- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------------ FORM 20-F --------------- / / REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) or (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 or /X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, or / / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ____________ to ____________ Commission File No.: 1-4192 MFC BANCORP LTD. (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) YUKON TERRITORY, CANADA (JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) 6 RUE CHARLES-BONNET, 1206 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (41 22) 818-2999 (ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF OFFICE) Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE 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: NONE Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 12,041,156 COMMON SHARES WITHOUT PAR VALUE 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 which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow. Item 17 / / Item 18 /X/ - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The statements in this annual report that are not based on historical facts are called "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the UNITED STATES PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. These statements appear in a number of different places in this annual report and can be identified by words such as "estimates", "projects", "expects", "intends", "believes", "plans", or their negatives or other comparable words. Also look for discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the outlook for our future operations, forecasts of future costs and expenditures, evaluation of market conditions, the outcome of legal proceedings, the adequacy of reserves, or other business plans. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees and may involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to risks facing us or due to actual facts differing from the assumptions underlying our predictions. Some of these risks and assumptions include: - general economic and business conditions, including changes in interest rates; - prices and other economic conditions; - natural phenomena; - actions by government authorities, including changes in government regulation; - uncertainties associated with legal proceedings; - technological development; - future decisions by management in response to changing conditions; - our ability to execute prospective business plans; and - misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. We advise you that these cautionary remarks expressly qualify in their entirety all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf. In this Form 20-F annual report, unless otherwise specified, all monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars. The following table sets out the exchange rates, based on the noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars in effect at the end of the following periods, and the average exchange rates (based on the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month in such periods) and the range of high and low exchange rates for such periods. YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- End of period............................................ 0.6925 0.6504 0.6999 0.7301 0.7323 High for period.......................................... 0.6925 0.7105 0.7487 0.7513 0.7527 Low for the period....................................... 0.6535 0.6341 0.6945 0.7235 0.7023 Average for the period................................... 0.6744 0.6714 0.7221 0.7332 0.7286 The information set forth in this Form 20-F annual report is as at December 31, 1999 unless an earlier or later date is indicated. On April 25, 2000, the noon rate of exchange, as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars was U.S.$0.6803 per Canadian dollar. 2 MFC BANCORP LTD. FORM 20-F TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO. -------- PART I ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS..................................... 4 The Company................................................. 4 General..................................................... 4 Business of MFC............................................. 4 ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES................................... 7 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS........................................... 9 ITEM 4. CONTROL OF REGISTRANT....................................... 9 ITEM 5. NATURE OF TRADING MARKET.................................... 9 Market Information.......................................... 9 Shareholder Distribution.................................... 9 Dividend Information........................................ 10 ITEM 6. EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND OTHER LIMITATIONS AFFECTING SECURITY HOLDERS............................................ 10 ITEM 7. TAXATION.................................................... 11 Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences............ 11 Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences....... 11 ITEM 8. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA..................................... 13 ITEM 9. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS................................... 14 Results of Operations....................................... 14 Liquidity and Capital Resources............................. 16 Foreign Currency............................................ 17 European Economic and Monetary Union........................ 17 Derivative Instruments...................................... 17 Year 2000................................................... 18 Inflation................................................... 18 ITEM 9A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK........................................................ 18 ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT........................ 20 ITEM 11. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS...................... 21 Executive Compensation...................................... 21 Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment or Change of Control........................................... 21 ITEM 12. OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES FROM REGISTRANT OR SUBSIDIARIES............................................. 22 ITEM 13. INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.............. 22 PART II ITEM 14. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED.................. 23 PART III ITEM 15. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES............................. 23 ITEM 16. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND CHANGES IN SECURITY FOR REGISTERED SECURITIES....................................... 23 PART IV ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................ 23 ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................ 23 ITEM 19. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS........................... 23 SIGNATURES.................................................. 51 3 PART I ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS IN THIS DOCUMENT, PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: - REFERENCES TO "WE", "OUR", "US" OR "MFC" MEAN MFC BANCORP LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES UNLESS THE CONTEXT OF THE SENTENCE CLEARLY SUGGESTS OTHERWISE; - ALL REFERENCES TO MONETARY AMOUNTS ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED; AND - SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED IN U.S. DOLLARS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES USING AN EXCHANGE RATE OF ONE CANADIAN DOLLAR BEING EQUAL TO U.S.$0.6925, BEING THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NEW YORK RATE OF CONVERSION FOR CANADIAN DOLLARS TO U.S. DOLLARS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1999. THE COMPANY MFC was originally incorporated in June 1951 by letters patent. We were continued under the CANADA BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT in March 1980 and under the BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT (Yukon) in August 1996. Our name was changed to "Nalcap Holdings Inc." in August 1987, to "Arbatax International Inc." in March 1996 and to MFC in February 1997. GENERAL We are a financial services company that focuses on merchant banking. We provide specialized banking and corporate finance services internationally. We advise clients on corporate strategy and structure, including mergers and acquisitions and capital raising. We also commit our own capital to promising enterprises and invest and trade to capture investment opportunities for our own account. We seek to invest in businesses or assets whose intrinsic value is not properly reflected in their share price or value. Our proprietary investing is generally not passive and we seek investments where our financial expertise and management can either add or unlock value. We are principally based in Switzerland and our operations are primarily conducted in Europe and North America. BUSINESS OF MFC Our business focuses on providing innovative finance and advisory services for corporate finance transactions and capital raising. We counsel clients on business and financing strategy and the execution of transactions that advance their strategic goals, including mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations and divestitures, and assist in structuring and raising capital. We focus on meeting the financial needs of small to mid-sized public companies and other business enterprises primarily in Europe and North America. We believe that many of these clients, particularly in Europe, are underserviced by the large global investment banks and financial service providers. We specialize in advising and structuring business enterprises involved in unstructured and novel situations where a strong financial partner is needed and traditional, off-the-shelf solutions are not workable. In addition, from time to time, we act as a bridge lender or provide interim financing to business enterprises pending reorganization or prior to their going public to generate fee income and in conjunction with our investment strategy. In furtherance of this strategy, we often advise and help restructure enterprises that are undergoing financial stress or have or are near debt defaults. Our entrepreneurial experience and lean operating structure permit us to respond more rapidly to our clients' needs than many of our larger competitors. These traits are important to small and mid-sized business enterprises, many of which do not have large internal corporate finance departments to handle their capital requirements. We develop a partnership approach to assist those clients. These activities are principally conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiary, MFC Merchant Bank S.A. ("MFC Bank"). MFC Bank is a licensed full-service Swiss bank based in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1999, we de-emphasized our private banking services as a result of the global consolidation of asset managers and shrinking margins. As a result, we now place such client assets with a large Swiss Cantonal bank and other financial institutions. These arrangements let us maintain key client relationships and mandates where we can provide value-added advisory services and yet offer clients the security, capability and economies of scale of a large Swiss banking institution. 4 Our sources of revenues include fees and commissions from financial services, interest income and related trading income. Service fees are generated from the brokerage of securities, as well as securities custody and clearing and agency services. We also earn fees from commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and guarantees. We earn investment banking fees by providing strategic and financial advice and arranging financing for clients. We earn interest income through interest earned on our capital from securities margin loans to clients. We earn trading income from the purchase and sale of debt and equity securities for our own account. Our proprietary investing consists of investing our own capital and utilizing our expertise to capture investment opportunities. We seek to invest in businesses or assets whose intrinsic value is not properly reflected in their share price or value. Our investing is generally not passive and we invest where we believe our expertise in financial restructuring and management can add or unlock value. We invest globally and our objective is to maximize total return measured through both long-term appreciation and recognized gains. Our most important proprietary investment is our indirect interest in a mineral royalty (the "royalty interest") in the Wabush Iron Ore Mine (the "Wabush Mine") located in the Province of Newfoundland, Canada. It has provided an uninterrupted source of fairly predictable revenue for over 30 years, which we have used to finance our proprietary investments. The royalty interest consists of a mining sub-lease of the lands upon which the Wabush Mine is situated that commenced in 1956 and expires in the year 2055. The terms of the mining sub-lease do not provide for renewal. Pursuant to the royalty interest, the operator of the Wabush Mine pays royalties to the holder of the royalty interest based upon the amount of iron ore shipped from the Wabush Mine. The per ton royalty amount increases or decreases with fluctuations in the "world price" for iron ore pellets and the U.S. Iron and Steel Subgroup Producer Price Index, subject to a minimum royalty amount of $0.75 per ton. Revenues from the royalty interest are subject to a minimum annual royalty of $3.25 million and are dependent on both the price levels for iron ore and the amount of iron ore shipped from the Wabush Mine. Gross revenues from the royalty interest were $11.2 million, $12.9 million and $13.1 million in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The royalty interest, which is stated on our balance sheet at its historical cost of $1.7 million, was independently appraised in 1998 at a mid-point value of $30.0 million on a pre-tax basis using an 11% rate of return. We originally acquired the royalty interest in 1956 and, in 1992, assigned our beneficial interest to Prada Holdings Ltd. ("Prada"), in exchange for its preferred shares. We retained legal title to the royalty interest and are responsible for all administration, receipt of payments, payment of taxes and other matters relating to the royalty interest. The Prada preferred shares have an annual dividend rate based upon the anticipated revenues to be received from the royalty interest. We also own all of the outstanding debentures of Prada in the approximate principal amount of $27.0 million. At the time of assignment Prada had substantial Canadian tax losses, and the royalty interest represents substantially all of its revenue. Other proprietary investments include an approximate 81% interest in TriMaine Holdings, Inc. which holds a portfolio of undeveloped real estate assets which are located in the Pacific Northwest region of the State of Washington. We acquired this interest in 1996 at an aggregate cost of approximately $13.4 million. We are conducting pre-development work relating to infrastructure, rezoning, subdivision and permitting on a substantial portion of the properties. We may develop some of the properties through partnerships, joint ventures or other associations with local developers as an interim step in the sale of a property and will continue pre-development work on the properties to the extent necessary to protect or enhance their value. We intend to divest or otherwise monetize these real estate assets and redeploy the proceeds in our merchant banking activities. We may also seek to exchange these real estate assets for equity interests. At December 31, 1999, we also had investments of approximately $3.6 million relating to insurance obligations with respect to our insurance operations which we originally acquired in 1991. All of the policies of our insurance operations have expired and we manage and administer the outstanding claims in the ordinary course. This investment portfolio consists of short-term and long-term fixed interest debt securities as well as common and preferred shares. We are principally based in Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland and our operations are primarily conducted in Europe and North America. We currently employ 37 people. 5 The following is a summary of our revenues by geographic region for the years set forth: 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- (in thousands) Canada...................................................... $ 17,851 $ 31,392 $29,043 Switzerland................................................. 88,075 88,237 30,925 United States............................................... 19,600 3,681 26,092 -------- -------- ------- $125,526 $123,310 $86,060 ======== ======== ======= Our banking operations are subject to various Swiss regulatory requirements, including capital requirements administered by the Swiss Federal Banking Commission (the "SFBC"). The SFBC is our primary banking regulator and establishes minimum capital requirements for MFC Bank. Our failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary action by the SFBC that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on us. Under risk-based capital adequacy guidelines established by the SFBC, banks in Switzerland must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and other off-balance sheet items, as calculated under Swiss regulatory accounting practices. Our banking operations are required to file certain reports with the SFBC and we are subject to their examination. MFC Bank is subject to restrictions on loans and extensions of credit to, and on certain other types of transactions with, affiliates. We believe that the capital of our banking operations is sufficient for its current and reasonably foreseeable operations. Our banking operations place substantially all of their client deposits with other major financial institutions on a fiduciary or trust basis and earn a fee on the amount of money received from the counterparty. This is in contrast to most North American banks, which generate revenue from the spread between their cost of funds and the credit received. These fiduciary or trust deposits are off-balance sheet items and permit us to generate revenues without committing or tying up significant amounts of capital. Our primary risks are credit or counterparty risks, market risks and transaction risks. We have adopted comprehensive risk management processes to facilitate, control and monitor risk taking. Further, we do not engage in certain businesses such as real estate or consumer lending. We enter into derivative contracts only to provide products and services to clients and to protect our foreign exchange exposure. Credit risk arises from the possibility that counterparties may default on their obligations to us. These obligations can arise from placing money market deposits, the extension of credit in trading and investment activities, and participation in payment and securities transactions on our behalf and as an agent on behalf of clients. We manage credit risk on an individual transaction, counterparty level and on a portfolio basis. Credit limits for clients and counterparties are established by our credit officers and management with knowledge of the client's creditworthiness. In addition, we have established policies and limitations with respect to our securities lending practices. Our management also reviews and monitors exposure concentrations at a portfolio level. To reduce credit or counterparty risk, we only place money market deposits with major banks selected for their financial strength and reliability. Further, we otherwise attempt only to deal with creditworthy counterparties and obtain collateral where appropriate. Transaction risks can arise from our investment banking activities and relate to the risks of the proposed transaction. These risks include market and credit risks associated with underwriting securities as well as risks associated with our role in providing advisory services. We manage transaction risk through allocating and monitoring our capital requirements, only underwriting securities in circumstances where the risk to our capital is minimal, careful screening of clients and transactions, and engaging qualified personnel to manage transactions. Market risks relate to fluctuations in the liquidity of securities, as well as volatility in market conditions generally. The market for securities and other related products are affected by many factors over which we have little or no control. These factors include the financial performance and prospects of specific companies and industries, world markets and economic conditions, the availability of credit and capital, political events and perceptions of market participants. 6 ACQUISITIONS We acquired MFC Bank in February 1997 for $27.4 million plus an annual fee of between 0.25% to 0.50% of certain clients' assets held under management by it at the time of sale and retained by it during the first three years after closing, plus 50% of any actual Swiss tax savings realized by MFC Bank from the utilization of its initial tax loss carry-forwards. In September 1997, we acquired Bank Rinderknecht AG ("BRA") for $9.6 million. BRA was headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland and was active in private banking and securities trading until it was placed in liquidation by the SFBC in August 1997. Following its acquisition, we merged BRA with MFC Bank and rationalized the combined operations, including transferring all administrative activities to Geneva, Switzerland. The acquisition of BRA broadened our client base and provided us with substantial future tax benefits, including tax loss carry-forwards of approximately $44.0 million. In 1997, we also completed the acquisition of the MFC Securities group of companies ("MFC Securities"), a bond trading enterprise based in Zurich, Switzerland. We acquired MFC Securities for its approximate book value of $15.7 million plus a contingent variable annual fee payable in cash or in common shares of MFC, at the option of the vendors, and based upon MFC Securities' future net-after-tax profits. We acquired approximately 35% of the outstanding common shares and three million variable voting redeemable preferred shares of Drummond Financial Corporation ("DFC") for an aggregate cost of approximately $11.8 million in 1996. DFC was an "asset lender" and over time we rationalized and collected its loan portfolio. Subsequently, we increased our interest to approximately 49.4% of the common shares of DFC, which, together with the preferred shares, provides us with control over approximately 76% of the voting power. In 1998, we acquired all of DFC's outstanding bonds in consideration of U.S.$15.2 million of our 8% convertible subordinated bonds due April 2008. COMPETITION We conduct our business in a global environment that is highly competitive and unpredictable. We compete against brokerage firms, investment banks, merchant banks and other investment managers. We face competition in Switzerland from other banks, asset managers and a range of non-bank financial institutions and internationally from investment banks and securities dealers. Many of our competitors are national or international companies with far greater resources, capital and access to information than us. As a result, we may become involved in transactions with more risk. Numerous variables may have a material effect on our results of operations, including: - economic and market conditions, including the liquidity of capital markets; - the volatility of market prices, rates and indices; - the timing and volume of market activity; - inflation; - the cost of capital, including interest rates; - political events, including legislative, regulatory and other developments; - competitive forces, including our ability to attract and retain personnel; - support systems; and - investor sentiment. ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES Our principal office is located in Geneva, Switzerland and we also maintain offices in Zurich, Switzerland and Toronto, Canada. All of our premises are leased. 7 We participate in the royalty interest through our ownership of preferred shares of Prada issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in the royalty interest. The royalty interest consists of a mining sub-lease of the lands upon which the Wabush Mine is situated that commenced in 1956 and expires in the year 2055. The lessor is Knoll Lake Minerals Limited ("Knoll Lake"), which holds a mining lease from the Province of Newfoundland, Canada. We own 39.5% of the outstanding capital stock of Knoll Lake. The lease requires the payment of royalties to Knoll Lake of $0.22 per ton on shipments of iron ore from the Wabush Mine. Knoll Lake pays annual dividends to its shareholders equal to its royalties less expenses and income taxes. We transferred our interest in the mining site and surface rights to the Wabush Mine to Wabush Iron Company Limited, which is owned by the Interlake Iron Corporation, Inland Steel Company and Pickands, Mather & Company, for a term co-extensive with our original lease. Iron ore is shipped from the Wabush Mine to Pointe Noire, Quebec, Canada, where it is pelletized. Geological studies done on the Wabush Mine to date have estimated that the mine has iron ore deposits of approximately 713 million tons averaging 34.5 fe. In 1997, 1998 and 1999, 5.7 million, 5.6 million and 5.5 million tons of iron ore, respectively, were shipped from the Wabush Mine. The Wabush Mine is operated by an unincorporated joint venture consisting of Wabush Iron Company Limited (U.S.A.), Steel Company of Canada Limited (Canada) and Dominion Foundries & Steel Limited (Canada) (collectively, the "Consortium"), which pays royalties to the holder of the royalty interest based upon the amount of iron ore shipped from the Wabush Mine. These royalties are not to be less than $3.25 million annually until the year 2055. In 1987, the royalty rate specified in the base price was amended to require a base royalty rate of $1.685 per ton with escalations as defined by agreement. The prior agreement with the Consortium with respect to renegotiating escalations to the base rate has expired. Iron ore is typically sold either as a concentrate, whereby the iron ore is in granular form, or as a pellet, whereby iron ore concentrate has been mixed with a binding agent, formed into a pellet and then fired in a furnace. Iron ore pellets can be charged directly into blast furnaces without further processing and are primarily used to produce pig iron which is subsequently transformed into steel. As such, the demand and, consequently, the pricing of iron ore is dependent upon the raw material requirements of integrated steel producers. Demand for blast furnace steel is in turn cyclical in nature and is influenced by, among other things, the level of general economic activity. As the operator of the Wabush Mine is owned by the Consortium of steel producers, production from the mine has been generally maintained at relatively consistent levels. The royalty interest is subject to an escalation tax that is payable to the Province of Newfoundland, Canada based upon the amount of iron ore shipped from the Wabush Mine and computed pursuant to the Mesabi Old Range Non-Bessemer ore market price (the "Reference Price"). The escalation tax was $0.37 per ton in each of 1997, 1998 and 1999. The Reference Price has ceased to be published and we are discussing possible alternatives with the Government of Newfoundland. We also indirectly own approximately 102 acres of undeveloped real property which is annexed to the City of Gig Harbour, Washington, which is located at the west end of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from Tacoma, Washington. Of the total acreage, 50 acres are now zoned for retail/commercial use, 35 acres for medium density (8 units per acre) residential use and 17 acres for business park/professional office use. The retail portion of the property is under an option agreement for the development of a regional shopping centre. We may develop all or part of the remaining land through partnerships, joint ventures or other economic associations with local developers. Our current involvement with the property is limited to pre-development work, including infrastructure (roads, sewer and water services), preliminary permits, market studies, feasibility studies and related activities. We also indirectly own a 17.2 acre property located in Federal Way, Washington located north of South 356th Street on Pacific Highway South. This property is zoned business park and all utilities are available to the site. The site is encumbered by a wetland area which has been estimated at 2.4 acres exclusive of setback requirements. Currently, site approval applications have been made for an 800-unit self-storage facility and an 80,000 square foot warehouse/office facility. 8 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS In 1999, we successfully appealed a Canada Customs and Revenue Agency tax reassessment which would have resulted in additional taxes of approximately $9.8 million and reduced our non-taxable loss for 1993. We are subject to routine litigation incidental to our business but do not anticipate that the outcome of such litigation will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. ITEM 4. CONTROL OF REGISTRANT The following table sets forth certain information as at March 31, 2000 concerning the ownership of our common shares as to each person known to us, based solely upon public records and filings, to be the direct and/or indirect owner of more than ten percent of our common shares: TITLE OF CLASS IDENTITY OF PERSON OR GROUP AMOUNT OWNED PERCENT OF CLASS - -------------- --------------------------- ------------ ---------------- Common shares.................................. Peter Kellogg 2,188,800(1) 18.2% - --------------- (1) In his public filings, Mr. Kellogg disclaims beneficial ownership of 1,975,500 of the shares, or approximately 16.4% of our issued and outstanding shares. MFC's officers and directors, as a group, own or control, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of 1,104,943 common shares and have options on 1,584,500 common shares, representing approximately 19.7% of our common shares on a fully diluted basis. ITEM 5. NATURE OF TRADING MARKET MARKET INFORMATION Our common shares are quoted on the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq") under the symbol "MXBIF" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "MFC GR". The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sales prices of our common shares on Nasdaq for the periods indicated: NASDAQ ---------------------- HIGH LOW ---------- --------- 1998 March 31.................................................... U.S.$14.06 U.S.$9.88 June 30..................................................... 14.38 9.50 September 30................................................ 10.31 5.88 December 31................................................. 9.25 4.69 1999 March 31.................................................... 9.00 6.50 June 30..................................................... 8.31 5.81 September 30................................................ 12.25 6.31 December 31................................................. 9.50 7.50 2000 March 31.................................................... 10.00 6.75 April 1 to April 25......................................... 8.00 6.81 SHAREHOLDER DISTRIBUTION As at April 25, 2000, there were approximately 2,178 holders of record of our common shares and a total of 12,042,156 common shares were outstanding. Approximately 10,764,337 or 89% of our common shares are held of record by 1,828 U.S. holders, including depositories and clearing agencies. 9 DIVIDEND INFORMATION The actual timing, payment and amount of dividends paid on our common shares is determined by our board of directors, based upon things such as our cash flow, results of operations and financial condition, the need for funds to finance ongoing operations and such other business considerations as our board of directors considers relevant. In June 1997, we paid a dividend of $0.01 per share and, in June 1998, we paid a dividend of U.S.$0.02 per share. ITEM 6. EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND OTHER LIMITATIONS AFFECTING SECURITY HOLDERS There are presently no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada which restrict the export or import of capital, or which impose foreign exchange controls or affect the remittance of interest, dividends or other payments to non-resident holders of MFC's common shares. However, any remittances of dividends to United States residents are subject to a 15% withholding tax (5% if the beneficial owner of the dividends is a corporation owning at least 10% of the voting shares of MFC) pursuant to Article X of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the "Treaty"). See "ITEM 7. Taxation". Except as provided in the INVESTMENT CANADA ACT (the "ICA"), there are no limitations specific to the rights of non-Canadians to hold or vote our common shares under the laws of Canada or the Yukon Territory, or in our charter documents. The following summarizes the principal features of the ICA for non-Canadian residents proposing to acquire our common shares. THIS SUMMARY IS OF A GENERAL NATURE ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL ADVICE TO ANY HOLDER OR PROSPECTIVE HOLDER OF OUR COMMON SHARES, AND NO OPINION OR REPRESENTATION TO ANY HOLDER OR PROSPECTIVE HOLDER OF OUR COMMON SHARES IS HEREBY MADE. ACCORDINGLY, HOLDERS AND PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN LEGAL ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING AND OWNING OUR COMMON SHARES. The ICA governs the acquisition of Canadian businesses by non-Canadians. Under the ICA, non-Canadian persons or entities acquiring "control" (as defined in the ICA) of a corporation carrying on business in Canada are required to either notify, or file an application for review with, Investment Canada, the federal agency created by the ICA. Investment Canada may review any transaction which results in the direct or indirect acquisition of control of a Canadian business, where the gross value of corporate assets exceeds certain threshold levels (such thresholds being favourably varied for U.S. citizens by legislation relating to the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement) or where the activity of the business is related to Canada's cultural heritage or national identity. No change of voting control will be deemed to have occurred, for purposes of the ICA, if less than one-third of the voting control of a Canadian corporation is acquired by an investor. If an investment is reviewable under the ICA, an application for review in the form prescribed is normally required to be filed with Investment Canada prior to the investment taking place, and the investment may not be implemented until the review has been completed and the Minister responsible for Investment Canada is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada. If the Minister is not satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada, the non-Canadian applicant must not implement the investment, or if the investment has been implemented, may be required to divest itself of control of the Canadian business that is the subject of the investment. Certain transactions relating to our common shares would be exempt from the ICA, including: (a) the acquisition of our common shares by a person in the ordinary course of that person's business as a trader or dealer in securities; (b) the acquisition of control of MFC in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for a purpose related to the provisions of the ICA; and (c) the acquisition of control of MFC by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization following which the ultimate direct control in fact of MFC, through ownership of our common shares, remains unchanged. 10 ITEM 7. TAXATION CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES We consider that the following general summary fairly describes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences applicable to a holder of our common shares who is a resident of the United States, who is not a resident of Canada and who does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold, his common shares of MFC in connection with carrying on a business in Canada (a "non-resident holder"). This summary is based upon the current provisions of the INCOME TAX ACT (Canada) (the "ITA"), the regulations thereunder and the current publicly announced administrative and assessing policies of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, Taxation. This description is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax consequences and does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action. THIS SUMMARY IS OF A GENERAL NATURE ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE TO ANY HOLDER OR PROSPECTIVE HOLDER OF OUR COMMON SHARES, AND NO OPINION OR REPRESENTATION WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ANY HOLDER OR PROSPECTIVE HOLDER OF OUR COMMON SHARES IS MADE. ACCORDINGLY, HOLDERS AND PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES. DIVIDENDS Dividends paid on our common shares to a non-resident holder will be subject to withholding tax. The Treaty provides that the ITA's standard 25% withholding tax rate is reduced to 15% on dividends paid on shares of a corporation resident in Canada (such as MFC) to residents of the United States, and also provides for a further reduction of this rate to 5% where the beneficial owner of the dividends is a corporation resident in the United States that owns at least 10% of the voting shares of the corporation paying the dividend. CAPITAL GAINS A non-resident holder is not subject to tax under the ITA in respect of a capital gain realized upon the disposition of a share of MFC unless the share represents "taxable Canadian property" to the holder thereof. Our common shares will be considered taxable Canadian property to a nonresident holder if: (a) the non-resident holder; (b) persons with whom the non-resident holder did not deal at arm's length; or (c) the non-resident holder and persons with whom such non-resident holder did not deal at arm's length, owned not less than 25% of the issued shares of any class of our capital stock at any time during the five year period preceding the disposition of such shares. In the case of a non-resident holder to whom shares of MFC represent taxable Canadian property and who is resident in the United States, no Canadian taxes will generally be payable on a capital gain realized on such shares by reason of the Treaty unless the value of such shares is derived principally from real property situated in Canada. CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES The following is a general discussion of certain possible United States Federal foreign income tax matters under current law, generally applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) of our common shares who holds such shares as capital assets. This discussion does not address all relevant Federal income tax matters and it does not address consequences peculiar to persons subject to special provisions of Federal income tax law, such as those described below as excluded from the definition of a U.S. Holder. In addition, this discussion does not cover any state, local or foreign tax consequences. See "Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences" above. The following discussion is based upon the sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations, published Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") rulings, published administrative positions of the IRS and court decisions that are currently applicable, any or all of which could be materially and 11 adversely changed, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. In addition, this discussion does not consider the potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, of any recently proposed legislation which, if enacted, could be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE TO ANY HOLDER OR PROSPECTIVE HOLDER OF OUR COMMON SHARES, AND NO OPINION OR REPRESENTATION WITH RESPECT TO THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ANY SUCH HOLDER OR PROSPECTIVE HOLDER IS MADE. ACCORDINGLY, HOLDERS AND PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS ABOUT THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES. U.S. HOLDERS As used herein, a "U.S. Holder" includes a holder of our common shares who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, any entity which is taxable as a corporation for U.S. tax purposes and any other person or entity whose ownership of our common shares is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. A U.S. Holder does not include persons subject to special provisions of Federal income tax law, such as tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, broker-dealers, non-resident alien individuals or foreign corporations whose ownership of our common shares is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States and shareholders who acquired their shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation. FOREIGN TAX CREDIT A U.S. Holder who pays (or has withheld from distributions) Canadian income tax with respect to the ownership of our common shares may be entitled, at the option of the U.S. Holder, to either a deduction or a tax credit for such foreign tax paid or withheld. Generally, it will be more advantageous to claim a credit because a credit reduces United States Federal income taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis, while a deduction merely reduces the taxpayer's income subject to tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and generally applies to all foreign income taxes paid by (or withheld from) the U.S. Holder during that year. There are significant and complex limitations which apply to the credit, among which is an ownership period requirement and the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of the U.S. Holder's United States income tax liability that the U.S. Holder's foreign source income bears to his or its worldwide taxable income. In determining the application of this limitation, the various items of income and deduction must be classified into foreign and domestic sources. Complex rules govern this classification process. There are further limitations on the foreign tax credit for certain types of income such as "passive income", "high withholding tax interest", "financial services income", "shipping income", and certain other classifications of income. The availability of the foreign tax credit and the application of the limitations on the credit are fact specific and holders and prospective holders of our common shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances. PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT CORPORATION We do not believe that we are a passive foreign investment corporation (a "PFIC"). If a U.S. Holder disposes of shares in a PFIC, any resultant gain will be subject to a tax that is determined by apportioning the gain pro rata over the entire holding period of the shares. The amount of gain that is apportioned to the current year, and to any pre-1987 holding period, is included in the U.S. Holder's current income. The tax on the amount apportioned to any prior years beginning with 1987 is calculated using the highest tax rate in each applicable year. In addition, interest compounded daily is charged on the tax due for each prior year from the due date of the return for the respective year to the due date for the current year. The interest rate is set quarterly. The U.S. Holder's current year tax is increased by the special tax and interest on amounts apportioned to prior years. 12 A U.S. Holder can avoid this special tax and interest charge by making a permanent election to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" and to report in each year thereafter such shareholder's pro rata share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of a PFIC. If the election is not made in the first year that the U.S. Holder owns the shares, a special election would have to be made to cleanse the effect of the prior year's holding periods. These rules apply similarly to distributions from a PFIC that would be considered excess distributions. Complex rules govern the determination of applicable gains and excess distributions, the calculation of the amounts allocated pro rata to prior years, the resultant tax and applicable interest, and the qualified electing fund elections whether as pedigreed or non-pedigreed. Holders and prospective holders of common shares of a PFIC should consult their own tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances. ITEM 8. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table summarizes selected consolidated financial data for us prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("Canadian GAAP"). Additional information is presented to show the difference which would result from the application of United States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") to MFC's financial information. For a description of the differences between Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, see Note 17 of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The information in the table was extracted from the more detailed consolidated financial statements and related notes included herein and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements and with the information appearing under the heading, "ITEM 9. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". CANADIAN GAAP YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (in thousands, other than per share amounts) Revenues........................................ $125,526 $123,310 $ 86,060 $ 75,467 $26,329 Income (loss) from continuing operations........ 36,328 30,235 23,617 13,994 (1,235) Income (loss) from continuing operations per share Basic(1)................................ 3.00 2.48 1.95 1.52 (0.15) Fully diluted(1).............................. 2.60 2.20 1.79 1.37 (0.15) Net income (loss)............................... 31,389 30,235 23,617 13,994 (1,235) Net income (loss) per share Basic(1)............ 2.59 2.48 1.95 1.52 (0.15) Fully diluted(1).............................. 2.28 2.20 1.79 1.37 (0.15) Total assets.................................... 270,107 238,109 226,890 160,368 73,551 Debt............................................ 30,917 40,091 41,602 42,937 -- Shareholders' equity............................ 170,811 154,396 120,156 91,516 51,383 Cash dividends(2)............................... -- 369 106 -- -- Cash dividends per share(2)..................... -- 0.03 0.01 -- -- - --------------- (1) All amounts have been adjusted to reflect a 1 to 1.5 stock split effected in March 1996. (2) Paid on MFC's common shares. 13 U.S. GAAP YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (in thousands, other than per share amounts) Revenues........................................ $128,270 $118,842 $ 83,138 $ 72,094 $26,329 Income (loss) from continuing operations........ 40,313 31,922 12,365 13,329 (1,600) Income (loss) from continuing operations per share Basic(1)................................ 3.33 2.62 1.07 1.45 (0.20) Diluted(1).................................... 3.12 2.42 1.00 1.41 (0.20) Net income (loss)............................... 35,374 31,922 12,365 13,329 (1,600) Net income (loss) per share Basic(1)............ 2.92 2.62 1.07 1.45 (0.20) Diluted(1).................................... 2.75 2.42 1.00 1.41 (0.20) Total assets.................................... 265,658 229,529 223,528 173,597 77,711 Debt............................................ 30,917 40,091 41,602 42,937 -- Shareholders' equity............................ 166,363 146,969 112,721 95,331 58,416 Cash dividends(2)............................... -- 369 106 -- -- Cash dividends per share(2)..................... -- 0.03 0.01 -- -- - --------------- (1) All amounts have been adjusted to reflect a 1 to 1.5 stock split effected in March 1996. (2) Paid on MFC's common shares. ITEM 9. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 1999 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this annual report. Our financial statements included herein were prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. For a reconciliation of our financial statements included herein to U.S. GAAP, see Note 17 to the financial statements. We have made certain reclassifications to the prior periods' financial statements to conform to the current period's presentation. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS We are a financial services company that focuses upon merchant banking. We provide specialized banking and corporate finance services internationally. These activities are primarily conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiary, MFC Merchant Bank S.A. We also commit our own capital to promising enterprises and invest and otherwise trade to capture investment opportunities for our own account. We seek to invest in businesses or assets whose intrinsic value is not properly reflected in their share price or value. Our investing is generally not passive. We seek investments where our financial and management expertise can add or unlock value. MFC's results of operations may be materially affected by market fluctuations and economic factors. In addition, our results of operations have been and may continue to be affected by many factors of a global nature, including economic and market conditions, the availability of capital, the level and volatility of equity prices and interest rates, currency values and other market indices, technological changes, the availability of credit, inflation and legislative and regulatory developments. Our results of operations may also be materially affected by competitive factors. Competition includes firms traditionally engaged in financial services such as banks, broker-dealers and investment dealers, along with other sources such as insurance companies, mutual fund groups, on-line service providers and other companies offering financial services in Europe and globally. In recent years, the financial services industry has experienced consolidation and convergence as financial institutions involved in a broad spectrum of services have merged or combined. The trend to consolidate is expected to continue and produce global financial institutions with much greater capital and other resources than MFC. As a result of the economic and competitive factors discussed above, our results may vary significantly from period to period. We intend to manage our business for the long term and to mitigate the 14 effect of such factors by focusing on our core operations of meeting the financial needs of small to mid-sized public companies and other business enterprises internationally. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 The following table provides selected quarterly financial information for MFC for each quarter of 1999: 1999 --------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31 SEPTEMBER 30 JUNE 30 MARCH 31 ------------ ------------- -------- --------- (in thousands, other than per share amounts) Revenues.............................................. $ 52,098 $ 24,038 $ 25,929 $23,461 Expenses.............................................. 39,024 13,538 18,589 18,283 Net income............................................ 8,630 10,425 7,262 5,072 Fully diluted earnings per share...................... 0.62 0.74 0.53 0.39 Total assets.......................................... 270,107 273,369 259,275 244,717 Shareholders' equity.................................. 170,811 167,887 155,592 153,726 In 1999, our revenues increased to $125.5 million from $123.3 million in 1998, primarily as a result of trading activities. Our investment portfolio remains principally invested in investment grade securities. In 1999, we de-emphasized our private banking services largely as a result of the global consolidation of asset managers and shrinking margins. As a result, commencing in the third quarter of 1999, we have focused on providing value-added advisory services to our clients. In 1999, we began electronic banking and equities trading for our clients through our NetBanking website. In March 2000, we discontinued operation of the website due to changing economic fundamentals in Europe, including increasing price competition and customer acquisition costs. As a result, we took a one-time loss from such discontinued operations of $4.9 million, or $0.32 per share on a fully diluted basis, for the year ended December 31, 1999. Expenses from continuing operations decreased to $89.4 million in 1999 from $92.8 million in 1998, primarily as a result of lower investment expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased marginally to $19.3 million in 1999 from $19.4 million in 1998. Interest expense increased marginally to $4.9 million in 1999 from $4.8 million in 1998. In 1999, net earnings were $31.4 million or $2.59 per share on a basic basis ($2.28 per share on a fully diluted basis). Income from continuing operations in 1999 was $36.3 million, or $3.00 per share on a basic basis ($2.60 per share on a fully diluted basis). In 1998, net earnings were $30.2 million or $2.48 per share on a basic basis ($2.20 per share on a fully diluted basis). Net earnings in 1998 included $8.1 million on the purchase of debt securities. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 In 1998, our revenues increased by approximately 43.3% to $123.3 million from $86.1 million in 1997, primarily due to increased banking and financial services fees. Banking and financial services fees increased by 41.8% in 1998 from 1997, as a result of the inclusion of the results of MFC Bank for the full year. The acquisition of MFC Bank resulted in our generating revenues from operations such as brokerage commissions, foreign exchange trading fees, asset management and related fees and banking fees generated from placing customer deposits on a fiduciary basis with counterparties. The increase in revenues resulted primarily from an increase in the amount of assets under management and higher revenues from corporate finance advisory services. Revenues from investments increased by 56.5% in 1998 from 1997, as a result of greater trading activities. Our investment portfolio remains principally invested in investment grade securities. Expenses increased to $92.8 million in 1998 from $61.2 million in 1997, primarily as a result of higher revenues. General and administrative expenses increased to $19.4 million in 1998 from $12.4 million in 1997, primarily due to the inclusion of the results of MFC Bank for the full year and higher revenues. Interest expense decreased to $4.8 million in 1998 from $5.1 million in 1997, primarily due to a decrease in amounts borrowed during the year. 15 In 1998, net earnings were $30.2 million or $2.48 per share on a basic basis ($2.20 per share on a fully diluted basis). Net earnings in 1998 included $8.1 million on the purchase of debt securities. In 1997, net earnings were $23.6 million or $1.95 per share on a basic basis ($1.79 per share on a fully diluted basis). Net earnings in 1997 included $2.9 million on the purchase of debt securities. Increased revenues from banking and financial services contributed to improved earnings in 1998, which were partially offset by increased expenses related to investment securities and higher general and administrative expenses. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The following table is a summary of selected financial information concerning MFC for the periods indicated: DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, --------------------- ------------------------ 1999 1998 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- -------- (U.S. Dollars in (Canadian Dollars in thousands, thousands, other than other than percentages) percentages) Cash and cash equivalents........................ $ 34,343 $ 25,398 $ 49,567 $ 38,871 Securities....................................... 46,981 50,309 67,808 76,998 Total assets..................................... 187,145 155,576 270,107 238,109 Debt............................................. 21,421 26,195 30,917 40,091 Shareholders' equity............................. 118,348 100,878 170,811 154,396 Return on equity from continuing operations...... 23.5% 25.2% 23.5% 25.2% We maintain a high level of liquidity, with a substantial amount of our assets held in cash and cash equivalents, highly liquid marketable securities and customer loans collateralized by marketable securities. The highly liquid nature of these assets provides us with flexibility in managing our business and financing. We also use this liquidity in client related services where we act as a financial intermediary for third parties and in our own proprietary investing activities. At December 31, 1999, our cash and cash equivalents were $49.6 million, compared to $38.9 million at December 31, 1998. At December 31, 1999, we had securities of $67.8 million, compared to $77.0 million at December 31, 1998. We view return on equity to be an important measure of our performance, in the context of both the particular business environment in which we operate and our peer group's results. In 1999 and 1998, respectively, our return on equity was over 23%. We manage our capital position based upon, among other things, business opportunities, capital availability and rates of return, together with internal capital policies and regulatory requirements. OPERATING ACTIVITIES Operating activities provided cash of $29.9 million in 1999, compared to using cash of $1.0 million in 1998. In 1999, a decrease in receivables provided cash of $1.7 million compared to using cash of $4.3 million in 1998. An increase in amounts due from investment dealers used cash of $11.1 million and $7.8 million in 1999 and 1998, respectively. A decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses used cash of $1.0 million in 1999. We expect to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet our working capital requirements. INVESTING ACTIVITIES Investing activities used cash of $35.7 million in 1999, compared to $1.6 million in 1998. In 1999, a net increase in margin loans used cash of $34.7 million, compared to $0.2 million in 1998. In 1999, purchases of subsidiaries used cash of $0.7 million. FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net cash provided by financing activities was $26.8 million in 1999, compared to $4.9 million used in 1998. Net debt repayment used cash of $7.2 million in 1999, compared to net borrowings providing cash of 16 $10.4 million in 1998. In 1999, a net increase in deposits associated with margin loans granted by us provided cash of $34.3 million, compared to a net decrease in deposits using $10.1 million in 1998. The net repurchase of common shares in 1999 used cash of $0.2 million, compared to $4.7 million in 1998. We did not pay dividends on our common shares in 1999, compared to paying $0.4 million in dividends in 1998. FOREIGN CURRENCY Substantially all of our operations are conducted in international markets and our consolidated financial results are subject to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, in particular, those in Switzerland. We translate foreign assets and liabilities into Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the period. Unrealized gains or losses from these translations are recorded as shareholders' equity on the balance sheet and do not affect our net earnings. As a substantial amount of our revenues are received in Swiss francs, our financial position for any given period, when reported in Canadian dollars, can be significantly affected by the exchange rate for Swiss francs prevailing during that period. In the year ended December 31, 1999, we reported approximately a net $14.8 million foreign exchange translation loss and, as a result, our cumulative foreign exchange translation loss at December 31, 1999 was $4.3 million, compared to a $10.5 million gain at December 31, 1998. Since both our principal sources of revenues and expenses are in Swiss francs, we use derivatives to protect our foreign exchange exposure. See "Item 9A--Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk". Based upon the period average exchange rate in 1999, the Canadian dollar increased by approximately 12.5% in value against the Swiss franc since December 31, 1998. EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION The Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") has replaced the national currencies of eleven participating European countries with a single European currency, the "Euro". The Euro was launched in January 1, 1999 when the European Central Bank assumed monetary policy for the participating nations. During a transition period, until the national currencies from the participating members are withdrawn from circulation (July 2002 at the latest), such currencies will continue to exist but only as fixed denominations of the Euro. Our business is primarily based in Switzerland. Although Switzerland is not a participating member country of the EMU and did not adopt the Euro, we commenced preparations for the introduction of the Euro in 1998 and implemented modifications to our information and technology systems and programs in order to prepare for the transition. Preparations included modifications to our computer systems and programs and coordination with clients and other counterparties to ensure a smooth transition to the Euro. We were able to successfully transact business in the Euro beginning on January 1, 1999. Costs associated with modifications and other preparations necessary to prepare for the transition to the Euro were not material and were funded through operating cash flow and expensed in the period in which they were incurred. The introduction of the Euro has and will continue to result in greater cross-border transparency and will have a significant impact on European financial markets. The Euro is expected to present business opportunities for all participants in the European financial markets, including MFC. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Derivatives are financial instruments, the payments of which are linked to the prices, or relationships between prices, of securities or commodities, interest rates, currency exchange rates or other financial measures. Derivatives are designed to enable parties to manage their exposure to interest rates and currency exchange rates, and security and other price risks. We use derivatives to provide products and services to clients and for our own account to protect our foreign exchange exposure. 17 YEAR 2000 We did not experience any difficulties associated with the changeover to the year 2000. While our management believes that it took adequate steps to address the year 2000 issue, and we are not aware of any difficulties experienced by our clients associated with the changeover to the year 2000, there can be no assurance that difficulties associated with the year 2000 may not arise in the future. INFLATION We do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on revenues or income over the past three fiscal years. Because our assets to a large extent are liquid in nature, they are not significantly affected by inflation. However, increases in inflation could result in increases in our expenses, which may not be readily recoverable in the price of services provided to our clients. To the extent inflation results in rising interest rates and has other adverse effects on capital markets, it could adversely affect our financial position and profitability. ITEM 9A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity prices which may affect our results of operations and financial condition. We manage these risks through internal risk management policies which are administered by management committees. We also entered into derivative foreign exchange forward contracts for our own account, which has an aggregate notional amount of $8.7 million, to hedge against these risks. INTEREST RATE RISK Fluctuations in interest rates may affect the fair value of financial instruments sensitive to interest rates. An increase in interest rates may decrease the fair value and a decrease in interest rates may increase the fair value of such financial instruments. Our financial instruments which may be sensitive to interest rate fluctuations are investments and debt obligations. The following tables provide information about our exposure to interest rate fluctuations for the carrying amount of financial instruments that may be sensitive to such fluctuations as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and expected cash flows from these instruments. AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1999 (IN THOUSANDS) EXPECTED FUTURE CASH FLOW CARRYING FAIR ----------------------------------------------------------------- VALUE VALUE 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 THEREAFTER -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- Investments(1).......... $29,965 $30,086 $26,474 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 3,612 $ -- Debt obligations(2)..... 20,445 16,356 -- -- -- -- -- 16,356 - ------------ (1) Investments consist of debt securities. (2) Debt obligations consist of the bonds which mature on March 31, 2008 and bear interest at 8% per annum. AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 (IN THOUSANDS) EXPECTED FUTURE CASH FLOW CARRYING FAIR ----------------------------------------------------------------- VALUE VALUE 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 THEREAFTER -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- Investments(1).......... $44,937 $45,536 $27,742 $ 2,358 $ 1,532 $ -- $ 8,099 $ 5,805 Debt obligations(2)..... 22,834 20,550 -- -- -- -- -- 20,550 - ------------ (1) Investments consist of debt securities. (2) Debt obligations consist of the bonds which mature on March 31, 2008 and bear interest at 8% per annum. 18 FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK Our reporting currency is the Canadian dollar. We hold financial instruments primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and Swiss francs. A depreciation of such currencies against the Canadian dollar will decrease the fair value and an appreciation of such currencies against the Canadian dollar will increase the fair value of such financial instruments. Our financial instruments which may be sensitive to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations are investments, loans, deposits and debt obligations. The following tables provide information about our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations for the carrying amount of financial instruments that may be sensitive to such fluctuations as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and expected cash flows from these instruments: AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1999 (IN THOUSANDS) EXPECTED FUTURE CASH FLOW CARRYING FAIR ----------------------------------------------------------------- VALUE VALUE 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 THEREAFTER -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- Investments(1).......... $59,548 $61,493 $53,035 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 3,612 $ 4,846 Loans(2)................ 75,030 75,030 59,654 -- 7,077 8,299 -- -- Deposits(3)............. 47,563 47,563 47,563 -- -- -- -- -- Debt obligations(4)..... 30,917 26,828 3,446 -- -- 7,026 -- 16,356 - ------------ (1) Investments consist of debt securities and equity securities, both of which are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and Swiss francs. (2) Loans are denominated in U.S. dollars or Swiss francs. (3) Deposits consist of cash deposits with MFC Bank. (4) Debt obligations consist of the bonds and other debt, all of which are denominated in U.S. dollars. AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 (IN THOUSANDS) EXPECTED FUTURE CASH FLOW CARRYING FAIR ----------------------------------------------------------------- VALUE VALUE 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 THEREAFTER -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- Investments(1).......... $68,350 $67,737 $48,389 $ 957 $ -- $ -- $ 8,099 $10,292 Loans(2)................ 49,526 49,526 40,726 -- -- -- 8,800 -- Deposits(3)............. 25,124 25,124 19,759 5,365 -- -- -- -- Debt obligations(4)..... 40,091 37,807 2,533 -- -- -- 14,724 20,550 - ------------ (1) Investments consist of debt securities and equity securities, both of which are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and Swiss francs. (2) Loans are denominated in U.S. dollars or Swiss francs. (3) Deposits consist of cash deposits with MFC Bank. (4) Debt obligations consist of the bonds and other debt, all of which are denominated in U.S. dollars. EQUITY PRICE RISK Changes in trading prices of equity securities may affect the fair value of equity securities or the fair value of other securities convertible into equity securities. An increase in trading prices will increase the fair value and a decrease in trading prices will decrease the fair value of equity securities or instruments convertible into equity securities. Our financial instruments which may be sensitive to fluctuations in equity prices are investments and debt obligations. The following tables provide information about our exposure to fluctuations in equity prices for 19 the carrying amount of financial instruments sensitive to such fluctuations as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and expected cash flows from these instruments: AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1999 (IN THOUSANDS) EXPECTED FUTURE CASH FLOW CARRYING FAIR ----------------------------------------------------------------- VALUE VALUE 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 THEREAFTER -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- Investments(1).......... $37,843 $38,614 $31,748 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 6,866 Debt obligations(2)..... 20,445 16,356 -- -- -- -- -- 16,356 - ------------ (1) Investments consist of equity securities. (2) Debt obligations consist of the bonds which are convertible into common shares of MFC at a fixed price. A change in the price of our common shares may affect the fair value of the bonds. AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 (IN THOUSANDS) EXPECTED FUTURE CASH FLOW CARRYING FAIR ----------------------------------------------------------------- VALUE VALUE 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 THEREAFTER -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- Investments(1).......... $32,061 $31,790 $25,143 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 6,647 Debt obligations(2)..... 22,834 20,550 -- -- -- -- -- 20,550 - --------------- (1) Investments consist of equity securities. (2) Debt obligations consist of the bonds which are convertible into common shares of MFC at a fixed price. A change in the price of our common shares may affect the fair value of the bonds. ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT Our Articles provide for three classes of directors with staggered terms. Each director holds office until the expiry of his term or until his successor is elected or appointed, unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with our Bylaws or with the provisions of the BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT (Yukon). At each annual meeting of MFC, a class of directors is elected to hold office for a three year term. Successors to the class of directors whose terms expire are identified as being of the same class as the directors they succeed and are elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of shareholders. A director appointed or elected to fill a vacancy on the board of directors holds office for the unexpired term of his predecessor. Officers of MFC serve at the discretion of the board of directors. The following table sets out certain information concerning MFC's directors and executive officers: DATE OF EXPIRATION OF COMMENCEMENT TERM OF OF OFFICE WITH OFFICE WITH NAME PRESENT POSITION WITH MFC MFC MFC - ---- ------------------------- -------------- ------------- Michael J. Smith................................. Director and 1986 2002 President 1996 Roy Zanatta...................................... Director and 1996 2002 Secretary 1996 Sok Chu Kim...................................... Director 1996 2001 Oq-Hyun Chin..................................... Director 1994 2001 Julius Mallin.................................... Director 1994 2000 Dr. Stefan Feuerstein............................ Nominee Director(1) -- -- - --------------- (1) Dr. Feuerstein is nominated to be elected as a director at MFC's shareholders' meeting to be held June 28, 2000. 20 ITEM 11. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, we paid an aggregate of $1,506,302 in cash compensation to our directors and officers. This amount does not take into account incentive stock options granted to or exercised by such directors and officers or other non-cash compensation, as more particularly described below. No other funds were set aside or accrued by MFC during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for our directors or officers pursuant to any existing plan provided or contributed to by MFC. We are required, under applicable securities legislation in Canada, to disclose to our shareholders details of compensation paid to certain executive officers. The following fairly reflects material information regarding compensation paid to such persons. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following table provides a summary of compensation paid by us during each of the last three fiscal years to our Chief Executive Officer and to other executive officers who received a combined salary and bonus during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 in excess of $100,000 (the "Named Executives"): SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE LONG-TERM ANNUAL COMPENSATION(1) COMPENSATION ---------------------------------- ---------------- AWARDS SECURITIES UNDER FISCAL YEAR OTHER ANNUAL OPTIONS ALL OTHER ENDED SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION GRANTED COMPENSATION NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION DECEMBER 31, ($) ($) ($) (#) ($) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael J. Smith 1999 212,944 256,809 -- -- -- President and Chief 1998 221,876 231,365 -- 77,000 -- Executive Officer 1997 157,814 -- -- -- -- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roy Zanatta 1999 104,852 119,844 -- -- -- Secretary and Director 1998 192,500 101,222 -- 60,000 -- 1997 137,900 -- -- 65,000 5,000 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Claudio Morandi(2) 1999 179,171 154,085 10,102 -- -- President 1998 117,010 101,222 -- 75,000 -- MFC Bank 1997 157,732 67,871 -- 65,000 -- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Musacchio 1999 283,833 -- -- -- -- Vice-President 1998 -- -- -- 50,000 -- 1997 -- -- -- -- -- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean Paul Abgottspon(3) 1999 165,800 18,862 -- -- -- Senior Vice-President 1998 171,828 -- -- 8,000 -- MFC Bank 1997 -- -- -- -- -- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) On a cash basis, unless otherwise stated. (2) Mr. Morandi commenced employment with MFC in May 1997. His compensation for fiscal 1997 is presented on an annualized basis. (3) Mr. Abgottspon commenced employment with MFC in June 1998. His compensation for fiscal 1998 is presented on an annualized basis. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CHANGE OF CONTROL Mr. Smith entered into an employment agreement with MFC dated as of July 1, 1994. The agreement generally provides, subject to certain termination provisions, for the continued employment of Mr. Smith for a period of 36 months with automatic one month renewals, so that the agreement at all times has a remaining term of 36 months. The agreement provides for an annual base salary and other compensation to be paid to Mr. Smith as determined by the board of directors. The agreement contains change in control provisions 21 pursuant to which, if a change in control (as defined in the agreement) occurs, Mr. Smith may only be discharged for cause. In the event he is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason (as defined in the agreement) within 18 months of the change in control, Mr. Smith shall be entitled to a severance payment of three times his annual salary under the agreement and all unvested rights in any stock option or other benefit plan applicable to him shall vest in full. If Mr. Smith is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason after 18 months of the change in control, he shall be entitled to a severance payment of a proportionate amount based on the length of time remaining in the term of the agreement of three times his annual salary under the agreement and all unvested rights in any stock option or other benefit plan applicable to him shall vest in full. In addition, Mr. Smith will continue to receive equivalent benefits as were provided at the date of termination for the remaining term of the agreement. Mr. Zanatta entered into an employment agreement with MFC on February 24, 1997. The agreement generally provides for a base salary and other compensation, including the granting of incentive stock options, to be paid to Mr. Zanatta as determined by the board of directors. The agreement provides that Mr. Zanatta's employment with MFC may be terminated upon 12 months notice. ITEM 12. OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES FROM REGISTRANT OR SUBSIDIARIES As at the date hereof, MFC has outstanding incentive stock options entitling the Chief Executive Officer and other Named Executives to acquire an aggregate of 855,000 common shares of MFC at an exercise price of: (i) U.S.$6.90 per share in respect of options to purchase 450,000 shares expiring October 11, 2001 and U.S.$6.00 per share in respect of options to purchase 77,000 shares expiring October 28, 2003, held by the Chief Executive Officer; and (ii) U.S.$7.25 per share in respect of options to purchase 110,000 shares expiring July 25, 2002, U.S.$6.00 per share in respect of options to purchase 193,000 shares expiring October 28, 2003 and U.S.$7.00 per share in respect of options to purchase 25,000 shares expiring April 11, 2005, held by the other Named Executives. OPTION/SAR GRANTS DURING THE MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED FINANCIAL YEAR MFC did not grant incentive stock options to the Named Executives during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999. AGGREGATED OPTIONS/SAR EXERCISES DURING THE MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED FINANCIAL YEAR AND FINANCIAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES The following table sets forth securities acquired on exercise during the most recently completed fiscal year and the value of the options held at December 31, 1999 by the Named Executives: VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT SECURITIES AGGREGATE UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31, 1999 ACQUIRED ON VALUE DECEMBER 31, 1999 ($) EXERCISE REALIZED (#) EXERCISABLE/ NAME (#) ($) EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE(1) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael J. Smith Nil Nil 527,000/Nil U.S.$1,110,125/Nil - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roy Zanatta Nil Nil 125,000/Nil U.S.$278,125/Nil - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Claudio Morandi Nil Nil 120,000/Nil U.S.$288,750/Nil - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Musacchio Nil Nil 50,000/Nil U.S.$143,750/Nil - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean Paul Abgottspon Nil Nil 8,000/Nil U.S.$23,000/Nil - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The closing price of our common shares on December 31, 1999 on Nasdaq was U.S.$8.875. ITEM 13. INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS Other than as disclosed in this annual report, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no material transactions since January 1, 1999 to which MFC was or is a party and in which a director or officer of MFC, or 22 any relative or spouse of any director or officer, or any relative of such spouse who has the same home as such person or who is a director or officer of any subsidiary of MFC, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest, nor were any directors or officers of MFC, or any associates of such directors or officers, indebted to MFC during this period. PART II ITEM 14. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED Not applicable. PART III ITEM 15. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES None. ITEM 16. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND CHANGES IN SECURITY FOR REGISTERED SECURITIES None. PART IV ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Not applicable. ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS See "ITEM 19. Financial Statements and Exhibits" for financial statements filed as part of this annual report. ITEM 19. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS (A) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES: 1. Independent Auditors' Report on the consolidated financial statements of MFC as at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. 2. Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1999 and 1998 (audited). 3. Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 (audited). 4. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 (audited). 5. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 (audited). 6. Notes to Financial Statements. 7. Independent Auditors' Report on Financial Statement Schedules. 8. Financial Statement Schedules: I Condensed Financial Information of Registrant. III Supplementary Insurance Information. IV Reinsurance. VI Supplemental Information Concerning Property--Casualty Insurance Operations. 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Shareholders MFC Bancorp Ltd. We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of MFC Bancorp Ltd. and Subsidiaries as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, which differ from United States generally accepted accounting principles as described in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements. /s/ PETERSON SULLIVAN P.L.L.C. April 14, 2000 Seattle, Washington 24 MFC BANCORP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998 (IN THOUSANDS) U.S. DOLLARS CANADIAN DOLLARS (INFORMATION ONLY) ------------------- 1999 1999 1998 ------------------- -------- -------- ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 34,343 $ 49,567 $ 38,871 Securities.................................................. 46,981 67,808 76,998 Loans....................................................... 56,626 81,728 55,059 Receivables................................................. 16,344 23,589 24,488 Due from investment dealers................................. 11,783 17,007 8,473 Property held for sale...................................... 5,432 7,840 5,639 Excess cost of net assets acquired.......................... 12,368 17,851 18,516 Premises and equipment...................................... 980 1,415 3,031 Prepaid and other........................................... 2,288 3,302 7,034 -------- -------- -------- $187,145 $270,107 $238,109 ======== ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits.................................................... $ 32,954 $ 47,563 $ 25,124 Accounts payable and accrued expenses....................... 12,370 17,854 16,086 Debt........................................................ 21,421 30,917 40,091 -------- -------- -------- Total liabilities......................................... 66,745 96,334 81,301 Minority interests.......................................... 2,052 2,962 2,412 Shareholders' equity Common stock, without par value; authorized unlimited number; 12,041,156 and 12,056,623 issued and outstanding at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively............. 45,381 65,498 65,706 Cumulative translation adjustment......................... (2,973) (4,291) 10,475 Retained earnings......................................... 75,940 109,604 78,215 -------- -------- -------- 118,348 170,811 154,396 -------- -------- -------- $187,145 $270,107 $238,109 ======== ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 25 MFC BANCORP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE) U.S. DOLLARS CANADIAN DOLLARS (INFORMATION ONLY) ------------------------------ 1999 1999 1998 1997 ------------------- -------- -------- -------- Financial services revenue.......................... $84,490 $125,526 $123,310 $86,060 Expenses Financial services................................ 43,927 65,262 68,650 43,658 General and administrative........................ 12,994 19,305 19,361 12,368 Interest expense.................................. 3,276 4,867 4,771 5,140 ------- -------- -------- ------- 60,197 89,434 92,782 61,166 ------- -------- -------- ------- Income from continuing operations before income taxes............................................. 24,293 36,092 30,528 24,894 Recovery of (provision for) income taxes............ 684 1,016 (622) (1,195) ------- -------- -------- ------- 24,977 37,108 29,906 23,699 Minority interests.................................. (525) (780) 329 (82) ------- -------- -------- ------- Income from continuing operations................... 24,452 36,328 30,235 23,617 Discontinued operations Loss from operations of discontinued internet banking................................ (2,850) (4,234) -- -- Loss from disposal of internet banking operations...................................... (474) (705) -- -- ------- -------- -------- ------- Loss from discontinued operations................. (3,324) (4,939) -- -- ------- -------- -------- ------- Net income.................................... $21,128 $ 31,389 $ 30,235 $23,617 ======= ======== ======== ======= Earnings per share Basic Income from continuing operations............... $ 2.03 $ 3.00 $ 2.48 $ 1.95 Loss from discontinued operations............... (.28) (.41) -- -- ------- -------- -------- ------- Net income.................................... $ 1.75 $ 2.59 $ 2.48 $ 1.95 ======= ======== ======== ======= Fully diluted Income from continuing operations............... $ 1.75 $ 2.60 $ 2.20 $ 1.79 Loss from discontinued operations............... (.22) (.32) -- -- ------- -------- -------- ------- Net income.................................... $ 1.53 $ 2.28 $ 2.20 $ 1.79 ======= ======== ======== ======= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 26 MFC BANCORP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997 (CANADIAN DOLLARS, IN THOUSANDS) CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK -------------------- SERIES A COMMON STOCK -------------------- --------------------- CUMULATIVE NUMBER OF NUMBER OF RETAINED TRANSLATION SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT EARNINGS ADJUSTMENT TOTAL --------- -------- ---------- -------- -------- ----------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1996....... 137,000 $ 12,832 10,418,316 $53,449 $ 25,234 $ 1 $ 91,516 Net income......................... -- -- -- -- 23,617 -- 23,617 Shares issued from conversion of preferred shares................. (137,000) (12,832) 1,522,222 12,832 -- -- -- Shares issued for exercise of stock options.................... -- -- 10,000 104 -- -- 104 Shares issued for cash............. -- -- 372,712 3,983 -- -- 3,983 Dividends paid on preferred shares........................... -- -- -- -- (396) -- (396) Dividends paid on common shares.... -- -- -- -- (106) -- (106) Translation adjustment............. -- -- -- -- -- 1,438 1,438 -------- -------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1997....... -- -- 12,323,250 70,368 48,349 1,439 120,156 Net income......................... -- -- -- -- 30,235 -- 30,235 Shares issued for conversion of bonds............................ -- -- 1,946 40 -- -- 40 Shares issued for exercise of stock options.................... -- -- 218,500 2,275 -- -- 2,275 Shares issued for cash............. -- -- 12,927 129 -- -- 129 Repurchase of shares............... -- -- (500,000) (7,106) -- -- (7,106) Dividends paid on common shares.... -- -- -- -- (369) -- (369) Translation adjustment............. -- -- -- -- -- 9,036 9,036 -------- -------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1998....... -- -- 12,056,623 65,706 78,215 10,475 154,396 Net income......................... -- -- -- -- 31,389 -- 31,389 Shares issued for exercise of stock options.................... -- -- 8,000 70 -- -- 70 Shares issued for cash............. -- -- 2,533 26 -- -- 26 Repurchase of shares............... -- -- (26,000) (304) -- -- (304) Translation adjustment............. -- -- -- -- -- (14,766) (14,766) -------- -------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1999....... -- $ -- 12,041,156 $65,498 $109,604 $ (4,291) $170,811 ======== ======== ========== ======= ======== ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 27 MFC BANCORP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997 (CANADIAN DOLLARS, IN THOUSANDS) 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from continuing operating activities Income from continuing operations......................... $ 36,328 $ 30,235 $ 23,617 Adjustments for: Depreciation and amortization........................... 2,361 1,906 1,776 Provision (recovery) for credit losses.................. (553) (1,527) 1,087 Fee income received in common shares of an affiliate.... (3,169) -- -- Gain on debt............................................ -- (8,113) (2,922) Change in operating assets and liabilities Due from investment dealers........................... (11,052) (7,805) -- Securities............................................ 6,730 2,096 17,067 Receivables........................................... 1,668 (4,275) (5,569) Properties held for sale.............................. 28 1,124 2,135 Accounts payable and accrued expenses................. (951) (14,052) (57,508) Other................................................. (1,449) (541) (1,066) -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from continuing operating activities............. 29,941 (952) (21,383) Cash flows from investing activities of continuing operations Net decrease (increase) in loans.......................... (34,659) (169) 32,426 Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired........... (738) (742) 41,522 Other..................................................... (331) (702) 544 -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from investing activities of continuing operations................................................ (35,728) (1,613) 74,492 Cash flows from financing activities of continuing operations Net increase (decrease) in deposits....................... 34,332 (10,123) (31,209) Debt repayments........................................... (8,199) (5,064) (12,835) Borrowings................................................ 969 15,415 10,845 Issuance (repurchase) of common shares, net............... (208) (4,703) 4,090 Dividends paid............................................ -- (369) (502) Other..................................................... (66) (41) -- -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities of continuing operations................................................ 26,828 (4,885) (29,611) Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents........... (7,064) 4,099 1,161 -------- -------- -------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations..................................... 13,977 (3,351) 24,659 Net cash used in discontinued operations.................... (3,281) -- -- -------- -------- -------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents............ 10,696 (3,351) 24,659 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year................ 38,871 42,222 17,563 -------- -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of year...................... $ 49,567 $ 38,871 $ 42,222 ======== ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 28 MFC BANCORP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1. THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applicable in Canada. The notes are stated in Canadian dollars, as rounded to the nearest thousand (except per share amounts). NATURE OF OPERATIONS The Company is in the financial services industry which includes banking, merchant banking and proprietary investing. These activities are managed as a unit. During the first quarter of 2000, the Company decided to discontinue its internet banking operations. This activity allowed customers to use the internet to initiate transactions at the Company's banking subsidiary. Since this operation began during 1999, restatement of prior years' operations was not necessary. BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions of continuing operations have been eliminated. The excess cost of net assets acquired over fair value is amortized on the straight-line method over the estimated benefit period of 15 to 40 years unless a writedown is required to reflect an other than temporary decline in value. However, no writedowns of excess cost have been deemed necessary on any of the Company's acquisitions based on management's review of the related businesses, taking into account associated risks. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are generally interest bearing. These assets are recorded at cost which approximates market. The Company regularly maintains cash balances in other financial institutions in excess of insured limits. Interest paid on a cash basis was $5,449, $3,433 and $5,732 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Income tax amounts paid were $27, $377 and $783 during 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. SECURITIES Trading account securities, held by the Company's banking subsidiary, are stated at current market value with the unrealized gain or loss included in the results of operations. Short-term securities held by non-bank subsidiaries are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or estimated current market value. Long-term investment securities held by non-bank subsidiaries are purchased with the original intention to hold the securities to maturity or until market conditions render alternative investments more attractive. Equity securities are stated at cost and debt securities at amortized cost unless there has been an other than temporary decline in value, at which time the security is written down and the unrealized loss is included in the results of operations. Realized gains or losses on sales of securities are determined based on the specific cost basis. LOANS Loans are stated net of allowances for credit losses, accrued interest, reimbursable expenses and unamortized loan fees. Loans are classified as impaired when there is no longer reasonable assurance of the timely collection of principal and interest. Whenever a contractual payment is 90 days past due, loans are automatically classified as impaired unless they are fully secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is deemed impaired, its 29 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 1. THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) carrying amount is reduced to its estimated realizable amount, measured by discounting the expected future cash flows at the effective interest rate in the loan or, as a practical expedient, based on a loan's observable market price or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. In subsequent periods, any increase in the carrying value of the loan is credited to the provision for credit losses. Impaired loans are returned to performing status when there is no longer reasonable doubt regarding timely collection of principal and interest, all amounts in arrears including interest have been collected, and all charges for loan impairment have been reversed. Where a portion of a loan is written off and the remaining balance is restructured, the new loan is carried on the accrual basis when there is no longer any reasonable doubt regarding collectibility of principal and interest, and payments are not 90 days past due. Collateral is obtained for loans (and other receivables) if, based on an evaluation of credit-worthiness, it is considered necessary for the overall borrowing facility. Assets acquired in satisfaction of loans are recorded at the lesser of their fair value at the date of transfer or the carrying value of the loan. Any excess of the carrying value of the loan over the fair value of the assets acquired is written off. Operating results and gains and losses on disposal of such assets are treated as write-offs and recoveries. Interest income from loans is recognized when earned using the interest method unless the loan is classified as impaired at which time recognition of interest income ceases. Interest on impaired loans is credited to the carrying value of the loan when received. Fees relating to lending activities, net of related expenses, are deferred and recognized over the term of the loan using the interest method. ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES The Company's allowance for credit losses is maintained at an amount considered adequate to absorb estimated credit-related losses. The allowance reflects management's best estimate of the losses in the Company's credit portfolio and judgments about economic conditions. These estimates and judgments could change in the near-term, and could result in a significant change to the allowance currently recognized. Credit losses arise primarily from loans but may also relate to other credit instruments such as guarantees and letters of credit. The allowance for credit losses is increased by provisions which are charged to income and reduced by write-offs net of any recoveries. Specific provisions are established on a loan-by-loan basis. A general provision may be established to absorb potential credit losses attributable to the deterioration of credit quality on aggregate exposures for which specific provisions cannot yet be determined. A country risk provision may be made based on exposures in less developed countries and on management's overall assessment of the underlying economic conditions in those countries. Write-offs are generally recorded after all reasonable restructuring or collection activities have taken place and there is no realistic prospect of recovery. Specific non-bank loans amounting to $1,919 were considered impaired at December 31, 1998, and were fully reserved. This was the only reserve for credit losses at December 31, 1998. During 1999, the Company wrote these loans off. No other loans were considered impaired at December 31, 1999, and the Company did not consider it necessary to reserve for any specific loans, country risks or general risks. DERIVATIVES During 1999, the Company's banking subsidiary located in Switzerland used forward exchange contracts to hedge contractual U.S. and Canadian revenues or expenses. Realized gains or losses are deferred and amortized to income over the life of the hedged assets or liabilities. The banking subsidiary held three contracts at December 31, 1999, in a notational amount of $8,721. Fair value approximated replacement value at December 31, 1999. In 1998, the banking subsidiary held no forward exchange contracts in its own account. None of the other consolidated entities hold derivatives. 30 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 1. THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) PROPERTY HELD FOR SALE Property held for sale consists of real estate which is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value as determined by management based on current market conditions in the same geographic region. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT Premises and equipment used in the Company's operations are stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION The Company translates foreign assets and liabilities of its self-sustaining foreign subsidiaries at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses have been translated at the average rate of exchange throughout the year. Unrealized gains or losses from these conversions are included in the equity section of the balance sheet. Realized gains or losses have been included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of income. The translation adjustments did not recognize the effect of income tax because the Company expects to reinvest the amounts indefinitely. TAXES ON INCOME Deferred income taxes are provided on transactions recognized in different periods for financial reporting and income tax purposes. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION The Company follows the intrinsic value based method of accounting for compensation resulting from the granting of stock options. No compensation expense has been recognized for the granting of options because the exercise price of the options approximates the market price for the common shares at the grant date. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. Fully diluted earnings per common share takes into consideration common shares outstanding (computed under basic earnings per share) and potentially dilutive common shares. ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD During 1997, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants adopted Accounting Recommendation Section 3465, "Income Taxes." Section 3465 will require that a future income tax liability or asset be recognized whenever recovery or settlement of the carrying amount of an asset or liability would generate future income tax outflows or reductions. This standard is effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2000, and retroactive application is not required. 31 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATION The discontinued internet banking activity had expenses of $4,251 and net losses from operations of $4,234, its only period of operation. All of the net assets of the internet banking activity amounting to $705 were written off as of December 31, 1999. No additional losses are expected. There is no income tax effect because of the Company's net operating losses available in Switzerland. NOTE 3. SECURITIES UNREALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES ON NON-BANK SECURITIES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 1998 ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED CARRYING UNREALIZED UNREALIZED MARKET CARRYING UNREALIZED UNREALIZED MARKET VALUE GAINS LOSSES VALUE VALUE GAINS LOSSES VALUE -------- ---------- ---------- --------- -------- ---------- ---------- --------- Short-term securities Debt............... $11,591 $ -- $ 174 $11,417 $20,009 $ 961 $ -- $20,970 Preferred shares... 7,232 -- 153 7,079 7,213 -- -- 7,213 Common shares...... 7,167 3,905 -- 11,072 11,654 1,044 -- 12,698 Term deposits...... -- -- -- -- 594 1 -- 595 ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------ ------ ------- 25,990 3,905 327 29,568 39,470 2,006 -- 41,476 Long-term investment Debt............... 3,317 295 -- 3,612 3,201 -- 363 2,838 Preferred shares... 1,671 -- -- 1,671 1,671 -- -- 1,671 Common shares...... 8,176 -- 2,981 5,195 3,455 -- 1,315 2,140 ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------ ------ ------- 13,164 295 2,981 10,478 8,327 -- 1,678 6,649 ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------ ------ ------- Total non-bank securities....... $39,154 $4,200 $3,308 $40,046 $47,797 $2,006 $1,678 $48,125 ======= ====== ====== ======= ======= ====== ====== ======= Bank trading securities consisted of debt due principally in one year amounting to $15,057 and $21,133 and equity securities of $13,597 and $8,068 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The change in carrying value of bank trading securities amounting to $912, $2,023 and $4,676 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, was included in the results of operations. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, bank trading account securities included common shares of an affiliate which were stated at an estimated value of $736 and $3,015, respectively (trading market value $4,550 and $16,388 less management's estimated reduction). During 1999, common shares of this affiliate which cost $2,540 were sold for $7,487. Included in the sale proceeds was $6,782 from other affiliated entities. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, non-bank securities included preferred shares in two affiliates stated at cost of $7,403 and $7,527, respectively, because no market exists for the shares. At December 31, 1999, $1,734 was due from one of these affiliates and at December 31, 1998, a total of $2,674 was due from both affiliates. 32 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 4. LOANS 1999 1998 -------- -------- Bank loans, collateralized with traded securities........... $44,333 $22,506 Non-bank loans, collateralized by traded securities, receivables, inventories and other tangible assets (due from two companies $23,493 and $21,881 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively).............................. 37,395 34,472 ------- ------- 81,728 56,978 Allowance for credit losses................................. -- (1,919) ------- ------- Total loans............................................. $81,728 $55,059 ======= ======= Loan maturities: WITHIN 1 YEAR 1 - 5 YEARS 1999 TOTAL ------------- ------------- ---------- Bank loans.................................................. $44,333 $ -- $44,333 Non-bank loans.............................................. 20,927 16,468 37,395 ------- ------- ------- $65,260 $16,468 81,728 ======= ======= Allowance for credit losses................................. -- ------- $81,728 ======= The non-bank loans generally earn interest at a major U.S. bank's prime rate which was 8.5% at December 31, 1999, plus two to seven percent. The weighted daily average prime rate was 8.0% during 1999. Bank loans generally earn interest ranging from 5.5% to 10.35% as of December 31, 1999. NOTE 5. RECEIVABLES AND DUE FROM INVESTMENT DEALERS 1999 1998 -------- -------- Receivables: Short-term advances....................................... $ 8,362 $ 3,701 Investment income......................................... 3,741 1,952 Affiliates................................................ 1,744 3,061 Taxes..................................................... 5,614 3,778 Note receivable sale...................................... -- 4,004 Pension plan recovery..................................... 1,575 1,575 Fees...................................................... -- 1,871 Real estate sales......................................... 677 3,142 Other..................................................... 1,876 1,404 ------- ------- $23,589 $24,488 ======= ======= The amounts due from investment dealers of $17,007 and $8,473 as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively have been pledged. 33 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT 1999 1998 -------- -------- Land and building........................................... $ -- $1,165 Computer equipment.......................................... 1,747 1,944 Furniture, fixtures and equipment........................... 909 1,809 ------ ------ 2,656 4,918 Less accumulated depreciation............................... (1,241) (1,887) ------ ------ $1,415 $3,031 ====== ====== NOTE 7. DEPOSITS 1999 --------------------------------------- PAYABLE ON DEMAND (NON-INTEREST PAYABLE ON A 1998 BEARING) FIXED DATE TOTAL TOTAL ------------- ------------ -------- -------- Clients................................................ $42,649 $4,364 $47,013 $21,652 Banks.................................................. 550 -- 550 3,472 ------- ------ ------- ------- $43,199 $4,364 $47,563 $25,124 ======= ====== ======= ======= NOTE 8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES 1999 1998 -------- -------- Accounts payable............................................ $ 9,470 $ 8,036 Interest.................................................... 1,286 4,617 Property and other taxes.................................... 2,226 1,925 Due securities brokers...................................... 4,816 908 Other....................................................... 56 600 ------- ------- $17,854 $16,086 ======= ======= NOTE 9. DEBT 1999 1998 -------- -------- Bonds payable by the Company, interest at 8%, due semi-annually in October and April, principal due April 2008, unsecured. Convertible into common stock of the Company at $19.08 (1,055,333 common shares reserved at December 31, 1999).............. $20,445 $22,834 Non-recourse notes payable, interest at 8% payable annually, principal due May 2003, unsecured................................... 7,026 14,724 Non-recourse notes payable, interest at 15% due monthly, principal due June 2000, secured by property held for sale.......... 3,446 2,533 ------- ------- $30,917 $40,091 ======= ======= 34 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 9. DEBT (CONTINUED) As of December 31, 1999, the principal maturities of debt are as follows: MATURITY AMOUNT - -------- -------- 2000........................................................ $ 3,446 2003........................................................ 7,026 Thereafter.................................................. 20,445 ------- $30,917 ======= Fair value of financial instruments approximates carrying value except for securities described in Note 3 and bonds payable. The estimated fair value of these bonds was $16,356 and $20,550 based on market value at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES Income before income taxes, minority interests and discontinued operations consists of: 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Canadian.................................................... $ 7,294 $ 2,495 $ 5,763 Foreign..................................................... 28,798 28,033 19,131 ------- ------- ------- $36,092 $30,528 $24,894 ======= ======= ======= The recovery of (provision for) income taxes consists of the following: 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Current Canadian.................................................. $ 293 $ 7 $ (278) Foreign................................................... (314) (364) (227) Deferred Canadian.................................................. 204 (265) (690) Foreign................................................... 833 -- -- ------ ----- ------- $1,016 $(622) $(1,195) ====== ===== ======= The timing differences relate primarily to differences in accounting between income tax and book for the disposal of property held for sale. 35 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes calculated at applicable statutory rates in Canada to the provision in the consolidated statements of income is as follows: 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Income before income taxes and minority interests and discontinued operations................................... $ 36,092 $ 30,528 $ 24,894 ======== ======== ======== Computed provision for income taxes at statutory rates...... $(16,169) $(13,688) $(11,162) (Increase) decrease in taxes resulting from: Nontaxable dividend income................................ 2,421 2,421 2,421 Foreign source income..................................... 12,901 12,570 8,578 Other, net................................................ 1,863 (1,925) (1,032) -------- -------- -------- Recovery of (provision for) income taxes.................... $ 1,016 $ (622) $ (1,195) ======== ======== ======== At December 31, 1999, the Company had estimated accumulated noncapital losses which expire as follows: YEAR CANADIAN U.S. SWISS - ---- -------- -------- -------- 2000........................................................ $ 635 $ -- $10,394 2002........................................................ 3,098 -- -- 2003........................................................ 2,353 -- 3,994 2004........................................................ 1,246 -- 11,065 2005........................................................ 2,195 -- -- 2010-2019................................................... -- 9,980 -- ------ ------ ------- $9,527 $9,980 $25,453 ====== ====== ======= A portion of the U.S. losses may be limited by U.S. tax law. 36 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 11. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Earnings per share data for years ended December 31 from continuing operations is summarized as follows: 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Income from continuing operations........................... $36,328 $30,235 $23,617 Less dividend on the Company's preferred shares held by subsidiary's minority shareholders........................ (117) (119) (121) ------- ------- ------- Basic earnings from continuing operations................... 36,211 30,116 23,496 Effect of dilutive securities: Interest on convertible bonds............................. 1,708 1,405 2 Interest on options....................................... 1,742 1,351 1,002 ------- ------- ------- Diluted earnings from continuing operations................. $39,661 $32,872 $24,500 ======= ======= ======= SHARES ------------------------------------ 1999 1998 1997 ---------- ---------- ---------- Basic earnings per share, weighted number of shares outstanding............................................... 12,058,370 12,169,470 12,044,361 Effect of dilutive securities: Convertible bonds......................................... 1,055,333 1,147,970 4,566 Options................................................... 2,131,589 1,595,829 1,641,760 ---------- ---------- ---------- 15,245,292 14,913,269 13,690,687 ========== ========== ========== NOTE 12. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN During 1996, the Company issued options to employees and directors to acquire 900,000 common shares of stock at $9.41 which vested upon grant and have a five-year term. The weighted fair value of these options was $1.92. There were 900,000 options outstanding at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, under this plan. No additional options to acquire shares will be offered under this plan. 1997 AMENDED STOCK OPTION PLAN The Company has a 1997 stock option plan which enables certain employees and directors to acquire common shares. Under the plan, options vest on grant and have a five-year term. The Company is authorized to issue up to 1,737,500 shares under this plan. During 1998, options to acquire 750,000 shares at $9.18 were granted to officers and employees of the Company. At December 31, 1999, 662,000 of these options were outstanding and have a remaining contractual life of 3.75 years. The weighted fair value of these options was $2.11. During 1997, options to acquire 742,500 shares at $11.10 were granted to officers and employees of the Company. At December 31, 1999, 469,000 of these options were outstanding and have a remaining contractual life of 2.5 years. The weighted fair value of these options was $2.59. 37 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 12. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED) Following is a summary of the status of the plan: WEIGHTED NUMBER AVERAGE OF SHARES EXERCISE PRICE --------- -------------- Outstanding at January 1, 1997.............................. -- $ -- Granted................................................... 742,500 10.36 Forfeited................................................. (10,000) 10.36 --------- ------ Outstanding at December 31, 1997............................ 732,500 10.36 Granted................................................... 750,000 9.26 Exercised................................................. (218,500) 10.41 --------- ------ Outstanding at December 31, 1998............................ 1,264,000 9.96 Forfeited................................................. (125,000) (9.87) Exercised................................................. (8,000) (8.70) --------- ------ Outstanding at December 31, 1999............................ 1,131,000 $ 9.98 ========= ====== PROFORMA INFORMATION Had compensation expense been recognized on the basis of fair value of the options granted under both plans, proforma net income and per share data would have been as follows compared to the amounts reported: 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Net Income As reported............................................... $31,389 $30,235 $23,617 ======= ======= ======= Proforma.................................................. $30,605 $28,483 $21,778 ======= ======= ======= Earnings per share--as reported Basic..................................................... $ 2.59 $ 2.48 $ 1.95 ======= ======= ======= Fully diluted............................................. $ 2.28 $ 2.20 $ 1.79 ======= ======= ======= Earnings per share--proforma Basic..................................................... $ 2.54 $ 2.33 $ 1.80 ======= ======= ======= Fully diluted............................................. $ 2.01 $ 2.09 $ 1.66 ======= ======= ======= The fair value of each option granted was estimated for proforma purposes on the grant date using the Black-Scholes Model. The assumptions used in calculating fair value are as follows: 1998 1997 -------- -------- Risk-free interest rate..................................... 6.0% 6.0% Expected life of the options................................ 2 years 2 years Expected volatility......................................... 57.91% 57.54% Expected dividend yield..................................... 0.0% 0.0% 38 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES LEASES Future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancelable leases are as follows for the next five years: YEAR AMOUNT - ---- -------- 2000........................................................ $ 581 2001........................................................ 261 2002........................................................ 251 2003........................................................ 226 2004........................................................ 205 ------ $1,524 ====== Rent expense was $586, $1,373 and $1,549 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. GUARANTEES AND LETTERS OF CREDIT The Bank issues guarantees and letters of credit to meet credit requirements of its customers. The amounts, which are collateralized, are not included in the consolidated financial statements. Guarantees amounted to $3,612 and $2,944 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. LITIGATION The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to litigation in the normal course of business. Management considers the aggregate liability which may result from such litigation not material at December 31, 1999. REGULATIONS The Company's wholly-owned banking subsidiary is located in Geneva, Switzerland and has no branches or subsidiaries. This subsidiary is subject to the rules and regulations of the Swiss Federal Banking Commission. These regulations require legal reserves of equity capital amounting to $4,931 to be maintained as of December 31, 1999. NEW EUROPEAN CURRENCY In certain European countries, a new currency unit called the "euro" was introduced in January 1999. The Company's bank subsidiary is located in Switzerland which is not converting to the euro. However, many of the bank's transactions as well as those of the Company are stated in the euro. Based on experience with euro transactions to date, management believes that the euro conversion will not have a material effect on operations. NOTE 14. INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY POSITION Management has analyzed the bank subsidiary's interest rate sensitivity position at December 31, 1999. Because of the current nature (over 90% of assets and liabilities and off-balance sheet positions are due within three months) of the bank subsidiary's position, the total interest rate gap is not significant at December 31, 1999, assuming no interest rate hedging is undertaken over the next twelve months. 39 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 15. SEGMENTED INFORMATION The following table presents revenues attributed to Canada, the Company's country of domicile, and other geographic areas based upon the customer's location: 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Canada...................................................... $ 17,851 $ 31,392 $29,043 Switzerland................................................. 88,075 88,237 30,925 United States............................................... 19,600 3,681 26,092 -------- -------- ------- $125,526 $123,310 $86,060 ======== ======== ======= The following table presents premises and equipment and excess cost of net assets acquired over fair value by geographic region based upon the location of the assets or acquisition: 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Canada...................................................... $ 836 $ 822 $ 823 Switzerland................................................. 12,018 13,934 13,252 United States............................................... 6,412 6,791 9,034 ------- ------- ------- $19,266 $21,547 $23,109 ======= ======= ======= NOTE 16. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES Revenue for 1998 includes $2,967 from an entity where the Company's president is a board member. The amount due from this entity was $7,077 and $3,268 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company is the lessee of an iron ore mine located in Canada. Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates operate the mine. Instead, the mine is operated by an independent party who pays royalties based on the amount of ore it extracts from the mine. The royalties are paid to a 19% owned affiliate which acquired the rights to the royalties during a prior year in exchange for preferred shares which provide for a variable annual dividend rate. The amount of preferred dividends earned amounted to $5,400 each for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. During 1998, the Company earned management fees of $2,328 from the affiliate. 40 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 17. UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in Canada, which conform in all material respects with those in the United States (U.S.), except as set forth below: DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME 1999 1998 1997 - ---------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Income from continuing operations in accordance with Canadian GAAP............................................. $36,328 $30,235 $23,617 Consolidation of investee................................... (510) (193) (5,062) Gain on debt................................................ -- (8,113) (2,922) Adjustment of gain on sale of shares in investee............ 3,225 -- -- Change in unrealized gain on trading securities, net........ 1,270 2,635 555 Deferred income tax provision, net.......................... -- (755) (6,745) ------- ------- ------- Income from continuing operations........................... 40,313 23,809 9,443 Loss from discontinued operations........................... (4,939) -- -- ------- ------- ------- Income before extraordinary item............................ 35,374 23,809 9,443 Extraordinary item, gain on extinguishment of debt.......... -- 8,113 2,922 ------- ------- ------- Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP..................... $35,374 $31,922 $12,365 ======= ======= ======= Basic earnings per common share U.S. GAAP Income from continuing operations......................... $ 3.33 $ 1.95 $ 0.81 Loss from discontinued operations......................... (.41) -- -- Extraordinary item........................................ -- .67 .26 ------- ------- ------- $ 2.92 $ 2.62 $ 1.07 ======= ======= ======= Diluted earnings per common share U.S. GAAP Income from continuing operations......................... $ 3.12 $ 1.83 $ 0.76 Loss from discontinued operations......................... (.37) -- -- Extraordinary item........................................ -- .59 .24 ------- ------- ------- $ 2.75 $ 2.42 $ 1.00 ======= ======= ======= Under Canadian GAAP, fully diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting net income available to common shareholders for imputed earnings on funds which would have been received on the exercise of options. U.S. GAAP requires the use of the treasury stock method, whereby diluted earnings per share are calculated as if options were exercised at the beginning of the year and funds received were used to purchase the company's own stock. 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Retained earnings in accordance with U.S. GAAP.............. $107,841 $72,467 $40,914 ======== ======= ======= 41 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 17. UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (CONTINUED) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP..................... $ 35,374 $31,922 $12,365 Other comprehensive income, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustment................... (14,766) 9,036 1,438 Unrealized holding loss on available-for-sale securities arising during the period............................... (1,008) (1,678) -- -------- ------- ------- Other comprehensive income (loss)........................... (15,774) 7,358 1,438 -------- ------- ------- Comprehensive income........................................ $ 19,600 $39,280 $13,803 ======== ======= ======= The change in accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ----------------------------------- FOREIGN CURRENCY UNREALIZED TRANSLATION LOSS ON ADJUSTMENT SECURITIES TOTAL ----------- ---------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1996................................ $ 1 $ -- $ 1 Change in other comprehensive income........................ 1,438 -- 1,438 -------- ------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1997................................ 1,439 -- 1,439 Change in other comprehensive income........................ 9,036 (1,678) 7,358 -------- ------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1998................................ 10,475 (1,678) 8,797 Change in other comprehensive income........................ (14,766) (1,008) (15,774) -------- ------- -------- Balance at December 31, 1999................................ $ (4,291) $(2,686) $ (6,977) ======== ======= ======== CONSOLIDATION The results of 1999, 1998 and 1997 operations of an entity in which the Company has a temporary investment are required to be consolidated under U.S. GAAP. "Consolidation of investee" in the above reconciliation gives effect to this requirement. In December 1999, the Company disposed of a substantial portion of this investment which resulted in the Company's ownership being less than 20% at December 31, 1999. SECURITIES U.S. GAAP requires that certain investments be classified into available-for-sale or trading securities categories and be stated at their fair values. Any unrealized holding gains or losses are to be reported as a component of comprehensive income until realized for available-for-sale securities, and included in earnings for trading securities. Non-bank securities included trading securities at fair value and are summarized as follows: DECEMBER 31, ------------------- 1999 1998 -------- -------- Debt securities............................................. $11,417 $20,970 Term deposits............................................... -- 595 Preferred shares............................................ 7,079 1,358 Common shares............................................... 8,389 9,684 ------- ------- $26,885 $32,607 ======= ======= 42 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 17. UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (CONTINUED) The change in unrealized gain in trading securities is included in the income reconciliation above. The non-bank available-for-sale securities consist of common shares, preferred shares and debt securities. At December 31, 1999, securities in five companies represented 84% of the total available-for-sale securities and 80% was represented by five companies at December 31, 1998. The proceeds from the sale of these securities amounted to $1,080, $966, and none, which resulted in realized gains (losses) of $96, $(738) and none during 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The cost of these securities was $13,164, $8,327 and $2,254 which resulted in unrealized gains (losses) in comprehensive income of $(2,686), $(1,678) and none at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. INCOME TAXES No tax is provided for the extraordinary item because of the utilization of tax net operating losses. No benefit has been attributed to the loss in discontinued operations because of the uncertainty in being able to utilize such losses in Switzerland. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company would have had no deferred tax asset at December 31, 1999 or 1998, and $755 at December 31, 1997. The effect of the change in this asset amount is included in the income reconciliation above. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES WITH RESPECT TO STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Significant noncash transaction in 1999 included: - - The Company received collateral in the extinguishment of a receivable in the amount $2,490. Significant noncash transactions in 1998 included: - - $30,747 in bonds payable of a subsidiary were exchanged for Company bonds which resulted in a net gain. - - A subsidiary of the Company sold one of its subsidiaries at a gain of $648 resulting from an assumption of liabilities. Significant noncash transactions in 1997 included: - - Series A, Class A preferred shares with a value of $12,832 were converted to common shares. - - A subsidiary of the Company converted $2,983 of debt from another subsidiary into 217,500 preferred shares. - - A note receivable for $7,233 was settled with trading securities with the same market value. NEW U.S. ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," is effective for years beginning after June 15, 1999. This statement requires that entities recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value provided certain conditions are met. The Company has not determined the effect, if any, this standard may have in the determination of net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP. 43 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Shareholders MFC Bancorp Ltd. Our report on the consolidated financial statements of MFC Bancorp Ltd. is included on page 24 of this Form 20-F. In connection with our audits of such financial statements, we have also audited the related financial statement schedules listed in Item 19(a)8 of this Form 20-F. In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. /s/ PETERSON SULLIVAN P.L.L.C. April 14, 2000 Seattle, Washington 44 MFC BANCORP LTD. SCHEDULE I: CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) BALANCE SHEETS AS AT DECEMBER 31, ------------------- 1999 1998 -------- -------- ASSETS Cash and securities......................................... $117,375 $115,869 Receivables................................................. 40,596 32,961 Loans and notes receivable.................................. 81,728 55,059 Real estate held for resale................................. 7,840 5,639 Excess cost of net assets acquired.......................... 17,851 18,516 Other....................................................... 4,717 10,065 -------- -------- $270,107 $238,109 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits.................................................... $ 47,563 $ 25,124 Accounts payable and accrued expenses....................... 17,853 16,086 Debt........................................................ 30,917 40,091 Minority interest........................................... 2,962 2,412 Shareholders' equity........................................ 170,812 154,396 -------- -------- $270,107 $238,109 ======== ======== STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Financial services revenue.................................. $125,526 $123,310 $86,060 Expenses General and administrative................................ 19,305 19,361 12,368 Financial services........................................ 65,262 68,650 43,658 Interest.................................................. 4,867 4,771 5,140 Income taxes (recovery)................................... (1,016) 622 1,195 Minority interest......................................... 780 (329) 82 -------- -------- ------- 89,198 93,075 62,443 -------- -------- ------- Income from continuing operations........................... 36,328 30,235 23,617 Loss from discontinued operations........................... (4,939) -- -- -------- -------- ------- Net income.................................................. $ 31,389 $ 30,235 $23,617 ======== ======== ======= STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- Net cash (used) provided by operating activities............ $ 26,660 $ (952) $(21,383) Net cash (used) provided by financing activities............ 26,828 (4,885) (29,611) Net cash (used) provided by investing activities............ (35,728) (1,613) 74,492 Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents........... (7,064) 4,099 1,161 -------- ------- -------- Net change in cash.......................................... 10,696 (3,351) 24,659 Cash and cash equivalent, beginning of year................. 38,871 42,222 17,563 -------- ------- -------- Cash and cash equivalent, end of year....................... $ 49,567 $38,871 $ 42,222 ======== ======= ======== 45 MFC BANCORP LTD. SCHEDULE III: SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION FUTURE POLICY OTHER BENEFITS, DEFERRED BENEFITS, POLICY CLAIMS LOSS POLICY LOSSES, CLAIMS CLAIMS AND NET AND ACQUISITION AND LOSS UNEARNED BENEFITS PREMIUM INVESTMENT SETTLEMENT SEGMENT COST EXPENSES PREMIUMS PAYABLE REVENUE INCOME EXPENSES - ------- ----------- -------------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- Property and casualty: December 31, 1999....... -- $3,021,000 -- -- -- $ 397,000 -- December 31, 1998....... -- $5,353,000 -- -- -- $ 612,000 -- December 31, 1997....... -- $8,395,000 -- -- -- $2,351,000 -- AMORTIZATION OF DEFERRED POLICY OTHER ACQUISITION OPERATING PREMIUMS SEGMENT COST EXPENSES WRITTEN - ------- ------------ --------- --------- Property and casualty: December 31, 1999....... -- $ 40,000 -- December 31, 1998....... -- $304,000 -- December 31, 1997....... -- $ 59,000 -- 46 MFC BANCORP LTD. SCHEDULE IV: REINSURANCE ASSUMED PERCENTAGE CEDED TO FROM OF AMOUNT GROSS OTHER OTHER NET ASSUMED AMOUNT COMPANIES COMPANIES AMOUNT TO NET -------- --------- --------- -------- ---------- Property and casualty: December 31, 1999................................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- N/A December 31, 1998................................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- N/A December 31, 1997................................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- N/A 47 MFC BANCORP LTD. SCHEDULE VI: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY--CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1999 THIS SCHEDULE IS OMITTED BECAUSE THE RELEVANT INFORMATION WAS EITHER SHOWN ON SCHEDULE III OR SCHEDULE IV. 48 (B) EXHIBITS: 3.1 Articles of Incorporation.(1) 3.2 Certificate of Amendment.(1) 3.3 Bylaws.(1) 4.1 Master Trust Indenture between Drummond Financial Corporation and Harris Trust Company of New York, as trustee, dated August 26, 1993. Incorporated by reference to Form S-1 filed June 7, 1993. 4.2 First Supplemental Indenture between Drummond Financial Corporation and Harris Trust Company of New York, as trustee, dated November 30, 1993.(1) 4.3 Second Supplemental Indenture between Drummond Financial Corporation and Harris Trust Company of New York, as trustee, dated October 23, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Drummond Financial Corporation's Form 10-QSB for the period ended September 30, 1996. 4.4 Third Supplemental Indenture between Drummond Financial Corporation, Harris Trust Company of New York and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York dated for reference May 13, 1997.(1) 4.5 Fourth Supplemental Indenture between Drummond Financial Corporation, The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York and Drummond Financial (B.C.) Ltd. dated for reference February 4, 1998.(1) 4.6 Master Trust Indenture between MFC and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, dated March 31, 1998.(1) 10.1 Memorandum of Agreement between MFC and Wabush Iron Co. Limited, Stelco Inc. and Dofasco Inc. dated November 24, 1987.(2) 10.2 Amendment to Mining Lease between MFC and Wabush Iron Co. Limited, Stelco Inc. and Dofasco Inc. dated January 1, 1987.(2) 10.3 First Amendment to Memorandum of Agreement between MFC and Wabush Iron Co. Limited, Stelco Inc. and Dofasco Inc.(2) 10.4 Assignment Agreement between MFC and Prada Holdings Ltd. dated as of January 1, 1992.(1) 10.5 Employment Agreement dated July 1, 1994 between MFC and Michael J. Smith.(1) 10.6 Separation Agreement between Mercer International Inc. and MFC dated for reference March 29, 1996.(1) 10.7 Amendment Agreement made effective March 19, 1996, between MFC and Michael J. Smith.(1) 10.8 Purchase Agreement between MFC and Volendam Securities C.V. dated for reference May 16, 1996.(1) 10.9 Purchase Agreement between MFC and Volendam Securities C.V. dated for reference May 27, 1996.(1) 10.10 Share Purchase Agreement between MFC and Frederick Wong dated June 6, 1996.(1) 10.11 Subscription Agreement between MFC and Drummond Financial Corporation dated June 20, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Drummond Financial Corporation's Form 8-K dated June 27, 1996. 10.12 Share Purchase Agreement between MFC and Med Net International Ltd. dated June 20, 1996.(3) 10.13 Share Purchase Agreement among MFC and various shareholders of Logan International Corp. dated June 20, 1996.(3) 49 10.14 Subscription Agreement between Drummond Financial Corporation and Logan International Corp. dated June 20, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Logan International Corp.'s Form 8-K dated June 27, 1996. 10.15 Share Purchase Agreement between Lehman Brothers Bankhaus AG and MFC dated October 3, 1996.(1) 10.16 Purchase Agreement between MFC and Robabond Holding AG dated June 27, 1997.(1) 10.17 Share Purchase Agreement between MFC and Procom Holding AG dated September 22, 1997.(1) 10.18 Supplementary Agreement to Share Purchase Agreement between MFC and Procom Holding AG dated September 22, 1997.(1) 10.19 Agreement between MFC and the holders of MFC's Class A Preferred Shares dated December 1, 1996.(1) 10.20 Subscription Agreement between MFC and Logan International Corp. dated December 2, 1996. Incorporated by reference to MFC's Schedule 13D/A (Amendment No. 1) dated December 16, 1996 with respect to Logan International Corp. 21. Subsidiaries of MFC. - --------------- (1) Incorporated by reference to MFC's Form 20-Fs filed in prior years. (2) Incorporated by reference to MFC's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989. (3) Incorporated by reference to MFC's Schedule 13D dated June 27, 1996 with respect to Logan International Corp. 50 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Dated at Geneva, Switzerland this 1st day of May, 2000. MFC BANCORP LTD. By: /s/ MICHAEL J. SMITH Michael J. Smith Chief Executive Officer 51