United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 20-F
[Mark One]
[ ] Registration statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(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, 2010
or
[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or
[ ] Shell company report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report _______________________
For the transition period from __________________ to _________________
�� Commission File Number: 0-25872
Plaintree Systems Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)
Canada
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
90 Decosta Street, Arnprior, Ontario, K7S 0B5
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
William David Watson II, Tel: (613) 623-3434 ext. 2222,dwatson@plaintree.com, Fax: (613) 623-4647, 90 Decosta Street, Arnprior, Ontario, K7S 0B5, Fax: (613) 623-4647, 90 Decosta Street, Arnprior, Ontario, K7S 0B5
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or 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
&n bsp;
;
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
_______Common Shares, without par value________
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
Not Applicable
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
12,925,253 Common Shares, without par value and 18,325 Class A Preferred Shares, without par value
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes _____ 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 __X_ No____
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
- 2 -
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____
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, 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 for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.
Yes __X___ No____
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 _____ Accelerated filer _____ 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 _____
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board _____ Other __X__
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 ____
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ______ No__X__
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
Yes ______ No___
Table of Contents
PART I
1
ITEM 1: IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
1
ITEM 2: OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
1
ITEM 3: KEY INFORMATION
1
ITEM 4: INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
4
ITEM 5: OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
9
ITEM 6: DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
30
ITEM 7: MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
41
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
42
ITEM 9: THE OFFER AND LISTING
42
ITEM 10: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
44
ITEM 11: QUANTATIVE AND QUALITIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
46
ITEM 12: DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
47
PART II
ITEM 13: DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
47
ITEM 14: MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS 47
ITEM 15: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
47
ITEM 16A: AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
47
ITEM 16B: CODE OF ETHICS
48
ITEM 16C: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
48
ITEM 16D: EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
48
ITEM 16E: PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PERSONS
48
ITEM 16F: CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT 48
ITEM 16G: CORPORATE GOVERANCE 48
PART III
48
ITEM 17: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
48
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
49
ITEM 19: EXHIBITS
49
SIGNATURES
49
Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information
This Form 20-F (“20-F”) of Plaintree Systems Inc. (the “Company” or “Plaintree”) contains certain statements that to the extent not based on historical events, are forward-looking statements based on certain assumptions and reflects Plaintree’s current expectations. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements evaluating market and general economic conditions in the preceding sections, and statements regarding growth strategy and future-oriented project revenue, costs and expenditures. Actual results could differ materially from those projected and should not be relied upon as a prediction of future events. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond Plaintree’s control, affect the operations, performance and results of Plaintree and its business, and could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations of estimated or anticipated events or results. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include the impact or unanticipated impact of: companies evaluating Plaintree’s products delaying purchase decisions; current, pending and proposed legislative or regulatory developments in the jurisdictions where Plaintree operates; change in tax laws; political conditions and developments; intensifying competition from established competitors and new entrants in the free space optics (“FSO”) industry; technological change; currency value fluctuation and general economic conditions worldwide; Plaintree’s success in developing and introducing new products and services, expanding existing distribution channels and developing new distribution channels. On April 1, 2008, Plaintree completed the acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of Hypernetics Limited (“Hypernetics”) and 4439112 Canada Inc., which through a wholly-owned subsidiary owned all of the share capital of Triodetic Building Products Inc. and other subsidiaries (t he “Triodetic Group of Companies”) and immediately following the Acquisition Plaintree amalgamated (the “Amalgamation”) the businesses of each of Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies into Plaintree resulting in certain additional risk factors, including but not limited to business integration risk factors. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Plaintree’s forward-looking statements. Plaintree undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or results otherwise except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Readers should also carefully review the risks concerning the business of the Company and the industries in which it operates generally described elsewhere in this 20-F and in the other documents filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All dollar amounts referred to herein, unless otherwise stated, are in Canadian dollars.
Reference to Company
The Acquisition was treated by Plaintree as a transaction between parties under common control and is accounted for under the continuity of interest method. Under the continuity of interest method, the 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 results are presented as if Plaintree, Hypernetics and Triodetic Group of Companies were combined companies at the commencement of fiscal 2007. The financial results for fiscal 2006 are presented for Plaintree only (pre-amalgamation). In this 20-F, references to “Company” for the period up to and including March 31, 2010 refer to Plaintree Systems Inc. post Amalgamation unless otherwise noted.
PART I
ITEM 1: IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2: OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3: KEY INFORMATION
A.
Selected Financial Data
The selected consolidated financial data include the accounts of Plaintree, Hypernetics and Triodetic Group of Companies and its wholly-owned subsidiaries presented in Canadian dollars for the fiscal years ended 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007, and only the accounts of Plaintree for the fiscal year ended 2006. All data presented below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, reference to the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 17 of this 20-F. The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada, which also conform in all material respects with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, except as disclosed in Note 23 to the audited consolidated financial statements.
2
| | | | | |
Summary of Financial Information | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Year ended March 31, | | | | |
| 2006(note 2) | 2007(note 1) | 2008(note 1) | 2009(note 1) | 2010(note 1) |
Rate of Foreign Exchange (Note 3) |
1.1935 |
1.1387 |
1.0330 |
1.1260 |
1.0906 |
Revenue | $1,691,334 | $9,865,310 | $13,848,507 | $21,399,740 | $9,190,873 |
Income (loss) from operations | $(585,066) | $39,617 | $254,753 | $4,745,513 | $(1,222,579) |
Net income/loss | $(330,011) | $280,183 | $721,835 | $4,844,499 | $(1,293,501) |
Net assets (net book value) | $(2,389,875) | $(92,676) | $269,205 | $3,453,936 | $2,145,934 |
Total assets | $7,542,773 | $9,178,175 | $11,416,187 | $11,371,574 | $8,751,551 |
Capital stock (excluding long term debt and redeemable preferred stock) | $97,561,140 | $97,561,140 | $97,586,741 | $97,586,741 | $97,844,651 |
Number of common shares outstanding | 90,221,634 | 12,522,143 | 12,522,143 | 12,522,143 | 12,925,253 |
Long term debt and capital leases | - | $5,839,058 | $113,906 | $5,631,714 | $4,604,131 |
Dividends per share | - | - | - | $10.914052 (per Class A share) | $10.914052 (per Class A share) |
Net Income/Loss per share | $(0.00) | $0.02 | $0.06 | $0.27 | $(0.22) |
Net loss per share on a fully diluted basis | $(0.00) | $0.02 | $0.06 | $0.26 | $(0.22) |
Note 1:
The selected consolidated financial data includes the combined accounts of Plaintree, Hypernetics and Triodetic Group of Companies and its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canadian Dollars.
Note 2:
The selected consolidated financial data includes only the accounts of Plaintree (pre amalgamation).
Note 3:
The average rate of foreign exchange for the months April to March in each year, converting US Dollars to Canadian Dollars, supplied by the Bank of Canada.
Note 4:
Rates of foreign exchange (high/low) converting US Dollars to Canadian Dollars, for the most current periods include March 2010 (1.0416/1.0103), April 2010 (1.0176/0.9988), May 2010 (1.0700/1.0106), June 2010 (1.0646/1.0212), July 2010 (1.0650/1.0283), August 2010 (1.0665/1.0166).
Foreign currency translation
Monetary assets and liabilities, which are denominated in currencies other than Canadian funds, are converted into Canadian dollars at fiscal year-end exchange rates, and transactions included in earnings are converted at rates prevailing during the fiscal year. Exchange gains and losses resulting from the conversion of these amounts are included in net earnings.
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not Applicable.
3
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable.
D.
Risk Factors
As of the date of this 20-F, the risk factors that are specific to the Company include those set out below. The Company may face additional risks and uncertainties other than the factors set out below, including, risks and uncertainties that are unknown to the Company or risks and uncertainties that the Company now believes to be unimportant which could have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company. If any of the following risks actually occur, the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company could be negatively affected.
Limited Operating History. The Company has a limited operating history as a combined company with two years history of earnings. Prior to the Amalgamation, the Plaintree had limited success generating sufficient operating revenues to finance its day-to-day operations.
Limited Financial Resources. The Company has and likely will continue to have limited financial resources and has and continues to rely on related party financing. Additional financing may be required which, if available, may not be available on favorable terms or could serve to dilute existing equity. Lack of any necessary additional financing could impair the Company’s future growth. Failure of the Company to obtain additional future financing could cause the Company to forfeit its interest in its products and reduce or terminate its operations. While the related parties have agreed not to demand the line of credit or the demand loan through at least August 2011, there is no assurance that they will delay beyond that.
Growth Related Risks. The Company may be subject to growth related risks including capacity constraints and pressure on its internal systems and controls. Any inability by the Company to deal with growth could have a material adverse impact on its business, operations and prospects.
Intellectual Property. The success of the Company will depend, in part, on the ability to protect its proprietary information relating to its wireless products, structured buildings and aviation products and related manufacturing equipment and to operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of third parties. The products being developed by the Company are capable of being duplicated or improved upon by competitors and accordingly, the Company may be vulnerable to competitors who develop competing products, whether independently or as a result of acquiring access to the Company’s proprietary products or trade secrets. If this occurs, then the Company may incur legal costs in actions to protect its proprietary interests or to defend itself in suits brought by others against the Company pertaining to such matters.
Laws and Regulations. The construction and aviation industry in Canada and in the United States is subject to various national, regional and local laws and regulations governing taxes, labor, safety, protection of the environment and other matters. Amendments to current laws and regulations governing the operations and activities of companies such as the Company, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have an adverse impact on the Company. The Company intends to distribute its products and services through distributors in North America and other countries and as a result foreign laws should be considered as potential risk.
Licenses and Permits. The operations and products of the Company may require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to successfully carry out sales of its products in those jurisdictions requiring such licenses and permits.
Environmental Risks and Other Regulatory Requirements. The current or future operations of the Company, including development activities and commencement of production will likely require permits from various federal and local authorities in such operations and will be governed by laws and regulations governing development, production, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, and waste disposal, handling toxic substances, land use, environmental protection and other matters. There can be no assurance that all permits which the Company may require will be obtainable on reasonable terms or those laws and regulations would not have an adverse affect.
4
Conflicts of Interest. Some of the directors of the Company are or may become directors and/or shareholders of other companies, and situations may arise in which there may be potential conflicts of interests. Any decisions made by any director of the Company in respect of a situation where there is such a conflict of interest will be made in accordance with his or her duty to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Company, after having disclosed his or her interest to the Company, and after giving consideration to, among other matters, the Company’s objectives, working capital requirements and its ability to adequately finance such new opportunities.
Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies could result in currency exchange losses. A portion of the Company’s revenues and expenses will be denominated in United States dollars. Therefore, fluctuations in the Canadian dollar exchange rate will impact our results of operations and financial condition from period to period. In addition, such fluctuations affect the translation of the Company’s results for purposes of its consolidated financial statements. The Company’s currency hedging activities (if any) may not be successful.
Reliance Key Personnel/Employees. The Company’s success is largely dependent upon the performance of key employees and the Company’s ability to hire and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel. The Company will face competition for qualified personnel from numerous industry sources and there can be no assurance that it will be able to attract and retain qualified personnel on acceptable terms. The loss of service of any key personnel could have a materially adverse effect on its operations or financial condition.
Management. The Company’s success is largely dependent on the performance of its management. The loss of services of any of these persons could have a materially adverse effect on its business and prospects. There is no assurance that the Company can maintain the services of its directors, officers or other qualified personnel required to operate its business.
Competition and Market Factors
The Company’s Specialty Structures Division faces a number of competitors around the world for its construction business. In the event that one of these competitors located in an area of the world with low labor and environmental costs becomes aggressive in worldwide marketing and pricing, this could have a detrimental effect on the sales of this division. Additionally, a large portion of this division’s sales are currently to mining and commercial construction companies. Continued declines in these markets will detrimentally affect sales.
The Company’s Electronics Division experiences competition for its products in the aviation and optical wireless communication markets. Its sales closely mirror the fluctuations of these markets and the continuing struggles the commercial carriers are suffering may have a detrimental effect on this division's sales.
Liability
The Specialty Structures Division is a design authority for its buildings and structures. The failure or other complication of one of these products could result in a legal action that could have a detrimental effect on the Company.
The Electronics Division may occasionally be a design authority for its avionics products which may be used on commercial aircraft. The failure or other complication of one of these products, whether or not the Company is the design authority, could result in a legal action that could have a detrimental effect on the Company.
ITEM 4: INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A.
History and Development of the Company
Plaintree is the continuing company resulting from the amalgamation under theCanada Business Corporations Act pursuant to articles of amalgamation dated April 1, 2008 of Plaintree Systems Inc., Hypernetics Limited and 4439112 Canada Inc., continuing under the name Plaintree Systems Inc. The Company’s articles of amalgamation were amended on April 1, 2008 to create an unlimited number of class A preferred shares, to delete all of the existing preferred shares issuable in series and to consolidate all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company on the basis of one post-consolidation common share for every ten pre-consolidation common shares. The Company’s head office is located at 90 Decosta Street, Arnprior, Ontario, Canada K7S 0B5, telephone number (613) 623-3434.
5
As of the date of this 20-F, the Company has three wholly-owned subsidiaries: (i) Triodetic Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in February, 1985; (ii) Powered By Sun Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in September, 2009; and (iii) Plaintree Systems Corporation, an inactive corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in June 1993, a wholly-owned subsidiary, Other than these three subsidiaries, the Company does not hold an equity interest in any other corporation.
Following the completion of the Acquisition and the Amalgamation in April 2008, the Company has been operating the former business of Plaintree, Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies as separate operating divisions: (i) the Electronics Division (“Electronics Division”) comprising the development of optical wireless communications equipment for local area, wide area, voice, internet and security networks (former Plaintree business) and manufacturing avionic components (former Hypernetics business); and (ii) Specialty Structures Division (“Specialty Structures Division”) comprising the designing, building and manufacturing of steel and aluminum specialty structures.
On April 1, 2008 in consideration for the $9,000,000 in Canadian funds purchase price for the Hypernetics shares, the Company issued 9,000 class A preferred shares to Targa Electronics Systems Inc., the sole shareholder of Hypernetics. Also on April 1, 2008, in consideration for the $11,000,000 in Canadian funds purchase price for the 4439112 Canada Inc. shares, the Company (i) paid the amount of $750,000 Canadian to William David Watson II and issued to William David Watson II 1,925,000 post-consolidation common shares of the Company and 5,203.75 class A preferred shares of the Company; and (ii) paid the amount of $750,000 in Canadian funds to Nora Watson and issued to Nora Watson 1,575,000 post-consolidation common shares of the Company and 4,121.25 class A preferred shares of the Company. The shareholders of the Company approved the Acquisition at Plaintree’s annual and special meeting of shareholders on March 18, 2008. Targa Electronics Systems I nc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Targa Group Inc., a company controlled by William David Watson II and Nora Watson through ownership of a majority of the shares of Targa Group Inc. 4439112 Canada Inc. was owned and controlled by William David Watson II and Nora Watson. William David Watson II is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a director of the Company. William David Watson II and Nora Watson, directly and through their control of Targa Group Inc. own 46.6% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of Plaintree (43.9% on a fully-diluted basis). As a result of these relationships, the Acquisition was considered to be a “related party transaction” under securities laws applicable to the Company.
B.
Business Overview
Pursuant to the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accounts’ (“CICA”) Handbook Section 1701, operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in making decisions regarding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer.
The Company determines the geographic location of revenues based on the location of its customers. All of the Company’s assets are primarily located in Canada.
6
Revenue by geographic location
| | | |
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
Management Services Revenue | | | |
Canada | $103,490 | $152,470 | $ - |
| | | |
Product Revenue | | | |
Canada | 2,482,639 | 9,899,882 | 5,236,730 |
United States | 5,256,864 | 9,343,960 | 7,846,547 |
Chile | 1,259,537 | - | - |
Other | 88,343 | 2,003,428 | $765,230 |
| 9,087,383 | 21,247,270 | 13,848,507 |
| | | |
Total Revenue | $9,190,873 | $21,399,740 | $13,848,507 |
Revenue by operating segments is shown on page 13.
Overview
The Company has two primary operating business divisions: Electronics Division and Specialty Structures Division.
Electronics Division
The Company’s Electronics Division has two main product lines, aerospace and optical wireless transmission links.
Aerospace
As a manufacturer and distributor of aerospace components for various applications including aircraft antiskid braking; aircraft avionics; solenoids; and permanent magnet alternators, the Company is certified to AS9100B, the highest international quality standard in the aerospace sector.
Optical Wireless
The Company designs, develops, manufactures, markets and supports infrared optical wireless transmission links. The Company’s WAVEBRIDGE links send information (voice, video and data) on a beam of infrared light. These links act as a replacement for cable or fiber, thus avoiding the delay and expense of the planning and installation of wireline connections. Simplicity of installation of the WAVEBRIDGE links ensures they can be up and running in a matter of hours thus avoiding costly network downtime. These links are also an alternative to microwave or radio frequency (“RF”) systems and they require no licensing. The high deployment densities of RF and microwave systems cause frequency interference and overlap problems that are not experienced by FSO systems. Optical wireless systems can also carry a bigger payload than RF systems, making them a very attractive solution.
Specialty Structures Division
The Company is a pioneer in the development of an innovative mechanical jointing system to interconnect multi-axial tubular components. The system is widely used in architectural, commercial and industrial structures using steel, aluminum or stainless steel materials. The Company has developed covering systems to complement these applications. Some product offerings include commercial domes, barrel vaults, space frames, free form structures and solar support systems.
Methods of distribution and principal markets
Electronic Division
The Company markets its Optical Wireless Products world-wide through direct sales, VARs, distributors, VAIs and Internet management. The Company reseller program has established close working relationships with a limited number of solution providers to serve as extended sales and support force in Canada, the United States and around the world. The Company manufactures a wide range of components for the aerospace market including: wheel speed transducers for aircraft antiskid, electromagnetic indicators for aircraft cockpit instrumentation and proximity sensors for general sensing on aircrafts. The Company markets its products world-wide through direct sales, system integrators, distributors and repair centers. The Company has developed a thirty-seven year relationship with its primary customer base located in the United States. The Company has also taken advantage of many on-line market specific advertising services such as Inventory Listing Services and Stock-Market.
7
Specialty Structures Division
The Company markets its tubular structural products world-wide directly to architects and engineers and through sales agents. Over the past 40 years, the Company has developed strong relationships with many of these architects and engineers which have resulted in new and repeat business. The Company has many active sales agents around the globe and they share the Company’s commitment to delivering quality and customer satisfaction.
Method of production of products
Electronics Division
The Company’s manufacturing operations are located close to the Ottawa region in Arnprior, Ontario near a substantial community of high technology and aerospace companies. The Company’s manufacturing operations consist primarily of engineering, machine shop, production and quality control. The Company generally purchases raw materials and manufacturers a final product and performs full quality inspection before shipping to the customer. In some cases, parts are shipped to subcontractors for treatment under special processes or ordered to the Company’s specifications. These parts are fully inspected by a designated quality inspector upon return to the Company’s premise from the subcontractor. The parts are packaged and shipped from the Company’s manufacturing facility to the customer location. The Company manages the sales accounts from the manufacturing plant in Arnprior through e-mail, teleconference and direct calling.
Specialty Structures Division
The Company’s manufacturing operations are located close to the Ottawa region in Arnprior, Ontario. The Company’s manufacturing operations consist primarily of pre-forming galvanized steel, aluminum or stainless steel tubing, manufacturing cylinder hubs, base plates and other assembly products, pre-finishing inspection, quality control, final crating and shipping to the customers destination. The Company generally purchases raw materials many of which are prepared to the Company’s specifications. Most of the Company’s subcontractors and finished good suppliers also have their offices in the Ottawa area. These companies provide an infrastructure of services and a local pool of skilled workers and professionals.
Sources, pricing, component parts or finished products
Electronics Division
The Company currently purchases its components and materials from a vendor base of approximately 50 different suppliers Most of the components and materials are available from more than one supplier. Certain components such as diodes and optical chip sets, however, are available from only a single source or from limited sources, some of which require order lead times of up to 20 weeks. In general, the Company has been able to obtain adequate supplies of all components by scheduling orders over specified periods of time. In order to avoid late shipments due to delays in the manufacturing process, the Company’s policy is to maintain an inventory of components, materials and assembled products in quantities sufficient to meet approximately three months of expected sales.
Specialty Structures Division
The Company currently purchases its raw materials from a vendor base of approximately 25 different suppliers. Most of the raw materials are available from more than one supplier. Certain raw materials are available from only a single source or from limited sources, some of which require order lead times of up to 4 to 6 weeks. In general, the Company has been able to obtain adequate supplies of all raw materials by scheduling orders over specified periods of time. In order to avoid late shipments due to delays in the manufacturing process, the Company’s policy is to maintain an inventory of raw materials and assembled products in quantities sufficient to meet approximately three months of expected sales. These suppliers are generally major manufacturers.
8
Importance, duration and effect on patents, software, subscription lists and trademarks
Electronics Division
The Company principally relies on copyright, trade secret and contract law to protect its proprietary optical wireless technologies. It may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use the Company’s products or technologies without authorization, or to develop similar technologies independently and there can be no assurance that such measures are adequate to protect the Company’s proprietary technologies. In addition, the Company’s products may be licensed in foreign countries and the laws of such foreign countries may treat the protection of proprietary rights differently than, and may not protect the Company’s proprietary rights to the same extent as do, the laws of Canada. Although the Company appreciates the benefits of patent protection, it believes that the rapid pace of technological change in this industry makes patent protection less significant than factors such as the knowledge, ability and experience of the Company’s employees, frequent product enhancements, and the timeliness and quality of support services provided by the Company. The Company also has registered trademarks in Canada and the United States. With respect to the aerospace products, the Company relies on strict product approvals and 38+ years of experience and product sales as a major competitive advantage. When an integrator (Company’s customer) is awarded a contract from Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, etc. the specified products are locked into the design. Other products are competitively positioned in the market.
Specialty Structures Division
The Company principally relies on copyright, trade secret and contract law to protect its proprietary technologies. It may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use the Company’s products or technologies without authorization, or to develop similar products independently and there can be no assurance that such measures are adequate to protect the Company’s proprietary technologies. Although the Company appreciates the benefits of patent protection, it believes that patent protection is less significant than factors such as the knowledge, ability and experience of the Company’s management, employees, frequent product innovation and enhancements, and the timeliness and quality of support services provided by the Company. The Company also has registered trademarks in Canada and the United States.
Competitive conditions in the principal markets and geographic areas in which the Company operates, including an assessment of the Company's competitive position
Electronics Division
The competitors for the optical wireless products are companies that produce short-haul wireless connectivity products which include RF, microwave and FSO companies. FSO has significant advantages over radio-based systems for certain markets, defined by range, bandwidth, flexibility, ease of installation and environmental requirements. The competitors for the aerospace products are companies that manufacture wheel speed transducers/tachometers/sensors, aircraft cockpit instrumentation and proximity sensors for the aerospace market. There are two known competitors in the wheel speed transducer market. These competitors are located in the United States and France. There is only one known competitor in the indicators business and one known competitor in the proximity sensor business, both located in the US. The Company has been manufacturing products for many of its customers for over 38 years and is able to win new business and maintain existing accou nts by offering a competitive high quality product to the market.
Specialty Structures Division
The competitors for the Structures Division Company include several international space-frame and dome specialists, but direct competition is typically against metal fabricators in each project location. The Company prefers negotiated contracts and focuses on securing profitable business primarily through promoting to architects, engineers, designers and specifiers.
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Applications for the Company’s tubular structures can be served by other arrangements of bolted or welded structural steel (e.g., rolled and plate beams, columns, bar joists, trusses and fabrications) and also by alternative ‘pre-engineered’ framing systems.
The international market is so large and dispersed that these companies would compete directly against the Company typically on industrial or architectural projects in and outside the United States.
Various metal space-frame systems exist outside of North America; however, the Company has only minimally encountered them in international proposals.
Each project poses a different set of requirements that could favor one supplier versus another. The Company exhibits distinctive competence in all product categories and in many applications which contributes to its high order of new and repeat business success rate.
Human Resources
As at the date of this 20-F, the Company’s total work force is approximately 60 persons. All management employees execute confidentiality agreements with the Company and assignments of intellectual property rights to the Company. The Company’s employees consist of both unionized and non-unionized employees.
Facilities
The Company operates out of two buildings located in Arnprior, Ontario, Canada with one having approximately 25,000 square feet and the other approximately 12,000 square feet.
Legal Proceedings
There currently are no known legal claims or proceedings against the Company or to which the Company is a party to.
Seasonality
The Company’s business in each of its Electronics and Specialty Structures divisions are not seasonal.
Government Regulations
No significant government regulations impact or affect the Company’s Electronics and Specialty Structures divisions businesses.
C.
Organizational Structure
See “ITEM 4, Section A. History and Development of the Company”.
D.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible assets
The Company’s property, plant and equipment includes the land and building as stated under “Facilities” above, as well as computer and office equipment, and furniture and fixtures (see Note 7 to the Fiscal 2010 Statements (as later defined). The Company’s intangible assets consist of computer software.
ITEM 5: OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
A.
Operating Results
The following discussion and analysis, for the year ended March 31, 2010 is the responsibility of management and has been reviewed by the audit committee and approved by the board of directors. The board of directors carries out its responsibilities for the financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis principally through the audit committee, which is comprised exclusively of independent directors.
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The following discussion of the financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations of Plaintree for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes of Plaintree for the year ended March 31, 2010 (“Fiscal 2010 Statements”). Historical results of operations, percentage relationships and any trends that may be inferred therefrom are not necessarily indicative of the operating results of any future period. All amounts are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated, and in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“Canadian GAAP”). Canadian GAAP financial statements are reconciled to United States generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”).
Overview
Located in Arnprior, Ontario, Plaintree historically developed and manufactured the WAVEBRIDGE series of free space optics (FSO) wireless links using Class 1, eye-safe light emitting diode technology providing high-speed network connections for cable companies, internet service providers, traditional telco’s, global system for mobile or cellular operators, airports and campus networks. Acting as a replacement for cable, fiber or radio frequency systems, the WAVEBRIDGE links offer broadband access with no spectrum interference problems, and same day installation for rapid network deployment.
On April 1, 2008, the Company completed an acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of all of the issued and outstanding share capital of (i) Hypernetics Limited (“Hypernetics”); and (ii) 4439112 Canada Inc. which owned all of the share capital of Triodetic Holdings Inc. and other subsidiaries including Triodetic Building Products Inc. (the “Triodetic Group of Companies”). Following the Acquisition, Hypernetics and 4439112 Canada Inc., including 4439112 Canada Inc.’s wholly-owned Canadian incorporated subsidiaries and excluding its US incorporated subsidiary, were amalgamated into Plaintree. The businesses of Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies are now being operated as separate divisions of Plaintree. See “Related Party Transactions – Acquisition of Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies” for additional information. Unless otherwise indicated, a reference to Plaintree or Company in this document s hall be a reference to the amalgamated Plaintree.
Hypernetics was established in 1972 and was a manufacturer of avionic components for various applications including aircraft antiskid braking, aircraft instrument indicators, solenoids, high purity valves and permanent magnet alternators. The legacy Hypernetics and Plaintree FSO businesses are now managed as the Electronics Division of Plaintree.
The Triodetic Group of Companies had over 40 years of experience as a design/build manufacturer of steel, aluminum and stainless steel specialty structures such as commercial domes, free form structures, barrel vaults, space frames and industrial dome coverings. The legacy Triodetic business is managed as the Specialty Structures division of Plaintree.
The total purchase price for both Hypernetics and the Triodetics Group of Companies was paid by the Company by the combination of $1,500,000 cash, the issuance of 3,500,000 common shares (35,000,000 pre-consolidation) of the Company and the issuance of 18,325 Class A preferred shares of the Company (having a redemption value of $18,325,000).
Concurrent with the Acquisition, Targa Group Inc., a company controlled by William David Watson II and Nora Watson and Plaintree’s largest shareholder, provided a credit facility of up to $2.8 million to Plaintree, consisting of (a) a demand loan of $1.8 million; and (b) a revolving $1 million credit line. All amounts advanced to Plaintree are payable on demand and bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 2% above the prime lending rate of the Company’s banker as from time to time determined. The credit facility is secured by a security interest granted over the assets of Plaintree
In addition to the Acquisition and subsequent to its fiscal 2008 year end on April 1, 2008, Plaintree also:
(a)
created Class A preferred shares, which were issued as part of the consideration in the Acquisition. The Class A Preferred Shares are non-voting, have a redemption value of $1,000 per share, are entitled to cumulative dividends of 8% per year, are redeemable at any time at the option of Plaintree and have a liquidation preference equal to their redemption value plus any cumulative dividends accrued but not paid in priority to the common shares;
(b)
consolidated the outstanding common shares of the Company on a 10 pre-consolidation shares for 1 post-consolidation share basis; and
(c)
deleted an old class of preferred shares no longer being used by the Company.
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The Company’s common shares are quoted on the Canadian National Stock Exchange in Canada and on the OTCBB in the United States. All references to common shares, options, warrants and per common share amounts for all periods presented herein have been retroactively restated to reflect the above-referenced 10 to 1 share consolidation.
Selected Financial Information
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are stated in Canadian dollars and are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The consolidated statements include the accounts of Plaintree, Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies and are presented under the continuity of interest method (the current and comparative results are presented as if the companies have always been combined).
The following table sets forth selected financial information from the Company’s Fiscal 2010 Statements:
| | | | |
Statement of Operations Data |
($000s, except per share data) | | Fiscal Years ended March 31, |
| | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
| | | | |
Revenue | | $9,191 | $ 21,400 | $ 13,849 |
Operating income (loss) | | $(1,223) | $4,746 | $255 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $(1,294) | $4,844 | $722 |
Basic earnings (loss) per share | | $(0.22) | $ 0.27 | $ 0.06 |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share | | $(0.22) | $ 0.26 | $ 0.06 |
| | | | |
Balance Sheet Data |
($000s,) | | As at March 31 |
| | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
| | | | |
Total assets | | $8,752 | $ 11,372 | $ 11,416 |
Total liabilities | | $6,606 | 7,918 | 11,147 |
Long-term liabilities | | $4,604 | 5,632 | 114 |
Cash dividends declared per common share | | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Cash dividends declared for Class A preferred shares | | $200 | $200 | Nil |
US GAAP reconciliation
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The following adjustments would be required in order to present the financial statements in accordance with US GAAP.
Under US GAAP, the net income (loss) and earnings per common share figures for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and the shareholders’ equity (deficiency) as at March 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 would be adjusted as follows:
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| | | | | |
| 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Canadian GAAP net income (loss) | $ (1,293,501) | | $ 4,844,499 | | $ 721,835 |
| | | | | |
Adjustment to operating expenses relating to accretion of debt discount(a) |
- | |
- | |
7,384 |
| | | | | |
U.S. GAAP net income (loss) | $ (1,293,501) | | $ 4,844,499 | | $ 729,219 |
| | | | | |
Basic earnings (loss) per share based on U.S. GAAP |
$ (0.22) | |
$ 0.27 | |
$ 0.06 |
| | | | | |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share based on U.S. GAAP |
$ (0.22) | |
$ 0.26 | |
$ 0.06 |
| | | | | |
| Shareholders' Equity (Deficiency) |
| |
| 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 |
| | | | | |
Canadian GAAP | $ 2,145,934 | | $ 3,453,936 | | $ 269,205 |
| | | | | |
Adjustment to operating expenses relating to accretion of debt discount(a) |
- | |
- | |
7,384 |
| | | | | |
U.S. GAAP | $ 2,145,934 | | $ 3,453,936 | | $ 276,589 |
Accounting for convertible debentures
Under U.S. GAAP, the convertible debentures issued in April and June 2005 would not be bifurcated into their debt and equity components. Accordingly, under U.S. GAAP, the due to related parties - convertible debentures would increase by $NIL (2009 - $NIL; 2008 - $NIL); accretion of debt discount, operating expenses, net income and shareholders' equity (deficiency) would decrease by $NIL (2009 - $NIL; 2008 - $7,384); and equity component of convertible debentures would decrease by $98,061 (2009 - $98,061; 2008 - $98,061).
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Results of Operations
| | | | | | | |
($000s, except per share and % amounts) |
Fiscal Year | |
Change from Fiscal |
| |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 | |
2009 to 2010
|
2008 to 2009
|
Management services revenue – related party | | $104 | $ 152 | $ 0 | | $(48) | $ 152 |
Product | | 9,087 | 21,247 | 13,848 | | (12,160) | 7,399 |
Total revenue | | 9,191 | 21,399 | 13,848 | | (12,208) | 7,551 |
Cost of revenue | | 6,313 | 12,764 | 8,499 | | (6,451) | 4,265 |
Gross margin | | 2,878 | 8,635 | 5,349 | | (5,757) | 3,286 |
| | 31.3% | 40.4% | 38.6% | | (9.1)% | 1.8 % |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | |
Sales & marketing | | 536 | 915 | 1,133 | | (379) | (218) |
Finance & administration | | 1,289 | 1,611 | 1,651 | | (322) | (40) |
Research & development | | 1,451 | 1,553 | 1,688 | | (102) | (135) |
Interest expense | | 130 | 229 | 482 | | (99) | (253) |
(Gain) loss on foreign exchange | | 695 | (418) | 133 | | 1,113 | (551) |
Accretion of debt discount | | - | - | 7 | | - | (7) |
| | 4,101 | 3,890 | 5,094 | | 211 | (1,204) |
Income (loss) from operations | | (1,223) | 4,745 | 255 | | (5,968) | 4,490 |
Gain/(loss) on sale of investments | | - | (7) | 55 | | 7 | (62) |
Partnership income | | - | - | 308 | | - | (308) |
Partnership bank loan interest | | - | - | (9) | | - | 9 |
Gain/(loss) on disposal of assets | | (17) | (1) | 211 | | (16) | (212) |
Income before taxes | | (1,240) | 4,737 | 820 | | (5,977) | 3,917 |
Income tax benefit/(expense) | | (54) | 107 | (98) | | 161 | 205 |
| | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ ( 1,294) | $ 4,844 | $ 722 | | $(6,138) | $ 4,122 |
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company's chief decision maker, the Chief Executive Officer, tracks the Company's operations as two business segments - the design, development, manufacture, marketing and support of electronic products and specialty structures products. The Company from time to time provides management services primarily to related companies. The revenue and cost of sales related to these services are presented on the statement of operations. No other expenses or assets are attributable to this segment.
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The Company determines the geographic location of revenues based on the location of its customers.
Revenue by geographic location
| | | | | |
| 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 |
| | | | | |
Management services revenue | | | | | |
Canada | $ 103,490 | | $ 152,470 | | $ - |
| | | | | |
Product revenue | | | | | |
Canada | 2,482,639 | | 9,899,882 | | 5,236,730 |
United States | 5,256,864 | | 9,343,960 | | 7,846,547 |
Chile | 1,259,537 | | - | | - |
Other | 88,343 | | 2,003,428 | | 765,230 |
| | | | | |
Total product revenue | 9,087,383 | | 21,247,270 | | 13,848,507 |
| | | | | |
Total revenue | $ 9,190,873 | | $ 21,399,740 | | $ 13,848,507 |
Revenue by division
| | | | | |
| 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 |
| | | | | |
Electronics | $ 3,569,891 | | $ 5,743,754 | | $ 4,774,459 |
Specialty Structures | 5,620,982 | | 15,655,986 | | 9,074,048 |
Total revenue | $9,190,873 | | $21,399,740 | | $13,848,507 |
| | | | | |
Income (loss) by division
| | | | | |
| 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 |
| | | | | |
Electronics | $(894,016) | | $ 959,036 | | $ 375,990 |
Specialty Structures | (399,485) | | 3,885,463 | | 345,845 |
Total profit (loss) | $(1,293,501) | | $4,844,499 | | $ 721,835 |
| | | | | |
The product revenue concentration (customers with revenues in excess of 10% of total revenues) is as follows:
| | | | | |
| 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 |
| | | | | |
Number of customers | 3 | | 3 | | 2 |
% of total revenue | 21%,14%,11% | | 23%, 11%,10% | | 16%, 11% |
Property, plant and equipment
| | | | | |
| 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 |
Purchases | $190,342 | | $908,450 | | $1,370,344 |
Depreciation | $321,880 | | $433,775 | | $199,787 |
Total Assets | $3,013,881 | | $3,145,419 | | $2,671,812 |
| | | | | |
Revenues
Management services revenue from related parties
Management services revenue was earned from a company controlled by a significant shareholder of Plaintree. Management services revenue decreased to $103,490 in fiscal 2010 from $152,470 in fiscal 2009. These services are
provided as requested by the related party and the arrangement is cancelable at any time. There is no assurance that the Company will continue to earn this revenue going forward.
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Product revenue
Total product revenue for fiscal 2010 was $9,087,383 compared to $21,247,270 in fiscal 2009 and $13,848,507 in fiscal 2008. Product revenue decreased in fiscal 2010 from levels seen in fiscals 2009 and 2008 due to the global economic downturn.
Plaintree has two diversified business divisions: Specialty Structures and Electronics.
Plaintree’s Specialty Structures Division saw its first slowdowns occur in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The world wide economic crisis continued to detrimentally affect this division's revenues throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarters. The Company saw increased activity in the 4th quarter of fiscal 2010 and expects that the Specialty Structure sales will increase in fiscal 2011.
Plaintree's Electronics Division derives most of its revenues from products installed on commercial aircraft and in particular, business jets. This market segment was hit very hard during the 2010 fiscal year and it is expected that this market will remain slower than usual through the first half of 2011.
Gross Margin
Total gross margin from management services revenue, from related parties, and product revenue for fiscal 2010 was $2,878,267 or 31.3% compared to $8,635,287 or 40.4% in fiscal 2009 and $5,349,375 or 38.6% in fiscal 2008. The gross margin for 2010 consists of a margin on management services to related parties of $75,456 (2009 - $111,167; 2008 - $nil) or 72.9% (2009 – 72.9%; 2008 – 0%) of management services revenue and a margin on product and management services revenue of $2,878,267 (2009 - $8,635,287; 2008 - $5,349,375), or 30.8% (2009 – 40.1%; 2008 – 38.6%) of sales. The gross margin on management services revenue which consists of revenues earned less direct employee salaries and benefits has remained consistent and is not expected to change significantly.
Gross margins related to product sales, not including inventory write-offs, in the fiscal 2008-2010 periods have been relatively constant around 40%. However, the margins have been reduced by additional inventory write-offs of $701,634, $382,790 and $121,108 incurred in each of fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008.
Operating Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses were $536,286, $915,002 and $1,133,251 for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These expenses consisted primarily of personnel and related costs associated with the Company’s sales and marketing departments, which include sales commissions, advertising, travel, trade shows and other promotional activities.
The fluctuations in sales and marketing expenses mainly relate to the cost of travel, commissions and advertising associated with the projects the company participated in during the period. Some sales and marketing functions were consolidated during fiscal 2010 achieving cost reductions.
Finance and administration expenses
Finance and administrative expenses were $1,288,818, $1,610,596 and $1,651,325 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Finance and administration expenses consist primarily of costs associated with managing the Company’s finances, which included financial staff, legal and audit activities.
Finance and administrative expenses were higher during fiscal 2009 and 2008 as the Company had additional auditing and due diligence requirements associated with the Acquisition and subsequent amalgamation transaction.
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Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses were $1,451,471, $1,553,354, $1,687,657 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Research and development expenditures consist primarily of development engineering and personnel expenses.
Interest expense
Interest expense consists of interest incurred on bank and related party debt. Interest expenses were $129,553, $228,489 and $481,470 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Interest expense decreased in 2010 due to the repayment of an interest bearing related party debt and a decrease in the prime lending rate of interest charged by the Company’s banker. The majority of the Company’s debt accrues interest at variable rates based on the Company’s bank prime lending rate of interest.
Gain on foreign exchange
The Company reported a loss on foreign exchange of $694,718 in fiscal 2010, a gain on foreign exchange of $417,667 in fiscal 2009 and loss of $133,535 for fiscal 2008. The gain/loss on foreign exchange represents the gain/loss, realized or unrealized, of transactions and year end foreign balances that are completed in currencies other than the Company’s reporting currency. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, the value of the US dollar decreased in comparison to the Canadian dollar by approximately 25 % from the start of the year resulting in a loss on foreign exchange.
Accretion
Accretion expenses consist of amortization of the discount on the debt portion of convertible debentures.
Other income (loss)
Other income (loss) included a loss of $17,343 and $1,022, during fiscals 2010 and 2009 and a gain of $210,565 in fiscal 2008 resulting from the sale of surplus Company assets during these periods.
Investments held by the Company resulted in a loss of $nil in fiscal 2010, $6,658 in fiscal 2009, a gain of $55,117 in fiscal 2008.
Partnership income, other partnership related expenses and Bank loan interest
During the year ended March 31, 2008, a total of $2,000,000 of distributions was received from the Partnership following which Plaintree’s investment in the Partnership was reduced to zero and the remaining $2,000,000 outstanding on the loan was satisfied through such distributions. In fiscal 2008, the Company recorded Partnership income allocations of $308,415 (2007 - $516,577). Also recorded was bank loan interest expense of $8,415 (2007 - $214,994) and other Partnership related expenses of $nil (2007 - $59,677). In fiscal 2008, the Company ceased to be a partner and will receive no further income and incur no further expenses related to the Partnership. See “Buhler Partnership Investment” for further information.
Net Income (Loss)
The net loss for fiscal 2010 was $1,293,501 compared to net income for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 of $4,844,499 and $721,835 respectively.
Quarterly Results
The following table sets out selected unaudited consolidated financial information for each quarter in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009:
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Quarters ended
(unaudited, in $000s except per share data)
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Mar 31 | Dec 31 | Sept 30 | June 30 | | Mar 31 | Dec 31 | Sept 30 | June 30 |
| | 2010 | 2009 | 2009 | 2009 | | 2009 | 2008 | 2008 | 2008 |
Revenue | | $3,425 | $1,203 | $1,615 | $2,948 | | $4,582 | $4,932 | $5,044 | $6,842 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Inc./(loss) from | | | | | | | | | | |
operations | | $(169) | $(718) | $(444) | $108 | | $928 | $761 | $1,657 | $1,400 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) | | $(240) | $(718) | $(444) | $108 | | $913 | $761 | $1,657 | $1,514 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) | | | | | | | | | | |
attributed to | | | | | | | | | | |
common shareholders | | $860 | $(1,085) | $(810) | $(259) | | $546 | $395 | $1,290 | $1,147 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) | | | | | | | | | | |
per share-basic | | $0.07 | $(0.08) | $(0.06) | $(0.02) | | $0.04 | $0.03 | $0.10 | $0.09 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) | | | | | | | | | | |
per share-diluted | | $0.07 | $(0.08) | $(0.06) | $(0.02) | | $0.04 | $0.03 | $0.10 | $0.09 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
After the effects of the world economic decline during most of fiscal 2010, the Company has seen all of its markets rebound in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Although contracts have not yet reached levels experienced in the 2009 fiscal year, the Company does expect these same volumes to be better than fiscal 2010 throughout fiscal 2011. Providing that the world economies do not slip into double dip recession, the Company is poised for a better year than fiscal 2010.
Fourth quarter of fiscal 2010
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, revenue was approximately $3.4 M and the net loss was approximately $240,000. Income (loss) from operations and net income (loss) for the each of the quarters in fiscal 2010 varied primarily due to the size, percentage completion and complexity of the projects entered into by the Specialty Structures division. Plaintree saw a return of customer inquiries and orders particularly for the Specialty Steel division during the fourth quarter of 2010.
Outlook
Fiscal 2010 concluded in a loss of approximately $1.3 million which included a loss on exchange of $695,000 and inventory write-down of $702,000. During fiscal 2010 the Company experienced delays in projects and in some cases cancellations of orders. Plaintree’s specialty structures Division saw its first slowdowns occur in the first quarter of 2010. The world wide economic crisis continued to detrimentally affect this division's revenues throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarters. However, in the 4th quarter increased order activity was visible. The Company expects to see a moderate increase in sales in early 2011. Plaintree's electronics division derives most of its revenues from products installed on commercial aircraft and in particular, business jets. This market segment was hit very hard during the 2010 year and it is expected that this market will remain slower than usual through the first half of 2011.
As described in the Overview section of this MD&A, the Company completed the Acquisition of Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies on April 1, 2008.
The total purchase price for both Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies was paid by the Company by the combination of $1,500,000 cash; the issuance of 3,500,000 common shares (35,000,000 pre-consolidation) and 18,325 Class A preferred shares of the Company. Following the Acquisition, Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies, with the exception of a US incorporated subsidiary, were amalgamated into Plaintree. Following the completion of the amalgamation, the businesses of Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies have been operated as separate divisions of Plaintree.
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Concurrent with the Acquisition, Targa Group Inc., a company controlled by William David Watson II and Nora Watson and Plaintree’s largest shareholder, provided a credit facility of up to $2.8 million to Plaintree, consisting of (a) a demand loan of $1.8 million; and (b) a revolving $1 million credit line. All amounts advanced to Plaintree are payable on demand and bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 2% above the prime lending rate of the Company’s banker as from time to time determined. The credit facility is secured by a security interest granted over the assets of Plaintree
There can be no assurances that the Company will achieve the long term operating results required to reduce the bank and related party debt to adequate levels and achieve profitability to meet its obligations to class A preferred shareholders and provide income and cash flow attributable to common shareholders.
Related Party Transactions
Acquisitions
The Company completed the Acquisition of Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies on April 1, 2008.
Prior to the Acquisitions, Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies were both controlled by William David Watson II and Nora Watson. William David Watson II is the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company. Nora Watson is the spouse of William David Watson, the Chairman and VP Mergers and Acquisitions of the Company. In addition, prior to the Acquisition William David Watson II and Nora Watson held directly and indirectly 27.98% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Plaintree (38.1% on a fully-diluted basis).
As a result of these relationships, the Acquisition was considered to be a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Rule 61-501 under the OntarioSecurities Act which required that the Acquisition transaction be approved by the majority of the minority shareholders of the Company, which approval was obtained on March 18, 2008.
Concurrently with the completion of the Acquisition, Targa Group Inc. (Plaintree’s largest shareholder), a company controlled by William David Watson II and Nora Watson provided a credit facility of up to $2.8 million to Plaintree, consisting of (a) a demand loan of $1.8 million; and (b) a revolving $1 million credit line. All amounts advanced to Plaintree are payable on demand and bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 2% above the prime lending rate of the Company’s banker as from time to time determined. The credit facility is secured by a security interest granted over the assets of Plaintree
Due to Related Parties - Convertible Debentures
As part of the amalgamation, convertible debt principal of $1,301,240 was repaid to Targa. Convertible debenture debt of $36,000 and interest of $3,000 held by Hypernetics Ltd. were cancelled through amalgamation. $247,672 of convertible debentures remains outstanding representing interest that has accrued over the term of the debentures and does not accrue any additional interest.
Related Party Transactions – Other
As at March 31, 2010, a balance of $2,356,361($1,878,335 principal and $478,026 in interest) remained owing to senior officers. These amounts are recorded in Due to related parties – other – long-term as the parties have agreed not to demand repayment before August 2011.
Until March 31, 2003, the Company leased facilities from a company controlled by Targa. Lease arrears, including interest of $121,115 (2009 - $111,816) owing to this related party, amounted to $339,924 (2009 - $330,624). In 2003, this related party entered into a forbearance agreement with the Company whereby the Company agreed to repay the amounts owing and the related party was provided with a security interest in the form of a mortgage on the property owned by the Company. The forbearance agreement is now in default. The party has agreed not to demand repayment before August 2011 and the amount is included in Due to related parties – other – long-term.
19
The Board of directors of the Company declared a cash dividend of $10.914052 per Class A preferred share ($200,000 in the aggregate) payable on February 27, 2009 to the holders of record at the close of business on February 23, 2009. The dividend declared was a partial payment of the dividends accumulated in fiscal 2009. $50,000 of the dividend had been paid by March 31, 2009 and the remaining $150,000 is listed as dividends payable, (paid in full during fiscal 2010), and is included above as Due to shareholders.
The Board of directors of the Company declared a cash dividend of $10.914052 per Class A preferred share ($200,000 in the aggregate) payable on July 22, 2009 to the holders of record at the close of business on July 24, 2009. The dividend declared was a partial payment of the dividends accumulated in fiscal 2010. The full $200,000 of the dividend had been paid by March 31, 2010.
On June 29, 2010, the board of directors declared a further cash dividend of $10.914052 per Class A preferred share ($200,000 in the aggregate) payable on July 5, 2010 to the holders of record at the close of business on June 30, 2010. The dividend declared is a partial payment of the dividends accumulated in fiscal 2010. As at the end of June 2010, an aggregate of $2,698,500 of dividends will have accrued and are unpaid on the Class A Preferred Shares since their issuance on April 1, 2008, after taking into effect the $200,000 aggregate dividend declared in February 2009 and the $200,000 aggregate dividend declared on July 22, 2009.
The Class A preferred shares are held by related parties and are entitled to annual cumulative dividends of 8% on the $1,000 redemption amount of the Class A preferred shares.
On April 1, 2008, the principal of $310,386 on a loan from Targa was repaid. Accumulated interest in the amount of $134,812 (2009 - $134,812), which was in Due to related parties – other - current portion on a loan from Targa remains outstanding as of March 31, 2010. The party has agreed not to demand repayment before August 2011 and the amount is included in Due to related parties – other – long-term.
Related Party Transactions – line of credit and demand loan
During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, a demand loan of up to $1,800,000 and a revolving line of credit of up to $1,000,000 were established between Targa and the Company. Under the loan agreements, all amounts advanced to the Company are payable on demand and bear interest at bank prime plus 2%. The Targa Credit Facility is secured by a security interest granted over the assets of the Company.
At March 31, 2010, $500,000 remained outstanding on the line of credit with accumulated interest of $102,937 for a balance of $602,937; $nil was drawn against the revolving demand loan with accumulated interest owing of $66,581 for a balance of $66,581.
Targa has agreed that it will not demand repayment before August 2011 and, accordingly, the amounts are being shown as long term.
20
Other Contracts and Commitments
The following table provides a summary of the Company’s obligations outstanding as at March 31, 2010:
| | | Payments due by fiscal period |
| Total | Current | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 + |
| | | | | | |
Due to related parties – convertible debentures |
$ 247,672 |
$ - |
$ 247,672 |
$ - |
$ - |
$ - |
Due to related parties – other | 2,831,097 |
| 2,831,097 | - | - | - |
Due to related party – line of Credit |
602,937 |
- |
602,937 |
- |
- |
- |
Due to related party – demand loan |
66,581 |
- |
66,581 |
- |
- |
- |
Long-term debt | 1,036,454 | 180,610 | 169,608 | 140,846 | 100,667 | 444,723 |
| | | | | | |
| $ 4,784,741 | $ 180,610 | $ 3,917,895 | $ 140,846 | $ 100,667 | $ 444,723 |
Facilities
As a result of the amalgamation, the Company obtained facilities previously owned by Hypernetics Ltd consisting of 12,000 square feet and by the Triodetic Group of Companies consisting of 18,000 square feet of plant and office space, both located in Arnprior, Ontario. In addition, the Company has completed the construction of additional plant and office space at its facilities in Arnprior, Ontario, providing another 7,000 square feet.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("Canadian GAAP") and include the following significant accounting policies:
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Plaintree, Hypernetics and the Triodetic Group of Companies and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
Inventories
Inventories are valued using a weighted average cost formula and are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Costs, including an appropriate portion of fixed and variable overhead expenses, are assigned to inventories held by the method most appropriate to the particular class of inventory. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price for inventories less all estimated costs of completion and costs necessary to make the sale.
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are stated at cost. Amortization is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method as follows:
Property, plant and equipment:
Building
20 years
Building improvements
10 years
Factory equipment
10 years
Computer equipment
3 years
Office equipment and furniture
10 years
Vehicles
4 years
Outside compound
10 years
Intangible assets:
Software
2 years
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The Company's policy is to review all long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount as an asset may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable, the Company will estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition and record an impairment of the assets if required.
Revenue recognition
Revenue from product sales is recorded on shipment when all significant contractual obligations have been satisfied provided evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the customer is fixed and determinable and collection is probable.
Revenue on fixed-price contracts is recognized based on the estimated percentage of completion of services rendered that reflects the extent of work accomplished. Management estimates the percentage-of-completion by reference to measures of performance that are reasonably determinable and are directly related to the activities critical to completion of the contract. The Company uses this method of revenue recognition as projected contract revenue and costs may reasonably be estimated based on the Company’s business practices, methods and historical experience. This method requires estimates of costs and profits over the entire term of the contract. Management regularly reviews underlying estimates of project profitability; revisions to estimates are reflected in the statement of income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Provisions for estimated losses, if any, are recognized in the period in whic h the loss is determined. Contract losses are measured as the amount by which the estimated costs of the contract exceed the estimated total revenue from the contract.
Progress billings are recorded as deferred revenue to the extent that the billings exceed revenue recognized to date. Unbilled revenue is recorded to the extent that revenue has been recognized, but not yet billed to the customer.
In addition, a provision for potential warranty claims is recorded at the time of sale, based on warranty terms and prior claims experience. Extended warranty contracts are sold separately from the product and the associated revenue is recognized over the term of the agreement.
Foreign currency translation
Monetary assets and liabilities, which are denominated in currencies foreign to the local currency of the operation, are translated to the local currency at fiscal year-end exchange rates, and transactions included in the statements of operations are translated at rates prevailing during the fiscal year. Exchange gains and losses resulting from the translation of these amounts are included in the statement of operations.
The accounts of the Company's wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, which is considered to be an integrated foreign operation, has been translated into Canadian dollars using the temporal method of foreign currency translation. Under this method, monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates for the year. Transaction gains or losses are included in income.
Stock option plans
The Company has a stock-based compensation plan. The Company uses the fair value based method of accounting to record stock-based payments to employees and non-employees. Under the fair value based method, compensation cost for both employees and non-employees is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed over the award’s vesting period. The cost of stock-based payments that are fully vested and non-forfeitable at the grant date is measured and recognized at that date.
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Investment tax credits
Investment tax credits are recorded as a reduction of the related expense or cost of the asset acquired. The benefits are recognized when the Company has complied with the terms and conditions of the approved grant program or applicable tax legislation.
Research and development expenditures
Current research costs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for research and development equipment, net of related investment tax credits, are capitalized.
Development costs are deferred and amortized when the criteria for deferral under Canadian GAAP are met, or otherwise, are expensed as incurred. To date, no such costs have been capitalized.
Use of accounting 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 disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods presented. Significant management estimates include percentage complete for revenue recognition, unbilled revenues, deferred revenues and allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, inventory obsolescence, stock-based compensation, accrued liabilities, income tax valuation allowance and bifurcation of convertible debentures. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Income taxes
The Company’s future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to tax loss carryforwards and to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be reversed or be settled to the extent that such assets are more likely than not to be realized. The effect on future income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period of enactment or substantive enactment. Future income tax assets are recognized to the extent it is more likely than not to be realized.
Earnings per share
Earnings per share has been calculated on the basis of net income attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Income attributable to common shareholders is equal to net income less the dividends accumulated on the preferred shares. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing the applicable net income attributable to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares had been issued during the period. The Company uses the treasury stock method in determining the denominator for earnings per share. Under this method it is assumed that the proceeds from the exercise of options are used to repurchase common shares at the weighted average market price of the shares for the period.
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value and their subsequent measurement is dependent on their classification as described below. Their classification depends on the purpose, for which the financial instruments were acquired or issued, their characteristics and the Company’s designation of such instruments. Settlement date accounting is used.
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Held-for-trading
Held-for-trading financial assets are financial assets typically acquired for resale prior to maturity or that are designated as held-for-trading. They are measured at fair value at the balance sheets date. Fair value fluctuations including interest earned, interest accrued, gains and losses realized on disposal and unrealized gains and losses are included in other income.
Financial liabilities designated as held-for-trading are those non-derivative financial liabilities that the Company elects to designate on initial recognition as instruments that it will measure at fair value through other interest expense. These are accounted for in the same manner as held-for-trading assets. The Company has not designated any non-derivative financial liabilities as held-for-trading.
Held-to-maturity
Held-to-maturity financial assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and a fixed maturity, other than loans and receivables, that an entity has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. These financial assets are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
Available-for-sale
Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale, or that are not classified as loans and receivables, held-to-maturity or held-for-trading. Except as mentioned below, available-for-sale financial assets are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income until realized when the cumulative gain or loss is transferred to other income.
Available-for-sale financial assets that do not have quoted market prices in an active market are recorded at cost.
Interest on interest-bearing available-for-sale financial assets is calculated using the effective interest rate method.
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are accounted for at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
Other liabilities
Other liabilities are recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method and include all financial liabilities, other than derivative instruments.
Transaction costs
Transaction costs related to held-for-trading financial assets are expensed as incurred. Transaction costs related to available-for-sale financial assets, held-to-maturity financial assets, other liabilities and loans and receivables are netted against the carrying value of the asset or liability and are then recognized over the expected life of the instrument using the effective interest rate method.
The Company has made the following classifications:
Cash is required to be classified as held-for-trading and is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in net income. The carrying amount approximates fair value.
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled receivables are required to be classified as loans and receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities are required to be classified as other financial liabilities and are measured at amortized costs with interest accretion recorded in net income. Due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value.
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All loans, bank loans, bonds and debentures or similar debt are measured at amortized cost with interest accretion recorded in net income.
New accounting policies
Goodwill and intangible assets
In February 2008, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA") issued Section 3064,Goodwill and Intangible Assets, replacing Section 3062,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assetsand Section 3450,Research and Development Costs. Various changes have been made to other sections of the CICA Handbook for consistency purposes. The new Section is applicable to the Company's fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The adoption of this standard required the Company to retroactively reclassify its licensed computer software assets on its balance sheet from property, plant and equipment to intangible assets. The net book value of licensed computer software reclassified as of March 31, 2009 was $8,700.
In January 2009, the CICA issued EIC-173,Credit Risk and the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which clarifies that the Company's own credit risk and the credit risk of counterparties should be taken into account in determining the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivatives. EIC-173 is to be applied retrospectively without restatement of prior periods to all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value for periods ending on or after the date of issuance of this Abstract. The Company concluded that this standard had no material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption during the year.
In August 2009, the CICA amended Handbook Section 3855,Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement, which adds guidance concerning the assessment of embedded derivatives upon reclassification of a financial asset of the held-for-trading category. In addition, this Section has been amended to: change the categories into which a debt instrument is required or permitted to be reclassified and change the impairment model for held-to-maturity financial assets to the incurred credit loss model of impaired loans; and require reversal of previously recognized impairment losses on available-for-sale financial assets in specified circumstances. These amendments apply to annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after November 1, 2008. The adoption of this new Section did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the CICA amended CICA Handbook Section 3862, Financial Instruments - Disclosure, which enhances disclosures about fair value measurements, including the relative reliability of the inputs used in those measurements and expanded requirements regarding liquidity risk disclosure. The new guidance does not change the financial instruments measurement requirements of Section 3855, but amends the disclosure requirements, which are as a result of changes made to International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 7. The guidance applies to financial instruments measured at fair value on the balance sheet and establishes a hierarchy for each financial instrument on an individual basis. These amendments are effective for annual financial statements relating to fiscal years ending after September 30, 2009. The adoption of this new Section did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Changes in accounting policy under US GAAP
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements("FAS 157"). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB amended FAS 157 by issuing FSP 157-1, Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13("FSP 157-1"). In February 2008, the FASB also issued FSP 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157("FSP 157-2"). FSP 157-1 amends FAS 157 to exclude fair value requirements on leases. FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of FAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), to Fiscal Years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company adopted certain provisions of FAS 157, effective April 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of the provisions deferred by FSP 157-1 and FSP 157-2 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
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In June 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force on Issue No. 07-3,Accounting for Advance Payments for Goods or Services Received for Use in Future Research and Development Activities ("EITF 07-3"). EITF 07-3 indicates that non-refundable advance payments for future R&D activities should be deferred and capitalized until the goods have been delivered (assuming the goods have no alternative future use) or the related services have been performed. EITF 07-3 also indicates that companies should assess deferred R&D costs for recoverability. Companies are required to adopt EITF 07-3 for new contracts entered into in Fiscal Years beginning after December 15, 2007. Earlier application is not permitted. The Company adopted EITF 07-3 in the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statem ents.
In December 2007, the FASB revised SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations. This revision establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquire, recognizes and measure the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This Statement is required to be adopted by the Company for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an Amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In May 2008, FASB issued FASB Staff Position Accounting Principles Board 14-1 ("APB 14-1"), which revises the accounting treatment for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, including partial cash settlement. APB 14-1 requires the issuer to separately account for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments. The value assigned to the liability component would be the estimated fair value, as of the date of issuance, of similar debt without the conversion option, but including any other embedded features. The difference between the proceeds of the debt and the value allocated to the liability component would be recorded in equity. The standard is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and is to be applied retrospectively. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial sta tements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 162,The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("FAS 162"), which identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of non-governmental entities that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP. FAS 162 is effective 60 days following the Securities Exchange Commission approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411,The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with GAAP. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2008, FASB Task Force clarified the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity method investments. Topics related to equity method investments include the initial carrying value of an equity method investment, impairment assessment of an investee’s intangibles and an equity investee’s issuance of shares. EITF 08-6 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the Financial Instruments Topic of the FASB ASC, which requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim as well as annual financial statements. This amended Topic is effective for periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted this amended Topic in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010. The adoption of this Topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In April 2009, FASB issued FSP No. 141(R)-1,Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination that Arise from Contingencies. This FSP amends and clarifies FASB Statement No. 141 (revised 2007),Business Combinations, to address application issues raised by preparers, auditors, and members of the legal profession on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
26
In May 2009, the FASB issued the Subsequent Events Topic of the FASB ASC. This Topic establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The Topic sets forth (1) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; (2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and (3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU, 2010-09, to provide amendments to the Subsequent Events Topic of the FASB ASC. These amendments clarified certain disclosures previou sly required by the Topic. This Topic is effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted this Topic in the first quarter of Fiscal 2010, and the amendments contained in the ASU in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010. The adoption of the Topic and its amendments did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 166Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140. SFAS 166 requires that a transferor recognize and initially measure at fair value all assets obtained (including a transferor's beneficial interest) and liabilities incurred as a result of a transfer of financial assets accounted for as a sale. SFAS 166 must be applied as of the beginning of each reporting entity's first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. This Statement must be applied to transfers occurring on or after the effective date. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (the "Codification", or "FASB ASC"). The FASB ASC will be the single source of authoritative non-governmental U.S. GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The FASB ASC is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. All pre-Codification GAAP are superseded as described in FASB Statement No. 168. All other accounting literature not included in the Codification is non-authoritative. The Company adopted the Codification in the second quarter of Fiscal 2010. The Codification did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company has updated references to the FA SB ASC, as appropriate.
Future accounting changes
International Financial Reporting Standards
The Canadian Accounting Standards Board has confirmed that the use of IFRS will be required commencing 2011 for publicly accountable, profit oriented enterprises. IFRS will be replacing current Canadian GAAP followed by the Company. The Company will be required to begin reporting under IFRS for its first fiscal year beginning after January 1, 2011 and will be required to provide information that conforms to IFRS for the comparative periods presented. Accordingly, the Company expects that its first interim financial statements presented in accordance with IFRS will be for the three-month period ended June 30, 2011, and its first annual financial statements presented in accordance with IFRS will be for the year ended March 31, 2012, which will include comparative data for the prior year.
The Company is in the process of commencing its transition plan that is being overseen by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The transition plan consists primarily of three phases: assessment, planning and implementation. The Company will be working on the assessment phase of its conversion program, which includes a detailed review of the current differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS and impact assessment on systems, procedures and financial statements. The Company will address the design, planning, solution development and implementation of the conversion in the current year. The Company expects to make changes to processes and system before the 2012 fiscal year, in time to enable the Company to record transactions under IFRS. Reporting is done to the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors on a regular basis. The Company will provide specialized training to internal resources as required.
27
Future accounting changes under U.S. GAAP
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 167Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R). SFAS 167 requires an additional reconsideration event when determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity when any changes in facts and circumstances occur such that the holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights of those investments to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. It also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. SFAS 167 shall be effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity's first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of th e adoption of the standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU, 2009-13, to address the accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements to enable vendors to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a combined unit. This ASU provides amendments to the criteria in the Revenue Recognition - Multiple-Element Arrangements Subtopic of the FASB ASC. As a result of those amendments, multiple-deliverable arrangements will be separated in more circumstances than under existing U.S. GAAP. The amendments in this ASU will be effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in Fiscal Years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The Company is required to adopt this ASU in Fiscal 2012. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU"), 2009-14, to address concerns raised by constituents relating to the accounting for revenue arrangements that contain tangible products and software. The amendments in this ASU change the accounting model for revenue arrangements that include both tangible products and software elements. Tangible products containing software components and non-software components that function together to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality will no longer be within the scope of guidance in the Software - Revenue Recognition Subtopic of the FASB ASC. The amendments in this ASU will be effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in Fiscal Years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The Company is required to adopt this ASU in Fiscal 2012. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of this ASU will ha ve on its consolidated financial statements.
Future accounting changes under Canadian GAAP
Consolidated financial statements
In January 2009, the CICA issued Handbook Sections 1601,Consolidated Financial Statements, and 1602,Non-Controlling Interests, which will replace the former Section 1600,Consolidated Financial Statements. These new Sections are effective for interim and annual consolidated statements for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011 but with earlier adoption permitted and provide the Canadian equivalent to International Accounting Standard (IAS) 27,Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements. The new standards are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Business Combinations
In January 2009, the CICA issued Handbook Section 1582,Business Combinations, which will replace the former Section 1581,Business Combinations. The new Section is effective for acquisitions in fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011 but with earlier adoption permitted and provides the Canadian equivalent to IFRS 3,Business Combinations. The new standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
EIC-175
In December 2009, the CICA issued EIC-175,Multiple Deliverables Revenue Arrangements. The accounting changes summarized in EIC-175 are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, with early adoption permitted. Adoption may either be on a prospective basis or by retrospective application. If the Abstract is adopted early, in a reporting period that is not the first reporting period in the entity's fiscal year, it must be applied retroactively from the beginning of the Company's fiscal period of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the future impact of these amendments on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the timing and method of its adoption
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Summary of Outstanding Share Data
As at March 31, 2010, the following equity instruments of the Company were issued and outstanding:
Common Shares:
12,925,253
Class A Preferred Shares:* 18,325
*
The Class A Preferred shares provide an 8% cumulative dividend based on a value of $1,000 per share, are redeemable at the option of the Company at any time at $1,000 per share plus accrued dividends and they are non-voting.
Convertible Debentures:**
$nil principal value
**
The Company has issued various tranches of convertible debentures to related parties for total outstanding value at March 31, 2010, of $247,671 in accrued interest only. The accrued interest is convertible at any time into common shares of the Company at varying conversion rates that were determined at the time of issuance of each tranche. If all the debentures plus accrued interest were converted at the current time, the total number of common shares issued would be 229,935.
Options:***
Options to acquire 570,000 common shares
***
The options, having exercise prices ranging from $0.12 to $0.80, were granted pursuant to the Company’s stock option plan.
Additional information relating to the Company may be found on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com or the Company’s website atwww.plaintree.com.
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
| | | | |
($000s) |
Fiscal Year | |
Change from Fiscal
|
| 2010 | 2009 | | 2009 to 2010 |
Cash | $ 1,402 | $1,452 | | $ (50) |
Working Capital | 3,736 | 5,940 | | (2,204) |
Net cash provided by (used in): | | | | |
Operating activities | 1,652 | 3,253 | | (1,601) |
Investing activities | (231) | (2,408) | | 2,177 |
Financing activities | (1,470) | (1,162) | | (308) |
Cash
As at March 31, 2010, the Company held $1,401,678 in cash, a decrease of $50,051 from March 31, 2009 primarily due to repayment of debt.
Working Capital
Working capital represents current assets less current liabilities. As at March 31, 2010, the Company had positive working capital of $3,736,184 compared to a working capital of $5,940,231 at March 31, 2009. The decrease in working capital was primarily a reduction in accounts receivable and inventory resulting from the lower sales activity and Company efforts to reduce its levels of inventory. The Company is subject to various covenants on the long-term debt (including debt to tangible net worth, current assets to current liabilities, capital and debt service ratios). The Company is in breach of the debt service ratio covenant to which the bank has provided a waiver letter waiving payment to April 1, 2011, with respect to these breaches; therefore the loans to the bank are not classified as a current liability.
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Cash provided by Operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2010 was $1,651,673 representing a decrease of $1,601,378 from $3,253,051 in fiscal 2009. The decreased cash provided by operating activities mainly relates to the net loss incurred in fiscal 2010 but was offset by the reduction in working capital assets.
Cash used in Investing activities
Cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2010 of $231,339 relates mainly to the purchase of fixed assets. This amount compares to net use of $2,408,450 in fiscal 2009 consisting of the purchase of assets of $908,450 including the construction of additional plant and office space, providing another 7,000 square feet and a $1,500,000 one time payment affecting the continuity of interests that occurred upon the acquisition of Hypernetics and Triodetic Group of Companies.
Cash used in Financing activities
Cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2010 was $1,470,385 compared to cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2009 of $1,162,017. Cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2010 relates mostly to the repayment of amounts under the related party line of credit and demand loan and dividend payments to the Class A preferred shareholders. Cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2009 consisted of repayments to related parties. The Company intends to further reduce its amounts due to related parties as it generates cash from operations.
C.
Research and Development Patents and Licenses, etc.
See “Research and Development Expenses” in Item 5.A and “Research and Product Development” in Item 4.A.
D.
Trend Information
See “Overview” in Item 5.A
E.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement
None.
F.
Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations
The following table provides a summary of the Company’s obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2010:
| | | | | | |
| | Payments due by period |
| |
| | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | more than 5 years |
Contractual obligations | | - | - | - | - | - |
| | | | | | |
Long-Term Debt obligations | | $4,784,741 | $180,610 | $4,058,741 | $201,334 | $344,056 |
| | | | | | |
Capital (Finance) Lease obligations | | - | - | - | - | - |
| | | | | | |
Operating Lease obligations | | - | - | - | - | - |
| | | | | | |
Purchase obligations | | - | - | - | - | - |
| | | | | | |
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Company’s Balance Sheet under the GAAP of the primary financial statements | | - | - | - | - | - |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | $4,784,741 | $180,610 | $4,058,741 | $201,334 | $344,056 |
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G.
Safe Harbor
All information that is not historical in nature is deemed to be a forward-looking statement. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. See also the section entitled “Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information” prior to Part I of this 20-F.
ITEM 6: DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A.
Directors and Senior Management
| | | |
Name and Residence | Present Principal Occupation(1) | Director Since | Number of Common Shares/Options |
William David Watson Merrickville, Ontario | Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company and Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions of the Company | 1999 | 7,000(5) |
William David Watson II(2)(4) Burritts Rapids, Ontario | Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company | 1999 | 4,449,676(6) |
Robert E. Shea(3) Boston, Massachusetts | Chairman of Shea Financial Group | 2000 | 534,510(7)(8) |
Girvan L. Patterson(2)(3) Ottawa, Ontario | Chief Executive Officer, GaN Systems Inc. | 2000 | 1,800(8) |
Jerry S. Vickers(2)(3) Toronto, Ontario | Financial/Business Consultant | 2003 | -(8) |
Hon. John Buchanan, P.C., Q.C. Halifax, Nova Scotia | Senator and Lawyer | 2003 | -(8) |
Lynn Saunders Braeside, Ontario | Chief Financial Officer of the Company | N/A | -(8) |
William Vangool Ottawa, Ontario | President Specialty Services Division | N/A | -(8) |
(1)
The Information has been furnished by the respective director and officers individually
(2)
Member of the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee.
(3)
Member of the Audit Committee.
(4)
David Watson II is the son of William David Watson.
(5)
Does not include 1,575,000 common shares held by Nora Watson, Mr. Watson’s spouse.
(6)
Includes 2,524,676 common shares held by Targa Group Inc., a company controlled by William David Watson II.
(7)
Held directly and through a holding company.
(8)
Does not include the following options to acquire common shares granted to the directors: Robert E. Shea – 100,000; Girvan L. Patterson – 100,000; Jerry S. Vickers – 100,000; Hon. John Buchanan, P.C. Q.C. – 100,000; Lynn Saunders – 50,000; William Vangool – 100,000.
Set out below are profiles of the directors and officers of the Company including particulars of their principal occupations for the past five years:
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WILLIAM DAVID WATSON,Chairman of the Board of Directors and Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions. Mr. Watson was appointed Chairman of the board of directors of the Company on February 9, 2000 and Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions, effective November 1, 1999. Since November 4, 1999, Mr. Watson has been acting as a special advisor to the Company. From October 1993 to November 1999, Mr. Watson was special advisor to Targa Group Inc., a company founded in 1993 as a vehicle for acquiring troubled companies and turning them around with a primary interest in avionics and high technology. Mr. Watson attended Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. William David Watson is the father of William David Watson II.
WILLIAM DAVID WATSON II,President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Watson became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on November 4, 1999 and was appointed a director of the Company on February 9, 2000. From October 1993 to November 1999, Mr. Watson was President and Chief Executive Officer of Targa Group Inc. Prior to 1993, Mr. Watson was a tax specialist in public and private practice. Mr. Watson holds a Bachelor of Management Economics from the University of Guelph. William David Watson II is the son of William David Watson.
ROBERT E. SHEA,Director. Mr. Shea was appointed a director of the Company on May 1, 2000. Mr. Shea is currently, and for the past forty two years has been, Chairman of Shea Financial Group, a company engaged in the design and funding of executive compensation plans. He is also a director of Silex Ventures, a CPC company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange, Highliner Foods, Inc., SolutionInc Technologies, Ltd., New England Canada Business Council, and American Manor Enterprises Inc. and has served on numerous boards in the past.
GIRVAN L. PATTERSON,Director. Mr. Patterson was appointed a director of the Company in January 2000. In 1988, Mr. Patterson co-founded CANAI Inc. (which in 1991 became Plaintree Systems Inc.) and from 1995 through 1999 was the Vice-President of International Sales, and served as the Corporate Secretary of the Company from 1988 to 2001. In the past five years Mr. Patterson has held the positions of VP Marketing at Voxium Inc, and COO of Taransys Inc. Currently, Mr Patterson is CEO of GaN Systems Inc. Mr. Patterson also serves on the board and audit committee of Intertainment Media Inc. (TSXV). In June 2010 Mr Patterson was appointed to the board of directors of the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. Mr. Patterson was educated at Manchester and Aston University in the United Kingdom and holds a Chartered Engineer designation.
JERRY S. VICKERS,Director. Mr. Vickers continues to act as an independent finance/business consultant (providing services in finance, strategic planning, business development, organizational development, M&A, cash management, compliance/governance and certain senior management roles) to private and public companies since departing Desjardins Securities Inc. in May 2003. Based in Toronto, he was a Vice-President, Investment Banking, Technology Group for Desjardins Securities Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Desjardins Mouvement, a financial services conglomerate, from January 2002 to April 2003. From August 2000 through to December 2001, Mr. Vickers was an independent finance/business consultant to private and public companies. He has been a director of private and public companies engaged in technology (software, hardware, and internet based technologies) as well as the hospitality industry. He was a Vice-President in Corporate Finance at Groome Capital.com Inc. and Yorkton Securities Ltd. from July 1996 through to July 2000 specializing in new economy companies (i.e. software, hi-tech, telecom, and biotech). From January 1990 to July 1996, he was the Director and a Manager of Company Listings at the Toronto Stock Exchange. From July 1985 to December 1989, he was a corporate lender at the CIBC and a senior analyst in Engineering Economics at Bell Canada. Mr. Vickers earned a Master of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Toronto (1985) and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics (summa cum laude) from McMaster University (1982).
HON. JOHN M. BUCHANAN, P.C., Q.C.,Director. Mr. Buchanan was appointed to the Senate of Canada by the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney on September 12, 1990. Prior to being appointed Senator, Mr. Buchanan was elected as a Member of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly in 1967, re-elected in 1970, 1974, 1978, 1981, 1984 and 1988. Senator Buchanan was elected as Premier of Nova Scotia in 1978. He was re-elected in 1981, 1984 and 1988 becoming the third Premier in the history of Nova Scotia to be elected to four consecutive terms and the fourth longest serving premier in Nova Scotia. Mr. Buchanan graduated from Mount Allison University in 1954 with a B.Sc Degree and Engineering Certificate. He graduated from Dalhousie University with a LL.B. in 1958 and practiced law in Halifax. Mr. Buchanan was appointed Queens Council in 1972 and awarded Doctorates fr om Nova Scotia Technical College, Mount Allison University, St. Mary’s University, St. Francis Xavier University and Universite Ste. Anne. On April 17, 1982, Senator Buchanan was made a member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council and in 1979 received the Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award. Mr. Buchanan has beenan executive member of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Association for eight years. Mr. Buchanan is also Chairman of the Canada-Sweden Parliamentary Association and an Executive Member of the Canada-Taiwan Association. He is married to the former Mavis Forsyth and they have five children.
32
LYNN E. SAUNDERS,Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Saunders became Chief Financial Officer of Plaintree in June 2008 and prior to that date was the Vice President of Operations since November 1999. From May 1997 to November 1999, Ms. Saunders was Finance Manager of Hypernetics Limited. Prior to 1999, Ms. Saunders held various financial positions with both Mitel Corporation and Boeing Canada Technology Ltd.
WILLIAM VANGOOL,President Specialty Structures Division.Mr. Vangool graduated in 1972 from University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Mr. Vangool has been associated with the design, development and manufacturing of the Triodetic system for the last 38 years, holding the position of President of the Company’s Specialty Structures division since the completion of the amalgamation of Triodetic with Plaintree. Mr Vangool frequently appears as a guest lecturer and has published several papers on the design and construction of space frames and foundation systems for permafrost conditions. In 1992, Mr. Vangool was given an award in recognition of services rendered to Canada during the Canadian participation at the 1992 Universal Exposition in Seville, Spain, presented by Luc. Lavoie, Commissioner General for Canada. Mr. Vangool has also been award the following honours: Recipient of the Canadian Design Innovation Award by Cana dian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) in 2000 for the design and development of a tubular foundation system using the Triodetic space frame technology, widely used in Alaska, Russia and Northern Canada; recipient of the Construct Canada Award in 2003; and Export Canada (EDC) Canadian Exporter of the Year Award in 2006.
B.
Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation, Philosophy and Objectives
The Company does not have a formal compensation program. On advice from time to time given by the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, the board of directors of the Company (the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”) meets to discuss and determine compensation for the President and Chief Executive Officer, without reference to formal objectives, criteria or analysis. The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company is responsible for determining the compensation arrangements for the balance of the employees, including senior management, of the Company. The general objectives of the Company’s compensation strategy are to (a) compensate management in a manner that encourages and rewards a high level of performance and outstanding results with a view to increasing long term shareholder value; (b) align management’s interests with the long term interest of shareholders; and (c) to ensure that the total compensation pa ckage is designed in a manner that takes into account the constraints that the Company is under by virtue of the fact that its is a venture issuer without a long history of earnings.
The Board, as a whole, ensures that the total compensation paid to the President and Chief Executive Officer, is fair and reasonable. The Board relies on the experience of Company management and its members as officers and directors of other companies in assessing compensation levels. The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company is responsible for ensuring that total compensation paid to the other employees, including senior management, of the Company is fair and reasonable.
Analysis of Elements
Certain of the Named Executive Officers have received bonus payments during fiscal 2010 while others have deferred a significant portion of their salary. Reference is made to the “Summary Compensation Table” set out below.
The Company considers the granting of incentive stock options to be a significant component of executive compensation as it allows the Company to reward each Named Executive Officer’s efforts to increase value for shareholders without requiring the Company to use cash from its treasury. Stock options are generally awarded to directors, officers, consultants and employees at the commencement of employment and periodically thereafter. The terms and conditions of the Company’s stock option grants, including vesting provisions and exercise prices, are governed by the terms of the Company’s stock option plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) and are determined by the Board as a whole.
33
Long Term Compensation and Option Based Awards
The Company has no long term incentive plans other than the Stock Option Plan. The Company’s directors, officers, consultants and employees are entitled to participate in the Stock Option Plan. The Stock Option Plan is designed to encourage share ownership and entrepreneurship on the part of the senior management and other employees, The Board believes that the Stock Option Plan aligns the interests of the Named Executive Officer and the Board with shareholders by linking a component of executive compensation to the longer term performance of the Company’s common shares. Options are granted by the Board of Directors. In monitoring or adjusting the option allotments, the Board takes into accounts its own observations on individual performance (where possible) and its assessment of individual contribution to shareholder value, previous option grants and the objectives set for the Name Executive Officers and the Board. The scale of options is generally commensurate to the appropriate level of base compensation for each level of responsibility.
In addition to determining the number of options to be granted pursuant to the methodology outlined above, the Board also makes the following determinations:
• parties who are entitled to participate in the Stock Option Plan;
• the exercise price for each stock option granted;
• the date on which each option is granted;
• the vesting period, if any, for each stock option;
• the other material terms and conditions of each stock option grant; and
• any re-pricing or amendment to a stock option grant.
The Board makes these determinations subject to and in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Option Plan. The board of directors reviews and approves grants of options on an annual basis and periodically during a financial year.
Pursuant to the Company’s Stock Option Plan, the Company’s Board of Directors grants options to directors, officers, consultants and employees as incentives. The level of stock options awarded to a Named Executive Officer (as defined below) is determined by his or her position and his or her potential future contributions to the Company. The exercise price of stock options is determined by the Board of Directors but shall in no event be less than the trading price of the common shares of the Company on the Canadian National Stock Exchange (CNSX) at the time of the grant of the option.
The Company granted stock options exercisable for up to 150,000 shares of the Company to the Named Executive Officers during the year ended March 31, 2009. During the year ended March 31, 2009, one of the Named Executive Officers returned for cancellation previously issued options to acquire up to 35,000 common shares having exercise prices ranging from $1.05 to $1.20.
Summary Compensation Table
For the purposes of this 20-F, a “Named Executive Officer” means each of the following individuals:
(a)
a chief executive officer (“CEO”) of the Company;
(b)
a chief financial officer (“CFO”) of the Company;
(c)
each of the Company’s three most highly compensated executive officers, or the three most highly compensated individuals acting in a similar capacity, other than the CEO and CFO, at the end of the most recently completed financial year whose total compensation was, individually, more than $150,000, as determined in accordance with subsection 1.3(6) of Form 51-102F6, for the March 31, 2010 year end; and
(d)
each individual who would be a Named Executive Officer under paragraph (c) but for the fact that the individual was neither an executive officer, nor acting in a similar capacity at March 31, 2010.
34
During the financial year ended March 31, 2010, the Company had four (4) Named Executive Officers: William David Watson II, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lynn Saunders, Chief Financial Officer, William David Watson, Chairman and Vice President Business, Mergers and Acquisitions, and William Vangool, President Triodetic Division.
The following table sets forth all direct and indirect compensation for, or in connection with, services provided to the Company and its subsidiaries for the financial year ended March 31, 2010, in respect of the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Chairman, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions, and President Triodetic Division. For the information concerning compensation related to previous years, please refer to the Company’s previous Management Proxy Circulars available atwww.sedar.com.
| | | | | | | | | |
Name and Principal Position |
Fiscal Year
|
Salary(1) ($) |
Share- based Award
($) |
Option- based Award(5)
($) | Non-equity Incentive Plan Compensation |
Pension Value
($) |
All
Other Compensation (3) ($) |
Total
Compensation ($) |
Annual Incentive Plans(2) ($) | Long-term Incentive Plans |
William David Watson II, President and Chief Executive Officer | 2010 | 200,000(4) | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 200,000 |
Lynn Saunders, Chief Financial Officer | 2010 | 100,000 | Nil | 953.35 | 15,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 115,000 |
William Vangool, President Triodetic Division | 2010 | 125,000 | Nil | 1,906.71 | 30,000 | Nil | Nil |
| 155,000 |
William David Watson, Chairman and VP, Mergers and Acquisitions | 2010 | 150,000(6) | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 150,000 |
(1)
This figure includes the dollar value of cash and non-cash base salary each Named Executive Officer earned during the relevant financial year.
(2)
The amounts in this column consist of bonuses paid to Named Executive Officers.
(3)
Such other compensation includes all benefits and perks received by Named Executive Officers that meet the threshold of $50,000 or 10% of total annual salary.
(4)
During fiscal 2010 most of Mr. Watson II’s salary has been deferred. The deferred amounts will be paid once Company resources permit. Until paid, the deferred amounts accumulate interest at a rate of 2% per annum above the prime rate of interest charged by the Company’s bankers, compounded monthly. The total amount of the deferred salary plus accumulated interest as at August 31, 2010 is $1,351,295.
(5)
The Company calculated the fair value of the options by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
(6)
During fiscal 2010 most of Mr. Watson’s fee has been deferred. The deferred amounts will be paid once Company resources permit. Until paid, the deferred amounts accumulate interest at a rate of 2% per annum above the prime rate of interest charged by the Company’s bankers, compounded monthly. The total amount of the deferred fee plus accumulated interest as at August 31, 2010 is $1,166,066.
35
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) Awards
The Company does not have any long-term incentive plans and, save as disclosed above, no remuneration payments were made, directly or indirectly, by the Company to its Named Executive Officers during the year ended March 31, 2010.
An LTIP means “any plan providing compensation intended to serve as an incentive for performance to occur over a period longer than one fiscal year whether performance is measured by reference to financial performance of the Company or an affiliate or the price of the Company’s shares but does not include option or stock appreciation rights plans or plans for compensation through restricted shares or units”.
Incentive Plan Awards
The Company currently has in place a stock option plan for the purpose of attracting and motivating directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and advancing the interests of the Company by affording such person with the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in the Company through rights granted under the plan to purchase shares of the Company.
The Stock Option Plan is administered by the board of directors of the Company and provides that a majority of members of the board participating in any decisions as to a grant of options under the Stock Option Plan shall be persons who are not employees of the Company. Options may be granted at any time to any director, officer, service provider or employee (who shall be a full-time salaried) of the Company or its subsidiaries, taking into consideration, among other things, the past, present and potential contribution of a particular director, officer, service provider or employee to the success of the Company, the value of his or her services to the Company and any other factors which the Board of Directors may deem proper and relevant provided that a director to whom any option may be granted may not participate in the discussion of the Board of Directors to grant such option .
Subject to the provisions of the Stock Option Plan, the Board of Directors shall determine the time or times when options shall be granted, the number of Common Shares for which any option may be granted, the option exercise price at which Common Shares may be purchased under any option, the conditions, if any, to be satisfied before any option may be exercised and the expiry date of any option and cause the Company, subsequent to the grant of an option, to enter into an option agreement with each participant evidencing each option granted which shall incorporate such terms as the board of directors in its discretion deems consistent with the Stock Option Plan. The Stock Option Plan provides that the terms and conditions upon which an option is granted need not be the same for each participant.
The maximum term of any option granted under the Stock Option Plan is ten (10) years from the date of grant of the option. However, it is currently the Company’s practice to grant options that expire five (5) years after the date of grant. The expiration of any option is accelerated if the optionee’s employment or cessation of involvement with the Company terminates for any reason, other than for just cause, in which case the unexercised options granted to such optionee immediately terminate. Subject to different arrangements being made between the Company and an individual optionee, the Stock Option Plan provides that the optionee has 90 days from the date of termination, resignation, removal or discharge to exercise all existing options, except in the case of death of an optionee, in which case options may be exercised by the legal representative (or by the person or persons to whom the rights of the optionee have passed by will or operation o f law) generally for a period of 180 days from the date of death. Other than on death, the options are non-transferable.
36
The maximum number of options that may be granted under the Stock Option Plan is 1,200,000, representing 9.6% of the currently issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. In addition, the number of Common Shares which may be reserved for issuance on the exercise of options granted under the Stock Option Plan and granted under any other arrangement to any one individual (including insiders of the Company) shall not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company (on a non-diluted basis) at the time of the grant.
The exercise price of an option is set by the Board of Directors at the time of grant, based upon the closing price, on the trading market that the Company’s shares are then available to be traded or quoted, of the Common Shares on the last trading day prior to the date of the grant. Currently, the Company’s Common Shares are traded on the Canadian National Stock Exchange (CNSX). Payment of the exercise price of an option may be made by cash, certified cheque or bank draft. The Stock Option Plan does not provide for any financial assistance to be provided to any optionee to facilitate the purchase of Common Shares.
The Board of Directors may suspend, amend or terminate the Stock Option Plan at any time without notice, provided that no outstanding option is adversely affected thereby unless the affected participant consents to such amendment. The further approval of the Shareholders is required only for amendments that increase the number of shares available for issuance under the Stock Option Plan, that materially increase the benefits accruing to participants, or that materially change the class of persons eligible for the granting of options. As of August 31, 2010, the Company has issued and outstanding options to purchase 570,000 common shares, representing 4.4% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company, at exercise prices ranging from $0.12 to $0.80 per common share.
During fiscal 2010, no stock options were granted.
The following table discloses the particulars of the option-based awards granted to the Named Executive Officers under the Company’s stock option plan at March 31, 2010:
| | | | | | |
| Option-Based Awards | Share-Based Awards |
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) | Option Exercise Price ($) | Option Expiration Date | Value of unexercised in-the-money options ($)(1) | Number of shares or units of shares that have not vested (#) | Market or payout value of share-based awards that have not vested ($) |
Lynn Saunders | 50,000 | $0.12 | 08/11/2013 | $2,000 | N/A | N/A |
William Vangool | 100,000 | $0.12 | 08/11/2013 | $4,000 | N/A | N/A |
(1)
This amount is calculated as the difference between the market value of securities underlying the options on March 31, 2010, being the last trading day of the Company’s shares for the financial year ended and the exercise price of the option. On March 31, 2010 the trading price of a common share of the Company on the CNSX was $0.015.
Incentive Plan Awards – value vested or earned during the year
The following table sets forth for the Named Executive Officers, the value of option-based awards and share-based awards which vested or were earned during the most recently completed financial year:
| | | |
Name | Option-based awards – Value vested during the year ($)(1) | Share-based awards – Value vested during the year ($) | Non-equity incentive plan compensation – Value earned during the year ($) |
Lynn Saunders | Nil | N/A | N/A |
William Vangool | Nil | N/A | N/A |
(1)
This amount is calculated as the difference between the market value of securities underlying the options on the vesting dates and the exercise price of the options.
37
Pension Plan Benefits
The Company does not have any deferred compensation plan, pension plan, profit sharing, retirement or other plan that provides for payments or benefits at, following or in connection with retirement.
Termination and change of control benefits
The Company does not have any plan, contract, agreement or plan or arrangement that provides for payments to a Named Executive Officer, at, following or in connection with any termination (whether voluntary, involuntary or constructive), resignation, a change of control of the Company or a change in the Named Executive Officer’s responsibilities, other than as described below.
The Company has written employment agreements with each of its Named Executive Officers which provide for the following notice period/payment to be made to the Named Executive Officer as indicated below on the termination of the employment agreement without cause:
(a)
William David Watson (Chairman and VP Mergers and Acquisitions):
twelve (12) months notice.
(b)
William David Watson II (President and Chief Executive Officer): twelve (12) months notice.
(c)
Lynn Saunders (Chief Financial Officer): two (2) months notice
(d)
William Vangool (President Triodetic Division): Notice as provided for under theEmployment Standards Act (Ontario).
Compensation of Directors
The Company has a policy to pay each non-management director the following compensation:
(a)
an annual retainer of $5,000, paid semi-annually;
(b)
a fee of $1,000.00 for each meeting of the board that they are requested by management to be present in person;
(c)
a fee of $500.00 for each meeting attended by telephone/conference call;
(d)
for each committee meeting held, a fee equal to $500.00 for a committee meeting attended in person that they are requested by management to so attend in person, and $250.00 for each committee meeting attended by telephone/conference call; and
(e)
reasonable expenses incurred in the normal course for board/Company business (i.e. travel and hotel) will be reimbursed by the Company.
The Company currently has six directors, two of which, William David Watson II and William David Watson, are also Named Executive Officers and management directors and are not entitled to director fees. The directors also receive incentive in the form of stock options, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, for serving as directors of the Company. The purpose of the cash fee and the granting of options is to assist the Company in compensating, attracting, retaining and motivating the directors of the Company and to align the personal interest of each of the directors to that of the shareholders.
Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth all amounts of compensation earned by the Company’s directors, other than Named Executive Officers who did not receive any compensation for acting as director, for the most recently completed financial year (year ended March 31, 2010):
| | | | |
Name |
Fees Earned ($) | Option-based awards ($)(1) | All other compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
Robert Shea | 9,720 | 10,436 | N/A | 20,156 |
Jerry Vickers | 9,000 | 10,436 | N/A | 19,436 |
Girvan Patterson | 9,000 | 10,436 | N/A | 19,436 |
John Buchanan | 8,000 | 10,436 | N/A | 18,436 |
(1)
The Company calculated the fair value of the options by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
38
Incentive Plan Awards
The following table discloses the particulars for each director, other than those that are also the Named Executive Officers, for awards outstanding at the end of the most recently completed financial year:
| | | | | | |
| Option-Based Awards | Share-Based Awards |
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) | Option Exercise Price ($) | Option Expiration Date | Value of unexercised in-the-money options ($)(1) | Number of shares or units of shares that have not vested (#) | Market or payout value of share-based awards that have not vested ($) |
Robert Shea | 100,000 | $0.12 | 08/11/2013 | 4,000 | N/A | N/A |
Jerry Vickers | 100,000 | $0.12 | 08/11/2013 | 4,000 | N/A | N/A |
Girvan Patterson | 100,000 | $0.12 | 08/11/2013 | 4,000 | N/A | N/A |
John Buchannan | 100,000 | $0.12 | 08/11/2013 | 4,000 | N/A | N/A |
(1)
This amount is calculated as the difference between the market value of securities underlying the options on March 31, 2010, being the last trading day of the Company’s shares for the financial year ended and the exercise price of the option. On March 31, 2010 the trading price of a common share of the Company on the CNSX was $0.015.
Incentive Plan Awards – value vested or earned during the year
The following table sets forth for the Named Executive Officers, the value of option-based awards and share-based awards which vested or were earned during the most recently completed financial year:
| | | |
Name | Option-based awards – Value vested during the year ($)(1) | Share-based awards – Value vested during the year ($) | Non-equity incentive plan compensation – Value earned during the year ($) |
Robert Shea | Nil | N/A | N/A |
Jerry Vickers | Nil | N/A | N/A |
Girvan Patterson | Nil | N/A | N/A |
John Buchanan | Nil | N/A | N/A |
(1)
This amount is calculated as the difference between the market value of securities underlying the options on the vesting dates and the exercise price of the options. All options granted vested on date of grant and exercise price of $0.12 equal to market price of common shares as at date of grant.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
As of August 31, 2010, the following equity securities of the Company were authorized for issuance pursuant to compensation plans:
39
| | | |
Plan Category | Number of Securities to be Issued upon the Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans |
Equity compensation approved by shareholders (Stock Option Plan) | 570,000 | $0.143 | 630,000 |
Equity compensation not approved by shareholders | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Total | 570,000 | $0.139 | 630,000 |
Indebtedness of Directors and Officers
As at March 31, 2010, no director, officer, employee, former director, officer and employee of the Company or its subsidiary was indebted to the Company.
No amounts are set aside or accrued by the Company or its subsidiaries to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits.
Employment Agreement of the Named Executive Officers
William David Watson – Chairman and VP Mergers and Acquisitions
On February 8, 2000, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. William David Watson (the “Watson Agreement”) for his services as Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions of the Company effective November 1, 1999. The Watson Agreement is for no fixed term and provides for an initial base salary of $150,000. Annual bonuses are at the discretion of the board of directors of the Company. The Watson Agreement may be terminated by the Company upon twelve months notice to Mr. Watson or by Mr. Watson upon two months notice to the Company. On September 1, 2001, Mr. Watson changed his status from being an employee of the Company to providing services to the Company through Wade-Tech Corp., a company controlled by Mr. Watson. The Company terminated the Watson Agreement and entered into a consulting agreement with Wade-Tech Corp. for the continued services of Mr. Watson on substantially the same terms as was contained in the Watson Agree ment.
William David Watson II – President and Chief Executive Officer
On February 8, 2000, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. William David Watson II (the “Watson II Agreement”) for his services as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective November 4, 1999. The Watson II Agreement specifies, among other matters, duties, remuneration, confidentiality, termination of employment and non-competition provisions. The Watson II Agreement is for no fixed term and provides for an initial base salary of $200,000. The Watson II Agreement provides for salary to be reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted, as required, to reflect industry standards. Annual bonuses are at the discretion of the board of directors of the Company. The Watson II Agreement may be terminated by the Company upon twelve months notice to Mr. Watson II or by Mr. Watson II upon two months notice to the Company.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance
The Company does not maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance on behalf of its directors and officers.
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C.
Board Practices.
Term
Each of the directors is elected by the shareholders of the Company and holds office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his or her successor is appointed. The date that each of the directors became a member of the board of Plaintree is set out in the table found in Item 6.A above.
Employment Agreements
Two of the directors, who are also executive officers of the Company, have employment/service contracts with the Company. Please see Item 6.B “Employment Agreements of Named Executive Officers” for further information. See also Item 6.B “Compensation of Directors” set out above.
Audit Committee
The Company’s audit committee is composed of Robert G. Shea, Jerry Vickers and Girvan Patterson.
The audit committee’s purpose is to:
(a)
assist board oversight of:
(i)
the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis of operating performance and other financial reporting;
(ii)
the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
(iii)
the external auditor’s qualifications, independence and performance;
(iv)
the performance of the Company’s internal audit function and internal auditor;
(v)
the communication among the external auditor, the internal auditor, management and the board;
(vi)
the review and approval of any related party transactions; and
(vii)
any other matters as defined by the board;
(b)
prepare and/or approve any report that is required by law or regulation to be included in any of the Company’s public disclosure documents relating to the committee.
Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee
The Company’s compensation and corporate governance committee is composed of W. David Watson II, Girvan Patterson and Jerry Vickers.
The primary role of the compensation and corporate governance committee is to advise the full board on issues in relation to the compensation of the executive officers of the Company and advise on acceptable corporate governance practices.
D.
Employees
As at the date of this 20-F, the Company’s total work force is 60 persons, all of whom are located in Arnprior, Ontario. All employees and service providers execute confidentiality agreements with the Company and assignments of intellectual property rights to the Company. The Company’s employees are not unionized.
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E.
Share Ownership
The table in Item 6.A. sets out the names of the directors and senior management of the Company together with the number of shares and options of the Company held, directly or indirectly, by each as at the date of this 20-F.
As at the date hereof, the directors and senior officers of the Company, as a group, beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, 4,992,986 common shares, representing 38.6% of the common shares then outstanding (excluding any common shares to be obtained on the exercise of options held by the directors and officers).
Stock Option Plan
The Company’s stock option plan is described in Item 6.A of this 20-F.
ITEM 7: MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A.
Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth the common shares held by the owners of 5% or more of the common shares, as known to the Company as of the date of the 20-F:
| | | |
Title of Class | Identity of Person or Group | Number Owned | Percent of Class(1) |
Common Shares | Targa Group Inc. | 2,524,676 | 19.9% |
Common Shares | William David Watson II | 1,925,000 | 14.9% |
Common Shares | Nora Watson | 1,575,000 | 12.2% |
Class A | Targa Electronics Systems Inc. | 9,000 | 49.1% |
Class A | William David Watson II | 5,203.75 | 28.4% |
Class A | Nora Watson | 4,121.25 | 22.5% |
(1)
As at the date of this 20-F there were12,925,253 common shares outstanding and 18,325 class A preferred shares outstanding. The percentage presented in the column does not reflect any of the common shares to be obtained on the exercise of options currently outstanding.
There has been no significant change in the percentage ownership held by the major shareholders during the past three years except for the changes of ownership resulting from the Acquisition.
The Company’s major shareholders do not have any different voting rights than the Company’s other shareholders
To the Company’s knowledge, the Company is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person except that Targa Group Inc. owns approximately 19.9% of the common shares of the Company, Targa Electronics Systems Inc. owns approximately 49.1% of the class A preferred shares of the Company, William David Watson II owns approximately 14.9% of the common shares and 28.4% of the class A preferred shares of the Company and Nora Watson owns approximately 12.2% of the common shares and 22.5% of the class A preferred shares of the Company.
There are no arrangements known to the Company to operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the Company.
B.
Related Party Transactions
There are no material interests, direct or indirect, of directors, senior officers, any shareholder who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over more than 10% of the outstanding voting shares of the Company or any known associate or affiliate of such persons, in any transaction of the Company during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or will materially affect the Company except as disclosed under Item 5.B “Related Party Transactions” and “Employment Agreement of the Named Executive Officers”.
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C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not Applicable.
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
The following financial statements of the Company and the report of the independent auditor are included as Appendix A as noted in Exhibit 1: Fiscal 2010 Statements thereto, together with the report thereon of Deloitte & Touche LLP:
(a)
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants relating to the Fiscal 2010 Statements;
(b)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009;
(c)
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and 2008;
(d)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008;
(e)
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficiency) for the years ended March 31,
2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008; and
(f)
Notes to the Fiscal 2010 Statements.
B.
Significant Changes
None.
ITEM 9: THE OFFER AND LISTING
A.
Offer and Listing Details
The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices of the common shares of the Company for the fiscal periods indicated:
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| | | | | | | |
Canadian National Stock Exchange(1)/OTCBB |
| Price Per Share (Canadian $ unless otherwise noted) |
| High | Low |
Full Financial Years (Five Most Recent – ending on March 31 in each year) |
| CNSX | OTCBB | CNSX | OTCBB |
2006 | n/a | 0.70 USD | n/a | 0.03 USD |
2007 | n/a | 0.15 USD | n/a | 0.04 USD |
2008 | n/a | 0.30 USD | n/a | 0.04 USD |
2009 | 0.35 | 0.30 USD | 0.10 | 0.01 USD |
2010 | 0.30 | 0.25 USD | 0.15 | 0.00 USD |
Full Financial Quarters (Two Most Recent Years ending on March 31 in each year and Q1 2011 ending on June 30, 2010) |
| CNSX | OTCBB | CNSX | OTCBB |
2009 |
First Quarter | n/a | 0.21 USD | n/a | 0.01 USD |
Second Quarter | n/a | 0.30 USD | n/a | 0.06 USD |
Third Quarter | 0.30 | 0.30 USD | 0.10 | 0.12 USD |
Fourth Quarter | 0.35 | 0.25 USD | 0.10 | 0.12 USD |
2010 |
First Quarter | 0.30 | 0.18 USD | 0.10 | 0.08 USD |
Second Quarter | 0.30 | 0.4 USD | 0.07 | 0.06 USD |
Third Quarter | 0.11 | 0.11 USD | 0.15 | 0.02 USD |
Fourth Quarter | 0.04 | 0.25 USD | 0.015 | 0.00 USD |
2011 |
First Quarter | 0.05 | 0.031 USD | 0.005 | 0.025 USD |
Monthly (Most Recent 6 Months ending on August 31, 2010) |
| CNSX | OTCBB | CNSX | OTCBB |
March 2010 | 0.02 | 0.25 USD | 0.015 | 0.04 USD |
April 2010 | 0.015 | 0.031 USD | 0.15 | 0.01 USD |
May 2010 | 0.015 | 0.031 USD | 0.005 | 0.025 USD |
June 2010 | 0.05 | 0.025 USD | 0.005 | 0.02 USD |
July 2010 | 0.05 | 0.1 USD | 0.005 | 0.02 USD |
August 2010 | 0.010 | 0.1 USD | 0.005 | 0.03 USD |
(1)
The Company’s common shares began trading on the Canadian National Stock Exchange on September 24, 2008.
As of the date of this 20-F, approximately 11% of the Company’s common shares, or 1,427,029 common shares, were held by 57 registered shareholders having addresses of record located in the United States
B.
Plan of Distribution
Not Applicable.
C.
Markets
The Company’s common shares are quoted for trading on the Canadian National Stock Exchange and began trading on such exchange on September 24, 2008. The Company’s common shares are also quoted on the OTCBB. The Company’s common shares were listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange from June 1993 until delisted on October 17, 2005 for failure to meet the continued listing requirements. The Company’s shares were also listed on the NASDAQ National Market from May 1995 until April 1, 1999.
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D.
Selling Shareholders
Not Applicable.
E.
Dilution
Not Applicable.
F.
Expenses of the Issue
Not Applicable.
ITEM 10: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A.
Share Capital
Not Applicable.
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Articles of Amalgamation and By-laws
Pursuant to the articles of amalgamation dated April 1, 2008 of the Company, there are no restrictions on the business the Company may carry on.
Pursuant to By-law No. 1 of the Company dated April 1, 2008, a director or officer of the Company must disclose to the Company, as required by law, any interest such director or officer has in a material contract or transaction, whether made or proposed, with the Company, if such director or officer (a) is a party to the contract or transaction; (b) is a director or an officer, or an individual acting in a similar capacity, of a party to the contract or transaction; or (c) has a material interest in a party to the contract or transaction. Such a director may not vote on any resolution to approve the same except as provided for in theCanada Business Corporations Act.
The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares without par value and an unlimited number of class A preferred shares, of which 12,925,253 common shares and 18,325 class A preferred shares are outstanding as at the date of this 20-F.
Common Shares
Voting - Holders of common shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at all meetings of shareholders of the Company, other than meetings at which only the holders of another particular class or series are entitled to vote, and each holder is entitled to one vote per common share.
Dividends - Holders of common shares are, at the discretion of the board of directors of the Company, entitled to receive out of any or all profits or surplus of the Company properly available for the payment of dividends, and after payment of any dividends payable on the Preferred Shares, any dividends declared by the board of directors and payable by the Company on its common shares. However, the Company has never paid any dividends on its common shares.
Dissolution - Holders of common shares are entitled to share equally in any distribution of the assets of the Company upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or other distribution of its assets among its shareholders. Such participation is subject to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to any preferred shares issued and outstanding at such time.
Class A Preferred Shares
Voting – Except as required by law, holders of class A preferred shares are not entitled to receive notice of or to attend and vote at meetings of shareholders of the Company.
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Dividends - In each fiscal year, as and when declared by the board of directors and always in preference and priority to any payment of dividends on the common shares, the holders of the class A preferred shares are entitled to cumulative dividends in the amount of eight percent (8%) of the Redemption Amount per annum. The expression “Redemption Amount” means $1,000 per class A preferred share. No dividends is to be shall be paid or set apart for payment upon the common shares unless all cumulative dividends on the class A preferred shares have been declared and paid or set aside for payment. In any year that dividends are not paid, the amount of the dividends for that year will accumulate and be added to the amount required to be paid on the class A preferred shares when dividends are so declared by the board of directors. The holders of class A preferred shares are not entitled to dividends in excess of the yearly 8% per annum as described above.
Redemption - The class A preferred shares are redeemable at any time in whole or in part at the option of the Company upon payment of the Redemption Amount plus an amount equal to all dividends which have at the relevant time been declared or accrued thereon but which have not then been paid (if any).
Dissolution - In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the class A preferred shares shall be entitled to receive, before any distribution of any part of the assets of the Company among the holders of the common shares, an amount equal to the Redemption Amount plus an amount equal to all dividends which have at the relevant time been declared or accrued thereon but which have not then been paid (if any) and no more.
To change the rights of holders of the common shares or class A preferred shares, approval of the shareholders and an amendment to the articles of the Company are necessary.
Annual and special meetings of shareholders are generally called by the board of directors of the Company but holders than not less than five percent of the issued shares of the Company that carry the right to vote at a meeting may requisition the directors to call a meeting of shareholders for the purposes stated in the requisition.
There are no limitations on the right to own securities, including the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on the securities imposed by Canadian law or by the charter or other constating documents of the Company.
The Company’s articles and by-laws do not contain any provisions that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving the Company (or any of its subsidiaries).
The Company’s by-laws do not contain any provisions governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
C.
Material Contracts
See Items 4.A and 5.B.
D.
Exchange Controls
To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no governmental laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation in Canada which may affect the import or export of capital by the Company, or, except as described in Item 10.E. below, the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holder of the Company’s securities.
E.
Taxation
Canadian Income Tax
The following is a summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under theIncome Tax Act(Canada) (the “Act”) generally applicable to holders of common shares who are not resident or deemed to be resident in Canada, who hold their common shares as capital property and who do not use or hold and are not deemed to use or hold common shares in carrying on business in Canada, except, in certain situations, holders who carry on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere. This summary is based on the current provisions of the Act, the regulations thereunder, specific proposals to amend the Act or the regulations publicly announced by the Minister of Finance before the date hereof and counsel’s understanding of the current administrative practices published by Canada Revenue Agency but does not take into account provincial or territorial income tax laws. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible income tax considerations and holders or prospective purchasers are advised to consult with their own tax advisers with respect to their particular circumstances.
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Capital gains realized on the disposition of common shares will not be subject to tax under the Act unless such common shares are taxable Canadian property of the holder within the meaning of the Act. Common shares will generally not be taxable Canadian property to a holder unless, at any time during the five-year period immediately preceding a disposition, the holder, persons with whom the holder did not deal at arm’s length was considered to own under the Act 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of the Company. Even if the common shares constitute taxable Canadian property to a particular holder, an exemption from tax under the act may be available under the provisions of any applicable international tax treaty. In the case of residents of the United States (other than certain former residents of Canada), the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (the “US/Canada Tax Treaty”) provides an exemption from tax un less the value of the common shares at the time of disposition is derived principally from real property situated in Canada (which the Company believes is not currently the case and does not expect to be the case in the future).
Dividends paid or credited on the common shares will be subjected to Canadian withholding tax under the Act at a rate of 25%, subject to reduction under the provisions of any applicable international tax treaty. In the case of residents of the Unites States who own less than 10% of the Company’s voting stock, the U.S./Canada Tax Treaty reduces the rate to 15%. Under the U.S./Canada Tax Treaty, dividends paid to certain religious, scientific, charitable and similar tax-exempt organizations and certain pension organizations that are resident in, and exempt from tax in, the United States are exempt from Canadian non-resident withholding tax. Provided that certain administrative procedures are observed regarding registration of such organizations, the Company will not be required to withhold such tax from payments made to such organizations. Qualifying organizations that fail to follow the required administrative procedures will have to file a clai m for refund to recover any amounts withheld.
F.
Dividend and Paying Agents
Not Applicable.
G.
Statement by Experts
Not Applicable.
H.
Documents on Display
Copies of the documents concerning the Company referred to in this 20-F may be inspected at the principal executive office of the Company.
I.
Subsidiary Information
The Company has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: (i) Plaintree Systems Corporation, a wholly-owned inactive subsidiary incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware; and (ii) Triodetic Space Frames, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware.
ITEM 11: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the financial statements of the Company due to adverse changes in financial markets. The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. Inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations.
The Company is financed through loans from related parties which bear interest at rates tied to the Canadian bank prime rates. Consequently, the Company is exposed to the risk of increases in the prime rate.
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The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk in that the majority of its sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company does not currently hedge its exposure to currency or interest rate fluctuations.
ITEM 12: DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not Applicable.
PART II
ITEM 13: DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None other than defaults described in Item 5.B.
ITEM 14: MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 15: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company (as defined in §240.13a-15(f) or 240.15d-15(f)). Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, 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.
Based on its evaluation, management concluded that a material weakness existed in its internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2010 related to the preparation of the Company’s U.S. GAAP reconciliation. A material weakness is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Specifically the Company has identified a lack of sufficient personnel with appropriate knowledge, experience and training in U.S. GAAP to facilitate the timely preparation of its U.S. GAAP reconciliation. As a result of this material weakness, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2010 was ineffective.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the permanent exemption rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The public accounting firm that audited the Company’s financial statements has not issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16A: AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Girvan Paterson, a member of the Company’s board of directors and audit committee is a financial expert. Mr. Patterson is independent of management of the Company.
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ITEM 16B: CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has not yet developed a code of ethics for its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. As previously reported, the Company has been concentrating on finding revenue and funding sources and this has taken significant management and board time. The Company will develop a code of ethics for its officers as circumstances improve.
ITEM 16C: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit Fees
Deloitte & Touche LLP have been the auditors of the Company for the last three fiscal years. Audit fees for 2010 were $90,000 (2009 - $112,160). The audit committee pre-approves all audit fees.
Audit Related Fees
No audit related fees were incurred in fiscal 2010 or 2009.
Tax Fees
Fees for professional services rendered by the Deloitte & Touche LLP for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for 2010 were $11,025 (2009 - $10,500). The audit committee pre-approves all tax fees.
All Other Fees
Other fees for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported under the headings “Audit Fees”, “Audit Related Fees” and “Tax Fees” above for 2010 were $60,000 (2009 - $2,860). The audit committee pre-approves all other fees.
ITEM 16D: EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E: PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
None.
ITEM 16F: CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 16G: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company’s corporate governance practices do not differ significantly from those followed by domestic companies under the listing standards of the Canadian National Stock Exchange.
PART III
ITEM 17: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements of the Company and the report of the independent auditor are attached as an Appendix A as noted in Exhibit 1:
(a)
Report of Independent Registered Chartered Accountants relating to the Fiscal 2010 Statements;
(b)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009;
(c)
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008;
(d)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008;
(e)
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficiency) for the years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008; and
(f)
Notes to the Fiscal 2010 Statements.
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(c)
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008;
(d)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008;
(e)
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficiency) for the years ended March 31, 2010, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008; and
(f)
Notes to the Fiscal 2010 Statements.
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 17.
ITEM 19: EXHIBITS
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Date: September 27, 2010
PLAINTREE SYSTEMS INC.
Per:
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David Watson
President and Chief Executive Officer