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, 2011
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 0-30858
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) 638-4906
Fax: (604) 608-9543
(Name, Telephone, Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
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
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
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.
83,218,571 common shares, without par value, issued and outstanding at March 31, 2011, and 84,254,834 common shares, without par value, issued and outstanding as of September 28, 2011.
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 | o | Other | x |
| | by the International Accounting Standards Board | | | |
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 x Item 18 o
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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| | | | Page Number |
PART I | | | | |
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ITEM 1 | | Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors | | 5 |
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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 | | 14 |
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ITEM 5 | | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects | | 26 |
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ITEM 6 | | Directors, Senior Management and Employees | | 43 |
| | | | |
ITEM 7 | | Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions | | 46 |
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ITEM 8 | | Financial Information | | 49 |
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ITEM 9 | | The Offer and Listing | | 49 |
| | | | |
ITEM 10 | | Additional Information | | 50 |
| | | | |
ITEM 11 | | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | | 59 |
| | | | |
ITEM 12 | | Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities | | 59 |
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| | | | |
PART II | | | | 60 |
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ITEM 13 | | Defaults, Dividends, Arrearages and Delinquencies | | 60 |
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ITEM 14 | | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds | | 60 |
| | | | |
ITEM 15 T | | Control and Procedures | | 60 |
| | | | |
ITEM 16 | | [Reserved] | | |
| | | | |
ITEM 16A | | Audit Committee Financial Expert | | 62 |
| | | | |
ITEM 16B | | Code of Ethics | | 62 |
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ITEM 16C | | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | | 63 |
| | | | |
ITEM 16D | | Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committee | | 63 |
| | | | |
ITEM 16E | | Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers | | 63 |
| | | | |
ITEM 16F | | Change in registrant’s certifying accountant | | 63 |
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ITEM 16G | | Corporate governance | | 63 |
| | | | |
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PART III | | | | F-1 |
| | | | |
ITEM 17 | | Financial Statements | | F-1 |
| | | | |
ITEM 19 | | Exhibits | | 64 |
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, 2011. |
| 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
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
We are at present a life sciences development stage company focused primarily on:
| (i) | the development and commercialization of our “High Density Vertical Growth System” (“VertiCrop™” or “HDVG System”) designed to produce vegetables, herbs and other plant crops, |
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. Also effective July 16, 2009 our trading symbol changed to “VCTZF” and our CUSIP number changed to 918881202. Our website is located at www.valcent.net
Unless otherwise noted, all references to the number of common shares are stated on a post-consolidation basis.
As at September 28, 2011, 84,254,834 common shares were issued and outstanding, the Company had 23,857,410 warrants outstanding and 8,724,195 share options outstanding. In addition,, the Company had a commitment to issue 7,989,686 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.
The following selected financial data has been derived from our audited financial statements and related notes for the preceding two years and has been prepared and presented in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. The selected financial data for March 2009, 2008, 2007 has been derived from our audited financial statements and translated by management to United States dollars using the current rate method. and has been prepared and presented in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. For comparative purposes this selected financial data for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 is presented as though it were prepared under United States generally accepted accounting principles. Our audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2011 have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, which, except as noted in Note 19, conform in all material respects with those of the United States and with the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - continued
Valcent Products Inc. Selected Financial Data (Expressed in US Dollars) | |
| | | March 31 | |
| | | 2011 | | | | 2010 | | | | 2009 | | | | 2008 | | | | 2007 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net operating revenues | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from operations per CDN GAAP | | $ | 6,181,103 | | | $ | 4,610,264 | | | $ | 12,574,679 | | | $ | 11,676,998 | | | $ | 7,181,571 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss per CDN GAAP | | $ | 6,454,452 | | | $ | 6,287,047 | | | $ | 15,536,062 | | | $ | 12,341,157 | | | $ | 7,152,834 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss per US GAAP | | $ | 8,607,278 | | | $ | 12,489,601 | | | $ | 13,055,344 | | | $ | 12,904,736 | | | $ | 8,568,694 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss per share, CDN GAAP | | $ | 0.11 | | | $ | 0.15 | | | $ | 5.58 | | | $ | 6.25 | | | $ | 6.68 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss per share, U.S.GAAP | | $ | 0.15 | | | $ | 0.29 | | | $ | 4.69 | | | $ | 6.53 | | | $ | 8.01 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common shares issued | | | 83,218,571 | | | | 52,175,329 | | | | 3,008,977 | | | | 2,459,636 | | | | 1,703,670 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares outstanding per CDN GAAP | | | 57,331,417 | | | | 42,354,279 | | | | 2,782,284 | | | | 1,974,763 | | | | 1,070,066 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares outstanding per U.S. GAAP | | | 57,331,417 | | | | 42,354,279 | | | | 2,782,284 | | | | 1,974,763 | | | | 1,070,066 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Assets per CDN GAAP | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | $ | 1,261,497 | | | $ | 1,882,276 | | | $ | 4,501,820 | | | $ | 3,583,664 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Assets per U.S. GAAP | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | $ | 1,261,497 | | | $ | 1,908,329 | | | $ | 4,594,251 | | | $ | 3,782,897 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets (liabilities) per CDN GAAP | | $ | (1,465,413) | | | $ | (2,836,450 | ) | | $ | (825,290 | ) | | $ | (3,918,858 | ) | | $ | (21,088 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets (liabilities) per U.S. GAAP | | $ | (2,393,475) | | | $ | (3,650,497 | ) | | $ | 764,906 | | | $ | (3,089,574 | ) | | $ | (576,074 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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, 2011 | | $ | 0.9850 | |
March 31, 2010 | | $ | 0.9219 | |
March 31, 2009 | | $ | 0.8969 | |
March 31, 2008 | | $ | 0.9708 | |
March 31, 2007 | | $ | 0.8789 | |
Exchange Rates (CDN to 1 USD) for eight most recent months | | Period High | | | Period Low | |
| | | | | | |
September 28, 2011 | | $ | 1.0223 | | | $ | 09692 | |
August 2011 | | $ | 1.0484 | | | $ | 1.0067 | |
July 2011 | | $ | 1.0590 | | | $ | 1.0310 | |
June 2011 | | $ | 1.0309 | | | $ | 1.0111 | |
May 2011 | | $ | 1.0576 | | | $ | 1.0221 | |
April 2011 | | $ | 1.0534 | | | $ | 1.0301 | |
March 2011 | | $ | 1.0307 | | | $ | 1.0106 | |
February 2011 | | $ | 1.0226 | | | $ | 0.9991 | |
January 2011 | | $ | 1.0128 | | | $ | 0.9983 | |
Exchange Rate (CDN to 1 USD) September 28, 2011: $0.9777
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
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 Canadian GAAP, 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.
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, 2011, our balance sheet reflects a working capital deficit of $2,035,992. 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.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
RISK FACTORS - continued
Our accumulated deficit and level of debt make it more difficult to borrow funds.
As of the year ended March 31, 2011, and as a result of historical operating losses from prior operations, we had a deficit from prior operations of $2,265,325, and a deficit of $53,083,400 from losses accumulated during our development stage resulting in a total accumulated deficit of $55,348,725. 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 $2,466,449 as at March 31, 2011 and total assets of only $1,001,036 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.
In addition, the Company has interest bearing promissory notes that are due upon demand in the aggregate of $558,212. 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.
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.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
RISK FACTORS - continued
Lack of insurance coverage on fixed assets located in the United States
The Company cut back its operations in its US 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, 2011, assets held for sale totalled $433,254. (Land $245,485 and Building $ 187,769)
Also 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 $250,748, being the carrying value of those assets to the consolidated statement of operations. (2010 - $nil)
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
RISK FACTORS - 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.
Subsequent to March 31, 2011, the Company and the Company’s legal counsel performed a comprehensive review of the Company’s improved VertiCrop™ intellectual property and an Purchase Agreement the contain 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.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
RISK FACTORS - continued
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.
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.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
RISK FACTORS - continued
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 “VCTZF”, 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, 2011, 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.
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 Bulletin Board 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.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
RISK FACTORS - continued
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”.
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.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION - continued
RISK FACTORS - continued
As at September 28, 2011, we have outstanding warrants to purchase up to approximately 28,857,410 shares of our common stock and options issued to purchase up to approximately 8,724,195 shares of our common stock. In addition, the Company had a commitment to issue 7,989,686 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, 2012. 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.
Future releases from voluntary lock up arrangements of our common stock may depress our stock price
An aggregate of $2,345,498 of debt was settled on March 31, 2011 in exchange for 15,636,656 units. Each unit consists of one common share and one half warrants. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.25. The common shares are subject to a 12 month lock up agreement from the date of issue which was March 31, 2011. The lock-up agreement covers 90% of the issued units whereby 30% will be released in six months, another 30% will be released in nine months and the balance will be released in 12 months from the issued date. Releases from lock up will increase supply of shares tradable and may depress the market price of our common shares trading in the market. ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY.
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).
Valcent Products Inc. - On March 24, 2004, we changed the Company’s name to Valcent Products Inc. to reflect a newly adopted business plan. On May 3, 2005 we 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”. Effective May 3, 2005, and in order to render the Company’s capital structure more amenable to contemplated financing, we effected a consolidation of the Company’s common shares on a one-for-three-basis (1:3).
In order to facilitate the business plan, 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.
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.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company executed a purchase agreement to acquire all ownership rights and intellectual property relating to certain vertical plant growing technology and Tomorrow Garden® kit technology (the “Technologies”) from Glen Kertz, Pagic, and West Peak and which provides the Company with all rights and knowhow to the Technologies (the “Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to this agreement, original master license agreements between the Company and Pagic were terminated and this agreement replaced all financial obligations the Company had with Pagic related to the original master license agreements, including annual payments, royalty burden, and all other associated licensing costs. During the last quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, the Company and Pagic entered into negotiations to resolve certain disputes regarding the Purchase Agreement. On March 8, 2010, an addendum to the Purchase Agreement (“Addendum”) was entered into by parties. On May 17, 2011 the company advised Pagic, based upon a comprehensive review of the intellectual property rights that were the subject of this agreement, that it was no longer relying upon these rights and terminated the agreement.
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” and Valcent’s CUSIP number changed to 918881202. Unless otherwise noted, all references to the number of common shares and or prices(s) per share are stated on a post-consolidation basis.
Current Corporate Focus - We are at present a life sciences targeted, development stage company focused primarily on the development and commercialization of the Company’s “High Density Vertical Growth System” (“VertiCrop™”) designed to produce vegetables, herbs and other plant crops in climatically controlled, chemical free environments in both greenhouse and warehouse structures.
From inception, we have generated minimal cost recoveries, experienced negative cash flows from operating activities, and the Company’s history of losses has resulted in the Company’s continued dependence on external financing. Any inability to achieve or sustain profitability or otherwise secure additional external financing, will negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and raises substantial doubts as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company and its management are working towards commercialization of its core technology with emphasis on reaching break even business operations as soon as feasible.
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, 2011.
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.
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.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
Business Overview
The Com The Company any is in the business of developing, selling and delivering world-leading vertical farming solutions primarily through its high density vertical growing systems named VertiCrop™. |
The Company has been developing and proving a growing technology that can be described as transformative. The profitability of the Company’s 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. |
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. |
Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC (“Vertigro Algae”) - Beginning on October 2, 2006, we granted certain rights to Global Green relating to a joint venture of the Company’s high density vertical bio-reactor technology named “Vertigro”, an algae biomass technology initiative. On May 5, 2008, the joint venture arrangement pertaining to the development of the algae biomass technology initiative was terminated and Vertigro Algae executed a separate Technology License Agreement (“Technology License”) together with Pagic, and West Peak. The Technology License licenses certain algae biomass technology and intellectual property to Vertigro Algae for purposes of commercialization and exploitation for all industrial, commercial, and retail applications worldwide “Algae Biomass Technology”. Vertigro Algae assessed its continued involvement in the Technology License; the Technology License was terminated in the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
Discontinued Product Development Lines and Settlement of Licensed Technologies - Of the Initial Products under license as defined above, the Company ceased development of Dust Wolf and Nova Skin Care Systems during the year ended March 31, 2009 due to economic conditions, project viability assessment, and increased corporate focus on life sciences plant growth technologies. During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company, decided to discontinue development of its Tomorrow Garden® retail plant sales project to concentrate on the commercialization and roll out of its VertiCrop™.
VertiCrop™ Technology Purchase Agreement - Effective April 1, 2009, the Company terminated the original License Agreement dated July 29, 2005 and executed a new purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to acquire all ownership rights and intellectual property relating to its VertiCrop™ vertical plant growing technology and Tomorrow Garden Kit technology (the “Technologies”) from a former director and officer of the Company, Pagic and West Peak.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to pay a total of $2,000,000 and issue 3% of its common shares on conclusion of the purchase agreement. The $2,000,000 is payable on a cumulative basis as to $65,000 on signing (paid) plus the greater of 3% of the gross monthly product sales less returns from exploitation of the Technologies or $12,000 per month until $2,000,000 has been paid. The ownership of the Technologies will remain in escrow until fully paid or if the Company defaults in making payments. The issuance of the 3% of its common shares is payable upon release of the Technologies from escrow to the Company. The Company may at any time elect to pay out the remaining balance due. Should the Company default under this agreement the Technologies will revert back to Glen Kertz and Pagic.
On March 8, 2010, an addendum to the Purchase Agreement (“Addendum”) was entered into by parties thereto whereby:
| a) the purchase price of technology to be acquired was amended to an aggregate of $3,150,000 (previously $2,000,000) of which certain equipment was permitted to be used by Pagic as an incentive to enter into the Purchase Agreement (“Addendum”). |
| b) $100,000 was paid to Pagic by the Company at the date of the Addendum; |
| c) calculated minimum IP payments increased to $18,000 per month from $12,000 per month effective August 1, 2010; and |
| d) the term to complete the technology purchased was reduced from July 1, 2019 to July 12, 2014. |
During the year ended March 31, 2011, $192,000 was paid or accrued to Pagic under the terms of the Purchase Agreement and its Addendum.
Subsequent to March 31, 2011, the Company and the Company’s legal counsel 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 on May 17, 2011.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
PLAN OF OPERATIONS
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.
At present, we do not believe that Valcent’s current financial resources are sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital needs in the near term or over the next twelve months and, accordingly, we will need to secure additional external financing to continue the Company’s operations. We anticipate raising additional capital though further private equity or debt financings and shareholder loans. If we are unable to secure such additional external financing, we may not be able to meet the Company’s obligations as they come due or to fully implement the Company’s intended plan of operations, as set forth below, raising substantial doubts as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
On December 16, 2010 Stephen Kenneth Fane, FCA, accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company and Chris Ng accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer and a Director of the Company.
New management has shifted the Company’s focus from being a research and development Company to marketing and commercializing the Company’s VertiCropTM System.
The company has established sales and marketing materials, established sales and marketing support, and has been providing quotes for specific, targeted customers.
The AlphaCrop™ system has been discontinued as there is not a clear market for this product.
The company is in the process of downsizing the Valcent EU Ltd. subsidiary and has changed its focus to an R&D function. In addition the company intends to develop and implement an R&D capability in Canada and the US.
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
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
PLAN OF OPERATIONS - continued
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.
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 |
In a rapidly urbanizing world where the majority of people now live in cities, localization requires that food and fuel be produced in an urban context. Urban agriculture presents a number of technological challenges. The main challenge is a lack of growing space.
Vertical growing is a new idea currently emerging in the sustainability discourse which offers great promise for increasing urban production. Vertical growing systems have been proposed as possible solutions for increasing urban food supplies while decreasing the ecological impact of farming. The primary advantage of vertical growing is the high density production it allows using a much reduced physical footprint and fewer resources relative to conventional agriculture. Vertical growing systems can be applied in combination with existing hydroponics, and greenhouse technologies which already address many aspects of the sustainable urban production challenge (i.e., soil-free, organic production, closed loop systems that maximize water and nutrient efficiencies, etc.). 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 and fuel production.
Reduced Global Transport and Associated Carbon Emissions : It is widely recognized that the transportation of food over long distances – compared to locally sourced foods – causes excessive energy use, air pollution and is a contributor to climate change.
4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
PLAN OF OPERATIONS - continued
Today, food products typically travel great distances between source and market. The energy used for food transport often far outweighs the human energy gained by the food. The associated need for long-haul refrigeration and packaging further increases the energy costs of food transport. Long-distance and cross-continental food trade is clearly on the rise with the tonnage of food shipped between nations having grown many times over in the last fifty years. Choosing local over global products has powerful potential to reduce energy consumption.
Food and Fuel Safety, Security and Sovereignty: We believe that the further that food is shipped from its growing source, the more vulnerable our food and energy systems become. There are many factors that can interrupt global production and distribution systems including political instability, changes in government, fluctuations in international markets, oil shortages and depletion, war and conflict, acts of terrorism, and natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, drought, or hurricanes. Localization of food and fuel production has important potential for daily security and emergency preparedness as every community should be able to supply at least a fraction of the food and fuel required by its residents.
Food that is transferred across borders does not necessarily meet the traditional safety standards of consumer countries. Since local food is produced under tractable conditions, in adherence with local food safety standards, greater levels of food safety are ensured.
About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger related causes according to the United Nations. In Africa, for example, it is agriculture itself that is in crisis; caused by years of wars, coups and civil strife, increases in population, and natural problems such as drought. Sub Saharan African soil quality is classified as degraded in about 72% of arable land and 31% of pasture land.
The High Density Vertical Growing System grows leafy lettuce, micro greens (small leafed plants of a wide variety), spinach, herbs, mints, beets, strawberries, wheatgrass, alfalfa and other grains. The HDVG System has the capability of, on average, growing up to 10-20 times the amount of vegetables per acre than conventional field production while using only 5% of the water. Field lettuce loses half its nutritional value within 24 hours and delivery to distant customers can take up to a week. Innovations inherent to the HDVG System will make it possible to deliver vegetables which are still alive to the consumer.
The Company believes that one-eighth acre replicable turnkey modules can be scaled up to meet output and crop diversity requirements. The system can be sited anywhere, in urban, suburban or even desert environments, wherever vegetables are needed. A primary advantage of vertical growing is the high density production it allows using a much reduced physical footprint and fewer resources relative to conventional agriculture. Initial production performance for the HDVG System is based on growing leafy lettuce.
Commercial Deployment of the VertiCrop™ System – Paignton Zoo, Devon, UK: The Company via its UK subsidiary has in the summer months of 2009 deployed its first commercial test installation of its VertiCrop™ technology at the Paignton Zoo Environmental Park located in Devon, UK. The Paignton Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the UK. The Zoo is part of South West Environmental Parks Ltd which is owned by the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust. It is a combined zoo and botanic garden that welcomes over half a million visitors a year. The VertiCrop™ System installed at Paignton Zoo is meant to grow more plants in less room using less water and less energy. It will help to reduce food miles and bring down the Zoo’s annual costs for animal feed, which is currently in excess of £200,000 a year. The zoo will grow a whole range of herbs such as parsley and oregano, as well as leaf vegetables like lettuce and spinach, plus a range of fruits such as cherry tomato and strawberry. Reptiles, birds and most of the mammal collection - including primates and big cats -- will benefit from the production of year-round fresh food. The system which was a joint arrangement between Valcent Products EU Limited and the Paignton Zoo Environmental Park became operational on August 5, 2009, and will supply necessary data to the Company of semi-commercial crop yields, and other data for further commercialization of the VertiCrop™ System.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
PLAN OF OPERATIONS - continued
Manufacturing, Fulfillment and Suppliers: Manufacture to date for VertiCrop™ has been carried out in the UK. The Company is currently sourcing alternative manufactures and suppliers in North America and offshore. 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.
Restructuring Initiatives
The debt settlements, share lockup, and convertible debt restructuring (described below) were a part of the Company’s plans to substantially reduce its debt and restructure the Company’s capital structure to enable further funding initiatives pursuant to its business operations. As part of its restructuring, the Company held a special meeting of its shareholders on June 22, 2009 who approved a stock consolidation of one new share for each eighteen old shares. This share consolidation became effective on July 16, 2009.
Debt Settlement Agreements and Lockup Agreements
Concluding on May 11, 2009, but effective for accounting purposes as of March 31, 2009, Valcent Products, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into agreements with a significant number of the Company’s creditors to settle or restructure a significant portion of the Company’s indebtedness in consideration for shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company settled an aggregate of $13,614,973 representing these balances in exchange for 29,516,955 common shares issued on May 11, 2009. Included in these shares are 24,232,816 common shares which are subject to pooling restrictions with quarterly equal releases beginning on January 1, 2010, a further 2,634,135 common shares were subject to pooling restrictions until January 1, 2010. The Company used a value different from the quoted market price to value the restricted shares on issuance to reflect the discount the debt holder participants would require as a result of the 7 month holding period, the large share issuance and economic factors of the company. A loss of $999,747 was recorded to loss on settlement of debts for those debt holder participants who received shares at a value different than the restricted share value. The Company estimated the value of the restricted share of US $0.02 per share pre-consolidation (US $0.40 post consolidation). The value of the restricted stock was determined by using a valuation model and specific considerations of the Company’s trading volume, market risk and negotiations with arms length parties.
July 2008 Convertible Promissory Note Amendments and Reversion
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 then Chief Financial Officer. The debt was 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 were exercisable at $9.90 and permitted 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 $160,000 in cash as transaction costs. The warrants carried a term of five years from the date of closing of the financing. The redeemable warrants could 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.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
PLAN OF OPERATIONS - continued
During the year ended March 31, 2009, interest and accretion of the convertible debenture in the aggregate of $1,262,529 was accrued on the principal balance of these convertible notes.
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. |
The Company recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $770,293 as at March 31, 2009 due to a modification of the original debt terms.
| The terms of the remaining $1,323,000 convertible promissory notes included 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 default provisions applied. |
| • | If prior to March 31, 2010, the Company issued common shares at a price less than the valuation of the shares issued to each note holder, the Company would 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 represented 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 was been recorded as a liability as at December 31, 2009 when the conversion feature was reinstated. The value of the liability to be recorded was based on the premium of the fair value of the shares to be delivered in the event of a conversion over the fair value of the underlying face value of the debt. On December 31, 2009, the convertible note of $1,968,305 included an embedded derivative liability in the amount of $567,000 as at March 31, 2010 with charge to interest, accretion and fess in the statement of operations.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, 21,704 common shares were issued to the note holders on conversion of $10,000 per the conversion feature. These shares were subsequently returned to treasury by the note holder and the $10,000 re-established back into the outstanding principal because of the company’s declining share price.
There were no transactions costs to be allocated between the embedded derivative and debt host contract.
The Company accrued interest of $39,571 for the period from April 1, 2010 to May 31, 2010. During the same period the Company paid $32,622 of accrued interest by issuing 135,925 common shares of the Company.
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.
On June 15, 2010, the Company issued 3,500,000 common shares at a market rate of $0.20 per common share.
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 applies 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, accretion and fees in the consolidated statement of operations.
On September 15, 2010, the Company issued 500,000 shares on a prorate ownership basis to the original convertible note holders as a penalty to extend the maturity term of these notes 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, accretion and fees in consolidated statement of operations.
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, accretion and fees in the consolidated statement of operations.
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 not further claims over the assets of the Company.
As part of the original debt agreement, the original convertible note holders’ warrants were subject to a reset provision in the event the Company closed an equity offering at a price lower than the original exercise price on the warrants. Under the reset provision, the note holders 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 note holders 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 loss of settlement of debt in the consolidated statement of operations.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
PLAN OF OPERATIONS - continued
Equity Issuances
During the year ending March 31, 2011, the Company:
(i) Entered into a Private Placement Agreement (“PP Agreement”) on December 14, 2010 with one third party and one related party. The PP Agreement included a funding commitment to the Company along with provisions for the new management group and the third party to 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. The PP Agreement was later amended, whereby the first 7,000,000 shares earned would be allocated to the new management group as an incentive for them to join the Company. As at March 31, 2011, the Company has a commitment to issue 6,647,195 common shares. The shares were valued at $1,308,569 based on the market price at the time the shares were earned and charged to stock-based compensation. In addition under this PP Agreement the management group and the third party 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. As March 31, 2011 none of these options were issued. As March 31, 2011, the parties were entitled to receive based on completed performance 6,647,195 options. These options have been 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 value of the options earned but not granted of, $752,462, as a charge to stock-based compensation in the consolidated statement of operations. These options will continue to be re-measured until the grant and terms have been approved by the Board.
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 warrants. 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 two closing dates was either equal to or less than offer price. Total share issuance costs connected with the private placement was $77,297 and includes $72,500 as finder fee and $4,797 as legal fees.
(ii) On March 30, 2011, the Company entered into a series of debt settlement agreements whereby it agreed to issue restricted common shares in settlement of certain promissory notes, accounts payable and related party amounts owing at the same terms as the private placement. An aggregate of $2,345,498 representing these balances was settled in exchange for 15,636,656 units at $0.15 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one half warrants. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.25. Ninety percent of the common shares are subject to a twelve month lock up agreement with 30 % being release on September 30, 2011 and 30% each quarter thereafter.. No value has been attributed to the warrants as the share price at the debt settlement date was equal to the settlement price.
(iii) Issued the following common shares for investor relations services:
| · | 500,000 common shares at an aggregate fair value of $120,000 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance. |
| · | 50,000 common shares for services rendered under a public relations agreement at a fair value of $12,000 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance; and |
| · | 50,000 common shares for services rendered under a design services contract at a fair value of $12,000 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance. |
(iv) Issued the following common shares for consulting services in respect of product development:
| · | 500,000 common shares at an aggregate fair value of $120,000 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance. |
(v) For Contributed Services:
At March 31, 2010, commitment to issue shares includes 300,000 common shares to be issued to an officer and director of the Company for product development services performed during the year ended March 31, 2010. The 300,000 common shares to be issued 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 value of $126,000. During the year, 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.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
PLAN OF OPERATIONS - continued
(vi) Commitment to Issue Shares
| At March 31, 2011, commitment to issue shares included the following |
| · | 300,000 common shares to be issued in connection with a financial consulting services agreement for investor relations services at an aggregate fair value of $51,750;* |
| · | 150,000 common shares to be issued in connection with consulting services agreement for internet and marketing services at an aggregate fair value of $22,000;* |
| · | 6,647,195 common shares to be issued in connection with a private placement agreement for new management services at an aggregate fair value of $1,308,570;* and |
| · | 140,000 units to be issued at $0.15 per unit in connection with the private placement offering that was closed subsequent to the year end in the amount of $21,000 being equal to the closing stock price on the date the shares were to be issued. |
* The aggregate value of these committed common shares was calculated by using the closing stock price on the date the share commitment was earned.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company:
(i) Issued 16,303,562 units pursuant to the conversion of $2,000,000 in subscription advances and interest of $24,582. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one third of one share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase 5,434,521 common shares at an exercise price of $0.45 per share until July 17, 2010. A value of $20,923 was allocated to the warrants under the residual method.
Issued 458,139 units pursuant to the conversion of $179,478 in convertible notes and interest of $3,777. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase 458,139 common shares at an exercise price of $0.60 per share until July 17, 2011. A value of $1,764 was allocated to warrants under the residual method.
Closed private placements in four tranches and issued 2,153,492 units at a price of $0.40 per common share for gross proceeds of $906,966. Included in the private placements value is $1,397 of interest on subscriptions received. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to exercise each whole warrant into a common share of the Company at an exercise price $0.60 until varying dates from October 26, 2011 to December 30, 2011. A value of $8,292 was allocated to the warrants under the residual method.
The Company closed a further private placement of $50,000 and issued 125,000 units at a price of $0.40 per common share. Each unit consists of one common share and 1.67 share purchase warrants entitling the holder thereof to exercise each whole warrant into a common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.40 until February 15, 2012. A value of $10,358 was allocated to the warrants under the residual method.
In connection with the private placements closed in four tranches, the Company incurred issue costs including finders’ fees of $219,105 in cash and issued 35,000 finder’s warrants. The fair value of $20,077 for the finder’s warrants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and was charged to share issue costs and credited to contributed surplus. The assumptions used in the option pricing model are as follows: risk-free interest rate- 1.98%; expected life – 2.0 years; expected volatility – 80%; and expected dividends – nil.
(ii) In conjunction with certain restructuring initiatives effective March 27, 2009, the Company entered into a series of debt settlement agreements whereby it agreed to issue restricted common shares in settlement of convertible debentures, debenture related interest, original issuer discounts, prepayment penalties, future interest, certain accounts payable and related party amounts owing certain advances, unpaid finders’ fees and demand and term promissory notes. An aggregate of $13,614,973 representing these balances was settled in exchange for 29,516,955 common shares issued on May 11, 2009 (after allowing for consolidation rounding). Included in these shares are 24,232,816 common shares which are subject to pooling restrictions with quarterly equal releases beginning on January 1, 2010, a further 2,634,135 common shares were subject to pooling restrictions until January 1, 2010.
(iii) Issued 312,500 common shares pursuant to conversions of July 2008 convertible notes for $250,000 face value of the original note. Issued a further 21,704 common shares pursuant to the conversion of July 2008 convertible notes for $10,000 face value of the reverted note.
| (iv) Issued the following common shares for consulting services and investor relations: |
| · | 275,000 common shares at an aggregate fair value of $142,467 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance; |
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
PLAN OF OPERATIONS - continued
During the year ended March 31, 2009, the Company:
(i) Completed a private placement of units whereby a total of 180,703 units were issued at $10.80 per unit for gross proceeds of $1,951,600. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant with each whole warrant exercisable at US $13.50 to purchase an additional common share of the Company. Share issuance cost in connection with this placement was $212,943; |
(ii) Issued 5,555 common shares in connection with interest charges regarding a promissory note at fair value of $58,597;
(iii) Issued the following common shares for consulting services:
| · | 23,333 common shares in connection with two financial consulting services agreements for investor relations and product development services at an aggregate fair value of $285,000; |
| · | 7,443 common shares for services rendered under a public relations agreement at a fair value of $43,594; |
| · | 5,000 common shares for services rendered under an internet services contract at a fair value of $16,500. |
(iv) Issued 16,667 common shares valued at $180,000 to Pagic relating to the Technology License;
(v) Issued 289,344 common shares upon conversion of $1,597,609 of convertible note principal, interest and penalties to convertible debenture holders;
(vi) Issued 21,296 common shares upon the exercise of 21,296 warrants at $9.00 per share for proceeds of $191,664.
(vii) Commitment to Issue Shares
During the year ended March 31, 2009, and in conjunction with certain restructuring initiatives, effective March 27, 2009, the Company entered into a series of debt settlement agreements whereby it agreed to issue restricted common shares in settlement of convertible debentures, debenture related interest, original issuer discounts, prepayment penalties, future interest, certain accounts payable and related party amounts owing, certain advances, unpaid finders’ fees and demand and term promissory notes. An aggregate of $13,614,973 representing these balances was settled in exchange for 29,516,955 common shares issued on May 11, 2009. Included in these shares are 24,232,816 common shares which are subject to pooling restrictions with quarterly equal releases beginning on January 1, 2010, and a further 2,634,135 common shares are subject to pooling restrictions until January 1, 2010. The Company valued the restricted shares on issuance to reflect the 7 month holding period and the large share issuance of the Company. The Company used a value different from the quoted market price to value the restricted shares on issuance to reflect the discount the debt holder participants would require as a result of the 7 month holding period, the large share issuance and economic factors of the company. A loss of $ 999,747 was recorded to loss on settlement of debts for those debt holder participants who received shares at a value different than the restricted share value. The Company estimated the value of the restricted share of $0.02 per share pre-consolidation ($0.40 post consolidation). The value of the restricted stock was determined by using a valuation model and specific considerations of the Company’s trading volume, market risk and negotiations with arms length parties.
REGULATIONS
We are not currently subject to direct regulation by any foreign or domestic government agency, other than regulations applicable to businesses generally.
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
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Overview
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.
Patents Issued and Pending
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 | 2 | 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 of “Valcent®” in the United States. 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.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY - continued
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Our principal executive offices are located at 120 Columbia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6A 3Z8. Our telephone number is (604) 638-4906.
On November 16, 2007, our wholly owned subsidiary, Valcent Products EU Limited leased office and development space in Launceston, Cornwall, UK, under a ten-year lease beginning November 15, 2007 and ending on November 15, 2017 at a quarterly cost of GB£12,550. There were 5 years and 7.5 months remaining on the lease as at March 31, 2011. The Company has net property of $137,324 comprised of vehicles and equipment, and other assets located mainly at the Paignton Zoo as at March 31, 2011.
Also 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 $247,464, being the carrying value of these assets in the UK.
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, 2011, assets held for sale totalled $433,254. (Land $245,485 and Building $ 187,769)
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, 2011 and the notes to the financial statements. Our audited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles which, except as noted in Note 19 to our March 31, 2011 audited financial statements, conform in all material respects with those of United States generally accepted accounting principles and with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
OPERATING LEGACY AND ACCUMULATED LOSSES
Fluctuations in Results
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, operating results have fluctuated significantly and past performance should not be used as an indication of future performance.
Valcent Products Inc. | |
Selected Financial Data [Annual] | |
(Expressed in US Dollars) | |
| | 12 months ended March 30 | |
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
Net Operating Revenues | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
Loss from operations | | $ | 6,181,103 | | | $ | 4,610,264 | | | $ | 12,574,679 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Loss (Income) | | $ | 413,349 | | | $ | 1,676,783 | | | $ | 2,961,383 | |
Net loss per Canadian GAAP | | $ | 6,454,452 | | | $ | 6,287,047 | | | $ | 15,536,062 | |
Loss per share | | $ | 0.12 | | | $ | 0.15 | | | $ | 5.58 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital | | $ | 43,808,617 | | | $ | 39,011,557 | | | $ | 19,513,994 | |
Common shares issued | | | 83,218,571 | | | | 52,175,329 | | | | 3,008,977 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding | | | 57,331,417 | | | | 42,354,279 | | | | 2,782,284 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | $ | 1,261,497 | | | $ | 1,883,217 | |
Total Liabilities | | $ | 2,466,449 | | | $ | 4,097,947 | | | $ | 2,708,920 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Shares | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exchange Rates (CDN $ = US $ 1) period average | | $ | 0.9850 | | | $ | 0.9219 | | | $ | 0.8969 | |
Exchange Rates (British Pound £ = US $1) period average | | $ | 1.5561 | | | $ | 1.5961 | | | $ | 1.7216 | |
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
Operating Results
For the year ended March 31, 2011, we focused on the following business initiatives:
| (i) | the development and commercialization of Valcent’s “High Density Vertical Growth System” (“VertiCrop™”) designed to produce vegetables and other plant crops, |
| (ii) | restructuring activities as noted in this annual report, and |
For the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company focused on:
| (i) | the development and commercialization of Valcent’s “High Density Vertical Growth System” (“VertiCrop™”) designed to produce vegetables and other plant crops, |
| (ii) | the development and commercialization of our “High Density Vertical Growth System” (“AlphaCrop(TM)” or “HDVG System”) designed for smaller commercial growers looking for smaller but highly cost effective compact growing systems to produce to produce vegetables, herbs and other plant crops. |
| (iii) | the development and marketing of the Tomorrow Garden® consumer retail products in Valcent’s UK based subsidiary, |
| (iv) | restructuring activities as noted in this annual report, and |
| (v) | an assessment and rationalization of the development of a commercial algae growing technology via Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC. |
We incurred net losses of $6,454,452 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $6,287,047 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010. Our loss from operations increased by $1,570,839 to $6,181,103 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011. This increase is a direct result of two charges totaling $2,061,031 that were directly related to Private Placement Agreement (‘PP Agreement”) the Company entered into on December 31, 2010 with a third party and a related party. The PP Agreement included a commitment to the Company along with provisions for the new management group to further the development and marketability of the VertiCrop™ vertical plant technology and for the third party 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. The PP Agreement was later amended, whereby the first 7,000,000 shares earned would be allocated to the new management group as an incentive for them to join the Company. As at March 31, 2011, the Company had a commitment to issue 6,647,195 common shares. The shares were valued at $1,308,569 based on the market price at the time the shares were earned and charged to stock-based compensation. In addition under this PP Agreement the management group and the third party 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. As March 31, 2011 none of these options were issued. As March 31, 2011, the parties were entitled to receive based on completed performance 6,647,195 options. These options have been 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 value of the options earned but not granted of, $752,462, as a charge to stock-based compensation in the consolidated statement of operations. When you remove the two charges from the net loss of operations for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011, and compare it to the net loss of operations for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 there is an overall decrease of $490,192. The PP Agreement ends on the earlier of January 31, 2012 or the date on which the Company has issued an aggregate of $2.3million of units pursuant to the financing.
Operating Expenses
Product development - Product development expenses decreased by $465,726 to $1,520,297 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 as compared with the twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease is due the Company refocusing its efforts in research and development to the commercialization of the VertiCrop™ System in the last quarter of the year. As well, the Vertigro Algae technologies and Tomorrow Garden® product line development and Vertigro Algae related research and development were concluded in the last quarter of fiscal 2010.
Insurance - Insurance expense decreased by $6,709 to $13,174 during the 12 months ended March 31, 2011 (2010 - $19,883) .
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
Interest and accretion - In conjunction with convertible debenture financings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 and from other promissory note financings during fiscal 2011, the Company incurred $514,551 in interest, and financing charges on convertible and promissory notes in the twelve months ended March 31, 2011. This represents a $340,865 decrease from the $855,416 that had been incurred during the twelve months ended March 31, 2010.
Investor relations - Investor relations fees increased $126,932 to $384,636 (2010 - $257,704) for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 as a result of an increased number of third party consultants in investor related advisory activities to help assist the Company in finding new avenues of financing.
Advertising and media development - Advertising and media development was $49,817 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 and was significantly lower by $43,297 than for the same period in 2010 ($93,114) owing to the cessation of all marketing costs related to the previous products and the start of a new marketing plan for the VertiCrop™ system.
Professional fees - Professional fees increased by $25,577 to $531,571 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 from $505,994 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 reflecting complex accounting, regulatory, and legal costs inherent to near term operations.
Office and miscellaneous - Office and miscellaneous expenses decreased $89,190 to $225,601 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 from $314,791 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease is primarily due to the scale back of activity in the Company’s US subsidiary and cost streamlining in the current period.
Travel - Travel expenses increased by $59,460 to $260,654 (2010 - $201,194) for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 as a result of increased activity in all of the Company’s operations, increased number of active development projects.
Amortization – Amortization decreased modestly by $17,461 to $176,415 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 (2010 - $193,876) due to the Company’s decision in October 2010 to sell its remaining assets in the United States and stop taking amortization of these assets and classify them as assets held for resale.
Rent - Rent expenses increased $682 to $116,311 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 from $115,629 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010, owing to foreign currency fluctuations.
Stock-based compensation - The Company issued 2,050,000 share options to consultants of the Company incurring a charge of $215,510 to stock-based compensation during the year. The Company incurred a charge of $2,061,031 to stock-base compensation which was a direct result of the above discussed PP Agreement. In addition, the Company amended some terms on warrants held by a significant shareholder and recorded a compensation charge of $91,843 during the year. The increase of $2,350,077 over the March 31, 2010 charge of $18,310 is due to the reorganization initiatives and incentives for a new senior management group to join the Company.
Filing and transfer agent fees - Filing and transfer agent fees decreased $28,638 to $19,692 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011, from $48,330 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to costs in 2010 associated with the increased activity relating to the Company’s restructuring initiatives in 2010.
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 $146,948 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to a loss of $19,395 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2010.
Recovery (write -off) of receivable – During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company has written off a receivable due from Global Green Solutions Inc. (“GGS”) in the amount of $657,641 owing to GGS’s lack of capital and financial ability to repay the debt on a current basis. $4,100 of this amount was recovered during the year ended March 31, 2011.
Interest income – During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company did not recognize any interest income (2010 - $nil).
Gain on settlement of debts – During the year ended Match 31, 2011 the company incurred a net gain on settlement of debt of $121,350. This amount included a gain on reversal of a derivative liability of $567,000 which was a component to the July 2008 convertible debt and was settled during the year, a charge of $445,650 relating the fair value of warrants issued to the convertible debt holders in settlement. During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company used a value different from the quoted market price to value the restricted shares on issuance to reflect the discount the debt holder participants would require as a result of the 7 month holding period, the large share issuance and economic factors of the company. A loss of $999,747 was recorded to loss on settlement of debts for those debt holder participants which received shares at a value different than the restricted share value based on objective evidence. The Company estimated the value of the restricted share of $0.22222 pre-consolidation ($0.40 post consolidation) at April 1, 2009 based on the estimated call option value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: share price - $0.06 pre-consolidation; exercise price - $0.06; risk-free interest rate – 0.47%; expected life – 9 months ; expected volatility – 109%; and expected dividends – nil.
Write-down of property and equipment - 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.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
Comprehensive Loss and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Effective April 1, 2010, the Company decided to report its consolidated financial statements in United States dollars for shareholder and investor relations purposes as the Company’s shares are currently quoted on an exchange in the United States in United States dollars. Consolidated financial statements for the prior periods have been translated from CAD presentation to USD presentation using the current rate method. Using this method, all consolidated assets and liabilities have been translated using the exchange rate at the balance sheet dates, while shareholders’ equity has been translated using the historical exchange rates at the dates of the corresponding transactions. The consolidated statements of operations and deficit and consolidated statements of cash flow have been translated using the prevailing average exchange rates for the periods. Any resulting exchange rate differences due to this translation are included in shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income. All comparative financial information being presented has been restated to reflect the Company’s consolidated financial statements as if they have been historically reported in USD and the effect on the consolidated financial statements resulted in an accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) adjustment of $1,948,828 as at April 1, 2008 and a period foreign exchange adjustment on change in reporting currency in connection with a reporting currency other than the functional currency for the year ended March 31, 2009 of $52,219, resulting in a final consolidated accumulated other comprehensive income of $1,896,609. As the functional currency and reporting currency are the same for the years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, there was no further foreign exchange adjustments in AOCI.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Because the Company is organized in Canada, the Company’s March 31, 2011 financial statements have been prepared by the Company’s management in accordance with Canadian GAAP applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.
The Company’s accumulated losses during the development stage increased by $6,454,452 to $53,083,400 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011.
The Company’s working capital deficit as at March 31, 2011 was $2,035,992 which was less than the $3,834,047 in working capital deficit as at March 31, 2010. This decrease in working capital deficit was a result of the settlement of promissory and convertible debt instruments used to finance fiscal 2010 and prior years business activities; 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 funding to finance its operations and obligations. 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. As at March 31, 2011 the Company does not have sufficient cash on hand to fund its operations for the next twelve months.
We had cash of $31,936 as of March 31, 2011. We anticipate that we will incur through the end of our next fiscal year:
| · | $1,800,000 for operating expenses, including working capital, consulting fees, general and administrative, professional, legal and accounting expenses. |
We have no long-term debt. In the year ending March 31, 2012 significant expense is expected to be for our operating expenses and professional fees. Subsequent to year end we received $155,889 in gross proceeds from a third private placement. The Company also issued a promissory note in the amount of $700,000 accruing interest at 18% per annum with a conversion feature connected to any accrued interest. The note matures on July 14, 2012 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 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. The Company may repay the note at any time without penalty. Even with this additional cash, we believe that our available cash will not be sufficient to fund our working capital requirements 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. We believe that debt financing beyond the current bridge loan will not be an alternative for funding as the current lender will be paid out from the proceeds of the sale of our El Paso Texas property and there is no assurance we will receive more than the current loan from the sale. This will leave the company with no real tangible assets to borrow against until such time as the economic viability of VertiCrop™ System can be demonstrated. 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.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
During the twelve months ended March 31, 2011, the Company issued 15,636,656 common shares in settlement of $2,345,498 of debt, 3,500,000 common shares on the conversion of $700,000 in convertible notes and interest, 10,192,365 common shares for private placement in net proceeds of $1,320,701, 500,000 common shares for investor relations services received in the amount of $120,000, 600,000 common shares issued for consulting services in the amount of $144,000, 135,925 common shares for payment of interest in the amount of $32,622, 500,000 common shares for the extension of convertible notes in the amount of $60,000 and 21,704 common shares returned to treasury in the amount of $10,000. The Company’s issued and outstanding shares as at March 31, 2011 were 83,218,571.
During the twelve months ended March 31, 2011, the Company used a total of $1,837,264 (2010 - $2,983,485) in cash related to its operations. This cash was funded from the proceeds of private placements of $1,460,573 (2010 - $2,973,148), proceeds from share subscriptions $21,000 (2010 - $nil) amounts received from related parties of $1,455,283 (2010 - $65,972), amounts received from debt issuance of $34,100 (2010 $1,024,678 ). These amounts were used to also fund $203,225 (2010 - $1,020,069) in repayment of promissory notes and $934,767 (2010 – $10,165) in convertible notes. The Company also acquired $ nil (2010 – $243,566) in property and equipment during the twelve months ended March 31, 2011. The effect on foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents during the twelve months period ended March 31, 2011 was $ nil (2010 – $35,481). In total the Company raised $9,969 more cash (2010 - $158,006 less cash) than it used during the twelve months ended March 31, 2011 leaving it with a cash and cash equivalents balance of $31,936 at March 31, 2011 (2010 - $21,967).
As at March 31, 2011, receivable of $300,233 (2010 - $125,532) consists of goods and services and HST tax receivable of $231,950 and $68,283 of share subscriptions receivable. A 2009 receivable in the amount of $657,641 due from Global Green Solutions Inc., the Company’s Joint Venture partner in Vertigro Algae product development was written off at March 31, 2010.
Prepaid expenses as at March 31, 2011 of $98,288 (2010 - $104,823) consisting prepaid insurance, rental deposits, and similar items.
(2010- $92,260). In March 31, 2010 $12,563 related to the deferred portion of business consulting and investor relations services agreements.
As a result of the cessation Tomorrow Garden inventories were impaired as at March 31, 2011.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded $176,415 in amortization on assets. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company determined that certain capital assets were not in use or impaired and accordingly wrote down the carrying value of those assets to their net recoverable amounts. The write-down amounting to $250,748 was effective March 31, 2011 and was in addition to $176,415 in amortization in the statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2011.
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, 2011, assets held for sale totalled $433,254. (Land $245,485 and Building and Equipment $ 187,769)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased to $1,601,161 at March 31, 2010 from $872,375 at March 31, 2010 due to the Company’s current financial position the timing of paying payables has increased throughout the fiscal year.
Promissory notes decreased from $1,033,837 at March 31, 2010 to $558,212 at March 31, 2011 owing to the settlement of promissory notes through the issuance of common shares. The promissory notes bear interest at the rate of 8-10% simple interest.
Our advances and amounts due from related parties increased by $1,949 to $255,378 as at March 31, 2011 (2010 - $253,429).
Convertible notes decreased as at March 31, 2011 to $51,698 from $1,371,306 at March 31, 2010 due to conversion of debt to common shares and the repayment of certain convertible notes.
Derivative liabilities decreased as at March 31, 2011 to $nil from $567,000 at March 31, 2010 due to repayment of related convertible notes.
As at March 31, 2011, a total of the $50,000 in principal and $1,698 in net accrued interest and accretion expense remained outstanding. 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.
On May 31, 2010, a third party purchased on a pro rata ownership basis from the existing convertible note holders, $634,756 of the convertible notes and $65,244 in accrued interest for aggregate proceeds of $700,000. On June 15, 2010, the notes were converted by the purchaser into common shares at a market rate of $0.20 per share. In conjunction with this transaction, 135,925 common shares were issued to the original convertible note holders at the rate of $0.24 per share in exchange for remaining accrued interest of $32,622 due to the original convertible note holders through May 31, 2010. 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 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 not further claims over the assets of the Company.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
In return for conversion of the $700,000 debt acquired by the third party at $0.20 which was at a rate higher than the original convertible note terms of a 30% discount to bid price conversion covenant, an aggregate of 875,000 warrants exercisable at $0.30 were issued to a third party exercisable until May 31, 2012.
Details of the convertible notes are as follows:
Convertible note continuity:
Date of Issue | Balance March 31, 2010 | Issued Principal & Transfers | Equity Portion | Derivative Liability Portion, net | Accretion, Interest or Penalty | Conversion/ Repayments | Balance March 31, 2011 |
Dec 2009 (a) | $1,938,305 | $ 10,000 | $ - | $ (567,000) | $ 286.083 | $ (1,667,388) | $ - |
Feb 2010 (b) | - | 51,020 | (5,496) | - | 6,174 | - | 51,698 |
| $1,938,305 | $ 61,020 | $ (5,496) | $ (567,000) | $ 292,257 | $ (1,667,388) | $ 51,698 |
Date of Issue | Balance March 31, 2009 | Issued Principal & Transfers | Derivative Liability Portion | Accretion, Interest or Penalty | Conversion/ Repayments | Balance March 31, 2010 |
September 2007 (c) | $ 8,902 | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ (8,902) | $ - |
July 2009 | - | 179,478 | - | 3,777 | (183,255) | - |
Dec 2009 (a) | - | 1,323,000 | 567,000 | 58,305 | (10,000) | 1,938,305 |
| $ 8,902 | $ 1,502,478 | $ 567,000 | $ 62,082 | $ (202,157) | $ 1,938,305 |
(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 then Chief Financial Officer. The debt was 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 were exercisable at $9.90 and permitted 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 $160,000 in cash as transaction costs. The warrants carried a term of five years from the date of closing of the financing. The redeemable warrants could 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.
During the year ended March 31, 2009, interest and accretion of the convertible debenture in the aggregate of $1,262,529 was accrued on the principal balance of these convertible notes.
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. |
The Company recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $770,293 as at March 31, 2009 due to a modification of the original debt terms.
| The terms of the remaining $1,323,000 convertible promissory notes included 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 default provisions applied.. |
| • | If prior to March 31, 2010, the Company issued common shares at a price less than the valuation of the shares issued to each note holder, the Company would issue to each note holder additional common shares based on the lower valuation. |
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
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 represented 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 was been recorded as a liability as at December 31, 2009 when the conversion feature was reinstated. The value of the liability to be recorded was based on the premium of the fair value of the shares to be delivered in the event of a conversion over the fair value of the underlying face value of the debt. On December 31, 2009, the convertible note of $1,968,305 included an embedded derivative liability in the amount of $567,000 as at March 31, 2010 with charge to interest, accretion and fess in the statement of operations.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, 21,704 common shares were issued to the note holders on conversion of $10,000 per the conversion feature. These shares were subsequently returned to treasury by the note holder and the $10,000 re-established back into the outstanding principal because of the company’s declining share price..
There were no transactions costs to be allocated between the embedded derivative and debt host contract.
The Company accrued interest of $39,571 for the period from April 1, 2010 to May 31, 2010. During the same period the Company paid $32,622 of accrued interest by issuing 135,925 common shares of the Company.
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.
On June 15, 2010, the Company issued 3,500,000 common shares at a market rate of $0.20 per common share.
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 applies 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, accretion and fees in the consolidated statement of operations.
On September 15, 2010, the Company issued 500,000 shares on a prorate ownership basis to the original convertible note holders as a penalty to extend the maturity term of these notes 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, accretion and fees in consolidated statement of operations.
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, accretion and fees in the consolidated statement of operations.
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 not further claims over the assets of the Company.
As part of the original debt agreement, the original convertible note holders’ warrants were subject to a reset provision in the event the Company closed an equity offering at a price lower than the original exercise price on the warrants. Under the reset provision, the note holders 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 note holders 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 loss of settlement of debt in the consolidated statement of operations.
The de-recognition of the derivative liability component in connection with this convertible note was charged to gain on settlement of debt in the consolidated statement of operations.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
The following are continuity schedules for the convertible debt and derivative liability and further details of gain on settlement of debt associated with the final settlement:
Convertible Note | | | | |
| | | | |
March 31, 2010, opening balance (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 | ) |
March 31, 2011, ending balance | | $ | - | |
| | | | |
Derivative Liability | | | | |
| | | | |
March 31, 2010, opening balance (derivative liability) | | $ | 567,000 | |
| | | | |
De-recognition during the year, net | | | (567,000 | ) |
March 31, 2011, ending balance | | $ | - | |
| | | | |
Gain on Settlement of Debt | | | | |
| | | | |
De-recognition of derivative liability, net | | $ | (567,000 | ) |
Fair value of additional warrants issued | | | 445,650 | |
| | | | |
Gain on settlement of debt | | $ | 121,350 | |
(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 change 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 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. 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 $50,010 principal amount using the effective interest rate method.
(c) $391,000 September 2007 Convertible Note
On September 27, 2007, the Company issued unsecured one-year term convertible notes bearing interest at 6% per annum in the amount of $391,000. The convertible notes matured on September 30, 2008 and as at March 31, 2009 were due on demand. Both interest and principal may be converted at the option of the lender at any time at $10.80 per unit, with each unit consisting of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant, with each whole share purchase warrant exercisable at $13.50 to purchase an additional common share for a two-year term from the date of conversion. The Company was required to register the resale of the securities underlying the conversion features of this convertible note on a best efforts basis, but failed to do so within 90 days from the date of issuance as agreed. A one-time financial penalty of $23,460 was incurred during the year ended March 31, 2008 and recorded to interest, accretion and fees.
The Company repaid $7,500 of principal and $1,402 in interest during the year ended March 31, 2010.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS TO MARCH 31, 2011
Unless otherwise noted in this 20 F, the following events occurred after March 31, 2011:
| · | On June 08, 2011, the Company closed a third private placement tranche and issued, 1,036,263 units at a price of $0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of $155,889. Each unit consists of one common share and one half warrants. 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. |
| · | On July 14, 2011, the Company issued a secured promissory note in the amount of $700,000 accruing interest at 18% per annum with a conversion feature connected to any accrued interest. The note matures on July 14, 2012 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 warrants. 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. The Company may repay the note at any time without penalty. |
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009
Operating Results
For the year ended March 31, 2010, we focused on the following business initiatives:
| (i) | the development and commercialization of Valcent’s “High Density Vertical Growth System” (“VertiCrop™”) designed to produce vegetables and other plant crops, |
| (ii) | the development and commercialization of our “High Density Vertical Growth System” (“AlphaCrop(TM)” or “HDVG System”) designed for smaller commercial growers looking for smaller but highly cost effective compact growing systems to produce to produce vegetables, herbs and other plant crops. |
| (iii) | the development and marketing of the Tomorrow Garden® consumer retail products in Valcent’s UK based subsidiary, |
| (iv) | restructuring activities as noted in this annual report, and |
| (v) | an assessment and rationalization of the development of a commercial algae growing technology via Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC. |
For the year ended March 31, 2009, the Company focused on:
| (i) | the development and commercialization of our VertiCrop™ HDVG System designed to produce vegetables and other plant crops, |
| (ii) | the development of a commercial algae growing technology via Vertigro Algae with Global Green Solutions, Inc., and |
| (iii) | the development and marketing of the Tomorrow Garden® consumer retail product by Valcent EU. |
We incurred net losses of $6,287,047 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $15,536,062 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009. The decrease during the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 over the same interval in the previous year is largely a result of decreased number of active development projects, cost streamlining due to global economic circumstances, and decreased capital resources.
Operating Expenses
Product development - Product development expenses decreased by $5,182,730 to $1,986,023 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 as compared with the twelve months ended March 31, 2009. The decrease is due to financial constraints which resulted in the scaled back operations including Vertigro Algae operations in the Company’s El Paso research facility, cost reductions and budget streamlining efforts, and fewer active projects under development. During the twelve months ended March 31, 2010, the Company’s primary product development expenses were directed towards the commercialization of the Company’s VertiCrop™ System and Tomorrow Garden® product lines operated from Valcent’s UK operating offices. Product development expenses were $7,168,753 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2009, and were primarily focused on the development of the Company’s VertiCrop™ System and Tomorrow Garden® product lines, Vertigro Algae technologies and the marketing of the Nova Skincare system, the development of which was terminated March 2009. Tomorrow Garden® product line development and Vertigro Algae related research and development were concluded in the last quarter of fiscal 2010.
Insurance - Insurance expense increased by $2,794 to $19,883 during the 12 months ended March 31, 2010 (2009 - $17,089).
Interest and accretion - In conjunction with convertible debenture financings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 and from other promissory note financings during fiscal 2010, the Company incurred $855,416 in interest, and financing charges on convertible and promissory notes in the twelve months ended March 31, 2010. This represents a $1,943,892 decrease from the $2,799,308 that had been incurred during the twelve months ended March 31, 2009. The large decrease over the previous period in the prior year is due to the settlement as at March 31, 2009 of most debt instruments outstanding as of March 31, 2009 for equity as part of reorganization initiatives initiated during the last sixteen months.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 - continued
Investor relations - Investor relations fees decreased $423,366 to $257,704 (2009 - $681,070) for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 as a result of a decreasing number of third party consultants in investor related advisory activities.
Advertising and media development - Advertising and media development was $93,114 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 and was significantly lower by $296,915 than for the same period in 2009 ($390,029) owing to the cessation of marketing costs related to the Nova Skin Care System and other decreased advertising media expenditures.
Professional fees - Professional fees increased by $49,874 to $505,994 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 from $456,120 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009 reflecting complex accounting, regulatory, and legal costs inherent to near term operations.
Office and miscellaneous - Office and miscellaneous expenses decreased $23,789 to $314,791 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 from $338,580 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009. The decrease is primarily due to the scale back of activity in the Company’s US subsidiary and cost streamlining in the current period.
Travel - Travel expenses decreased modestly by $4,533 to $201,194 (2009 - $205,727) for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 as a result of decreased activity in all of the Company’s operations, decreased number of active development projects, as well as cost streamlining due to global economic circumstances. The number is still reasonably high relating to the international nature of interest and commercialization of the Company’s VertiCrop™ product.
Amortization – Amortization increased modestly by $35,850 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 (2009 - $158,026) due to some acquisitions in Valcent Products EU Limited
Rent - Rent expenses increased $1,613 to $115,629 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 from $114,016 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009, owing to foreign currency fluctuations.
Stock-based compensation - The Company issued 100,000 share options to a consultant of the Company incurring a charge of $18,310 in stock based compensation expenses during the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 (2009 - $226,687). The decrease of $208,377 in stock based compensation reflects the reorganization initiatives and decrease in personnel involved in active projects. The weighted average fair value of stock options granted of $0.30 per option was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model assuming a risk-free interest rate of 1.98%, expected life of 5.0 years, an expected volatility of 100%, with no dividends.
Filing and transfer agent fees - Filing and transfer agent fees increased $29,057 to $48,330 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010, from $19,273 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2009. The increase is primarily attributable to costs associated with the increased activity relating to the Company’s restructuring initiatives.
Other Income and loss
Foreign exchange (loss) gain - Due to fluctuations, primarily, in the US dollar and British Pound as related to the Canadian dollar, the Company incurred a foreign exchange loss of $19,395 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to a loss of $1,764,392 during the twelve months ended March 31, 2009. Substantially, the reason for the change relates to the change in functional currency to the US dollar effective April 1, 2009.
Write off of receivable – During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company has written off a receivable due from Global Green Solutions Inc. (“GGS”) in the amount of $657,641 owing to GGS’s lack of capital and financial ability to repay the debt on a current basis (2009 - $ nil).
Interest income – During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company did not recognize any interest income (2009 - $16,959).
Loss on settlement of debts - During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company used a value different from the quoted market price to value the restricted shares on issuance to reflect the discount the debt holder participants would require as a result of the 7 month holding period, the large share issuance and economic factors of the company. A loss of $999,747 was recorded to loss on settlement of debts for those debt holder participants which received shares at a value different than the restricted share value based on objective evidence. The Company estimated the value of the restricted share of $0.22222 pre-consolidation ($0.40 post consolidation) at April 1, 2009 based on the estimated call option value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: share price - $0.06 pre-consolidation; exercise price - $0.06; risk-free interest rate – 0.47%; expected life – 9 months ; expected volatility – 109%; and expected dividends – nil. During the year ended March 31, 2009 the Company recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $770,293 due to a modification of the July 2008 Convertible Notes.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 - continued
Write-down of property and equipment - The Company recognized a write-down of property and equipment from El Paso related business operation assets held for future use. The write-down amounting to $443,657 was recorded during the year ended March 31, 2009 and is included in accumulated amortization.
Comprehensive Loss and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Effective April 1, 2009, the functional currency of the Company was United States dollar (USD). The change in functional currency from Canadian dollar (CAD) to USD, resulted from increased business activities and monetary transactions conducted in USD. As a result of adopting this change retrospectively, results of previously reported financial periods have been restated. The resulting net exchange rate differences due to this translation over the period was $1,896,609 and is included in shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The comprehensive loss for the year ended is $6,287,047.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Because the Company is organized in Canada, the Company’s March 31, 2010 financial statements have been prepared by the Company’s management in accordance with Canadian GAAP applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.
The Company’s accumulated losses during the development stage increased by $6,287,047 to $46,628,948 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2010.
The Company’s working capital deficit as at March 31, 2010 was $3,834,037 which was greater than the $1,682,625 in working capital deficit as at March 31, 2009. This increase in working capital deficit was a result of increasing promissory debt instruments used to finance fiscal 2010 business activities as compared to debt settlements achieved at March 31, 2009 pursuant to restructuring initiatives; 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 funding to finance its operations and obligations. 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.
During the twelve months ended March 31, 2010, the Company issued 29,516,955 common shares in settlement of $13,614,973 of debt, 334,204 common shares on the conversion of $260,000 in convertible notes and interest, 19,040,193 common shares for private placement in the aggregate of $3,123,465, 250,000 common shares for investor relations services received in the amount of $126,300, and 25,000 common shares issued for consulting services in the amount of $16,167. The Company’s issued and outstanding shares as at March 31, 2010 were 52,175,329. The Company recorded $219,105 in cash issue costs and warrants issued valued at $20,077 in connection with the receipt of private placement capital.
During the twelve months ended March 31, 2010, the Company used a total of $2,983,485 (2009 - $6,317,181) in cash related to its operations. This cash was funded from the proceeds of private placements of $2,973,148 (2009 - $1,910,553), amounts received from related parties of $65,972 (2009 - $1,282,423) and amounts received from debt issuance of $1,024,678 (2009 - $1,882,040). These amounts were used to also fund $1,020,069 (2009- $nil) in repayment of promissory notes and $10,165 (2009 – $152,147) in convertible notes. The Company also acquired $243,566 (2009 – $545,220) in property and equipment during the twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The effect on foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents during the twelve months period ended March 31, 2010 was $35,481 (2009 – $70,183). In total the Company used a total of $158,006 more cash (2009 - $20,235 less cash) than it raised during the twelve months ended March 31, 2010 leaving it with a cash and cash equivalents balance of $21,967 at March 31, 2010 (2009 - $179,973).
As at March 31, 2010, accounts receivable of $125,532 (2009 - $736,832) consists of value added tax receivable by the Company’s subsidiary, Valcent Products EU Limited, and goods and services tax receivable by the Company. A prior year receivable in the amount of $657,641 due from Global Green Solutions Inc., the Company’s Joint Venture partner in Vertigro Algae product development was written off at March 31, 2010.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 - continued
Prepaid expenses as at March 31, 2010 of $104,823 (2009 - $82,208) includes $12,563 (2009 - $13,296) related to the deferred portion of business consulting and investor relations services agreements with the balance of $92,260 (2009 - $68,912) consisting of in prepaid insurance, rental deposits, and similar items.
As a result of the cessation of Nova Skin Care System development certain of our inventories were impaired by $578,083 as at March 31, 2009. As at March 31, 2010, inventories related to the Company’s Tomorrow Garden® project were $11,578 (2009 - $27,281).
During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company recorded $193,876 in amortization on assets. During the year ended March 31, 2009, the Company determined that certain capital assets were not in use or impaired and accordingly wrote down the carrying value of those assets to their net recoverable amounts. The write-down amounting to $443,657 was effective March 31, 2009 and was in addition to$158,026 in amortization in the statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2009.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased to $872,375 at March 31, 2010 from $433,821 at March 31, 2009 due to the Company’s current financial position the timing of paying payables has increased throughout the fiscal year.
Promissory notes decreased from $2,116,662 at March 31, 2009 to $1,033,837 at March 31, 2010 owing in part to reclassification of certain remaining principal portions of the July 2008 notes to convertible notes due to renegotiation of these instruments, provisions made by negotiation for the repayment of $400,000 of the July 2008 convertible notes in cash during the first quarter and the receipt of $500,000 as part of a private placement with a single investor which was later converted to common shares during the second quarter. In addition, $1,024,678 in new unsecured promissory notes were issued in the year ended March 31, 2010 for cash received to fund operations. The promissory notes bear interest at the rate of 8-10% simple interest.
Our advances and amounts due from related parties increased by $103,982 to $253,429 as at March 31, 2010 (2009 - $149,447).
Convertible notes increased as at March 31, 2010 to $1,371,306 from $8,990 at March 31, 2009 due to the reversion of $1,323,000 in principal and $58,305 in amounts previously classified as Promissory notes until December 31, 2009. The promissory notes were not paid on December 31, 2009 and reverted to their original terms. During the year ended March 31, 2010, $10,000 was converted into 21,704 common shares of the Company. As at March 31, 2010, a total of the $1,313,000 in principal, $567,000 derivative liability portion and $58,305 in interest remained outstanding. Interest will continue to accrue on the $1,313,000 face value of these notes at the default rate of interest of 18% per annum until repaid. The Company plans to retire the notes and accrued interest from further equity financing.
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 |
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
CAPITAL COMMITMENTS - continued
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 three years as described in this annual report. The Company has incurred product development costs in the aggregate as follows:
Year | | Amount | |
2009 | | $ | 7,168,753 | |
2010 | | | 1,986,023 | |
2011 | | | 1,520,297 | |
Total | | $ | 10,675,073 | |
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.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
As of March 31, 2011, we had the following known contractual obligations noted in this report or financial statements dated March 31, 2011:
On November 16, 2007, our wholly owned subsidiary, Valcent EU Limited leased office and development space in Launceston, Cornwall, UK, under a ten-year lease beginning November 15, 2007 and ending on November 15, 2017 at a quarterly cost of approximately $ 27, 000 (GB£12,550) There were 6 years and 7.5 months remaining on the lease as at March 31, 2011. The Company also entered into an investors relations and IT and marketing agreements in the year that extended beyond the year ended March 31, 2011. |
The Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party for investor relations services for a one year term, $3,000CDN a month and 75,000 common shares every quarter until July 2011. 300,000 common shares have been earned but are not issued as at March 31, 2011 and are included in commitment to issue shares in the financial statements. The agreement can be cancelled with a 30 day notification.
The Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party for internet marketing services for a one year term, $1,500CDN a month and 50,000 common shares every quarter until June 2011. The agreement can be cancelled with a 30 day notification. Subsequent to year end the remaining 50,000 common shares were issued under the agreement.
The combined commitments as at March 31, 2011 are as follows:
| | Shares | | | Amount | |
2012 | | | 50,000 | | | $ | 85,108 | |
2013 | | | - | | | | 80,481 | |
2014 | | | - | | | | 80,481 | |
2015 | | | - | | | | 80,481 | |
Thereafter | | | - | | | | 118,206 | |
| | | 50,000 | | | $ | 444,756 | |
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company terminated the original License Agreement dated July 29, 2005 and executed a new purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to acquire all ownership rights and intellectual property relating to its VertiCrop vertical plant growing technology and Tomorrow Garden Kit technology (the “Technologies”) from a former director and officer of the Company, Pagic and West Peak.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS - continued
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to pay a total of $2,000,000 and issue 3% of its common shares on conclusion of the purchase agreement. The $2,000,000 is payable on a cumulative basis as to $65,000 on signing (paid) plus the greater of 3% of the gross monthly product sales less returns from exploitation of the Technologies or $12,000 per month until $2,000,000 has been paid. The ownership of the Technologies will remain in escrow until fully paid or if the Company defaults in making payments. The issuance of the 3% of its common shares is payable upon release of the Technologies from escrow to the Company. The Company may at any time elect to pay out the remaining balance due. Should the Company default under this agreement the Technologies will revert back to Glen Kertz and Pagic.
On March 8, 2010, an addendum to the Purchase Agreement (“Addendum”) was entered into by parties thereto whereby:
a) the purchase price of technology to be acquired was amended to an aggregate of $3,150,000 (previously $2,000,000) of which certain equipment was permitted to be used by Pagic as an incentive to enter into the Purchase Agreement (“Addendum”).
b) $100,000 was paid to Pagic by the Company at the date of the Addendum;
c) calculated minimum IP payments increased to $18,000 per month from $12,000 per month effective August 1, 2010; and
d) the term to complete the technology purchased was reduced from July 1, 2019 to July 12, 2014.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, $192,000 was paid or accrued to Pagic under the terms of the Purchase Agreement and its Addendum.
Subsequent to March 31, 2010 management and the Company’s Counsel performed a comprehensive review of the Purchase Agreement and concluded that it is not using the Intellectual Property that is subject to Purchase Agreement and thus terminated the Purchase Agreement on May 17, 2011.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and reconciled to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States following Item 17 of Form 20-F. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant areas requiring the use of estimates include the net realizable value of accounts receivable and inventories, impairment of property and equipment, rates of amortization, fair value of product license, amount of accrued liabilities, the variables used to calculate interest, accretion and financing costs on convertible notes, the variables used to calculate the fair value of stock-based compensation, embedded derivatives and equity instruments issued to individuals or used to settle debts. While management believes the estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates and could impact future results of operations and cash flows. There have been no material changes to these estimates for the periods presented in this annual report.
We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 2 to our annual financial statements, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, the following policies are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock options granted are recognized at the fair value of the options as determined by an option pricing model as the related services are provided and the options earned. US and Canadian accounting standards require public companies to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for equity instruments, based on the fair value of those instruments on the measurement date which generally is the grant date, with limited exceptions. Stock-based compensation represents the cost related to stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee consultants. We measure stock-based compensation cost at measurement date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and generally recognize the cost as expense on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the employee requisite service period or the period during which the related services are provided by the non-employee consultants and the options are earned. We estimate the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option valuation model.
The expected volatility of options granted has been determined using the volatility of our company's stock. The expected volatility for options granted during the year ended March 31, 2011 was 100%. The expected life of options granted generally equals the term of the options. For the year ended March 31, 2011, the weighted-average risk-free interest rate used ranged from 1.95% to 2.9% The risk-free interest rate is based on a treasury instrument whose term is consistent with the expected term of the stock options. We have not paid and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our shares of common stock; therefore, the expected dividend yield is assumed to be zero. In addition, companies are required to utilize an estimated forfeiture rate when calculating the expense for the period. We applied an estimated forfeiture rate of Nil to 5% in the year ended March 31, 2011 in determining the expense recorded in our consolidated statement of operations.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS - continued
Valuation of Derivative Instruments
US GAAP requires that embedded derivative instruments be bifurcated and assessed, along with free-standing derivative instruments such as warrants and non-employee stock-options to determine whether they should be considered a derivative liability and subject to re-measurement at their fair value. Warrants with such provisions will no longer be recorded to equity. In estimating the appropriate fair value, the Company uses the Black-Scholes or Binomial option pricing model depending on the specific nature of the equity instrument.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires our management to make estimates and assumptions which affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Canadian GAAP
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)
In February 2008, The CICA Accounting Standards Board ("AcSB") confirmed the changeover to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) from Canadian GAAP will be required for publicly accountable enterprises effective for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The transition from current Canadian GAAP to IFRS is a significant undertaking that may materially affect the Company's reported financial position and results of operations. The Company is completing its assessment with respect to the adoption of IFRS for 2011 for its first interim financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2011.
US GAAP
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04 (ASU No. 2011-04) “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure.
ASU No. 2011-04 amends Topic 820 in two ways. Specifically, some of the amendments clarify how to apply the existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, while some of the amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements. ASU No. 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value accounting, but rather provide guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within U.S. GAAP. ASU No. 2011-04 supersedes much of the guidance in ASC Topic 820, but also clarifies existing guidance and changes certain wording in order to align ASC Topic 820 with IFRS 13. The Company’s adoption of this policy will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS - continued
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - continued
Fair value measurement
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 810) Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements. This ASU provides further disclosure requirements for recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements. These disclosure requirements include transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 and additional information relating to activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU also provides clarification on the level of disaggregation for disclosure of fair value measurement. The new disclosures and clarifications are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for disclosures about activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.
Stock Compensation
In April 2010, FASB issued ASU No. 2010-13, Stock Compensation [“ASU 2010-13”]. ASU 2010-13 amends FASB ASC Topic 718 to clarify that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. ASU 2010-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. ASU 2010-13 should be applied by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings (deficit). The cumulative-effect adjustment should be calculated for all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the amendments are initially applied, as if the amendments had been applied consistently since the inception of the award. The cumulative-effect adjustment should be presented separately. Earlier application is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect. These pronouncements did not have any material impact on the financial statements unless otherwise disclosed, and the Company does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
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, 2011. Unless otherwise stated, the address for each of our directors and executive officers is c/o Valcent Products Inc., 120 Columbia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 3Z8 Canada.
Name | | Age | | Position |
Stephen K. Fane (1) | | 65 | | Director, CEO |
| | | | |
Christopher Ng (2) | | 52 | | Director, COO |
| | | | |
Chris Bradford (3) | | 70 | | Director, Managing Director of Valcent Products (EU) Ltd. |
| | | | |
John N. Hamilton (4) | | 58 | | CFO, Secretary |
| | | | |
Naveen Aggarwal (5) | | 52 | | Director |
| | | | |
Ray Torresan (6) | | 49 | | Director |
| | | | |
(1) | Appointed Chief Executive Officer 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 December 16, 2010. |
(2) | Appointed Chief Operating 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 December 16, 2010 |
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES - continued
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT - continued
(3) | Appointed President, Chairman of the Board 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 October 22, 2009 until December 16, 2010 when Mr. Fane became CEO. Mr. Bradford still holds the position as Chairman of the Board. |
(4) | 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. |
| 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.
|
(6) | 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. 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 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.
Chris Bradford — Managing Director of Valcent Products (EU) Ltd. and Director
Mr. Chris Bradford has been a director since October 22, 2009. Mr. Bradford held the position of Chief Executive Officer and President from October 22, 2009 until December 16, 2010. Mr. Bradford is currently Managing Director of the Company’s wholly owned UK based subsidiary, Valcent Products (EU) Limited. Mr. Bradford has worked within the agricultural sector continuously over the last 35 years in senior management positions in both large companies and smaller ventures. He also consulted with many programs to assist small agricultural businesses before joining Valcent Products (EU) Limited on a full time basis in April of 2007. Mr. Bradford has firsthand experience in most aspects of the agricultural sector and has successfully built Valcent Products (EU) Limited to be a productive Company that has been integral to the development and commercialization of the Company‘s core technologies. Mr. Bradford joined Bradford & Sons Ltd., a family business post education, ultimately managing the Company’s Crop Services Division, supplying agricultural and horticultural markets in the South West of England. Immigrating to Canada in 1977, Mr. Bradford worked at senior management level for three leading Canadian farm supply businesses, eventually setting up his own consulting business specializing in project management for startup companies in North America. Returning to the UK in 1996, Mr. Bradford joined the UK Government’s Business Link organization as a Business Development Adviser before returning to consulting in 2002, latterly developing the business plan and start-up strategy for Valcent Products (EU) Limited.
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
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT - 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, 2011.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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) | | | 49,250 | | | | | | | | 3,323,598 | | | | 1,000,000, | |
| | | | �� | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Christopher Ng, COO and Director (2) | | | 49,250 | | | | — | | | | 3,323,597 | | | | 1,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chris Bradford Managing Director (EU) and Director (3) | | | 97,862 | | | | 0 | | | | | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
John N. Hamilton, CFO and Secretary (4) | | | 54,175 | | | | | | | | | | | | 300,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Naveen Aggarwal Director (5) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 500,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ray Torresan | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gerry Jardine Former Director, Acting CFO, Secretary (resigned June 1, 2010) (6) | | | — | | | | 6,895 | | | | — | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bob Baker, Former Director, Acting CFO and Secretary (8) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES - continued
COMPENSATION - continued
(1) | Amounts shown are for salary accrued for during the year ended March 31, 2011. 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. Term and vesting to be set by the board of directors. As at March 31, 2011 Mr. Fane had earned 3,323,598 of the common shares and 1,000,000 of the options. As at March 31, 2011 the shares had not been issued and the options had not been granted by the board of directors. . |
| |
(2) | Amounts shown are for salary accrued for during the year ended March 31, 2011. 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. Term and vesting to be set by the board of directors. As at March 31, 2011 the shares had not been issued and the options had not been granted by the board of directors. |
| |
(3) | Amounts shown are for salary received or accrued and a car allowance for during the year ended March 31, 2011 |
| |
(4) | Amounts shown are for salary accrued for during the year ended March 31, 2011. On November 19, 2011, Mr. Hamilton was assigned 300,000 fully vested share options exercisable at $0.10 per share for an 8 year term. |
| |
(5) | On June 30, 2010, this director was assigned 500,000 fully vested share options exercisable at $0.25 per share for an 8 year term |
| |
(6) | Mr. Gerry Jardine received, or the Company accrued amounts owing for consulting services to a related company of Mr. Jardine during the year ended March 31, 2011. |
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.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES - continued
EMPLOYEES
As at September 28, 2011, Valcent Manufacturing Ltd. had no full time employees, and retained 1 consultant and 1 security guard as required.
As at September 28, 2011, Valcent Products EU Limited had no full time employees, and 2 consultants working on active projects.
As at September 28, 2011, 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.
Key Employees and Consultants
Our key consultants and their primary responsibilities as at September 28, 2011 are as follows:
Stephen K Fane, CEO of the Company is responsible for corporate direction, leadership and implementation of the Company’s business plan
Christopher Ng, COO of the Company is responsible for the day-to-day running of the production and distribution departments and providing timely operational information and assistance to the CEO.
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 COO and CEO with timely financial data.
Institute B, a consultant to the Company that provides financing, marketing, branding, sales, website design s and overall management support.
SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth, as of September 28, 2011, 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, 2011. 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.
| | Amount and Nature of Ownership | | | Percent of Class* |
| | | | | |
Stephen K Fane, CEO and Director (1) | | | 4,323,598 | | | | 4.88 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Christopher Ng, COO and Director,(2) | | | 5,323,598 | | | | 5.99 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
John N. Hamilton CFO and Secretary (3) | | | 300,000 | | | | .35 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Chris Bradford, Director | | | - | | | | -- | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Naveen Aggarwal, Director (3) | | | 1,031535 | | | | 1.21 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Ray Torresan | | | - | | | | - | % |
| | | 10,978,731 | | | | 12.44 | % |
* | No director or executive officer has different voting rights from any other holder of our common stock. Based on 84,254,834 shares issued and outstanding at September 28, 2011. Includes derivative instruments of holder in numerator and denominator of “Percent” calculation. |
| |
(1) | Consists of (i) 3,323,598 shares of common stock earned but not issued and (ii) 1,000,000 share options earned by not granted. Option price to be $0.15. |
| |
(2) | Consists of (i) 3,323,597 shares of common stock earned but not issued, (ii) 1,000,000 share options earned by not granted. Option price to be $0.15.(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. |
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES - continued
SHARE OWNERSHIP - contiued
(3) | Consists of 300,000 share options issued on November 17, 2010 for an eight year term exercisable at $0.10 per option share |
| |
(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. |
| |
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. In conjunction with restructuring initiatives, as at March 31, 2009, all share options previously granted were cancelled effective the same date.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, a total of 8,724,195 share options were outstanding..
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
As of September 28, 2011, there were 84,254,834 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 September 28, 2011. 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) | | | 11,303,562 | | | | 13.42 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Elizabeth Brock (2) | | | 8,000,000 | | | | 9.20 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Agosto Corporation Limited (3) | | | 7,969,402 | | | | 9.37 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Timothy Brock (4) | | | 7,477,056 | | | | 8.66 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Institute B Development Corp.(5) | | | 5,998,866 | | | | 6.63. | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Paul Sturt (7) | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5.93. | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Belhaven Ventures Ltd. (8) | | | 4,500,000 | | | | 5.25 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 50,248,866 | | | | 58.47 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Shares outstanding at September 28, 2011 | | | 84,254,834 | | | | | |
*Includes derivative instruments of holder in numerator and denominator of “Percent” calculation.
(1) | Consists of 11,303,562 shares of common stock directly owned. |
(2) | Consists of (i) 5,333,333 shares of common stock directly owned. and (ii) 2,666,667 warrants to purchase 2,666,667 common shares at $0.25. |
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - continued
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS - continued
(3) | 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. |
| |
(4) | Consists of (i) 5,430,154 shares are beneficially owned by Timothy Brock (ii) 2,281,046 shares held by Timothy Brock (iii) 3,149,108 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. |
| |
(5) | Consists of (i) 871,014 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Darrell Kopke and his spouse, (ii) 172,100 shares of common stock to be issued to Darrell Kopke (iii) 5,323,018 share options earned by not granted held by Institute B Development Corp . Option price to be $0.15. and .(iv) 675,828 shares of common stock earned but not issued held by Institute B Development Corp 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 beneficially held by Institute B Development Corp |
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(6) | Consists of (i) 5,000,000 shares of common stock directly owned. |
| |
(7) | Consists of (i) 3,000,000 shares of common stock directly owned and (ii) 1,500,000 warrants held by Belhaven to purchase 1,500,000 common shares at $0.25. |
| |
At of September 28, 2011, we had 256 shareholders of record and an estimated 2,400 unregistered shareholders. As of September 28, 2011, there were 84,254,834 shares of common stock outstanding. United States shareholders held an estimated 12,500,000 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 15 % 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, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company incurred the following expenditures charged by directors and officers of the Company, former directors and officers of the Company, companies they owned or were significant shareholders of, and/or beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares:
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
Product development | | $ | 400,944 | | | $ | 361,684 | | | $ | 1,147,061 | |
Interest, accretion and fees | | | 258,769 | | | | 99,235 | | | | - | |
Professional fees | | | 20,000 | | | | - | | | | 31,234 | |
Rent | | | 2,349 | | | | 23,048 | | | | 32,890 | |
| | $ | 682,062 | | | $ | 483,967 | | | $ | 1,211,285 | |
At March 31, 2011 and 2010, due to related parties was comprised of amounts owing to directors and officers of the Company, former directors and officers of the Company, companies they owned or were significant shareholders of, and/or beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares. The amounts owing were due on demand, non-interest bearing and had no specific terms of repayment.
At March 31, 2011, promissory notes payable of $558,212 (2010 - $983,317) included in the total amount of the promissory notes owing are due to related parties who are beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares and a former director and officer of the Company.
The Company has made payments to a company owned by former directors and officers of the Company pursuant to the Product License for the years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 and recorded the payments in product development. |
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - continued
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - continued
At March 31, 2010, commitment to issue shares includes 300,000 common shares to be issued to an officer and director of the Company for product development services performed during the year ended March 31, 2010. The 300,000 common shares to be issued were valued at $0.42 per share for an aggregate value of $126,000 and were recorded to the product development cost.
During the year ended March 31, 2011 there were no cash issue costs charged by beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares. (2010 - $190,787) (2009 -$nil)
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company settled debt of $1,838,687 with directors and/or beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares by issuing 12,257,911 units. Each unit consists of one common share and one half warrants. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.25.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company settled commitments to issue shares of $7,509,342 by issuing 17,655,556 common shares.
VertiCrop™ Technology Purchase Agreement - Effective April 1, 2009, the Company terminated the original License Agreement dated July 29, 2005 and executed a new purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to acquire all ownership rights and intellectual property relating to its VertiCrop™ vertical plant growing technology and Tomorrow Garden Kit technology (the “Technologies”) from a former director and officer of the Company, Pagic and West Peak.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to pay a total of $2,000,000 and issue 3% of its common shares on conclusion of the purchase agreement. The $2,000,000 is payable on a cumulative basis as to $65,000 on signing (paid) plus the greater of 3% of the gross monthly product sales less returns from exploitation of the Technologies or $12,000 per month until $2,000,000 has been paid. The ownership of the Technologies will remain in escrow until fully paid or if the Company defaults in making payments. The issuance of the 3% of its common shares is payable upon release of the Technologies from escrow to the Company. The Company may at any time elect to pay out the remaining balance due. Should the Company default under this agreement the Technologies will revert back to Glen Kertz and Pagic.
On March 8, 2010, an addendum to the Purchase Agreement (“Addendum”) was entered into by parties thereto whereby:
| a) the purchase price of technology to be acquired was amended to an aggregate of $3,150,000 (previously $2,000,000) of which certain equipment was permitted to be used by Pagic as an incentive to enter into the Purchase Agreement (“Addendum”). |
| b) $100,000 was paid to Pagic by the Company at the date of the Addendum; |
| c) calculated minimum IP payments increased to $18,000 per month from $12,000 per month effective August 1, 2010; and |
| d) the term to complete the technology purchased was reduced from July 1, 2019 to July 12, 2014. |
During the year ended March 31, 2011, $192,000 was paid or accrued to Pagic under the terms of the Purchase Agreement and its Addendum.
Subsequent to March 31, 2011, the Company and the Company’s legal counsel 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 on May 17, 2011.
Global Green Joint Venture
On July 7, 2010, the Company and its subsidiary Valcent USA and Global Green Solutions Inc. agreed to the wind-up and dissolution of Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC, a Texas Corporation (VAT), through which they had jointly pursued development of a project to use algae as a source for biofuel feedstock and other products. VAT’s technology license agreement with Pagic LP has been terminated.
The main elements from VAT included in the financial statements are accounts payable of $44,029 (2010 - $44,029; 2009 – $39,466) and expenses of $ nil (2010 - $44,723; 2009 - $1,099,148). There were no assets in VAT as at March 31, 2011 and 2010.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company had a receivable due from Global Green in the amount of $657,641. The Company wrote off this receivable as at March 31, 2010 due to collection uncertainty. During the year ending March 31, 2011 the Company recovered $4,100 of this receivable and has included this amount against other bad debts as a recovery in the consolidated statement of operations.
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
See ITEM 17 and our financial statements and accompanying notes beginning on page F-1 of this Form 20-F.
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, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Subsequent to year end, Management became aware of a legal claim against the company for property damage and contract default in the amount of approximately $155,000 plus related costs. The Management is assessing the validity of the claim and has not yet engaged its legal council for comment. Based on information currently available the Company has recorded $26,766 of the claim as a liability as at March 31, 2011.
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
We have never paid a dividend and have no intentions of doing so in the foreseeable future.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
| • | On July14, 2011, the Company entered into a Letter of Understanding with Chris Bradford the Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of Valcent Products (EU) Ltd. where certain terms of payment were discussed depending of the timing of Mr. Bradford’s departure from the Company. In the meantime starting in July 2011, Mr. Bradford will receive a monthly director’s fee in the amount of $8,015 until one month notice or payment in lieu of notice is given. He will also receive 1,000,000 shares or options in the Company which are to be clarified at a later date based on certain performance measures. Other terms and conditions will be negotiated at the time of his departure. |
| • | On August 10, 2011, the Company received a Cease Trade Order from the British Columbia Securities Commission for failure to file its comparative annual financial statement for the fiscal year end March 31, 2011, its Management Discussion and Analysis for the period ended March 31, 2011 and its Annual Information Form for the same period. The order will be lifted on the Company upon filing the required information and an Executive Directors order revoking the cease trade order. |
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
The table below sets forth certain information regarding the price history of our common shares, including (i) annual high and low market prices for each of the five most recent fiscal years, (ii) quarterly high and low market prices for each full quarter of the two most recent fiscal years and to the date of this Annual Report, and (iii) monthly high and low market prices for each month of the six most recent months. 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.
The Company’s common shares are presently quoted on the United States OTCQB tier of the OCT Markets Group’s quotation platform under the symbol “VCTZF” (formerly “VCTCF” and “NTTRF”). 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.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING - continued
Period | | OTC Bulletin Board (USD) | |
| | High | | | Low | |
| | | | | | |
Fiscal year ended March 31, | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
2007 | | $ | 15.20 | | | $ | 7.20 | |
2008 | | $ | 16.74 | | | $ | 8.10 | |
2009 | | $ | 13.32 | | | $ | 0.90 | |
2010 | | $ | 2.50 | | | $ | 0.21 | |
2011 | | $ | 0.42 | | | | 0.05 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Quarter ended | | | | | | | | |
June 30, 2009 | | $ | 2.34 | | | $ | 0.54 | |
September 30, 2009 | | $ | 2.50 | | | $ | 0.36 | |
December 31, 2009 | | $ | 1.20 | | | $ | 0 57 | |
March 31, 2010 | | $ | .0.60 | | | $ | 0.21 | |
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 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Month ended | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
April 30, 2011 | | $ | 0.17 | | | $ | 0.10 | |
May 31, 2011 | | $ | 0.13 | | | $ | 0.08 | |
June 30, 2011 | | $ | 0.13 | | | $ | 0.06 | |
July 31, 2011 | | $ | 0.20 | | | $ | 0.06 | |
August 31, 2011 | | $ | 0.13 | | | $ | 0.08 | |
September 28, 2011 | | $ | 0.12 | | | $ | 0.08 | |
| | | | | | | | |
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”.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHARE CAPITAL
Not applicable.
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.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
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.
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.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
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.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
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:
| · | 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.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
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.
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.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
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.
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.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - continued
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.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
All documents referred to in this annual report may be inspected at our offices during regular business hours located at Suite 960 - 789 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 1H2 (Canada), telephone (604) 638-4906.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
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, 2011, 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, 2011.
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:
(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, 2011, 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, 2011 and that material weaknesses in ICFR existed as more fully described below.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES - continued
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, 2011:
| (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) | Outsourcing of significant portions of the accounting operations of our Company. Because there are no employees at the corporate level in our administration, we have outsourced a portion of the accounting functions of our Company to an independent accounting and bookkeeping firm where particular skills are required due to the nature of complex financial transactions especially relating to convertible debenture financings. The employees of this accounting firm are managed by supervisors within the accounting firm, and are not answerable to the Company's management. This is a material weakness because it could result in disconnect between the accounting policies adopted by our Board of Directors and the accounting practices applied by the accounting firm; |
| (4) | 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; |
| (5) | Insufficient written policies and procedures for accounting and financial reporting with respect to the requirements and application of US GAAP and SEC disclosure requirements. A lack of country specific controls and written protocols leading to timely reporting of previously budgeted expenditures; |
| (6) | Ineffective controls over period end financial disclosure and reporting processes; |
| (7) | 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, 2011, management assessed the effectiveness of our ICFR and based on that evaluation, they concluded that, as of March 31, 2011, the internal controls and procedures were not effective due to deficiencies that existed in the design or operation of our ICFR. However, management believes these weaknesses did not have a material effect on our financial results. 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.
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 consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, 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 part time involvement of its Acting Chief Financial Officer who is not 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.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES - continued
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. Management believes these weaknesses did not have an effect on our financial results.
We are committed to improving our financial organization. As part of this commitment, we will pending the availability of sufficient funds, (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, 2011, 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.
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 year ended March 31, 2009 were Smythe Ratcliffe LLP, Chartered Accountants of Vancouver, British Columbia. Our auditors for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants of Vancouver, B.C.
AUDIT FEES
The aggregate audit fees billed for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 for professional services rendered by BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants, for the audit of our annual financial statements and assistance with SEC reviews and quarterly financial reporting was $127,000. The aggregate audit fees billed for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 for professional services rendered by BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants, for the audit of our annual financial statements was $217,000.
AUDIT RELATED FEES
BDO Canada LLP fees for the audit and review of financial statements not included in “Audit Fees” for the 2011 and 2010 was $ nil.
TAX FEES
The aggregate fees billed in the fiscal years ended 2011 nil and 2010 for professional tax compliance advice and planning was $12,000.
ALL OTHER FEES
BDO Canada LLP fees for other services performed for the 2011 and 2010 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
Companies listed on a US Stock Exchange must comply with certain standards regarding corporate governance. Listed companies that are foreign private issuers are permitted to follow home country practice in lieu of these standards, except that such companies are required to comply with the following requirements:
| (i) | establish an independent audit committee that has specified responsibilities |
| (ii) | provide prompt certification by its CEO of any non-compliance with any corporate governance rules |
| (iii) | provide a brief description of significant differences between its corporate governance practices and those followed by US companies. |
We feel we comply with the above requirements and note there is no significant corporate governance practice differences between the standards for a US listed company and our practice.
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in US Dollars)
March 31, 2011 and 2010
Index | Page |
| |
Auditors’ Report to the Shareholders | F-2 - F-3 |
| |
Consolidated Financial Statements | F-4 |
| |
Consolidated Balance Sheets | F-4 |
| |
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit | F-5 |
| |
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive loss and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | F-6 |
| |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | F-7 |
| |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | F-8 - F-42 |
BDO Canada LLP 600 Cathedral Place
925 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 3L2
Telephone: (604) 688-5421
Telefax: (604) 688-5132
E-mail: vancouver@bdo.ca
www.bdo.ca
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
To the Shareholders of
Valcent Products Inc. (A development stage company)
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Valcent Products Inc. (a Development Stage Company), which comprises of the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated statements of operations and deficit, comprehensive loss and accumulated other comprehensive income and cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, and 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 Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit 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 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 Valcent Products Inc. as at March 31, 2011 and 2010 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
Emphasis of Matter
Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1 in the consolidated financial statements which indicates that the entity has incurred a cumulative deficit of $55,348,725 as at March 31, 2011, incurred a net loss of $6,454,452 for the year then ended and is expected to continue to incur losses in the foreseeable future. These conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 1, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Other Matters
The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2009 (before the effects of the adjustments described in note 2(p) were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on these consolidated financial statements on September 18, 2009, except for Note 19 which is at October 9, 2009.
As part of our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2011, we also audited the adjustments described in Note 2(p) that were applied to present the consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2009 in United States dollars. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the financial statements of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2009 other than with respect to the adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2009 taken as a whole.
/s/ BDO Canada LLP
BDO Canada LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
September 29, 2011
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF VALCENT PRODUCTS INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
We have audited, before the effects of the adjustments described in Note 2(p), the consolidated statements of operations and deficit, comprehensive loss and accumulated other comprehensive income and cash flows of Valcent Products Inc. (a development stage company) for the year ended March 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board of the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements, before the effects of the adjustments described in Note 2(p), present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and its cash flows of Valcent Products Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2009, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Smythe Ratcliffe LLP
Smythe Ratcliffe LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
September 18, 2009, except for note 19 which
is as at October 9, 2009
COMMENTS BY AUDITORS FOR US READERS ON CANADA-US REPORTING DIFFERENCES
In the United States, reporting standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board for auditors require the addition of an explanatory paragraph when there is a retrospective change in accounting such as that described in Note 2(p) in respect of the change in reporting currency.
We were not engaged to audit, review or apply any procedures to the adjustments for the change in accounting as described in Note 2(p), and accordingly we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. Such adjustments were audited by BDO Canada LLP.
Our report to the shareholders dated September 18, 2009, except for note 19 which is as at October 9, 2009 is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards, which do not permit a reference to such events and conditions in the auditors’ report when these are adequately disclosed in the financial statements.
/s/ Smythe Ratcliffe LLP
Smythe Ratcliffe LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
September 18, 2009, except for note 19 which
is as at October 9, 2009
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed in US Dollars)
March 31, 2011 and 2010
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | |
| | | | | (Note 2(p)) | |
Assets | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 31,936 | | | $ | 21,967 | |
Receivables (Notes 5 and 8(b)(i)) | | | 300,233 | | | | 125,532 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 98,288 | | | | 104,823 | |
Inventories (Note 6) | | | - | | | | 11,578 | |
Total current assets | | | 430,457 | | | | 263,900 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | |
Assets held for sale (Note 3) | | | 433,254 | | | | - | |
Property and equipment (Note 3) | | | 137,324 | | | | 997,596 | |
Product license (Note 4) | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Total non-current assets | | | 570,579 | | | | 997,597 | |
Total assets | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | $ | 1,261,497 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Liabilities and Shareholders’ deficiency | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 8(b)(ii)) | | $ | 1,601,161 | | | $ | 872,376 | |
Promissory notes payable (Note 12) | | | 558,212 | | | | 1,033,837 | |
Due to related parties (Notes 8(b)(ii) & 10) | | | 255,378 | | | | 253,429 | |
Convertible notes (Note 7) | | | 51,698 | | | | 1,371,305 | |
Derivative liability (Note 7) | | | - | | | | 567,000 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 2,466,449 | | | | 4,097,947 | |
Shareholders’ deficiency | | | | | | | | |
Share capital (Notes 8 & 10) | | | 43,808,617 | | | | 39,011,557 | |
Contributed surplus (Note 8) | | | 6,769,270 | | | | 5,023,657 | |
Commitment to issue shares (Note 8(c)) | | | 1,403,320 | | | | 126,000 | |
Equity component of convertible note (Note 7) | | | 5,496 | | | | - | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 1,896,609 | | | | 1,896,609 | |
Accumulated deficit from prior operations | | | (2,265,325 | ) | | | (2,265,325 | ) |
Accumulated deficit during the development stagedevelopment stage | | | (53,083,400 | ) | | | (46,628,948 | ) |
Total shareholders’ deficiency | | | (1,465,413 | ) | | | (2,836,450 | ) |
Total equity and liabilities | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | $ | 1,261,497 | |
Nature of Business and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (Note 1)
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 7, 8, 11 and 12)
Subsequent events (Note 18)
On behalf of the Board:
/s/ Stephen K. Fane | Director | | /s/ Christopher Ng | Director |
See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | (Note 2p) | | | (Note 2p) | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | | |
Product development (Notes 6, 8(b)(iv),9 & 10) | | $ | 1,520,297 | | | $ | 1,986,023 | | | $ | 7,168,753 | |
Insurance | | | 13,174 | | | | 19,883 | | | | 17,089 | |
Interest, accretion and fees (Notes 7, 8 (e)(vi) &10) | | | 514,551 | | | | 855,416 | | | | 2,799,308 | |
Investor relations & finder fees (Notes 8(b)(iii),(c),(e) & 11) | | | 384,636 | | | | 257,704 | | | | 681,070 | |
Advertising and media development | | | 49,817 | | | | 93,114 | | | | 390,029 | |
Professional fees (Note 10) | | | 531,571 | | | | 505,994 | | | | 456,120 | |
Office and miscellaneous | | | 225,601 | | | | 314,791 | | | | 338,580 | |
Travel | | | 260,654 | | | | 201,194 | | | | 205,727 | |
Amortization | | | 176,415 | | | | 193,876 | | | | 158,026 | |
Rent (Note 10) | | | 116,311 | | | | 115,629 | | | | 114,016 | |
Stock-based compensation (Note 8(b)(i),(d)&(e)) | | | 2,368,384 | | | | 18,310 | | | | 226,687 | |
Filing and transfer agent fees | | | 19,692 | | | | 48,330 | | | | 19,274 | |
Loss from operations | | | (6,181,103 | ) | | | (4,610,264 | ) | | | (12,574,679 | ) |
Other Expense | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange loss | | | (146,948 | ) | | | (19,395 | ) | | | (1,764,392 | ) |
Recovery (write-off) of receivable (Note 5) | | | 2,997 | | | | (657,641 | ) | | | - | |
Interest income | | | - | | | | - | | | | 16,959 | |
Gain on settlement of debts (Notes 7(a) & 8(c)) | | | 121,350 | | | | (999,747 | ) | | | (770,293 | ) |
Write-down of property and equipment (Note 3) | | | (250,748 | ) | | | - | | | | (443,657 | ) |
Net loss | | | (6,454,452 | ) | | | (6,287,047 | ) | | | (15,536,062 | ) |
Deficit during development stage, beginning of year | | | (46,628,948 | ) | | | (40,341,901 | ) | | | (24,805,839 | ) |
Deficit during development stage, end of year | | $ | (53,083,400 | ) | | $ | (46,628,948 | ) | | $ | (40,341,901 | ) |
Loss Per Share – Basic and Diluted | | $ | (0.11 | ) | | $ | (0.15 | ) | | $ | (5.58 | ) |
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding | | | 57,331,417 | | | | 42,354,279 | | | | 2,782,284 | |
See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss and
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | (Note 2p) | | | (Note 2p) | |
Statement of Comprehensive loss | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (6,454,452 | ) | | $ | (6,287,047 | ) | | $ | (15,536,062 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange adjustment on change in currency (Note 2 (p)) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (52,219 | ) |
Comprehensive loss | | $ | (6,454,452 | ) | | $ | (6,287,047 | ) | | $ | (15,588,281 | ) |
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | (Note 2p) | | | (Note 2p) | |
Statement of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of the year | | $ | 1,896,609 | | | $ | 1,896,609 | | | $ | 1,948,828 | |
Other comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange adjustment on change in currency (Note 2 (p)) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (52,219 | ) |
Balance, end of the year | | $ | 1,896,609 | | | $ | 1,896,609 | | | $ | 1,896,609 | |
See notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | (Note 2p) | | | (Note 2p) | |
Cash provided by (used in): | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Activities | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss for the period | | $ | (6, 454,452 | ) | | $ | (6,287,047 | ) | | $ | (15,536,062 | ) |
Items not involving cash: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest, accretion and fees | | | 454,462 | | | | 694,960 | | | | 2,637,922 | |
Fair value of warrants in interest, accretion and fees | | | | | | | - | | | | 157,530 | |
Shares issued for product development (Note 8(b)(iv) & 8(c)) | | | 142,000 | | | | - | | | | 165,969 | |
Shares issued for services (Note 8(b)(iii) & 8(c)) | | | 195,750 | | | | 143,432 | | | | 313,269 | |
Stock based compensation | | | 307,353 | | | | 18,310 | | | | 226,687 | |
Warrant Modification in Investor Relations and finder fees (Note 8(e)(iv)) | | | 67,529 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Fair value of options in stock-based operations (Note 8(b)(i)) | | | 752,462 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Shares issued for stock-based compensation (Note 8(b)(i)) | | | 1,308,569 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Gain on settlement of debts | | | (121,350 | ) | | | 999,747 | | | | 770,293 | |
Write-down of property and equipment | | | 250,748 | | | | - | | | | 443,657 | |
Commitment to issue shares for services | | | - | | | | 126,000 | | | | 664,980 | |
Shares issued in interest, accretion and fees | | | 60,000 | | | | - | | | | 56,846 | |
Write-down of receivable | | | (2,997 | ) | | | 657,641 | | | | - | |
Amortization | | | 176,415 | | | | 193,876 | | | | 158,026 | |
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | | | 6,385 | | | | - | | | | 1,661,078 | |
Changes in non-cash working capital items (Note 15) | | | 1,019,862 | | | | 469,596 | | | | 1,962,624 | |
| | | (1,837,264 | ) | | | (2,983,485 | ) | | | (6,317,181 | ) |
Investing Activity | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment | | | - | | | | (243,566 | ) | | | (545,220 | ) |
Financing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advances from related parties | | | 1,477,653 | | | | 65,972 | | | | 1,282,423 | |
Proceeds from promissory notes | | | 26,000 | | | | 1,024,678 | | | | 1,882,040 | |
Repayment of promissory notes | | | (203,225 | ) | | | (1,020,069 | ) | | | - | |
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net | | | 1,460,572 | | | | 2,973,148 | | | | 1,910,553 | |
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1,889,584 | |
Repayments of long-term debt and convertible notes | | | (934,767 | ) | | | (10,165 | ) | | | (152,147 | ) |
Proceeds from share subscriptions | | | 21,000 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | 1,847,233 | | | | 3,033,564 | | | | 6,812,453 | |
Effect on foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents | | | - | | | | 35,481 | | | | 70,183 | |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | 9,969 | | | | (158,006 | ) | | | 20,235 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | 21,967 | | | | 179,973 | | | | 159,738 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | $ | 31,936 | | | $ | 21,967 | | | $ | 179,973 | |
Supplemental cash flow information: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued on conversion of convertible notes | | $ | 700,000 | | | $ | 9,527 | | | $ | 4,376,903 | |
Interest paid and penalties | | $ | 246,522 | | | $ | 2,855 | | | $ | 3,674 | |
Fair value of agent warrants on share issuance | | $ | - | | | $ | 20,213 | | | $ | - | |
Fair value of warrant extension | | $ | 138,462 | | | $ | 122,267 | | | $ | | |
Shares issued for product license | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 180,000 | |
Shares issued for promissory note interest | | $ | 140,553 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 58,597 | |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
1. Nature of Business and Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
Valcent Products Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the Alberta Business Corporations Act on January 19, 1996. The Company’s current plan of operations is to focus on the continued development and marketing of the Company’s High Density Vertical Growth System (“VertiCrop™”) designed to produce vegetables and other plant crops.
On June 22, 2009 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 eighteen old shares for one new share (18:1) which became effective July 16, 2009. All references to common shares, stock options and warrants and their related pricing in these financial statements give effect to the share consolidation, unless otherwise noted.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles 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 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, 2011 the Company had not yet achieved profitable operations, has an accumulated deficit of $55,348,725 (2010 - $48,894,273) has a working capital deficiency of $2,035,992 (2010 - $3,834,047) and expects to incur further losses in the development of its business, all of which casts substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate and maintain future profitable operations and/or to obtain the necessary financing to meet its obligations and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations when they come due. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that might be necessary should the Company not be able to continue as a going concern. As at March 31, the Company does not have sufficient cash on hand to fund its operations for the next twelve months.
Subsequent to the year end the Company closed a third private placement tranche with gross proceeds of $155,889. In addition, the Company closed a bridge loan with a third party in the amount of $700,000. 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. The Company has also enacted on its plan to wind down its UK subsidiary.
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-venture, corporate collaboration and licensing arrangements. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its future financing attempts.
All amounts are stated in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are stated in United States dollars. Because a precise determination of many assets and liabilities is dependent upon future events, the preparation of the financial statements necessarily involves the use of estimates, which have been made using careful judgment. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
The consolidated financial statements have, in management’s opinion, been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and within the framework of the significant accounting policies summarized below:
(a) Principles of consolidation
These financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned, integrated subsidiaries, Valcent Products EU Limited and its wholly owned, integrated subsidiary Valcent (EU) Eastern Europe located in Poland and Valcent USA, Inc. and Valcent USA’s wholly-owned, integrated subsidiaries, Valcent Management LLC and Valcent Manufacturing Ltd. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.
These consolidated financial statements also include the Company’s 50% proportionate share interest of the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the Vertigro Joint Venture until its dissolution, as described in Note 5.
(b) Research and product development costs
Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs, which meet Canadian GAAP criteria including reasonable assurance regarding recoverability, are capitalized and amortized over the expected economic useful life of the product. No development costs have been deferred to date. As the Company is in the development stage, any revenue derived from the test marketing and development of products is considered to be an expense recovery and is, therefore, netted against product development costs.
(c) Intangible assets
Intangible assets of the Company include technology and product licenses acquired from third parties. Technology and product licenses are initially recorded at the fair value based on consideration paid and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the underlying technologies. The Company reviews the estimated useful lives and carrying values of its technology and product licenses as part of its periodic assessment for impairment of long-lived assets.
The amount shown for technology and product licenses do not necessarily reflect present or future value and the ultimate amount recoverable will be dependent upon the successful development and commercialization of products based on these underlying technologies.
(d) Inventories
The Company records inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost includes the allocation of fixed overhead. Any previous write-downs are required to be reversed when the value of the inventory increases. The amount of the reversal is limited to the amount of the original write-down. There were no reversals of write-downs recognized during the year presented in these consolidated financial statements. The Company did not have any inventory at hand for its year ended March 31, 2011 (2010 - $11,578).
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost being determined on an average cost basis.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(e) Property and equipment and assets held for sale
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 building, 5 years for equipment, 3 and 1/3 years for computer equipment and 5 years for furniture and fixtures and automobiles.
During the year of acquisition, amortization is 50% of amounts otherwise determinable.
Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than through continuing use, are classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets, or components of a disposal group, are re-measured in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies. Thereafter generally the assets, or disposal group, are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. Any impairment loss on a disposal group is allocated to the assets and liabilities on pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to inventories, financial assets, or deferred tax assets, which continue to be measured in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies. Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on re-measurement are recognised in profit or loss. Gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss.
(f) Foreign currency transactions and translation
Transactions undertaken by the Company and the accounts of the Company’s integrated subsidiaries in foreign currencies are re-measured into United States dollars as follows:
(i) Monetary assets and liabilities, at the year-end exchange rates;
(ii) Non-monetary assets and liabilities, at historical exchange rates; and
(iii) Income and expense items, at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the transaction.
Effective for the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company presents its financial statements in United States dollars. (Note 2(p))All consolidated assets and liabilities have been translated into United States dollars using the exchange rate at the balance sheet dates, while income and expense items have been translated using the prevailing average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses arising from the re-measurement of transactions to the functional currency are included in operations for the year.
(g) Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant areas requiring the use of estimates include the net realizable value of accounts receivable and inventories, impairment of property and equipment, rates of amortization, fair value of product license, amount of accrued liabilities, the variables used to calculate interest, accretion and financing costs on convertible notes, the variables used to calculate the fair value of stock-based compensation and the determination of the valuation allowance for future income tax assets. While management believes the estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates and could impact future results of operations and cash flows.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(h) Loss per share
Loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The Company uses the treasury stock method for calculating diluted earnings per share. Under this method, the dilutive effect on earnings per share is recognized on the use of the proceeds that could be obtained upon exercise of options, warrants and similar instruments. It assumes that the proceeds would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period. However, the calculation of diluted loss per share excludes the effect of various conversions and the exercise of options and warrants and similar instruments totaling 49,318,857 (2010 – 16,717,247; 2009 – 31,676,734) that would be anti-dilutive.
(i) Stock-based compensation
The Company accounts for all grants of options and equity instruments to employees, non-employees and directors in accordance with the fair value method for accounting for stock-based compensation.
Compensation expense for employees is generally amortized using the straight-line method over the period from the grant date to the date the options or equity instruments vest. Compensation expense for non-employees is recognized immediately for past services and pro-rata for future services over the service provision period. Compensation for non-employees is re-measured at each balance sheet date until the earlier of the vesting date or the date of completion of the service. Upon exercise of share purchase options, the consideration paid by the option holder, together with the amount previously recognized in contributed surplus, is recorded as an increase to share capital.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the fair value of share purchase options at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
(j) Income taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method of tax allocation, future income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying values and their respective income tax basis (temporary differences). Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are likely to reverse. The effect on future income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is included in operations in the period in which the change is enacted or substantially assured. The amount of future income tax assets recognized is limited to the amount of the benefit that is more likely than not to be realized.
(k) Non-monetary consideration
In situations where common shares are issued and the fair value of the goods or services received is not readily determinable, the fair value of the common shares is used to measure and record the transaction. The fair value of the common shares issued in exchange for the receipt of goods and services is based on the share price as of the earliest of:
| (i) | the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete; |
| (ii) | the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the common shares is reached; or |
| (iii) | the date at which the common shares are issued if they are fully vested and non-forfeitable at that date. |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(l) Financial instruments
Financial instruments must be classified into one of these five categories: held-for-trading, held-to- maturity, loans and receivables, available-for-sale financial assets or other financial liabilities. All financial instruments are measured in the balance sheet at fair value except for loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments and other financial liabilities, which are measured at amortized cost. Subsequent measurement and changes in fair value will depend on their initial classification as follows: held-for-trading financial assets are measured at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized in net income; available-for-sale financial instruments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income until the investment is no longer recognized or impaired, at which time the amounts would be recorded in net income. See Note 13 for classification the Company’s financial instruments.
Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial instruments that are classified as other than held-for-trading, which are expensed as incurred, are included in the initial carrying value of such instruments and amortized using the effective interest method.
(m) Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset that an entity expects to hold and use may not be recoverable, future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its disposition must be estimated. If the undiscounted value of the future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, impairment is recognized, and is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value. During the year ended March 31, 2011 management determined that they would impair $250,748 of the Company’s long-lived assets as at March 31, 2011 (2010 - $nil; 2009 - $443,657).
(n) Revenue recognition
Revenue from the sales of products is recognized when the product has been delivered to the purchaser, the price is fixed or determinable and when collectability is reasonably assured. Sales during the development stage are netted against product development costs (Note 9).
Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis as earned at the effective rate of interest of the investment over the term to maturity.
(o) Accounting for embedded derivative
Current accounting principles requires that embedded derivative instruments be bifurcated and assessed, along with free-standing derivative instruments such as conversion features, warrants and non-employee stock-options to determine whether they should be considered a derivative liability and subject to re-measurement each period at their fair value with the changes in the fair value each period charged or credited to the statement of operations. Conversion features and other equity instruments with such provisions may no longer be recorded to equity. In estimating the appropriate fair value, the Company uses valuation models such as the Black-Scholes and Binomial option pricing model depending in the different features within the equity instrument.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(p) Measurement and Reporting Currency
Items included in the consolidated financial statements of each entity in the Company are measured using the currency that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to that entity (the “functional currency”).
The Company’s reporting currency is the United States dollar. (See below for discussion of the change in the Company’s functional currency as at April 1, 2009 and the change in reporting currency as at April 1, 2010.)
The consolidated financial statements of the entities that are determined to be integrated foreign operations have been translated into United States dollars by translating foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items are translated at historical exchange rates and revenues and expenses at average rates of exchange during the period. Exchange gains and losses arising on translation are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
Effective April 1, 2009, the functional currency of the Company became the United States dollar (USD). Prior to that date, the Company’s functional currency was the Canadian dollar. The change in functional currency from Canadian dollar (CAD) to USD resulted from increased business activities and monetary transactions conducted in USD. The translated amounts for non-monetary items at the end of the prior period become the historical basis for those items in the period of the change and subsequent period. In addition, unrealized gains and losses due to movements in exchange rates on balances held in foreign currencies are shown separately on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Effective April 1, 2010, the Company decided to report its consolidated financial statements in United States dollars for shareholder and investor relations purposes as the Company’s shares are currently quoted on an exchange in the United States in United States dollars. Consolidated financial statements for the prior periods have been translated from CAD presentation to USD presentation using the current rate method. Using this method, all consolidated assets and liabilities have been translated using the exchange rate at the balance sheet dates, while shareholders’ equity has been translated using the historical exchange rates at the dates of the corresponding transactions. The consolidated statements of operations and deficit and consolidated statements of cash flows have been translated using the prevailing average exchange rates for the periods. Any resulting exchange rate differences due to this translation are included in shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income. All comparative financial information being presented has been restated to reflect the Company’s consolidated financial statements as if they have been historically reported in USD and the effect on the consolidated financial statements resulted in an accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) adjustment of $1,948,828 as at April 1, 2008 and a period foreign exchange adjustment on change in reporting currency in connection with a reporting currency other than the functional currency for the year ended March 31, 2009 of $52,219, resulting in a final consolidated accumulated other comprehensive income of $1,896,609. As the functional currency and reporting currency are the same for the years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, there were no further foreign exchange adjustments in AOCI.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
2. | Significant Accounting Policies (continued) |
(q) Future accounting and reporting changes
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)
In February 2008, The CICA Accounting Standards Board ("AcSB") confirmed the changeover to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) from Canadian GAAP will be required for publicly accountable enterprises effective for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The transition from current Canadian GAAP to IFRS is a significant undertaking that is expected to materially affect the Company's reported financial position and results of operations. The Company is completing its assessment with respect to the adoption of IFRS for 2011 for its first interim financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2011.
| | 2011 | |
| | Cost | | | Accumulated Amortization | | | Net Book Value | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Building | | $ | 327,146 | | | $ | 327,146 | | | $ | - | |
Equipment | | | 616,709 | | | | 491,135 | | | | 125,574 | |
Computer equipment | | | 152,149 | | | | 152,149 | | | | - | |
Furniture and fixtures | | | 84,886 | | | | 84,886 | | | | - | |
Automobiles | | | 42,788 | | | | 31,038 | | | | 11,750 | |
Leasehold improvements | | | 186,828 | | | | 186,828 | | | | - | |
| | $ | 1,410,506 | | | $ | 1,273,182 | | | $ | 137,324 | |
| | 2010 | |
| | Cost | | | Accumulated Amortization | | | Net Book Value | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Land (a) | | $ | 245,485 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 245,485 | |
Building (a) | | | 648,413 | | | | 444,582 | | | | 203,831 | |
Equipment | | | 616,709 | | | | 273,656 | | | | 343,053 | |
Computer equipment | | | 152,149 | | | | 132,515 | | | | 19,634 | |
Furniture and fixtures | | | 84,886 | | | | 59,675 | | | | 25,210 | |
Automobiles | | | 42,788 | | | | 17,266 | | | | 25,522 | |
Leasehold improvements | | | 186,828 | | | | 51,968 | | | | 134,860 | |
| | $ | 1,977,258 | | | $ | 978,662 | | | $ | 997,596 | |
| (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, 2011, assets held for sale totalled $433,254. (Land $245,485 and Building $ 187,769) |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
3. | Property and Equipment (continued) |
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 $250,748, being the carrying value of those assets to the consolidated statement of operations. (2010 - $nil). This write-down is included in accumulated amortization as at March 31, 2011 in the table above.
During the year ended March 31, 2009, the Company terminated further development of its Nova Skincare Systems and Dust Wolf products and determined that certain equipment used for development of those products had no continuing value to the Company and therefore wrote down the carrying value of those assets of $443,657, being the carrying value of those assets to the consolidated statement of operations. This write-down is included in accumulated amortization as at March 31, 2009.
4. Product License and Technology Purchase
Effective April 1, 2009, the Company terminated the original License Agreement dated July 29, 2005 and executed a new purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to acquire all ownership rights and intellectual property relating to its VertiCrop™ vertical plant growing technology and Tomorrow Garden Kit technology (the “Technologies”) from a former director and officer of the Company, Pagic and West Peak.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to pay a total of $2,000,000 and issue 3% of its common shares on conclusion of the purchase agreement. The $2,000,000 is payable on a cumulative basis as to $65,000 on signing (paid) plus the greater of 3% of the gross monthly product sales less returns from exploitation of the Technologies or $12,000 per month until $2,000,000 has been paid. The ownership of the Technologies will remain in escrow until fully paid or if the Company defaults in making payments. The issuance of the 3% of its common shares is payable upon release of the Technologies from escrow to the Company. The Company may at any time elect to pay out the remaining balance due. Should the Company default under this agreement the Technologies will revert back to Glen Kertz and Pagic.
On March 8, 2010, an addendum to the Purchase Agreement (“Addendum”) was entered into by parties thereto whereby:
| a) the purchase price of technology to be acquired was amended to an aggregate of $3,150,000 (previously $2,000,000) of which certain equipment was permitted to be used by Pagic as an incentive to enter into the Purchase Agreement (“Addendum”). |
| b) $100,000 was paid to Pagic by the Company at the date of the Addendum; |
| c) calculated minimum IP payments increased to $18,000 per month from $12,000 per month effective August 1, 2010; and |
| d) the term to complete the technology purchased was reduced from July 1, 2019 to July 12, 2014. |
During the year ended March 31, 2011, $192,000 was paid or accrued to Pagic under the terms of the Purchase Agreement and its Addendum.
Subsequent to March 31, 2011, the Company and the Company’s legal counsel 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 on May 17, 2011.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
On July 7, 2010, the Company and its subsidiary Valcent USA and Global Green Solutions Inc. agreed to the wind-up and dissolution of Vertigro Algae Technologies LLC, a Texas Corporation (VAT), through which they had jointly pursued development of a project to use algae as a source for biofuel feedstock and other products. VAT’s technology license agreement with Pagic LP has been terminated.
The main elements from VAT included in the financial statements are accounts payable of $44,029 (2010 - $44,029) and expenses of $ nil (2010 - $44,723; 2009 - $1,099,148). There were no assets in VAT as at March 31, 2011 and 2010.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company had a receivable due from Global Green in the amount of $657,641. The Company wrote off this receivable as at March 31, 2010 due to collection uncertainty. During the year ending March 31, 2011 the Company recovered $4,100 of this receivable and has included this amount against other bad debts as a recovery in the consolidated statement of operations.
As at March 31, 2011, the Company had no inventory (2010 - $11,578). Inventories in prior years consisting of product relating to the Company’s Tomorrow Garden project were impaired to its net realizable value pursuant to initiatives in process to terminate and sell this product line.
During the year ending March 31, 2009, the Company discontinued product development relating to its Nova Skincare System and Dust Wolf products and any inventory related thereto amounting to raw materials of $287,525, and finished goods inventory of $273,222 were expensed to product development.
7. Convertible Notes
Convertible note continuity:
Date of Issue | | Balance March 31, 2010 | | | Issued Principal & Transfers | | | Equity Portion | | | Derivative Liability Portion, net | | | Accretion, Interest or Penalty | | | Conversion/ Repayments | | | Balance March 31, 2011 | |
Dec 2009 (a) | | $ | 1,938,305 | | | $ | 10,000 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (567,000 | ) | | $ | 286,083 | | | $ | (1,667,388 | ) | | $ | - | |
Feb 2010 (b) | | | - | | | | 51,020 | | | | (5,496 | ) | | | - | | | | 6,174 | | | | - | | | | 51,698 | |
| | $ | 1,938,305 | | | $ | 61,020 | | | $ | (5,496 | ) | | $ | (567,000 | ) | | $ | 292,257 | | | $ | (1,667,388 | ) | | $ | 51,698 | |
Date of Issue | | Balance March 31, 2009 | | | Issued Principal & Transfers | | | Derivative Liability Portion | | | Accretion, Interest or Penalty | | | Conversion/ Repayments | | | Balance March 31, 2010 | |
September 2007 (c) | | $ | 8,902 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | (8,902 | ) | | $ | - | |
July 2009 (Note 8(b)(vi) | | | - | | | | 179,478 | | | | - | | | | 3,777 | | | | (183,255 | ) | | | - | |
Dec 2009 (a) | | | - | | | | 1,323,000 | | | | 567,000 | | | | 58,305 | | | | (10,000 | ) | | | 1,938,305 | |
| | $ | 8,902 | | | $ | 1,502,478 | | | $ | 567,000 | | | $ | 62,082 | | | $ | (202,157 | ) | | $ | 1,938,305 | |
7. Convertible Notes (continued)
| (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 then Chief Financial Officer. The debt was 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 were exercisable at $9.90 and permitted the holder to purchase 264,506 common shares. The redeemable warrants were exercisable at $13.50 and permitted the holder to purchase 132,253 common shares. Further, the Company issued 24,401 non-redeemable warrants, 12,201 redeemable warrants and $160,000 in cash as transaction costs. The warrants carried a term of five years from the date of closing of the financing. The redeemable warrants could 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.
During the year ended March 31, 2009, interest and accretion of the convertible debenture in the aggregate of $1,262,529 was accrued on the principal balance of these convertible notes.
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. |
The Company recorded a loss on settlement of debt of $770,293 as at March 31, 2009 due to a modification of the original debt terms.
| The terms of the remaining $1,323,000 convertible promissory notes included 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 thus default provisions applied. |
| • | If prior to March 31, 2010, the Company issued common shares at a price less than the valuation of the shares issued to each note holder, the Company would issue to each note holder additional common shares based on the lower valuation. |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
7. Convertible Notes (continued)
| (a) | $2,168,000 July 2008 Convertible Note (continued) |
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 represented 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 was recorded as a liability as at December 31, 2009 when the conversion feature was reinstated. The value of the liability to be recorded was based on the premium of the fair value of the shares to be delivered in the event of a conversion over the fair value of the underlying face value of the debt. On December 31, 2009, the convertible note of $1,968,305 included an embedded derivative liability in the amount of $567,000 as at March 31, 2010 with charge to interest, accretion and fees in the statement of operations.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, 21,704 common shares were issued to the note holders on conversion of $10,000 per the conversion feature. These shares were subsequently returned to treasury by a note holder in 2011 and the $10,000 re-established back into the outstanding principal because of the Company’s declining share price.
There were no transaction costs to be allocated between the embedded derivative and debt host contract.
The Company accrued interest of $39,571 for the period from April 1, 2010 to May 31, 2010. During the same period the Company paid $32,622 of accrued interest by issuing 135,925 common shares of the Company. (Note 8(b)).
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.
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 investor relations in the consolidated statement of operations. (Note 8(e)).
On June 15, 2010, the Company issued 3,500,000 common shares at a conversion rate of $0.20 per common share,
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 September 30, 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, accretion and fees in consolidated statement of operations.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
7. Convertible Notes (continued)
| (a) | $2,168,000 July 2008 Convertible Note (continued) |
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, accretion and fees in the consolidated statement of operations.
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 original convertible noteholders’ warrants were subject to a reset provision in the event the Company closed an equity offering at a price lower than the original exercise price on the warrants. Under the reset 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 note holders 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 operations. (Note 8(e)(iii))
The de-recognition of the derivative liability component in connection with this convertible note was charged to gain on settlement of debt in the consolidated statement of operations.
The following are continuity schedules for the convertible debt and derivative liability and further details of gain on settlement of debt associated with the final settlement:
Convertible Note
March 31, 2010, opening balance (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 | ) |
March 31, 2011, ending balance | | $ | - | |
Derivative Liability
March 31, 2010, opening balance | | $ | 567,000 | |
De-recognition during the year | | | (567,000 | ) |
March 31, 2011, ending balance | | $ | - | |
Gain on Settlement of Debt
De-recognition of derivative liability | | $ | (567,000 | ) |
Fair value of additional warrants issued (Note 8(e)(iii)) | | | 445,650 | |
| | | | |
Gain on settlement of debt | | $ | (121,350 | ) |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
7. 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 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. 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.
| (c) | $391,000 September 2007 Convertible Note |
On September 27, 2007, the Company issued unsecured one-year term convertible notes bearing interest at 6% per annum in the amount of $391,000. The convertible notes matured on September 30, 2008 and as at March 31, 2009 were due on demand. Both interest and principal may be converted at the option of the lender at any time at $10.80 per unit, with each unit consisting of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant, with each whole share purchase warrant exercisable at $13.50 to purchase an additional common share for a two-year term from the date of conversion. The Company was required to register the resale of the securities underlying the conversion features of this convertible note on a best efforts basis, but failed to do so within 90 days from the date of issuance as agreed. A one-time financial penalty of $23,460 was incurred during the year ended March 31, 2008 and recorded to interest, accretion and fees.
The Company repaid $7,500 of principal and $1,402 in interest during the year ended March 31, 2010.
8. Share Capital
Unlimited number of common shares without par value
Unlimited number of preferred shares without par value – none issued
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital
| (b) | Issued and outstanding: |
The common share issuances consisted of the following transactions:
| | Number of Shares | | | Amount | | | Contributed Surplus | |
Balance, as at March 31, 2008 | | | 2,459,636 | | | $ | 14,790,708 | | | $ | 3,714,486 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private placement, net of share issue costs (x) | | | 180,703 | | | | 1,738,657 | | | | - | |
Shares issued for promissory note interest (xi) | | | 5,555 | | | | 58,597 | | | | - | |
Issued for consulting services (xii) | | | 35,776 | | | | 345,094 | | | | - | |
Issued for technology license (xiii) | | | 16,667 | | | | 180,000 | | | | - | |
Conversion of convertible notes (xiv) | | | 289,344 | | | | 1,597,609 | | | | - | |
Warrants exercised (xv) | | | 21,296 | | | | 191,664 | | | | - | |
Reallocation upon exercise of warrants | | | - | | | | 64,459 | | | | (64,459 | ) |
Reclassification from equity portion on conversion of convertible notes | | | - | | | | 547,206 | | | | - | |
Reclassification from equity portion on repayment of convertible notes | | | - | | | | - | | | | 21,067 | |
Issuance of warrants on convertible debentures | | | - | | | | - | | | | 754,478 | |
Warrant modifications (e) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 157,530 | |
Stock-based compensation (d) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 226,687 | |
Balance, as at March 31, 2009 | | | 3,008,977 | | | $ | 19,513,994 | | | $ | 4,809,789 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issued for cash: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private placements, net of share issue costs (vi) | | | 19,040,193 | | | | 3,123,466 | | | | 41,337 | |
Less: issue costs – cash | | | - | | | | (219,105 | ) | | | - | |
issue costs – warrants | | | - | | | | (20,077 | ) | | | 20,077 | |
Issued for investor relations services (ix) | | | 250,000 | | | | 126,300 | | | | - | |
Issued for consulting services (ix) | | | 25,000 | | | | 16,167 | | | | - | |
Shares issued for debt settlements (vii) | | | 29,516,955 | | | | 13,614,973 | | | | - | |
Conversion of convertible notes (viii) | | | 334,204 | | | | 260,000 | | | | - | |
Reclassification from equity portion on conversion of convertible notes | | | - | | | | 2,726,010 | | | | - | |
Reclassification from equity portion on repayment of convertible notes | | | - | | | | - | | | | 3,973 | |
Stock-based compensation (d) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 18,310 | |
Warrant modification (e) | | | - | | | | (130,171 | ) | | | 130,171 | |
Balance, as at March 31, 2010 | | | 52,175,329 | | | $ | 39,011,557 | | | $ | 5,023,657 | |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| (b) | Issued and outstanding: (continued) |
| | Number of Shares | | | Amount | | | Contributed Surplus | |
Balance, as at March 31, 2010 | | | 52,175,329 | | | $ | 39,011,557 | | | $ | 5,023,657 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Private placement, net of share issue cost (i) | | | 10,192,365 | | | | 1,451,558 | | | | - | |
Issued for settlement of debt (ii) | | | 15,636,656 | | | | 2,345,498 | | | | - | |
Issued for investor relations services (iii) | | | 600,000 | | | | 144,000 | | | | - | |
Issued for consulting services (iv) | | | 500,000 | | | | 120,000 | | | | - | |
Issued as payment of interest (Note 7(a)) | | | 135,925 | | | | 32,622 | | | | - | |
Issued for extension on convertible notes (Note 7(a)) | | | 500,000 | | | | 60,000 | | | | - | |
Conversion of convertible notes (Note 7(a)) | | | 3,500,000 | | | | 700,000 | | | | - | |
Return of shares to treasury (Note 7(a)) | | | (21,704 | ) | | | (10,000 | ) | | | | |
For contributed services (v) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 126,000 | |
Fair value of options (i) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 752,462 | |
Stock-based compensation (d) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 215,510 | |
Fair value of warrants issued (e) | | | - | | | | - | | | | 513,179 | |
Warrant modification (e) | | | - | | | | (46,618 | ) | | | 138,462 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, as at March 31, 2011 | | | 83,218,571 | | | $ | 43,808,617 | | | $ | 6,769,270 | |
| During the year ending March 31, 2011, the Company: |
| (i) | Entered into a Private Placement Agreement (“PP Agreement”) on December 14, 2010 with a third party and a related party. The PP Agreement included a commitment to the Company along with provisions for the new management group to further the development and marketability of the VertCrop™ vertical plant technology and for the third party 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. The PP Agreement was later amended, whereby the first 7,000,000 shares earned would be allocated to the new management group as an incentive for them to join the Company. As at March 31, 2011, the Company had a commitment to issue 6,647,195 common shares. The shares were valued at $1,308,569 based on the market price of the shares at the time the shares were earned and charged to stock–based compensation. In addition under this PP Agreement the management group and the third party 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. |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| (b) | Issued and outstanding: (continued) |
At March 31, 2011, the parties were entitled to receive based on completed performance 6,647,195 options. These options have been 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 and expected dividends – nil. The Company included the value of the options earned but not granted of, $752,462, as a charge to stock-based compensation in the consolidated statement of operations. These options will continue to be re-measured until the grant and terms have been approved by the Board.
| 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. 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 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. Subsequent to March 31, 2011, these funds were collected. This is a non-cash transaction in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
| (ii) | The Company entered into a series of debt settlement agreements whereby it agreed to issue common units in settlement of certain promissory notes, accounts payable and related party amounts owing at the same terms as the private placement offering. 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 units at the date of the settlement. (Note 10) Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one warrant. One whole warrant is exercisable into one common share at $0.25. Ninety percent of the common shares are subject to a twelve month lock up agreement whereby, 30% will be released on September 30, 2011 and 30% each quarter thereafter. |
| (iii) Issued the following common shares for investor relations services: |
| · | 500,000 common shares at an aggregate fair value of $120,000 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance. |
| · | 50,000 common shares for services rendered under a public relations agreement at a fair value of $12,000 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance; and |
| · | 50,000 common shares for services rendered under a design services contract at a fair value of $12,000 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance. |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| (b) | Issued and outstanding: (continued) |
| (iv) Issued the following common shares for consulting services in respect of product development: |
| · | 500,000 common shares at an aggregate fair value of $120,000 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance; |
| (v) | For Contributed Services: |
At March 31, 2010, commitment to issue shares includes 300,000 common shares issuable to an officer and director of the Company for product development services performed during the year ended March 31, 2010. The 300,000 common shares were issued 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 current year, 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.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company:
| (vi) | Issued 16,303,562 units pursuant to the conversion of $2,000,000 in subscription advances and interest of $24,582. Each unit is comprised of one common share and one third of one share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase 5,434,521 common shares at an exercise price of $0.45 per share until July 17, 2010. A value of $20,923 was allocated to the warrants under the residual method. |
Issued 458,139 units pursuant to the conversion of $179,478 in convertible notes and interest of $3,777 (Note 7). Each unit is comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase 458,139 common shares at an exercise price of $0.60 per share until July 17, 2011. A value of $1,764 was allocated to warrants under the residual method.
Closed private placements in four tranches and issued 2,153,492 units at a price of $0.40 per common share for gross proceeds of $906,966. Included in the private placements value is $1,397 of interest on subscriptions received. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to exercise each whole warrant into a common share of the Company at an exercise price $0.60 until varying dates from October 26, 2011 to December 30, 2011. A value of $8,292 was allocated to the warrants under the residual method.
The Company closed a further private placement of $50,000 and issued 125,000 units at a price of $0.40 per common share. Each unit consists of one common share and 1.67 share purchase warrants entitling the holder thereof to exercise each whole warrant into a common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.40 until February 15, 2012. A value of $10,358 was allocated to the warrants under the residual method.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| (b) | Issued and outstanding: (continued) |
In connection with the private placements closed in four tranches, the Company incurred issue costs including finders’ fees of $219,105 in cash and issued 35,000 finder’s warrants. The fair value of $20,077 for the finder’s warrants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and was charged to share issue costs and credited to contributed surplus. The assumptions used in the option pricing model are as follows: risk-free interest rate- 1.98%; expected life – 2.0 years; expected volatility – 80%; and expected dividends – nil.
| (vii) | In conjunction with certain restructuring initiatives effective March 27, 2009, the Company entered into a series of debt settlement agreements whereby it agreed to issue restricted common shares in settlement of convertible debentures, debenture related interest, original issuer discounts, prepayment penalties, future interest, certain accounts payable and related party amounts owing (Note 10) certain advances, unpaid finders’ fees and demand and term promissory notes. An aggregate of $13,614,973 representing these balances was settled in exchange for 29,516,955 common shares issued on May 11, 2009 (after allowing for consolidation rounding). Included in these shares are 24,232,816 common shares which are subject to pooling restrictions with quarterly equal releases beginning on January 1, 2010, a further 2,634,135 common shares were subject to pooling restrictions until January 1, 2010. |
| (viii) | Issued 312,500 common shares pursuant to conversions of July 2008 convertible notes for $250,000 face value of the original note. Issued a further 21,704 common shares pursuant to the conversion of July 2008 convertible notes for $10,000 face value of the reverted note. |
| (ix) | Issued the following common shares for consulting services and investor relations: |
| · | 275,000 common shares at an aggregate fair value of $142,467 being the fair value of shares on the date of issuance; |
During the year ended March 31, 2009, the Company:
| (x) | Completed a private placement of units whereby a total of 180,703 units were issued at $10.80 per unit for gross proceeds of $1,951,600. Each unit consists of one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant with each whole warrant exercisable at US $13.50 to purchase an additional common share of the Company. Share issuance cost in connection with this placement was $212,943; |
| (xi) | Issued 5,555 common shares in connection with interest charges regarding a promissory note at fair value of $58,597; |
| (xii) | Issued the following common shares for consulting services: |
| · | 23,333 common shares in connection with two financial consulting services agreements for investor relations and product development services at an aggregate fair value of $285,000; |
| · | 7,443 common shares for services rendered under a public relations agreement at a fair value of $43,594; |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| (b) | Issued and outstanding: (continued) |
| · | 5,000 common shares for services rendered under an internet services contract at a fair value of $16,500. |
| (xiii) | Issued 16,667 common shares valued at $180,000 to Pagic relating to the Technology License (Note 4); |
| (xiv) | Issued 289,344 common shares upon conversion of $1,597,609 of convertible note principal, interest and penalties to convertible debenture holders; |
| (xv) | Issued 21,296 common shares upon the exercise of 21,296 warrants at $9.00 per share for proceeds of $191,664. |
| (c) | Commitment to Issue Shares |
At March 31, 2011, commitment to issue shares included the following
| · | 300,000 common shares to be issued in connection with a financial consulting services agreement for investor relations services at an aggregate fair value of $51,750;* (Note 11) |
| · | 150,000 common shares to be issued in connection with consulting services agreement for internet and marketing services at an aggregate fair value of $22,001;* (Note 11) |
| · | 6,647,195 common shares to be issued in connection with a private placement agreement for new management services at an aggregate fair value of $1,308,569;* (Note 8(b)(i)) and |
| · | 140,000 units to be issued at $0.15 per unit in connection with the private placement offering that was closed subsequent to the year end (Note 18) in the amount of $21,000 being equal to the closing stock price on the date the shares were to be issued. |
* The aggregate value of these committed common shares was calculated by using the closing stock price on the date the share commitment was earned.
During the year ended March 31, 2009, and in conjunction with certain restructuring initiatives, effective March 27, 2009, the Company entered into a series of debt settlement agreements whereby it agreed to issue restricted common shares in settlement of convertible debentures, debenture related interest, original issuer discounts, prepayment penalties, future interest, certain accounts payable and related party amounts owing, certain advances, unpaid finders’ fees and demand and term promissory notes. An aggregate of $13,614,973 representing these balances was settled in exchange for 29,516,955 common shares issued on May 11, 2009. Included in these shares are 24,232,816 common shares which are subject to pooling restrictions with quarterly equal releases beginning on January 1, 2010, and a further 2,634,135 common shares are subject to pooling restrictions until January 1, 2010. The Company valued the restricted shares on issuance to reflect the 7 month holding period and the large share issuance of the Company.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| (c) | Commitment to Issue Shares (continued) |
The Company used a value different from the quoted market price to value the restricted shares on issuance to reflect the discount the debt holder participants would require as a result of the 7 month holding period, the large share issuance and economic factors of the company. A loss of $ 999,747 was recorded to loss on settlement of debts for those debt holder participants who received shares at a value different than the restricted share value. The Company estimated the value of the restricted share of $0.02 per share pre-consolidation ($0.40 post consolidation). The value of the restricted stock was determined by using a valuation model and specific considerations of the Company’s trading volume, market risk and negotiations with arms length 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 as to 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 as to 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 summarizes stock option activity for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
| | Number of Options | | | Weighted Average Ex Price | |
Options outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2008 | | | 330,000 | | | $ | 11.34 | |
Granted | | | 24,444 | | | | 9.90 | |
Forfeited | | | (58,611 | ) | | | 11.24 | |
Cancelled | | | (295,833 | ) | | | 11.16 | |
Options outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2009 | | | - | | | | - | |
Granted | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.30 | |
Options outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2010 | | | 100,000 | | | | 0.30 | |
Granted | | | 2,050,000 | | | | 0.23 | |
Cancelled | | | (100,000 | ) | | | 0.30 | |
Options outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2011 | | | 2,050,000 | | | $ | 0.23 | |
Committed to grant (Note 8(b)(i)) | | | 6,674,195 | | | | 0.15 | |
Options outstanding, March 31, 2011 | | | 8,724,195 | | | $ | 0.18 | |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| (d) | Stock options (continued) |
Effective March 31, 2009, the Company cancelled all outstanding stock options in conjunction with restructuring initiatives.
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the weighted average fair value of stock options granted of $0.13 per option (2010 - $0.30; 2009 - $nil) was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate – 1.95% to 2.9%; expected life – 5 to 8 years ; expected volatility – 100%; and expected dividends – nil. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $215,510 on these options.
During the year ended March 31, 2010, the weighted average fair value of stock options granted of $0.30 per option was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate – 1.98%; expected life – 5.0 years ; expected volatility – 100%; and expected dividends – nil. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $18,310.
During the year ended March 31, 2009, 24,444 stock options were granted to directors, officers, employees and consultants. The fair value of these stock options is recognized as a stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period of the options. The total fair value of these stock options was calculated at $105,743, all of which was recognized as stock-based compensation during the year ended March 31, 2009. Stock-based compensation expense included $120,944 for the fair value of options granted in fiscal 2008, which vested in fiscal 2009.
As at March 31, 2011, 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 | |
March 31, 2016 | | $ | 0.15 | | | | 6,674,195 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | 8,724,195 | |
| As at March 31, 2011, the weighted average life of outstanding exercisable stock options was 5.70 years. |
Each of the Company’s share purchase warrants is exercisable into one common share. The following summarizes warrants activity for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| | Number of Warrants | | | Weighted Average Price | |
Warrants outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2008 | | | 875,126 | | | $ | 13.32 | |
Granted | | | 581,869 | | | | 11.62 | |
Exercised | | | (21,296 | ) | | | 9.00 | |
Expired | | | (286,183 | ) | | | 9.66 | |
Warrants outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2009 | | | 1,149,516 | | | | 12.38 | |
Granted | | | 8,289,485 | | | | 0.50 | |
Exercised | | | (625,801 | ) | | | 13.30 | |
Warrants outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2010 | | | 8,813,200 | | | | 0.63 | |
Granted | | | 20,509,092 | | | | 0.22 | |
Cancelled | | | (90,354 | ) | | | 13.50 | |
Warrants outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2011 | | | 29,231,938 | | | $ | 0.33 | |
As at March 31, 2011, the following share purchase warrants were outstanding:
Expiry Date | | Exercise Price | | | Number of Warrants | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
July 17, 2011 | | $ | 0.45 | | | | 5,434,521 | | | i | |
July 17, 2011 | | $ | 0.60 | | | | 458,139 | | | ii | |
October 26, 2011 | | $ | 0.60 | | | | 753,492 | | | | | |
October 27, 2011 | | $ | 0.60 | | | | 535,000 | | | | | |
November 18, 2011 | | $ | 0.60 | | | | 100,000 | | | | | |
December 2, 2011 | | $ | 0.60 | | | | 712,500 | | | | | |
December 30, 2011 | | $ | 0.60 | | | | 87,500 | | | | | |
February 16, 2012 | | $ | 0.60 | | | | 208,333 | | | | | |
May 31, 2012 | | $ | 0.30 | | | | 875,000 | | | v | |
January 14, 2013 | | $ | 0.15 | | | | 4,444,444 | | | iii | |
February 18, 2013 | | $ | 0.25 | | | | 4,776,183 | | | | | |
April 01, 2013 | | $ | 0.25 | | | | 7,818,328 | | | | | |
March 31, 2013 | | $ | 0.25 | | | | 320,000 | | | | | |
July 16, 1013 | | $ | 0.15 | | | | 2,708,498 | | | iv | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | 29,231,938 | | | | | |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| (i) | On July 17, 2010, the Company amended the terms of these warrants issued previously as part of a private placement. The original expiration date of July 17, 2010 was extended to July 17, 2011. The Company applies the fair value method using Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for warrants utilizing risk-free interest rate – 1.6%; expected life – 1 year ; expected volatility – 100%; and expected dividends – nil. The warrant extensions resulted in additional compensation expense of $91,843 which was charged to stock-based compensation as the holder of these warrants is a significant shareholder of the Company, with a corresponding credit to contributed surplus. These warrants have expired unexercised. |
| (ii) | Subsequent to year end, warrants expired un-exercised |
| (iii) | As part of the final negotiation with the July 2008 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 applies 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. As for the price reduction the Company recorded a warrant modification of $46,619. (Note 7(a)) |
| (iv) | On February 18, 2011, the Company issued units of securities at $0.15 causing an increase of certain warrants to an agent from 36,601 to 2,708,497 warrants and a reset in the exercise price of the currently held 36,601 warrants from $0.40 to $0.15. |
| (v) | 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 applies 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, accretion and fees in the consolidated statement of operations. |
| (vi) | On July 17, 2009, the Company issued units of securities causing the contracted decrease in exercise prices of these warrants to $0.40 from 288,907 warrants at $9.90 and 144,454 warrants at $12.60. The weighted average fair value of these warrants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate – 1.98%; expected life – 4.0 years ; expected volatility – 100%; and expected dividends – nil. The Company recorded warrant modification of $130,171. |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
8. Share Capital (continued)
| (vii) | On July 15, 2008, the Company amended the terms of certain warrants issued previously as part of various private placements. 77,444 warrants exercisable at US$7.20 to US$18.00 per share expiring in July 2008 were extended to April 9, 2009 and 159,573 warrants expiring in July and August 2008 were extended to December 31, 2008. The Company applies the fair value method using Black-Scholes option pricing model in accounting for warrants utilizing a risk free interest rate of 1.8% and expected volatility of 64%. The warrant extensions resulted in additional compensation expense of $157,530 which was charged to expenses with a corresponding credit to contributed surplus. These warrants have expired unexercised. |
9. Product Development Costs
As the Company is in the development stage, discontinued product sales and test sales are credited to development costs. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company had discontinued product sales of $ 17,699 (2010 - $26,650; 2009 - $190,972) related to Tomorrow Garden products.
10. Related Party Transactions
During the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company incurred the following expenditures charged by directors and officers of the Company, former directors and officers of the Company, companies they owned or were significant shareholders of, and/or beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares:
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
Product development | | $ | 400,944 | | | $ | 361,684 | | | $ | 1,147,061 | |
Interest, accretion and fees | | | 258,769 | | | | 99,235 | | | | - | |
Professional fees | | | 20,000 | | | | - | | | | 31,234 | |
Rent | | | 2,349 | | | | 23,048 | | | | 32,890 | |
| | $ | 682,062 | | | $ | 483,967 | | | $ | 1,211,285 | |
At March 31, 2011 and 2010, due to related parties was comprised of amounts owing to directors and officers of the Company, former directors and officers of the Company, companies they owned or were significant shareholders of, and/or beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares. The amounts owing were due on demand, non-interest bearing and had no specific terms of repayment.
At March 31, 2011, promissory notes payable of $558,212 (2010 - $983,317) included in the total amount of the promissory notes owing are due to related parties who are beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares and a former director and officer of the Company (Note 12).
The Company has made payments to a company owned by former directors and officers of the Company pursuant to the Product License for the years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Note 4) and recorded the payments in product development.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
10. Related Party Transactions (continued)
At March 31, 2010, commitment to issue shares includes 300,000 common shares to be issued to an officer and director of the Company for product development services performed during the year ended March 31, 2010. The 300,000 common shares to be issued were valued at $0.42 per share for an aggregate value of $126,000 and were recorded to the product development cost (Note 8(c))
During the year ended March 31, 2011 there were no cash issue costs charged by beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares. (2010 - $190,787) (2009 -$nil)
During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company settled debt of $1,838,687 with directors and/or beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares by issuing 12,257,911 common shares. See Note 8(b)(ii).
During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company settled commitments to issue shares of $7,509,342 by issuing 17,655,556 common shares. (Note 8(b)(viii))
11. Commitments & Contingencies
Commitments not disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements are as follows:
The Company leases office and development space in Launceston, Cornwall, UK under a ten-year lease ending on November 15, 2017 at a quarterly cost of approximately $27,000 (GB£12,550). The Company also entered into an investors relations and IT and marketing agreements in the year that extended beyond the year ended March 31, 2011.
The Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party for investor relations services for a one year term, $3,000CDN a month and 300,000 common shares which were earned but not yet issued during the year. (Note 8(c)). The agreement can be cancelled with a 30 day notification.
The Company entered into an agreement with a non-related party for internet marketing services for a one year term, $1,500CDN a month and 50,000 common shares every quarter until June 2011. The agreement can be cancelled with a 30 day notification. Subsequent to year end the remaining 50,000 common shares were earned under the agreement.
The combined commitments as at March 31, 2011 are as follows:
| | Shares | | | Amount | |
2012 | | | 50,000 | | | $ | 85,108 | |
2013 | | | - | | | | 80,481 | |
2014 | | | - | | | | 80,481 | |
2015 | | | - | | | | 80,481 | |
Thereafter | | | - | | | | 118,206 | |
| | | 50,000 | | | $ | 444,757 | |
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, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Subsequent to year end, Management became aware of a legal claim against the company for property damage and contract default in the amount of approximately $155,000 plus related costs. The Management is assessing the validity of the claim and has not yet engaged its legal counsel for comment. Based on information currently available the Company has recorded the $26,766 of the claim as a liability as at March 31, 2011.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
12. Promissory Notes Payable
As at March 31, 2011 and 2010, promissory notes payable consisted of the following due to related and third party lenders:
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | |
8% and 10% simple interest, unsecured, due on demand (a) | | $ | 558,212 | | | $ | 983,461 | |
8% simple interest, unsecured, due Feb 15, 2012 (Note 7(b)) & (b) | | | - | | | | 50,376 | |
| | $ | 558,212 | | | $ | 1,033,837 | |
| (a) | The demand notes are due to related parties who are beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common shares, a director and officer of the Company and a former director and officer of the Company. Total interest accrued, during the year ended March 31, 2011 was $162,205 (2010 - $25,970) |
| (b) | 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 could 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. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the Company accrued $4,520 (2010 – $520) in interest on the principal balance of promissory note. |
| (c) | During the year ended March 31, 2010, a promissory note due on December 31, 2009 was not repaid and, pursuant to the original July 2008 agreement, became a convertible note (Note 7(a)). |
13. Financial Instruments
The Company has designated its cash and cash equivalents as held-for-trading, which is measured at fair value. 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 and convertible notes are designated as other financial liabilities, which are measured at amortized cost. Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recorded in the statement of operations. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturity.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Handbook Section 3862 “Financial Instruments – Disclosures” requires disclosure of a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon transparency of inputs to the valuation of financial instruments carried on the balance sheet at fair value. The fair value hierarchy of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement is as follows.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
13.Financial Instruments (continued)
As at March 31, 2011 there no such instruments and no assets or liabilities were transferred from one level to another in the hierarchy during the year ended March 31, 2011.
As at March 31, 2010
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative liability | | $ | - | | | $ | 567,000 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 567,000 | |
There are no assets or liabilities transferred from one level to another in the hierarchy during the year ended March 31, 2010.
The Company’s embedded derivative liability, included within convertible notes (Note 7(a)) was classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as it is determined using the difference between face value of the principle and the conversion premium, which uses readily observable market inputs.
In assessing the fair value of other financial instruments, the Company uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each balance sheet date.
The face values less any estimated credit adjustments for financial assets and financial liabilities with a maturity of less than one year are assumed to approximate their fair values. The fair value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate available to the Company for similar financial instruments.
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. The Company is exposed to significant credit risk with respect to receivables as the majority of the amount is due from a joint venture partner. The receivable from the joint venture partner was fully provided for at March 31, 2010. Management periodically assesses the recoverability of the accounts receivables at a detailed level to mitigate the credit risk.
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:
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
13.Financial Instruments (continued)
Foreign Exchange Risk (continued)
| | Canadian dollars | | | US Dollars | | | British Pounds | | | US Dollars | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 3,492 | | | $ | 3,591 | | | $ | 1,714 | | | $ | 2,747 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 1,008,391 | | | $ | 1,036,928 | | | $ | 146,413 | | | $ | 234,729 | |
Due to related parties | | $ | 210,734 | | | $ | 216,698 | | | | | | | | | |
Promissory notes payable | | $ | 11,074 | | | $ | 11,388 | | | | | | | | | |
A 10% change in the US dollar to the Canadian dollar and British Pound exchange rate at March 31,2011 would have an effect on net loss of approximately +/- $150,000 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.
Liquidity Risk
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities at March 31, 2011:
| | Total | | | 1-12 Months | | | 1-2 Years | | | Thereafter | |
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 | | | | - | | | | - | |
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.
14. Management of Capital
The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue the development of its products. The Company relies mainly on equity and debt instrument issuances to raise new capital. In the management of capital, the Company includes the components of shareholders’ equity and convertible debt, promissory notes and long-term debt. Management estimates anticipated research and development expenditures to ensure that there is sufficient capital on hand to meet ongoing obligations. Management reviews the Company’s capital management policy regularly. The Company’s investment policy is to invest its excess cash in highly liquid short‐term deposits with terms of one year or less and which can be liquidated after thirty days without interest penalty. The Company currently does not have sufficient capital to cover its administrative costs, fund research and development programs, meet trade payables and debt obligations in the short term. The Company will only be able to continue to develop its products with additional equity or debt instrument financing. There has been no change in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year ended March 31, 2011.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
15. Changes in Non-Cash Working Capital Items
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
Receivables | | $ | (103,421 | ) | | $ | 144,575 | | | $ | (304,194 | ) |
Prepaid expenses | | | 6,535 | | | | (2,840 | ) | | | 1,754,884 | |
Inventories | | | 11,578 | | | | 20,657 | | | | 507,375 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 1,105,170 | | | | 307,204 | | | | 4,559 | |
| | $ | 1,019,862 | | | $ | 469,596 | | | $ | 1,962,624 | |
16. Income Taxes
No provision for Canadian, U.S. or UK federal, provincial, or state income taxes has been recorded. The Company is 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 has estimated a contingent liability of approximately $150,000 in connection with possible late filing penalties and interest and has not recorded this liability in the financial statements as the likelihood threshold of this future event has not been met.
The Company expects to have net operating loss carry forwards to offset any taxable income that may exist for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. As at March 31, 2011, the Company expects to have significant net operating loss carry forwards for income tax purposes available to offset future taxable income. Future income tax assets as of March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 consist primarily of the tax effect of net operating loss carry forwards.
The Company has provided a full valuation allowance on the future income tax assets as of March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 to reduce such future income tax assets to zero, as it is management’s belief that realization of such amounts is not considered more likely than not.
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, 2011, the Company has not recorded an accrual for any tax contingencies.
17. Segmented Information
The Company operates in one industry segment being the research, product development sectors. The Company’s segment comprises of three geographic locations with revenue during all years reported of $nil.
| | United States | | | United Kingdom | | | Canada | |
Property and equipment, 2010 | | $ | 490,034 | | | $ | 507,562 | | | $ | - | |
Property and equipment, 2011 | | $ | 433,254 | | | $ | 137,324 | | | $ | - | |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
18. Subsequent Events
| · | On June 8, 2011, the Company closed a third private placement tranche and issued 1,036,263 units at a price of $0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of $155,889. 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. |
| · | On July 14, 2011, the Company entered into a Letter of Understanding with Chris Bradford, the Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of Valcent Products (EU) Ltd. where certain terms of payment were discussed depending of the timing of Mr. Bradford’s departure from the Company. In the meantime starting in July 2011, Mr. Bradford will receive a monthly director’s fee in the amount of $8,015 until one month notice or payment in lieu of notice is given. He will also receive 1,000,000 shares or options in the Company which are to be clarified at a later date based on certain performance measures. Other terms and conditions will be negotiated at the time of his departure. |
| · | On July 14, 2011, the Company issued a secured promissory note in the amount of $700,000 accruing interest at 18% per annum with a conversion feature connected to any accrued interest. The note matures on July 14, 2012 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 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. The Company may repay the note at any time without penalty. |
| · | On August 10, 2011, the Company received a Cease Trade Order from the British Columbia Securities Commission for failure to file its comparative annual financial statement for the fiscal year end March 31, 2011, its Management Discussion and Analysis for the period ended March 31, 2011 and its Annual Information Form for the same period. The order will be lifted upon filing the required information and an Executive Director’s order revoking the cease trade order. |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
19. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada and the United States
Reconciliation of Net Loss under Canadian GAAP to US GAAP:
The effect of the material measurement differences between generally accepted accounting principles in Canada and the United States on the Company’s net loss is summarized as follows:
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
Net loss under Canadian GAAP | | | 6,454,452 | | | | 6,287,047 | | | | 15,536,062 | |
Add (deduct): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest, accretion and fee (a4)(a5) | | | 2,785,000 | | | | 1,893,042 | | | | (1,222,589 | ) |
Debt issue costs (b) | | | - | | | | 30,012 | | | | 84,827 | |
Gain on settlement of debt (a1) | | | (807,774 | ) | | | - | | | | (794,107 | ) |
Share settlement expense (a2) | | | - | | | | 595,282 | | | | - | |
Debt conversion expense (h) | | | - | | | | 3,826,133 | | | | - | |
Fair value of warrant on reset (a5) | | | 197,760 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Change in fair value of derivative liability (a5)(a3) | | | (22,160 | ) | | | (141,915 | ) | | | - | |
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | | | | | | | - | | | | (548,849 | ) |
Net loss under US GAAP | | | 8,607,278 | | | | 12,489,601 | | | | 13,055,344 | |
Foreign currency translation per Canadian GAAP | | | - | | | | - | | | | 52,219 | |
Foreign currency impact of derivative liability per US GAAP (a3) | | | - | | | | (323,422 | ) | | | - | |
Comprehensive loss under US GAAP | | | 8,607,278 | | | | 12,166,179 | | | | 13,107,563 | |
Loss per share under US GAAP – basic and diluted | | | 0.15 | | | | 0.29 | | | | 4.70 | |
Weighted average number of shares | | | 57,331,417 | | | | 42,354,279 | | | | 2,782,287 | |
Reconciliation of total assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity to US GAAP:
| | 2011 | | | 2010 | |
Total assets under Canadian GAAP and US GAAP | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | $ | 1,261,497 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities under Canadian GAAP | | $ | 2,466,449 | | | $ | 4,097,947 | |
Adjustments: | | | | | | | | |
Derivative liability arising under US GAAP (a5)(a3) | | | 175,600 | | | | 1,374,774 | |
Contractual options not issued (a6) | | | 752,462 | | | | | |
Reverse derivative liability under CDN GAAP (a3) | | | - | | | | (560,727 | ) |
Total liabilities under US GAAP | | $ | 3,394,511 | | | $ | 4,911,994 | |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
19. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada and the United States (continued)
Total shareholders’ equity (deficiency) under CDN GAAP | | $ | (1,465,413 | ) | | $ | (2,836,450 | ) |
Adjustments: | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative adjustment (a3) | | | - | | | | (1,870,194 | ) |
Contractual options not issued (a6) | | | (752,462 | ) | | | | |
Derivative liability, including foreign exchange (a5)(a3) | | | (175,600 | ) | | | 1,056,147 | |
Total shareholders’ equity (deficiency) under US GAAP | | | (2,393,475 | ) | | | (3,650,497 | ) |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficiency) under US GAAP | | $ | 1,001,036 | | | $ | 1,231,497 | |
Under Canadian GAAP, the convertible notes were assessed based on the substance of the contractual arrangement in determining whether they contained an equity component. As a result of this assessment, the embedded conversion feature on the July 2009 convertible note (Note 7(a)) was recorded as a liability because settlement of the conversion feature was based on issuing a variable number of shares.
Under US GAAP, the principal amount of financial liabilities convertible in common shares of an entity are not bifurcated between its liability and equity components unless the debtor’s option to convert the financial liability into common shares of the entity is in-the-money on the date of issuance, which results in a beneficial conversion feature. The value of the beneficial conversion feature, calculated on an intrinsic value basis, is classified in equity and presented as additional paid-in-capital, the US GAAP equivalent of contributed surplus, unless the embedded conversion feature meets the definition of a derivative in which case it is fair valued and presented as a derivative liability. The difference between the principal amount of a financial liability and the value of the beneficial conversion feature is classified in liabilities. The discounted financial liability is accreted over its estimated life to the principal amount using the effective interest method. Upon conversion of the financial liability to common shares of the entity, the difference between the carrying value of the financial liability and the principal amount, if any, is recognized in income as interest expense and the principal amount and amount of the beneficial conversion feature are transferred to share capital. In the event that the convertible debt is settled with common shares, the Company uses the fair value of the common shares issued to determine the gain or loss on settlement.
A1- Under US GAAP, for the year ended March 31, 2011, the derivative liability of $1,374,774 was fully de-recognized in connection with the repayment and settlement of the July 2008 convertible note (Note 7(a)), resulting in a reconciling difference of $807,774 between gain in settlement of debt in net loss under Canadian GAAP to US GAAP.
A2- Under US GAAP, for the year ended March 31, 2010, the settlement of convertible debt pursuant of $595,282 has been recognized in the Company’s reconciliation of share settlement expense in net loss under Canadian GAAP to US GAAP.
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
19. | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada and the United States (continued) |
| (a) | Convertible Notes (continued) |
| A3- Under US GAAP and in accordance with adoption of ASC 815-40-15 (see Note 19(i)(VI)), the Company’s outstanding convertible notes include an embedded conversion option that, prior to the adoption of this accounting policy, were not accounted for as derivative liabilities. Effective April 1, 2009, these conversion options met the criteria of a derivative instrument liability because the terms of the promissory notes require that the conversion price be adjusted in certain circumstances that do not meet the “fixed-for-fixed” criteria in ASC 815-40-15-5. As a result, the Company is now required to separately account for the embedded conversion option as a derivative instrument liability, carried at fair value and marked-to-market each period, with changes in the fair value each period charged or credited to income. The discount resulting from separating the embedded conversion feature is accreted via a charge to income using the effective interest method over the term of the debt. |
The transition provisions of ASC 815-40-15 require cumulative effect adjustments as of April 1, 2009 to reflect the amounts that would have been recognized if derivative fair value accounting had been applied from the original issuance date of an equity-linked financial instrument through the implementation date of the revised guidance. Thus, the Company calculated the value of the derivative liability associated with the embedded conversion feature as at the date of its issuance, recorded the accretion expense applicable to the debt discount arising upon the bifurcation of the derivative liability and recorded the change in the fair value of the derivative liability from the date of the issuance of the convertible notes, July 16, 2008, up to April 1, 2009. Additionally, in conjunction with the foregoing, the previously calculated amounts in respect of the beneficial conversion feature and the accretion expense on the beneficial conversion debt discount was reversed.
| The cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle of $1,870,194 has been recognized as an increase of the opening balance of shareholders’ deficiency as of April 1, 2009, with corresponding adjustments at April 1, 2009 to recognize a derivative liability under US GAAP of $1,870,194. During the year ended March 31, 2010, the derivative liability was reduced to $1,374,774 as a result of a change in fair value ($141,915) and for the change in the exchange rate between the Canadian and US dollar ($323,422). The accumulated derivative liability adjustment, including foreign exchange to shareholder deficiency between Canadian GAAP and US GAAP is $1,056,147. |
| A4-Under Canadian GAAP, warrants which contain reset provisions when issued in financing arrangements are scoped out of derivative fair value accounting. |
| Under US GAAP, warrants with reset provisions are considered derivative liabilities due to the variability in the number of shares issued. As a result of an equity issuance during the year ended March 31, 2011, the warrants held by the convertible note holders were reset to a new exercise price of $0.15 and additional warrants were issuable under the contractual terms of the reset provision as an anti-dilutive measure. The convertible note holders were entitled to a total of 29,360,166 warrants but agreed to receive 4,047,686 additional warrants. The reset provision is seen as a distinct element and not a part of the accounting for the agreed upon warrants and as a result $2,785,000 has been recorded as the fair value as an additional charge to net loss under Canadian GAAP to US GAAP. The Company applies the fair value method using Binomial option pricing model in accounting for these warrants as the reset provision on these warrants have been mutually terminated by utilizing exercise price - $0.15; risk-free interest rate – 2.95 %; expected life – 2 years ; expected volatility – 100%; and expected dividends – nil. As at March 31, 2011, the convertible debt was settled in its entirety and the warrants held by the convertible note holders no longer had a derivative component. |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
19. | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada and the United States (continued) |
| (a) | Convertible Notes (continued) |
| A5- Warrants held by an agent used in the July 2008 convertible debt financing arrangement also contained reset and adjustment provisions. The agent warrants were reset to a new exercise price of $0.15 and additional warrants were issuable under the contractual terms of the reset provision as an anti-dilutive measure. The agent was entitled to a total of 2,709,497 warrants, including the 36,601 warrants originally issued in July 2008. At the time of adoption of ASC 815-40-15, the embedded derivative liability component was trivial and not separately recorded. However, as a result of the equity issuance during the year ended March 31, 2011, the embedded derivative component relating to the agent warrants with a reset and adjustment provision resulted in a reconciling item to net loss in Canadian GAAP to US GAAP of $197,760, and an additional change in fair value derivative of $22,160. This re-measured derivative liability as at March 31, 2011 of $175,600 was recorded also a reconciling item to the liabilities in Canadian GAAP to US GAAP. |
| A6- The Company is obligated to issue 6,647,195 options under the funding commitment in Note 8(b)(i) and under Canadian GAAP meets the definition of an equity instrument classification. Under US GAAP, the contractual obligation for such instruments not granted was assessed as a liability. A reconciling item of $752,462 was recorded to liabilities from contributed surplus in Canadian GAAP to US GAAP. |
| Under Canadian GAAP, an entity may make an accounting policy choice to either defer transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of a financial liability classified as other than held for trading or to recognize all transaction costs in net income as incurred. The Company’s accounting policy is to recognize all transaction costs in net income as incurred. Under US GAAP, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of a financial liability are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the financial liability. During the year ended March 31, 2011, debt issue costs of $nil (2010 – $30,012) (2009 – $84,827) was amortized in the statement of operations for US GAAP purposes. There were no debt issue costs remaining to be amortized as at March 31, 2011. |
| (c) Proportionate Consolidation |
| Under Canadian GAAP, investments in jointly-controlled entities are accounted for using the proportionate consolidation method. Under U.S. GAAP, investments in jointly-controlled entities are accounted for using the equity method. Although there are material differences between these accounting methods, the Company relies on an accommodation of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission [“SEC”] permitting the Company to exclude the disclosure of such differences which affect only the display and classification of financial statement items excluding shareholders’ equity (deficiency) and net income (loss). Vertigro Algea Technologies LLC meets the requirements of this accommodation. |
| There were no assets in the joint venture as at March 31, 2011 and 2010. The only asset at March 31, 2009 was $812,048 owed from the co-venturer in respect of costs recoverable. This receivable was written off during the year ended March 31, 2010. |
| Total liabilities included in these consolidated financial statements in respect of the joint venture consist of accounts payable of approximately $nil (2010 -$45,000). |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
19. | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada and the United States (continued) |
| (c) Proportionate Consolidation |
| Net loss for the year ended March 31, 2011 was approximately $nil (2010 - $715,000, primarily consisting of the write-off of amounts recoverable from the co-venturer in the amount of $615,000). There were no revenues earned by the joint venture during the years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| Statement of Operations presentation |
| For US GAAP purposes, certain amounts presented as non-operating items under Canadian GAAP would be included in the determination of loss from operations including write-off of receivables (presented as an equity investment loss per US GAAP), loss on settlement of debt (presented as compensation expense per US GAAP) and write-down of property and equipment. |
| Under Canadian GAAP, revenues realized during the pre-operating period should be recorded as reduction of the product development expenditure. Under US GAAP, such revenue should be recorded separate from expenses. Such would consist of $nil (2010 - $27,503; 2009 – $208,508) from product development to revenue for US GAAP purposes. |
| Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt |
| Under Canadian GAAP, the Company did not recognize a gain or loss on the issuance of shares to settle its outstanding convertible notes as the shares to these debt-holders were issued at fair value. |
| Under US GAAP, in accordance with the guidance of ASC 470, “Debt with Conversion and Other Options”, the Company recognizes a debt conversion expense to the extent that the fair value of the shares issued to settle outstanding convertible notes exceeds the fair value of the shares that would have been issuable under the original conversion terms of the note. During the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company settled convertible notes for which it recognized a debt conversion expense of $3,826,133 resulting from the settlement price being lower than the contractual conversion price pursuant to the debt agreements. There was no similar inducement during the year ended March 31, 2011. |
| (d) | Recently Issued Pronouncements |
| In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04 (ASU No. 2011-04) “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure |
Valcent Products Inc.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For The Years Ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
19. | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada and the United States (continued) |
(d) Recently Issued Pronouncements (continued)
| Requirements in U.S. GAAP. ASU No. 2011-04 amends Topic 820 in two ways. Specifically, some of the amendments clarify how to apply the existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, while some of the amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements. ASU No. 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value accounting, but rather provide guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within U.S. GAAP. ASU No. 2011-04 supersedes much of the guidance in ASC Topic 820, but also clarifies existing guidance and changes certain wording in order to align ASC Topic 820 with IFRS 13. The effective date for ASU 2011-04 is entities for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and should be applied prospectively. |
| Share based payments and exercise prices denominated in a currency in which the underlying shares trade. |
Provides guidance on whether a share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in a currency of a market in which the underlying equity security trades should be classified as a liability when the exercise price is not denominated in either a foreign operation’s functional currency or the currency in which the employee’s pay is denominated. Effective for years and interim periods within those years beginning on/after December 15, 2010.
The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect. These pronouncements did not have any material impact on the consolidated financial statements unless otherwise disclosed, and the Company does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
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. |
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS - continued
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. |
| |
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. |
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS - continued
| |
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. filed July 28, 2011. |
| |
5.3 | Note Settlement Agreement and Release, as of February 8, 2011 between Valcent Products Inc., Platinum. Long Term Growth IV, LLC, Alpha Capital AG, Osher Capital Partners LLC and George Orr. FILED HEREWITH. |
| |
5.4 | Amendment to Warrant Agreement as of February 03, 2011 between Valcent Products inc. and Alpha Capital AG. FILED HEREWITH |
| |
5.5 | Amendment to Warrant Agreement as of February 01, 2011 between Valcent Products inc. and George Orr. FILED HEREWITH |
| |
5.6 | Amendment to Warrant Agreement as of February 03, 2011 between Valcent Products inc. and Osher capital Partners LLC. FILED HEREWITH |
| |
5.7 | Amendment to Warrant Agreement as of February 03, 2011 between Valcent Products inc. and Platinum. Long Term Growth IV. FILED HEREWITH |
| |
5.8 | Private Placement Agreement as of December 14, 2010 between Valcent Product Inc., institute B development Corporation and Timothy Brock. FILED HEREWITH. |
| |
5.9 | Amendment to Private Placement Agreement as of March 28, 2011 between Valcent Product Inc., institute B development Corporation and Timothy Brock. FILED HEREWITH. |
| |
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. |
| |
12.2 | Certification of 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. |
| |
13.1 | 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. |
| |
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.
| | |
| VALCENT PRODUCTS, INC. |
| | |
| | |
Date: September 29, 2011 | By: | /s/ Stephen K. Fane |
| | Stephen K. Fane Chief Executive Officer And Director |
67