UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OR (G) OF THE ECURITIES
- ----- 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, 2002.
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
- ----- EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
Commission file number 000-30683
Verb Exchange Inc. (formerly Ayotte Music Inc.)
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
Canada (Federal), under the Canada Business Corporations Act
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(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
c/o Suite 1600, 609 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7Y 1C3
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(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
(Title of Class)
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Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d)
of the Act.
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(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of
capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual
report:
10,383,955 common shares as at December 31, 2002
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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) X YES ___ NO; and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. X YES ___ NO.
Indicate which financial statement item the registrant elects to follow:
X ITEM 17 ITEM 18.
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2
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
(FORMERLY AYOTTE MUSIC INC.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors.................4
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable...............................4
Item 3. Key Information.......................................................4
Item 4. Information on the Company............................................8
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.........................15
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees...........................19
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions....................24
Item 8. Financial Information................................................24
Item 9. The Offer and Listing ...............................................24
Item 10. Additional Information. ............................................25
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk .........30
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities .............30
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies ....................30
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of
Security Holders and Use of Proceeds................................30
Item 15. Controls and Procedures.............................................30
Item 16. Audit Matters.......................................................30
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements................................................31
Item 18. Financial Statements................................................31
Item 19. Exhibits............................................................31
Signatures....................................................................32
3
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS.
Not required.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.
Not required.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION.
A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
On November 11, 2002, the Company completed a reverse takeover (the "RTO")
of a private company, Verb Exchange Inc. ("Verb"). For accounting purposes, the
historical financial statements of the Company reflect the financial position,
results of operations and cash flows of Verb prior to the RTO, and are
consolidated with those of the Company subsequent to the RTO. On this basis, the
table below provides selected financial information about the Company covering
the past three fiscal years ended December 31 (Verb was incorporated on January
14, 2000). This information, and all other financial information in this report,
is stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. For further information
about the fiscal years ended December 31, 2000 to 2002, please refer to the
Company's comparative financial statements attached which include consolidated
balance sheets as at December 31, 2002 and 2001 and consolidated statements of
operations and deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2002 together with the auditors' report thereon.
Note that the financial information is presented on the basis of generally
accepted accounting principles in Canada. There are no material differences from
applying these principles compared to applying United States generally accepted
accounting principles. Please see the auditors' report.
Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data
Year Ended December 31
OPERATING DATA 2002 2001 2000
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Sales, net of excise duties and taxes $ 88,840 $ 62,491 $ 32,626
Loss for the year 4,462,840 6,220,995 1,167,477
Loss per common share, basic* 0.86 1.63 0.38
Weighted average number of common stock outstanding 5,168,088 3,818,610 3,099,800
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Current assets 208,018 177,226 n/a
Technology (net of accumulated depreciation) 2,291,266 3,348,773 n/a
Total assets 2,717,979 3,794,563 n/a
Current liabilities 1,677,065 1,534,244 n/a
Net assets 1,031,043 2,229,417 n/a
Share capital 8,032,910 5,192,284 n/a
Shareholders' equity 1,031,043 2,229,417 n/a
Dividends per common share -0- -0- -0-
Dividends per preferred share -0- -0- -0-
* See Note 3(j) to the Financial Statements for information on the
calculation of this data. Fully diluted data is not presented above, as the
effect of including the potential shares is insignificant.
4
EXCHANGE RATES
Verb Exchange Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, will also be referred
to as "Verb", "Company", "we", "our" or "us") publishes its financial statements
in Canadian dollars. In this Annual Report, references to "dollars", "$" or
"Cdn$" are to Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified, reference to "US$"
refer to United States dollars. For your convenience, this Annual Report
contains translations of certain Canadian dollar amounts into United States
dollars at specified rates. These translations should not be read as
representations that the Canadian dollar amounts actually represent such United
States dollar amounts or could be converted into United States dollars at the
rate indicated. Unless otherwise stated, the translations of Canadian dollars
("Cdn$") into United States dollars ("US$") have been made at Cdn$1.4995 to
US$1.00, the Bank of Canada's closing exchange rate on December 31, 2002. The
Bank of Canada closing exchange rate on June 20, 2003 was Cdn$1.3596 per
US$1.00.
This table describes certain average exchange rates based on the average of
the Bank of Canada closing rates on the last day of each month ending in the
period shown. The high and low rates represent the high and low Bank of Canada
exchange rates observed in the period shown. These rates are shown as Canadian
dollars per US$1.00. On June 20, 2003, the inverse of the Bank of Canada closing
exchange rate was Cdn$1.00 per US$0.7355.
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FROM TO AVERAGE HIGH LOW
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January 1, 2000 December 31, 2000 1.4852
January 1, 2001 December 31, 2001 1.5514
January 1, 2002 December 31, 2002 1.5688
December 1, 2002 December 31, 2002 1.5801 1.5457
January 1, 2003 January 31, 2003 1.5777 1.5176
February 1, 2003 February 28, 2003 1.5329 1.4832
March 1, 2003 March 31, 2003 1.4950 1.4605
April 1, 2003 April 30, 2003 1.4924 1.4316
May 1, 2003 May 31, 2003 1.4263 1.3438
June 1, 2003 June 20, 2003 1.3787 1.3323
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B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS.
Not required.
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Not required.
D. RISK FACTORS AND FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS.
There are significant risks associated with buying our shares. You should
carefully consider the risks of investing as you evaluate our business by
reading all of the information in this document.
In this document, we are showing you a picture which is part historical
(events which have happened) and part predictive (events which we believe will
happen). Except for the historical information, all of the information in this
document make up "forward looking" statements. Specifically, all statements
(other than statements of historical fact) regarding our financial position,
business strategy and plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as
assumptions made by and information currently available to management. These
statements involve known and unknown risks, including the risks resulting from
economic and market conditions, accurately forecasting operating and capital
expenditures and capital needs, successful anticipation of competition which may
not yet be fully developed, and other business conditions. Our use of the words
"anticipate", "believe",
5
"estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "continue" and "intend", and similar words
or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements (also known as
"cautionary statements"). These statements reflect our current views with
respect to future events. They are subject to the realization in fact of
assumptions, but what we now think will happen may be turn out to be inaccurate
or incomplete. We cannot assure you that our expectations will prove to be
correct. Actual operating results and financial performance may prove to be very
different from what we now predict or anticipate. The "risk factors" below
specifically address some of the factors that may influence future operating
results and financial performance.
RISK FACTORS.
Early Stage of Development. Although Verb's products are ready for
commercialization, Verb's business is still considered to be in the development
stage. As such, Verb is subject to the difficulties, risks and uncertainties
frequently encountered by companies in the development stage.
MARKET ACCEPTANCE AND UNCERTAIN REVENUES. In the development of any new
product or service, market acceptance is always a large obstacle to overcome. As
a result, it will take significant time, resources and effort to infiltrate and
educate target markets. In addition, the overall size and growth rate of the
market, as well as the price customers are willing to pay for the Company's
product offerings, is uncertain.
There can be no assurances that Verb will be able to penetrate its target
markets, or be able to attain a level of revenues or acceptable margins, or
maintain any such revenues, margins or market share in the face of competition,
sufficient to maintain operations. If there is a failure of market acceptance,
or if the market for Verb's services develop more slowly than expected, becomes
saturated with competition or is otherwise economically inefficient, the
business and prospects of Verb will be adversely affected.
NEED TO INCREASE EXPENDITURES. At the current time, Verb will need to
increase expenditures on marketing and sales, and on technical resources and
infrastructure development. In the event that Verb has insufficient financial
resources to make such expenditures, the business and prospects of Verb will be
adversely affected.
Despite the foregoing, there can be no assurances that any increases in
marketing and sales efforts will result in increased revenues, a larger overall
market or greater market share. Likewise, there can be no assurances that any
research and development programs or initiatives will result in viable
enhancements to current products or in new products.
EXPECTED LOSSES AND NEED FOR WORKING CAPITAL. With ongoing and generally
increasing expenses, Verb will likely incur operating losses and negative cash
flows for the foreseeable future. As a result, Verb will require significant
additional working capital to finance growth and current operations, either in
the form of revenues and/or external financing.
As stated above, there can be no assurances that Verb will attain a level
of revenues or acceptable margins sufficient to maintain operations. In
addition, there can be no assurances that any external financing, lines of
credit or other sources of funds will be available if and when needed on terms
acceptable to Verb, if at all. If Verb is unable to generate working capital to
finance growth or current operations, it may not be able to take advantage of
business opportunities, respond to technological developments or competitive
pressures, or even maintain operations.
TECHNICAL CHANGE AND COMPETITION. The field of unified communications is
rapidly evolving as new technologies are developed and introduced. Viable
competition exists for Verb, often from larger corporations with greater
technical, marketing, financial and other resources.
6
The competitiveness of Verb's products depends, in large part, on the
ability of Verb to demonstrate performance, cost-effectiveness and other
benefits of its products and technology over that of the competition. There can
be no assurances that Verb will be able to establish or maintain a technical
lead over its competition or be able to integrate new system enhancements and
technologies to keep pace with industry changes or customer demands on a timely
basis.
In the event that competitors develop a more suitable or desirable product
or service for the delivering of unified communications than that of Verb, the
business and prospects of Verb will be adversely affected. Furthermore, there
can be no assurances that new competitors will not, should Verb be successful,
subsequently enter the market.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Verb attempts to protect its intellectual property
through trademark laws and as trade secrets, and through contractual provisions
and confidentiality procedures. There can be, however, no assurances that any
present or future intellectual property protection will be effective, each being
subject to challenge as unenforceable or outright circumvention. In addition,
there can be no assurances that others will not claim that Verb has infringed
upon the intellectual property rights of such others.
In the event of any litigation, the costs of Verb filing suit against
others to protect its intellectual property and to defend itself against any
claims that it has infringed the intellectual property rights of others could be
substantial, in terms of both management time and monetary resources, which
would have a material adverse effect on Verb's business.
DISRUPTION OF BUSINESS. Verb's ability to attract and retain customers
depends on the performance, reliability and availability of its services. Any
disruption in Verb's services to its customers, whether due to internal,
external or technical factors, will likely result in customer dissatisfaction
and loss of credibility, with a resulting adverse effect on Verb's business and
prospects.
RELIANCE ON WEBLEY SYSTEMS INC. Currently, Verb provides certain services
to its subscribers on an outsourced solution basis, by licensing components of
Webley Systems Inc.'s unified communications platform and adding its own
proprietary elements. In the event that Webley cannot or ceases to provide such
services to Verb, Verb's ability to provide services to its subscribers would be
adversely affected, if not impossible, until such time as the problem is
corrected or a suitable alternative unified communications platform is found.
There can be no assurances that, if required, a suitable alternative
unified communications platform will be available. Even should such a platform
be identified, the inherent delay in switching subscribers to the alternative
platform will likely result in customer dissatisfaction and loss of credibility,
which would have an immediate and adverse effect on Verb's business and
prospects.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS. Verb's marketing strategy relies heavily on its ability
to secure and nurture strategic alliances and third party agency relationships
to generate exposure, market and sell its products and services. In such event,
Verb may not have direct control over the timing and methods used to market its
products and services, resulting in potentially slower adoption, less revenues,
and a greater risk of competitive interference.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL. The success of Verb is in part dependent on
the services of certain key management and technical personnel, including
Nathanael Lineham and Calvin Wang. The expertise of these and other high-level
individuals will be an important factor contributing to Verb's potential for
growth and future success. The loss of one or more of these individuals could
have an adverse effect on Verb's business and prospects.
The future success of Verb also depends on its continuing ability to
attract, retain and motivate highly skilled employees. The inability of Verb to
do so in respect of its present and future employees would also have an adverse
effect on Verb's business and prospects.
7
IF WE HAVE TO RAISE DEBT FINANCING OR SELL SECURITIES IN THE FUTURE,
YOUR RIGHTS AND THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK COULD BE
REDUCED. If we issue debt securities, the lenders would have a claim to our
assets that would be superior to the stockholder rights. Interest on the debt
would increase costs and negatively impact operating results. If we issue more
common stock or any preferred stock, your percentage ownership will decrease and
your stock may experience additional dilution, and the holders of preferred
stock (called preference securities in Canada) may have rights, preferences and
privileges which are superior to (more favorable) the rights of holders of the
common stock. It is likely the Company will sell securities in the future. The
terms of such future transactions presently are not determinable.
IF THE MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK IS ILLIQUID IN THE FUTURE, YOU COULD
ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTY IF YOU TRY TO SELL YOUR STOCK. Our common stock is
currently trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") but an active
trading market may not be sustained. If there is no active trading market for
our common stock, you may not be able to resell your shares at any price, if at
all. It is possible that the trading market for the common stock in the future
will be "thin" or "illiquid," which could result in increased volatility in
trading prices. These future prices cannot be predicted, and will be determined
by the market. The prices may be influenced by investors' perceptions of us and
general economic conditions. Until our financial performance indicates
substantial success in executing our business model, it is unlikely that
significant coverage by stock market analysts will be extended to us. Without
such coverage, institutional investors are not likely to buy our stock. Until
such time, if ever, as such coverage by analysts and wider market interest
develops, the market may have a limited capacity to absorb significant amounts
of trading volumes. You should read the next risk factor in connection with this
discussion. Presently our stock is not listed for trading in the United States.
YOUR LEGAL RECOURSE AS A UNITED STATES INVESTOR COULD BE LIMITED. Our
company is incorporated under the laws of the federal jurisdiction of Canada.
Our assets are located in Canada. Our directors and officers and certain of the
experts named in this prospectus are residents of Canada, and all or a
substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a
result, if any of our shareholders were to bring a lawsuit against our officers,
directors or experts in the United States it may be difficult for them to effect
service of legal process in the United States on those people who are not
residents of the United States based upon civil liability under the Securities
Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, we have been
advised that a judgment of a United States court based solely upon civil
liability under these laws would probably be enforceable in Canada if the U.S.
court in which the judgment were obtained had a basis for jurisdiction in the
matter. We also have been advised that there is substantial doubt whether an
action could be brought successfully in Canada in the first instance on the
basis of liability predicated solely upon the United States' laws.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY.
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY.
Our legal name is "Verb Exchange Inc.". The Company was formed on February
27, 1998, as a result of the amalgamation of Ayotte Music Inc. and ISI Ventures
Inc. under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). On May 16, 2000, the Company
continued (changed its legal domicile) federally under the Canada Business
Corporations Act. Our registered office in Canada is located at Suite 1600 - 609
Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7Y 1C3. Our principal business address
is Suite 908 - 1055 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7X 1L2, tel: (604)
685-8363, fax: (604) 685-8366. We do not have an agent in the United States.
DISPOSITION OF CORE BUSINESS.
On November 30, 2001, Verb's predecessor, Ayotte Music Inc., entered into
an agreement to sell its core business of manufacturing and delivering drums to
Shetland Enterprises Ltd. The negotiated purchase price was $400,000, subject to
final adjustment, of which $200,000 was paid in cash on closing with the
remainder in the form of vendor take-back financing to be repaid in 36 equal
payments commencing in February, 2003, with interest calculated at 7% per annum.
As a result of the purchase price allocation arising
8
from the RTO, this receivable is shown on the books at an amount equal to
$120,093.20. As at the date hereof, Shetland has not made any of its required
installment payments, although in discussions with the Company they have
indicated that all payments in arrears will be made in the near future.
ACQUISITION OF VERB.
On November 12, 2002, Ayotte completed the RTO and acquired the business of
Verb. The structure of the RTO consisted of Ayotte consolidating its common
shares on a five old for one new common share basis, resulting in 3,288,800
post-consolidation common shares and warrants to acquire an aggregate of 247,000
post-consolidation common shares being outstanding prior to giving effect to the
RTO. Ayotte then acquired all of the outstanding common shares and convertible
securities of Verb in exchange for 4,320,925 post-consolidation common shares
issued from treasury and warrants to acquire an aggregate of 1,255,000
post-consolidation common shares of Ayotte.
In connection with concurrent financings, commissions, finder's fees, and
other matters in respect of the RTO transactions, an additional 2,774,230
post-consolidation common shares, warrants to acquire an aggregate of 1,873,430
post-consolidation common shares of Ayotte and 990,138 special warrants
(post-consolidation), each such special warrant being convertible into a unit
comprised of one post-consolidation common share and one warrant to acquire a
further post-consolidation common share of Ayotte.
Subsequent to completion of this transaction, the amalgamated company
adopted the name Verb Exchange Inc.
ACQUISITION OF CAPITAL POOL COMPANIES.
On June 24, 2003, the Company completed a business combination with two
capital pool companies listed on the TSX-V. A capital pool company (a "CPC") is
a company that is created for the purpose of conducting an initial public
offering and exchange listing pursuant to the TSX-V's CPC program, and
thereafter using the funds to search for and evaluate potential acquisitions
which, if approved by the TSX-V and acquired, will result in the CPC becoming
fully listed on the TSX-V (referred to as a "Qualifying Transaction").
Pursuant to this transaction, the Company effectively acquired each CPC's
cash in treasury by exchanging its common shares for all the outstanding common
shares of each CPC, on the basis of one common share for each $0.20 of the CPC's
cash after applying a 10% premium. The Company will also issue warrants for the
outstanding options of each CPC, based upon a formula derived from the exchange
ratio for the common shares. Upon making the requisite adjustments to the share
exchange calculation for permitted and non-permitted expenditures during the
course of the transaction, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,573,573 common
shares and 250,821 warrants to both CPC's to acquire approximately $465,000 in
cash.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES.
In the previous three fiscal years, Verb has invested approximately
$4,459,440 in capital expenditures, primarily with respect to the acquisition of
$4,252,511 in technology and equipment from Cadium Systems (now a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Verb) in 2001 in exchange for common shares and common share
purchase warrants. Currently, the Company has no plans to incur any expenditures
on or divest itself of, any significant amounts of capital equipment.
TAKEOVER OFFERS BY THIRD PARTIES.
Other than the RTO and the business combination with the two CPC's
discussed above, there have been no public or private takeover offers or efforts
by third parties in respect of the Company's shares, or by the Company in
respect of other companies' shares, in fiscal 2000 to 2002.
9
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW.
Verb is in the business of developing and delivering solutions for the
communication and messaging needs of businesses and professionals. In
particular, Verb concentrates on enhancing access and management of various
communications formats (Voice, Fax, Email) so that organizations and individuals
can communicate more effectively and realize increased productivity. Verb's
products ("Verb Products") are designed to allow users to interact with their
phone messages and other information that can be received or delivered via
existing telecommunication devices. Users are offered not only a unified inbox,
but a platform whereby they can actively manage and control both incoming and
outgoing messages and information. Some of the features that the Verb Products
are designed to provide include allowing remote users to both: (i) fully manage
their incoming phone messaging system; and (ii) broadcast outgoing messages to
multiple recipients in a single process. There are two distinct messaging
platforms: tagline(TM), a full-featured unified communications platform that
utilizes speech recognition and text to speech capabilities, and
MyMessenger(TM), a java based Interactive Voice broadcast delivery system.
Verb's products and services increase productivity and reduce costs for
subscribers by eliminating repetitive labour intensive actions and the need for
redundant devices. Verb's products are differentiated by being web enabled and
device agnostic. The subscriber has the choice on how to manage and access the
platform. Subscribers are not required to have a specific piece of hardware or
download software to utilize the services. Verb's products and services are
offered to subscribers on a hosted basis or ASP (Application Service Provider
model) for a monthly subscription fee. The subscriber chooses from a variety of
plans that provide access to the platform in bundles of minutes. The
subscription is automatically renewed each month unless the subscriber chooses
to cancel the service. At that point the subscriber has no further obligation.
This outsourced subscription model does not encumber an organization or
individual with up front capital expenditures or consume internal resources to
realize the benefits of the technologies.
Currently there are four distinct services based on the two platforms that
comprise the Verb Product suite: myMessenger(TM), Echo, tagline(TM) and the
Exchange Console. Each component of the Verb Products (myMessenger(TM), Echo,
tagline(TM) and Exchange Console) has been configured to be 'stand-alone' in the
marketplace or to be bundled together for multiple applications within an
organization.
PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
myMessenger(TM)
myMessenger(TM) is an interactive voice broadcast system, proprietary to
Verb. myMessenger(TM) can broadcast to both "on platform" recipients (other
myMessenger(TM) subscribers) or "off platform" recipients (anyone with a live
telephone number). With one toll-free call to the myMessenger(TM) service, the
user can record a personal voice message and have it delivered to all the
contacts in their existing database anywhere in North America for a nominal per
message charge if they are off-platform, or without cost whatsoever if they are
on-platform. The recipient of the message can respond to the voice mail with a
voice reply back to the myMessenger(TM) mailbox or with a simple yes/no answer -
all through the telephone keypad. myMessenger(TM) can determine whether a live
person or an answering machine answers the phone. Depending on how the system is
configured by the user, it will either reattempt the number(s) until it connects
with a live person or leave a message on the voice mail. myMessenger(TM) will
also send notification when someone has responded to a message or when a
broadcast is complete. The system offers both an interactive voice response and
web interface to allow users to access information by phone or through the web.
The service is completely web-enabled meaning the user can listen to, record
voice messages and receive email reports detailing the results of the broadcasts
all through the web at www.myMessenger.com.
Echo
The Echo service is comparable to the myMessenger(TM) service in
functionality, but is designed for large scale message distribution with
corporate accounts and also has direct connect call center capabilities (it is
not, however, web-enabled).
10
tagline(TM)
The tagline(TM) service gives users control over their communications.
tagline(TM)functions as a virtual personal assistant to screen, handle and
direct calls, faxes and emails. The user decides when and how they receive calls
through the tagline(TM) filtering and screening capabilities. The system allows
the user to identify callers by contact name or phone number. The user
determines the security levels, so all messages and incoming calls are secure.
tagline(TM) features include:
- one convenient number to give to important contacts, allowing the user
to be reached with toll free convenience from anywhere in North
America.
- all communications (voice, fax, emails, etc.) can be managed through
any device (telephone, computer, wireless PDA, etc.).
- simple voice commands tell the system what to do - this allows users to
communicate in a 'hands free - eyes free' environment.
- send a voice message by saying the message once and broadcasting to a
group (up to 2000) of your contacts.
- integrates with your PIM (personal information manager - your contact
database).
- allows users to make a conference call (up to 32 people) or conference
on the fly, adding contacts by speaking the name, or managing the
conference on the web.
- allows users to have reminders proactively sent to them by email, phone
or wireless PDA.
- allows users to have notifications of important message arrivals sent
to their phone, pager, wireless PDA, or computer.
Verb licenses core unified communications components for the tagline(TM)
service from Webley Systems Inc. The licensed portion of the platform is a
combination of open standard protocols for processing the various message
formats overlaid by a speech recognition engine; these elements are integrated
with handling and synchronization features that are proprietary to Webley
Systems Inc. All the platform applications are completely software and hardware
vendor independent. The platform has received a "Carrier Grade" certification
from Pacific Bell.
To these core licensed components, Verb integrates proprietary elements
that it owns such as off platform interactive broadcast capabilities and IP
based monitoring, content delivery, and instant messaging. Verb also develops
and integrates other applications to tagline(TM) for specific market channels.
See "Risk Factors - Reliance on Webley Systems Inc." below for a discussion of
Verb's reliance on that portion of the technology that is licensed from Webley
Systems Inc.
Exchange Console
Exchange Console is a web based content delivery, instant messaging and
monitoring application, developed by and proprietary to Verb. Exchange Console
becomes the subscriber's command center. Its integration with Internet-related
tasks gives the user access to common tasks such as web searches and email.
Furthermore, the interactive nature of the application allows "dynamic content"
(in the form of banner ads and scrolling news headlines) to be fed to the user.
11
By incorporating standard toolbar functionality, Exchange Console can be
easily moved around, docked and minimized on the user's desktop. An extensible
markup language ("XML") framework provides a convenient interface to communicate
with external servers and data sources. Through this interface, interaction with
servers offers real-time information retrieval and instant messaging
capabilities.
From Exchange Console, the subscriber can easily manage all tagline(TM)
functions while continuing to work in other programs. Exchange Console can be
customized in appearance and can streamline relevant content to specific user
groups. Exchange Console is a unique feature option for the GUI (Graphical User
Interface) and an important component of the private label branding solution
Verb offers to resellers. When branding the interface for a specific group, Verb
is able to offer Exchange Console as a means for a subscribing organization to
extend their web and brand presence to their client's desktops. Verb will charge
specific user groups by the download for the use of Exchange Console. Exchange
Console also interfaces with tagline(TM) and Echo to provide quick access to
certain features such as notification of pending messages without having to log
into the GUI.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW - STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
The myMessenger(TM) and Echo service has been beta tested and the service
is commercially available. The tagline(TM) service has been market tested and is
also commercially available. Exchange Console has been beta tested and the
product is ready for commercial launch.
The Verb platform is the only unified communications platform to undergo
testing and to receive certification from a Bell Company. Pacific Bell performed
stringent load testing and service integration testing on the platform for over
one year. The platform was certified "Carrier Grade", meaning the system is very
reliable and robust. The open architecture of the platform allows for easy
customization and integration of third party applications.
PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION
Verb currently provides its services through a 24 hour/7 days a week sales
center and via the online tagline(TM) and myMessenger(TM) websites. Once a user
signs up for the services, they receive an e-mail and hardcopy fulfillment
package 3-5 business days after initial registration.
tagline(TM) and myMessenger(TM) are purchased by individuals, groups, or
enterprise organizations on a monthly subscription basis. The subscription
packages are based on usage and priced to reflect the amount of usage included,
similar to a cellular phone plan. Customer usage that exceeds the included
amount is billed additionally at a per minute rate depending on the package they
have purchased. The packages are priced to provide incentives for the subscriber
to increase the package size. The subscriptions are sold monthly or on annual
contract depending on the needs of the customer.
Exchange Console is sold as a value added service to subscribers that
utilize myMessenger(TM) or tagline(TM) services or as an individual product.
These subscribers would pay an additional monthly fee for the functionality
added by these services depending on the features required by the customer.
These two services are also sold as individual products on the same per user
monthly subscription basis.
Echo is an event-based service and pricing depends on the volume of
messages required by the customer for that event. The customer is assessed a per
message charge plus additional charges for customization. Contracts are arranged
on a per event basis, by total message volume, or over a period of time i.e. six
months.
Verb also intends to license its product technologies to other providers
for resale to their own internal and/or external end users. Such a provider
would be charged an upfront fee plus a monthly maintenance and upgrade fee, or a
per user fee model similar to the subscriber model depending on the nature of
the arrangement.
12
MARKETS
Due to the use of and reliance on communications services by virtually all
business organizations and business professionals, and their demand for greater
utility from their communication devices, the market for the unified
communications solutions that Verb expects to be able to provide can potentially
encompass business organizations and business professionals worldwide.
The target markets which Verb expects to focus on, however, are business
organizations and business professionals within North America. It is not
expected that Verb will further limit its focus to specified industries or
classes of business professionals, as it is expected that the Verb products will
offer utility to potentially any business organization or business professional
in need of a unified communications solution regardless of his/her industry
segment or classification. See "Marketing Plans and Strategies" below.
Despite the fact that telecommunications services are utilized by virtually
every individual, Verb does not expect to target the broad based consumer
market. At the present time, it does not appear as if the general non-commercial
phone user is ready for, or in need of, unified communications. Until such time
that the non-commercial phone user can be educated with respect to the benefits
of Unified Communications and an actual need is developed, it is not
economically feasible for Verb to target the non-commercial phone user.
To date, market acceptance of Verb's products and services is unknown as
they have only recently reached the commercialization stage. Refer to "Risk
Factors - Market Acceptance and Uncertain Revenues".
MARKETING STRATEGIES
Verb services are marketed and sold through an exclusive network of
independently owned Verb Exchange Certified Agencies. These agencies pay a
one-time fee to Verb for the right to market the services. The number of
agencies available for sale in a geographic area is strictly limited; this
threshold is a function of population. Each area has a Master Agent who has paid
a consideration to Verb. The Master Agent in turn acquires independent agents
for the area and receives compensation in the form of commission from the agency
registration fee and an override on area sales. Once the threshold has been
reached for that geographic area no more agencies will be certified. The
individual Agencies receive an ongoing revenue stream in the form of residual
payments as long as the subscriber maintains the service and the agency
maintains the minimum number of new monthly activations.
The vertical channels in which the services are marketed consist of the
small office/home office market, medium and large enterprises and vertical
markets such as real estate, insurance, financial brokers and healthcare
industry workers and other sales and service driven markets.
The service provider market consists of technology and telecommunications
companies. Examples of these providers include long distance providers, next
generation telephone companies, network infrastructure providers and hardware
and software providers. All of these markets are continually expanding their own
core offering through outsourcing to other 'non-core-competency' value added
services. They provide an indirect channel to potentially very large
pre-qualified subscriber bases.
Initial marketing efforts have been concentrated on forming strategic
partnerships to open up new avenues of distribution and new channels for revenue
streams. All of the aforementioned marketing initiatives have commenced to date.
ALLIANCE SUMMARY
To date, Verb has established the following strategic partnerships:
- VERATIUM SOFTWARE INC.: Verb has formed a strategic partnership with
Veratium. Veratium specializes in developing wireless software products
that increase the productivity of the mobile workforce. Verb will be
incorporating Veratium's Motivus(TM) software into the tagline(TM)
service. Motivus(TM) software provides users access to their resident
computer from remote locations. The user
13
can "surf" to their Windows Desktop files, folders and inbox from any
mobile device (Palm OS(R), RIM(TM) OS, Pocket PCs, Smart Phones) or
from a web browser. The Motivus(TM) software will be packaged with
tagline(TM) as a component of the Graphical User Interface for web
access and as an integral part of the tagline(TM)/wireless device
hardware bundling program. This program will be offered to specific,
vertical channels where secure, mobile communications are vital.
- INTACTA TECHNOLOGIES INC.: By including the INTACTA.CODE(TM) encoder as
part of the tagline(TM) service offering, Verb adds a unique security
component to its services.
In addition to the foregoing, Verb enlisted the services of the Vancouver
firm WOW to assist in its extensive re-branding process. Verb utilized an
intensive series of workshops, studies and focus groups to identify market
trends and other industry branding successes to determine how to best position
Verb's products and services.
COMPETITION
The provider market is essentially divided into three categories: Hardware
providers, Software/Wholesale providers and Application Service providers.
- HARDWARE PROVIDERS. These companies provide the physical hardware that
delivers the service. Their primary markets are carriers or substantial
enterprises. These types of deployments run into hundreds of thousands
of dollars and require significant internal resources from the
purchaser in order to maintain the service. Examples of these companies
would be Avaya, Centrinity, and Voice Mobility. The inherent challenge
for hardware providers is reluctance on the part of many enterprises to
make large capital expenditures during times of economic uncertainty,
and the inability of small to medium size enterprises to make
significant infrastructure investments.
- SOFTWARE/WHOLESALE PROVIDERS. These companies provide the software or
in some cases the service, on a wholesale basis to Carriers or smaller
providers to be resold under a different brand name. Examples would be
Appiant Technologies, Centrinity, Voice Mobility, and Active Voice
(owned by Cisco). These companies have some of the same challenges as
the hardware providers in requiring the end user to purchase hardware
and pay license fees to utilize the technologies. In those instances
where carriers CLEC's (Competitive Local Exchange Carriers) and ILEC's
(Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers) resell the service, the provider
has lost control of the primary revenue stream - the subscriber. The
Carriers have many other services to market and to date have shown no
aptitude or propensity to market a new technology until there is
critical mass established in the marketplace.
- APPLICATION SERVICE PROVIDERS. These are companies that deliver the
service to the end subscriber. Industry competition is expected from a
number of companies offering "Unified Messaging Services". Although
many competitors have addressed the need for a unified "inbox", most
are not taking the added step of offering unified communications (i.e.
the management and control of incoming and outgoing messages). Examples
of competitive service provider companies include J2 Global, UReach,
GoSolo, Officescape and Unified Arts. Management of Verb believes that
Verb has distinguished itself from the competition by specializing in
unified communications, and most notably the creation of a proprietary
"set up wizard" to assist the user in configuring their service. Verb
has invested considerably in the creation of tools to train and advise
the subscriber on how to get the most value from the service and to
date we remain the only company to provide these tools. In all cases
tagline(TM) has more features and capabilities than competitive
products. Verb continues to implement other key differentiators such as
unique pricing, 24x7x365 live customer support, and integration with
instant messaging and presence management tools like the Exchange
Console to keep tagline(TM) as the definitive unified communications
brand.
14
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Due to the nature of the Verb products, they are continuously being
developed in order to ensure that the products meet the demands of the users for
new or enhanced features. As such, notwithstanding the fact that any particular
Verb product is currently at the commercialization stage, the development of
Verb products is an ongoing process as Verb continues to develop its products
and services in order to be able to provide additional features and utility to
its users.
Obsolescence is not expected to be a key factor in Verb's operation within
the unified communications industry, as once implemented into a phone system,
Verb's products are designed to be continually upgradeable to provide new
features and utility. Verb's products are designed to be an outsourced solution
making them highly scalable and upgradeable with no initial installation fees.
Obsolescence may become a more important factor if Verb is unable to continually
ensure that its products meet the demands of the users for new or enhanced
features that are not anticipated by or unable to be fulfilled by Verb. Refer to
"Risk Factors - Technological Change and Competition" below.
C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE.
----------------------------
Verb Exchange Inc.
(Canada)
----------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
100% 100%
-------------------------- --------------------------
Verb Exchange Verb Exchange Corp.
(Management) Inc. (Nevada)
(British Columbia)
-------------------------- --------------------------
100%
--------------------------
Cadium Systems Inc.
(British Columbia)
---------------------------
D. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT.
The Company currently leases its office facilities, which comprises
approximately 12,139 square feet, located at Suite 908 - 1055 Dunsmuir. Apart
from office furniture and equipment, the Company's tangible fixed assets consist
of computer equipment, software and its web engine.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS.
The Company's financial statements are stated in Canadian dollars and have
been prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles ("Canadian GAAP"). In some respects financial statements prepared
under Canadian GAAP may differ materially from financial statements prepared
under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US GAAP"). As of
December 31, 2002 there were no material differences in result between the two
GAAP presentations.
The Government of Canada permits a floating exchange rate to determine the
value of the Canadian dollar against the United States dollar. We anticipate
that a portion of sales will be made outside Canada, principally in the United
States. If currency exchange rates fluctuate substantially, our cash flows from
operations could be impacted negatively or positively, depending on direction.
15
A. OPERATING RESULTS.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, COMPARED TO FISCAL 2001
Revenues increased by approximately 42% to $88,840 in 2002 compared to
$62,491 in 2001. The revenue in 2001 related to calling card sales of the
Company's wholesale long distance services business it discontinued that same
year. During 2002, Verb completed the development of its unified communications
solutions and began deployment of tagline(TM) and myMessenger(TM) into the
marketplace.
Salaries in 2002 of $1,018,011 appear to have declined by over $2 million
(or approximately 68%) from $3,194,276 in 2001. However, during fiscal 2001, a
number of Verb shares were issued to certain employees, officers and directors
for nominal consideration, as an inducement to employment or fulfillment of
previous obligations to these individuals. Accounting rules under Canadian GAAP
necessitated that these shares be valued and charged to the financial statements
as employment expense. From a cash perspective, $691,493 of the $3,194,276 for
2001 was actual salaries and wages, exclusive of the shares issued.
Professional and consulting fees rose by $675,311 to $1,186,407 in 2002
from $511,096 in 2001. The increase was mainly due to the professional fees
incurred in relation to the transaction with Ayotte. Of that amount, $291,432
represented legal fees incurred by the Company to complete the reverse takeover.
General and administrative fees more than doubled from $353,594 in 2001 to
$744,173 in 2002. This was largely due to the $216,203 in marketing costs
pending the Company's reverse takeover transaction as well as the deployment of
its products in the marketplace.
The directors fees charged in 2001 were also due to accounting rules under
GAAP necessitating that shares issued for nominal consideration, as an
inducement to enter into employment or in fulfillment of previous obligations to
these individuals, be valued and charged to the financial statements. No shares
were issued or fees paid in 2002.
Loss for the year for 2002 decreased $1.76 million to $4,462,840 as
compared to a reported loss of $6,220,995 in 2001. The decrease in the loss for
the year is directly related the recognition of shares issued for nominal
consideration valued and charged as employment expense in 2001.
The Company's operating activities used cash of $2,308,816 in 2002 compared
to $1,188,936 in 2001. This is mostly comprised of the loss for the year of
$4,462,840, an increase in accounts payable of $812,496 and add backs of
amortization and stock-based compensation from the Cadium acquisition of
$1,121,070 and $250,024 respectively.
Cash provided by financing activities increased by $828,103 to $2,087,572
in 2002 from $1,259,469 in 2001 mostly due to the cash received on loan from
Ayotte Music Inc. as part of the reverse takeover transaction.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, COMPARED TO FISCAL 2000
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 approximated $62,491. This
represents an increase of $29,865 over gross revenues for the fiscal period
ending December 31, 2000. In fiscal 2001, the Company discontinued its calling
card business, which had a low gross margin, as a precursor move to the
deployment of its unified communication services.
16
Amortization rose by $921,109 to $926,279 in 2001 from $5,170 in 2000
mainly due to the depreciation of technology acquired when, on February 19,
2001, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common and
preferred shares of Cadium Systems Inc. Cadium was involved in the development
of a java-based messaging system. The technology platform was allocated a value
of $4,230,029 and is being depreciated on a straight line basis over 5 years.
Salaries and wages rose from $127,921 in 2000 to $3,194,276 in 2001. During
2001, a number of Verb shares were issued to certain employees, officers and
directors for nominal consideration, as an inducement to employment or
fulfillment of previous obligations to these individuals. Accounting rules under
Canadian GAAP necessitated that these shares be valued and charged to the
financial statements as employment expense. From a cash perspective, $691,493 of
the $3,194,276 for 2001 was actual salaries and wages, exclusive of the shares
issued. The increase in salaries and wages in 2001 was due to the addition of 12
employees in Research and Development, Sales and Marketing and General and
Administration as the company focused on the development and deployment of its
unified communication product and services.
Professional and consulting fees rose by $356,443 from $154,653 in 2000 to
$511,096 on 2001. The increase was mainly due to an increase of $48,655 in
professional fees from $41,703 in 2000 to $90,359 in 2001, and the addition of
consultants during 2001 in order to support the development and deployment of
unified communications products and services.
General and administrative fees went from $47,349 in 2000 to $353,594 in
2001. This was largely due to marketing and branding costs of $165,393 in 2001
(2000 - nil) required in order to focus on the primary business of the Company,
being the sales of unified communications products and services. Rent expense in
2001 was $69,079 compared to $18,082 in 2000 as a result of the move to the
Company's current offices, and the staff increased by 12 employees in 2001.
Office expenses went from $28,649 in 2000 to $92,305 in 2001 attributable to
increases in leasing, print/photocopy and postage/courier costs mostly due to
the increase in staff and additional cost generated by the new focus on sales of
unified communications product and services.
Director fees charged in 2001 were $457,320 and representing the fair value
of 300,000 shares issued in lieu of directors' fees. Under Canadian GAAP shares
issued for nominal consideration as an inducement to enter into employment or in
fulfillment of previous obligations to these individuals must be recorded at
their fair value. No shares were issued or fees paid in 2000.
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Historically, the Company has financed its operations mainly through the
sale of equity securities and also through short term debt, lease financing,
related party debt, including officer, shareholder and employee loans, and cash
flow from its operating activities, including customer deposits and supplier
credit. As at December 31, 2002, the Company had a working capital deficit of
$1,469,047 compared to $1,357,018 in 2001.
The Company's ability to generate cash and cash equivalents largely depends
on the growth of Verb's revenues and the ability to raise external capital as
and when needed. The Company continues to grow its revenues. In addition, the
Company currently has two financing initiatives, discussed below.
17
At present, the Company has a significant working capital deficiency. The
Company will need to generate additional cash reserves in the near future to
address this deficiency and to provide additional funding to continue the
rollout and expansion of its business. Management believes that the two
financing initiatives discussed below, together with expected revenues, should
provide adequate liquidity for the short term. In addition, the Company will
continue to rely on suppliers for operational financing in the form of the
extension of trade credit.
Present financing initiatives include the issuance of additional equity,
with a $300,000 financing that just completed (see Subsequent Events in the
financial statements) and the acquisition of two capital pool companies as
disclosed above under Item 4A - "Acquisition of Capital Pool Companies". As
well, the Company will continue to rely on lines of credit currently extended by
third parties.
Management believes that the primary indicator of liquidity on the
Company's balance sheet will be its cash balance. For the most part, accounts
receivable are expected to remain low as services are billed directly to
subscribers' credit cards, which also reduces the incidence of bad debt. For the
remainder of calendar 2003, the Company expects to incur expenses of up to
$400,000 per month, depending on its level of activity. Given current sales and
revenue projections and the associated expenditures, the cash on hand should be
sufficient to sustain operations for the next twelve months. After such time,
the Company expects that it will need to raise additional financing through
equity or longer term debt issues to expand its operations.
The Company does not expect to incur any significant capital expenditures
in the near future.
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
Verb currently has registered trademarks in Canada for myMessenger(TM) and
myMessenger.com(TM), and has applied for Verb Exchange(TM) and tagline(TM). Verb
has also filed applications in the US to register a trademark for Verb
Exchange(TM) and tagline(TM).
Verb intends to rely on copyright and trade secret laws in order to protect
the proprietary elements of their software and products. Where Verb has not
already done so, it intends to enter into non-disclosure and non-competition
agreements with all of its employees and management personnel who have access to
the proprietary elements of Verb's software and products, customer lists and
other confidential information.
In the past three fiscal years, the Company has invested $4,362,537 in
research and development and intellectual property matters, being $27,094 in
fiscal 2000, $2,735,550 in fiscal 2001 and $1,599,893 in fiscal 2002. These
costs are classified in the consolidated financial statements according to their
nature and for 2002 consist primarily of amortization ($1,057,507), general and
administrative ($202,626) and salaries and wages ($291,852).
D. TREND INFORMATION.
Management is not aware of any trend, commitment, event or uncertainty that
is expected to have a material effect on its business, financial condition or
results of operations.
E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Not applicable.
18
F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Payments Due By Period
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS Total <1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5+ Years
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term Debt Obligations nil nil nil nil nil
Capital (Finance) Lease Obligations 50,823 33,516 17,307 nil nil
Operating Lease Obligations 531,344 264,994 266,350 nil nil
Purchase Obligations nil nil nil nil nil
Other Long-Term Liabilities reflected on the nil nil nil nil nil
Company's balance sheet under
Canadian GAAP
Total 582,167 298,510 283,657 nil nil
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.
A. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.
The following table sets forth the name, positions held and principal
occupation of each of our directors, senior management and employees upon whose
work the Company is dependent:
NAME AND POSITIONS HELD EXPERIENCE AND PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Nathanael Lineham President and CEO of the Company since the
President, CEO and Director RTO in November 2002 and a founder and the
President and CEO of Verb since its
inception in January 2000. Mr. Lineham has
been active in the communications industry
for over 10 years. President of Lineham
Enterprises, a private communications
consulting firm, since January 1990; founded
First Pacific Communications and was
President from 1990 to 1992; founded
Metrotel Communications and was President
from 1992 to 1994. Director of Niogold
Mining Corp. and Fortuna Ventures Ltd.,
public companies, since January and March of
1998, respectively.
David Ebert CFO of the Company since the RTO and CFO of
Chief Financial Officer Verb since July 2000. Mr. Ebert has over 11
years experience in corporate and commercial
banking working for the Canadian Imperial
Bank of Commerce from June 1989 to February
1997 and, prior to joining Verb, as a Senior
Account Manager at the Bank of Nova Scotia
from February 1997 to June 2000.
Jeff Durno Partner and Lawyer with Anfield Sujir
Corporate Secretary Kennedy & Durno, Barristers and Solicitors.
and Director Mr. Durno has served as a Director and/or
Corporate Secretary for numerous public
companies, including ST Systems Corp. from
August 1994 to present, NovaDx International
Inc. from August 1995 to present, DC
Diagnosticare Inc. July 1996 to April 2002,
Sasha Ventures Ltd. (now eShippers
Management Ltd.) from October 1998 to
October 2000 and from May 2001 to present,
VendTek Systems Inc. from October 1999 to
June 2003, and American Wild Woodland
Ginseng Corp. from January 2000 to June
2001.
19
Noel Bambrough CEO of Dictation Services Group Inc. since
Director November 2002; President and CEO of Intacta
Technologies Inc., a US company involved in
the business of developing products and
applications that enable secure transfer of
digitally based information across the
Internet, from April 1999 to September 2002;
President of NRB Telecommunications, Inc.
from September 1998 to April 1999; Executive
Vice-President of Triax Communications, Inc.
from April 1995 to September 1998.
N. Ross Wilmot Currently a Director and/or Officer of
Director several public companies, including
(i) President and a Director of ASP Ventures
Corp., Orko Gold Corp., Orex Ventures Inc.,
Quantum Power Corporation, and Sudamet
Resources Ltd.; (ii) CFO or Vice-President
Finance and a Director of CTF Technologies
Inc. Briyante Software Corp., ComCam Inc.,
Neuer Kapital Corp., and Intacta
Technologies Inc.; (iii) CFO of Multivision
Communications Corp. and (iv) Director of
Breckenridge Resources Ltd.
Michael Iverson (1) Businessman; President of Triple K Ventures,
Director a private consulting and investment company,
since 1978. Mr. Iverson has served as a
Director and/or Officer of several public
companies, including Sasha Ventures Ltd.
from June 1994 to October 2000, Niogold
Mining Corp. since January 1998, Fortuna
Ventures Ltd. since March 1998, and
Consolidated Newen Enterprises Inc. since
June 2001.
Pierre Lapointe (1) President and CEO of Gestion MacLap
Consultant and Director Management Inc., a private consulting
company, since 1990; General Manager of
Cantel Service Centre, Cantel (now Rogers
AT&T Wireless) from 1986 to 1988;
Vice-President and General Manager of retail
division of Lenbrook Industries from 1988 to
1991; President and CEO of Merit
Technologies from 1993 to 1995.
Scott Ackerman President and CEO (since January 2000) and
Director a Director (since January 1995) of American
Wild Woodland Ginseng Corp.; President, CEO
and a Director of Millennium Ventures Ltd.
Paul Witzel Business Consultant; President of the Paul
Director Witzel Corporation, a private consulting
company, since 1982. Mr. Witzel has served
as a Director of various public companies,
including Global Light Telecommunications
Inc. since June 2002, and Lattice Capital
Corp. from May 2000 to the date of the
completion of its business combination with
Verb in June 2003.
Calvin Wang Mr. Wang brings extensive technical
Chief Technical Officer expertise and experience in the
of Verb Exchange telecommunications and telephony markets to
(Management) Inc. Verb. Prior to joining Verb, he was a
co-founder of Cadium Systems Inc., a
software company responsible for developing
new communications platforms and
specializing in voice communications, with
Mr. Warkentin. At Cadium, Mr. Wang was a
principal architect and helped establish the
company as one of the Top 25 Up and Coming
Canadian Technology Companies (2000 Branham
Group survey). He has also held positions at
several technology companies, including IBM
and MPR Teltech. Mr. Wang holds an honours
degree in mathematics and computer science
from the University of Waterloo, completed
in 1995.
20
Jeff Warkentin Mr. Warkentin joined Verb with extensive
Vice President Operations telecommunications experience and has taken
of Verb Exchange part in delivering innovative new products
(Management) Inc. and solutions for companies like Telus,
working for MPR Teltech from 1992-1997 in
various positions ranging from Software
Development to Project Management to
Business Development, and consulting for
Bell Canada and Stentor from 1997-2000
conducting service evaluations, redesigns
and implementations, including various
aspects of technology. Immediately prior to
Verb, he co-founded Cadium Systems Inc. with
Mr. Wang, and as the President and CEO
helped establish the company as one of the
Top 25 Up and Coming Canadian Technology
Companies (2000 Branham Group Survey) and
won the Investor's Choice award at the
Canadian IT Financing Forum in November
2000. Mr. Warkentin is a graduate of Simon
Fraser University with a degree in Computer
Science.
Keith Andrews Prior to joining Verb, Mr. Andrews ran his
Vice President own consulting firm for 10 years providing
Sales and Business services, strategies and contract
Development of Verb Exchange negotiating skills to major corporations.
(Management) Inc. He has worked with AT&T, Spectra Group, IMG,
and the Keg Restaurants. Mr. Andrews has
been responsible for sponsorship and
alliance negotiations involving firms such
as Molson Breweries, Labatts, Nike, Coca
Cola, Pepsi, JBL, BOSE, and major sports
affinity associations.
Kerry Munro Mr. Munro has over 13 years of experience in
Vice President Marketing the telecommunications, unified communica-
of Verb Exchange tions and software arenas. His most recent
(Management) Inc. role was VP Marketing for 01 Communique, a
provider of unified communications and
wireless remote access products and
services, where he maintained worldwide
marketing, product and channel
responsibility for all 01 Communique
business activities. Prior to that, Mr.
Munro served as Director of Wireless and
Long Distance Marketing and Product
Development for AT&T Canada, and prior to
that served as VP Marketing at ACC
Telenterprises and was part of the team that
turned ACC into the only competitive
telecommunications organization in Canadian
telecom history to achieve profitability. He
also maintained positions of responsibility
within the engineering, finance, sales and
marketing functions at Bell Canada,
culminating in a marketing role overseeing
Bell's Business Internet and Data products
and programs. Mr. Munro holds a BA in
Commerce and Economics from the University
of Toronto, completed in 1989 and an MBA in
Marketing and Finance from Queens University
completed in 1996.
(1) Mr. Iverson did not stand for re-election to the Board of Directors at
the Company's annual general meeting held on June 25, 2003. Mr. Lapointe was
added to the slate of proposed directors for election at the annual general
meeting.
(2) As a result of the business combination with two CPC's as discussed
under "Acquisition of Capital Pool Companies" in Item 4.A., the Company added a
nominee from each CPC, being Messrs. Ackerman and Witzel, to its slate of
proposed directors for election at its annual general meeting held on June 25,
2003.
B. COMPENSATION.
The following table sets forth the compensation paid, benefits in kind
granted to the Company's directors and members of its administrative,
supervisory or management bodies in the past financial year:
21
NAME COMPENSATION BENEFITS OPTIONS (1)
Nathanael Lineham $65,500 nil 300,000
David Ebert $60,558 nil 160,000
Jeff Durno nil nil 150,000
Noel Bambrough nil nil 75,000
N. Ross Wilmot nil nil 75,000
Michael Iverson nil nil 75,000
Pierre Lapointe nil nil 120,000
Scott Ackerman n/a nil 75,000
Paul Witzel n/a nil 75,000
Calvin Wang $53,933 nil 100,000
Jeff Warkentin $54,211 nil 100,000
Keith Andrews $55,000 nil 140,000
Kerry Munro $92,000 nil 140,000
(1) once vested, each option is exercisable into one common share of the Company
at an exercise price of $0.50 until November 12, 2007. Options generally vest
over a period of 18 months. At December 31, 2002, of the 1,175,000 options
awarded to the individuals listed above, only 65,278 had vested. On July 7, the
Company re-priced all outstanding options to $0.35 per share, and granted an
additional 1,088,000 options exercisable at $0.35 per share until July 7, 2008,
of which 410,000 were granted to and are included in the figures for the persons
above.
C. BOARD PRACTICES.
Each director holds office until the next annual general meeting of the
Company unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the Articles of
the Company or the Canada Business Corporations Act.
During the most recently completed fiscal year, there are no arrangements
(standard or otherwise) under which directors of the Company were compensated by
the Company or its subsidiaries for services rendered in their capacity as
directors, nor were any amounts paid to the directors for committee
participation or special assignments, other than the granting of stock options.
There were no arrangements under which the directors would receive compensation
or benefits in the event of the termination of that office.
During the most recently completed fiscal year, the following directors of
the Company were compensated in the manner noted for services rendered to Verb
as consultants or experts:
- Anfield Sujir Kennedy & Durno ("ASK&D"), a law firm in which Jeff Durno
is a partner, serves as the Company's (and prior to the RTO, served as
Verb's) corporate counsel and has been compensated for providing legal
services to Verb. As disclosed in Note 16 to the financial statements,
Verb accrued $291,432 for legal services received from ASK&D during
2002 (2001 - $90,358). At December 31, 2002 the Company owed $246,785
to ASK&D for unpaid professional fees which are included in accounts
payable and accrued liabilities.
Our audit committee consists of Messrs. Lineham, Durno and Wilmot. The
audit committee has the responsibility of reviewing financial statements,
exercising general oversight of the integrity and reliability of the accounting
and financial reporting practices, and monitoring the effectiveness of our
internal control systems. The audit committee also recommends a selection of the
auditing firm and exercises general oversight of the activities of the
independent auditors, principal financial and accounting officers and employees,
and related matters.
The Board has set up a human resources committee comprised of Messrs.
Bambrough (chair), Ackerman and Witzel, and plans to set up a corporate
governance committee in the near future.
22
D. EMPLOYEES.
Verb currently employees 22 people, eight in sales and marketing, eight in
operations and six in product development. As revenues grow, the company plans
to add employees primarily in sales and marketing and operations in order to
handle additional subscriber volumes.
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP.
Our directors own or control the indicated shares of common stock as at the
date hereof; percentages are based on 15,357,666 common shares outstanding when
this report is filed. For options held, see Sub-item B. entitled "Compensation"
above.
NAME NO. OF SHARES PERCENTAGE
Nathanael Lineham 768,883 5.01%
David Ebert 160,184 1.04%
Jeff Durno 284,210 1.85%
Noel Bambrough (1) nil n/a
N. Ross Wilmot (1) nil n/a
Michael Iverson nil n/a
Pierre Lapointe (2) 10,000 0.07%
Scott Ackerman 163,036 1.06%
Paul Witzel 181,574 1.18%
Jeff Warkentin 165,534 1.08%
Keith Andrews 96,110 0.63%
Kerry Munro 108,610 0.70%
Calvin Wang 145,193 0.95%
(1) Messrs. Bambrough and Wilmot each hold private options to acquire
60,000 common shares granted to them by a current shareholder of the Company,
Ayotte Music (VCC) Ltd.
(2) The terms of Mr. Lapointe's consulting arrangement with Verb have not
yet been finalized; it is expected that part of his compensation will be payable
in common shares of the Company.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company maintains a Stock Option Plan pursuant to which stock options
to acquire unissued common shares of the Company may be granted to directors,
officers, employees and consultants of the Company. As at the date hereof,
options have been granted with respect to 1,578,000 of the 2,250,000 common
shares that have been reserved for issuance pursuant to options under the Plan.
Pursuant to the policies of the TSX-V, there are restrictions on the number of
options that can be granted to any particular individual depending on his
relationship with the Company. Furthermore, options must not be granted at the
lesser of $0.10 and the "Discounted Market Price" for the Company's common
shares as defined by the policies of the TSX-V and have, so long as the Company
is listed as a Tier 2 company on the TSX-V, an expiration date exceeding five
years from the date of grant.
At the Company's annual general meeting held June 25, 2003, a resolution
was passed to increase the number of common shares reserved for issuance
pursuant to options under the Plan, to 3,089,500 common shares. The Company is
currently in the process of filing the revised Option Plan with the Exchange.
23
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS.
To our knowledge, other than the directors, officers and key employees as
may be disclosed above, no person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or
exercises control or direction over, common shares carrying more than 5% of the
voting rights attached to the 15,357,666 common shares of the Company
outstanding as at the date hereof.
The Company has approximately 138 shareholders of record. The number of
shareholders holding securities beneficially through street name nominees, as
reflected in the record position of CDS & Co. and other intermediaries, is not
known to us. None of the major shareholders, if any, have different voting
rights.
To the best of our knowledge, approximately 94% of the Company's common
shares are owned by residents of Canada. The number of shareholders holding
securities beneficially through street name nominees, as reflected in the record
position of CDS & Co. and other intermediaries, who may be residents of other
countries, is not known to us.
To the best of our knowledge, as of the date of this annual report, we are
not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation or by any
foreign government, or by any other natural or legal person, nor are there any
arrangements which may result in a change of control of the Company.
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.
During the year, the Company incurred $291,432 in professional fees to a
law firm in which a director of the Company is a partner. At December 31, 2001,
the Company had outstanding payables of $246,785 for unpaid professional fees
which are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Also during the year, the Company paid $69,500 to a company controlled by a
director of the Company for management fees. At December 31, 2002, the Company
had outstanding payables of $13,245 that are included in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities.
Amounts due to other related parties included in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities aggregate $114,833 for monies advanced by various directors
and officers with no stated terms of repayment. These amounts are non-interest
bearing.
One of the CPC's in the proposed business combination discussed under
"Acquisition of Capital Pool Companies" in Item 4.A. has a director in common
with the Company. This director also beneficially owns or controls approximately
13% of the CPC's common shares.
C. INTEREST OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.
Not required.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
See the financial statements filed with this report (Item 17).
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING.
A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS.
The Company's common shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX
Venture Exchange (previously defined as the "TSX-V") under the symbol "VBX". The
Company's common shares are not listed on any other securities exchange. All
common shares are registered shares.
24
The Company, as presently constituted with the business of Verb acquired
pursuant to the RTO, has only been listed on the TSX-V since November 12, 2002.
The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices on the TSX-V for
the periods indicated.
Period High Sales Price Low Sales Price
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Financial Quarters
Nov 12, 2002 to Dec 31, 2002 $0.45 $0.20
Jan 01, 2003 to Mar 30, 2003 $0.28 $0.14
Apr 01, 2003 to June 27, 2003 $0.33 $0.17
By Calendar Months
January 2003 $0.24 $0.14
February 2003 $0.28 $0.17
March 2003 $0.27 $0.16
April 2003 $0.28 $0.17
May 2003 $0.33 $0.22
June 1 to June 27, 2003 $0.33 $0.27
On June 27, 2003, the closing price of the common shares on the TSX-V was
$0.$0.32.
B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.
Not required.
C. MARKETS.
See Sub-item A. entitled "Offer and Listing Details" above.
D. SELLING SHAREHOLDERS.
Not required.
E. DILUTION.
Not required.
F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE.
Not required.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
A. SHARE CAPITAL.
Not required.
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION.
The Company is registered under the Canada Business Corporations Act, under
entry number 3763684. Pursuant to Article 5 of the Company's Articles of
Continuance, it is not restricted from carrying on any type of business.
With respect to directors, under the by-laws, a director who is a party to
a material contract or proposed material contract with us, or is a director or
officer of or has a material interest in any person who is a party to a material
contract or proposed material contract with us, must disclose to us in writing
the nature and extent of such interest. An interested director can vote on only
a limited number of such matters (securing a loan from the director to the
Company, his remuneration, indemnity or insurance, or a contract with an
25
affiliate) provided the interest is disclosed. Otherwise, even with disclosure
of the interest, such a director cannot vote on a material contract or proposed
material contract. A contract approved by the board of directors is not voidable
because one or more directors has a conflict of interest, if the conflict is
disclosed and the interested director(s) do not vote on the matter. Subject to
the conflict of interest provisions summarized above, there is no restriction in
the by-laws on the power of the board of directors to have the Company borrow
money, issue debt obligations, or secure debt or other obligations of the
Company. The by-laws contain no provision for the retirement or non-retirement
of directors under an age limit requirement. A director is not required to hold
any shares of the Company in order to be a director.
The Articles of the Company provide for the issuance of an unlimited number
of shares of common stock, without par value. All holders of common stock have
equal voting rights, equal rights to dividends when and if declared, and equal
rights to share in assets upon liquidation of the corporation. The common shares
are not subject to any redemption or sinking fund provisions. The Articles of
the Company also provide for the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of
preferred stock, issuable in series, with such voting, dividend, liquidation
preference or conversion rights as the board of directors may establish from
time to time. At the present time, there no preferred shares are issued and
outstanding. Directors serve from year to year, there being no provision for a
staggered board; cumulative voting for directors is not allowed. Between annual
general meetings, the existing board can appoint one or more additional
directors to serve until the next annual general meeting, but the number of
additional directors shall not at any time exceed one-third of the number of
directors who held office at the expiration of the last annual meeting. All
issued and outstanding shares are fully paid and non-assessable securities.
In order to change the rights of the holders of common stock, the passing
of a special resolution by such shareholders is required, being the affirmative
vote of not less than 2/3 of the votes cast in person or by proxy at a duly
called meeting of shareholders.
An annual meeting of shareholders must be called by the board of directors
not later than 15 months after the last annual meeting. The board at any time
may call a special meeting of shareholders. Notice of any meeting must be sent
not less than 21 and not more than 50 days before the meeting, to every
shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting. All shareholders entitled to vote
are entitled to be present at a shareholders meeting. A quorum is the presence
in person or by proxy of the holders of at least 5% of the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock.
Except under the Investment Canada Act, there are no limitations specific
to the rights of non-Canadians to hold or vote our shares under the laws of
Canada or our charter documents. The Investment Canada Act ("ICA") requires a
non-Canadian making an investment which would result in the acquisition of
control of a Canadian business, the gross value of the assets of which exceed
certain threshold levels or the business activity of which is related to
Canada's cultural heritage or national identity, to either notify, or file an
application for review with, Investment Canada, the federal agency created by
the ICA. The notification procedure involves a brief statement of information
about the investment on a prescribed form which is required to be filed with
Investment Canada by the investor at any time up to 30 days after implementation
of the investment. It is intended that investments requiring only notification
will proceed without intervention by government unless the investment is in a
specific type of business related to the scope of the ICA. If an investment is
reviewable under the ICA, an application for review in the prescribed form
normally is required to be filed with Investment Canada before the investment is
made and it cannot be implemented until completion of review and Investment
Canada has determined that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to
Canada. If the agency is not so satisfied, the investment cannot be implemented
if not made, or if made, it must be unwound.
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS.
Except as otherwise disclosed in this annual report and our financial
statements and notes included elsewhere in this annual report, we have no other
material contracts outside the ordinary course of business.
26
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS.
There are no laws, decrees or regulations in Canada relating to
restrictions on the export or import of capital, or affecting the remittance of
interest, dividends or other payments to non-resident holders of our shares of
common stock.
E. TAXATION.
CANADA.
We believe the following general summary fairly describes all of the
substantive Canadian federal income tax consequences which apply to a
shareholder who resides in the United States, is not a resident of Canada, and
who does not use or hold (and is not deemed to use or hold) shares in connection
with carrying on a business in Canada (a "non-resident shareholder").
Nonetheless, we recommend that anyone who considers buying our shares obtain
independent tax advice, as tax implications may affect people differently.
The summary is based on current provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada),
referred to as the "ITA" and regulations thereunder, and current administrative
and assessing policies of Revenue Canada, Taxation. This description is not
exhaustive and does not consider possible changes in law or regulations, or
provincial or foreign tax matters.
DIVIDENDS. Dividends paid on our shares to a non-resident holder will be
subject to withholding tax. The Canada-US Income Tax Convention (1980) as
amended by the March 17, 1985 treaty protocol, provides that the usual 25%
withholding tax rate is reduced to 15% on dividends paid on shares of a
corporation resident in Canada (like us) 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 United States resident corporation owning 10% or
more of the voting shares of the dividend paying corporation. However, given our
current level of business we don't expect paying dividends in the near future.
CAPITAL GAINS. A non-resident of Canada is not subject to tax under the ITA
for a capital gain realized on disposition of shares of a public corporation
unless the shares represent "taxable Canadian property" to the holder. Our
shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and therefore will be taxable
Canadian property to a non-resident holder if, at any time during the five years
before disposition, the non-resident holder, either alone or together with
affiliates of the Company, owned 25% or more of the issued shares. However,
under the 1985 treaty protocol, a non-resident holder who is a United States
resident and for whom shares represent taxable Canadian property, no Canadian
taxes will be due on a capital gain unless the value of the shares derives from
realty or natural resources in Canada.
UNITED STATES.
We believe the following fairly summarizes all material provisions of the
United States Internal Revenue Code with respect to information reporting and
backup withholding requirements. However, it is noted that United States income
tax laws and regulations applicable to investments in foreign entities are
complex. A United States resident should not rely unduly on the summary, and
always should consult a personal tax advisor in these respects.
DIVIDENDS. Dividends generally are subject to the information reporting
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). Dividends may be subject
to backup withholding at the rate of 31% unless the holder provides a taxpayer
identification number on a properly completed Form W-9 or otherwise establishes
an exemption. The amount of backup withholding does not constitute an additional
tax and will be allowed as a credit against the United States investor's federal
income tax liability.
FILING OF INFORMATION RETURNS. Under a number of circumstances, a United
States investor acquiring shares of the company may be required to file an
information return at the Internal Revenue Center where they are required to
file their tax returns with a copy to the Internal Revenue Service Center,
27
Philadelphia, PA 19255. In particular, any United States investor who become the
owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the shares of the company will
be required to file such a return. Other filing requirements may apply, and
United States investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning these
requirements.
Certain United States income tax legislation contains rules governing
passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"), which can have significant tax
effects on U.S. shareholders of foreign corporations. These rules do not apply
to non-U.S. shareholders. Section 1296 of the Code defines a PFIC as a
corporation that is not formed in the United States and, for any taxable year,
either (i) 75% or more of its gross income is "passive income", which includes
interest, dividends and certain rents and royalties or (ii) the average
percentage, by fair market value or, if the company is a controlled foreign
corporation or makes an election, by adjusted tax basis, of its assets that
produce or are held for the production of "passive income", is 50% or more.
A U.S. shareholder who holds stock in a foreign corporation during any year
in which such corporation qualifies as a PFIC is subject to U.S. Federal income
taxation under one of two alternative tax regimes at the election of each such
U.S. Shareholder. The following is a discussion of such two alternative tax
regimes applied to such U.S. shareholders of the company.
A U.S. shareholder who elects in a timely manner to treat the company as a
Qualified Electing Fund ("QEF"), as defined in the Code (an "Electing U.S.
Shareholder"), will be subject, under Section 1293 of the Code, to current
federal income tax for any taxable year in which the company qualifies as a PFIC
on his pro-rata share of the company's (i) "net capital gain" (the excess of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), which will be taxed as
long-term capital gain to the Electing U.S. Shareholder and (ii) "ordinary
earnings" (the excess of earnings and profits over net capital gain), which will
be taxed as ordinary income to the Electing U.S. Shareholder, in each case, for
the shareholder's taxable year in which (or with which) the company's taxable
year ends, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed.
The effective QEF election also allows the Electing U.S. Shareholder to (i)
generally treat any gain realized on the disposition of his common shares (or
deemed to be realized on the pledge of his common shares) as capital, (ii) treat
his share of the company's net capital gain, if any, as long-term capital gain
instead of ordinary income, and (iii) either avoid interest charges resulting
from PFIC status altogether, or make an annual election, subject to certain
limitations, to defer payment of current taxes on his share of the company's
annual realized net capital gain and ordinary earnings subject, however to an
interest charge on the deferred taxes. If the Electing U.S. Shareholder is not a
corporation, such an interest charge would be treated generally as "personal
interest" that can be deducted only when it is paid or accrued. The procedures a
U.S. shareholder must comply with in making an effective QEF election will
depend on whether the year of the election is the first year in the U.S.
shareholders' holding period in which the company is a PFIC. If the U.S.
shareholder makes a QEF election in such first year, i.e. a timely QEF election,
the U.S. shareholder may make the QEF election by simply filing the appropriate
documentation at the time the U.S. shareholder files its tax return for such
first year. If, however, the company qualified as a PFIC in a prior year during
such shareholder's holding period, then in addition to filing documents, the
U.S. shareholder must elect to recognize (i) (under the rules of Section 1291
discussed below) any gain that he would otherwise recognize if the U.S.
shareholder sold his stock on the application date or (ii) if the company is a
controlled foreign corporation, and such shareholder so elects, his/her
allocable portion of the company's post-1986 earnings and profits.
When a timely QEF election is made, if the company no longer qualifies as a
PFIC in a subsequent year, normal code rules will apply. It is unclear whether a
new QEF election is necessary if the company thereafter re-qualifies as a PFIC.
U.S. shareholders should seriously consider making a new QEF election under
those circumstances.
If a U.S. shareholder does not make a timely QEF election in the year in
which it holds (or is deemed to have held) the shares in question and the
company is a PFIC, then special taxation rules under Section 1291 of the Code
will apply to (i) gains realized on disposition (or deemed to be realized by
reason of a pledge) of his/her common shares and (ii) certain "excess
distributions", as specially defined, by the company.
28
Non-electing U.S. shareholders generally would be required to pro-rata all
gains realized on the disposition of his/her common shares and all excess
distributions over the entire holding period for the common shares. All gains or
excess distributions allocated to prior years of the U.S. holder (other than
years prior to the first taxable year of the company during such U.S. holder's
holding period and beginning after January 1, 1987 for which it was a PFIC)
would be taxed at the highest tax rate for each such prior year applicable to
ordinary income. The Non-electing U.S. Shareholder also would be liable for
interest on the foregoing tax liability for each such prior year calculated as
if such tax liability had be due with respect to each such prior year. A
Non-electing U.S. Shareholder that is not a corporation must treat this interest
charge as "personal interest" which, as discussed above, is partially or wholly
non-deductible. The balance of the gain or the excess distribution will be
treated as ordinary income in the year of the disposition or distribution, and
no interest charge will be incurred with respect to such balance.
If the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-electing
U.S. Shareholder holds common shares, then the company will continue to be
treated as a PFIC with respect to such common shares, even if it is no longer by
definition a PFIC. A Non-electing U.S. Shareholder may terminate this deemed
PFIC status by electing to recognize a gain (which will be taxed under the rules
discussed above for Non-electing U.S. Shareholders) as if such common shares had
been sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which it was a PFIC.
Under Section 1291(f) of the code, the Department of the Treasury has
issued proposed regulations that would treat as taxable certain transfers of
PFIC stock by Non-electing U.S. Shareholders that are generally not otherwise
taxed, such as gifts, exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations, and
transfers at death.
Because the company's shares are "marketable" under section 1296(e), if the
company is a PFIC with respect to a U.S. investor, the U.S. investor may elect
to mark the stock to market each year. In general, a PFIC shareholder who elects
under Section 1296 to mark the marketable stock of a PFIC includes in income
each year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
PFIC stock as of the close of the taxable year over the shareholder's adjusted
basis in such stock. A shareholder is also generally allowed a deduction for the
excess, if any of the adjusted basis of the PFIC stock over the fair market
value as of the close of the taxable year. Deductions under this rule, however,
are allowable only to the extent of any net mark to market gains with respect to
the stock included be the shareholder for prior taxable years, while the
interest charge regime under the PFIC rules generally does not apply to
distributions from the dispositions of stock of a PFIC where the U.S. investor
has elected to mark the stock to market, coordination rules for limited
application will apply in the case of a U.S. investor that marks to market PFIC
stock later than the beginning of the shareholder's holding period for the PFIC
stock.
Certain special generally adverse rules will apply with respect to the
common shares while the company is a PFIC whether or not it is treated as a QEF.
For example under Section 1297(b)(6) of the code, a U.S. holder who uses PFIC
stock as security for a long (including a margin loan) will, except as may be
provided in regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such
stock.
The Company presently is not, and for fiscal 2002 does not expect to
qualify for status as a PFIC. If the Company should in subsequent years in fact
qualify for PFIC status, U.S. investors should take into account the foregoing
tax aspects concerning PFIC matters.
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS.
Not required.
G. STATEMENTS BY EXPERTS.
Not required.
29
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY.
Information not included in this report but incorporated by reference from
our prior filings can be inspected on the Securities and Exchange Commission's
internet site (www.sec.gov) at the EDGAR location.
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION.
See the notes to the financial statements.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not required.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES.
Not required.
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Not applicable (we are subject to section 12(g) through filing of Form 20-F
registration, effective in 2000).
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer
have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) of the United States Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) within 90 days of the filing date of this
annual report. Based on the evaluation, under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, they have concluded that these disclosure
controls are effective.
There were no significant changes in our internal controls or other factors
that could significantly affect these disclosure controls and procedures, nor
were there any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal
controls subsequent to the date our President and Chief Executive Officer and
our Chief Financial Officer completed their evaluation. As a result, no
corrective actions were required or undertaken.
ITEM 16. AUDIT MATTERS.
AUDIT FEES
The aggregate fees billed in the last fiscal year for professional services
rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Company's annual
financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in
connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements was $28,000, net
of goods and services tax of 7%.
TAX FEES
The aggregate fees billed in the last fiscal year for professional services
rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax
planning was $Nil.
30
ALL OTHER FEES
The aggregate fees billed in the last fiscal year for products and services
provided by the principal accountant, other than services reported above, was
$Nil.
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
See the financial statements of the Company for the three fiscal years
ended December 31, 2000 to 2002, the notes thereto, and the auditors' reports
thereon, which are included in this annual report. As set forth in the notes,
all of the financial information is presented in accordance with Canadian GAAP;
however, as stated in the notes, there are no material differences between
Canadian GAAP and United States GAAP as applied to our financial statements.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
3.(i) Articles of Incorporation (including continuance
to federal jurisdiction of Canada) *
3.(ii) By-laws *
4.1 Stock Option Plan dated August 30, 1996 *
4.2 Form of Stock Option Agreement
dated October 18, 1999 *
10.1 Investor relations agreement with
Marketing Strategies Inc. *
10.2 Arrangement Agreement with Verb Exchange Inc. **
10.3 Arrangement Agreement with
Millennium Ventures Ltd.
and Lattice Capital Corporation ***
10.4 Credit Facility Agreement with
Millennium Ventures Ltd.
and Lattice Capital Corporation ***
10.5 Unified Communications General
Services Agreement between
Effectnet LLC (now Webley Systems Inc.
and telQuest Technologies Inc.
(now Verb Exchange Inc.) and Amendments
1 and 2 to the Agreement
(Redacted - Confidential treatment of
omitted portions has been requested) ***
99.1 Form of stock certificate *
99.2 Certifications Pursuant to
Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of
Title 18 of the United States Code ***
* Incorporated by reference from the like-numbered exhibit filed with our
initial registration on Form 20-F (SEC File No. 0-30683, filed May 22,
2000).
** Incorporated by reference from the like-numbered exhibit filed with our
Annual Report on Form 20-F, (SEC File No. 0-30683, filed August 1,
2002).
*** Filed herewith.
31
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned
to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Verb Exchange Inc.
Date: July 11, 2003 /s/ Nathanael Lineham
------------------------------------
Nathanael Lineham, President
32
CERTIFICATION
I, Nathanael Lineham, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Verb Exchange Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is
being prepared;
b. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c. presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness
of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of
the Evaluation Date;
5. We have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's
auditors and board of directors:
a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. We have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were
significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent
evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant
deficiencies and material weaknesses.
DATED this 14th day of July, 2003.
/s/ Nathanael Lineham
------------------------------------
NATHANAEL LINEHAM,
Chief Executive Officer
33
CERTIFICATION
I, David Ebert, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Verb Exchange Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is
being prepared;
b. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c. presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness
of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of
the Evaluation Date;
5. We have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's
auditors and board of directors:
a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. We have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were
significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent
evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant
deficiencies and material weaknesses.
DATED this 14th day of July, 2003.
/s/ David Ebert
-----------------------------------
DAVID EBERT,
Chief Financial Officer
34
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
KMPG
KPMG LLP Telephone (604) 691-3000
Chartered Accountants Telefax (604) 691-3031
Box 10426, 777 Dunsmuir Street www.kpmg.ca
Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3
Canada
AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors
Verb Exchange Inc.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Verb Exchange Inc. as at
December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the consolidated statements of operations and
deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2002. 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 Canadian 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, 2002
and 2001 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002 in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KMPG LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
April 23, 2003
KPMG LLP, a Canadian owned limited liability partnership established
under the laws of Ontario, is the Canadian member firm of KPMG
International, a Swiss nonoperating association.
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
December 31, 2002 and 2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 144,925
Amounts receivable 108,814 5,772
Goods and services tax receivable 45,934 16,529
Prepaid expenses 53,270 10,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
208,018 177,226
Technology, net of accumulated amortization of $1,938,763
(2001 - $881,256) (note 4) 2,291,266 3,348,773
Fixed assets (note 5) 177,723 227,592
Other assets 40,972 40,972
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,717,979 $ 3,794,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Bank overdraft $ 36,387 $ -
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 16) 1,210,458 372,167
Demand loan (note 6) 20,079 50,693
Due to Pensbreigh Holdings Inc. (note 7) - 100,000
Due to Ayotte Music Inc. - 600,000
Due to Zwiss A.V.V. (note 8) 200,000 398,200
Advances payable (note 17(a)) 112,897 -
Deferred lease inducement 31,215 -
Deferred revenue 34,332 -
Current portion of capital lease obligation 31,697 13,184
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,677,065 1,534,244
Capital lease obligation (note 9) 9,871 30,902
Shareholders' equity:
Share capital (note 10) 8,032,910 5,192,284
Warrants (note 10) 4,539,352 4,539,352
Contributed surplus 412,866 239,050
Deferred compensation - (250,024)
Deficit (11,954,085) (7,491,245)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,031,043 2,229,417
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,717,979 $ 3,794,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Going concern (note 2)
Subsequent events (notes 10(c) and 17)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
1
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 88,840 $ 62,491 $ 32,626
Expenses:
Amortization 1,121,070 926,279 5,170
Billing 31,817 26,719 -
Communications 156,486 95,952 38,940
Director's fees:
Other - - -
Stock-based compensation - 457,320 -
Financing costs 41,234 146,972 460,412
Foreign exchange loss (gain) (3,395) (90,190) 28,500
General and administrative 744,173 353,594 47,349
Interest 62,912 75,134 35,431
Management fees 69,500 73,500 58,000
Professional and consulting fees 1,186,407 511,096 154,653
Salaries and wages:
Other 767,987 691,493 127,921
Stock-based compensation 250,024 2,502,783 -
Travel 153,080 38,142 106,214
Write-down of investment - - 92,176
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4,581,295 5,808,794 1,154,766
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before undernoted and
discontinued operations (4,492,455) (5,746,303) (1,122,140)
Gain on reduction in debt (note 8) 29,615 - -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss from continuing operations (4,462,840) (5,746,303) (1,122,140)
Discontinued operations:
Loss from operations of discontinued
segment to December 13, 2001 (note 13) - 627,762 45,337
Gain on disposal - (153,070) -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 474,692 45,337
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss for the year (4,462,840) (6,220,995) (1,167,477)
Deficit, beginning of year (7,491,245) (1,270,250) -
Interest and accretion on Company's option
to settle debentures in common shares - - 102,773
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, end of year $ (11,954,085) $ (7,491,245) $ (1,270,250)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss per share:
Basic and diluted $ 0.86 $ 1.63 $ 0.38
Weighted average number of common stock 5,168,088 3,818,610 3,099,800
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used in):
Operations:
Loss for the year $ (4,462,840) $ (6,220,995) $ (1,167,477)
Items not involving cash:
Amortization 1,121,070 926,279 5,170
Stock-based compensation 250,024 2,960,103 -
Gain on reduction of debt (29,615) - -
Non-cash financing costs - 146,972 460,412
Non-controlling interest - (7,230) (15,122)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations - (153,070) -
Write-down of investment - - 92,176
Other 5,231 (3,472) -
Changes in non-cash operating working capital:
Accounts receivable 1,946 56,945 (62,717)
Goods and Services tax receivable (29,405) (7,366) (9,163)
Prepaid expenses (43,270) 8,369 (18,369)
Other asset - - (37,500)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 812,496 1,104,529 97,952
Deferred lease inducement 31,215 - -
Deferred income 34,332 - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2,308,816) (1,188,936) (654,638)
Investments:
Purchase of fixed assets - (114,716) (92,213)
Proceeds on sale of fixed assets 2,517 - -
Ayotte cash acquired (note 12) 37,415 - -
Non-controlling interest - - 22,493
AT&T Corp. deposit - - (750,000)
Purchase of investment - - (92,176)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39,932 (114,716) (911,896)
Financing:
Demand loan (30,614) - -
Advances payable 112,897 - -
Sale of common shares 896,210 915,558 527,541
Loan from Zwiss A.V.V. - (351,800) 750,000
Issuance of convertible debentures - - 478,101
Cash received from (payment to) Pensbreigh
Holdings Inc. (100,000) 100,000 -
Cash received on loan from Ayotte Music Inc. 1,227,808 600,000 -
Repayment of capital lease obligations (18,729) (4,289) -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,087,572 1,259,469 1,755,642
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (181,312) (44,183) 189,108
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 144,925 189,108 -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ (36,387) $ 144,925 $ 189,108
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents is defined as cash and cash equivalents less bank
overdraft.
3
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplementary information:
Interest paid $ 6,925 $ 75,134 $ 35,431
Income tax paid - - -
Non-cash operating and financing activities:
Shares issued for acquisition of
Cadium Systems Inc. - 1,906,992 -
Warrants issued for acquisition of
Cadium Systems Inc. - 4,047,237 -
Shares issued on reverse takeover 1,944,416 - -
Fixed assets acquired under capital lease 16,211 - -
Warrants issued for financing services - - 460,412
Warrants issued for finders' fees - - 31,703
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS:
Verb Exchange Inc. (the "Company" or prior to the transaction with Verb
described below, "Ayotte") was originally incorporated under the laws of
the Province of British Columbia on February 11, 1974 and was continued
under the laws of the Province of Alberta and subsequently continued
federally under the Canada Business Corporations Act on May 16, 2000. On
December 31, 2001, the Company operated as Ayotte Music Inc. ("Ayotte") in
the business of manufacturing drums for the music entertainment industry.
Verb Exchange Inc. ("Verb") commenced operations on December 1, 1999 as an
unincorporated business, and was incorporated on January 14, 2000 under the
Company Act (British Columbia). The Company was a private company engaged
in the business of marketing telecommunications products and is working on
the development and deployment of unified communications solutions.
Subsequent to December 31, 2001, the following transactions occurred:
(a) On December 3, 2001, Ayotte announced a letter of intent to acquire
Verb. Pursuant to the terms of an Arrangement Agreement dated May 1,
2002 (the "Agreement"), Ayotte acquired 100% of the issued and
outstanding securities of Verb in exchange for shares of Ayotte to be
issued from treasury and warrants. This transaction completed on
November 11, 2002.
Prior to the effective date of the acquisition, Ayotte completed a
consolidation of its common shares of 5 to 1 (five pre-consolidation
shares equals one post-consolidation share).
Under the terms of the Agreement, the following share exchanges
occurred:
o Ayotte acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of
Verb in exchange for 4,320,925 post-consolidation common shares of
Ayotte to be issued from treasury.
o Each holder of a Verb Class A Special Warrant exchanged one Class A
Special Warrant for one post-consolidation common share of Ayotte;
o Each holder of a Verb Class B Special Warrant exchanged five Class B
Special Warrants for (i) one post-consolidation common share of
Ayotte, and (ii) one warrant entitling the holder to acquire one
additional post-consolidation common share of Ayotte at a price of
$0.80 per share, on or before March 27, 2003;
All outstanding options and warrants of Verb and Ayotte not described
above either were exchanged for new options, having terms as described
in the Agreement, or expired immediately upon completion of the
acquisition.
5
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED):
(a) Continued:
As this acquisition resulted in the former shareholders of Verb owning
greater than 50% of the Company's common shares, the Acquisition was
accounted for as a capital transaction as equivalent to an issuance of
common shares by Verb for the net assets of Ayotte, followed by a
recapitalization, consistent to accounting principles applicable to
reverse takeovers. As these principles reflect the identification of
the net assets of Ayotte as the acquired assets, the acquisition of the
net assets of Ayotte were recorded at their fair value, which
approximated their carrying value.
Subsequent to completion of this transaction, the amalgamated company
adopted the name, Verb Exchange Inc. Additional information with
respect to this transaction and Ayotte is provided in note 12.
(b) On January 14th, 2002, Ayotte announced the finalization and closing of
its transaction with Shetland Enterprises ("Shetland") for the sale of
its assets in connection with its core business of manufacturing and
distribution of drums and related products pursuant to an agreement
between Ayotte and Shetland dated November 30th, 2001. The transaction
was effective January 1, 2002.
2. GOING CONCERN:
These consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared
on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a going concern which
assume the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal
course of business. For the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company
incurred a loss from continuing operations of $4,462,840 and used cash in
operating activities of $2,308,816. At December 31, 2002, the Company has a
working capital deficiency of $1,469,047 and an accumulated deficit of
$11,954,085 that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to
continue as a going concern. The Company's ability to continue the
development of its products and its operations is dependent upon the
continued support of its shareholders, obtaining additional financing and
generating revenues sufficient to cover its operating costs in an industry
characterized by rapid technological change. There is no assurance that the
Company will be successful in achieving any or all of these objectives over
the coming year and, accordingly, it is possible that the Company will be
unable to continue as a going concern.
6
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles. There are no material measurement
differences between Canadian and United States generally accepted
accounting principles as applied to the Company. The consolidated financial
statements reflect the following significant accounting policies:
(a) Comparative financial statements:
In accordance with accounting principles for recapitalizations, the
consolidated financial statements reflect the financial position,
results of operations and cash flows of Verb historically, consolidated
with Ayotte from November 11, 2002, the date of completion of the
transaction.
(b) Basis of presentation:
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Verb Exchange (Management)
Inc. and Cadium Systems Inc., and, to December 13, 2001, its partially
owned subsidiary Qualtel (note 13). All material intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated.
(c) Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit and highly liquid
short-term interest bearing deposits with maturities at the date of
purchase of three months or less.
(d) Technology:
The Company's technology assets are recorded at cost less accumulated
amortization. Amortization is provided on the straight-line basis over
the estimated useful life of the technology, being four years.
(e) Fixed assets:
Fixed assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization.
Property under capital lease is initially recorded at the present value
of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease.
Amortization is provided at the following annual rates and methods:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Basis Rate
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Furniture and equipment declining-balance 20%
Computer equipment and software declining-balance 33%
Web engine straight-line 5 years
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
7
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED):
(f) Revenue recognition:
The Company commenced the sale of its unified communications solutions
in 2002. Revenue from the sale of such products is recognized pursuant
to the terms of a contractual agreement when delivery has occurred, the
price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably
assured.
Prior to 2002, the Company's principal source of revenue has been the
sale of calling cards. The Company sold calling cards on a wholesale
basis to one customer and used one sole supplier to provide the
operating system for the calling card service. Calling card revenue was
recorded net at the time each card was activated provided collection
was reasonably assured.
(g) Foreign currency:
Monetary items denominated in a foreign currency are translated into
Canadian dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date
and non-monetary items are translated at rates of exchange in effect
when the assets were acquired or obligations incurred. Revenues and
expenses are translated at rates in effect at the time of the
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses are included in income.
(h) Research and development:
Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs are expensed
as incurred unless they meet specific criteria for deferral and
amortization. The Company assesses whether it has met the relevant
criteria for deferral and amortization at each reporting date. No such
expenditures meet these criteria in the current year.
(i) Income taxes:
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for
income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, future tax assets
and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying
amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases, and loss carry forwards. Future tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
future tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the date of
substantive enactment. To the extent that it is not more likely than
not that an asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is provided.
8
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED):
(j) Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the periods after giving
effect to the recapitalization transaction (note 1(a)), excluding
treasury stock and common stock held in escrow that is subject to
cancellation if certain criteria are not achieved. Diluted earnings
(loss) per share is computed by adjusting the weighted average number
of common shares by the effective net exercise or conversion of all
dilutive securities. As for all periods presented, the effect of all
potentially issuable common shares is anti-dilutive, basic and diluted
loss per share are the same.
(k) Stock-based compensation:
The Company has a stock-based compensation plan, which is described in
note 10(d). Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the new
Recommendation of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
Handbook Section 3870, Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock-based
Payments. The Company applies Section 3870 prospectively to all
stock-based payments to employees and non-employees granted on or after
January 1, 2002.
The Company accounts for all options granted to employees, including
directors, under the intrinsic value method, whereby the excess, if
any, of the quoted market value of the stock at the date of grant over
the exercise price of the option is recorded as stock based
compensation expense. As the exercise price of options granted is equal
to the market value on the measurement date, the Company has determined
that the application of this accounting policy did not affect reported
results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002.
Options granted to non-employees on or after January 1, 2002 are
accounted for under the fair value based method. Under this method,
options granted to non-employees are measured at their fair value and
recognized as the options are earned. Due to the nature of the
Company's stock option plans, no transition adjustments were required
to be recognized on adoption of the polices effective January 1, 2002.
(l) Impairment of long-lived assets:
The Company reviews the carrying amount of long-lived assets, including
technology and furniture and equipment, for impairment whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not
be recoverable. The determination of any impairment would be made by a
comparison of the estimated undiscounted future operating cash flows to
be generated during the remaining useful life of the asset with the net
carrying value of the asset. A provision would be recorded at the time
of impairment equal to the excess of the carrying value over the
estimated future cash flows.
9
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED):
(m) Use of estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses for
the period reported. Significant areas of estimate includes the
assessment of recoverability of the carrying value of the Company's
technology assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(n) Comparative figures:
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the
financial statement presentation adopted in the current year.
(o) Credit risk:
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk are primarily accounts receivable.
Management is of the opinion that any risk of loss is significantly
reduced due to the financial strength of the Company's major customers.
The Company performs on-going credit evaluations of its customers'
financial condition and requires letters of credit, credit insurance or
other guarantees whenever deemed necessary.
4. ACQUISITION:
On February 19, 2001, Verb acquired all of the issued and outstanding
common and preferred shares of Cadium Systems Inc. ("Cadium"). Cadium was
involved in the development of a java-based messaging system. This
acquisition has been accounted for at the fair value of the consideration
issued with Verb identified as the acquirer with effect from February 19,
2001.
As consideration for the acquisition, Verb issued 1,302,200 common shares
and 3,646,159 share purchase warrants to the former Cadium shareholders.
Each share purchase warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share
of Verb at a price of $0.25 for a period of three years from the closing.
The fair value of Verb's purchase price has been calculated as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares issued $ 1,906,992
Share purchase warrants issued 4,047,237
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,954,229
Value assigned to shares and warrants issued to former Cadium
shareholders in exchange for future employment services,
all recognized as compensation expense in 2001 and 2002 (1,825,178)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 4,129,051
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. ACQUISITION (CONTINUED):
The purchase price allocation has been assigned to the specific
identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital assets, net of accumulated amortization $ 22,482
Technology 4,230,029
Bank indebtedness (8,214)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (72,767)
Demand loan (22,479)
Other short term loan (20,000)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase price $ 4,129,051
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. FIXED ASSETS:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated Net book
2002 Cost amortization value
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Furniture and equipment $ 56,790 $ 24,509 $ 32,281
Computer equipment and software 132,098 59,065 73,033
Web engine 102,590 30,181 72,409
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 291,478 $ 113,755 $ 177,723
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated Net book
2001 Cost amortization value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Furniture and equipment $ 77,773 $ 17,117 $ 60,656
Computer equipment and software 97,422 23,413 74,009
Web engine 102,590 9,663 92,927
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 277,785 $ 50,193 $ 227,592
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Furniture and equipment under capital lease at December 31, 2002 amounts to
$47,651 (2001 - $41,606).
6. DEMAND LOAN:
The demand loan is unsecured and bears interest at the bank's prime rate
plus 3% per annum.
11
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. DUE TO PENSBREIGH HOLDINGS INC.:
During 2001, Pensbreigh Holdings Inc. ("Pensbreigh") provided a loan to
Verb in the form of a promissory note. The note bears interest at a rate of
Canadian prime plus 1% per annum, calculated and compounded monthly in
arrears. At December 31, 2001, Verb has been advanced funds totaling
$100,000 from Pensbreigh.
On January 10, 2002, Verb repaid the balance in full.
8. DUE TO ZWISS A.V.V.:
On June 5, 2000, Verb entered into a loan agreement with Zwiss A.V.V.
("Zwiss"), which was amended on October 8, 2000. Under the terms of the
agreement, Zwiss lent Verb U.S. $500,000 ($750,000) to fund the cash
deposit required by AT&T.
As consideration for this loan, Verb issued 1,000,000 share purchase
warrants to Zwiss and transferred to Zwiss 15% of the common shares of
Qualtel. In addition, one of the shareholders of Verb transferred 40,000
founders' shares of Verb to Zwiss. Each share purchase warrant entitled the
holder to purchase one common share of Verb at a price of $0.50 per share
until November 15, 2002. The share purchase warrants were assigned a value
of $460,412 based on their estimated fair value at that time and have been
recorded as a financing cost in the statement of operations for the year
ended December 31, 2000, since the loan has no fixed terms of repayment.
The Qualtel shares were assigned a nominal value based on their estimated
fair value. No accounting recognition has been given in these consolidated
financial statements, to the 40,000 founders shares transferred by the
shareholder to Zwiss in connection with this transaction as this was a
transaction separate from Verb.
The loan bears interest at a rate of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
("CIBC") prime plus 2% per annum payable monthly and has no fixed terms of
repayment. Security for the loan was provided by the AT&T deposit which
was, effectively, sold by Verb on December 13, 2001 though no formal
release of their security interest has been obtained from Zwiss.
During the year ended December 31, 2001, U.S. $250,000 ($398,200) was
repaid and applied against the loan.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, Zwiss agreed to reduce the loan
balance to $200,000. In exchange for the debt reduction, Zwiss agreed to
exchange 1,000,000 share purchase warrants of Verb for 200,000 share
purchase warrants of the Company and 347,632 common shares from
shareholders of the Company. The amount by which the carrying value of the
previous loan balance to Zwiss exceeds the fair value of the total
consideration issued on renegotiation, being $29,615, has been recognized
in the statements of operations as a gain on reduction in debt. The fair
value of the consideration attributable to the 347,632 common shares issued
has been recognized in contributed surplus as a capital contribution by the
issuing shareholders to the Company.
12
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASE:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ending December 31:
2003 $ 33,516
2004 17,307
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total minimum lease payments 50,823
Amount representing interest 9,255
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present value of net minimum lease payments 41,568
Current portion 31,697
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 9,871
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. SHARE CAPITAL:
On November 11, 2002, the Company consolidated its issued and outstanding
common shares, options and warrants, on a 5-for-1 basis. All common share
information of the Company in these consolidated financial statements has
been retroactively restated to reflect the consolidation:
(a) Authorized:
100,000,000 common shares without par value
100,000,000 preferred shares without par value
(b) Issued and outstanding:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number
of shares Amount
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ayotte balance, February 28, 1999 and February 29, 2000 2,341,800 $ 2,525,737
Issued for cash through private placement 247,000 494,000
Issued for cash 30,000 15,000
Share issue costs - (5,665)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ayotte balance, February 28, 2001 2,618,800 3,029,072
Issued for cash through private placement 200,000 100,000
Issued for exercise of stock options 80,000 40,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ayotte balance, December 31, 2001 2,898,800 3,169,072
Issued for exercise of stock options 190,000 95,000
Issued on exercise of warrants 200,000 150,000
Sale of special warrants - 720,040
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ayotte balance, November 11, 2002, carried forward 3,288,800 $ 4,134,112
13
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. SHARE CAPITAL (CONTINUED):
(b) Issued and outstanding (continued):
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number
of shares Amount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ayotte balance, November 11, 2002, brought forward 3,288,800 $ 4,134,112
Adjustments to share capital to comply with
recapitalization accounting 4,320,925 3,002,588
Issued for services rendered on capital transactions 1,050,000 472,500
Issued for cash 1,724,230 896,210
Share issue costs - (472,500)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company, balance, December 31, 2002 10,383,955 $ 8,032,910
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of the 4,320,925 common shares issued on the Verb transaction (note 1),
2,953,176 shares were originally held in escrow; 10% were released on
November 11, 2002, with an additional 15% to be released every six
months thereafter, until November 11, 2005.
As at December 31, 2002, there are a total of 2,667,861 shares held in
escrow.
(c) Warrants:
Prior to completion of the transaction described in note 1(a), Verb had
4,873,501 warrants outstanding. These warrants were exchanged for
1,255,000 warrants of the Company upon completion of the transaction.
During 2002, the Company issued 1,050,000 common shares and 50,000
warrants for services related to the transaction described in note
1(a). The warrants are exercisable at $0.80 each to November 8, 2003.
The shares issued were valued at the market price at the date of
completion of the reverse takeover transaction.
14
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. SHARE CAPITAL (CONTINUED):
(c) Warrants (continued):
During 2002, the Company sold 132,000 common shares, each with a
warrant attached, for proceeds of $105,000. The warrants entitle the
holder to purchase one common share for $0.80 per share until March 27,
2003. Subsequent to December 31, 2002, the Company repriced and
extended the expiration date of these warrants to $0.35 per share and
March 27, 2004, respectively.
During 2002, the Company sold 843,530 common shares, each with a
warrant attached, for proceeds of $421,745. The warrants entitles the
holder to purchase one common share for $0.80 per share until November
8, 2003.
During 2002, the Company sold 748,700 common shares, each with a
warrant attached, for proceeds of $369,465. The warrants entitle the
holder to purchase one common share for $0.80 per share until September
30, 2003.
During 2002, Ayotte sold 900,126 Special Warrants for proceeds of
$720,000. These Special Warrants were exchangeable into common shares
and warrants of the Company. The Special Warrants carried a penalty
clause, entitling the holder to 10% additional common shares and
warrants if the Company did not complete an offering prospectus by 120
days from the closing of the offering. As the Company did not file a
prospectus by the specified date, the Special Warrants were exchanged
into 990,138 common shares and 990,138 warrants of the Company in April
2003. The warrants entitle the holder to purchase one common share for
$0.80 per share until April 23, 2003. Subsequent to December 31, 2002,
the Company repriced and extended the expiration date of these warrants
to $0.35 per share and April 23, 2004, respectively.
At December 31, 2002, after giving effect to these changes, the Company
has 4,118,568 warrants outstanding, exercisable at prices ranging from
$0.35 to US$2.50 each, and expiring at various dates to May 8, 2004.
(d) Stock options:
During the year, the Company adopted a stock option plan (the Plan)
that provides for the issuance of incentive and non-qualified stock
options to officers, directors, employees and consultants to acquire up
to 2,250,000 of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock.
The Board of Directors determines the terms and conditions of the
options granted under the Plan, including the exercise price and
vesting schedule. The exercise price for qualified incentive stock
options cannot be less than the closing price of the common shares on
the immediately preceding day of the grant, and the maximum term is
five years from the date of grant. Options granted generally vest over
a period of 18 months.
15
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. SHARE CAPITAL (CONTINUED):
(d) Stock options (continued):
A summary of the Company's stock option activity is as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding options
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Exercise
of shares price
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances at December 31, 2001 190,000 $ 0.50
Options exercised prior to reverse takeover (190,000) 0.50
Options granted subsequent to recapitalization 1,717,000 0.50
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances at December 31, 2002 1,717,000 $ 0.50
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table summarizes information about stock options
outstanding and exercisable under the Plan at December 31, 2002:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted
average Weighted Weighted
Range of Number remaining average Number average
exercise prices outstanding contractual life exercise price exercisable exercise price
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.50 1,717,000 4.9 years $ 0.50 95,389 $ 0.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(e) Pro forma compensation expense:
Under the intrinsic value method, the Company has not recognized any
compensation expense for options issued to its employees during the
year ended December 31, 2002. Had the Company determined compensation
expense for option grants made to employees after December 31, 2001
based on the fair values at grant dates of the stock options consistent
with the fair value method, the Company's loss and loss per share for
the year ended December 31, 2002 would have been the pro forma amounts
indicated below:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loss - as reported $ 4,462,840
Net loss - pro forma 4,505,240
Net loss per share - as reported 0.86
Net loss per share - pro forma 0.87
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The weighted average estimated fair value at the date of grant for
options granted during the year ended December 31, 2002 was $0.41 per
share.
16
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. SHARE CAPITAL (CONTINUED):
(e) Pro forma compensation expense (continued):
The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of the
grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
assumptions:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk-free interest rate 4.5%
Dividend yield -
Volatility factor 150%
Weighted average expected life of the options 5 years
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
For the purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of
the option is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the
vesting period.
11. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:
During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company incurred research and
development costs totaling $1,599,893 (2001 - $2,735,550; 2000 - $27,094).
These costs are classified in the consolidated statements of operations
according to their nature and, for the year ended December 31, 2002,
primarily reflect amortization ($1,057,507), general and administrative
($202,626) and salaries and wages ($291,852).
12. RECAPITALIZATION:
As disclosed in note 1(a), during 2002 Ayotte and Verb entered into a
transaction which resulted in the former shareholders of Verb acquiring
control of the Company. Additional information with respect to Ayotte is
provided below.
The total consideration paid was allocated, based on estimated fair values
of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed on November 11, 2002 as
follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash $ 37,415
Amounts receivable 104,988
Due from Verb 1,827,808
Accounts payable (25,795)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,944,416
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. REVERSE TAKEOVER (CONTINUED):
A summary of the operations of Ayotte for the period from January 1, 2002
to November 11, 2002 is provided below:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:
Bank charges and interest $ 1,458
Legal and accounting 130,530
Management and consulting fees 96,491
Public company expenses 35,941
Office 17,349
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
281,769
Other earnings:
Other earnings 63,910
Foreign exchange gain 1,361
Gain on sale of assets 4,741
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
70,012
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss for the period (211,757)
Deficit, beginning of period (1,870,697)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, end of period $ (2,082,454)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
On December 13, 2001, Verb adopted a formal plan and entered into a sale
agreement to dispose of the operations of its wholesale long distance
services business by selling its 75% interest in TelQuest Technologies LLC
DBA Qualtel Communications ("Qualtel") for cash proceeds of $1.
From January 1, 2001 to December 13, 2001 Verb recorded a total operating
loss, including provisions, of $627,462 in respect of the wholesale long
distance services business in Qualtel. A summarized statement of operations
of Qualtel to the date of disposition is as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended Year ended
December 13, December 31,
2001 2000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues $ 634,325 $ -
Operating expenses 1,269,317 60,449
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
634,992 60,449
Non-controlling interest 7,230 15,112
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss from operations $ 627,762 $ 45,337
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The consideration received on the sale of the Qualtel consisted of cash
proceeds of $1, resulting in a gain on disposition of $153,070. The total
assets and total liabilities of Qualtel were $796,432 and $949,502,
respectively.
18
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. INCOME TAXES:
The Company is subject to Canadian federal and British Columbia provincial
taxes in Canada. The Company has accumulated tax losses that may be
deducted from taxable income in future years. The potential tax benefit
that may result for application of the losses is not reflected in these
consolidated financial statements. Management's best estimate of tax losses
is as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expiring in year ending December 31:
2007 $ 720,000
2008 1,714,000
2009 3,126,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 5,560,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, the Company has other deductible temporary differences
totalling $373,000 (2001 - $345,000) which may be deducted against future
taxable income.
As it is not considered to be more likely than not that the potential tax
benefit of these losses and expenditures will be realized in the future, a
full valuation allowance has been provided. The potential tax benefit of
these losses and expenditures has therefore not been recorded in the
financial statements.
15. COMMITMENTS:
The Company has entered into operating leases which have the following
remaining minimum lease payments:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 $ 264,994
2004 266,350
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 531,344
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
During the year, the Company incurred $291,432 (2001 - $90,358; 2000 -
$41,703) in professional fees to a law firm in which a director of the
Company is a partner. At December 31, 2001, the Company had outstanding
payables of $246,785 (2001 - $61,344) for unpaid professional fees which
are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Also during the year, the Company paid $69,500 (2001 - $73,500; 2000 -
$58,000) to a company controlled by a director of the Company for
management fees. At December 31, 2002, the Company had outstanding payables
of $13,245 (2001 - nil) which are included in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities.
19
VERB EXCHANGE INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED):
In addition, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at
December 31, 2001 is $51,700 owing to a company controlled by a director of
the Company.
Amounts due to other related parties included in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities aggregate $114,833 (2001 - nil). These amounts are
non-interest bearing.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company issued nil (2001 -
71,842; 2000 - $25,000) share purchase warrants as compensation to officers
and directors of the Company.
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
(a) The Company has entered into an Arrangement Agreement with Millennium
Ventures Ltd. and Lattice Capital Corporation (jointly the "CPCs")
pursuant to which each CPC whose common shareholders have approved the
Arrangement Resolution (a "Merging CPC") will merge with and into the
Company, such that the Company shall continue as the surviving
corporation. As a result of the merger, the Company will acquire the
Merging CPCs assets and liabilities.
The CPCs have established a Credit Facility in favour of the Company,
whereby the CPCs agreed to advance Verb up to $200,000 to fund approved
working capital expenditures by the Company. The Credit Facility is
secured as a charge over all assets of the Company. The Credit Facility
will be repayable to the CPCs in certain events of default or in the
event of termination of the Arrangement. To December 31, 2002, the CPCs
have advanced $112,897 to the Company. Amounts advanced bear interest
at a rate of 12% per annum, and are due within 120 days if the CPCs
terminate the letter of intent or are repayable immediately if the
Company terminates the letter of intent.
The Company and Millennium Ventures possess a common director.
Completion of this acquisition is subject to regulatory and shareholder
approval.
(b) On April 23, 2003, the Company completed a private placement to sell
1,500,000 Units of the Company at a price of $0.20 per Unit. Each Unit
consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one
non-transferable share purchase warrant. Each whole share purchase
warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share at a
price of $0.35 for a period of one year following closing.
20