This Annual Report on Form 20-F contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s expectations regarding the Company’s results of operations, performance, growth, and business prospects and opportunities.
Statements about the Company’s future plans and intentions, results, levels of activity, performance, goals or achievements or other future events constitute forward-looking statements. Wherever possible, words such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Annual Report, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including: general economic and market segment conditions, competitor activity, product capability and acceptance, international risk and currency exchange rates and technology changes. More detailed assessment of the risks that could cause actual results to materially differ than current expectations is contained in the sections entitled "Risk Factors", “Information on the Company” and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
SEE ITEM 6
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
Lingo Media Corporation (“Lingo Media” or the “Company”) is a publicly listed company incorporated in Canada with limited liability under the legislation of the Province of Ontario whose shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and are inter-listed on the OTC Grey Market. The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended December 31, 2020 comprise the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Lingo Learning Inc., ELL Technologies Ltd., Lingo Group Limited, ELL Technologies Limited, Vizualize Technologies Corporation, Speak2Me Inc., and Parlo Corporation (the “Group”).
Lingo Media is an EdTech company that is ‘Changing the way the world learns languages’. The Group provides online and print-based solutions through its two distinct business units: ELL Technologies Ltd. (“ELL Technologies”) and Lingo Learning Inc. (“Lingo Learning”). ELL Technologies provides online training and assessment for language learning. Lingo Learning is a print-based publisher of English language learning school programs in China.
The head office, principal address and registered office of the Company is located at 151 Bloor Street West, Suite 609, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1S4.
3.A Selected Financial Data
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”).
The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other financial information included elsewhere in the Annual Report.
The Company has not declared any dividends since incorporation and does not anticipate that it will do so in the foreseeable future. The present policy of the Company is to retain any future earnings for use in its operations and the expansion of its business.
The following data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is derived from our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and all are expressed in Canadian Dollars.
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Fiscal Year Ended December 31
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2020
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2019
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2018
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|
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2017
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|
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2016
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|
Revenue
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2,102,054
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$
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1,956,222
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|
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$
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1,940,182
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|
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$
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2,776,768
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|
|
$
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3,195,221
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|
Profit/(Loss) from Operations
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1,345,353
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|
|
|
440,188
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|
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98,925
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|
|
|
(5,839,868
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)
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434,319
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Total Comprehensive Profit/(Loss)
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1,077,609
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113,817
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(71,954
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)
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(6,262,792
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)
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124,420
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Total Assets
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2,396,035
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1,951,990
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1,302,004
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1,534,072
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|
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7,176,192
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Current Assets
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2,355,562
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1,402,594
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1,248,840
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|
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1,503,383
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3,709,077
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Issued Share Capital
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35,529,192
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35,529,192
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|
|
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35,529,192
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|
|
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35,529,192
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|
|
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35,529,192
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Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
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35,529,192
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|
|
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35,529,192
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|
|
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35,529,192
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|
|
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35,529,192
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|
|
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33,987,383
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Total Equity
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1,867,029
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766,276
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558,594
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553,754
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|
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6,445,033
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Dividends per Common Share
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NIL
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NIL
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NIL
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NIL
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NIL
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Earnings/(Loss) per Share
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Basic
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|
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0.03
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|
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$
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0.00
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|
|
$
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(0.00
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)
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|
$
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(0.18
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)
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$
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0.00
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Diluted
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|
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0.03
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|
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$
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0.00
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|
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$
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(0.00
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)
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$
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(0.18
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)
|
|
$
|
0.00
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|
3.A.3. Exchange Rates
In this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian Dollars ($). The Government of Canada permits a floating exchange rate to determine the value of the Canadian Dollar against the U.S. Dollar (USD).
The table sets forth the rate of exchange for the Canadian Dollar at the end of the five most recent fiscal periods ended December 31st, the average rates for the period and the range of high and low rates for the period. The data for each month during the previous twelve months is also provided.
Table No. 4
U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar
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Average
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High
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Low
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Close
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March 2021
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1.2574
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|
|
|
1.2740
|
|
|
|
1.2363
|
|
|
|
1.2558
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|
February 2021
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|
|
1.2700
|
|
|
|
1.2871
|
|
|
|
1.2466
|
|
|
|
1.2739
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|
January 2021
|
|
|
1.2727
|
|
|
|
1.2882
|
|
|
|
1.2588
|
|
|
|
1.2777
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|
December 2020
|
|
|
1.2815
|
|
|
|
1.3008
|
|
|
|
1.2686
|
|
|
|
1.2730
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|
November 2020
|
|
|
1.3089
|
|
|
|
1.3371
|
|
|
|
1.2921
|
|
|
|
1.3000
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October 2020
|
|
|
1.3208
|
|
|
|
1.3391
|
|
|
|
1.3079
|
|
|
|
1.3317
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September 2020
|
|
|
1.3208
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|
|
|
1.3421
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|
|
|
1.2992
|
|
|
|
1.3319
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August 2020
|
|
|
1.3251
|
|
|
|
1.3452
|
|
|
|
1.3018
|
|
|
|
1.3045
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|
July 2020
|
|
|
1.3515
|
|
|
|
1.3648
|
|
|
|
1.3329
|
|
|
|
1.3413
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|
June 2020
|
|
|
1.3564
|
|
|
|
1.3802
|
|
|
|
1.3313
|
|
|
|
1.3573
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May 2020
|
|
|
1.3981
|
|
|
|
1.4174
|
|
|
|
1.3712
|
|
|
|
1.3771
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April 2020
|
|
|
1.4060
|
|
|
|
1.4300
|
|
|
|
1.3848
|
|
|
|
1.3944
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Fiscal Yr Ended December 31, 2020
|
|
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1.3412
|
|
|
|
1.4669
|
|
|
|
1.2686
|
|
|
|
1.2730
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|
Fiscal Yr Ended December 31, 2019
|
|
|
1.3266
|
|
|
|
1.3638
|
|
|
|
1.2965
|
|
|
|
1.2962
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|
Fiscal Yr Ended December 31, 2018
|
|
|
1.2961
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|
|
|
1.3642
|
|
|
|
1.2552
|
|
|
|
1.3644
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Fiscal Yr Ended December 31, 2017
|
|
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1.2986
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|
|
|
1.3743
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|
|
|
1.2128
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|
|
|
1.2545
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Fiscal Yr Ended December 31, 2016
|
|
|
1.3219
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|
|
|
1.4691
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|
|
|
1.2458
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|
|
|
1.3433
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|
3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable
3.C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable
3.D. Risk Factors
Financial risk management objectives and policies
The financial risk arising from the Company’s operations are currency risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. These risks arise from the normal course of operations and all transactions undertaken are to support the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. COVID-19 may also impact the company’s targeted markets and its customer’s finiancial ability. The risks associated with accounts receivable and the policies on how to mitigate these risks are as follows:
Management manages and monitors these exposures to ensure appropriate measures are implemented on a timely and effective manner. The Company’s Management oversees these risks. The Board of Directors reviews and agrees on policies for managing each of these risks are as follows:
Foreign Currency Risk
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to the Company’s monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the Canadian Dollar and the Company’s net investments in foreign subsidiaries.
The Company operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk as certain expenditures are denominated in non-Canadian Dollar currencies.
The Company has been exposed to this fluctuation and has not implemented a program against these foreign exchange fluctuations.
A 10% strengthening of the US Dollars against the Canadian Dollar would have increased the net equity by approximately $198,201 (2019 - $79,527) due to reduction in the value of net liability balance. A 10% of weakening of the US Dollar against Canadian Dollar at December 31, 2020 would have had the equal but opposite effect. The significant financial instruments of the Company, their carrying values and the exposure to other denominated monetary assets and liabilities, as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
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2020
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2019
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USD
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USD
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|
Cash
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|
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820,597
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|
|
|
61,075
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|
Accounts receivable
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|
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751,586
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|
|
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613,127
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Accounts payable
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15,468
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|
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61,885
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Liquidity Risk
The Company manages its liquidity risk by preparing and monitoring forecasts of cash expenditures to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when due. The Company’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities generally have maturities of less than 90 days. At December 31, 2020, the Company had cash of $1,212,778 (2019 - $442,489), accounts and grants receivable of $973,852 (2019 - $838,502) to settle current liabilities of $459,006 (2019 - $686,068).
Credit Risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the counterparty by failing to discharge an obligation. The Company is primarily exposed to credit risk through accounts receivable. The maximum credit risk exposure is limited to the reported amounts of these financial assets. Credit risk is managed by ongoing review of the amount and aging of accounts receivable balances. As at December 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding receivables of $973,852 (2019 - $838,502). The Company reviews the components of these accounts on a regular basis to evaluate and monitor this risk. The Company’s customers are generally financially established organizations, which limits the credit risk relating to the customers.
In addition, credit reviews by the Company take into account the counterparty’s financial position, past experience and other factors. As at December 31, 2020, approximately 37%, $197,126 (2019 – 68%, $133,740) of accounts receivable balances over 30 days were not impaired. The consolidated entity has a credit risk exposure with a Government agency of the People’s Republic of China, which as at December 31, 2020 owed the consolidated entity $924,096 (95% of trade receivables) (2019: $740,494 (89% of trade receivables)).This balance was within its terms of trade and no impairment was made as at December 31, 2020. The Company’s payment terms range from 30 days to 60 days from the invoice date. As of April 30, 2021, $641,322 of accounts receivable has been received. There are no guarantees of payment of this receivable but management closely monitors the receivable balance on a monthly basis and is in regular contact with this customer to mitigate risk. Management believes that the expected credit loss allowance is adequate. The Company deposits its cash with high credit quality financial institutions, with the majority deposited within Canadian Tier 1 Banks.
Dependence on Major Customer
The Company had sales to a major customer in 2020 and 2019, a government agency of the People’s Republic of China. The total percentage of sales to this customer during the year 2020 was 84% (2019 – 86%, 2018 – 80%) and the total percentage of accounts receivable at December 31, 2020 was 95% (2019 – 91%, 2018 – 89%).
Market Trends and Business Uncertainties
Lingo Media believes that the global market trends in English language learning remain strong and will continue to grow. COVID-19 forced many schools in our target markets to close. For the majority of the year schools and universities had difficulty forming decisions regarding the purchase of online solutions due to lower admission rate, financial difficulties, and technological challenges. However, towards the end of 2020, we noticed a growing acceptance towards purchasing and increase demand for our solutions which we anticipate to grow further in 2021.
The British Council suggests that there are 1.6 Billion people learning English globally. English language learning products and services are currently a US$8.9 Billion global market notes Orbit Research.
GlobalEnglish forecasts the global eLearning market to grow to 17% year over year.
Latin American Region
The Inter-American Dialogue recently noted that while English language training programs exist in various forms throughout Latin America, there are three key factors that these programs must address to be successful: ensuring continuity, developing a strong monitoring and evaluation framework that informs adaptation, and addressing the lack of sufficient quality teachers. Students attending English language training (“ELT”) classes in Latin America accounted for approximately 14 per cent of worldwide revenues, or US$321-million in 2017. Growth has been very rapid in the Latin American region and represents a particularly strong opportunity moving forward relative to other geographic regions.
Asia-Pacific Region
Technavio forecasts the English language training (ELT) market in China to be worth $75 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 22%. The growth of the ELT market in China is driven by more people desiring to learn English, the adaptation of smartphones, increasing levels of disposable income, and the inherent advantages of online education. Technavio also notes that 49% of the growth in the global digital English language learning market will come from the Asia-Pacific region.
Lingo Media is positioned to take advantage of the market opportunity for English language training in Latin America and Asia, with its scalable digital language learning technology and solutions. Although the market outlook remains positive, there can be no assurance that this trend will continue or that the Company will benefit from this trend.
Competitive Markets
We operate in competitive and evolving markets locally, nationally and globally. These markets are subject to rapid technological change and changes in customer preferences and demand. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain market acceptance or compete for market share. We must be able to keep current with the rapidly changing technologies, to adapt our services to evolving industry standards and to improve the performance and reliability of our services. New technologies could enable competitive product offerings and adversely affect us and our failure to adapt to such changes could seriously harm our business.
Failure of Delivery Infrastructure to Perform Consistently
Our success as a business depends, in part, on our ability to provide consistently high-quality online services to users via the delivery infrastructure. There is no guarantee that the Company’s delivery infrastructure and/or its software will not experience problems or other performance issues. If the delivery infrastructure or software fails or suffers performance problems, then it would likely affect the quality and interrupt the continuation of our services and significantly harm the business.
The Company’s delivery infrastructure is susceptible to natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires, pandemics, power loss and sabotage, as well as interruptions from technology malfunctions, computer viruses and hacker attacks. Other potential service interruptions may result from unanticipated demands on network infrastructure, increased traffic or problems in customer service. Significant disruptions in the delivery infrastructure could harm the Company’s goodwill and its brands and ultimately could significantly and negatively impact the amount of revenue it may earn from its service. Like all Internet transmissions, our services may be subject to interception and malicious attack. Hackers may be able to obtain or copy our products without paying fees. The delivery infrastructure is exposed to spam, viruses, worms, trojan horses, malware, spyware, denial of service or other attacks by hackers and other acts of malice. The Company uses security measures intended to make theft of its software more difficult. However, if the Company is required to upgrade or replace existing security technology, the cost of such security upgrades or replacements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, profitability and cash flows.
Limited Intellectual Property Protection
The Company relies on a combination of copyright and trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect its proprietary rights. In addition, our success may depend, in part, on its ability to obtain patent protection and operate without infringing the rights of third parties. There can be no assurance that, once filed, the Company’s patent applications will be successful, that we will develop future proprietary products that are patentable, that any issued patents will provide us with any competitive advantages or will not be successfully challenged by any third parties or that the patents of others will not have an adverse effect on the ability of the Company to do business. In addition, there can be no assurance that others will not independently develop similar products, duplicate some or all of our products or, if patents are issued, design their products so as to circumvent the patent protection held by the Company. We protect our product documentation and other written materials under trade secret and copyright laws which afford only limited protection. Despite precautions taken by the Company, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy aspects of our business and marketing plans or future strategic documents or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. There can be no assurance that the Company’s means of protecting its proprietary rights will be adequate or that our competitors will not independently develop similar or superior technology. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of the propriety rights of others. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, and there can be no guarantee of the ultimate success thereof.
Government Regulation and Licensing
The Company’s operations may be subject to Canadian and foreign provincial and/or state and federal regulations and licensing. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the regulations or secure and maintain the required licensing for its operations. Government regulation and licensing could seriously impact our ability to achieve its financial and operational objectives. The Company is subject to local, provincial and/or state, federal, and international laws affecting companies conducting business on the Internet, including user privacy laws, laws giving special protection to children, regulations prohibiting unfair and deceptive trade practices and laws addressing issues such as freedom of expression, pricing and access charges, quality of products and services, taxation, advertising, intellectual property rights and information security. The restrictions imposed by and the costs of complying with, current and possible future laws and regulations related to its business could limit our growth and reduce client base and revenue.
Operating in Foreign Jurisdictions
The Company’s current and future development opportunities relate to geographical areas outside of Canada. There are a number of risks inherent in international business activities, including government policies concerning the import and export of goods and services, costs of localizing products and subcontractors in foreign countries, costs associated with the use of foreign agents, potentially adverse tax consequences, limits on repatriation of earnings, the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws, nationalization and possible social, labor, political and economic instability. There can be no assurance that such risks will not adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, a portion of expenditures and revenues will be in currencies other than the Canadian Dollar. Foreign exchange exposure may change over time with changes in the geographic mix of its business activities. Foreign currencies may be unfavorably impacted by global developments, country-specific events and many other factors. As a result, future results may be adversely affected by significant foreign exchange fluctuations.
Economic Conditions
Unfavorable economic and market conditions could increase our financing costs, reduce demand for our products and services, limit access to capital markets and negatively impact any access to future credit facilities. Expenditures by educational institution, government and corporation tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions as well as budgeting and purchasing patterns. COVID-19 provides both an opportunity, as well as, financial challenges. On the one hand, more institutions find an increasing demand for remote learning, while their students have a lower buying power.
Working Capital
The Company expects that corporate growth will be funded from operation funds with some support from Canadian Government. Ensuring that capital is available to increase production; sales and marketing capacity; and to provide support materials and training in the market place and to expand is essential to success.
Uncertainty of Assumptions Underlying Business Plan
The Company’s business plans are based upon numerous assumptions that may later prove to be incorrect. The Company’s ability to adhere to its business plan will depend upon a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Likewise, the Company’s management is not bound to follow its business plan, and may elect to adopt other strategies and courses of action based upon changes in circumstances and/or market conditions. The Company cannot assure that the actual results of the Company’s operations will materially conform to its business plans.
Success Dependent on Key Management Personnel
The success of the Company is highly dependent on the skills, experience and successful performance of the Company’s management team. The loss of such services could adversely affect development of the Company’s business, revenues, cash flows and profitability.
Managing Growth
The Company must expand its business to achieve greater profitability. Any further expansion of the Company’s business may strain its current managerial, financial, operational, and other resources. Success in managing this expansion and growth will depend, in part, upon the ability of senior management to manage growth effectively. Any failure to do so may lead to inefficiencies and redundancies, and result in reduced growth prospects and reduced cash flow and profitability.
Supply Failures
The Company relies on third parties for the timely supply of maintenance services. Although the Company actively manages these third-party relationships to ensure continuity of services on time and to its required specifications, some events beyond its control could result in the complete or partial failure of services or services not being delivered on time. Any such failure could negatively affect the Company’s operating results.
Our Public Trading Market is Highly Volatile
The Company's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "LM", and had previously traded on the OTC Markets under the symbol “LMDCF”.
The market price of our common shares could fluctuate substantially due to:
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Quarterly fluctuations in operating results;
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●
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Announcements of new products or services by us or our competitors;
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●
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Technological innovations by us or our competitors;
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|
●
|
General market conditions or market conditions specific to our or our customer’s industries; or
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●
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Changes in earning estimates or recommendations by analysts.
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Penny Stock Rules
Our common shares had previously been quoted on the OTC Marketplace; a quotation system for equity securities. It is a more limited trading market than the NASDAQ, and timely, accurate quotations of the price of our common shares may not always be available. The common shares currenly trade, on a limited basis, on OTC’s Grey Market. You should expect trading volume to be low on OTC Markets generally. Consequently, should trading resume on a higher tier of OTC Markets, the activity of only a few shares may affect the market and may result in wide swings in price and in volume.
Our common shares had been listed on the OTC Marketplace, and had been subject to the requirements of Rule 15(g)- 9, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act. Under such rule, broker-dealers who recommend low-priced securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors must satisfy special sales practice requirements, including a requirement that they make an individualized written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s consent prior to the transaction. The Securities Enforcement Remedies and Penny Stock Reform Act of 1990 also requires additional disclosure in connection with any trade involving a stock defined as a penny stock. Generally, the Commission defines a penny stock as any equity security not traded on an exchange or quoted on NASDAQ that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. The required penny stock disclosures include the delivery, prior to any transaction, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated with it. Such requirements could severely limit the market liquidity of the securities and the ability of purchasers to sell their securities in the secondary market.
The stock market regularly experiences significant price and volume fluctuations, and the market prices of companies, have been volatile. Investors may not be able to sell their shares at or above the then current price. In addition, our results of operations during future fiscal periods might fail to meet the expectations of stock market analysts and investors. This failure could lead the market price of our common shares to decline.
There is Uncertainty as to the Company’s Shareholders’ Ability to Enforce Civil Liabilities Both Within and Outside of the United States
The preponderance of our assets are located outside the United States and are held through companies incorporated under the laws of Canada, Hong Kong, China, and the United Kingdom and representative office in China. In addition, all of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States. All or a substantial portion of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. In addition, investors may have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside the United States, judgments based upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any State thereof.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Since December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (2019-nCov, referred to as COVID-19) has spread throughout the world. On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was categorized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous deaths and the imposition of local, municipal and national governmental “shelter-in-place” and other quarantine measures, border closures and other travel restrictions, causing unprecedented commercial disruption in a number of jurisdictions, including Canada. Many countries around the world, including Canada and the United States, are suffering significant economic and social crises as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to contain or mitigate it, which have had dramatic adverse consequences on demand, operations, supply chains and financial markets. The nature and scope of the consequences and economic damage to date are difficult to evaluate, Although widespread vaccination against COVID-19 has begun, the future course of the disease is impossible to predict with confidence, and these adverse events may continue for a sustained period of time.
As of the date hereof, the Canadian Government has adopted certain measures intended to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Canada. However, we cannot predict the range of future policies that may be enacted by the Canadian Government, or any other government, or the impact these policies will have on our business and operations. Despite these precautions, the COVID-19 pandemic, or any future pandemic or epidemic, has and may further impact the places where we operate or our workforce. In turn, this could significantly disrupt our operations and cause health restrictions to our workforce and, therefore, impact the operation of our facilities, including our platforms, refineries and terminals, among others. These conditions could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues for an extended period of time, it could adversely affect our ability to operate our business in the manner and on the timelines previously planned. Further, it could have accounting consequences, such as decreases in our revenues and inventories, foreign exchange losses, impairments of fixed assets, and affect our ability to operate effective internal control over financial reporting.
The extent to which COVID-19 or other health pandemics or epidemics may continue to impact Canada, the Canadian economy and the global economy and, in turn, our business, results of operations and financial condition is highly uncertain and will depend on numerous evolving factors that we cannot predict, including, but not limited to:
|
●
|
the duration, scope, and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic;
|
|
●
|
progress on campaigns for universal vaccination or obtaining “herd immunity”;
|
|
●
|
the impact of travel bans, work-from-home policies, or shelter-in-place orders;
|
|
●
|
staffing shortages;
|
|
●
|
general economic, financial, and industry conditions, particularly conditions relating to liquidity, financial performance, which may be amplified by the effects of COVID-19; and
|
|
●
|
the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the national and global economy, including on consumer confidence and spending, financial markets and availability of credit for us, our suppliers and our customers.
|
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
4.A. History and Development of the Company
Incorporation and Name Changes
The Company was incorporated under the name Alpha Publishing Inc. pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on April 22, 1996. The name was changed to Alpha Ventures Inc. on May 24, 1996. Pursuant to Articles of Continuance effective April 22, 1998, the Company was continued as an Ontario company under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) under the name, Alpha Communications Corp. The name was changed to Lingo Media Inc. on July 4, 2000, and changed to Lingo Media Corporation on October 16, 2007.
The Company currently has two active segments: Lingo Learning Inc. ("LLI") and ELL Technologies Ltd. (“ELL Technologies”)
Lingo Learning Inc. was incorporated pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on November 21, 1994 under the name Alpha Corporation. Alpha Corporation changed its name to Lingo Media Ltd. on August 25, 2000 and again on March 6, 2008 to Lingo Learning Inc.
ELL Technologies Limited was incorporated pursuant to the Companies Act of United Kingdom under the name The Q Group Limited. On April 29, 2010, the Company changed its name to ELL Technologies Limited.
ELL Technologies Ltd. was incorporated pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on February 23, 2012 under the name 2318041 Ontario Inc. 2318041 Ontario Inc. changed its name to ELL Technologies Ltd. on January 15, 2014.
Vizualize Technologies Corporation was incorporated pursuant to the Business Corporation Act (Ontario) on March 22, 2010.
Speak2Me Inc. was incorporated pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on February 22, 2007.
Parlo Corporation was incorporated pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on September 24, 2009.
The Company’s Executive Office is located at:
151 Bloor Street West
Suite 609
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1S4
Telephone: (416) 927-7000
Facsimile: (416) 927-1222
E-mail: investor@lingomedia.com
Website: www.lingomedia.com
The Company’s Beijing Representative Office is located at:
8 Xiao Yun Road, Suite 201, Unit 083A
Chao Yang District, Beijing China 100020
The Company's fiscal year ends on December 31st.
The Company's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "LM", are quoted on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “LIMA”, and inter-listed on the OTC Marketplace under the symbol “LMDCF”. OTC Markets halted trading in the Company’s shares on August 29, 2017 because of a regulatory trading halt placed by the TSX Venture Exchange. While the TSX Venture Exchange has released its regulatory halt of trading, the trading halt on OTC Markets has not yet been lifted, although limited trading continues on the so-called “Grey Market”.
4.B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Background
Lingo Media (“Lingo Media,” the “Company,” “we” or” us”) is an EdTech company that is ‘Changing the way the world learns Languages’ through the combination of education with technology. The Company is focused on online and print-based technologies and solutions through its two subsidiaries: Lingo Learning Inc. (Lingo Learning”) and ELL Technologies Ltd. (“ELL Technologies”). Through its two distinct business units, Lingo Media develops, markets and supports a suite of English and other language learning solutions consisting of web-based software licensing subscriptions, online and professional services, audio practice tools and multi-platform applications. The Company operates its textbook publishing business from which it collects recurring royalty revenues.
Lingo Learning is a print-based publisher of English language learning textbook programs in China. The Company has formed successful relationships with key government and industry organizations, establishing a strong presence in China’s education market.
ELL Technologies is an online educational technology (“EdTech”) language learning training and assessment company that creates innovative software-as-a-service e-learning solutions. ELL Technologies’ market consists of educational institutions (such as schools, high schools, vocational schools, universities, etc.) and corporations. ELL Technologies sells and markets its online language learning solutions in Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
The Company continues to invest in its underlying technology, including features and scalability, as well as, language content and leverage its industry expertise to expand into more scalable education technology. Recent product initiatives have allowed us to expand the breadth of our language learning product offerings. The Company’s web-based EdTech learning segment continues to present a significant opportunity for long-term value creation and its strategy is to focus on sales channels and relationships while continuously developing its content and technology offerings.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company operated two distinct business segments as follows:
Print-Based English Language Learning
The Company has been operating a textbook publishing business through Lingo Learning, a print-based publisher of English language learning programs in China since 2001. Lingo Learning has an established presence in China’s education market of over 300 million students. To date, it has co-published more than 784 million units from its library of program titles.
China Publishing
Lingo Media has spent 19 years developing English Language Learning (ELL), products, programs, and relationships in the Chinese market. Learning to communicate in English is seen as a top priority for Chinese school students and young adult learners. The Company’s ELL books, audio and CD-based programs are unique in that they have a special focus on the spoken language. In addition to developing learning materials, considerable resources have been expended on the development of relationships with leading Chinese publishers, both in the education and trade sectors, as well as in extensive marketing of Lingo Media’s programs.
The Company is capitalizing on its co-development approach in the Chinese market. Lingo Media sees its relationships with leading Chinese publishers; its Canadian and Chinese author teams; and its original custom-developed content as key factors in opening up the Chinese educational market. The Company has secured long-term publishing contracts for the Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) and higher educational markets, which it anticipates will generate ongoing revenue streams from the sale of its programs.
Co-Publishing Partner in China
People's Education Press
People's Education Press (“PEP”) a division of China's State Ministry of Education, publishes more than 60% of educational materials for the Kindergarten to Grade 12 (“K-12”) market throughout China, for all subjects, including English Language Learning. PEP has a readership of more than 120 million students. Lingo Learning has two programs with PEP. These series target the elementary market of 100 million students: PEP Primary English (for Grades 3-6; Chinese students now begin learning English in Grade 3); and Starting Line (Grades 1-6); All series include the core textbooks in addition to supplemental activity books, audiocassettes, teacher resource books, and other materials.
Seasonality
The Company may experience some seasonal trends in the sale of its publications. For example, sales of educational published materials experience seasonal fluctuations with higher sales in the Spring (second calendar quarter) and Fall (fourth calendar quarter).
Online English Language Learning
ELL Technologies has developed and is marketing one of the largest libraries of online language learning resources in the world. The library has more than 3,000 hours of interactive learning through a number of product offerings that include Winnie’s World, English Academy, Campus, English for Success, Master and Business in addition courses to learn French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin languages. ELL Technologies is primarily marketed in Latin America, Asia, Europe, and now the U.S. through a network of distributors and earns its revenues from online and offline licensing fees from its suite of web-based language learning products and applications.
ELL Technologies’ high-tech, easy to implement eLearning Software-as-a-Service solutions have positioned the Company to provide learners of all ages and levels of English proficiency with a platform to further their language learning development.
All products have been designed with our proprietary tools enabling ELL Technologies to market and sell to academic institutions and governments. Educators who license the platform are able to easily assign and arrange lessons and courses as they see fit, personalizing the learning to a particular individual’s needs and progress.
Formative assessments and data gathering functionality allows us to adapt and improve content. Based on that data, we are able to adapt the platform and content to address specific problem areas and to make learning more accessible, efficient and measurable. Built for learners, by seasoned educators, we empower teachers to track student’s progress, identify challenges, and to easily transition from pure classroom paper-based teaching to the online world.
Segmented Information (Before Other Financial Items Below)
The Company operates two distinct reportable business segments as follows:
License of intellectual property: Lingo Learning is a print-based publisher of English language learning textbook programs in China. It earns significantly higher royalties from Licensing Sales compared to Finished Product Sales.
Online and offline Language Learning: ELL Technologies is a global web-based educational technology (“EdTech”) language learning, training, and assessment company. The Company provides the right to access to hosted software over a contract term without the customer taking possession of the software. The Company also provides Offline licenses for the right to use perpetual language-learning.
2020
|
|
Online English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Print-Based English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Head Office
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Segmented assets
|
|
$
|
239,632
|
|
|
$
|
2,125,622
|
|
|
$
|
30,781
|
|
|
$
|
2,396,035
|
|
Segmented liabilities
|
|
|
281,740
|
|
|
|
159,718
|
|
|
|
87,548
|
|
|
|
529,006
|
|
Segmented revenue - online
|
|
|
331,701
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
331,701
|
|
Segmented revenue – royalty
|
|
|
8,335
|
|
|
|
1,762,018
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,770,353
|
|
Segmented direct costs
|
|
|
109,498
|
|
|
|
219,911
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
329,409
|
|
Segmented selling, general & administrative
|
|
|
(566,064
|
)
|
|
|
71,477
|
|
|
|
568,695
|
|
|
|
74,108
|
|
Segmented other expense
|
|
|
300,784
|
|
|
|
222,118
|
|
|
|
581
|
|
|
|
523,483
|
|
Segmented profit (loss)
|
|
|
495,817
|
|
|
|
1,248,512
|
|
|
|
(569,276
|
)
|
|
|
1,175,053
|
|
2019
|
|
Online English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Print-Based English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Head Office
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Segmented assets
|
|
$
|
136,648
|
|
|
$
|
1,739,269
|
|
|
$
|
75,973
|
|
|
$
|
1,951,990
|
|
Segmented liabilities
|
|
|
286,109
|
|
|
|
675,856
|
|
|
|
223,749
|
|
|
|
1,185,714
|
|
Segmented revenue - online
|
|
|
259,172
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
259,172
|
|
Segmented revenue – royalty
|
|
|
22,846
|
|
|
|
1,674,204
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,697,050
|
|
Segmented direct costs
|
|
|
124,471
|
|
|
|
87,836
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
212,307
|
|
Segmented selling, general & administrative
|
|
|
224,320
|
|
|
|
247,673
|
|
|
|
525,166
|
|
|
|
997,159
|
|
Segmented other expense
|
|
|
116,212
|
|
|
|
279,056
|
|
|
|
723
|
|
|
|
395,991
|
|
Segmented profit (loss)
|
|
|
(182,985
|
)
|
|
|
1,059,639
|
|
|
|
(525,889
|
)
|
|
|
350,765
|
|
2018
|
|
Online English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Print-Based English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Head Office
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Segmented assets
|
|
$
|
141,238
|
|
|
$
|
1,087,463
|
|
|
$
|
73,303
|
|
|
$
|
1,302,004
|
|
Segmented liabilities
|
|
|
348,214
|
|
|
|
160,750
|
|
|
|
234,446
|
|
|
|
743,410
|
|
Segmented revenue - online
|
|
|
206,955
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
206,955
|
|
Segmented revenue – offline
|
|
|
8,012
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
8,012
|
|
Segmented revenue – royalty
|
|
|
38,701
|
|
|
|
1,686,514
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,725,215
|
|
Segmented direct costs
|
|
|
180,832
|
|
|
|
90,188
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
271,020
|
|
Segmented selling, general & administrative
|
|
|
348,436
|
|
|
|
64,580
|
|
|
|
787,750
|
|
|
|
1,200,766
|
|
Segmented other expense
|
|
|
10,918
|
|
|
|
196,079
|
|
|
|
905
|
|
|
|
207,902
|
|
Segmented profit (loss)
|
|
|
(475,131
|
)
|
|
|
1,335,666
|
|
|
|
(788,655
|
)
|
|
|
71,879
|
|
2017
|
|
Online English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Print-Based English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Head Office
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Segmented assets
|
|
$
|
189,200
|
|
|
$
|
1,257,239
|
|
|
$
|
87,633
|
|
|
$
|
1,534,072
|
|
Segmented liabilities
|
|
|
228,418
|
|
|
|
164,294
|
|
|
|
587,606
|
|
|
|
980,318
|
|
Segmented revenue
|
|
|
1,088,197
|
|
|
|
1,688,571
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,776,768
|
|
Segmented direct costs
|
|
|
134,695
|
|
|
|
90,923
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
225,618
|
|
Segmented selling, general & administrative
|
|
|
455,915
|
|
|
|
97,404
|
|
|
|
814,834
|
|
|
|
1,368,153
|
|
Segmented intangible amortization
|
|
|
1,051,928
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,051,928
|
|
Segmented other expense
|
|
|
1,074
|
|
|
|
182,461
|
|
|
|
1,131
|
|
|
|
184,666
|
|
Segmented impairment
|
|
|
2,087,700
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,087,700
|
|
Segmented profit (loss)
|
|
|
(6,148,195
|
)
|
|
|
1,317,783
|
|
|
|
(815,965
|
)
|
|
|
(5,646,377
|
)
|
2016
|
|
Online English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Print-Based English
Language Learning
|
|
|
Head Office
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Segmented assets
|
|
$
|
4,521,560
|
|
|
$
|
1,675,740
|
|
|
$
|
978,892
|
|
|
$
|
7,176,192
|
|
Segmented liabilities
|
|
|
206,784
|
|
|
|
198,315
|
|
|
|
326,059
|
|
|
|
731,158
|
|
Segmented revenue
|
|
|
1,456,421
|
|
|
|
1,738,800
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,195,221
|
|
Segmented direct costs
|
|
|
167,597
|
|
|
|
217,787
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
385,384
|
|
Segmented selling, general & administrative
|
|
|
168,161
|
|
|
|
295,549
|
|
|
|
901,025
|
|
|
|
1,364,735
|
|
Segmented intangible amortization
|
|
|
1,003,485
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,003,485
|
|
Segmented other expense
|
|
|
806
|
|
|
|
192,658
|
|
|
|
1,539
|
|
|
|
195,003
|
|
Segmented profit
|
|
|
116,372
|
|
|
|
1,032,806
|
|
|
|
(902,564
|
)
|
|
|
246,614
|
|
Segmented intangible addition
|
|
|
1,798,687
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,798,687
|
|
Other Financial Items
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
Print-Based English Language Learning segmented income
|
|
$
|
1,248,512
|
|
|
$
|
1,059,639
|
|
|
$
|
1,335,666
|
|
|
$
|
1,317,783
|
|
|
$
|
1,032,806
|
|
Online English Language Learning segmented income (loss)
|
|
|
495,817
|
|
|
|
(182,985
|
)
|
|
|
(475,131
|
)
|
|
|
(6,148,195
|
)
|
|
|
116,372
|
|
Head Office
|
|
|
(569,276
|
)
|
|
|
(525,889
|
)
|
|
|
(788,655
|
)
|
|
|
(815,965
|
)
|
|
|
(902,564
|
)
|
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
|
|
|
(34,200
|
)
|
|
|
(10,584
|
)
|
|
|
38,351
|
|
|
|
(189,783
|
)
|
|
|
(146,599
|
)
|
Interest and other financial expenses
|
|
|
(7,331
|
)
|
|
|
(83,750
|
)
|
|
|
(51,898
|
)
|
|
|
(53,709
|
)
|
|
|
(35,768
|
)
|
Share-based payments
|
|
|
(23,144
|
)
|
|
|
(93,865
|
)
|
|
|
(162,489
|
)
|
|
|
(371,513
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(32,770
|
)
|
|
|
(48,749
|
)
|
|
|
32,202
|
|
|
|
(1,410
|
)
|
|
|
60,173
|
|
Total Comprehensive Income /(Loss)
|
|
$
|
1,077,609
|
|
|
$
|
113,817
|
|
|
$
|
(71,954
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6,262,792
|
)
|
|
$
|
124,420
|
|
Revenue by Geographic Region
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
Latin America
|
|
$
|
277,856
|
|
|
$
|
214,381
|
|
|
$
|
187,008
|
|
|
$
|
997,661
|
|
|
$
|
821,762
|
|
China
|
|
|
1,774,175
|
|
|
|
1,684,872
|
|
|
|
1,702,249
|
|
|
|
1,712,079
|
|
|
|
2,252,170
|
|
Other
|
|
|
50,023
|
|
|
|
56,969
|
|
|
|
50,925
|
|
|
|
67,028
|
|
|
|
121,289
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,102,054
|
|
|
$
|
1,956,222
|
|
|
$
|
1,940,182
|
|
|
$
|
2,776,768
|
|
|
$
|
3,195,221
|
|
Identifiable Non-Current Assets by Geographic Region
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
Canada
|
|
$
|
40,021
|
|
|
$
|
548,829
|
|
|
$
|
52,131
|
|
|
$
|
29,804
|
|
|
$
|
3,467,115
|
|
China
|
|
|
452
|
|
|
|
567
|
|
|
|
1,033
|
|
|
|
885
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
$
|
40,473
|
|
|
$
|
549,396
|
|
|
$
|
53,164
|
|
|
$
|
30,689
|
|
|
$
|
3,467,115
|
|
Intangibles
|
|
Software and Web
Development
|
|
|
Content
Platform
|
|
|
Content
Development
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Cost, January 1, 2016
|
|
$
|
8,631,006
|
|
|
$
|
1,477,112
|
|
|
$
|
1,288,495
|
|
|
$
|
11,396,613
|
|
Additions
|
|
|
613,162
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,185,525
|
|
|
|
1,798,687
|
|
Effect of foreign exchange
|
|
|
(5,081
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(5,081
|
)
|
Cost, December 31, 2016
|
|
|
9,239,087
|
|
|
|
1,477,112
|
|
|
|
2,474,020
|
|
|
|
13,190,219
|
|
Cost, December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
|
|
$
|
9,239,087
|
|
|
$
|
1,477,112
|
|
|
$
|
2,474,020
|
|
|
$
|
13,190,219
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated amortization, January 1, 2016
|
|
|
7,622,225
|
|
|
|
1,477,112
|
|
|
|
91,532
|
|
|
|
9,190,869
|
|
Charge for the year
|
|
|
611,865
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
391,620
|
|
|
|
1,003,485
|
|
Effect of foreign exchange
|
|
|
(4,144
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(4,144
|
)
|
Accumulated amortization, December 31, 2016
|
|
|
8,229,946
|
|
|
|
1,477,112
|
|
|
|
483,152
|
|
|
|
10,190,210
|
|
Charge for the year
|
|
|
557,124
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
494,804
|
|
|
|
1,051,928
|
|
Impairment
|
|
|
452,018
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,496,064
|
|
|
|
1,948,082
|
|
Accumulated amortization, December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
|
|
$
|
9,239,088
|
|
|
$
|
1,477,112
|
|
|
$
|
2,474,020
|
|
|
$
|
13,190,219
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value, December 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
1,009,142
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,990,867
|
|
|
$
|
3,000,009
|
|
Net book value, December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
4.C. Organization Structure
See 4.A. “History and Development of the Company” for more information.
Name of subsidiary
|
Principal activity
|
Place of
incorporation
|
|
Proportion of ownership interest and
voting rights held
|
|
|
|
and operation
|
|
December 31,
2020
|
|
|
December 31,
2019
|
|
|
December 31,
2018
|
|
Lingo Learning Inc.
|
Developer and publisher of English language learning print and audio-based products
|
Canada
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
ELL Technologies Ltd.
|
English language learning multi-media & online training service
|
Canada
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
ELL Technologies Limited
|
English language learning multi-media & online training service
|
U.K.
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
Speak2Me Inc.
|
Free English language learning online service
|
Canada
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
Parlo Corporation
|
Fee-based online English language learning training and assessment service
|
Canada
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
100%
|
|
4.D. Property and Equipment
The Company’s executive offices are located in rented premises of approximately 2,000 sq. ft. at 151 Bloor Street West, Suite 609 Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1S4 Canada. The Company began occupying these facilities, through its subsidiary Lingo Learning Inc. in May 2021.
The Company’s Beijing representative offices are located in rented premises of approximately 2,174 sq. ft. at 6 Chao Wai Street, Vantone Center, Tower A, Suite 401, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China 100020
The Company has office equipment, furniture and computer equipment located in these offices and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, they have a net carrying value of $23,685, $35,215, $53,164, $30,689, and $27,488, respectively.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereon.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described herein and in other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
5.A Overview
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
BASIS OF PREPARATION
Statement of Compliance
These consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and interpretations of the IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”).
Basis of Measurement
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except as provided in note 4. The comparative figures presented in these consolidated financial statements are in accordance with the same accounting policies; except for the adoption of IFRS 16 - Leases.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries controlled by the Company (the “Group”). Control exists when the Company is exposed to, or has the rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect these returns through its power over the entity.
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date when such control ceases. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. All inter-group balances, transactions, unrealized gains and losses resulting from inter-group transactions and dividends are eliminated in full.
Functional and Presentation Currency
The functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates and has been determined for each entity within the Group. These consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian Dollars, which is the Company’s functional currency. The functional currency of ELL Technologies Limited and Lingo Group Limited are United States Dollars (“USD”). All other subsidiaries’ functional currency is the Canadian Dollar (“CAD”).
The functional currency determinations were conducted through an analysis of the consideration factors identified in IAS 21, “The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates”.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies, reported amounts of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities, revenues and expenses at the date of the consolidated financial statements and during the reporting period.
Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, actual outcomes can differ from these estimates. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and further periods if the review affects both current and future periods.
Information about critical judgements and estimates in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements is included in the following notes:
|
●
|
Determination of functional currency
|
|
●
|
Determination of expected credit loss
|
|
●
|
Recognition of internally developed intangibles
|
|
●
|
Recognition of government grants and grant receivable
|
|
●
|
Recognition of deferred tax assets
|
|
●
|
Valuation of share-based payments
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Adopted accounting standards
On October 31, 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors for ‘Definition of Material,’ to clarify the definition of ‘material’ and to align the definition used in the Conceptual Framework and the standards themselves. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. The Company has adopted the accounting standard in its consolidated financial statements.
Future Accounting Changes
Management is evaluating the impact of the narrow-scope amendments to IAS 1, IFRS 9, IAS 16 and IAS 37 on the Company. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Management continues to monitor changes to IFRS and has implemented applicable IASB changes to standards, new interpretations and annual improvements.
Lease
The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease obligation under IFRS 16. The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, adjusted for, as applicable, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date net of any lease incentives received, any initial direct costs incurred, and, except where included in the cost of inventories, an estimate of costs expected to be incurred for dismantling and removing the underlying asset, and restoring the site or asset.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset, whichever is the shorter. Where the consolidated entity expects to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, the depreciation is over its estimated useful life. Right-of use assets are subject to impairment or adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities.
The Company has elected not to recognise a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability for short-term leases with terms of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. Lease payments on these assets are expensed to profit or loss as incurred.
A lease obligation is initially recognised at the present value of the lease payments to be made over the term of the lease, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the consolidated entity's incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments comprise of fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees, exercise price of a purchase option when the exercise of the option is reasonably certain to occur, and any anticipated termination penalties. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Lease obligation is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The carrying amounts are remeasured if there is a change in the following: future lease payments arising from a change in an index or a rate used; residual guarantee; lease term; certainty of a purchase option and termination penalties. When a lease obligation is remeasured, an adjustment is made to the corresponding right-of use asset, or to profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is fully written down.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company enters into contracts that can include various combinations of goods and services, which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. A product or service is distinct if the customer can benefit from it on its own or together with other readily available resources and the promise to transfer the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contractual arrangement with the customer. Non-distinct goods and services are combined with other goods or services until they are distinct as a bundle and therefore form a single performance obligation.
The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated between separate goods and services in a bundle on a relative basis based on their standalone selling prices (“SSP”). Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. In addition to these general policies, the specific revenue recognition policies for each major category of revenue are included below.
License of intellectual property
Royalty revenues primarily consist of revenues received from the license of intellectual property for print-based and audio-visual learning products. Royalty revenues are recognized based on the confirmation of sales by the Company’s co-publishing partners, and when the underlying sale occurs. Training and support services provided for royalty contracts are delivered in advance of the underlying sale occurring, and, as such, royalty revenue is recognized when the underlying sale occurs, being the later of the satisfaction of the performance obligation and the underlying sale. Royalty revenues are not subject to right of return or product warranties. Royalty revenues are earned by Print-Based English Language Learning segment and relate to long-term contracts.
Online-based licenses
Online-based licensing revenue is generated from contracts with customers. The Company provides the right to access to hosted software over a contract term without the customer taking possession of the software. Revenue recognition commences on the date an executed contract exists and the customer has the right to access to the hosted software. Online based licensing revenues are generated by Online language learning segment and relate to short-term contracts, recognized using straight-line method over the terms of the license period.
Offline licenses
Offline licensing revenue is generated from contracts with customers. Offline licenses provide the right to use perpetual language-learning software and is recognized at the point in time when the software is made available to the customer. When providing offline licenses, the customer can direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from, the license at the point in time at which the license is made available to the customer and the right to use the software has commenced. Offline license revenues are generated by online language learning segment and relate to short-term contracts.
Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer
The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if the Company expects the costs to be recoverable. The Company has determined that sales commissions meet the requirements to be capitalized. These capitalized costs are amortized consistent with the pattern of transfer to the customer for the goods and services to which the asset relates. Amortization of the asset is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Applying the practical expedient, the Company recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the assets that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The payment terms and conditions in our customer contracts may vary from the timing of revenue recognition. In some cases, customers pay in advance of delivery of products or services; in other cases, payment is due as services are performed. Timing differences between revenue recognition and invoicing primarily results in contract liabilities. Contract liabilities are relieved as revenue is recognized. Contract assets and contract liabilities are reported on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
Significant Judgments
The Company distributes its products and services both directly to the end customer and indirectly through resellers. The Company evaluates each of its reseller relationships to determine whether it is the principal (where revenue is recognized at the gross amount) or agent (where revenue is recognized net of the reseller commission). In making this determination, the Company evaluates a variety of factors including the amount of control the Company is able to exercise over the transactions. The Company concluded that it acts as principal in all contracts with customers. The recognition of revenue requires judgement in the assessment of performance obligations within a contract and the assessment of recognizing at a point in time or over a period of time.
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) measures net profit for the period plus other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of changes in equity, such as changes to foreign currency translation adjustments of foreign operations during the period. Amounts reported as other comprehensive income are accumulated in a separate component of shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using methods outlined below at rates intended to depreciate the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives.
Method
|
Rate
|
|
|
Computer and office equipment
|
Declining balance 20%
|
Leasehold improvement
|
Straight line over the term of the lease
|
Software and web development costs
The Company capitalizes all costs related to the development of its fee-based language learning products and services when the feasibility and profitability of the project can be reasonably considered certain. Expenditure on development activities, whereby research findings are applied to a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and processes, is capitalized if the product or process is technically and commercially feasible and the Group has sufficient resources to complete development. The expenditure capitalized includes the cost of material, and direct labor. Other development expenditure is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss) as an expense as incurred.
Content development costs
The Company capitalizes all costs related to content development of its fee-based language learning products and services when the feasibility and profitability of the project can be reasonably considered certain. Expenditure on content development activities, whereby research findings are applied to a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and processes, is capitalized if the product or process is technically and commercially feasible and the Group has sufficient resources to complete development. The expenditure capitalized includes the cost of material, and direct labor. Other development expenditure is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss) as an expense as incurred.
Government grants
The Company receives government grants based on certain eligibility criteria for book publishing industry development in Canada. These government grants are recognized quarterly and are recorded as a reduction of general and administrative expenses to offset direct costs funded by the grant during the period in which the criteria to receive the grant is met. The Company records a liability for the repayment of the grants and a charge to operations in the period in which conditions arise that will cause the government grants to be repayable.
Current and deferred income taxes
Income tax on the profit or loss for the periods presented comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity. Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years.
Deferred taxation is recognized using the liability method on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.
However, the deferred taxation is not recognized if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred taxation is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realized or the deferred tax liability is settled.
A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to offset current income tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency transactions are initially recorded in the functional currency at the transaction date exchange rate. At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into the functional currency at the reporting date exchange rate. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the remeasurement of monetary items at year-end exchange rates are recognized in the income statement. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the historical exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are translated using the exchange rates at the date when fair value was determined.
Financial statements of subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures for which the functional currency is not the Canadian Dollar are translated into the Canadian Dollar as follows: all asset and liability accounts are translated at the balance sheet exchange rate and all earnings and expense accounts and cash flow statement items are translated at average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation gains and losses are recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments in other comprehensive income (loss) and recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in equity. On disposal of a foreign operation the cumulative translation differences recognized in equity are reclassified to the statement of comprehensive income (loss) and recognized as part of the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity have been treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated into Canadian Dollars at the balance sheet rate.
Foreign exchange gains or losses arising from a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the settlement of which is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future and which in substance is considered to form part of the net investment in the foreign operation, are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Earnings (loss) per share
Earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the earnings (loss) for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, including contingently issuable shares which are included when the conditions necessary for issuance have been met. Diluted earnings per share is calculated in a similar manner, except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include potentially issuable common shares from the assumed exercise of common share purchase options and warrants, if dilutive.
Share-based compensation plan
The share-based compensation plan allows the Company executives, management, employees and consultants to acquire shares of the Company. The fair value of share-based payment awards granted is recognized as management, employee or consultant expense with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes (direct employee) or provides services similar to those performed by a direct employee.
Each tranche in an award is considered a separate award with its own vesting period and grant date fair value. The fair value is measured at grant date and each tranche is recognized on a graded vesting basis over the period during which the share purchase options vest. The fair value of the share-based payment awards granted is measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the awards were granted. At each financial position reporting date, the amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of awards, for which the related service and non-market vesting conditions are expected to be met.
For equity-settled share-based payment transactions with consultants, the Company measures the goods or services received, and the corresponding increase in equity, directly, at the fair value of the goods or services received, unless that fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which cases, the Company measures their value, and the corresponding increase in equity, indirectly, by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted.
Financial instruments
A financial asset shall be measured at amortized cost if it is held with the objective of holding assets in order to collect contractual cash flows which arise on specified dates and that are solely principal and interest.
A debt investment shall be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if it is held with the objective of holding assets in order to collect contractual cash flows which arise on specified dates that are solely principal and interest as well as selling the asset on the basis of its fair value.
All other financial assets are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss (“FVPL”) unless the Company makes an irrevocable election on initial recognition to present gains and losses on equity instruments (that are not held-for-trading or contingent consideration recognized in a business combination) in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).
Despite these requirements, a financial asset may be irrevocably designated as measured at fair value through profit or loss to reduce the effect of, or eliminate, an accounting mismatch.
For financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss, the standard requires the portion of the change in fair value that relates to the entity's own credit risk to be presented in OCI (unless it would create an accounting mismatch).
The Company is required to use an “expected credit loss” (“ECL”) model to recognize an allowance. Impairment is measured using a 12-month ECL method unless the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition in which case the lifetime ECL method is adopted.
For receivables, a simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses using a lifetime expected loss allowance is available. The investment classifications “Available-for-sale financial assets” and “Held-to-maturity investments” are no longer used and “Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” was introduced.
Trade receivables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any allowance for expected credit losses. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 60 days. The Company has applied the simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on days overdue.
Other receivables are recognized at amortized cost, less any allowance for expected credit losses.
Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company’s property and equipment and intangibles with finite lives are reviewed for an indication of impairment at each balance sheet date. The Company’s intangible assets that have an indefinite life or are not ready for use are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or at any time if an indicator of impairment exists. If indication of impairment exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable amount is the greater of the asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset, or its cash-generating unit, exceeds its recoverable amount. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Impairment losses are recognized in profit and loss for the period.
An impairment loss, other than goodwill impairment, is reversed if there is an indication that there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.
Operating Results
Financial information for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019
During the year, Lingo Media earned $340,036 in online licensing sales revenue as compared to $282,018 in 2019.
Revenues from Print-Based English language learning for the period were $1,762,018 compared to $1,674,204 in 2019 as a result of increasing in Print-based sales in China. Revenues in both segments are stable. Direct costs associated with publishing revenue are relatively modest and have been consistent throughout the years. The Company continues to maintain its relationship with PEP and is investing in the development of its existing and new programs and marketing activities to maintain and increase its royalty revenues.
During 2020, Lingo Media recorded revenues of $2,102,054 as compared to $1,956,222 in 2019. Net profit was $1,110,379 as compared to net profit $162,566 in 2019 resulting in a $0.03 earnings per share as compared to $0.00 earnings per share in 2019. In 2020, the Company received Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (“OIDMTC”) of $904,940 which was recorded as reduction of Selling, General and Administrative Expense.
Selling, General and Administrative Costs
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $74,108 compared to $997,159 in 2019. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the two segments are segregated below.
(i) Print-Based English Language Learning
Selling, general and administrative cost for print-based publishing decreased from $247,673 in 2019 to $71,477 in 2020, which is primarily due to receiving government subsidies. The following is a breakdown of selling, general and administrative costs directly related to print-based English language learning. The government subsidies below include Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
For the Year Ended December 31
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
Sales, marketing & administration
|
|
$
|
62,634
|
|
|
$
|
53,056
|
|
General admin expense recovery
|
|
|
(30,221
|
)
|
|
|
(83,771
|
)
|
Consulting fees & salaries
|
|
|
402,588
|
|
|
|
399,044
|
|
Travel
|
|
|
16,613
|
|
|
|
40,402
|
|
Premises
|
|
|
61,796
|
|
|
|
59,665
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
12,041
|
|
|
|
14,664
|
|
Less: Grants
|
|
|
(279,017
|
)
|
|
|
(235,387
|
)
|
Government subsidies
|
|
|
(174,957
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
$
|
71,477
|
|
|
$
|
247,673
|
|
(ii) Online English Language Learning
Selling, general and administrative expenses (recovery) related to online English language learning was ($566,064) for the year compared to an expense of $224,320 in 2019. The recovery is primarily due to the Company received Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (“OIDMTC”) and government COVID-19 subsidies. In addition, the selling, general and administrative recovery also includes received Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
For the Year Ended December 31
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
Sales, marketing & administration
|
|
$
|
104,407
|
|
|
$
|
152,803
|
|
General admin expense recovery
|
|
|
(10,000
|
)
|
|
|
(1,737
|
)
|
Consulting fees & salaries
|
|
|
31,243
|
|
|
|
560
|
|
Travel
|
|
|
4,066
|
|
|
|
11,331
|
|
Premises
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
4,035
|
|
|
|
13,362
|
|
Less: Government subsidies
|
|
|
(69,942
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
OIDMTC
|
|
|
(904,940
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Direct Cost – OIDMTC
|
|
|
227,067
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
$
|
(566,064
|
)
|
|
$
|
224,320
|
|
Selling, general and administrative costs related to head office was $568,695 for the year compared to $525,166 in 2019. Selling, general and administrative costs for this reporting unit increased in 2020 as compared to 2019, which is the result of increase on expenditures related to Consulting fees and shareholder services.
For the Year Ended December 31
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
Sales, marketing & administration
|
|
$
|
54,678
|
|
|
$
|
67,862
|
|
Consulting fees & salaries
|
|
|
370,255
|
|
|
|
315,810
|
|
Travel
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,248
|
|
Shareholder services
|
|
|
70,603
|
|
|
|
62,465
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
73,159
|
|
|
|
77,781
|
|
|
|
$
|
568,695
|
|
|
$
|
525,166
|
|
Total Selling and Administrative Expenses
|
|
$
|
74,108
|
|
|
$
|
997,159
|
|
Government Grants
Included as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses are government grants of $279,017 (2019 - $235,387, 2018 - $242,813), relating to the Company's publishing and software projects. At the end of the year, $Nil (2019 - $22,276, 2018 - $Nil) is included in accounts and grants receivable.
One government grant for the print-based English language learning segment is repayable in the event that the segment’s annual net income before tax for the current year and the previous two years exceeds 15% of revenue. During 2020and 2019, the conditions for the repayment of grants did not arise and no liability was recorded.
Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit
Included as a reduction of Online English Language Learning Selling, General and Administrative Expenses of Online-based English Language Learning segment is Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (“OIDMTC”). The Company received an approval and funding of its grant from the Province of Ontario’s (“OIDMTC”) in the amount of $904,940 during 2020 and was recognized as a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses. The OIDMTC is a refundable tax credit based on eligible Ontario labour expenditures in additional to eligible marketing and distribution expenditures claimed by a qualifying corporation with respect to interactive digital media products. The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media (“IDM”) Fund Concept Definition and Production programs provide content creators with funding for high quality, original interactive digital media content projects that make a positive contribution to the Ontario economy. The fund assesses innovative interactive media projects, including e-learning, that are deemed to contribute to education and learning through the application of text, images, and other multimedia. The approval process involves a full audit of the product and processes.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) was announced on March 27, 2020. Effective April 11, 2020, the CEWS came into force providing a wage subsidy to eligible Canadian employers to enable them to continue to pay their Canadian employees through their own payroll. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Company applied for CEWS and received $182,118 during the year and recorded this amount as a reduction of general and administrative expense.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
The Canadian government introduced the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (“CERS”) to provide direct relief to organization that continue to be economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rent subsidy was available retroactive to September 27, 2020, until June 2021. The Company applied for CERS and received $27,309 during 2020 and recorded this amount as a reduction of general and administrative expense.
Segmented Information
Total comprehensive income for the Company was $1,077,609 for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to total comprehensive income $113,817 in 2019. Total comprehensive income can be attributed to the two operating segments and head office as a reporting segement as shown below:
Online English Language Learning (“ELL”)
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
340,036
|
|
|
$
|
282,018
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct costs
|
|
|
109,498
|
|
|
|
124,471
|
|
General & administrative
|
|
|
(566,064
|
)
|
|
|
224,320
|
|
Bad debt expense
|
|
|
32,386
|
|
|
|
(85,491
|
)
|
Amortization of property & equipment
|
|
|
1,030
|
|
|
|
1,280
|
|
Development costs
|
|
|
266,462
|
|
|
|
196,609
|
|
Income taxes and other taxes
|
|
|
907
|
|
|
|
3,814
|
|
|
|
|
(155,781
|
)
|
|
|
465,003
|
|
Segmented Profit (Loss) – Online ELL
|
|
|
495,816
|
|
|
|
(182,985
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print-Based English Language Learning
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
1,762,018
|
|
|
$
|
1,674,204
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct costs
|
|
|
219,911
|
|
|
|
87,836
|
|
General & administrative
|
|
|
71,477
|
|
|
|
247,673
|
|
Amortization of property & equipment
|
|
|
12,235
|
|
|
|
16,201
|
|
Amortization of office lease
|
|
|
17,346
|
|
|
|
83,381
|
|
Income taxes and other taxes
|
|
|
192,537
|
|
|
|
179,475
|
|
|
|
|
513,506
|
|
|
|
614,565
|
|
Segmented Profit – Print-Based ELL
|
|
|
1,248,512
|
|
|
|
1,059,639
|
|
Head Office
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General & administrative
|
|
$
|
568,695
|
|
|
$
|
525,166
|
|
Amortization of property & equipment
|
|
|
581
|
|
|
|
723
|
|
|
|
|
569,276
|
|
|
|
525,889
|
|
Total Segmented Profit
|
|
$
|
1,175,053
|
|
|
$
|
350,765
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange
|
|
|
(34,200
|
)
|
|
|
(10,584
|
)
|
Interest and other financial expenses
|
|
|
(7,331
|
)
|
|
|
(83,750
|
)
|
Share-based payment
|
|
|
(23,144
|
)
|
|
|
(93,865
|
)
|
Other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
|
(32,770
|
)
|
|
|
(48,749
|
)
|
|
|
|
(97,445
|
)
|
|
|
(236,948
|
)
|
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
|
$
|
1,077,609
|
|
|
$
|
113,817
|
|
Share-Based Payments
The Company amortizes share-based payments with a corresponding increase to the contributed surplus account. During the year, the Company recorded an expense of $23,144 compared to $93,865 in 2019.
Foreign Exchange
The Company recorded foreign exchange loss of $34,200 as compared to foreign exchange gain of $10,584 in 2019, relating to the Company's currency risk through its activities denominated in foreign currencies as the Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk as a significant portion of its revenue and expenses are denominated in Chinese Renminbi and US Dollars.
Income Tax Expense
The Company recorded a tax expense of $193,443 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to a tax expense of $183,289 in 2019. This tax is a withholding tax paid on revenues earned in China and repatriated outside of China.
Net Profit (Loss) for the Year
The Company reported a net profit of $1,110,379 for the year as compared to net profit of $162,566 in 2019.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019 vs. Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018
Revenues from Print-Based English language learning for the period were $1,674,204 compared to $1,686,514 in 2018 as a result of foreign exchange fluctuations in the Chinese RMB and Canadian Dollar vs. the US Dollar. Direct costs associated with publishing revenue are relatively modest and have been consistent throughout the years. The Company continues to maintain its relationship with PEP and is investing in new updated editions of its programs and marketing activities to maintain and ideally to increase its royalty revenues.
During 2019, Lingo Media recorded revenues of $1,956,222 as compared to $1,940,182 in 2018. Net profit was $162,566 as compared to net loss $104,156 in 2018 resulting in a $0.00 earning per share as compared to $0.00 loss per share in 2018.
Selling, General and Administrative Costs
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $997,159 compared to $1,200,766 in 2018. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three segments are segregated below.
(i) Print-Based English Language Learning
Selling, general and administrative cost for print-based publishing increased from $64,580 in 2018 to $247,673 in 2019 due to the increase in consulting fees & salaries and professional fees. The following is a breakdown of selling, general and administrative costs directly related to print-based English language learning:
For the Year Ended December 31
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Sales, marketing & administration
|
|
$
|
53,056
|
|
|
$
|
72,154
|
|
General admin expense recovery
|
|
|
(83,711
|
)
|
|
|
(82,464
|
)
|
Consulting fees & salaries
|
|
|
399,044
|
|
|
|
246,783
|
|
Travel
|
|
|
40,402
|
|
|
|
48,465
|
|
Premises
|
|
|
49,665
|
|
|
|
11,577
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
14,664
|
|
|
|
10,878
|
|
Less: Grants
|
|
|
(235,387
|
)
|
|
|
(242,813
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
247,673
|
|
|
$
|
64,580
|
|
ii) Online English Language Learning
Selling, general and administrative costs related to online English language learning was $224,320 for the year compared to $348,436 in 2018. Travel, consulting fees and salaries and professional fees for this business unit decreased in 2019 as compared to 2018.
For the Year Ended December 31
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Sales, marketing & administration
|
|
$
|
152,803
|
|
|
$
|
120,629
|
|
General admin expense recovery
|
|
|
(1,737
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Consulting fees & salaries
|
|
|
560
|
|
|
|
146,202
|
|
Travel
|
|
|
11,331
|
|
|
|
18,593
|
|
Premises
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
13,362
|
|
|
|
15,012
|
|
|
|
$
|
224,320
|
|
|
$
|
348,436
|
|
iii) Head Office
Selling, general and administrative costs related to head office was $525,166 for the year compared to $787,750 in 2018. Selling, general and administrative costs for this reporting unit decreased in 2019 as compared to 2018, which is the result of a decrease in expenditures related to consulting fees, professional fees and shareholder services.
For the Year Ended December 31
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Sales, marketing & administration
|
|
$
|
67,862
|
|
|
$
|
117,538
|
|
Consulting fees & salaries
|
|
|
315,810
|
|
|
|
481,574
|
|
Travel
|
|
|
1,249
|
|
|
|
9,322
|
|
Shareholder services
|
|
|
62,465
|
|
|
|
76,240
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
77,781
|
|
|
|
103,076
|
|
|
|
$
|
525,166
|
|
|
$
|
787,750
|
|
Total Selling and Administrative Expenses
|
|
$
|
997,159
|
|
|
$
|
1,368,153
|
|
Government Grants
Included as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses are government grants of $235,387 (2018 - $242,813, 2017 - $232,413), relating to the Company's publishing and software projects. At the end of the year, $22,276 (2018 - $nil, 2017 - $22,556) is included in accounts and grants receivable.
One government grant for the print-based English language learning segment is repayable in the event that the segment’s annual net income before tax for the current year and the previous two years exceeds 15% of revenue. During 2019 and 2018, the conditions for the repayment of grants did not arise and no liability was recorded.
One grant, relating to the Company’s “Development of Comprehensive, Interactive Phonetic English Learning Solution” project, is repayable semi-annually at a royalty rate of 2.5% per year’s gross sales derived from this project until 100% of the grant is repaid. No royalty was paid in 2019 and 2018 as no sales were generated from this project.
Segmented Information
Total comprehensive income for the Company was $113,817 for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to total comprehensive loss $71,954 in 2018. Total comprehensive income can be attributed to the two operating segments and head office as a reporting segement as shown below:
Online English Language Learning
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
282,018
|
|
|
$
|
253,668
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct costs
|
|
|
124,471
|
|
|
|
180,832
|
|
General & administrative
|
|
|
224,320
|
|
|
|
348,436
|
|
Bad debt expense
|
|
|
(85,491
|
)
|
|
|
(293,379
|
)
|
Amortization of property & equipment
|
|
|
1,280
|
|
|
|
1,605
|
|
Development costs
|
|
|
196,609
|
|
|
|
481,992
|
|
Income taxes and other taxes
|
|
|
3,814
|
|
|
|
9,313
|
|
|
|
|
465,003
|
|
|
|
728,799
|
|
Segmented Loss - Online ELL
|
|
$
|
(182,985
|
)
|
|
$
|
(475,131
|
)
|
Print-Based English Language Learning
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
1,674,204
|
|
|
|
1,686,514
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct costs
|
|
|
87,836
|
|
|
|
90,188
|
|
Selling, general & administrative
|
|
|
247,673
|
|
|
|
64,580
|
|
Amortization of property & equipment
|
|
|
16,201
|
|
|
|
15,859
|
|
Amoritization of office lease
|
|
|
83,381
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes and other taxes
|
|
|
179,475
|
|
|
|
180,221
|
|
|
|
|
1614,565
|
|
|
|
350,848
|
|
Segmented Income – Print-Based ELL
|
|
|
1,059,639
|
|
|
|
1,335,666
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Head Office
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General & administrative
|
|
|
525,166
|
|
|
|
787,750
|
|
Amortization of property & equipment
|
|
|
723
|
|
|
|
905
|
|
|
|
|
525,889
|
|
|
|
788,655
|
|
Total Segmented Profit (Loss)
|
|
$
|
350,765
|
|
|
$
|
71,880
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange
|
|
|
(10,584
|
)
|
|
|
38,351
|
|
Interest and other financial expenses
|
|
|
(83,750
|
)
|
|
|
(51,898
|
)
|
Share-based compensation
|
|
|
(93,865
|
)
|
|
|
(162,489
|
)
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(48,749
|
)
|
|
|
32,202
|
|
|
|
|
(236,948
|
)
|
|
|
(143,834
|
)
|
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
|
$
|
113,817
|
|
|
$
|
(71,954
|
)
|
Share-Based Payments
The Company amortizes share-based payments with a corresponding increase to the contributed surplus account. During the year, the Company recorded an expense of $93,865 compared to $162,489 in 2018.
Foreign Exchange
The Company recorded foreign exchange loss of $10,584 as compared to foreign exchange gain of $38,351 in 2018, relating to the Company's currency risk through its activities denominated in foreign currencies as the Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk as a significant portion of its revenue and expenses are denominated in Chinese Renminbi and US Dollars.
Income Tax Expense
The Company recorded a tax expense of $183,289 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to a tax expense of $189,534 in 2018. This tax is a withholding tax paid on revenues earned in China and repatriated outside of China.
Net Profit for the Year
The Company reported a net profit of $162,566 for the year as compared to net loss of $104,156 in 2018. The earning per share is $0.00.
5.B Liquidity and Capital Resources
Financial information for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
As at December 31, 2020, the Company had cash of $1,212,778 compared to $442,489 in 2019. Accounts and grants receivable of $973,852 were outstanding at the end of the year compared to $838,502 in 2019. With 96% of the receivables from PEP and the balance due from ELL Technologies’ customers, the Company does not anticipate an effect on its liquidity. Total current assets amounted to $2,355,562 (2019 - $1,402,594) with current liabilities of $459,006 (2019 - $686,068) resulting in working capital balance of $1,896,556 (2019 - $716,526).
Lingo Learning receives government grants based on certain eligibility criteria for publishing industry development in Canada and for international marketing support. These government grants are recorded as a reduction of general and administrative expenses to offset direct expenditure funded by the grant. The Company receives these grants throughout the year. The grant is applied based on Lingo Learning meeting certain eligibility requirements. The Company has relied on obtaining these grants for its operations and has been successful at securing them in the past, but it cannot be assured of obtaining these grants in the future.
Lingo Media may have access to working capital through equity financings or debt financings, if and as required to finance its growth plans. The Company has been successful in raising sufficient working capital in the past.
5.C Research and Development
During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company spent $Nil on intangibles, under the categories of “software and web development costs” and “content platform”. Respectively, $266,462, $196,605, and $481,489 was recorded as development cost.
5.D Trend Information
Lingo Media believes that the global market trends in English language learning are strong and will continue to grow at a rapid pace. Developing countries around the world, specifically in Latin America and Asia are expanding their mandates for the teaching of English amongst students, young professionals and adults.
5.E Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has not entered into any off-balance sheet finance arrangements.
5.F Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations
The Company has one office facility under lease. The lease term is 5 years from 2016, with an option to renew the lease for another 5 year term after that date. The Company will not renew the lease on expiry. This resulted in a lease reassessment due to the shorter term and a reduction in the Right-of-Use Asset and Lease Obligation. The new office lease is effective on May 1st, 2021 with the term of one year.
Non-cancellable lease rentals are payable as follows:
Less than 1 year
|
|
$
|
42,523
|
|
Between 1 and 5 years
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
42,523
|
|
On adoption of IFRS 16, the Company recognized lease obligations in relation to leases which had previously been classified as ‘operating leases’ under the principles of IAS 17, “Leases”. These obligations were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as of January 1, 2019. The lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease obligations on January 1, 2019 was 8%.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, variable lease payments of $19,600 were recorded.
The Company has equipment leases and office lease in Beijing which it has determined are not recognized as right of use assets or lease liabilities as they are short-term lease and low dollar value. The Beijing office lease expense for the year is $13,605.
The Company’s lease obligation and movements therein during the year ended December 31, 2020:
|
|
Lease Obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease obligation recognized on adoption of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019
|
|
$
|
644,121
|
|
Accretion on lease liability
|
|
|
48,239
|
|
Lease payment
|
|
|
(117,598
|
)
|
Lease obligation at December 31, 2019
|
|
|
574,762
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion on lease liability
|
|
|
42,482
|
|
Lease payment
|
|
|
(117,598
|
)
|
Adjustment from lease reassessment
|
|
|
(480,046
|
)
|
Lease obligation at December 31, 2020
|
|
$
|
19,600
|
|
5.G. Safe Harbor
Portions of this Annual Report on Form 20-F may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of securities laws. These statements are made in reliance upon Sections 21E and 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results, performance, or expectations implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary materially from management's expectations and projections and thus readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company has tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as "may," "should," "expect," "hope," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "estimate" and similar expressions. The Company’s expectations, among other things, are dependent upon general economic conditions, the continued and growth in demand for its products, retention of its key management and operating personnel, its need for and availability of additional capital as well as other uncontrollable or unknown factors. No assurance can be given that the actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by US Federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason. See also under “Forward Looking Statements” above.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
6.A. Directors and Senior Management
Table No. 6
Directors and Senior Management
December 31, 2020
Name
|
Position
|
|
Age
|
|
Date of Election/ Appointment
|
Michael P. Kraft
|
Chairman/Director
|
|
57
|
|
November 1996/December 2018
|
Khurram Qureshi
|
CFO/Secretary/Treasurer
|
|
58
|
|
April 1997/December 2011
|
Gali Bar-Ziv
|
President /CEO
|
|
49
|
|
June 2009//December 2018
|
Jerry Grafstein
|
Director
|
|
86
|
|
September 2010
|
Tommy Weibing Gong
|
Director
|
|
53
|
|
September 2010
|
Robert Martellacci
|
Director
|
|
59
|
|
December 8, 2017
|
Laurent Mareschal
|
Director
|
|
55
|
|
September 8, 2020
|
Michael P. Kraft is Chairman and a Director of Lingo Media and has been since its inception in 1996. He is also the President of MPK Inc. a management services business providing strategic planning, business development and corporate development since 1989. Mr. Kraft is also the Chairman of Buckingham Group Limited, a small privately-owned merchant bank that has played a significant role in the capital formation strategy and financing as a principal of various emerging and growth enterprises since 1992. He is also a Director of TruTrace Technologies Inc., Pioneering Technology Corp. and JM Capital II Corp., and Co-Founder and/or Director of several private companies including Cannabio Inc., KPK & Partners Co. Inc., MaCanna Corporation, MTI Energy Inc., amongst others.
Khurram R. Qureshi was the Chief Financial Officer of the Company from 1997 to July 2009, and was reappointed as such in December 2011. He received a Bachelor of Administrative Studies from York University in 1987 and received the Chartered Accountant designation in 1990. Mr. Qureshi is also a partner at CQK Chartered Accountants LLP.
Gali Bar-Ziv is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lingo Media. He brings more than 15 years of management and entrepreneurial experience, including financing, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, channel development and corporate development with extensive international experience in Israel, China and Latin America. Mr. Bar-Ziv profitably grew a sale, marketing and distribution start-up to sales growth of more than 700% year over year. He also successfully turned around the largest service division of a $300 million financial services company while at Fairfax Financial. Mr. Bar-Ziv holds a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) degree from the University of London and an MBA in Strategic and Entrepreneurial studies from the Schulich School of Business in Toronto.
The Hon. Jerry S. Grafstein, Q.C., holds degrees from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto law school and has taught the Bar Admission Course at Osgoode Hall. He serves as counsel emeritus at Minden Gross LLP in Toronto and practiced corporate finance and communication law. Mr. Grafstein devotes most of his business time to technology start-ups in Canada, the U.S. and Latin America. Mr. Grafstein has wide-ranging legal and business experience in all aspects of media. He was a co-founder of a range of media companies, focusing on broadcasting, cable, communications, film production and public enterprises in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and South America. In addition to his media experience, Mr. Grafstein advised several key government ministries, including Transportation, External Affairs, Consumer and Corporate Affairs and Justice. He was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1984 by then Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and served on all Senate Committees, including: Foreign Affairs; Legal and Constitutional Affairs; and (as Chairman) Senate Banking, Trade and Commerce. While in the Senate, He was a long serving Co-Chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, and a long serving senior officer of the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA). He retired from the Senate on January 1, 2010. He was recently elected to the University of Tel Aviv, Israel Board of Governors and served as President and Chair of the Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University. He has published a number of books on politics. He expects his book on the history of twentieth centry to be published this year.
Tommy Weibing Gong holds an Engineering degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, and IT certifications through his North American education and started his IT career in 1996 in Silicon Valley. He is Founder of Polar Bear Energy Inc., a business in the cleantech and greentech sector. Mr. Gong is now a leading commercial property developer in Shanghai. He serves as Chairman of Shanghai Green Town Plaza Real Estate Development Co., Ltd, Shanghai Zhetie Green Town Real Estate Development Co., Ltd, Zysteq North America Corporation, Shanghai Tommy Real Estate Development Co., Ltd, Shanghai Tommy & Jane Property Investment and Management Co., Ltd., and Canada & China Real Estate Management Co., Ltd. He was appointed as Economy Advisor by Shanghai Yangpu District Government in 2010. He is the recipient of “2009: China’s Top 10 Intelligent and Financial Person”; “2010: Person of the Year in Overseas Business”, “2013: China’s Top 10 Outstanding Business Leaders”.
Robert Martellacci is founder and President, MindShare Learning Technology since 2002 and President and Co‑Founder, C21 Canada—Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation. He has over 25 years of expertise in the learning and technology field as an administrator at York University & Country Manager, TLC Canada School Division and MLS. Mr. Martellacci served on the President’s Task Force on the College System at York University. His board appointments include: Past Chair, Canadian eLearning Enterprise Alliance and board member York University Institute on Learning Technology. Mr. Martellacci was also appointed to the ICTC Task Force on Driving Change Education and Skills DigitalTalent2020. He was awarded the 2016 Chair’s Global Best Partnership Award for outstanding work nationally and internationally for taking a leadership role in forging strategic partnerships between industry and education. Mr. Martellacci is also founder and CEO of MindShare WorkSpace, a coworking/innovation space on a mission to redefine the future of work and learning. He is a graduate of Pepperdine University with a Master’s degree in Educational Technology.
Laurent Mareschal brings more than 20 years of financial management experience at Scotiabank, including financial reporting and mergers and acquisitions. Amongst his various assignments, Mr. Mareschal was CFO of Scotiabank's Capital Markets division with best in class financial results globally during the Global Financial Crisis. He was also CFO of the Canadian Banking division, during a period in which results grew at twice the rate of competitors. Mr. Mareschal also headed Scotiabanks Small Business Banking division, implementing significant operational and technology improvement to drive efficiencies and growth. He is currently COO and CFO of a Toronto based Venture Capital firm focusing on technology companies. Mr. Mareschal holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University and an MBA in Finance from McMaster University.
The Directors have served in their respective capacities since their election and/or appointment and will serve until the next Annual General Meeting or until a successor is duly elected, unless the office is vacated in accordance with the Articles/By-Laws of the Company.
The Senior Management serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors with management service contracts but without term of office, except as disclosed herein.
No Director and/or Executive Officer has been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree of any governmental agency or administrator or of any court or competent jurisdiction, revoking or suspending for cause any license, permit or other authority of such person or of any corporation of which he is a Director and/or Executive Officer, to engage in the securities business or in the sale of a particular security or temporarily or permanently restraining or enjoining any such person or any corporation of which he is an officer or director from engaging in or continuing any conduct, practice, or employment in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, or convicting such person of any felony or misdemeanor involving a security or any aspect of the securities business or of theft or of any felony.
There are no arrangements or understandings between any two or more Directors or Executive Officers, pursuant to which he was selected as a Director or Executive Officer. There are no family relationships between any two or more Directors or Executive Officers.
6.B. Compensation
The table below sets forth information concerning the compensation paid, during each of the last three fiscal years (as applicable), to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other Executive Officers of the Company and its subsidiaries who received total remuneration, determined on the basis of base salary and bonuses in excess of $100,000 during the last three fiscal years ended December 31 (the “Named Executive Officers”).
Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
Non-equity incentive plan compensation
|
|
|
|
Name and principal
position
|
Year
|
Salary
($)
|
Share-
based
awards
($)
|
Option-
based
awards
($)(2)
|
Annual
incentive
plans
|
Long-
term
incentive
plans(3)
|
Pension
Value
($)
|
All other
compensation
($)(1)
|
Total
compensation
($)
|
Michael P. Kraft
Chairman, and Director
|
2020
2019
2018
|
72,000
72,000
115,500
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
23,916
|
72,000
72,000
139,416
|
Gali Bar-Ziv
President, Chief Executive Officer
|
2020
2019
2018
|
186,000
186,000
153,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
30,766
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
5,730
21,308
21,308
|
222,496
186,000
174,308
|
Khurram Qureshi
Chief Financial Officer
|
2020
2019
2018
|
60,000
60,000
60,000
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
Nil
Nil
Nil
|
15,303
10,000
18,999
|
75,303
70,000
78,999
|
Notes:
(1)
|
Perquisites and other personal benefits, securities or property that do not in the aggregate exceed the lesser of $10,000 and 10% of the total of the annual salary and bonus for any NEO for the financial year, if any, are not disclosed.
|
(2)
|
The weighted average grant date fair value was calculated in accordance with the Black-Scholes model using the common share price on the date of grant, with the key valuation assumptions being stock-price volatility of 79%, risk free interest rate of 1.35%, no dividend yields, and expected life of 5 years.
|
(3)
|
"LTIP" or "long term incentive plan" means any plan which provides compensation intended to serve as incentive for performance to occur over a period longer than one financial year, but does not include option or stock appreciation right plans or plans for compensation through restricted shares or restricted share units.
|
Management Agreements
Michael P. Kraft
The Company entered into a consulting agreement (the "Kraft Consulting Agreement") dated as of October 18, 2007 with MPK Inc. pursuant to which the Company engaged MPK Inc. to provide the services of Michael P. Kraft (the "Consultant") to be the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company. MPK Inc. is a corporation wholly-owned and controlled by Michael P. Kraft.
The Kraft Consulting Agreement provides for an initial term of twenty-four (24) months to begin on January 1, 2008 and was renewed in September 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. (The Kraft Consulting Agreement and Amendment provide that the Company pay MPK Inc. an aggregate of $38,000 plus applicable HST for the Applicable Period. In consideration of the Consultant agreeing to a reduction of consulting fees from $180,000 to $150,000. A further reduction was taken in 2013, from $150,000 to $38,000. The Company agrees to pay the Consultant a cash bonus in the amount of $100,000 upon completion of a merger or acquisition as approved by the board of directors or if the Company’s market capitalization increases from approximately $3,000,000 to $6,000,000.) Beginning on January 1, 2014, the Kraft Consulting Agreement resumed to $150,000 per year. An amendment was entered into whereby the monthly consulting fees were reduced from $12,500 to $10,000 as of June 1, 2015. In addition to providing an allowance for a health plan, the Kraft Consulting Agreement also provides for an automobile allowance of up to $1,500 per month. A further amendment was entered into whereby the monthly consulting fees were reduced from $10,000 to $6,000 as of December 1, 2018.
Gali Bar-Ziv
The Company entered into a consulting agreement (the "Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement") dated as of June 1, 2009 with Busy Babies Inc. pursuant to which the Company engaged Busy Babies Inc. to provide the services of Gali Bar-Ziv (the "Consultant") to be the Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Busy Babies Inc. is a corporation wholly-owned and controlled by Gali Bar-Ziv.
The Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement provided for an initial term of twelve (12) months to begin on June 1, 2009 and automatic renewals for a further one (1) year unless terminated pursuant to the terms thereof. The Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement, as amended, provides that the Company pay Busy Babies Inc. an aggregate of $186,000 plus applicable HST per annum. The Company has also agreed to enable the Consultant to participate in a bonus program based upon agreed-to KPIs. The Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement also provides for an allowance for mobile phone and parking allowance.
Khurram Qureshi
The Corporation has entered into a consulting agreement (the “Qureshi Consulting Agreement”) dated as of August 1, 2011 with CQK Chartered Accountants LLP (“CQK”), to provide the services of Khurram Qureshi as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. The agreement was renewed and amended agreement with 2240525 Ontario Inc. in August 2018.
The Qureshi Consulting Agreement provided for an initial term of 12 months to begin on August 1, 2011, and automatically renews for subsequent one-year terms unless terminated in accordance with its terms. The Corporation pays to 2240525 Ontario Inc. a base consulting fee of $5,000 per month, plus applicable HST. Mr. Qureshi is eligible for reimbursement for certain expenses properly incurred in connection with the Corporation’s business. Mr. Qureshi is eligible to receive annual incentive bonuses and grants stock of options pursuant to the Option Plan from time to time, in each case at the discretion of the Board. The Qureshi Consulting Agreement also provides that the Corporation will provide to Mr. Qureshi extended health benefits.
Stock Options
The Company grants stock options to Directors, Senior Management, employees and consultants; refer to ITEM #6.E., "Share Ownership, Stock Options”.
Director Compensation
The non-management directors of the Company are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may award special remuneration to any Director undertaking any special services on behalf of the Company other than services ordinarily required of a Director. Other than indicated below no Director received any compensation for his services as a Director, including committee participation and/or special assignments.
Change of Control Remuneration
Michael P. Kraft
1.
|
The Consultant may terminate the Kraft Consulting Agreement upon ninety (90) days written notice to the Company and the Company shall pay to the Consultant, all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination. The Consultant may also terminate the Kraft Consulting Agreement for the following reasons: (i) a material change in the position, duties and responsibilities of the Consultant; (ii) the Consultant ceases to be the most senior officer of the Company; (iii) any material reduction in the compensation payable to the Consultant in accordance with the terms of the Kraft Consulting Agreement; and (iv) the Company's head office being located more than 50 kilometres from its current location and the Consultant's current residence ("Good Cause"). If the Consultant terminates the Kraft Consulting Agreement for Good Cause the Company shall pay to the Consultant, all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination and a settlement amount equal to eighteen (18) months of compensation at the rate of compensation payable to the Consultant immediately prior to the effective date of termination.
|
2.
|
The Kraft Consulting Agreement may be terminated by the Company by giving written notice to the Consultant and the Company shall pay to the Consultant, all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination and a settlement amount equal to eighteen (18) months of compensation at the rate of compensation payable to the Consultant immediately prior to the effective date of termination.
|
3.
|
In the event of a change of control, the Consultant may, for a period of six (6) months after the effective date of any such change of control, elect to terminate the Kraft Consulting Agreement with the Company upon eight weeks’ notice and the Company shall pay to the Consultant, all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination and a settlement amount equal to eighteen (18) months of compensation at the rate of compensation payable to the Consultant immediately prior to the effective date of termination by voluntary resignation. In the event of a change of control and if the Company terminates the Consultant without cause, the settlement amount shall be equal to twenty-four (24) months of compensation at the rate of compensation payable to the Consultant immediately prior to the effective date of termination.
|
Kraft is subject to an 18 month non-compete period following the termination of the Kraft Consulting Agreement.
Gali Bar-Ziv
1.
|
The Consultant may terminate the Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement upon ninety (90) days written notice to the Company and the Company shall pay to the Consultant, all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination. The Consultant may also terminate the Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement for the following reasons: (i) a material change in the position, duties and responsibilities of the Consultant; (ii) the Consultant ceases to be a senior officer of the Company; (iii) any material reduction in the compensation payable to the Consultant in accordance with the terms of the Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement; and (iv) the Company's head office being located more than 50 kilometres from its current location and the Consultant's current residence ("Good Cause"). If the Consultant terminates the Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement for Good Cause the Company shall pay to the Consultant, all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination as well as a settlement amount.
|
2.
|
The Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement may be terminated by the Company by giving written notice to the Consultant and the Company shall pay to the Consultant, all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination and a settlement amount equal to nine (9) months of compensation at the rate of compensation payable to the Consultant immediately prior to the effective date of termination.
|
Bar-Ziv is subject to a nine month non-compete period following the termination of the Bar-Ziv Consulting Agreement.
Khurram Qureshi
1.
|
Mr. Qureshi may terminate the Qureshi Consulting Agreement upon 90 days’ written notice to the Corporation and the Corporation shall pay to CQK Chartered Accountants LLP all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination. The Corporation shall pay to CQK Chartered Accountants LLP all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination, and a settlement amount equal to three months’ compensation at the rate of compensation payable within 30 days of the termination date.
|
2.
|
The Corporation may terminate the Qureshi Consulting Agreement for convenience by giving written notice to CQK Chartered Accountants LLP and payment by the Corporation of all amounts due and owing up to the effective date of termination plus a settlement amount equal to three months’ compensation at the rate of compensation payable to CQK Chartered Accountants LLP within 30 days of the termination date.
|
Other Compensation
Except as set forth above under “Summary Compensation Table”, no Executive Officer/Director received “other compensation” in excess of the lesser of US$10,000 or 10% of such officer's cash compensation, and all Executive Officers/Directors as a group did not receive other compensation which exceeded US$10,000 times the number of persons in the group or 10% of the compensation.
Bonus/Profit Sharing/Non-Cash Compensation
Except for the stock option program discussed in ITEM #6.E, the Company also agreed to enable Gali Bar-Ziv to participate in the Company’s sales commission program, pursuant to which Mr. Bar-Ziv is to receive 7% of net revenue for business initiative, 2% of net revenue for direct influence, and other discretionary bonus by the board if applicable. Effective December 1, 2018, Bar-Ziv’s was amended to provide bonus compensation based upon agreed-to KPIs: 3% of company’s consolidated revenue from $1 million to $ 5 million, 5 % of company’s consolidated revenue greater than $ 5 million. Plus 3% of company’s consolidated EBITA from $250,000 to $1 million and 4% of company’s consolidated EBITA from $1 million to $5 million.
Pension/Retirement Benefits
No funds were set aside or accrued by the Company during fiscal 2017 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for Directors or Executive Officers.
6.C. Board Practices
6.C.1. Terms of Office.
The Directors have served in their respective capacities since their election and/or appointment and will serve until the next Annual General Meeting or until a successor is duly elected, unless the office is vacated in accordance with the Articles/By-Laws of the Company.
The Senior Management serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors with management service contracts but without term of office, except as disclosed herein.
6.C.2. Termination benefits
Not applicable
6.C.3. Board of Director Committees.
The Company has established an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee in compliance with the Guidelines.
The Audit Committee assists the Board in its oversight of: (i) the integrity of the financial reporting of the Company; (ii) the independence and performance of the Company's external auditors; and (iii) the Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The members of the Audit Committee during the past fiscal year were Laurent Mareschal (Chairman), Jerry Grafstein, and Michael Kraft, Messrs. Mareschal and Grafstein being independent as defined in the Guidelines. Following the 2019 shareholder meeting, the Committee was comprised of Jerry Grafstein (Chairman), Tommy Gong, and Michael Kraft, with Messrs. Gafstein and Gong being independent as defined in the Guidelines.
The Compensation Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its obligations relating to human resource and compensation matters of the Company and its subsidiaries and to establish a plan for the continuity and development of senior management. The members of the Compensation Committee during the past fiscal year were Jerry Grafstein (Chairman), Michael Kraft, and Robert Martellacci, with Messrs. Grafstein and Martellacci being independent as defined in the Guidelines. Following the 2019 shareholder meeting, the Committee was comprised Jerry Grafstein (Chairman), Michael Kraft, and Robert Martellacci, with Messrs. Grafstein and Martellacci being independent as defined in the Guidelines
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee assists the Board by: (i) developing, reviewing and planning the Company's approach to corporate governance issues, including developing a set of corporate governance principles and guidelines specifically applicable to the Company; (ii) identifying and recommending to the Board potential new nominees to the Board; (iii) monitoring management's succession plan for the Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO") and other senior management; and (iv) overseeing enforcement of and compliance with the Company's proposed Code of Business Conduct. The members of the Corporate Governance Committee during the past fiscal year were Messrs. Grafstein (Chairman), Laurent Mareschal and Martellacci, Messrs. Grafstein, Mareschal, and Martellacci being independent directors as defined in the Guidelines. Following the 2019 shareholder meeting, the Committee was comprised of Grafstein (Chairman), Bar-Ziv, and Martellacci with Messrs. Grafstein and Martellacci being independent as defined in the Guidelines
6.E. Share Ownership
Table No. 7 lists, as of April 30, 2021, Directors and Executive Officers who beneficially own the Company's voting securities and the amount of the Company's voting securities owned by the Directors and Executive Officers as a group. Table No. 7 includes all persons/companies where the Company is aware that they have 5% or greater beneficial interest in the Company’s securities.
Table No. 7
Shareholdings of Directors and Executive Officers
Shareholdings of 5% Shareholders
Title of Class
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
|
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership (1)
|
|
|
Percent of Class
|
|
Common
|
Michael P. Kraft(2)(3)
|
|
|
128,438
|
(5)
|
|
|
0.27
|
%
|
Common
|
Khurram Qureshi
|
|
|
493,921
|
(6)
|
|
|
1.30
|
%
|
Common
|
Gali Bar-Ziv
|
|
|
326,864
|
(7)
|
|
|
0.92
|
%
|
Common
|
Tommy Gong(2)
|
|
[nil]
|
(8)
|
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
Common
|
Jerry Grafstein(2)(3)(4)
|
|
|
900,000
|
(9)
|
|
|
2.53
|
%
|
Common
|
Laurent Mareschal(2)(4)
|
|
[nil]
|
(2)
|
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
Common
|
Robert Martellacci(3)(4)
|
|
[nil]
|
(11)
|
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
As a group (7 parties)
|
|
|
1,816,421
|
|
|
|
5.11
|
%
|
* Less than 1%.
|
(1)
|
The information as to voting securities beneficially owned, controlled or directed, not being within the knowledge of the Company, has been furnished by the respective individuals.
|
|
(2)
|
Member of the Audit Committee.
|
|
(3)
|
Member of the Compensation Committee.
|
|
(4)
|
Member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
|
|
(5)
|
Of such shares, 128,438 are held in Mr. Kraft's RRSP.
|
|
(6)
|
Of such shares, 38,606 are held in Mr. Qureshi’s RRSP.
|
|
(7)
|
Of such shares, 2,000 are held in Mr. Bar-Ziv's RRSP, and 324,864 are held by Busy Babies Inc., a company controlled by Mr. Bar-Ziv.
|
|
(8)
|
Tommy Gong holds options to purchase up to 50,000 common shares of the Company.
|
|
(9)
|
Of such shares, 900,000 are held by New Court Corporation, a company controlled by Mr. Grafstein. Mr. Grafstein also holds options to purchase up to an additional 50,000 common shares of the Company.
|
|
(10)
|
Robert Martellacci holds options to purchase up to 50,000 common shares of the Company.
|
Stock Options
TSX Venture Exchange Rules and Policies
Incentive options granted by the Company are made in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"), including the number of common shares under option, the exercise price and expiration date of such options, and any amendments thereto.
Such terms and conditions, including the pricing of the options, expiration and the eligibility of personnel for such stock options; are described below. The TSX-V policy in respect of incentive stock options provides that shareholder approval is not required if the aggregate number of common shares that may be reserved for issuance pursuant to incentive stock options does not exceed 10% of the issued common shares of the Company, 5% to any one individual and 2% to any consultant at the time of granting.
Shareholder approval of the grant of incentive stock options is required pursuant to the rules of the TSX - V where the grant will result in the Company having options outstanding which, in aggregate, are exercisable to acquire over 10% (to a maximum of 20%) of the outstanding common shares of the Company. In addition, disinterested shareholders (all shareholders excluding insiders and associates of insiders) approval is required pursuant to the rules of the TSX-V where:
(a) grant of incentive stock options could result at any time in:
|
(i)
|
the Company having options outstanding to insiders which, in aggregate, are exercisable to acquire over 20% of the outstanding common shares of the Company; or
|
|
(ii)
|
the issuance to insiders, within a one-year period, of common shares which, in aggregate, exceed 10% of the outstanding common shares of the Company; or
|
|
(iii)
|
the issuance to any one insider and such insider's associates, within a one-year period, of common shares which, in aggregate, exceed 5% of the outstanding common shares of the Company; or
|
|
(iv)
|
the issuance to any consultant of common shares which, in aggregate, exceed 2% of the outstanding common shares of the Company; or
|
(b) the Company is proposing to decrease the exercise price of stock options held by any insiders.
Company Stock Option Plan
The Board has approved an amended stock option plan (the "Stock Option Plan") on November 3, 2017 whereby options may be granted to directors, officers, employees, consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. The number of shares which may be reserved for issuance under the Stock Option Plan is limited to 7,105,838 common shares, representing approximately 20% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.
The maximum number of common shares which may be reserved for issuance in a 12 month period to any one individual under the Stock Option Plan, shall not, in the aggregate, exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company at the time of grant. The maximum number of common shares which may be reserved for issuance in a 12 month period to any consultants and persons engaged in investor relations activities for the Company, shall not, in the aggregate, exceed 2% of the issued and outstanding common shares at the time of grant. Any common shares subject to a prior option granted under the Stock Option Plan which for any reason are cancelled or terminated prior to exercise will be available for a subsequent grant under the Stock Option Plan.
The option price of any common shares cannot be less than the closing price of the shares on the day immediately preceding the day upon which the option is granted less any permitted discount. Options may be granted under the Stock Option Plan to be exercisable for a maximum period of ten years, subject to earlier termination, upon the termination of the optionee’s employment, upon the optionee ceasing to be an employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, or upon the optionee retiring, becoming permanently disabled or dying. The options under the Stock Option Plan are non-transferable. The Stock Option Plan contains provisions for adjustment in the number of shares issuable thereunder in the event of a subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or change of the common shares, a merger or other relevant changes in the Company’s capitalization.
As of the date hereof, options to purchase an aggregate of 4,240,000 common shares are outstanding under the Stock Option Plan.
The names and titles of the Directors/Executive Officers of the Company to whom outstanding stock options have been granted and the number of common shares subject to such options are set forth in the Table below as of April 30, 2021, as well as the number of options granted to Directors and officers as a group.
Stock Options Outstanding
Expressed in Canadian Dollars
|
Number of securities
underlying
unexercised options (#)
|
Option exercise
price (C$)
|
Option
expiration date
|
Jerry Grafstein
Director
|
50,000
|
0.05
|
February 4, 2023
|
Tommy Gong
Director
|
50,000
|
0.05
|
February 4, 2023
|
Robert Martellacci
Director
|
50,000
|
0.05
|
February 4, 2023
|
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
7.A. Major Shareholders
7.A.1.a. Holdings By Major Shareholders
Refer to ITEM #6.E.
7.A.1.b. Significant Changes in Major Shareholders’ Holdings
None.
7.A.1.c. Different Voting Rights
None.
7.A.2. Canadian Share Ownership
As of April 30, 2021 the Company’s registered shareholders’ list showed 35,529,192 common shares outstanding with 29 registered shareholders, with 34,939,458 shares owned by 19 shareholders residing in Canada, 425,576 shares owned by 5 registered shareholders in US and 164,158 shares owned by 5 foreign registered shareholders.
7.A.3. Control of Company.
The Company is a publicly owned Canadian corporation, the shares of which are owned by U.S. residents, Canadian residents and other foreign residents. The Company is not controlled by any foreign government or other person(s).
7.A.4. Change in Control
None.
7.B. Related Party Transactions
During the 2020 fiscal year, the Company had the following transactions with related parties, made in the normal course of operations, and accounted for at an amount of consideration established and agreed to by the Company and related parties.
a.
|
The Company charged $24,000 (2019 - $84,442, 2018 - $165,726) to three corporations with directors in common for rent, administration, office charges and telecommunications of which, $13,078 is included in accounts receivable.
|
b.
|
Key management compensation was $392,766 (2019 – $335,000, 2018 – $360,672) and is reflected as consulting fees paid to corporations owned by a director and officers of the Company, of which, $Nil (2019 - $53,000, 2018 - $17,065) is unpaid and included in accrued liabilities. Options granted to key management was $5,325 ($2019 - $nil, 2018 - $25,988).
|
Other than as disclosed above, there have been no transactions since December 31, 2020 or proposed transactions, which have materially affected or will materially affect the Company in which any director, executive officer, or beneficial holder of more than 10% of the outstanding common stock, or any of their respective relatives, spouses, associates or affiliates has had or will have any direct or material indirect interest. Management believes the transactions referenced above were on terms at least as favorable to the Company as the Company could have obtained from unaffiliated parties.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
8.A. 1-6 Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”).
The financial statements as required under ITEM #18 are attached hereto and found immediately following the text of this Annual Report. The audit reports of RSM Canada LLP are included herein immediately preceding the financial statements and schedules.
Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2019
8.A.7. Legal/Arbitration Proceedings
The Directors and the management of the Company do not know of any material, active or pending, legal proceedings against them; nor is the Company involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. The Directors and the management of the Company know of no active or pending proceedings against anyone that might materially adversely affect an interest of the Company.
8.A.8 Company Policy on Dividend Distribution
The Company does not intend to pay dividends in cash or in kind in the foreseeable future. The Company expects to retain any earnings to finance the further growth of the Company. The directors of the Company will determine if and when dividends should be declared and paid in the future based upon the earnings and financial conditions of the Company at the relevant time and such other factors as the directors may deem relevant. All of the Common Shares of the Company are entitled to an equal share in any dividends declared and paid.
8.B. Significant Changes
None.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
9.A.1-3. Not applicable
9.A.4. Common Share Trading Information
The Company's common shares began trading on the Alberta Stock Exchange in Calgary, Alberta, Canada under its former name Alpha Ventures Inc. in November 1996. The Alberta Stock Exchange was absorbed by the Canadian Venture Exchange, which in turn was absorbed by the TSX Venture Exchange (“Exchange”). The Company’s listing was automatically transferred from the Alberta Stock Exchange to the Exchange as a Tier 2 company. The current stock symbol on the Exchange is “LM”. The CUSIP number is 5357441065.
The Exchange currently classifies Issuers into different tiers based on standards, including historical financial performance, stage of development and financial resources of the Issuer at the time of listing. Specific Minimum Listing Requirements for each industry segment in each of Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 have also been established by the Exchange.
Policy 2.1 of the Exchange outlines the Minimum Listing Requirements for each industry segment in Tier 1 and Tier 2. Under this policy, Lingo Media Corporation is a Tier 2 Issuer in the industry segment category of Junior Industrial. Each industry segment is further divided into categories. Quantitative minimum requirements for listing for the industry segment Junior Industrial and Tier 2 are provided in Section 4.3 of Exchange Policy 2.1.
Similarly, Policy 2.5 of the Exchange sets out the minimum standards to be met by Issuers to continue to qualify for listing in each Tier, referred to as Tier Maintenance Requirements (“TMR”). A Tier 2 Issuer which fails to meet one of the Tier 2 TMR will not automatically be suspended or designated as “Inactive”. Rather, the Exchange will provide notice of failure to meet one of the Tier 2 TMR and will allow the Issuer 6 months from the date of notice to meet the requirement, failing which the Exchange may designate the Issuer as Inactive. If a Tier 2 Issuer fails to meet more than one Tier 2 TMR, notice will be given to the Issuer by the Exchange and if the requirements are not met within 90 days of the notice, the Exchange will designate the Issuer as Inactive and apply the restrictions on Inactive Issuers retroactively. An Inactive Issuer may continue to trade on Tier 2 of the Exchange for 18 months from the date it is designated as Inactive. If the Issuer does not meet all of the applicable Tier 2 TMR within that 18-month period, its listed shares may be suspended from trading by the Exchange.
To maintain a listing as an active Tier 2 Issuer, an Issuer must meet all Tier 2 TMR for its industry segment as set out in Section 4 of the Exchange Policy 2.5.
Table No. 9 lists the volume of trading and high, low and closing sales prices on the TSX Venture Exchange for the Company's common shares for: the last 12 months, the last twelve fiscal quarters; and the last five fiscal years.
Table No. 9
TSX Venture Exchange
Common Shares Trading Activity
Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales -- Canadian Dollars
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
Volume
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
Close
|
|
Monthly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 2021
|
|
|
328,600
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
February 2021
|
|
|
634,700
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
January 2021
|
|
|
170,400
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
December 2020
|
|
|
445,000
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
November 2020
|
|
|
730,100
|
|
|
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
October 2020
|
|
|
257,300
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
September 2020
|
|
|
1,140,300
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
August 2020
|
|
|
594,000
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
July 2020
|
|
|
265,000
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
June 2020
|
|
|
1,232,000
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
May 2020
|
|
|
71,600
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
April 2020
|
|
|
159,100
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yearly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/31/2020
|
|
|
5,360,100
|
|
|
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
12/31/2019
|
|
|
8,012,500
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
12/31/2018
|
|
|
5,810,600
|
|
|
|
0.19
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
12/31/2017
|
|
|
20,076,100
|
|
|
|
0.39
|
|
|
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
0.17
|
|
12/31/2016
|
|
|
35,450,000
|
|
|
|
1.19
|
|
|
|
0.185
|
|
|
|
0.225
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/31/2021
|
|
|
1,043,700
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
12/31/2020
|
|
|
1,432,400
|
|
|
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
9/30/2020
|
|
|
1,999,300
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
6/30/2020
|
|
|
1,462,700
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
3/31/2020
|
|
|
465,700
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
12/31/2019
|
|
|
857,200
|
|
|
|
0.15
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
9/30/2019
|
|
|
845,200
|
|
|
|
0.17
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
6/30/2019
|
|
|
2,066,000
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.16
|
|
3/31/2019
|
|
|
4,244,100
|
|
|
|
0.17
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.15
|
|
12/31/2018
|
|
|
1,765,400
|
|
|
|
0.17
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
9/30/2018
|
|
|
1,450,900
|
|
|
|
0.15
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
6/30/2018
|
|
|
1,485,800
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
3/31/2018
|
|
|
1,108,500
|
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
The Company's shares became quoted for trading on the OTC Market on January 22, 2014. OTC Marketplace halted trading in the Company’s shares on August 29, 2017 because of a regulatory trading halt placed by the TSX Venture Exchange. While the TSX Venture Exchange has released its regulatory halt of trading, the trading halt on OTC Marketplace has not yet been lifted, although limited trading continues on the so-called “Grey Market”.
Table No.10 lists the volume of trading and high, low and closing sales prices on the OTC Marketplace for the Company's common shares for the last 12 months, the last twelve fiscal quarters; and the last five fiscal years.
Table No. 10
OTC Marketplace
Common Shares Trading Activity
Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales -- US Dollars
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
Volume
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
Close
|
|
Monthly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 2021
|
|
|
18,400
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
February 2021
|
|
|
254,900
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
January 2021
|
|
|
1,700
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
December 2020
|
|
|
77,600
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
November 2020
|
|
|
49,400
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
October 2020
|
|
|
1,800
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
September 2020
|
|
|
103,800
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
August 2020
|
|
|
2,300
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
July 2020
|
|
|
5,800
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
June 2020
|
|
|
400
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
May 2020
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
April 2020
|
|
|
700
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yearly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/31/2020
|
|
|
247,200
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
12/31/2019
|
|
|
170,800
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
12/31/2018
|
|
|
143,600
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
12/31/2017
|
|
|
854,134
|
|
|
|
0.29
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
12/31/2016
|
|
|
52,730
|
|
|
|
0.76
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/31/2021
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
12/31/2020
|
|
|
53,000
|
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
9/30/2020
|
|
|
111,900
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
6/30/2020
|
|
|
1,200
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
3/31/2020
|
|
|
5,300
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
12/31/2019
|
|
|
4,600
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
9/30/2019
|
|
|
132,900
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
6/30/2019
|
|
|
22,400
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
3/31/2019
|
|
|
10,900
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.08
|
|
12/31/2018
|
|
|
15,600
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
9/30/2018
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
6/30/2018
|
|
|
76,600
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
3/31/2018
|
|
|
1,400
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
The Company's common shares became quoted for trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange ion March 31, 2016. Table No.11 lists the volume of trading and high, low and closing sales prices on the FSE for the Company's common shares for the last 12 months, the last twelve fiscal quarters; and the last five fiscal years.
Table No. 11
Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Common Shares Trading Activity
Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales – Euro
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
Volume
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
Close
|
|
Monthly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 2020
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0.024
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
0.021
|
|
February 2020
|
|
|
6,600
|
|
|
|
0.0335
|
|
|
|
0.014
|
|
|
|
0.0175
|
|
January 2020
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0.0525
|
|
|
|
0.018
|
|
|
|
0.018
|
|
December 2019
|
|
|
20,900
|
|
|
|
0.0395
|
|
|
|
0.0245
|
|
|
|
0.0315
|
|
November 2019
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0.0925
|
|
|
|
0.035
|
|
|
|
0.035
|
|
October 2019
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
0.081
|
|
|
|
0.045
|
|
|
|
0.045
|
|
September 2019
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0.0938
|
|
|
|
0.0728
|
|
|
|
0.077
|
|
August 2019
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
0.1022
|
|
|
|
0.0808
|
|
|
|
0.0808
|
|
July 2019
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0.1077
|
|
|
|
0.0932
|
|
|
|
0.0997
|
|
June 2019
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
0.1071
|
|
|
|
0.0897
|
|
|
|
0.0976
|
|
May 2019
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
0.0833
|
|
|
|
0.0934
|
|
April 2019
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0.097
|
|
|
|
0.082
|
|
|
|
0.0868
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yearly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/31/2019
|
|
|
32,900
|
|
|
|
0.1077
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
0.0315
|
|
12/31/2018
|
|
|
34,999
|
|
|
|
0.105
|
|
|
|
0.031
|
|
|
|
0.033
|
|
12/31/2017
|
|
|
726,300
|
|
|
|
0.273
|
|
|
|
0.104
|
|
|
|
0.104
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/31/2020
|
|
|
6,600
|
|
|
|
0.0525
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
0.021
|
|
12/31/2019
|
|
|
25,900
|
|
|
|
0.0925
|
|
|
|
0.0245
|
|
|
|
0.0315
|
|
9/30/2019
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
0.1077
|
|
|
|
0.0728
|
|
|
|
0.077
|
|
6/30/2019
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
0.1071
|
|
|
|
0.082
|
|
|
|
0.0976
|
|
3/31/2019
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0.087
|
|
|
|
0.037
|
|
|
|
0.087
|
|
12/31/2018
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
|
0.071
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.033
|
|
9/30/2018
|
|
|
24,999
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
|
0.071
|
|
6/30/2018
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
0.078
|
|
|
|
0.048
|
|
|
|
0.053
|
|
3/31/2018
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
0.105
|
|
|
|
0.068
|
|
|
|
0.073
|
|
12/31/2017
|
|
|
29,900
|
|
|
|
0.178
|
|
|
|
0.099
|
|
|
|
0.104
|
|
9/30/2017
|
|
|
47,601
|
|
|
|
0.218
|
|
|
|
0.143
|
|
|
|
0.184
|
|
6/30/2017
|
|
|
336,899
|
|
|
|
0.265
|
|
|
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
0.183
|
|
3/31/2017
|
|
|
284,000
|
|
|
|
0.273
|
|
|
|
0.14
|
|
|
|
0.256
|
|
9.A.5. Common Share Description
Not Applicable
9.C. Stock Exchanges Identified
The common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange, OTC “Grey Market” and are quoted for trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
9.B, D-F. Not applicable
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
10.A. Share Capital
Not Applicable
10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
Objects and Purposes
The Company’s corporation number as assigned by the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations is 4020-1165. The Company’s Articles of Incorporation do not contain the Company’s purpose or its objectives, as neither is required under the laws of Ontario.
Disclosure of Interest of Directors
No director of the Company is permitted to vote on any resolution to approve a material contract or transaction in which such director has a material interest.
Subject to the Articles of Incorporation and any unanimous shareholder agreement, the board may fix their remuneration.
Borrowing Powers of Directors, By-Laws - Section 3.10
The board of directors may from time to time:
(i)
|
borrow money upon the credit of the Corporation;
|
(ii)
|
issue, reissue, sell or pledge debt obligations of the Corporation;
|
(iii)
|
subject to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), give a guarantee on behalf of the Corporation to secure performance of an obligation of any person; and
|
(iv)
|
mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any property of the Corporation, owned or subsequently acquired, to secure any debt obligations of the Corporation.
|
Delegation of Power to Borrow, Bylaws – Section 3.11
The board may by resolution delegate all or any of the powers conferred on them by paragraphs (i) and (iii) of section 3.10 of the bylaws, to any one or more of the directors, the Managing Director, the executive committee, the Chairman of the Board (if any), the President, any Vice-President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, any Assistant Secretary, any Assistant Treasurer or the General Manager.
Director Qualification and Retirement
Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of the Company discuss the retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement, and there is no number of shares required for director qualification.
Description of Rights, Preferences and Restrictions
Attaching to Each Class of Shares
a)
|
Class/Number of Shares. The Company’s Articles of Incorporation provide that: the Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of shares, namely an unlimited number of Preferred Shares without nominal or par value (“Preferred Shares”) and an unlimited number of Common Shares (“Common Shares”).
|
b)
|
Common Shares. The holders of Common Shares shall be entitled:
|
|
1)
|
to vote at all meetings of shareholders, except meetings at which only holders of a specified class of shares are entitled to vote, and on every poll taken at every such meeting, or adjourned meeting, every holder of Common Shares shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each Common Share held; and
|
|
2)
|
subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Shares, to receive the remaining property of the Corporation upon a dissolution; and
|
|
3)
|
subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Shares, to receive all other dividends declared by the Corporation.
|
c)
|
Preferred Shares. The Preferred Shares as a class shall carry and be subject to the following rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions:
|
|
1)
|
Directors’ Rights to Issue in One or More Series.
|
The Preferred Shares may at any time or from time to time be issued in one or more series, each series to consist of such number of shares as may before the issue thereof be determined by the Directors by resolution; the Directors of the Company may (subject as hereinafter provided) by resolution fix, from time to time before the issued thereof, the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the shares of such series including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing (1) the issue price, (2) the rate, amount or method of calculation of dividends and whether the same are subject to change of dividends and whether the same are subject to change or adjustment, (3) whether such dividends shall be cumulative, non-cumulative or partly cumulative, (4) the dates, manner and currencies of payments of dividends and the dates from which dividends shall accrue, (5) the redemption and/or purchase prices and terms and conditions of redemption and/or purchase, with or without provision for sinking or similar funds, (6) conversion and/or exchange and/or classification rights, (7) the voting rights if any, and/or (8) other provisions, the whole subject to the following provisions, and to the issue of Certificate(s) of Amendment setting forth such designations, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the shares of each series.
|
2)
|
Ranking of Preferred Shares.
|
The Preferred Shares shall be entitled to preference over the Common Shares of the Corporation and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to payment of dividends and distribution of assets in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other distribution of the assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs and may also be given such other preferences not inconsistent with paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof over the Common Shares of the Corporation and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares as may be determined in the case of each series of Preferred Shares authorized to be issued.
|
3)
|
Amendment with Approval of Holders of Preferred Shares.
|
The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Preferred Shares as a class may be repealed, altered, modified, amended or amplified by Certificate(s) of Amendment, but in each case with the approval of the holders of Preferred Shares (only as a class but not as individual series) given as hereinafter specified.
|
4)
|
Approval of Holders of Preferred Shares.
|
Subject to the Provisions of the Business Corporations Act, any consent or approval given by the holders of Preferred Shares as a class shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given if it shall have been given in writing by the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66²/³%) of the outstanding Preferred Shares or by a resolution passed at a meeting of holders of Preferred Shares duly called and held upon not less than fifteen days’ notice at which the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares are present or are represented by proxy and carried by the affirmative vote of not less than sixty-six and two-thirds percent of the votes cast at such meetings, in addition to any other consent or approval required by the Business Corporation Act. If at any such meeting the holders of a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares are not present or represented by proxy within one-half hour after the time appointed for such meeting, then the meeting shall be adjourned to such date not less than fifteen days thereafter and to such time and place as may be designated by the Chairman, and not less than ten days’ written notice shall be given of such adjourned meeting. At such adjourned meeting, the holders of the Preferred Shares present or represented by proxy may transact the business for which the meeting was originally convened and a resolution passed by the affirmative vote of not less than sixty-six and two-thirds percent of the votes cast at such meeting shall constitute the consent or approval of the holders of Preferred Shares. On every poll taken at every meeting, every holder of Preferred Shares shall be entitled to one vote in respect of each share held. Subject to the foregoing, the formalities to be observed in respect of the giving or waiving of notice of any such meeting and the conduct thereof shall be those from time to time prescribed in the Bylaws of the Corporation with respect to meetings of shareholders. Any consent or approval given by the holders of Preferred Shares or a series as a class shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given if in the same manner as provided herein regarding holders of Preferred Shares as a class.
d)
|
Dividend Rights. The Company’s Bylaws provide that holders of common shares shall be entitled to receive dividends and the Company shall pay dividends thereon, as and when declared by the board of directors of the Company out of moneys properly applicable to the payment of dividends, in such amount and in such form as the board of directors may from time to time determine and all dividends which the directors may declare on the common shares shall be declared and paid in equal amounts per share on all common shares at the time outstanding, subject to the prior rights of any shares ranking senior to the common shares with respect to priority in the payment of dividends.
|
e)
|
Voting Rights. Neither the Company’s Bylaws nor its Articles of Incorporation provide for the election or re-election of directors at staggered intervals.
|
f)
|
Redemption Provisions. The Company may purchase any of its issued common shares subject to the provisions of the Ontario Business Corporations Act.
|
g)
|
Sinking Fund Provisions. Neither the Company’s Articles of Incorporation nor its Bylaws contain sinking fund provisions.
|
h)
|
Liability to Further Capital Calls by the Company. Neither the Company’s Articles of Incorporation nor its Bylaws contain provisions allowing the Company to make further capital calls with respect to any shareholder of the Company.
|
i)
|
Discriminatory Provisions Based on Substantial Ownership. Neither the Company’s Articles of Incorporation nor its Bylaws contain provisions that discriminate against any existing or prospective holders of securities as a result of such shareholder owning a substantial number of shares.
|
j)
|
Miscellaneous Provisions. Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of the Company address the process by which the rights of holders of stock may be changed. The general provisions of the Ontario Business Corporations Act apply to this process, and require shareholder meetings and independent voting for such changes.
|
A meeting of shareholders may be called at any time by resolution or by the Chairman of the Board or by the President and the Secretary shall cause notice of a meeting of shareholders to be given when directed so to do by resolution of the board or by the Chairman or the Board or the President.
The board shall call an annual meeting of the shareholders not later than eighteen (18) months after the Corporation comes into existence and subsequently not later than fifteen (15) months after holding the last preceding annual meeting.
A special meeting of shareholders may be called at any time and may be held in conjunction with an annual meeting of shareholders.
Meeting of shareholders shall be held at the place within Canada determined by the board from time to time. Notwithstanding the above subsection, a meeting of shareholders may be held outside Canada if all the shareholders entitled to vote at that meeting so agree, and a shareholder who attends a meeting of shareholders held outside Canada is deemed to have so agreed except when he attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully held.
Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor the Bylaws of the Company discuss limitations on the rights to own securities or exercise voting rights thereon.
Although not expressly enumerated in the Articles, pursuant to Canadian regulations, shareholder ownership must be disclosed by any shareholder who owns more than 10% of the Company’s common stock.
There is no provision of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws that would delay, defer or prevent a change in control of the Company, and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition, or corporate restructuring involving the Company (or any of its subsidiaries). The Company’s Bylaws do not contain a provision indicating the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed. With respect to the matters discussed in this Item 10B, the law applicable to the Company is not significantly different from United States law. Neither the Articles of Incorporation nor Bylaws contain provisions governing changes in capital that are more stringent than the conditions required by law.
The Ontario Business Corporations Act contains provisions that require a "special resolution" for effecting certain corporate actions. Such a "special resolution" requires a three-quarters vote of shareholders rather than a simple majority for passage. The principle corporate actions for which the Company would require a "special resolution" include:
|
b.
|
Changing the place where its registered office is situated;
|
|
c.
|
Adding, changing or removing any restriction on the business or businesses that the corporation may carry on;
|
|
d.
|
Certain reorganizations of the corporation and alterations of share capital;
|
|
e.
|
Increasing or decreasing the number of directors or the minimum or maximum number of directors;
|
|
f.
|
Any amendment to its articles regarding constraining the issue or transfer of shares to persons who are not resident Canadians; and
|
|
g.
|
Dissolution of the corporation.
|
10.C. Material Contracts
Not Applicable
10.D. Exchange Controls
Except as discussed in ITEM #10.E., the Company is unaware of any Canadian federal or provincial laws, decrees, or regulations that restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-Canadian holders of the common shares. The Company is unaware of any limitations on the right of non-Canadian owners to hold or vote the common shares imposed by Canadian federal or provincial law or by the charter or other constituent documents of the Company.
10.E. Taxation
A brief description of provisions of the tax treaty between Canada and the United States is included below, together with a brief outline of certain taxes, including withholding provisions, to which United States security holders are subject under existing laws and regulations of Canada. The consequences, if any, of provincial, state and local taxes are not considered.
Security holders should seek the advice of their own tax advisors, tax counsel or accountants with respect to the applicability or effect on their own individual circumstances of the matters referred to herein and of any provincial, state or local taxes.
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the US Internal Revenue Service, please be advised that any information on U.S. federal taxation contained in this report (including any exhibit hereto) is not intended or written to be used or relied upon, and cannot be used or relied upon, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences
The discussion under this heading relates to the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of shares of common stock of the Company for a shareholder of the Company who is not a resident of Canada but is a resident of the United States and who will acquire and hold shares of common stock of the Company as capital property for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Canadian Tax Act”). This summary does not apply to a shareholder who carries on business in Canada through a “permanent establishment” situated in Canada or performs independent personal services in Canada through a fixed base in Canada if the shareholder’s holding in the Company is effectively connected with such permanent establishment or fixed base. This information is based on the provisions of the Canadian Tax Act and the regulations thereunder and on an understanding of the administrative practices of Canada Revenue Agency, and takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act or regulations made by the Minister of Finance of Canada as of the date hereof. This discussion is not a substitute for independent advice from a shareholder’s own Canadian and U.S. tax advisors.
The provisions of the Canadian Tax Act are subject to income tax treaties to which Canada is a party, including the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the “Convention”).
Dividends on Common Shares and Other Income. Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25 percent on dividends paid or deemed to have been paid to him or her by a corporation resident in Canada. The Convention limits the rate to 15 percent if the shareholder is a resident of the United States and the dividends are beneficially owned by and paid to such shareholder, and to 5 percent if the shareholder is also a corporation that beneficially owns at least 10 percent of the voting stock of the payor-corporation.
The amount of a stock dividend (for tax purposes) would be equal to the amount by which the paid up or stated capital of the Company had increased because of the payment of such dividend. The Company will furnish additional tax information to shareholders in the event of such a dividend. Interest paid or deemed to be paid on the Company’s debt securities held by non-Canadian residents may also be subject to Canadian withholding tax, depending upon the terms and provisions of such securities and any applicable tax treaty.
The Convention exempts from Canadian income tax dividends paid to a religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organization or to an organization constituted and operated exclusively to administer a pension, retirement or employee benefit fund or plan, if the organization is a resident of the United States and is exempt from income tax under the laws of the United States.
Dispositions of Common Shares. Under the Canadian Tax Act, a taxpayer’s capital gain or capital loss from a disposition of a share of common stock of the Company is the amount, if any, by which his or her proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by, respectively) the aggregate of his or her adjusted cost base of the share and reasonable expenses of disposition. One-half of a capital gain (the “taxable capital gain”) is included in income, and one-half of a capital loss in a year (the “allowable capital loss”) is deductible from taxable capital gains realized in the same year. The amount by which a shareholder’s allowable capital loss exceeds the taxable capital gain in a year may be deducted from a taxable capital gain realized by the shareholder in the three previous or any subsequent year, subject to adjustment when the capital gains inclusion rate in the year of disposition differs from the inclusion rate in the year the deduction is claimed.
If a share of common stock of the Company is disposed of to the Company other than in the open market in the manner in which shares would normally be purchased by the public, the proceeds of disposition will, in general terms, be considered as limited to the paid-up capital of the share and the balance of the price paid will be deemed to be a dividend. In the case of a shareholder that is a corporation, the amount of any capital loss otherwise determined may be reduced by the amount of dividends previously received in respect of the shares disposed of, unless the corporation owned the shares for at least 365 days prior to sustaining the loss and (together with corporations, persons and other entities, with whom the corporation was not dealing at arm’s length) did not own more than five percent of the shares of any class of the corporation from which the dividend was received. These loss limitation rules may also apply where a corporation is a member of a partnership or a beneficiary of a trust that owned the shares disposed of.
Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is subject to Canadian tax on taxable capital gains, and may deduct allowable capital losses, realized on a disposition of “taxable Canadian property.” Shares of common stock of the Company will constitute taxable Canadian property of a shareholder at a particular time if the shareholder used the shares in carrying on business in Canada, or if at any time in the five years immediately preceding the disposition 25 percent or more of the issued shares of any class or series in the capital stock of the Company belonged to one or more persons in a group comprising the shareholder and persons with whom the shareholder did not deal at arm’s length.
The Convention relieves United States residents from liability for Canadian tax on capital gains derived on a disposition of shares unless (a) the value of the shares is derived principally from “real property” in Canada, including the right to explore for or exploit natural resources and rights to amounts computed by reference to production, (b) the shareholder was resident in Canada for 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years preceding, and at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding, the disposition and the shares were owned by him when he or she ceased to be resident in Canada, or (c) the shares formed part of the business property of a “permanent establishment” that the holder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is based upon the sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations, published Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") rulings, published administrative positions of the IRS and court decisions that are currently applicable. This discussion does not consider the potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, of any recently proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time. Holders and prospective holders of shares of the Company should consult their own tax advisors about the Federal; state, local and foreign tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of the Company.
U.S. Holders. As used herein, a "U.S. Holder" includes a holder of shares of the Company who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, any entity that is taxable as a corporation for U.S. tax purposes and any other person or entity whose ownership of shares of the Company is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. A U.S. Holder does not include persons subject to special provisions of Federal income tax law, such as tax exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, broker-dealers, nonresident alien individuals or foreign corporations whose ownership of shares of the Company is not effectively connected with conduct of trade or business in the United States, shareholders who acquired their stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation and shareholders who hold their stock as ordinary assets and not as capital assets.
Distributions on Shares of the Company. U.S. Holders receiving dividend distributions (including constructive dividends) with respect to shares of the Company are required to include in gross income for United States Federal income tax purposes the gross amount of such distributions to the extent that the Company has current or accumulated earnings and profits as defined under U.S. Federal tax law, without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distributions. Such Canadian tax withheld may be credited against the U.S. Holder's United States Federal income tax liability or, alternatively, may be deducted in computing the U.S. Holder's United States Federal taxable income by those who itemize deductions. (See discussion that is more detailed at "Foreign Tax Credit" below). To the extent that distributions exceed current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company, they will be treated first as a return of capital up to the U.S. Holder's adjusted basis in the shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of the shares. Preferential tax rates for net capital gains are applicable to a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains for a U.S. Holder that is a corporation.
Dividends paid on the shares of the Company are not expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction provided to corporations receiving dividends from certain United States corporations. A U.S. Holder that is a corporation may be entitled to a 70% deduction of the United States source portion of dividends received from the Company (unless the Company qualifies as a "foreign personal holding company" or a "passive foreign investment company", as defined below) if such U.S. Holder owns shares representing at least 10% of the voting power and value of the Company.
In the case of foreign currency received as a dividend that is not converted by the recipient into U.S. Dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency equal to its U.S. Dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss recognized upon a subsequent sale or other disposition of the foreign currency, including the exchange for U.S. Dollars, will be ordinary income or loss. However, for tax years after 1997, an individual whose realized foreign exchange gain does not exceed U.S. $200 will not recognize that gain, to the extent that there are not expenses associated with the transaction that meet the requirement for deductibility as a trade or business expense (other than travel expenses in connection with a business trip or as an expense for the production of income).
Foreign Tax Credit. A U.S. Holder who pays (or has withheld from distributions) Canadian income tax with respect to the ownership of shares of the Company may be entitled, at the option of the U.S. Holder, to either a deduction or a tax credit for such foreign tax paid or withheld. It will be more advantageous to claim a credit because a credit reduces United States Federal income taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis, while a deduction merely reduces the taxpayer's income subject to tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid by (or withheld from) the U.S. Holder during that year. There are significant and complex limitations that apply to the credit, among which is the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of the U.S. Holder's United States Federal income tax liability that the U.S. Holder's foreign source income bears to his or its worldwide taxable income. In the determination of the application of this limitation, the various items of income and deduction must be classified into foreign and domestic sources. Complex rules govern this classification process. There are further limitations on the foreign tax credit for certain types of income such as "passive income", "high withholding tax interest", "financial services income", and "shipping income". The availability of the foreign tax credit and the application of the limitations on the credit are fact specific and holders and prospective holders of shares of the Company should consult their own tax advisors regarding their individual circumstances.
In the case of certain U.S. Holders that are corporations (other than corporations subject to Subchapter S of the Code), owning 10% or more of the Company's Common Shares, a portion of the qualifying Canadian income tax paid by the Company will also be available as a foreign tax credit for U.S. federal income tax purposes, at the election of the U.S. Holder.
Disposition of Shares of the Company. A U.S. Holder will recognize a gain or loss upon the sale of shares of the Company equal to the difference, if any, between (i) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received, and (ii) the shareholder's tax basis in the shares of the Company. This gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss if the shares are a capital asset in the hands of the U.S. Holder, and will be a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending upon the holding period of the U.S. Holder. Gains and losses are netted and combined according to special rules in arriving at the overall capital gain or loss for a particular tax year. Deductions for net capital losses are subject to significant limitations. Corporate capital losses (other than losses of corporations electing under Subchapter S or the Code) are deductible to the extent of capital gains. Non-corporate taxpayers may deduct net capital losses, whether short-term or long-term, up to U.S. $3,000 a year (U.S. $1,500 in the case of a married individual filing separately). For U.S. Holders that are individuals, any unused portion of such net capital loss may be carried over to be used in later tax years until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted. For U.S. Holders that are corporations (other than corporations subject to Subchapter S of the Code), an unused net capital loss may be carried back three years from the loss year and carried forward five years from the loss year to be offset against capital gains until such net capital loss is thereby exhausted.
Other Considerations
In the following circumstances, the above sections of this discussion may not describe the United States Federal income tax consequences resulting from the holding and disposition of shares of the Company:
Foreign Personal Holding Company. If at any time during a taxable year more than 50% of the total combined voting power or the total value of the Company's outstanding shares is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States and 60% (50% in subsequent years) or more of the Company's gross income for such year was derived from certain passive sources (e.g., from dividends received from its subsidiaries), the Company would be treated as a "foreign personal holding company". In that event, U.S. Holders that hold shares of the Company (on the earlier of the last day of the Company's tax year or the last date on which the Company was a foreign personal holding company) would be required to include in gross income for such year their allowable portions of such passive income to the extent the Company does not actually distribute such income.
Foreign Investment Company. If 50% or more of the combined voting power or total value of the Company's outstanding shares are held, directly or indirectly, by citizens or residents of the United States, United States domestic partnerships or corporations, or estates or trusts other than foreign estates or trusts (as defined by the Code Section 7701 (a)(31)), and the Company is found to be engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, commodities, or any interest, it is possible that the Company might be treated as a "foreign investment company" as defined in Section 1246 of the Code, causing all or part of any gain realized by a U.S. Holder selling or exchanging shares of the Company to be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain.
Passive Foreign Investment Company. As a foreign corporation with U.S. Holders, the Company will be treated as a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC"), as defined in Section 1297 of the Code, if 75% or more of its gross income in a taxable year is passive income, or the average percentage of the Company’s assets (by value) during the taxable year which produce passive income or which are held for production of same is at least 50%. Passive income is defined to include gross income in the nature of dividends, interest, royalties, rents and annuities; excess of gains over losses from certain transactions in any commodities not arising inter alia from a PFIC whose business is actively involved in such commodities; certain foreign currency gains; and other similar types of income. Foreign mining companies that are in the exploration stage may have little or no income from operations and/or may hold substantial cash and short-term securities that pay interest and dividends while awaiting expenditure in connection with the business. Given the complexities of determining what expenditures may be deductible and of how assets held for production of active income should be valued, the Company, based on advice from its professional advisers, cannot conclude whether it is a PFIC.
It is not the intention of the Company to be considered a PFIC and the Company does not consider this to be a material risk. In the event that it was to become classified as a PFIC, the following should be taken into consideration. U.S. Holders owning shares of a PFIC are subject to a special tax and to an interest charge based on the value of deferral of U.S. tax attributable to undistributed earnings of a PFIC for the period during which the shares of the PFIC are owned. This special tax would apply to any gain realized on the disposition of shares of a PFIC. In addition, the gain is subject to U.S. federal income tax as ordinary income, taxed at top marginal rates, rather than as capital gain income. The special tax would also be payable on receipt of excess distributions (any distributions received in the current year that are in excess of 125% of the average distributions received during the 3 preceding years or, if shorter, the shareholder's holding period). If, however, the U.S. Holder makes a timely election to treat a PFIC as a qualified electing fund ("QEF") with respect to such shareholder's interest and the Company provides an annual information statement, the above-described rules will not apply. The Company will provide such an information statement upon request from a U.S. Holder for current and prior taxable years. Instead, the electing U.S. Holder would include annually in his gross income his pro rata shares of the PFIC's ordinary earnings and any net capital gain regardless of whether such income or gain was actually distributed. A U.S. Holder of a PFIC treated as a QEF can, however, further elect to defer the payment of United States Federal income tax on such income and gain inclusions, with tax payments ultimately requiring payment of an interest factor. In addition, with a timely QEF election, the electing U.S. Holder will obtain capital gain treatment on the gain realized on disposition of such U.S. Holder’s interest in the PFIC. Special rules apply to U.S. Holders who own their interests in a PFIC through intermediate entities or persons.
Effective for tax years of U.S. Holders beginning after December 31, 1997, U.S. Holders who hold, actually or constructively, marketable stock of a foreign corporation that qualifies as a PFIC may elect to mark such stock to the market (a “mark-to-market election”). If such an election is made, such U.S. Holder will not be subject to the special taxation rules of PFIC described above for the taxable years for which the mark-to-market election is made. A U.S. Holder who makes such an election will include in income for the taxable year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares of the Company as of the close of such tax year over such U.S. Holder's adjusted basis in such shares. In addition, the U.S. Holder is allowed a deduction for the lesser of (i) the excess, if any, of such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the shares over the fair market value of such shares as of the close of the tax year, or (ii) the excess, if any of (A) the mark-to-market gains for the shares in the Company included by such U.S. Holder for prior tax years, including any amount which would have been included for any prior year but for Section 1291 interest on tax deferral rules discussed above with respect to a U.S. Holder, who has not made a timely QEF election during the year in which he holds (or is deemed to have held) shares in the Company and the Company is a PFIC (“Non-Electing U.S. Holder”), over (B) the mark-to-market losses for shares that were allowed as deductions for prior tax years. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the shares of the Company will be increased or decreased to reflect the amount included or deducted as a result of mark-to-market election. A mark-to-market election will apply to the tax year for which the election is made and to all later tax years, unless the PFIC stock ceases to be marketable or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election.
The IRS has issued proposed regulations that would treat as taxable certain transfers of PFIC stock by a Non-Electing U.S. Holder that are not otherwise taxed, such as gifts, exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations, and transfers at death. In such cases, the basis of the Company's shares in the hands of the transferee and the basis of any property received in the exchange for those shares would be increased by the amount of gain recognized. A U.S. Holder who has made a timely QEF election (as discussed herein) will not be taxed on certain transfers of PFIC stock, such as gifts, exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations, and transfers at death. The transferee's basis in this case will depend on the manner of the transfer. The specific tax effect to the U.S. Holder and the transferee may vary based on the manner in which the shares of the Company are transferred. Each U.S. Holder should consult a tax advisor with respect to how the PFIC rules affect their tax situation.
The PFIC and QEF election rules are complex. U.S. Holders should consult a tax advisor regarding the availability and procedure for making the QEF election as well as the applicable method for recognizing gains or earnings and profits under the foregoing rules.
Controlled Foreign Corporation. If more than 50% of the voting power of all classes of stock or the total value of the stock of the Company is owned, directly or indirectly, by citizens or residents of the United States, United States domestic partnerships and corporations or estates or trusts other than foreign estates or trusts, each of whom own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company ("United States shareholder"), the Company could be treated as a "controlled foreign corporation" under Subpart F of the Code. This classification would effect many complex results including the required inclusion by such United States shareholders in income of their pro rata share of "Subpart F income" (as specially defined by the Code) of the Company. Subpart F requires current inclusions in the income of United States shareholders to the extent of a controlled foreign corporation's accumulated earnings invested in "excess passive" assets (as defined by the Code). In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code, a gain from the sale or exchange of shares by a U.S. Holder who is or was a United States shareholder at any time during the five year period ending with the sale or exchange is treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of earnings and profits of the Company attributable to the stock sold or exchanged. Because of the complexity of Subpart F, and because it is not clear that Subpart F would apply to the U.S. Holders of shares of the Company, a more detailed review of these rules is outside of the scope of this discussion.
If the Company is both a PFIC and controlled foreign corporation, the company will not be treated as a PFIC with respect to United States shareholders of the controlled foreign corporation. This rule will be effective for taxable years of the Company ending with or within such taxable years of United States shareholders.
Summary
Management believes this discussion covers all material tax consequences. Nevertheless, this is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any holder of common shares of the Company Holders and prospective holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisers with respect to their particular circumstances.
10.H. Documents on Display
Documents responsive to this item may be obtained by request from the Company at its principal executive offices and from SEDAR, www.sedar.com
10.I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable
Item 11.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Risk
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to the Company’s monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the Canadian Dollar and the Company’s net investments in foreign subsidiaries.
The Company operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk as certain expenditures are denominated in non-Canadian Dollar currencies.
The Company has been exposed to this fluctuation and has not implemented a program against these foreign exchange fluctuations.
A 10% strengthening of the US Dollars against Canadian Dollars would have increased the net equity by approximately $198,201 (2019 - $79,527) due to reduction in the value of net liability balance. A 10% of weakening of the US Dollar against Canadian Dollar at December 31, 2020 would have had the equal but opposite effect. The significant financial instruments of the Company, their carrying values and the exposure to other denominated monetary assets and liabilities, as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
USD
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
820,597
|
|
|
|
61,075
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
751,586
|
|
|
|
613,127
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
15,468
|
|
|
|
61,885
|
|
The Company operates one segment of its business in China, and a substantial portion of our operating expenses are in Canadian dollars, whereas our revenue from co-publishing agreements are primarily in Renminbi which is first converted to US dollars then to Canadian dollars.
A significant adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates between the Canadian dollars relative to US dollars or Chinese Renminbi to US dollars could have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. We have not hedged exposures denominated in foreign currencies, as they are not material at this time.
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|
RMB
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At
12/31/2020
|
|
|
+0.05
|
|
|
+0.10
|
|
|
+0.15
|
|
Year-end Exchange Rate For 1 RMB to USD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1532
|
|
|
|
0. 1608
|
|
|
|
0.1685
|
|
|
|
0.1761
|
|
Annual Revenue from China
|
|
|
9,038,828
|
|
|
|
1,384,491
|
|
|
|
1,453,716
|
|
|
|
1,522,940
|
|
|
|
1,592,165
|
|
Accounts Receivable
|
|
|
8,069,865
|
|
|
|
1,236,074
|
|
|
|
1,297,877
|
|
|
|
1,359,681
|
|
|
|
1,421,485
|
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
CAD
|
|
|
CAD
|
|
|
CAD
|
|
|
CAD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year 2020
|
|
|
+0.05
|
|
|
+0.10
|
|
|
+0.15
|
|
Average Annual Exchange Rate for 1 USD to CAD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.3412
|
|
|
|
1.4083
|
|
|
|
1.4753
|
|
|
|
1.5424
|
|
Annual Revenue from China
|
|
|
1,314,505
|
|
|
|
1,763,015
|
|
|
|
1,851,165
|
|
|
|
1,939,316
|
|
|
|
2,027,467
|
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
CAD
|
|
|
CAD
|
|
|
CAD
|
|
|
CAD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At
12/31/2020
|
|
|
+0.05
|
|
|
+0.10
|
|
|
+0.15
|
|
Year-end Exchange Rate for 1 USD to CAD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.2754
|
|
|
|
1.3392
|
|
|
|
1.4029
|
|
|
|
1.4667
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
820,597
|
|
|
|
1,046,589
|
|
|
|
1,098,919
|
|
|
|
1,151,248
|
|
|
|
1,203,578
|
|
Accounts Receivable
|
|
|
715,358
|
|
|
|
912,368
|
|
|
|
957,986
|
|
|
|
1,003,604
|
|
|
|
1,049,223
|
|
Accounts Payable
|
|
|
15,468
|
|
|
|
19,728
|
|
|
|
20,714
|
|
|
|
21,701
|
|
|
|
22,687
|
|
Item 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
None
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
These consolidated financial statements are authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on April 30, 2021.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4.
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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Adopted accounting standards
On October 31, 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors for ‘Definition of Material,’ to clarify the definition of ‘material’ and to align the definition used in the Conceptual Framework and the standards themselves. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. The Company has adopted the accounting standard in its consolidated financial statements.
Future Accounting Changes:
Management is evaluating the impact of the narrow-scope amendments to IAS 1, IFRS 9, IAS 16 and IAS 37 on the Company. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Management continues to monitor changes to IFRS and has implemented applicable IASB changes to standards, new interpretations and annual improvements.
LINGO MEDIA CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
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4.
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)
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The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease obligation under IFRS 16. The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, adjusted for, as applicable, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date net of any lease incentives received, any initial direct costs incurred, and, except where included in the cost of inventories, an estimate of costs expected to be incurred for dismantling and removing the underlying asset, and restoring the site or asset.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset, whichever is the shorter. Where the consolidated entity expects to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, the depreciation is over its estimated useful life. Right-of use assets are subject to impairment or adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities.
The Company has elected not to recognise a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability for short-term leases with terms of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. Lease payments on these assets are expensed to profit or loss as incurred.
A lease obligation is initially recognised at the present value of the lease payments to be made over the term of the lease, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the consolidated entity's incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments comprise of fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees, exercise price of a purchase option when the exercise of the option is reasonably certain to occur, and any anticipated termination penalties. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Lease obligation is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The carrying amounts are remeasured if there is a change in the following: future lease payments arising from a change in an index or a rate used; residual guarantee; lease term; certainty of a purchase option and termination penalties. When a lease obligation is remeasured, an adjustment is made to the corresponding right-of use asset, or to profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is fully written down.
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company enters into contracts that can include various combinations of goods and services, which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. A product or service is distinct if the customer can benefit from it on its own or together with other readily available resources and the promise to transfer the good or service is separately identifiable from other promises in the contractual arrangement with the customer. Non-distinct goods and services are combined with other goods or services until they are distinct as a bundle and therefore form a single performance obligation.
The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated between separate goods and services in a bundle on a relative basis based on their standalone selling prices (“SSP”). Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. In addition to these general policies, the specific revenue recognition policies for each major category of revenue are included below.
LINGO MEDIA CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
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4.
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)
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|
4.2
|
Revenue Recognition (Cont’d)
|
License of intellectual property
Royalty revenues primarily consist of revenues received from the license of intellectual property for print-based and audio-visual learning products. Royalty revenues are recognized based on the confirmation of sales by the Company’s co-publishing partners, and when the underlying sale occurs. Training and support services provided for royalty contracts are delivered in advance of the underlying sale occurring, and, as such, royalty revenue is recognized when the underlying sale occurs, being the later of the satisfaction of the performance obligation and the underlying sale. Royalty revenues are not subject to right of return or product warranties. Royalty revenues are earned by Print-Based English Language Learning segment and relate to long-term contracts.
Online-based licenses
Online-based licensing revenue is generated from contracts with customers. The Company provides the right to access to hosted software over a contract term without the customer taking possession of the software. Revenue recognition commences on the date an executed contract exists and the customer has the right to access to the hosted software. Online-based licensing revenues are generated by Online language learning segment and relate to short-term contracts, recognized using straight-line method over the terms of the license period.
Offline licenses
Offline licensing revenue is generated from contracts with customers. Offline licenses provides the right to use perpetual language-learning software and is recognized at the point in time when the software is made available to the customer. When providing offline licenses, the customer can direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from, the license at the point in time at which the license is made available to the customer and the right to use the software has commenced. Offline license revenues are generated by Online language learning segment and relate to short-term contracts.
Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer
The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if the Company expects the costs to be recoverable. The Company has determined that sales commissions meet the requirements to be capitalized. These capitalized costs are amortized consistent with the pattern of transfer to the customer for the goods and services to which the asset relates. Amortization of the asset is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Applying the practical expedient, the Company recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the assets that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The payment terms and conditions in our customer contracts may vary from the timing of revenue recognition. In some cases, customers pay in advance of delivery of products or services; in other cases, payment is due as services are performed. Timing differences between revenue recognition and invoicing primarily results in contract liabilities. Contract liabilities are relieved as revenue is recognized. Contract assets and contract liabilities are reported on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
LINGO MEDIA CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
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4.
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)
|
Significant Judgments
The Company distributes its products and services both directly to the end customer and indirectly through resellers. The Company evaluates each of its reseller relationships to determine whether it is the principal (where revenue is recognized at the gross amount) or agent (where revenue is recognized net of the reseller commission). In making this determination, the Company evaluates a variety of factors including the amount of control the Company is able to exercise over the transactions. The Company concluded that it acts as principal in all contracts with customers. The recognition of revenue requires judgement in the assessment of performance obligations within a contract and the assessment of recognizing at a point in time or over a period of time.
|
4.3
|
Comprehensive income (loss)
|
Comprehensive income (loss) measures net profit for the period plus other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of changes in equity, such as changes to foreign currency translation adjustments of foreign operations during the period. Amounts reported as other comprehensive income are accumulated in a separate component of equity as accumulated other comprehensive income.
|
4.4
|
Property and equipment
|
Property and equipment are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using methods outlined below at rates intended to depreciate the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives.
Method
|
Rate
|
|
|
Computer and office equipment
|
Declining balance 20%
|
Leasehold improvement
|
Straight line over the term of the lease
|
|
4.5
|
Software and web development costs
|
The Company capitalizes all costs related to the development of its fee-based language learning products and services when the feasibility and profitability of the project can be reasonably considered certain. Expenditure on development activities, whereby research findings are applied to a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and processes, is capitalized if the product or process is technically and commercially feasible and the Group has sufficient resources to complete development. The expenditure capitalized includes the cost of material, and direct labour. Other development expenditure is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss) as an expense as incurred.
|
4.6
|
Content development costs
|
The Company capitalizes all costs related to content development of its fee-based language learning products and services when the feasibility and profitability of the project can be reasonably considered certain. Expenditure on content development activities, whereby research findings are applied to a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and processes, is capitalized if the product or process is technically and commercially feasible and the Group has sufficient resources to complete development. The expenditure capitalized includes the cost of material, and direct labour. Other development expenditure is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss) as an expense as incurred.
LINGO MEDIA CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
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4.
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)
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The Company receives government grants based on certain eligibility. These government grants are recorded as a reduction of general and administrative expenses to offset direct costs funded by the grant during the period in which there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to them and the grant will be received. The Company records a liability for the repayment of the grants and a charge to operations in the period in which conditions arise that will cause the government grants to be repayable.
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4.8
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Current and deferred income taxes
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Income tax on the profit or loss for the periods presented comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity. Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years.
Deferred taxation is recognized using the liability method on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.
However, the deferred taxation is not recognized if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred taxation is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realized or the deferred tax liability is settled.
A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to offset current income tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
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4.9
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Foreign currency translation
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Foreign currency transactions are initially recorded in the functional currency at the transaction date exchange rate. At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into the functional currency at the reporting date exchange rate. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the remeasurement of monetary items at year-end exchange rates are recognized in the income statement. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the historical exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are translated using the exchange rates at the date when fair value was determined.
LINGO MEDIA CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
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4.
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)
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4.9
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Foreign currency translation (Cont’d)
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Financial statements of subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures for which the functional currency is not the Canadian Dollar are translated into the Canadian Dollar as follows: all asset and liability accounts are translated at the balance sheet exchange rate and all earnings and expense accounts and cash flow statement items are translated at average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation gains and losses are recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments in other comprehensive income (loss) and recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in equity. On disposal of a foreign operation the cumulative translation differences recognized in equity are reclassified to the statement of comprehensive income (loss) and recognized as part of the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity have been treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated into Canadian Dollars at the balance sheet rate.
Foreign exchange gains or losses arising from a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the settlement of which is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future and which in substance is considered to form part of the net investment in the foreign operation, are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
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4.10
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Earnings (loss) per share
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Earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the earnings (loss) for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, including contingently issuable shares which are included when the conditions necessary for issuance have been met. Diluted earnings per share is calculated in a similar manner, except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include potentially issuable common shares from the assumed exercise of common share purchase options and warrants, if dilutive.
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4.11
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Share-based compensation plan
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The share-based compensation plan allows the Company executives, management, employees and consultants to acquire shares of the Company. The fair value of share-based payment awards granted is recognized as management, employee or consultant expense with a corresponding increase in equity. An individual is classified as an employee when the individual is an employee for legal or tax purposes (direct employee) or provides services similar to those performed by a direct employee.
Each tranche in an award is considered a separate award with its own vesting period and grant date fair value. The fair value is measured at grant date and each tranche is recognized on a graded vesting basis over the period during which the share purchase options vest. The fair value of the share-based payment awards granted is measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the awards were granted. At each financial position reporting date, the amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of awards, for which the related service and non-market vesting conditions are expected to be met.
For equity-settled share-based payment transactions with consultants, the Company measures the goods or services received, and the corresponding increase in equity, directly, at the fair value of the goods or services received, unless that fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which cases, the Company measures their value, and the corresponding increase in equity, indirectly, by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted.
LINGO MEDIA CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
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4.
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)
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4.12
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Financial instruments
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A financial asset shall be measured at amortized cost if it is held with the objective of holding assets in order to collect contractual cash flows which arise on specified dates and that are solely principal and interest.
A debt investment shall be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if it is held with the objective of holding assets in order to collect contractual cash flows which arise on specified dates that are solely principal and interest as well as selling the asset on the basis of its fair value.
All other financial assets are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss (“FVPL”) unless the Company makes an irrevocable election on initial recognition to present gains and losses on equity instruments (that are not held-for-trading or contingent consideration recognized in a business combination) in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).
Despite these requirements, a financial asset may be irrevocably designated as measured at fair value through profit or loss to reduce the effect of, or eliminate, an accounting mismatch.
For financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss, the standard requires the portion of the change in fair value that relates to the entity's own credit risk to be presented in OCI (unless it would create an accounting mismatch).
The Company is required to use an “expected credit loss” (“ECL”) model to recognize an allowance. Impairment is measured using a 12-month ECL method unless the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition in which case the lifetime ECL method is adopted.
For receivables, a simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses using a lifetime expected loss allowance is available. The investment classifications “Available-for-sale financial assets” and “Held-to-maturity investments” are no longer used and “Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income” was introduced.
Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any allowance for expected credit losses. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 60 days. The Company has applied the simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on days overdue.
Other receivables are recognized at amortized cost, less any allowance for expected credit losses.
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4.13
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Impairment of long-lived assets
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The Company’s property and equipment and intangibles with finite lives are reviewed for an indication of impairment at each balance sheet date. If indication of impairment exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable amount is the greater of the asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
LINGO MEDIA CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
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4.
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont’d)
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4.13
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Impairment of long-lived assets (Cont’d)
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An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset, or its cash-generating unit, exceeds its recoverable amount. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Impairment losses are recognized in profit and loss for the period.
An impairment loss is reversed if there is an indication that there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.
Lingo Media (“Lingo Media,” the “Company,” “we” or” us”) is an EdTech company that is ‘Changing the way the world learns languages’ through the combination of education with technology. The Company is focused on online and print-based technologies and solutions through its two subsidiaries: Lingo Learning Inc. (Lingo Learning”) and ELL Technologies Ltd. (“ELL Technologies”). Through its two distinct business units, Lingo Media develops, markets and supports a suite of English and other language learning solutions consisting of web-based software licensing subscriptions, online and professional services, audio practice tools and multi-platform applications. In addition, the Company operates its textbook publishing business from which it collects recurring royalty revenues.
Lingo Media’s two distinct business units include ELL Technologies and Lingo Learning. ELL Technologies is an online educational technology (“EdTech”) language learning training and assessment company that creates innovative software-as-a-service elearning solutions. ELL Technologies market consists of educational institutions (such as schools, high schools, vocation schools, universitites, etc.) and corporations. ELL Technologies sells and markets its online language learning soluitons in Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Lingo Learning is a print-based publisher of English language learning textbook programs in China. The Company has formed successful relationships with key government and industry organizations, establishing a strong presence in China’s education market.
The Company continues to invest in its underlying technology, including features and scalability, as well as, language content and leverage its industry expertise to expand into more scalable education technology. Recent product initiatives have allowed us to expand the breadth of our language learning product offerings. The Company’s web-based EdTech learning segment continues to present a significant opportunity for long-term value creation.
Lingo Media’s strategy is to focus on sales channels and relationships while continuously developing its content and technology offerings.
ELL Technologies has developed and is marketing one of the largest libraries of online language learning resources in the world. The library has more than 3,000 hours of interactive learning through a number of product offerings that include Winnie’s World, English Academy, Campus, English for Success, Master and Business in addition courses to learn French, Mandarin, Spanish, and Portugues languages. ELL Technologies is primarily marketed in Latin America, Asia, Europe, and now the U.S. through a network of distributors and earns its revenues from online and offline licensing fees from its suite of web-based language learning products and applications.
ELL Technologies’ high-tech, easy to implement eLearning Software-as-a-Service solutions have positioned the Company to provide learners of all ages and levels of English proficiency with a platform to further their language learning development.
All products have been designed by our proprietary tools enabling ELL Technologies to market and sell to academic institutions and governments. Educators who license the platform are able to easily assign, and arrange lessons and courses as they see fit, hence, personalizing the learning to a particular individual’s needs and progress.
Formative assessments and data gathering functionality allows us to adapt and improve content. Based on that data, we are able to program iterations to address specific problem areas and to make learning more accessible, efficient and measurable. Built for learners, by learners, we empower educators and allow them to easily transition from pure classroom paper-based teaching to the online world.
The Company has been operating a textbook publishing business through Lingo Learning, a print-based publisher of English language learning programs in China since 2001. Lingo Learning has an established presence in China’s education market of over 300 million students. To date, it has co-published more than 784 million units from its library of program titles.
During 2020, Lingo Media recorded revenues of $2,102,054 as compared to $1,956,222 in 2019, an increase of 7%. Net profit was $1,110,379 as compared to net profit $162,566 in 2019 resulting in a $0.03 earning per share as compared to $0.00 earnings per share in 2019. Total comprehensive income was $1,077,609 as compared to a total comprehensive income of $113,817 in 2019. In 2020, the Company received Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (“OIDMTC”) of $904,940 which was recorded as reduction of Selling, General and Administrative Expense. In absence of the OIDMTC and corresponding direct cost, the Company’s total comprehensive income would be $399,736 as compared to $113,817 in 2019. Share-based payments of $23,144 was recorded in 2020 as compared to $93,865 in 2019. In addition, cash generated in operations in 2020 was $728,124 as compared to $278,455 in 2019.
ELL Technologies earned revenue from its portfolio of products of $340,036 for the year, compared to $282,018 in 2019.
Lingo Media earned royalty revenue of $1,762,018 in 2020 compared to $1,674,204 in 2019 from People’s Education Press and People’s Education & Audio Visual Press.
Lingo Media believes that the global market trends in English language learning remain strong and will continue to grow. COVID-19 forced many schools in our target markets to close. For the majority of the year schools and universities had difficulty forming decisions regarding the purchase of online solutions due to lower admission rate, financial difficulties, and technological challenges. However, towards the end of 2020, we have noticed a growing acceptance towards purchasing and increase demand for our solutions which we anticipate to grow towards 2021.
The British Council suggests that there are 1.6 Billion people learning English globally. English language learning products and services are currently a US$8.9 Billion global market notes Orbit Research.
GlobalEnglish forecasts the global eLearning market to grow to 17% year over year. Markets and Markets forecasts the global EdTech market to grow from US$43.27 Billion in 2015 to US$93.76 Billion to 2020, or at a CAGR or 16.72%.
The Inter-American Dialogue recently noted that while English language training programs exist in various forms throughout Latin American region, there are three key factors that these programs must address to be successful: ensuring continuity, developing a strong monitoring and evaluation framework, and addressing the lack of sufficient qualified teachers. Students attending English language training (“ELT”) classes in Latin America accounted for approximately 14 per cent of worldwide revenues, or US$321-million in 2017. Growth has been very rapid in the Latin American region and represents a particularly strong opportunity moving forward relative to other geographic regions.
Technavio forecasts the English language training (“ELT”) market in China to be worth US$75 Billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 22%. The growth of the ELT market in China is driven by more people desiring to learn English, the adaptation of smartphones, increasing levels of disposable income, and the inherent advantages of online education. Technavio also notes that 49% of the growth in the global digital English language learning market will come from the Asia-Pacific region.
Lingo Media is positioned to take advantage of the market opportunity for English language training in Latin America and Asia, with its scalable digital language learning technology and solutions. Although the market outlook remains positive, there can be no assurance that this trend will continue or that the Company will benefit from this trend.
As at December 31, 2020 Lingo Media had working capital balance of $1,896,556 compared to $716,526 as at December 31, 2019. Net profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $1,110,379 compared to net profit of $162,566 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The Company had cash on hand as at December 31, 2020 of $1,212,778 (2019 - $442,489) and accounts receivable of $973,852 (2019 - $838,502) to settle its current liabilities of $459,009 (2019 - $686,068) leaving a working capital balance of $1,896,556 (2019 - $716,526).