158. The maturity date of this note was amended to July 20, 2012. This note is past due, due on demand and presented as a current liability. |
The Company has designated convertible accrued unpaid interest as at fair value through profit or loss and determined the fair value to be equal the accrued interest given its demand nature.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
9. CONVERTIBLE NOTES
Date of Issue | | Balance, April 1, 2011 | | | Issued principal and transfers | | | Equity portion | | | Derivative liability portion, net | | | Accretion/ interest | | | Conversion/ repayments | | | Balance, March 31, 2012 | |
Feb 2010 (b) | | $ | 51,698 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (2,218 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | 7,088 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 56,568 | |
| | $ | 51,698 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (2,218 | ) | | $ | - | | | $ | 7,088 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 56,568 | |
Date of Issue | | Balance, April 1, 2010 | | | Issued principal and transfers | | | Equity portion | | | Derivative liability portion, net | | | Accretion interest or penalty | | | Conversion/ repayments | | | Balance, March 31, 2011 | |
July 2008 (a) | | $ | 3,913,079 | | | $ | 10,000 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (2,541,774 | ) | | $ | 286,083 | | | $ | (1,667,388 | ) | | $ | - | |
Feb 2010 (b) | | | - | | | | 51,020 | | | | (5,496 | ) | | | - | | | | 6,174 | | | | - | | | | 51,698 | |
| | $ | 3,913,079 | | | $ | 61,020 | | | $ | (5,496 | ) | | $ | (2,541,774 | ) | | $ | 292,257 | | | $ | (1,667,388 | ) | | $ | 51,698 | |
(a) | $2,168,000 July 2008 Convertible Note |
On July 21, 2008, the Company closed a financing of zero coupon, 12% interest, and senior secured convertible promissory notes in the amount of $2,428,160 with an aggregate purchase price of $2,168,000 with four investors, one of which was the Company’s now former Chief Financial Officer. The debt is convertible into common shares at the lesser of $9.18 per share (unless the conversion price has been adjusted pursuant to further contract covenants) and 70% of the average of the five lowest closing bid prices for the ten preceding trading days. The Company issued each purchaser in the private placement two warrants - one warrant redeemable by the Company and the other non-redeemable. The non-redeemable warrants are exercisable at $9.90 and permit the holder to purchase 264,506 common shares. The redeemable warrants are exercisable at $13.50 and permit the holder to purchase 132,253 common shares. Further, the Company issued 24,401 non-redeemable warrants, 12,201 redeemable warrants and paid $160,000 in cash as transaction costs. The warrants carry a term of five years from the date of closing of the financing. The redeemable warrants may be redeemed by the Company at a price of $0.18 per warrant only if certain conditions have been satisfied including the Company’s common shares having closed at $27.00 per share or greater for a period of 20 consecutive trading days and the warrant holder being able to resell the shares acquired upon exercise through a resale registration statement or under Rule 144 of the United States Securities Act. These warrants also contained down round provisions.
Effective March 27, 2009, the Company settled these notes by:
| • | Settlement of the prepayment penalty, original issuer discounts and interest portions of the convertible note including $524,884 in prepayment penalty, $260,160 in original issuer discounts, and $371,771 in interest which includes the interest payable on the new note through December 31, 2009 for an aggregate settlement of $1,156,815 and agreed to issue 2,892,036 common shares that were restricted from trading and pooled until January 1, 2010; |
| • | Repayment of $400,000 to subscribers (cash paid May 11, 2009); and |
| • | Conversion of $250,000 face value of the original note into 312,500 common shares of the Company. |
| • | Recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $885,292 due to a modification of the original debt terms for the year ended March 31, 2009. |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
9. CONVERTIBLE NOTES (continued)
(a) | $2,168,000 July 2008 Convertible Note (continued) |
The terms of the remaining $1,323,000 convertible promissory notes include the following:
| • | If the promissory note was not settled by December 31, 2009, the note would be in default at the default rate of interest rate of 18%, be due on demand and the original conversion feature of the instrument would be reinstated. The debt was not settled by December 31, 2009, and was thus in default. |
| • | If prior to March 31, 2010, the Company issues common shares at a price less than the valuation of the shares issued to each note holder, the Company will issue to each note holder additional common shares based on the lower valuation. |
The convertible debenture was assessed based on the substance of the contractual arrangement in determining whether it exhibits the fundamental characteristics of a financial liability or equity. While the conversion feature represents an equity component, management has assessed that because the conversion feature can be settled with a variable number of shares and that settlement predicated on a variable number of instruments triggers liability accounting, the conversion feature has been recorded as a liability as at December 31, 2009 when the conversion feature was reinstated. The recognition of the derivative liability recorded was based on its fair value. On December 31, 2009, the convertible note of $2,746,079 included an embedded derivative liability in the amount of $1,870,194. As at April 1, 2010, the derivative liability was reduced to $1,374,774 as a result of a change in fair value inputs. The Company applied the fair value method using Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for the derivative utilizing stock price - $0.42; exercise price of $0.294 being 70% of the stock price; risk-free interest rate – 0.41 %; expected life – 1 years ; expected volatility – 195%; and expected dividends – nil.
The warrants issued were assessed based on the contractual arrangement in determining whether it exhibits the fundamental liability or equity. The warrants issued to a broker were assessed as broker warrants, presented as equity instruments and valued in accordance with IFRS 2. The warrants issued to the noteholders were assessed as a liability instrument at fair value and re-measured through consolidated comprehensive loss. As at April 1, 2010, the fair value of the noteholders warrants was $1,167,000. The Company computed the fair value of this derivative using the binomial lattice option pricing model using risk-free interest rate – 1.95 %; expected life – 1/3 years ; expected volatility – 69.93%; and expected dividends – nil.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, $10,000 was converted into 21,704 common shares of the Company which were returned to the Company during the year ended March 31, 2011.
There were no transactions costs to be allocated between the embedded derivative and debt host contract.
On May 31, 2010, a third party purchased from the existing convertible note holders, $634,756 of the convertible notes and $65,244 in accrued interest for aggregate proceeds of $700,000.
The third party and the Company agreed the $700,000 promissory note could be converted at a conversion rate of $0.20 per common share.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
9. CONVERTIBLE NOTES (continued)
(a) | $2,168,000 July 2008 Convertible Note (continued) |
On June 15, 2010, the Company issued 3,500,000 common shares at a market rate of $0.20 per common share, settling the $700,000 promissory note.
In return for finding the third party and arranging the conversion of the $700,000 debt acquired by the third party at $0.20, an aggregate of 875,000 warrants exercisable at $0.30 were issued to a third party exercisable until May 31, 2012 as a finder fee. The Company applied the fair value method using Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for warrants utilizing risk-free interest rate – 1.43 %; expected life – 2 years ; expected volatility – 100%; and expected dividends – nil. The Company included the value of finders’ warrants issued, $67,529, as a charge to interest and finance costs in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the year ended March 31, 2011 (Note 10(e)(v)).
On September 15, 2010, the Company issued 500,000 shares on a prorated ownership basis to the original convertible note holders as a penalty to extend the maturity term of these notes until December 31, 2010 and to increase the rate of default interest from 18% to 30%. The fair value shares were valued at $0.12, being the fair value of the shares on the date of transaction and $60,000 was charged to interest and finance costs in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
On December 31, 2010, the Company agreed to pay the original convertible note holders a penalty for delays in negotiating the final repayment of the fully matured outstanding principal and interest in the amount of $104,653. This amount was charged to interest and finance costs in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss.
On February 17, 2011, the Company repaid in full the original convertible note holders including principal in the amount of $688,244 and interest and penalties accrued during the year ended March 31, 2011 in the amount of $246,522 for a total repayment of $934,766. As a result of this repayment, the original convertible note holders had no further claims over the assets of the Company.
As part of the original debt agreement, the noteholders’ warrants were subject to a down round provision in the event the Company closed an equity offering at a price lower than the original exercise price on the warrants. Under this provision, the noteholders had a right to the issuance of 29,360,166 additional warrants at an exercise price of $0.15 expiring under the original July 2013 expiry date. The Company and the convertible noteholders agreed to remove the reset provision on the warrants and amend the issuance of warrants to be limited to 4,047,686 warrants for a two-year period ending January 14, 2013. The fair value of the additional warrants of $445,650 was included in the final determination of the gain on settlement of debt in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. (Note 10 (e)(ii)). This change was determined to be significant and resulted in an extinguishment of the liability instrument.
The de-recognition of the derivative liabilities and any fair value adjustments during the March 31, 2011 year in connection with the extinguishment of the convertible note and noteholder warrants with down round provisions was recorded to gain on settlement of debt in the consolidated statement comprehensive loss in accordance with IFRIC 19.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
9. CONVERTIBLE NOTES (continued)
(a) | $2,168,000 July 2008 Convertible Note (continued) |
The following are continuity schedules for the convertible debt and related derivative liability and further details of gain on settlement of debt associated with the final settlement:
Convertible Note | | | |
| | | |
Balance, April 1, 2010 (interest and principal) | | $ | 1,371,305 | |
Fair value of returned common shares | | | 10,000 | |
June 15, 2010, partial settlement | | | (700,000 | ) |
Accrued interest and settlement penalty fees | | | 286,083 | |
Interest paid by issuance of 135,925 shares | | | (32,622 | ) |
February 2011, final settlement | | | (934,766 | ) |
Balance, March 31, 2011 | | $ | - | |
| | | | |
Derivative Liability | | | | |
| | | | |
Balance, April 1, 2010 | | $ | 2,541,774 | |
De-recognition of derivative liability – convertible debt | | | (1,374,774 | ) |
De-recognition of derivative liability – warrant with down round provision | | | (1,167,000 | ) |
Balance, March 31, 2011 | | $ | - | |
| | | | |
Gain on Settlement of Debt | | | | |
| | | | |
De-recognition of derivative liability – convertible debt | | $ | (1,374,774 | ) |
De-recognition of derivative liability – warrant with down round provision | | | (1,167,000 | ) |
Fair value of additional warrants issued (Note 10 (e)(ii)) | | | 445,650 | |
Gain on settlement of debt, year ended March 31, 2011 | | $ | (2,096,124 | ) |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
9. CONVERTIBLE NOTES (continued)
(b) | $50,000 February 2010 Convertible Note |
On February 16, 2010, the Company issued to a third party an unsecured promissory note bearing interest at the rate of 8% per annum whose terms changed on May 15, 2010 to an unsecured convertible note with a term to February 15, 2012 bearing interest at 8% per annum. Both interest and principal may be converted at the option of the lender at any time after May 15, 2010 at $0.20 per unit, with each unit consisting of one common share and one share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.40 per share for a two-year term from the date of conversion. The convertible note was assessed based on the substance of the contractual arrangement in determining whether it exhibits the fundamental characteristics of a financial liability or equity. Since the conversion feature is settled with a fixed number of common shares, the conversion feature has been recorded as an equity component.
The Company used the residual method to allocate a value of $5,496 to the equity component of the convertible note. The fair value of the debt component was determined using an implied market interest rate of 15% which the Company believes is a comparable rate for similar debt without the conversion feature. The equity component is accreted over the life of the note up to $51,020 principal amount using the effective interest rate method.
On February 14, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to the convertible note whereby, the maturity date was extended to February 15, 2013, the interest rate was increased to 10% per annum, the unit conversion price was reduced to $0.10 and the share purchase warrant price was reduced to $0.20. Since the conversion feature is settled with a fixed number of common shares, the conversion feature has been recorded as an equity component. All other terms, conditions, covenants, obligations or agreements contained in the Note were not affected. The amendment of this note resulted in a substantial modification and a gain of $2,066 recognized within interest and finance cost in consolidated comprehensive loss.
The Company used the residual method to allocate a value of $2,218 to the equity component of the amended convertible note. The fair value of the debt component was determined using an implied market interest rate of 15% which the Company believes is a comparable rate for similar debt without the conversion feature. The equity component is accreted over the life of the note up to $51,020 principal amount using the effective interest rate method.
During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded $7,088 (2011 - $6,174) in interest, and finance costs in relation to this convertible note.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Unlimited number of common shares without par value
Unlimited number of preferred shares without par value – none issued
(b) | Issued and outstanding: |
The common share issuances consisted of the following transactions:
| | Number | | | Share capital | | | Contributed surplus Restated see (Note 22) | |
Balance at April 1, 2010 | | | 52,175,329 | | | $ | 39,011,557 | | | $ | 4,159,012 | |
Share capital issued: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For private placements (vi) | | | 10,192,365 | | | | 1,528,855 | | | | - | |
Share issuance expense (vi) | | | | | | | (77,297 | ) | | | | |
For settlement of debt (vii) | | | 15,636,656 | | | | 2,345,498 | | | | - | |
For investor relation services (viii) | | | 600,000 | | | | 144,000 | | | | - | |
For consulting services (ix) | | | 500,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | - | |
For payment of interest (Note 9(a)) | | | 135,925 | | | | 32,622 | | | | - | |
For conversion of convertible debt (Note 9(a)) | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 700,000 | | | | - | |
For extension of convertible debt (Note 9(a)) | | | 500,000 | | | | 60,000 | | | | - | |
Return of shares to treasury (Note 9(a)) | | | (21,704 | ) | | | (10,000 | ) | | | - | |
Warrant Modification (Note 10 (e)(ii) & (iv)) | | | - | | | | | | | | 537,494 | |
Warrants issued (e(i)) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 67,529 | |
For contributed services (x) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 126,000 | |
Fair value of management and finance options (v) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 752,462 | |
Stock-based compensation) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 255,069 | |
Balance at March 31, 2011 | | | 83,218,571 | | | $ | 43,855,235 | | | $ | 5,897,566 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital issued: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For private placements (i) | | | 3,794,413 | | | | 331,254 | | | | - | |
Share issuance expense (i) | | | | | | | (30,709 | ) | | | - | |
For consulting services (ii) | | | 200,000 | | | | 26,500 | | | | - | |
For investor relation services (iii) | | | 450,000 | | | | 59,250 | | | | - | |
Management and finance incentive (iv) | | | 7,323,019 | | | | 1,143,461 | | | | - | |
Transfer from contributed surplus upon exercise of warrants (e(iii)) | | | - | | | | 77,867 | | | | (77,867 | ) |
Fair value of common shares issued on exercise of warrants (e(iii)) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (40,000 | ) |
Stock-based compensation (vi) & (d) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (326,152 | ) |
Balance, March 31, 2012 | | | 94,986,003 | | | $ | 45,462,858 | | | $ | 5,453,547 | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued)
(b) Issued and outstanding: (continued)
During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company:
| (i) | Issued 1,036,263 units at a price of $0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of $155,439 pursuant to a private placement. Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one warrant. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.25. The common shares were subject to a six month lock up agreement from the date of issue. No value has been attributed to the warrants as the share price at the closing date was either equal to or less than unit price. Total share issuance costs connected with the private placement was $4,868 as a finder’s fee. |
Issued 758,150 units at a price of $0.10 per unit for gross proceeds of $75,815 pursuant to a private placement. Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one warrant. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.15. The common shares were subject to a six month lock up agreement from the date of issue. No value has been attributed to the warrants as the share price at the closing date was either equal to or less than unit price.
Issued 2,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit for gross proceeds of $100,000 pursuant to a private placement. Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one warrant. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.25. The common shares were subject to a six month lock up agreement from the date of issue. No value has been attributed to the warrants as the share price at the closing date was either equal to or less than unit price.
| (ii) | Issued 200,000 common shares in connection with a financial consulting agreement for internet and marketing services at an aggregate fair value of service of $26,500 (Note 12). |
| (iii) | Issued 450,000 common shares in connection with two consulting services contracts for investor relations at an aggregate fair value of service of $59,250 (Note 12). |
| (iv) | Pursuant to the December 14, 2010 private placement in (v), the Company issued an additional 352,805 common shares to management and 323,019 to a broker for a total of 7,323,019 common shares. The additional shares to management were valued at $54,069 based on the grant date of the shares charged to stock-based compensation. (Note 12) The additional shares to the broker were valued at $25,801 being the fair value of service provided. |
In addition, pursuant to this agreement an additional 675,824 options were earned to bring the total options earned to 7,323,019. The Company applied the fair value method using Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for these options. by using a risk-free interest rate – 2.00%; expected life – 5 years ; expected volatility – 100%; exercise price - $0.15; share price - $0.09 and expected dividends – nil. The fair value of these options was $421,489 which is lower than the previous estimate of $752,462 recorded for the period ended March 31, 2011. This resulted in a recovery of $330,976 to stock-based compensation in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. See Note 12.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued)
(b) Issued and outstanding: (continued)
During the year ending March 31, 2011, the Company:
| (v) | Entered into a Private Placement Agreement (“PP Agreement”) on December 14, 2010 with a third party and key new management. The PP Agreement included a commitment to the Company along with provisions for the new management group and third party to further the development and improve the marketability of the VertiCrop™ vertical plant technology and to raise funds. In return for these services, the parties could earn up to 10,000,000 common shares of the Company based on a calculation of total dollars raised over $2,300,000 times 10,000,000. As at March 31, 2011, the Company had a commitment to issue 6,647,195 common shares. The shares were valued at $1,063,551 based on the grant date and charged to stock–based compensation. (Note 12) |
In addition under this PP Agreement the parties could earn up to 10,000,000 options at an exercise price of $0.15 and an expiry of five years from grant date based on the same formula used for the common shares above. As March 31, 2011, the parties were entitled to receive 6,647,195 options based on completed performance of raising funds and progressing the VertiCrop to commercialization. These options were measured at March 31, 2011 by applying the fair value method using Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for options utilizing risk-free interest rate – 2.77%; expected life – 5 years ; expected volatility – 100%; exercise price - $0.15; share price - $0.15 and expected dividends – nil. The Company included the estimated value of the options earned but not granted of, $752,462, as a charge to stock-based compensation in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. (Note 12)
| (vi) | Closed private placements in two tranches and issued 10,192,365 units at a price of $0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of $1,528,855. Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one warrant. Each warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.25. The common shares were subject to a six month lock up agreement from the date of issue. No value has been attributed to the warrants as the share price at the two closing dates was either equal to or less than unit price. Total share issuance costs connected with the private placement was $77,297 and includes $72,500 as a finder’s fee and $4,797 as legal fees. |
As at March 31, 2011, the Company had not collected $68,000 in respect to share subscriptions for this private placement and was recorded in receivables. During the year ended March 31, 2012, these funds were collected. This is a non-cash transaction in the consolidated statement of cash flows for 2011.
| (vii) | During the year ending March 31, 2011, the Company entered into a series of debt settlement agreements whereby it agreed to issue common shares in settlement of certain promissory notes, accounts payable and related party amounts owing. An aggregate of $2,345,498 representing these balances was settled in exchange for 15,636,656 units at $0.15 per unit, being the fair value of the unit at the date of the settlement. Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one warrant. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.25. The common shares were subject to a six month lock up agreement. Trivial value has been attributed to the warrants as the share price at the debt settlement date was equal to the settlement price. |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued)
(b) Issued and outstanding: (continued)
| (viii) Issued the following common shares for investor relations services during the year ended March 31, 2011: |
| • | 500,000 common shares at an aggregate fair value of $120,000 being the fair value of services provided. |
| • | 50,000 common shares for services rendered under a public relations agreement at a fair value of $12,000 being the fair value of services provided; and |
| • | 50,000 common shares for services rendered under a design services contract at a fair value of $12,000 being the fair value services provided. |
| (ix) Issued the following common shares for consulting services in respect of product development during the year ended March 31, 2011: |
| • | 500,000 common shares at an aggregate fair value of $120,000 being the fair value of services provided; |
| (x) For Contributed Services: |
At April 1, 2010, commitment to issue shares includes 300,000 common shares issuable to a former officer and director of the Company for product development services performed during the year ended March 31, 2010. The 300,000 common shares were valued at $0.42 per share, which is equivalent to the quoted market price as at the performance completion date of March 31, 2010 for an aggregate fair value of $126,000. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company and the officer and director determined that the shares would be replaced by stock options once the stock option plan is approved. The $126,000 was removed from commitment to issue shares and charged to contributed surplus.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued)
(c) | Commitment to Issue Shares |
At March 31, 2012 and 2011, commitment to issue common shares (or units, where indicated) included the following:
| | Number | | | Amount | |
Balance at April 1, 2010 | | | 300,000 | | | $ | 126,000 | |
Reversal to commitment to issue shares (Note 10(x)) | | | (300,000 | ) | | | (126,000 | ) |
Investor relations (iii) | | | 300,000 | | | | 51,750 | |
Consulting services (iv) | | | 150,000 | | | | 22,000 | |
Management Incentive private placement (Note 10(b)(v)) | | | 6,647,195 | | | | 1,063,550 | |
Private placement at $0.15 unit (v) | | | 140,000 | | | | 21,001 | |
Balance at March 31, 2011 | | | 7,237,195 | | | | 1,158,301 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consulting services (i) | | | 50,000 | | | | 4,500 | |
Management and finance incentive (Note 10(b)(vi)) | | | 675,824 | | | | 54,069 | |
Private placement at $0.10 unit (Note 10(b)(i) & (ii)) | | | 788,150 | | | | 78,815 | |
Private placement at $0.05 unit (Note 10(b)(i)) | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 50,000 | |
Warrants exercised (Note 10(e)(iii)) | | | 800,000 | | | | 40,000 | |
Shares Issued | | | (9,721,169 | ) | | | (1,342,685 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2012 | | | 830,000 | | | $ | 43,000 | |
During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company was committed to issue shares including:
| (i) | 50,000 common shares in connection with a financial consulting agreement for internet and marketing services at an aggregate fair value of $4,500. |
| (ii) | This includes an additional 30,000 units to be issued at $0.10 per unit with the private placement offering that was closed subsequent to the year end in the aggregate amount of $3,000. |
Subsequent to March 31, 2012, all of the commitment to issues shares were issued.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company was committed to issue shares including:
| (iii) | 300,000 common shares in connection with a consulting services contracts for investor relations at an aggregate fair value of $51,750. |
| (iv) | 150,000 common shares in connection with a financial consulting agreement for internet and marketing services at an aggregate fair value of $22,000. |
| (v) | 140,000 units to be issued at $0.15 per unit with the private placement offering that was closed subsequent to the year end in the amount of $21,001. |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued)
Committed common shares were valued based on the value of service provided by the respective parties.
The Company has a stock option plan (“Plan”) that allows for stock options to be issued to employees, directors, officers and consultants on both a qualified and non-qualified basis. The aggregate number of common shares from which options and bonuses may be granted from time to time under the Plan shall not exceed 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding number of common shares and the number of common shares from which options and bonuses may be granted under the US incentive portion of the Plan shall not exceed 17% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares. The Company’s Plan provides that the terms of the options and the option prices shall be fixed by the board of directors or committee and subject to the requirements of the exchange on which the Company’s common shares are traded or any other governing regulatory body, at the time of grant. Options granted shall expire after a period of eight years or terminate three months after the recipient ceases to be an employee of the Company.
The following table summarizes vested and exercisable stock option activity for the period between April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012:
| | Number of options | | | Weighted average exercise price | |
Balance, April 1, 2010 | | | 100,000 | | | $ | 0.30 | |
Granted | | | 2,050,000 | | | $ | 0.23 | |
Cancelled | | | (100,000 | ) | | $ | 0.30 | |
Committed to grant (Note 10 (b)(v)) | | | 6,647,195 | | | $ | 0.15 | |
Balance, March 31, 2011 | | | 8,697,195 | | | $ | 0.18 | |
Granted (Note 10 (b)(iv)) | | | 675,824 | | | $ | 0.15 | |
Balance, March 31, 2012 | | | 9,373,019 | | | $ | 0.17 | |
During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company granted 7,323,019 stock options which included the 6,647,195 options it was committed to grant in 2011 (Note 10 (b) (v) (2011 – 2,050,000) to officers, employees, directors and other eligible persons. The weighted average fair value of stock options granted and committed of $0.06 (2011 - $0.14) per option was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
| | Year Ended March 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Risk-free interest rate | | | 2.00 | % | | 1.98% to 2.9% | |
Expected life | | 5 years | | | 5 to 8 years | |
Expected volatility | | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % |
Expected dividend per store | | $nil | | | $nil | |
| During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $4,824 for options that vested during the year. (Note 12) |
| During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $255,069 for the options vested during the year. |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued)
(d) | Stock Options (continued) |
| As at March 31, 2012, the following stock options were outstanding: |
Expiry Date | | Exercise Price | | | Number of Options | |
June 1, 2018 | | $ | 0.25 | | | | 1,500,000 | |
July 31, 2018 | | $ | 0.25 | | | | 250,000 | |
November 30, 2018 | | $ | 0.10 | | | | 300,000 | |
September 30, 2016 | | $ | 0.15 | | | | 7,323,019 | |
Total | | | | | | | 9,373,019 | |
Each of the Company’s share purchase warrants is exercisable into one common share. The following summarizes warrants activity for the period from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012:
| | Number of warrants | | | Weighted average exercise price | |
Balance, April 1, 2010 | | | 8,813,200 | | | $ | 0.63 | |
Warrants issued | | | 20,509,092 | | | $ | 0.22 | |
Warrants forfeited | | | (90,354 | ) | | $ | 13.50 | |
Balance, March 31, 2011 | | | 29,231,938 | | | $ | 0.30 | |
Warrants issued (Note 10 (b)(i) & 10(e)(iii)) | | | 3,988,710 | | | $ | 0.12 | |
Warrants forfeited | | | (8,289,484 | ) | | $ | 0.50 | |
Warrants exercised (iii) | | | (4,800,000 | ) | | $ | 0.05 | |
Balance, March 31, 2012 | | | 20,131,162 | | | $ | 0.22 | |
As at March 31, 2012, the following share purchase warrants were outstanding:
Expiry Date | Note | | Exercise Price | | | Number of Warrants | |
May 31, 2012 | (i) | | $ | 0.30 | | | | 875,000 | |
January 14, 2013 | (ii) | | $ | 0.15 | | | | 4,444,444 | |
February 18, 2013 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | | 4,776,183 | |
March 31, 2013 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | | 320,000 | |
April 1, 2013 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | | 7,818,328 | |
June 14, 2013 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | | 518,132 | |
October 13, 2013 | | | $ | 0.15 | | | | 379,075 | |
December 13, 2013 | | | $ | 0.10 | | | | 500,000 | |
January 24 , 2014 | | | $ | 0.10 | | | | 500,000 | |
Total | | | | | | | | 20,131,162 | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued)
| (i) | 875,000 warrants exercisable at $0.30 were issued to a third party exercisable until May 31, 2012 as a fee for arranging a finance transaction. The Company applied the fair value method using Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for warrants utilizing risk-free interest rate – 1.43%; expected life – 2 years ; expected volatility – 100%; and expected dividends – nil. The Company included the value of finders’ warrants issued, $67,529, as a charge to interest and finance costs in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for the year ended March 31, 2011. Subsequent to March 31, 2012, these warrants expired un-exercised. |
| (ii) | As part of the final negotiation with the July 2009 convertible note holders the Company agreed to issue an additional 4,047,686 warrants at $0.15 for a two-year period ending January 14, 2013 and to reset the exercise price of the current outstanding 396,758 warrants from $0.40 to $0.15, resulting in a total of 4,444,444 warrants outstanding. The Company applied the fair value method using Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for warrants utilizing risk-free interest rate – 1.75%; expected life – 2 years ; expected volatility – 100%; and expected dividends – nil. The issuance of the new warrants resulted in $445,650 charge to gain on settlement of debt with a corresponding credit to contributed surplus. See Note 9(a). |
| (iii) | As part of a negotiation with a warrant broker holder during the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company agreed to issue an additional 2,091,503 warrants at $0.05 for a two-year period ending July 16, 2013 and to reset the exercise price of the current outstanding warrants from $0.40 to $0.05. The warrant holder exercised the 4,800,000 warrants on a cashless basis resulting in 800,000 common shares to be issued valued at $40,000. As a result of this exercise $77,867 was charged to share capital with the corresponding debit to contributed surplus representing the cumulative charges to contributed surplus for these warrants. The 800,000 common shares were issued subsequent to year end. |
| (iv) | In 2010, the Company amended the terms of certain warrants with expiry date of July 17, 2010 issued previously as part of a private placement. The original expiration date of July 17, 2010 was extended to July 17, 2011. The warrant extensions resulted in additional stock-based compensation expense of $91,844 which was charged to stock-based compensation as the holder of these warrants was a related party of the Company, with a corresponding credit to contributed surplus to the March 31, 2011 year end. The Company applied the fair value method using Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for the amended terms of the warrants utilizing risk-free interest rate – 1.6%; expected life – 1 year ; expected volatility – 100%; and expected dividends – nil. These warrants have expired unexercised. |
| (f) | Nature and Purpose of Equity and Reserves |
| The reserves recorded in equity on the Company’s balance sheet include ‘Contributed Surplus’, and ‘Accumulated Deficit’. |
| ‘Contributed Surplus’ is used to recognize the value of stock option grants and share warrants prior to exercise. |
| ‘Commitment to Issue Shares’ includes common shares committed to management, consultants and investor relations companies under fundraising agreements, and committed under private placements for proceeds received. |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
10. | SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued) |
(f) Nature and Purpose of Equity and Reserves (continued)
‘Accumulated Deficit During the Development Stage’ is used to record the Company’s change in deficit from earnings from period to period relating to the Company’s current business plan after April 1, 2005.
‘Accumulated Deficit From Prior Operations’ was used to record the Company’s change in deficit from earnings from the period of incorporation to April 1, 2005.
11. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
| | | | | Year Ended March 31, | |
| | Note | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Product research | | 7 | | | $ | 148,574 | | | $ | 592,921 | |
Site contractor | | 15 | | | | 63,004 | | | | 103,252 | |
Consulting fees | | 10b & 15 | | | | 737,702 | | | | 824,124 | |
| | | | | $ | 949,280 | | | $ | 1,520,297 | |
12. | GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES |
| | | | | Year Ended March 31, | |
| | Note | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Investor relations | | 10b | | | $ | 98,639 | | | $ | 384,636 | |
Advertising and media development | | | | | | 25,014 | | | | 49,817 | |
Professional fees | | 15 | | | | 421,935 | | | | 531,571 | |
Office and miscellaneous | | | | | | 306,604 | | | | 238,775 | |
Travel | | | | | | 107,728 | | | | 260,654 | |
Amortization | | | | | | 25,183 | | | | 176,415 | |
Rent | | 15 | | | | 82,967 | | | | 116,311 | |
Stock-based compensation (recovery) | | 10b&d | | | | (272,083 | ) | | | 2,162,925 | |
Filing and transfer agent fees | | | | | | 13,393 | | | | 19,692 | |
| | | | | $ | 809,380 | | | $ | 3,940,796 | |
Stock-based compensation (recovery) | | Note | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
PP Agreement options | | 10b(iv) | | | $ | (330,976 | ) | | $ | 752,462 | |
PP Agreement shares | | 10b(iv)(v) | | | | 54,069 | | | | 1,063,551 | |
2,050,000 option grant | | 10(d) | | | | 4,824 | | | | 255,069 | |
Warrant extension | | 10(e)(iv) | | | | - | | | | 91,843 | |
| | | | | $ | (272,083 | ) | | $ | 2,162,925 | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
13. INTEREST AND FINANCING COSTS
| | | | | Year Ended March 31, | |
| | Note | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Debt interest | | 15 | | | $ | 156,043 | | | $ | 511,877 | |
Accretion and other | | | | | | 3,091 | | | | 2,674 | |
| | | | | $ | 159,134 | | | $ | 514,551 | |
14. NON-OPERATING GAINS (LOSSES)
| | | | | Year Ended March 31, | |
| | Note | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | | | | | | | Restated see (Note 22) | |
Foreign exchange (loss) | | | | | $ | (614 | ) | | $ | (146,948 | ) |
(Provision for) recovery of advances | | | | | | (15,646 | ) | | | 2,997 | |
Gain on settlement of debts | | 9 | | | | - | | | | 2,096,124 | |
Gain on disposal of assets | | 6 | | | | 42,825 | | | | - | |
Write-down of property and equipment | | 6 | | | | - | | | | (250,748 | ) |
| | | | | $ | 26,565 | | | $ | 1,701,425 | |
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related party transactions not disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements are as follows:
During the year end March 31, 2012, the Company incurred the following expenditures other than key management compensation charged by members of key management that included officers and directors or other parties that had significant influence over the financial and operating policy decisions of the Company, but did not have control over polices:
| | Year ended March 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Product development - consulting | | $ | 17,124 | | | $ | 400,944 | |
Debt interest | | | 18,103 | | | | 171,710 | |
Professional fees | | | - | | | | 20,000 | |
Rent | | | - | | | | 2,349 | |
| | $ | 35,227 | | | $ | 595,003 | |
The related party transactions are in the ordinary course of business.
At March 31, 2012 and 2011 and April 1, 2010, due to related parties was comprised of amounts owing to key management or former key management that included officers and directors or other parties that had significant influence over the financial and operating policy decisions of the Company, but did not have control over polices.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)
The amounts owing of $941,661 (2011 - $255,378 and April 1, 2010 - $253,429) were non-interest bearing and had no specific terms of repayment for the year ended March 31, 2012.
At March 31 2012, included in promissory notes payable from Note 8 is $199,997 (2011 - $558,212 and April 1, 2010 - $983,317) owing to key management and $371,850 to former key management that included officers and directors or other parties that had significant influence over the financial and operating policy decisions of the Company, but did not have control over polices.
The Company has made payments to a company owned by former directors and officers of the Company pursuant to the Product License during the year ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. (Note 7).
Key Management Compensation
Key management personnel compensation comprised:
| | Year ended March 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Salaries and short-term employee benefits | | $ | 716,768 | | | $ | 250,537 | |
Share-based payments (recovery) | | | (33,951 | ) | | | 1,312,931 | |
| | $ | 682,817 | | | $ | 1,563,468 | |
16. COMMITMENTS
Commitments not disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Leased premises
Subsequent to the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with a company controlled by a former director of the Company (collectively referred to as “GBS”). Under this agreement GBS would assume all past and present obligations and liabilities including but not limited to all the past due rent under the Company’s lease in Launceston, Cornwall, UK. In addition, GBS has entered into a new lease for these premises. For this arrangement, the Company agreed to pay GBP 5,000 and issue a right to an exclusive sales territory within the UK. The GBP 5,000 ($7,983) has been recorded to accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Service agreements
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party for investor relations services with the following terms, CDN $3,000 (US $3,022) a month and 300,000 common shares which were earned but not issued and included in commitment to issue shares as at March 31, 2011. The common shares were issued during the year ended March 31, 2012. (Note 10(c)). The agreement was cancelled subsequent the year ended March 31, 2012.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party for internet marketing services for a one year term, CDN $1,500 (US $1,512) a month and 50,000 common shares every quarter until it’s maturity. As at March 31, 2011, the remaining 50,000 common shares were earned but not issued and included in commitment to issue shares as at March 31, 2011. The common shares were issued during the year ended March 31, 2012. (Note 10(c)). The agreement was cancelled during the year.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
16. COMMITMENTS (continued)
During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party to assist the Company with establishing a commercial site for its VertiCrop System for a four month term. Any extensions would be mutually agreed. Contingent to successfully securing the necessary financing and the ordering of VertiCrop components for the new commercial site the non-related party would receive a commission of CDN $120,000 (US $120,324) and 200,000 common shares. Subsequent to the year ended March 31, 2012, the non-related party earned its commission and common shares which are being paid and issued over a predetermined schedule.
Legal matters
The Company, in the normal course of its business, is subject to legal proceedings brought against it and its subsidiaries. For legal and other contingencies, if the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the Company will accrue a liability for the estimated loss. During the year ended March 31, 2012, Management became aware of a legal claim against the Company for property damage and contract default in the amount of approximately $195,000 plus related costs. Subsequent to March 31, 2012, the Company and the plaintiff agreed to a partial settlement worth $130,000 of this legal claim by permitting the claimant to remove its property from the site. The parties are still in negotiations with respect to the claim balance amount of approximately $65,000. The Company has recorded a provision of $66,766 for what it believes is the remaining obligation of the claim in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Registered Security
A third party has a registered a claim against the Company for repayment of an outstanding payable in the amount of CDN $163,000 ($163,440).
17. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company has designated its cash and cash equivalents as loans and receivable, which is measured at amortized costs. Receivables are designated as loans and receivables, which are measured at amortized cost. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, promissory notes payable, due to related parties are designated as other financial liabilities, which are measured at amortized cost. The convertible accrued interest payable is measured at fair value. Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss.
(a) | Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
The table below provides an analysis by valuation method of financial instruments that are measured at fair value subsequent to recognition. Refer to Note 3(g) for an explanation of the fair value hierarchy applied.
March 31, 2012 | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Financial liabilities measured at fair value | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative liability | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
March 31, 2011 | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Financial liabilities measured at fair value | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative liability | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
17. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
The derivative liabilities of $2,541,774 were derecognized on extinguishment during the year ended March 31, 2011.
There are no assets or liabilities transferred from one level to another in the hierarchy during the year months ended March 31, 2012.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The risk that the Company will realize a loss is limited because at present the Company holds all of its surplus cash in an interest bearing account and has no other interest bearing financial assets. Interest bearing financial liabilities includes promissory notes payable and convertible notes. These are current financial liabilities and subject to limited interest rate risk due to their short-term nature and their fixed rate interest rates.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company is exposed to credit risk with respect to its cash and cash equivalents and receivables. The credit risk associated with cash is minimal as cash has been placed with major financial institutions. Management periodically assesses the recoverability of the receivables at a detailed level to mitigate the credit risk. The majority of the receivables relate to GST/HST from the Canada Revenue Agency which is expected to be recovered on filing its tax returns. The Company acknowledges that a portion of this receivable is pledged to settle an outstanding debt. See Note 16.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company operates internationally and is therefore exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies in relation to the United States dollar. The Company’s foreign currency exposures comprise cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, promissory notes payable and convertible notes denominated in British pounds and Canadian dollars as follows:
| | Canadian dollars | | | US Dollars | | | British Pounds | | | US Dollars | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 443,737 | | | $ | 444,935 | | | £ | (2,122 | ) | | $ | (3,393 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 1,033,772 | | | $ | 1,036,248 | | | £ | 74,113 | | | $ | 118,484 | |
Due to related parties | | $ | 939,125 | | | $ | 941,661 | | | | | | | | | |
Promissory notes payable | | $ | 526,011 | | | $ | 527,432 | | | | | | | | | |
A 10% change in the US dollar to the Canadian dollar and British Pound exchange rate at March 31,2012 would have an effect on net loss of approximately +/- $386,000 respect of the above financial instruments. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, the risk is not considered material by management and no hedging is considered necessary for items exposed to foreign exchange risk.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
17. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
Liquidity Risk
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities at March 31, 2012:
In Dollars | | Total | | | Up to 3 Months | | | 3-12 Months | | | 1 and 2 years | |
Accounts payable | | | 1,765,023 | | | | 1,765,023 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Promissory notes payable | | | 1,889,377 | | | | - | | | | 1,889,377 | | | | - | |
Due to related parties | | | 941,661 | | | | 941,661 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Convertible notes | | | 56,568 | | | | - | | | | 56,568 | | | | - | |
| | | 4,652,629 | | | | 2,706,684 | | | | 1,945,945 | | | | - | |
As at March 31, 2011
In Dollars | | Total | | | Up to 3 Months | | | 3-12 Months | | | 1 and 2 years | |
Accounts payable | | | 1,601,161 | | | | 1,601,161 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Promissory notes payable | | | 558,212 | | | | - | | | | 558,212 | | | | - | |
Due to related parties | | | 255,378 | | | | 255,378 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Convertible notes | | | 51,698 | | | | - | | | | 51,698 | | | | - | |
| | | 2,466,449 | | | | 1,856,539 | | | | 609,910 | | | | - | |
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring closely its funding requirements through the use of operational and capital budgeting. The Company believes it does not have sufficient current cash resources and financing commitments in place to fully fund the development and commercialization of its VertiCrop™ product, and will have to raise additional funds. While it has been successful in doing so in the past, there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so in the future.
No provision for Canadian, U.S. or UK federal, provincial, or state income taxes has been recorded. The Company is significantly in arrears on filing its statutory income tax returns and is therefore unable to practicably determine the amount of its loss carry forwards at this time.
The Company expects to have net operating loss carry forwards to offset any taxable income that may
exist for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Deferred income tax assets as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 and consist primarily of the tax effect of such net operating loss carry forwards.
The Company has effectively fully provided against any unused deferred income tax assets as of March 31, 2012, and 2011 and April 1, 2010 to reduce such deferred income tax assets to zero, as it is management’s belief that realization of such amounts is not considered probable at this time.
In the ordinary course of business the Company transacts in multiple foreign jurisdictions and is subject to the tax regime of each foreign jurisdiction. The Company records tax contingencies for specific transaction when it determines that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is likely and the loss is reasonably estimable. Management currently believes that the Company is not exposed to tax contingencies that could have a material impact on the liquidity results of operations or financial condition of the Company. As at March 31, 2012, the Company has not recorded an accrual for any tax contingencies.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
19. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(a) | Changes in non-cash working capital |
| | Year ended March 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Receivables | | $ | (55,115 | ) | | $ | (103,421 | ) |
Prepaids | | | 70,149 | | | | 6,535 | |
Inventory | | | - | | | | 11,578 | |
Due to related parties, trade payables | | | 686,283 | | | | 186,829 | |
Accounts payable | | | 163,862 | | | | 918,341 | |
| | $ | 865,179 | | | $ | 1,019,862 | |
Non cash flow transactions not disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements.
Supplemental cash flow information
| | Year ended March 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
Shares issued on conversion of convertible notes | | $ | - | | | $ | 700,000 | |
Fair value of agent’s warrants extension | | $ | - | | | $ | 138,462 | |
Shares issued for promissory note interest | | $ | - | | | $ | 140,553 | |
20. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company operates in one industry segment being the research, product development and resale of VertiCorpTM System. The Company’s segment comprises of three geographic locations with no revenue during all years reported.
| | March 31, | | | April 11 | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | | | 2010 | |
Property and equipment | | | | | | | | | |
United States | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 490,034 | |
United Kingdom | | | 101,074 | | | | 137,324 | | | | 507,562 | |
Canada | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | $ | 101,074 | | | $ | 137,324 | | | $ | 997,596 | |
| | March 31, | | | April 1, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | | | 2010 | |
Assets held for sale | | | | | | | | | |
United States | | $ | 433,254 | | | $ | 433,254 | | | $ | - | |
United Kingdom | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Canada | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | $ | 433,254 | | | $ | 433,254 | | | $ | - | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
21. BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE
The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the year ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was based on the following:
| | Year ended March 31, | |
| | 2012 | | | 2011 | |
| | | | | Restated see (Note 22c) | |
Loss attributable to common shareholders | | $ | (1,891,229 | ) | | $ | (4,274,219 | ) |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | | | 91,859,221 | | | | 58,047,835 | |
The calculation of diluted loss per share excludes the effects of various conversions and the exercise of options and warrants and similar instruments totaling 32.5 million (2011: 77.9 million) that would be anti-dilutive.
22. FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF IFRS
The Company’s financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2012 are the first annual financial statements that are prepared in accordance with IFRS. IFRS 1, First Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, requires that comparative financial information be provided. As a result, the first date at which the Company has applied IFRS was April 1, 2010 (the “Transition Date”). IFRS 1 requires first-time adopters to retrospectively apply all effective IFRS standards as of the reporting date. However, it also provides for certain optional exemptions and certain mandatory exceptions for first time IFRS adoption. Prior to transition to IFRS, the Company prepared its financial statements in accordance with pre-changeover Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“pre-changeover Canadian GAAP”). In preparing opening IFRS financial statements, the Company has adjusted amounts reported previously in the financial statements prepared in accordance with pre-changeover Canadian GAAP.
Optional Exemptions
The IFRS 1 applicable exemptions and exceptions applied in the conversion from pre-changeover
Canadian GAAP to IFRS are as follows:
Business Combinations
The Company elected not to retrospectively apply IFRS 3, Business Combinations, to any business combinations that may have occurred prior to its Transition Date and such business combinations have not been restated.
Compound Financial Instruments
The Company has elected not to retrospectively separate the two portions of equity components of compound instruments for which the liability component is no longer outstanding at the date of transition to IFRS.
Share based Payments
The Company has elected not to apply IFRS 2 to equity instruments that were granted after November 7, 2002 and vested before the Transition Date. The Company has also elected not to apply IFRS 2 to liabilities arising from share-based payment transactions that were settled before the date of transition to IFRS.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
22. FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF IFRS (continued)
Cumulative translation differences
IFRS 1 allows a first-time adopter to not comply with the requirements of IAS 21 - “The effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates”, for cumulative translation differences that existed at the date of transition to IFRS. The Company has chosen to apply this election and has eliminated the cumulative translation differences and adjusted deficit by the same amount at the date of transition to IFRS. If, subsequent to adoption, a foreign operation is disposed of, the translation differences that arose before the date of transition to IFRS will not affect the gain or loss on disposal.
Mandatory Exceptions
Derecognition of Financial Assets and Liabilities
The Company has applied the derecognition requirements in IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, prospectively from the Transition Date. As a result any non-derivative financial assets or non-derivative financial liabilities derecognized prior to the Transition Date in accordance with pre-changeover Canadian GAAP have not been reviewed for compliance with IAS 39.
Estimates
The estimates previously made by the Company under pre-changeover Canadian GAAP were not revised for the application of IFRS except where necessary to reflect any difference in accounting policy or where there was objective evidence that those estimates were in error. As a result the Company has not used hindsight to revise estimates.
Reconciliations of pre-changeover Canadian GAAP Equity and Comprehensive Income to IFRS
IFRS 1 requires an entity to reconcile equity, comprehensive income and cash flows for prior periods. The changes made to the statements of financial position and statements of comprehensive income as shown below have resulted in reclassifications of various amounts on the statements of cash flows, however as there have been no effect on the cash flows balances of the Company and therefore, no reconciliation of the statement of cash flows has been prepared.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
22. | FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF IFRS (continued) |
Reconciliation of Statement of Financial Position as at April 1, 2010 – Transition Date
| | Note | | | Canadian GAAP | | | Effect of transition to IFRS | | | IFRS | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | $ | 21,967 | | | | - | | | $ | 21,967 | |
Receivables | | | | | | 125,532 | | | | - | | | | 125,532 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | | | | 104,823 | | | | - | | | | 104,823 | |
Inventories | | | | | | 11,578 | | | | - | | | | 11,578 | |
Total current assets | | | | | | 263,900 | | | | - | | | | 263,900 | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment | | | | | | 997,596 | | | | - | | | | 997,596 | |
Product license | | | | | | 1 | | | | - | | | | 1 | |
Total non-current assets | | | | | | 997,597 | | | | - | | | | 997,597 | |
Total assets | | | | | $ | 1,261,497 | | | | - | | | $ | 1,261,497 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | | | $ | 872,376 | | | | - | | | $ | 872,376 | |
Promissory notes payable | | | | | | 1,033,837 | | | | - | | | | 1,033,837 | |
Due to related parties | | | | | | 253,429 | | | | - | | | | 253,429 | |
Convertible notes | | | | | | 1,371,305 | | | | - | | | | 1,371,305 | |
Derivative liability | | c | | | | 567,000 | | | | 1,974,774 | | | | 2,541,774 | |
Total current liabilities | | | | | | 4,097,947 | | | | 1,974,774 | | | | 6,072,721 | |
Shareholders’ deficiency | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital | | | | | | 39,011,557 | | | | - | | | | 39,011,557 | |
Contributed surplus | | | | | | 5,023,657 | | | | (864,654 | ) | | | 4,159,003 | |
Commitment to issue shares | | | | | | 126,000 | | | | - | | | | 126,000 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | a | | | | 1,896,609 | | | | (1,896,609 | ) | | | - | |
Accumulated deficit from prior operations | | | | | | (2,265,325 | ) | | | - | | | | (2,265,325 | ) |
Accumulated deficit during the development stage | | a, c | | | | (46,628,948 | ) | | | 786,489 | | | | (45,842,459 | ) |
Total shareholders’ deficiency | | | | | | (2,836,450 | ) | | | (1,974,774 | ) | | | (4,811,224 | ) |
Total equity and liabilities | | | | | $ | 1,261,497 | | | | - | | | $ | 1,261,497 | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
22. FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF IFRS (continued)
Reconciliation of Statement of Financial Position as at March 31, 2011
| | Note | | | Canadian GAAP | | | Effect of transition to IFRS | | | IFRS | |
| | | | | | | | Restated see Note (22c) | | | Restated see Note (22c) | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | $ | 31,936 | | | | - | | | $ | 31,936 | |
Receivables | | | | | | 300,233 | | | | - | | | | 300,233 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | | | | 98,288 | | | | - | | | | 98,288 | |
Inventories | | | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Total current assets | | | | | | 430,457 | | | | - | | | | 430,457 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets held for sale | | | | | | 433,254 | | | | - | | | | 433,254 | |
Property and equipment | | | | | | 137,324 | | | | - | | | | 137,324 | |
Product license | | | | | | 1 | | | | - | | | | 1 | |
Total non-current assets | | | | | | 570,579 | | | | - | | | | 570,579 | |
Total assets | | | | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | | - | | | $ | 1,001,036 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | | | $ | 1,601,161 | | | | - | | | $ | 1,601,161 | |
Promissory notes payable | | | | | | 558,212 | | | | - | | | | 558,212 | |
Due to related parties | | | | | | 255,378 | | | | - | | | | 255,378 | |
Convertible notes | | | | | | 51,698 | | | | - | | | | 51,698 | |
Total current liabilities | | | | | | 2,466,449 | | | | - | | | | 2,466,449 | |
Shareholders’ deficiency | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital | | c | | | | 43,808,617 | | | | 46,618 | | | | 43,855,235 | |
Contributed surplus | | c, d | | | | 6,769,270 | | | | (871,704 | ) | | | 5,897,566 | |
Commitment to issue shares | | e | | | | 1,403,320 | | | | (245,018 | ) | | | 1,158,302 | |
Equity component of convertible note | | | | | | 5,496 | | | | - | | | | 5,496 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | a | | | | 1,896,609 | | | | (1,896,609 | ) | | | - | |
Accumulated deficit from prior operations | | | | | | (2,265,325 | ) | | | - | | | | (2,265,325 | ) |
Accumulated deficit during the development stage | | a, c, d,e | | | | (53,083,400 | ) | | | 2,966,713 | | | | (50,116,687 | ) |
Total shareholders’ deficiency | | | | | | (1,465,413 | ) | | | | | | | (1,465,413 | ) |
Total equity and liabilities | | | | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | | - | | | $ | 1,001,036 | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
22. FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF IFRS (continued)
Reconciliation of the Statement of Comprehensive Loss for the year ended March 31, 2011
| | Note | | | Canadian GAAP | | | Effect of transition to IFRS | | | IFRS | |
| | | | | | | | Restated see (Note 22c) | | | Restated see (Note 22c) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Product development | | | | | $ | 1,520,297 | | | | - | | | $ | 1,520,297 | |
General and administrative | | d,e | | | | 4,146,255 | | | | (205,459 | ) | | | 3,940,796 | |
Loss from operations | | | | | | (5,666,552 | ) | | | 205,459 | | | | (5,461,093 | ) |
Interest and financing costs | | | | | | (514,551 | ) | | | | | | | (514,551 | ) |
Non-operating expenses | | c | | | | (273,349 | ) | | | 1,974,774 | | | | 1,701,425 | |
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to equity holders | | | | | $ | (6,454,452 | ) | | | 2,180,233 | | | $ | (4,274,219 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss per share – basic and diluted | | | | | $ | (0.11 | ) | | | 0.04 | | | $ | (0.07 | ) |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | | | | | | 58,047,835 | | | | | | | | 58,047,835 | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
22. FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF IFRS (continued)
IFRS Transition Differences
The following is a summary of the significant accounting differences considered as part of the IFRS transition project and, where appropriate, the quantification of the adjustments required as of the transition date and for the comparative period.
Functional currency and foreign exchange translation
Canadian GAAP requires an entity to determine whether a subsidiary is an integrated or self-sustaining entity based on the functional currency of the parent company. This determination dictates the method of foreign exchange translation for the consolidated financial statements. Under IFRS the Company is required to assess its functional currency independently for each entity within a consolidated group. The Company has completed its assessment and has determined that there is no change to the functional currency of its entities.
Componentization of property and equipment
IFRS requires entities to componentize all long lived assets and record amortization on a component-by-component basis whereas under Canadian GAAP the concept of componentization may not be applied on as rigorous a basis as under IFRS therefore differences in practice may arise. The Company has completed its assessment on all long-lived assets in order to determine if a material difference exists between the application of componentization under Canadian GAAP and that to be applied under IFRS. The Company has determined that there is no material impact.
Adjustments on transition to IFRS:
(a) | Cumulative translation differences |
At the date of transition under Canadian GAAP there was a cumulative translation adjustment relating to the Company’s change in functional currency in 2011. The Company has chosen to apply the related IFRS 1 election and has eliminated the cumulative translation difference against accumulated deficit on transition. This election resulted in a decrease on deficit on transition of $1.9M.
Impact on Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
| | March 31, 2011 | | | April 1, 2010 | |
Decrease accumulated other comprehensive income | | $ | (1,896,609 | ) | | $ | (1,896,609 | ) |
Decrease accumulated deficit during development stage | | $ | 1,896,609 | | | $ | 1,896,609 | |
(b) | Statement of cash flows |
The transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS had no significant impact on cash flows generated by the Company, accordingly no separate reconciliation is presented.
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
22. FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF IFRS (continued)
(c) | Derivative liability difference on convertible note |
The Company's outstanding convertible notes at April 1, 2010 included embedded conversion options that were not accounted for as derivative liabilities under pre-transition Canadian GAAP. At the date of transition, these conversion options met the criteria of a derivative instrument liability because the terms of the convertible note require that the conversion price be adjusted in certain circumstances that do not meet the "fixed-for-fixed" criteria. The impact of this accounting resulted in an increase in the derivative liability from $567,000 to 1,374,774 at April 1, 2010.
In connection with this convertible note, the Company issued warrants with a down round provision which met the criteria of a derivative instrument liability. The impact of this accounting resulted in an increase in the derivative liability by $1,167,000, and a decrease in contributed surplus of $864,645 at April 1, 2010.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the derivative liability under IFRS of $1,374,774 and $1,167,000 was fully derecognized in connection with the repayment and settlement of the July 2008 convertible note, resulting in a reconciling difference of $1,974,774 between gain on settlement of debt in net loss under Canadian GAAP to IFRS. Under Canadian GAAP, a warrant modification entry was made on reset of the exercise price. Under IFRS, this entry would not have occurred given the instrument was a derivative and fair valued. Therefore, $46,618 was reversed between share capital and contributed surplus representing additional share issuance cost.
Impact on Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Comprehensive Loss
| | March 31, 2011 | | | April 1, 2010 | |
Increase in derivative liability | | $ | - | | | $ | (1,974,774 | ) |
Decrease in contributed surplus | | | 46,618 | | | | 864,645 | |
Increase in share capital | | | (46,618 | ) | | | - | |
Increase in accumulated deficit during development stage | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,110,129 | |
Subsequent to the issuance of the Company’s March 31, 2012 IFRS accounts, management reviewed the treatment of the extinguishment of the derivative liability along with the modification of warrants relating to additional warrants being issued to the noteholders and determined that the 2011 gain on settlement of debt was overstated by $445,650 and contributed relating to the value of the warrants was understated by the same amount. Such correction related to a transition adjustment previously booked. The March 31, 2011 consolidated statements of financial position, comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows have been restated for the effect of this change as follows:
Impact on IFRS transitional adjustment relating to convertible debt (above)
| | March 31, 2011 | |
Contributed surplus, as previously reported | | $ | 492,268 | |
Adjustment to contributed surplus | | | (445,650 | ) |
Contributed surplus, as restated | | $ | 46,618 | |
Decrease in accumulated deficit during development stage, as previously reported | | $ | (445,650 | ) |
Adjustment to accumulated deficit during development stage | | | 445,650 | |
Net change in accumulated deficit during development stage, as restated | | $ | - | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
22. FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF IFRS (continued)
Impact on Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss
| | March 31, 2011 | |
Loss and comprehensive loss, as previously reported | | $ | (3,828,569 | ) |
Adjustment to gain on settlement of debt | | | (445,650 | ) |
Loss and comprehensive loss, as restated | | $ | (4,274,219 | ) |
There was no impact upon total shareholders’ deficiency, cash flows or loss per share as a result of this adjustment.
Under Canadian GAAP, certain options were remeasured at each vesting date. Under IFRS, the options should be measured once at the initial grant date, and expensed over the vesting period.
Impact on Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Comprehensive Loss
| | March 31, 2011 | | | April 1, 2010 | |
Increase in stock-based compensation | | $ | 39,559 | | | $ | - | |
Increase in contributed surplus | | $ | (39,559 | ) | | $ | - | |
Under Canadian GAAP, certain common shares issued were measured at the date they were earned as this was the most reliable measurement date. Under IFRS, these common shares were measured at grant date since the individuals met the definition of an employee. The impact was a reduction in the March 31, 2011 stock-based compensation and commitment to issue shares by $245,018.
Impact on Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Comprehensive Loss
| | March 31, 2011 | | | April 1, 2010 | |
Decrease in stock-based compensation | | $ | (245,018 | ) | | $ | - | |
Decrease in commitment to issue shares | | $ | 245,018 | | | $ | - | |
Alterrus Systems Inc. (formerly Valcent Products Inc.)
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2012
(Expressed in US Dollars)
23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
| · | On May 2, 2012, the Company issued an unsecured convertible debenture in the amount $500,000 accruing interest at 12% per annum with a term to April 19, 2014. Both principal and interest may be converted into units at $0.10 per unit, with each unit consisting of one common share and one three-quarter share purchase warrant, one whole share purchase warrant is for five-year term with an exercise price of $0.15. |
| · | On April 13, 2012, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan”) in the amount of $1,000,000 CDN (the “Term Loan”) accruing interest at 8% plus the lenders prime plus 2% to a maximum of 14% per annum The Loan also provides for a revolving loan of $250,000 CDN the “Operating Loan”) accruing interest at the same rate as the Term Loan. The Term Loan matures on April 15, 2019 and the Operating Loan is on demand. The loans are secured by a lien on, and a security interest in, all present and future unencumbered assets of the Company. The Company may repay up to 15% of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan on the second and third anniversary date, up to 25% on the fourth anniversary date of the initial loan, thereafter the balance in whole in part without penalty or prepayment compensation. The loans are to be used to build and operate the Company’s first commercial VertiCrop System in downtown Vancouver BC. In addition, the lender will receive for 15 years a monthly 3% royalty based on gross revenues from the operation the VertiCrop System up until the earlier of the maturity date or the date the Company has repaid the loan in full. Thereafter, the royalty will be reduced to 1.5%. |
| · | On April 5, 2012 the Company entered into a License Agreement to license the parking space consisting of the roof of a parking facility located in Vancouver BC. The space will be used for the purpose of erecting one or two greenhouses that will incorporated the Company’s VertiCrop System. The initial term of the license is for 10 years with an option of two five year renewals subject to mutual agreement with the Licensor. The monthly rental fees for the entire roof top are $4,800 CDN or $2,400 CDN for each level. It the Company’s intention to erect only one greenhouse and rent one level at this time. |
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS.
No. | Description of Exhibit |
| |
1(i)(1) | Articles of Incorporation of Valcent Products Inc., dated January 19, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a)(i) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
1(i)(2) | Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Valcent Products Inc., dated March 12, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a)(ii) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
1(i)(3) | Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Valcent Products Inc., dated August 19, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a)(i) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
1(i)(4) | Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Valcent Products Inc., dated June 30, 1998, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a)(iv) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
1(i)(5) | Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Valcent Products Inc., dated July 8, 1999, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a)(v) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
1(i)(6) | Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Valcent Products Inc., dated September 28, 1999, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a)(vi) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
1(i)(7) | Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Valcent Products Inc., dated April 15, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a)(vii) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
1(i)(8) | Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Valcent Products Inc., dated June 24, 2009 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 on Form 6-K filed July 16, 2009. |
| |
1(ii) | By-laws of Valcent Products Inc., dated March 26, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
1(iii) | Audit Committee charter of Valcent Products, Inc., dated March 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.A on Form 20-F filed October 31, 2005. |
| |
4.1 | Master license agreement between Valcent Products Inc. and MK Enterprises LLC, dated July 29, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(i) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
4.2 | Product development agreement between Valcent Products Inc. and MK Enterprises LLC, dated July 29, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(ii) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
4.3 | Invention license agreement between Valcent Products Inc. and MK Enterprises LLC, dated July 29, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(iii) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
4.4 | Consulting agreement between Valcent Products Inc. and M. Glen Kertz, dated July 29, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(iv) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
4.5 | Consulting agreement between Valcent Products Inc. and MK Enterprises LLC, dated July 29, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(v) on Form 20-F filed October 13, 2005. |
| |
4.6 | Form of liquidated damages convertible note agreement between Valcent Products Inc., and certain institutional note holders, dated April 6, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 on Form F-1/A filed June 30, 2006. |
| |
4.7 | Form of liquidated damages warrant agreement between Valcent Products Inc., and certain institutional note holders, dated April 6, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 on Form F-1/A filed June 30, 2006. |
| |
4.8 | Letter of Agreement between Valcent Products, Inc., Global Green Solutions Inc., Pagic LP, and West Peak Ventures of Canada Limited, dated October 2, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 on Form F-1/A filed February 7, 2007. |
| |
4.9 | Corporate Support Agreement between Valcent Products, Inc., and Sweetwater Capital Corporation dated November 1, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 on Form 20-F filed October 10, 2008. |
4.10 | Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of Vertigro Algae Technologies, LLC, between Valcent USA, Inc., and Global Green Solutions Inc., dated May 5, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 6-K filed May 14, 2008. |
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS. - continued
| |
4.11 | Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC Technology License Agreement, between Valcent Products, Inc., Pagic LP, and West Peak Ventures of Canada Ltd., dated May 7, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on Form 6-K filed May 14, 2008. |
| |
4.12 | Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC Amendment to the Technology License Agreement, between Valcent Products, Inc., Pagic LP, and West Peak Ventures of Canada Ltd., dated May 5, 2008 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 on Form 20-F filed October 10, 2008. |
4.13 | Form of convertible note agreement between Valcent Products Inc., and certain institutional note holders, dated July 16, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 6-K filed July 25, 2008. |
| |
4.14 | Form of Series A Warrant between Valcent Products Inc., and certain institutional note holders, dated July 16, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 on Form 6-K filed July 25, 2008. |
| |
4.15 | Form of Series B Warrant between Valcent Products Inc., and certain institutional note holders, dated July 16, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 on Form 6-K filed July 25, 2008. |
| |
4.16 | Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, between Valcent Products, Inc., and certain institutional note holders, dated July 16, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 6-K filed July 25, 2008. |
| |
4.17 | Security Agreement, between Valcent Products, Inc., and Platinum Long Term Growth VI, LLC, dated July 16, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on Form 6-K filed July 25, 2008. |
| |
4.18 | Patent Trademark and Copyright Security Agreement, between Valcent Products, Inc., Valcent USA Inc., Valcent Manufacturing, Ltd., Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC, Valcent Products EU Limited, and Platinum Long Term Growth VI, LLC, dated July 16, 2008 and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 on Form 20-F filed October 10, 2008. |
| |
4.19 | Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, between, Valcent Products, Inc., Valcent Manufacturing, Ltd., Deborah P. Everett, and Platinum Long Term Growth VI, LLC, dated July 16, 2008, and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.30 on Form 20-F filed October 10, 2008. |
| |
4.20 | Hazardous Substances Indemnity Agreement between Valcent Products, Inc., Valcent USA Inc., Valcent Manufacturing, Ltd., Valcent Management LLC, Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC, Valcent Products EU Limited, and Platinum Long Term Growth VI, LLC, dated July 16, 2008, and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.31 on Form 20-F filed October 10, 2008. |
| |
4.21 | Purchase and Sale Agreement between Valcent USA Inc., Global Green Solutions, Inc., and Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC, dated September 26, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 6-K filed October 1, 2008. |
| |
4.22 | Intellectual Property Sales and Purchase Agreement between Pagic LP, Malcolm Glen Kertz, West Peak Ventures of Canada Ltd., and Valcent Products Inc., dated March 30, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 6-K filed July 13, 2009. |
| |
4.23 | Addendum dated March 8, 2010 to the Intellectual Property Sales and Purchase Agreement dated April 1, 2010 between Pagic LP, Malcolm Glen Kertz, West Peak Ventures of Canada Ltd., and Valcent Products Inc. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 6-K filed March 11, 2010. |
| |
4.24 | Form of Settlement Agreement and Lock up Agreement dated April, 2009 and May 11, 2009 respectively between Valcent Products and various individuals and entities being debt holders of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 and 10.2 on Form 6-K filed May 15, 2009. |
| |
4.25 | Settlement Agreement – Nova Skincare System / Dust Wolf dated March 30, 2009 between Valcent Products Inc., Pagic LP, Malcolm Glen Kertz, and West Peak Ventures of Canada Ltd. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.36 on Form 20-F filed on October 15, 2009. |
| |
5.1 | Subsidiaries of Valcent Products Inc., as of September 30, 2008 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.1 on Form 20-F filed October 10, 2008. |
| |
5.2 | Letter from Smythe Ratcliffe addressed to the SEC stating they agree with the statements as required by Item 16F of Form 20-F. |
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12.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A) in Accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 FILED HEREWITH. |
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12.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A) in Accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 FILED HEREWITH. |
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13.1 | Certification Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 FILED HEREWITH. |
| |
13.2 | Certification Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 FILED HEREWITH. |
SIGNATURES
The registrant here certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
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| ALTERRUS SYSTEMS INC. |
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Date: August 14, 2012 | By: | /s/ Christopher Ng |
| | Christopher Ng Chief Executive Officer And Director |
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