Introduction
. Digatrade Financial Corp (referred to as
“Digatrade” or “the Company”), is a British
Columbia corporation, incorporated on December 28,
2000.
The
Company was incorporated under the name Black Diamond Holdings
Corporation. On June 26, 2007, the Company changed its name from
Black Diamond Holdings Corporation to Black Diamond Brands
Corporation. On November 21, 2008 the Company changed its name to
Rainchief Energy Inc. and on February 19, 2015 to Bit-X Financial
Corporation. On October 27, 2015 the Company changed its name to
Digatrade Financial Corporation.
The
Company is listed as a fully reporting issuer on the FINRA OTC.PK
and trades under the symbol “DIGAF”. The Company is
focused on developing blockchain technology services and building a
profitable digital OTC trade desk for accredited traders and
institutions seeking buyside exposure to cryptocurrency. The
Company is exploring new opportunities within the sector including
Initial Coin Offerings “ICO’s”, Digital Corporate
Finance “DCF” and blockchain security protocol
services.
In
March 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with Mega Ideas
Holdings Limited, dba ANX (“ANXPRO and ANX
International”), a company incorporated and existing under
the laws of Hong Kong. ANX owns a proprietary trading platform and
provides operational support specializing in blockchain development
services and exchange and transaction services for
crypto-currencies e.g. Bitcoin and other digital assets. Effective
October 17, 2018 the Company closed the online retail trading
platform and shared liquidity order book with ANX International
owing to low transaction volumes. The Company will continue to
offer OTC trading for institutional customers and accredited
traders while continuing to seek new opportunities within the
blockchain and the financial technology sector.
On
February 28, 2019 the Company
executed
its anticipated Definitive Agreement (“DA”) with
Securter Inc., a private Canadian Corporation that is developing a
proprietary, patent-pending credit card payment platform to
significantly increase the security of online credit card payment
processing. Securter technology reduces immense losses by financial
institutions and merchants that arise from fraudulent credit card
use and protects cardholder privacy by eliminating the distribution
of personal information to third parties. With the current
worldwide surge in online commerce expected to continue for years
to come, the problem of credit card security is large and growing.
The Definitive Agreement with Securter sets out that
Securter’s technology will be launched and commercialized as
a Digatrade subsidiary.
Item
1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and
Advisors
The
President of the Company is Brad Moynes, and the directors of the
Company are Brad Moynes, Tyrone Docherty, James Romano and Timothy
Delaney of 1500 West Georgia Street, Suite 1300, Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada, V6C 2Z6. Mr. Moynes also serves as our
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. See
Item 6 for further information.
The
Company’s registered independent auditors are WDM Chartered
Professional Accountants, Suite 420 – 1501 West Broadway,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6J 4Z6. For
further information, see Item 16C and the consolidated financial
statements under Item 8.
Item
2. Offer Statistics and Expected
Timetable
Not
applicable.
Item
3. Key Information
A. Selected Financial Data
The
following selected information should be read in conjunction with
the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and notes,
filed with this Form 20-F. This information, and all
other financial information in this Form 20-F, is stated in
Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
The
financial information is presented on the basis of International
Financial Reporting Standards. With respect to the
Company’s consolidated financial statements, there are no
material differences from applying these principles compared to
applying United States generally accepted accounting
principles.
Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data
|
|
Operating
Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales
|
-
|
-
|
Gross Profit, Net
of Cost of Sales
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss
|
(1,122,820
)
|
(674,520
|
Loss
per Common Share – Basic & Diluted*
|
(0.01
)
|
(0.01
|
|
|
|
Number
of Shares Outstanding*
|
226,411,904
|
49,661,150
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
Assets
|
527,193
|
960,108
|
Current
Liabilities
|
766,169
|
1,742,215
|
Total
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share
Capital
|
6,047,999
|
4,106,207
|
Accumulated
Deficit
|
(6,298,936
)
|
(5,176,116
)
|
Dividends
per Common Share
|
0
|
0
|
Net
Loss
|
(1,122,820
)
|
(674,520
)
|
Loss
per Common Share – Basic & Diluted*
|
(0.01
)
|
(0.01
)
|
*
Adjusted to reflect the consolidation of the Company’s stock
on (i) March 22, 2010 in the ratio of 1 new common share for 10 old
common shares, (ii) April 3, 2013 in the ratio of 1 new common
share for 50 old common shares and (iii) June 8, 2016 in the ratio
of 1 new common share for 50 old common shares
Exchange Rates
In this
FORM 20-F, references to “dollars”, “$” or
“CAD$” are to Canadian dollars, unless otherwise
specified. Reference to “US$” refers to United States
dollars. Since June 1, 1970, the Government of Canada has permitted
a floating exchange rate to determine the value of the Canadian
dollar as compared to the United States dollar.
The
Company’s consolidated financial statements are stated in
Canadian dollars.
The
Company realized a loss on foreign exchange of $26,711 for the year
ended December 31, 2018 and a gain of $40,723 for the year ended
December 31, 2017, respectively. These foreign exchange
gains and losses were due to currency exchange rate fluctuations
between the Canadian and United States dollar.
The
Bank of Canada closing exchange rate on December 31, 2018 was
Cdn$1.3642 per US$1.00. For the past five fiscal years ended
December 31, 2018 and for the period between January 1, 2018 and
December 31, 2018, the following exchange rates were in effect for
Canadian dollars exchanged for United States dollars, expressed in
terms of United States dollars (based on the nominal exchange rates
provided by the Bank of Canada):
Year
Ended
|
|
December 31,
2014
|
$
1.10
|
December 31,
2015
|
$
1.28
|
December 31,
2016
|
$
1.33
|
December 31,
2017
|
$
1.30
|
December 31,
2018
|
$
1.30
|
|
|
Month
Ended
|
|
|
January 31,
2018
|
$
1.23
|
$
1.25
|
February 28,
2018
|
$
1.23
|
$
1.28
|
March 31,
2018
|
$
1.28
|
$
1.31
|
April 30,
2018
|
$
1.26
|
$
1.29
|
May 31,
2018
|
$
1.28
|
$
1.30
|
June 30,
2018
|
$
1.29
|
$
1.33
|
July 31,
2018
|
$
1.30
|
$
1.33
|
August 31,
2018
|
$
1.29
|
$
1.32
|
September 30,
2018
|
$
1.29
|
$
1.32
|
October 31,
2018
|
$
1.28
|
$
1.31
|
November 30,
2018
|
$
1.31
|
$
1.33
|
December 31,
2018
|
$
1.32
|
$
1.36
|
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
The
following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31,
2018, using:
●
226,411,904
common shares outstanding on an
actual basis;
●
100,000 Class B
common shares outstanding
on an actual basis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
493,810
|
464,703
|
Long-term
obligations, less current portion
|
11,961
|
--
|
|
|
|
Shareholders’ (deficiency) equity
|
|
|
Share
capital
|
6,047,999
|
6,130,462
|
Share
Subscription Received
|
|
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
(6,298,936
)
|
(6,565,661
)
|
Shareholders’
(deficiency) equity
|
(250,937
|
(375,199
)
|
Effective June 8,
2016 the common shares of the Company were consolidated at the
ratio of one new common share for every 50 old common shares. The
Company issued 12,306 shares to round up fractional entitlements
resulting from the consolidation.
On July
15, 2016, the Company entered into a debt settlement agreement with
a company controlled by a Director and Officer of the Company to
settle outstanding accounts payable of $25,000. The Company agreed
to issue 25,000,000 shares with a fair value equal to the value of
the underlying debt settled.
On
August 15, 2016, the Company entered into an assignment of
creditors and settlement of debt agreement with certain arm’s
length parties. The Company settled certain promissory notes
totalling $118,204 (US$91,475) by the issuance of 8,000,000 shares
with a fair value equal to the value of the underlying debt
settled
On
December 20, 2016, the Company entered into an assignment of
creditors and settlement of debt agreement with certain arm’s
length parties. The Company settled promissory notes totalling
$175,185 (including US$65,550) by the issuance of 8,000,000 shares
with a fair value of $133,779. A gain of $41,406 on the settlement
of debts was recognized.
On
December 12, 2016, the Company completed a private placement of
500,000 shares at US$0.50 per share, raising gross proceeds of
$308,977 (US$250,000). The shares were not issued by December 31,
2016 and on September 20, 2017, the Company re-priced the
subscription share price to US$0.10 per share and issued 2,500,000
common shares to the subscribers.
On June
12, 2017, the Company settled convertible promissory notes
totalling $32,700 by the issuance of 2,000,000 common shares with a
fair value equal to the value of the underlying debt
settled.
On
September 21, 2017, the Company settled a convertible promissory
note owed to a company controlled by a former Officer and Director
of the Company in the amount of $61,694 (US$50,000) by the issuance
of 1,000,000 common shares with a fair value equal to the value of
the underlying debt settled.
On
October 10, 2018, the Company passed a resolution authorizing the
creation of a new 100,000 Class “B” common shares with
the following characteristics: non-participating, no par value, and
with the voting right of 1,000 votes per share. On the same day,
the Company issued 100,000 Class “B” common shares at
$0.001 per share for total proceeds of $100 to a shareholder who is
also a Director and Office of the Company. On January 2, 2019, the
Company passed a resolution to increase the authorized number of
Class “B” common shares from 100,000 to 1,100,000 and
issued 1,000,000 Class “B” common shares at $0.0001 per
share for total proceeds of $100 to a shareholder who is also a
Director and Officer of the Company.
None of
the capitalization referred to above is secured or guaranteed. All
amounts in respect of capitalization including long term debt are
unsecured and not guaranteed.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of
Proceeds
Not
applicable.
D. Forward Looking-Statements and Risk
Factors
Forward-looking Statements
. 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 comprises "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", "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 believe will
occur may 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 all of the factors now identifiable by us that may
influence future operating results and financial
performance.
Risk Factors
Risks
Related to the Business
We have a history of operating losses and need additional capital
to implement our business plan.
For the
year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded a net loss of from
operations of $1,122,820 as compared to a net loss of $674,520 for
the year ended December 31, 2017. The financial statements have
been prepared using IFRS principles applicable to a going concern.
However, as shown in note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, our ability to
continue operations is uncertain.
We
continue to incur operating losses and have a consolidated deficit
of $6,298,936 as at December 31, 2018. Operations for the year
ended December 31, 2018 have been funded primarily from the
issuance of share capital, debt financing and the continued support
of creditors. Historically, we have met working capital needs
primarily by selling equity to Canadian residents, raising debt
finance and from loans (including loans from relatives of principal
shareholders).
We
estimate that we will require at least $500,000 to further fund the
development of a proprietary, patent-pending credit card payment
platform to significantly increase the security of online credit
card payment processing, reducing financial losses being
experienced by financial institutions and merchants from fraudulent
credit card use, while also better protecting cardholder privacy. A
full implementation of our business plan will be delayed until the
necessary capital is raised.
Our entry into the OTC Trade Desk for institutions and accredited
traders may not be successful and there are risks attendant on
these activities.
The
crypto-currency, blockchain and coin exchange platform business is
extremely volatile. There are many companies, large and small
entering the market with the capital to develop and create new
innovative applications resulting in a highly competitive and
fast-moving environment. Even with capital and technical expertise,
industry, political and compliance risks are significant.
Regulatory compliance and the overall ecosystem of
crypto-currencies is extremely complex and not yet fully defined by
governments and financial institutions worldwide. We may not be
able to finance our business plan and marketing plan, there is no
assurance that our entry into this business will be
successful.
Our entry into the development of a secure mobile application for
card not present “CNP” transaction business may not be
successful and there are risks attendant on these
activities.
The
Financial Technology “Fintech” business is extremely
competitive. There are many companies, large and small entering the
market with the capital to develop and create new innovative
applications resulting in a highly competitive and fast-moving
environment. Even with capital and technical expertise, industry,
political and compliance risks are significant. Regulatory
compliance and the overall ecosystem for secure online payments is
extremely complex and not yet fully defined by governments and
financial institutions worldwide. We may not be able to finance our
business plan and marketing plan, there is no assurance that our
entry into this business will be successful.
The loss of key personnel or the inability of replacements to
quickly and successfully perform in their new roles could adversely
affect our business.
We
depend on the leadership and experience of our key executive and
chairman, Brad Moynes. Mr. Moynes functions as our chairman and
executive officer, and as such, we are heavily dependent upon him
to conduct our operations. In 2018, the Company added two
additional directors which now brings the board to four directors.
We do not have key man insurance. If Mr. Moynes resigns or dies,
there could be a substantial negative impact upon our operations.
If that should occur, until we find other qualified candidates to
become officers and/or directors to conduct our operations, we may
have to suspend our operations or cease operating entirely. In that
event, it is possible you could lose your entire
investment.
Risks Related to Our Stock.
If we have to raise capital by selling securities in the future,
your rights and the value of your investment in the Company 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
stock trades on the “OTC.BB” but it is not actively
traded. If there is no active trading market, you may not be able
to resell your shares at any price, if at all. It is possible that
the trading market in the future will continue to be "thin" or
"illiquid," which could result in increased price volatility.
Prices may be influenced by investors' perceptions of us and
general economic conditions, as well as the market for beverage
companies generally. Until our financial performance indicates
substantial success in executing our business plan, it is unlikely
that there will be coverage by stock market analysts will be
extended. Without such coverage, institutional investors are not
likely to buy the 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. As the
stock is a “penny stock,” there are additional
constraints on the development of an active trading market –
see the next risk factor.
The penny stock rule operates to limit the range of customers to
whom broker-dealers may sell our stock in the market.
In
general, "penny stock" (as defined in the SEC’s rule 3a51-1
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) includes securities of
companies which are not listed on the principal stock exchanges, or
the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market, and which
have a bid price in the market of less than $5.00; and companies
with net tangible assets of less than $2 million ($5 million if the
issuer has been in continuous operation for less than three years),
or which has recorded revenues of less than $6 million in the last
three years.
As
"penny stock" our stock therefore is subject to the SEC’s
rule 15g-9, which imposes additional sales practice requirements on
broker-dealers which sell such securities to persons other than
established customers and "accredited investors" (generally,
individuals with net worth in excess of $1 million or annual
incomes exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together with their
spouses, or individuals who are the officers or directors of the
issuer of the securities). For transactions covered by rule 15g-9,
a broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for
the purchaser and have received the purchaser's written consent to
the transaction prior to sale. This rule may adversely affect the
ability of broker-dealers to sell our stock, and therefore may
adversely affect our stockholders' ability to sell the stock in the
public market.
Your legal recourse as a United States investor could be
limited.
The
Company is incorporated under the laws of British Columbia. Most of
the assets now are located in Canada. Our directors and officers
and the audit firm are residents of Canada. As a result, if any of
our shareholders were to bring a lawsuit in the United States
against the officers, directors or experts in the United States, it
may be difficult to effect service of legal process on those people
who reside in Canada, based on 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, but only 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' securities laws.
Item
4. Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company
The
Company is a British Columbia corporation (organized on December
28, 2000, incorporation number BC 0619991, which is the
incorporation number reflecting the transition to the new corporate
statute (the British Columbia Business Corporations Act)). The
registered office is at 1500 West Georgia Street, Suite 1300,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 2Z6. We do not have an
agent in the United States.
The
Company’s legal name is Digatrade Financial Corp and business
is carried on in this name at this time. On October 27, 2015 the
Company changed its name from Bit-X Financial Corporation to
Digatrade Financial Corporation. On February 9, 2015 the Company
changed its name from Rainchief Energy Inc to Bit-X Financial
Corporation and on November 21, 2008 the Company changed its name
from Black Diamond Brands Corporation to Rainchief Energy
Inc.
B. Overview
The
Company is listed as a fully reporting issuer on the FINRA OTC
bulletin board and trades under the symbol “DIGAF”. The
Company is focused on developing blockchain technology services and
building a profitable digital OTC trade desk for accredited traders
and institutions seeking buyside exposure to cryptocurrency. The
Company is exploring new opportunities within the sector including
Initial Coin Offerings “ICO’s”, Digital Corporate
Finance “DCF” and blockchain security protocol
services.
In
March 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with Mega Ideas
Holdings Limited, dba ANX (“ANXPRO and ANX
International”), a company incorporated and existing under
the laws of Hong Kong. ANX owns a proprietary trading platform and
provides operational support specializing in blockchain development
services and exchange and transaction services for
crypto-currencies e.g. Bitcoin and other digital assets. Effective
October 17, 2018 the Company closed the online retail trading
platform and shared liquidity order book with ANX International
owing to low transaction volumes. The Company will continue to
offer OTC trading for institutional customers and accredited
traders while continuing to seek new opportunities within the
blockchain and the financial technology sector.
On
February 5, 2019 the company entered into a Letter of Intent
(“LOI”) with Securter Inc., a private Canadian
Corporation that is developing a proprietary, patent-pending credit
card payment platform to significantly increase the security of
online credit card payment processing. The purpose is to reduce
financial losses being experienced by financial institutions and
merchants from fraudulent credit card use, while also better
protecting cardholder privacy. The LOI sets out that the new
technology will be launched and commercialized through a Digatrade
subsidiary.
On
February 28, 2019 the Company
executed
its anticipated Definitive Agreement (“DA”) with
Securter Inc., a private Canadian Corporation that is developing a
proprietary, patent-pending credit card payment platform to
significantly increase the security of online credit card payment
processing. Securter technology reduces immense losses by financial
institutions and merchants that arise from fraudulent credit card
use and protects cardholder privacy by eliminating the distribution
of personal information to third parties. With the current
worldwide surge in online commerce expected to continue for years
to come, the problem of credit card security is large and growing.
The Definitive Agreement with Securter sets out that
Securter’s technology will be launched and commercialized as
a Digatrade subsidiary.
The Company’s Organization Structure
During
the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company incorporated three
subsidiaries: Digatrade Limited (a British Columbia, Canada
corporation), Digatrade (UK) Limited (a United Kingdom corporation)
and Digatrade Limited (a Nevada corporation).
On
September 30, 2009, we disposed of two subsidiaries, Black Diamond
Importers Inc., a British Columbia, Canada, corporation and Liberty
Valley Wines, LLC., a Delaware, U.S.A., limited liability company.
On December 30, 2009, we disposed of our remaining subsidiary,
Point Grey Energy Inc., an Alberta, Canada,
corporation.
Effective
December 22, 2010, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding
common shares of Jaydoc Capital Corp (“Jaydoc”), a
company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of the
Province of British Columbia, Canada. Jaydoc was acquired to
facilitate our business venture in solar energy development. The
assets of Jaydoc were its business plan and strategic business
relationship with operational partners that offered experience and
knowledge in the development, engineering and construction of solar
energy projects in Italy and the European Union.
On
December 18, 2010 we incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary,
Rainchief Renewable-1 S.R.L under the laws of Italy.
During
the year ended December 31, 2015, we incorporated the following
subsidiaries: Digatrade Limited (a British Columbia, Canada
Corporation), Digatrade (UK) Limited (a United Kingdom
corporation), and Digatrade Limited (a Nevada, USA corporation);
and de-registered Jaydoc Capital Corp. and Rainchief Renewable-1
S.R.L.
During
January 2019 we incorporated Securter Systems Inc. (a Canadian
corporation).
Commitments
.
On
March 31, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with Mega
Idea Holdings Limited, dba ANX (“ANX”), to provide
Crypto-currency deposit and exchange services. Pursuant to the
terms of the agreement, the Company was required to pay monthly
maintenance fees of US$10,000 for maintenance and support of the
exchange platform. The agreement with ANX was for a term of three
years.
On
April 7, 2017 (the “effective date”), the Company
entered into a revised agreement with ANX. Pursuant to the terms of
the agreement, the Company was required to pay monthly maintenance
fees of US$1,500 for the first six months commencing the first
month after the effective date, and US$5,000 thereafter. The
revised agreement with ANX was for a term of two years.
Effective October 15,
2018, the revised agreement was terminated and the Company closed
the online retail trading platform and shared liquidity order book
with ANX International owing to low transaction
volumes.
The
Company paid ANX $32,770 (US$25,000) in full settlement of all
outstanding liabilities and realized a gain of $7,158 on the
termination of the agreement.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review
For the
years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company had net
losses of $1,122,820, $674,520 and $172,969,
respectively.
Accounting,
Audit and Legal expenses decreased by $5,508 from $105,652 for the
year ended December 31, 2017 to $100,144 for the year ended
December 31, 2018. Accounting and audit fees increased by $2,559;
legal expenses in connection with the issuance of Convertible
Promissory Notes increased by $4,359 and general corporate legal
expenses decreased by $12,426.
Accounting,
Audit and Legal expenses increased by $59,130 to $105,562 for the
year ended December 31, 2017 from $46,523 for the year ended
December 31, 2016. Accounting and audit fees increased by $789;
legal expenses in connection with the issuance of Convertible
Promissory Notes increased by $32,295 and general corporate legal
expenses increased by $26,049.
Consulting
expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $169,210
to $307,402 as compared with $138,192 for the year ended December
31, 2017, and by $52,043 as compared with $86,149 for the year
ended December 31, 2016, as a result of increased corporate
activity during the respective periods.
During
the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company incurred Filing and
Transfer Agents Expenses in the amount of $26,331 as compared with
$7,866 incurred during the year ended December 31, 2017, a increase
of $18,465, as a result of increased filing activity during the
period. Filing and Transfer Agents Fees for the year ended December
31, 2017 decreased by $4,950 from $12,816 for the year ended
December 31, 2016 to $7,866 for the year ended December 31, 2017 as
a result of decreased corporate activity during that
year.
During
the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company incurred $189,376 in
interest expense on Convertible Promissory Notes and bank Charges
expense as compared with $30,669 and $29,559 for the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The
Company did not incur any Investor Relations expenses during the
years ended December 31, 2018 and 2016. During the year ended
December 31, 2017, the Company entered into investor relations
contracts for a total cost of $107,103.
Management
fees for the year ended December 31, 2018 amount to $241,950 as
compared with $105,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017, and
$60,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increased
expenditure during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
resulted from increased corporate activities during the periods
under review.
The
Company incurred Exchange Platform Development Costs in the amount
of $102,683 during the year ending December 31, 2018, as compared
with $104,591 incurred during the year ended December 31, 2017 and
$111,734 incurred during the year ended December 31, 2016. The
reduction in these costs resulted from the renegotiation of the
agreement with the platform provider during 2017 and costs related
to certain development projects in 2015 which were not continued in
2016 and 2017. The Company will not incur further development
expenditures as a consequence of the termination of the exchange
trading platform agreement with ANX.
The
Company incurred $12,281 in Administrative expenses during the year
ended December 31, 2018 as compared with $7,137 during the year
ended December 31, 2017, and increase of $5,144. The Company did
not incur Administrative expenses for the years ended December 31,
2016. Administrative expenditure is comprised of travel, office and
website development expenses.
The
Company incurred Finders Fees in the amounts of $123,101 and
$109,033 in connection with the issuance of convertible promissory
notes during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
The
Company incurred a loss on foreign exchange of $26,711 for the year
ended December 31, 2018, as compared with gains on foreign exchange
of $40,723 and $13,238 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and
2016, respectively. The losses and gain resulted from changes in
the foreign currency exchange rates between the Canadian and US
Dollars.
During
the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company earned $119,600 in
Coin Development Fees in connection with the joint venture
agreement to develop a diamond-backed digital
currency.
During
the years ended December 31, 2016, the Company realized net gains
on the settlement of certain debts in the amounts of $41,406. The
Company did not realize net gains or incur net losses on settlement
of debts in the years ending December 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
Financial
position
As at
December 31, 2018, the Company had a working capital deficiency of
$257,432 as compared with a working capital deficiency of $782,107
as at December 31, 2017, a decrease of $524,675. The decrease in
working capital deficiency during the year ended December 31, 2018
is due to decreases in Cash of $633, Accounts Receivable of 297,309
and Prepaid Expenses of $137,10; offset by decreases in Trade and
Other Payables of $20,934, Liabilities to Customers of $297,309 and
Current portion of Convertible Notes Payable of $639,347, and an
increase in of $2,128 in GST Recoverable.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
During
the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company raised $686,590 by the
issuance of Convertible Promissory Notes (year ended December 31,
2017 - $1,642,122) and re-paid a convertible Promissory Notes in
the amount of $31,762 (year ended December 31, 2017 -
$130,498).
Changes
in working capital accounts during the year ended December 31, 2018
consumed $104,828 (year ended December 31, 2015 provided
$258,322).
During
the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company used cash in the
amount of $760,289 to fund the Company's continuing operations
(year ended December 31, 2017 – $693,347).
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses,
etc.
Not
applicable
D. Trend Information
Management
is not aware of any trend, commitment, event or uncertainty that is
expected to have a material effect on our business, financial
condition or results of operations.
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Not
applicable.
F. Contractual Obligations
Not
applicable.
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. Information on such persons’ share
ownership is under Item 7.
Name and Positions Held
|
Experience and Principal Business Activities
|
|
|
Bradley
J. Moynes (48)
Chairman,
President, Director and Interim Chief Financial
Officer
|
President
and Director of the Company since December 2000.
|
Tyrone
Docherty (59)
|
Director
of the Company since July 10, 2016
|
James
Romano (61)
|
Director
of the Company since October 24, 2018
|
Timothy
Delaney (64)
|
Director
of the Company since November 20, 2018
|
B. Compensation
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The
following table sets forth the compensation paid to the executive
officers of the Company in each of the years ended December 31,
2018, 2017 and 2016. The table includes compensation
paid for service by such persons to subsidiaries. All amounts are
stated in US dollars.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
|
(d)
|
(e)
|
|
(g)
|
|
|
Name and Current
Principal Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bradley J.
Moynes,
|
2018
|
$
186,781
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
-
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
President
|
2017
|
$
80,994
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
-
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
|
2016
|
$
45,271
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
-
|
$
-
|
$
-
|
Executive Compensation Plans and Employment Agreements
Management Agreements
No
management agreements were entered into for the period commencing
January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.
Equity Compensation Plans
Effective
December 31, 2010, our Board of Directors adopted the 2010 Stock
Option Incentive Plan (“the Stock Option Plan”). The
purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to enhance the long-term
stockholder value of the Company by offering opportunities to
directors, officers, key employees and eligible consultants of the
Company to acquire and maintain stock ownership in the Company, in
order to give these persons the opportunity to participate in the
Company's growth and success, and to encourage them to remain in
the service of the Company. A maximum of 10% of the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock are available for issuance under
the Stock Option Plan.
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.
The
Company does not have an audit committee at the present time. The
Company is currently seeking a suitable individual to serve on an
audit committee.
The
audit committee is responsible for selecting, evaluating and
recommending the Company’s auditors to the Board of Directors
for shareholder approval; evaluating the scope and general extent
of the auditors’ review; overseeing the work of the auditors;
recommending the auditors’ compensation to the Board of
Directors; and assisting with the resolution of any disputes
between management and the auditors regarding financial
reporting. The audit committee is also responsible for
reviewing the Company’s annual and interim financial
statements and recommending their approval to the Board of
Directors; reviewing the Company’s policies and procedures
with respect to internal controls and financial reporting; and
establishing procedures for dealing with complaints regarding
accounting, internal controls or auditing matters.
The
Company does not have a compensation or corporate governance
committee at the present time. The Company is listed for trading on
the OTCBB as a reporting issuer under registration statement Form
20-F (Foreign Private Issuer) and as such it believes that it is
not required to have such committees.
D. Employees
The
Company currently has one officer and no
employees. Employees will be added as
required.
E. Share Ownership
Our directors and officer own the indicated shares of common stock
as at the date hereof; percentages are based on 241,074,723 shares
of common stock and 1,100,000 shares of Class B
common stock
issued and outstanding as at March 31, 2019
Name
|
No. of shares of Common Stock
|
Percentage of Common Shares outstanding at March 31,
2019
|
Brad
Moynes
|
21,723,715
|
9.01
%
|
Tyrone
Docherty
|
250,000
|
0.0001
%
|
Name
|
No. of shares of Class B Common Stock
|
Percentage of Class B Common Stock outstanding at March 31,
2019
|
Brad
Moynes
|
1,100,000
|
100
%
|
Item
7. Major Shareholders and Related Party
Transactions.
A. Major Shareholders
To our
knowledge, only one 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
241,074,723 shares outstanding at March 31, 2019.
The
Company has approximately 210 shareholders of record at March 31,
2019. The number of shareholders holding securities
beneficially through street name nominees, as reflected in the
record position of Cede & Co. and other intermediaries, is
approximately 87.1%.
To the
best of our knowledge, approximately 20% of the Company’s
common shares are owned by residents of Canada or residents of
countries other than the United States. The number of
shareholders holding securities beneficially through street name
nominees, as reflected in the record position of Cede & Co. and
other intermediaries, who may be residents of other countries, is
approximately 2%. These assumptions are based on our shareholder
registry issued by Action Stock Transfer as of March 31,
2019.
To our
knowledge, we are not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by
another corporation or by any foreign government, nor are there any
arrangements which may result in a change of control of the
Company. The directors of the Company own approximately 9% of the
Class "A" common voting shares and all of 1,100,000 of the Class
"B" common voting non-participating shares. As a result the
percentage of shares controlled by the directors currently
represents voting control of the Company.
B. Related Party Transactions
Balances
and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which
are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated on
consolidation and are not disclosed. Details of transactions
between the Company and other related parties, in addition to those
transactions disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial
statements, are described below. All related party transactions
were in the ordinary course of business and were measured at their
exchange amounts.
Promissory
Notes
During
the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company repaid promissory
notes in the amount of $90,529, (including US$31,200) to a company
controlled by a Director (also an officer) of the Company. Included
in convertible promissory notes as at December 31, 2018, was $Nil
(2017 – $89,364 including US$31,200) owed to this
company.
During
the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company settled a promissory
note owed to a company controlled by a former officer of the
Company in the amount $69,205 (US$50,000) by the issuance of
1,000,000 common shares. Included in convertible promissory notes
as at December 31, 2018, was $Nil (2017 – $67,135 including
US$50,000) owed to this company
Compensation
of Key Management Personnel
The
Company incurred management fees for services provided by key
management personnel for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017
and 2016, as described below.
Management
Fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
Fees
|
241,950
|
105,000
|
60,000
|
Share-Based
Payments
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
241,950
|
105,000
|
60,000
|
During
the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company incurred consulting
fees for services provided by Directors of the Company in the
amount of $12,900 (2017 - $11,296).
C. Interest of Experts and Counsel
None.
Item
8. Financial Information
See the
consolidated financial statements under Item 18.
Item
9. The Offer and Listing
A. Offer and Listing Details
The
Company's common shares are traded on the “OTC.BB”
under the symbol BITXF; the shares are not listed on any exchange
or traded on any other medium. Trading commenced in the
first quarter 2004 on the Pink Sheets and then became a reporting
issuer and was listed for trading on the OTC.BB during the second
quarter of 2007.
The
following table sets forth the high and low closing prices on the
OTC Markets and the OTC.BB for the periods indicated, adjusted
for the consolidations of the Company’s stock on March 22,
2010, April 3, 2013 and June8, 2016. See Item 10A
below.
|
|
|
By Quarters in 2018, 2017 & 2016
|
|
|
Fourth
Quarter 2018
|
$
0.02
|
$
0.003
|
Third
Quarter 2018
|
$
0.06
|
$
0.01
|
Second
Quarter 2018
|
$
0.16
|
$
0.03
|
First
Quarter 2018
|
$
0.52
|
$
0.10
|
Fourth
Quarter 2017
|
$
0.75
|
$
0.10
|
Third
Quarter 2017
|
$
0.31
|
$
0.06
|
Second
Quarter 2017
|
$
0.16
|
$
0.06
|
First
Quarter 2017
|
$
0.23
|
$
0.06
|
Fourth
Quarter 2016
|
$
0.23
|
$
0.06
|
Third
Quarter 2016
|
$
0.16
|
$
0.06
|
Second
Quarter 2016
|
$
0.31
|
$
0.06
|
First
Quarter 2016
|
$
0.75
|
$
0.10
|
On
December 31, 2018, the closing price was US$0.005 per
share.
B. Plan of Distribution
Not
applicable.
C. Markets
See
"Offer and Listing Details" above.
D. Selling Shareholders
Not
applicable.
E. Dilution
Not
applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not
applicable.
Item
10. Additional Information
A. Share Capital Authorized
Unlimited
number of common shares without par value
Issued and Outstanding
|
|
Number of Class B Common Shares
|
|
Balance, December
31, 2015 (Post-Share Consolidation)
|
1,622,150
|
|
3,241,848
|
Shares issued for
Services
|
5,000
|
-
|
32,000
|
Fair Value of Share
Rights Expired
|
34,000
|
-
|
85,000
|
|
1,661,150
|
-
|
3,358,848
|
|
|
|
|
Post-consolidation
shares issued in settlement of debt
|
41,000,000
|
-
|
276,983
|
Shares issued for
Services
|
250,000
|
-
|
15,000
|
Shares held in
escrow
|
(1,500
)
|
-
|
(5,374
)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December
31, 2016 (Post-Share Consolidation)
|
42,909,650
|
-
|
3,645,457
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
Issued
|
2,500,000
|
-
|
334,975
|
Shares Issued
in Settlement of
Debts
|
4,000,000
|
-
|
103,779
|
Shares Issued for
Cash
|
-
|
100,000
|
100
|
Shares Issued for
Services
|
250,000
|
-
|
21,896
|
Shares Held in
Trust
|
1,500
|
-
|
-
|
Balance, December
31, 2017
|
49,661,150
|
100,000
|
4,106,207
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Issued for
Services
|
600,000
|
-
|
7,373
|
Shares Issued on
Conversion of Convertible Promissory Notes
|
176,150,754
|
-
|
1,934,419
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December
31, 2018
|
226,411,904
|
100,000
|
6,047,999
|
Share consolidation
Effective April 3,
2013, the common shares of the Company were consolidated at the
ratio of one new common share for every 50 old common shares. The
Company issued 835 shares to round up fractional entitlements
resulting from the consolidation.
Effective June 8,
2016, the common shares of the Company were consolidated at the
ratio of one new common share for every 50 old common shares. The
Company issued 12,306 shares to round up fractional entitlements
resulting from the consolidation. The number of common shares and
basic loss per share calculations disclosed in the consolidated
financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the retroactive
application of this share consolidation.
On
September 19, 2014, the Company entered into an escrow agreement
with a creditor. The Company agreed to pay the creditor $2,500 upon
the signing of the agreement and to issue 75,000 shares (1,500 post
consolidation shares) to be held in escrow. The Company is
obligated to pay the creditor a further $6,687 forty five days
after the Company’s stock becomes DWAC-eligible. Upon payment
of the final amount owing the shares will be returned to the
Company.
On July
15, 2016, the Company entered into a debt settlement agreement with
a company controlled by a Director and Officer of the Company to
settle outstanding accounts payable of $25,000. The Company agreed
to issue 25,000,000 shares with a fair value equal to the value of
the underlying debt settled.
On
August 15, 2016, the Company entered into an assignment of
creditors and settlement of debt agreement with certain arm’s
length parties. The Company settled certain promissory notes
totalling $118,204 (US$91,475) by the issuance of 8,000,000 shares
with a fair value equal to the value of the underlying debt
settled
On
December 20, 2016, the Company entered into an assignment of
creditors and settlement of debt agreement with certain arm’s
length parties. The Company settled promissory notes totalling
$175,185 (including US$65,550) by the issuance of 8,000,000 shares
with a fair value of $133,779. A gain of $41,406 on the settlement
of debts was recognized.
On
December 12, 2016, the Company completed a private placement of
500,000 shares at US$0.50 per share, raising gross proceeds of
$308,977 (US$250,000). The shares were not issued by December 31,
2016 and on September 20, 2017, the Company re-priced the
subscription share price to US$0.10 per share and issued 2,500,000
common shares to the subscribers.
On June
12, 2017, the Company settled convertible promissory notes
totalling $32,700 by the issuance of 2,000,000 common shares with a
fair value equal to the value of the underlying debt
settled.
On
September 21, 2018, the Company settled a convertible promissory
note owed to a company controlled by a former Officer and Director
of the Company in the amount of $61,694 (US$50,000) by the issuance
of 1,000,000 common shares with a fair value equal to the value of
the underlying debt settled.
During
the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued 250,000 shares
at a fair value of $0.06 per share to a related party for
consulting services rendered. Share-based compensation of $15,000
was recorded.
During
the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company entered into a
consulting agreement for the
provision of
business strategy and compliance services. The Company issued
250,000 common shares valued at $21,896.
During
the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company entered into a
consulting agreement for the provision of business strategy and
compliance services. The Company issued 600,000 common shares
valued at $7,373.
On
October 10, 2017, the Company passed a resolution authorizing the
creation of a new 100,000 Class “B” common shares with
the following characteristics: non-participating, no par value, and
with the voting right of 1,000 votes per share. On the same day,
the Company issued 100,000 Class “B” common shares at
$0.001 per share for total proceeds of $100 to a shareholder who is
also a Director and Office of the Company.
Share Purchase Warrants
Not
applicable
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
The
Company is registered under the Company Act of the Province of
British Columbia, Canada (BC 0619991).
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 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 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. 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 Form 20-F, we have no material
contracts.
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
Canadian Federal Income Tax Information for United States
Residents
The
following is a discussion of material Canadian federal income tax
considerations generally applicable to holders of our common shares
who acquire such shares in this offering and who, for purposes of
the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder, or the
Canadian Tax Act:
●
deal at arm’s
length and are not affiliated with us;
●
hold such shares as
capital property;
●
do not use or hold
(and will not use or hold) and are not deemed to use or hold our
common shares, in or in the course of carrying on business in
Canada;
●
have not been at
any time residents of Canada; and
●
are, at all
relevant times, residents of the United States, or U.S. Residents,
under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), (the
Convention).
TAX MATTERS ARE VERY COMPLICATED AND THE CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON
SHARES WILL DEPEND UPON THE STOCKHOLDER’S PARTICULAR
SITUATION. THE SUMMARY OF MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH BELOW IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONLY A GENERAL
SUMMARY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR
DESCRIPTION OF ALL POTENTIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES.
THIS DISCUSSION DOES NOT INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE TAX LAWS OF
ANY PROVINCE OR TERRITORY WITHIN CANADA. ACCORDINGLY, HOLDERS AND
PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT
WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS ABOUT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM
HAVING REGARD TO THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING ANY
CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING OR DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON
SHARES ARISING UNDER CANADIAN FEDERAL, CANADIAN PROVINCIAL OR
TERRITORIAL, U.S. FEDERAL, U.S. STATE OR LOCAL TAX LAWS
OR TAX LAWS OF JURISDICTIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES OR
CANADA.
This
summary is based on the current provisions of the Canadian Income
Tax Act, proposed amendments to the Canadian Income Tax Act
publicly announced by the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the
date hereof (the “Proposed Amendments”), and the
provisions of the Convention as in effect on the date
hereof. No assurance can be given that the Proposed
Amendments will be entered into law in the manner proposed, or at
all. No advance income tax ruling has been requested or obtained
from the Canada Revenue Agency to confirm the tax consequences of
any of the transactions described herein.
This
summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income
tax consequences for U.S. Residents, and other than the
Proposed Amendments, does not take into account or anticipate any
changes in law, whether by legislative, administrative,
governmental or judicial decision or action, nor does it take into
account Canadian provincial, U.S. or foreign tax
considerations which may differ significantly from those discussed
herein. No assurances can be given that subsequent
changes in law or administrative policy will not affect or modify
the opinions expressed herein.
A
U.S. Resident will not be subject to tax under the Canadian
Tax Act in respect of any capital gain on a disposition of our
common shares unless such shares constitute “taxable Canadian
property”, as defined in the Canadian Tax Act, of the
U.S. Resident and the U.S. Resident is not eligible for
relief pursuant to the Convention. Our common shares
will not constitute “taxable Canadian property” if, at
any time during the 60-month period immediately preceding the
disposition of the common shares, the U.S. Resident, persons
with whom the U.S. Resident did not deal at arm’s
length, or the U.S. Resident together with all such persons,
did not own 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series
of shares of our capital stock. In addition, the Convention
generally will exempt a U.S. Resident who would otherwise be
liable to pay Canadian income tax in respect of any capital gain
realized by the U.S. Resident on the disposition of our common
shares, from such liability provided that the value of our common
shares is not derived principally from real property situated in
Canada. The Convention may not be available to a U.S. Resident
that is a U.S. LLC which is not subject to tax in the
U.S.
Amounts
in respect of our common shares paid or credited or deemed to be
paid or credited as, on account or in lieu of payment of, or in
satisfaction of, dividends to a U.S. Resident will generally
be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax at the rate of
25%. Currently, under the Convention the rate of Canadian
non-resident withholding tax will generally be reduced
to:
●
5% of the gross
amount of dividends if the beneficial owner is a company that is
resident in the U.S. and that owns at least 10% of our voting
shares; or
●
15% of the gross
amount of dividends if the beneficial owner is some other resident
of the U.S.
United States Federal Income Tax Information for United States
Holders.
The
following is a general discussion of material U.S. federal
income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our
common shares by U.S. Holders (as defined below). This
discussion is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and
judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all as in
effect at the date hereof and all of which are subject to change,
possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion only addresses
the tax consequences for U.S. Holders that will hold their
common shares as a “capital asset” and does not address
U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to
particular U.S. Holders in light of their individual
circumstances or U.S. Holders that are subject to special
treatment under certain U.S. federal income tax laws, such
as:
●
tax-exempt
organizations and pension plans;
●
persons subject to
alternative minimum tax;
●
banks and other
financial institutions;
●
partnerships and
other pass-through entities (as determined for United States
federal income tax purposes);
●
persons who hold
their common shares as a hedge or as part of a straddle,
constructive sale, conversion transaction, and other risk
management transaction; and
●
persons who
acquired their common shares through the exercise of employee stock
options or otherwise as compensation.
As used
herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial
owner of our common shares that is:
●
an individual
citizen or resident of the United States;
●
a corporation, a
partnership or entity treated as a corporation or partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized
in or under the laws of the United States or any political
subdivision thereof;
●
an estate the
income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation
regardless of its source; and
●
a trust if both a
United States Court is able to exercise primary supervision
over the administration of the trust; and one or more United States
persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of
the trust.
TAX MATTERS ARE VERY COMPLICATED AND THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR
COMMON SHARES WILL DEPEND UPON THE STOCKHOLDER’S PARTICULAR
SITUATION. THE SUMMARY OF MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH BELOW IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONLY A GENERAL
SUMMARY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR
DESCRIPTION OF ALL POTENTIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES.
NOTE THAT THIS DISCUSSION DOES NOT INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE TAX
LAWS OF ANY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.
ACCORDINGLY, HOLDERS AND PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES
ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS ABOUT THE
U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES.
Ownership of Shares.
The
gross amount of any distribution received by a U.S. Holder
with respect to our common shares generally will be included in the
U.S. Holder’s gross income as a dividend to the extent
attributable to our current and accumulated earnings and profits
(as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). To
the extent a distribution received by a U.S. Holder is not a
dividend because it exceeds the U.S. Holder’s pro rata
share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will
be treated first as a tax-free return of capital and reduce (but
not below zero) the adjusted tax basis of the
U.S. Holder’s shares. To the extent the distribution
exceeds the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s
shares, the remainder will be taxed as capital gain (the taxation
of capital gain is discussed under the heading “Sale of
Shares” below).
For
taxable years beginning before January 1, 2009, dividends
received by non-corporate U.S. Holders from a qualified
foreign corporation are taxed at the same preferential rates that
apply to long-term capital gains. A foreign corporation is a
“qualified foreign corporation” if it is eligible for
the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United
States (the income tax treaty between Canada and the United States
is such a treaty) or the shares with respect to which such dividend
is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in
the United States (such as the Nasdaq Capital
Market). Notwithstanding satisfaction of one or both of
these conditions, a foreign corporation is not a qualified foreign
corporation if it is a passive foreign investment company
(“PFIC”) for the taxable year of the corporation in
which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year. (Whether
a foreign corporation is a PFIC is discussed below under the
heading “Passive Foreign Investment Companies”). A
foreign corporation that is a PFIC for any taxable year within a
U.S. person’s holding period generally is treated as a
PFIC for all subsequent years in the U.S. person’s
holding period. Although we have not been, are not now,
and do not expect to be a PFIC, and we don’t expect to pay
dividends, you should be aware of the following matters in the
event that we do become a PFIC and do pay dividends.
If we
were to become a PFIC, then U.S. Holders who acquire our
common shares may be treated as holding shares of a PFIC throughout
their holding period for the purpose of determining whether
dividends received from us are dividends from a qualified foreign
corporation. As a consequence, dividends received by
U.S. Holders may not be eligible for taxation at the
preferential rates applicable to long-term capital
gains.
If a
distribution is paid in Canadian dollars, the U.S. dollar
value of such distribution on the date of receipt is used to
determine the amount of the distribution received by a
U.S. Holder. A U.S. Holder who continues to hold such
Canadian dollars after the date on which they are received, may
recognize gain or loss upon their disposition due to exchange rate
fluctuations. Generally, such gains and losses will be ordinary
income or loss from U.S. sources.
U.S. Holders
may deduct Canadian tax withheld from distributions they receive
for the purpose of computing their U.S. federal taxable income
(or alternatively a credit may be claimed against the
U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability as
discussed below under the heading “Foreign Tax
Credit”). Corporate U.S. Holders generally will not be
allowed a dividend received deduction with respect to dividends
they receive from us.
Foreign Tax Credit
Generally,
the dividend portion of a distribution received by a
U.S. Holder will be treated as income in the passive income
category for foreign tax credit purposes. Subject to a number of
limitations, a U.S. Holder may elect to claim a credit against
its U.S. federal income tax liability (in lieu of a deduction)
for Canadian withholding tax deducted from its distributions. The
credit may be claimed only against U.S. federal income tax
attributable to a U.S. Holder’s passive income that is
from foreign sources.
If we
were to become a qualified foreign corporation with respect to a
non-corporate U.S. Holder, dividends received by such
U.S. Holder will qualify for taxation at the same preferential
rates that apply to long-term capital gains. In such case, the
dividend amount that would otherwise be from foreign sources is
reduce by multiplying the dividend amount by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the U.S. Holder’s preferential
capital gains tax rate and the denominator of which is the
U.S. Holder’s ordinary income tax rate. The effect is to
reduce the dividend amount from foreign sources, thereby reducing
the U.S. federal income tax attributable to foreign source
income against which the credit may be claimed. Canadian
withholding taxes that cannot be claimed as a credit in the year
paid may be carried back to the preceding year and then forward
10 years and claimed as a credit in those years, subject to
the same limitations referred to above.
The
rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are
very complex. U.S. Holders and prospective U.S. Holders
should consult their own tax advisors to determine whether and to
what extent they would be entitled to claim a foreign tax
credit.
Sale of Shares
Subject
to the discussion of the “passive foreign investment
company” rules below, a U.S. Holder generally will
recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale of our shares equal to
the difference between: (a) the amount of cash plus the fair
market value of any property received; and (b) the
U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares. This
gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss from
U.S. sources, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if
the U.S. Holder held its shares for more than 12 months.
Generally, the net long-term capital gain of a non-corporate
U.S. Holder from the sale of shares is subject to taxation at
a top marginal rate of 15%. A Capital gain that is not long-term
capital gain is taxed at ordinary income rates. The deductibility
of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
We will
be a PFIC if, in any taxable year either: (a) 75% or more of
our gross income consists of passive income; or (b) 50% or
more of the value of our assets is attributable to assets that
produce, or are held for the production of, passive
income. Subject to certain limited exceptions, if we
meet the gross income test or the asset test for a particular
taxable year, our shares held by a U.S. Holder in that year
will be treated as shares of a PFIC for that year and all
subsequent years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period,
even if we fail to meet either test in a subsequent
year.
If we
were a PFIC in the future, gain realized by a U.S. Holder from the
sale of PFIC Shares and certain dividends received on such shares
would be subject to tax under the excess distribution regime,
unless the U.S. Holder made one of the elections discussed
below. Under the excess distribution regime, federal income tax on
a U.S. Holder’s gain from the sale of PFIC Shares would
be calculated by allocating the gain rateably to each day the
U.S. Holder held its shares. Gain allocated to years preceding
the first year in which we were a PFIC in the
U.S. Holder’s holding period, if any, and gain allocated
to the year of disposition would be treated as gain arising in the
year of disposition and taxed as ordinary income. Gain
allocated to all other years would be taxed at the highest tax rate
in effect for each of those years. Interest for the late payment of
tax would be calculated and added to the tax due for each of the
PFIC Years, as if the tax was due and payable with the tax return
filed for that year. A distribution that exceeds 125% of the
average distributions received on PFIC Shares by a U.S. Holder
during the 3 preceding taxable years (or, if shorter, the portion
of the U.S. Holder’s holding period before the taxable
year) would be taxed in a similar manner.
A
U.S. Holder may avoid taxation under the excess distribution
regime by making a qualified electing fund (“QEF”)
election. For each year that we would meet the PFIC gross income
test or asset test, an electing U.S. Holder would be required
to include in gross income, its pro rata share of our net ordinary
income and net capital gains, if any. The
U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our shares would be
increased by the amount of such income inclusions. An
actual distribution to the U.S. Holder out of such income
generally would not be treated as a dividend and would decrease the
U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our shares. Gain
realized from the sale of our shares covered by a QEF election
would be taxed as a capital gain. U.S. Holders will be
eligible to make QEF elections, only if we agree to provide to the
U.S. Holders, which we do, the information they will need to
comply with the QEF rules. Generally, a QEF election
should be made by the due date of the U.S. Holder’s tax
return for the first taxable year in which the U.S. Holder
held our shares that includes the close of our taxable year for
which we met the PFIC gross income test or asset test. A QEF
election is made on IRS Form 8621.
A
U.S. Holder may also avoid taxation under the excess
distribution regime by timely making a mark-to-market
election. An electing U.S. Holder would include in
gross income the increase in the value of its PFIC Shares during
each of its taxable years and deduct from gross income the decrease
in the value of its PFIC Shares during each of its taxable
years. Amounts included in gross income or deducted from
gross income by an electing U.S. Holder are treated as
ordinary income and ordinary deductions from
U.S. sources. Deductions for any year are limited
to the amount by which the income inclusions of prior years’
exceed the income deductions of prior years. Gain from the sale of
PFIC Shares covered by an election is treated as ordinary income
from U.S. sources while a loss is treated as an ordinary
deduction from U.S. sources only to the extent of prior income
inclusions. Losses in excess of such prior income inclusions are
treated as capital losses from U.S. sources. A
mark-to-market election is timely if it is made by the due date of
the U.S. Holder’s tax return for the first taxable year
in which the U.S. Holder held our shares that includes the
close of our taxable year for which we met the PFIC gross income
test or asset test. A mark-to-market election is also made on IRS
Form 8621.
As
noted above, a PFIC is not a qualified foreign corporation and
hence dividends received from a PFIC are not eligible for taxation
at preferential long-term capital gain tax
rates. Similarly, ordinary income included in the gross
income of a U.S. Holder who has made a QEF election or a
market-to-market election, and dividends received from corporations
subject to such election, are not eligible for taxation at
preferential long-term capital gain rates. The PFIC rules are
extremely complex and could, if they apply, have significant,
adverse effects on the taxation of dividends received and gains
realized by a U.S. Holder. Accordingly, prospective
U.S. Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax adviser
concerning the potential application of these rules to their
particular circumstances.
Controlled Foreign Corporation
Special
rules apply to certain U.S. Holders that own stock in a
foreign corporation that is classified as a “controlled
foreign corporation” (“CFC”). We do
not expect to be classified as a CFC. However, future ownership
changes could cause us to become a CFC. Prospective
U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisor concerning
the potential application of the CFC rules to their particular
circumstances.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
United
States information reporting and backup withholding requirements
may apply with respect to distributions to U.S. Holders, or
the payment of proceeds from the sale of shares, unless the
U.S. Holder: (a) is an exempt recipient (including a
corporation); (b) complies with certain requirements,
including applicable certification requirements; or (c) is
described in certain other categories of persons. The backup
withholding tax rate is currently 28%. Any amounts
withheld from a payment to a U.S. Holder under the backup
withholding rules may be credited against any U.S. federal
income tax liability of the U.S. Holder and may entitle the
U.S. Holder to a refund.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not
applicable.
G. Statements by Experts
Not
applicable.
H. Documents on Display
Not
applicable.
I. Subsidiary Information
See the
notes to the financial statements.
Item
11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk
Not
applicable.
Item
12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity
Securities
Not
applicable