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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12() OR () OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15() OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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| For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period
to
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| Title of each class: |
Name of each exchange on which registered: |
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| Common Shares Without Par Value |
OTC:BB |
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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report includes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this annual report that address activities, events or developments, which we expect or anticipate, will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.
The words "believe", "intend", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "estimate", "predict" and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements address, among others, such issues as:
- Future earnings and cash flow, - future plans and capital expenditures, - expansion and other development trends of the Internet and high technology industry,
- Expansion and growth of our business and operations, and
- Our prospective operational and financial information.
These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in particular circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet our expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, including the risks set forth in "Item 3-Key Information-Risk Factors" and the following:
- Fluctuations in prices of our products and services,
- Potential acquisitions and other business opportunities,
- General economic, market and business conditions, and
- Other risks and factors beyond our control.
Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this annual report are qualified by these cautionary statements. We cannot assure you that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected effect on us or our business or operations. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms "Dealcheck.com Inc." the "Company" and "Dealcheck" are used interchangeably in this Annual Report.
FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER STATUS AND CURRENCIES AND EXCHANGE RATES
Foreign Private Issuer Status
Dealcheck.com, Inc., (the "Company"), is a Canadian corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario. 88% of its common stock is held by non-United States citizens and residents; our business is administered principally outside the United States; and most of our assets are located outside the United States. As a result, we believe that we qualify as a "foreign private issuer" for continuing to report regarding the registration of our common stock using this Form 20-F annual report format.
Currency and Exchange Rates
The financial information presented in this Annual Report is expressed in Canadian dollars ("CDN $") and the financial data in this Annual Report is presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada ("Can. GAAP"). Such financial data conforms in all material respects with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") except as disclosed in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.
All dollar amounts set forth in this report are in Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated. The following table sets forth (i) the rates of exchange for the Canadian dollar, expressed in U.S. dollars, in effect at the end of each of the periods indicated; (ii) the average exchange rates in effect on the last day of each month during such periods; (iii) the high and low exchange rate during such periods, in each case based on the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in Canadian dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |
| ---- | ---- | ---- | |
| Rate at end of Period | .6256 | .6336 | .6879 |
| Average Rate During Period | .6381 | .6633 | .6810 |
| High Rate | .6622 | .6793 | .6925 |
| Low Rate | .6200 | .6336 | .6636 |
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PART I
ITEM 1 - IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2 - OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3 - KEY INFORMATION
(A) SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
This Report includes consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.These financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. Reference is made to Financial Statement Notes for a discussion of the material differences between Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, and their effect on the Company's financial statements.
The following is a selected financial data for the Company for each of the fiscal years ended March 31, 1998, 99, 2000, 2001 and 2002, on a consolidated basis. The data is extracted from the audited financial statements of the Company for each of the said years.
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Canadian $)
Operating data - Fiscal year ended March 31,
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | |
| Sales/ Gross revenue | $66,860 | $351,242 | $35,861 | $12,837 | NIL |
| Loss from Continuing Operations | $1,332,926 | $1,717,204 | $1,390,457 | $477,596 | $563,035 |
| Loss from Discontinued Operations | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | $190,959 |
| Loss per Share | $0.27 | $0.40 | $0.52 | $0.35* | $0.51* |
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Balance Sheet data - As at March 31,
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | |
| Working Capital (Deficit) | ($133,419) | $526,296 | $1,483,128 | ($28,690) | ($649,329) |
| Total Assets | $206,596 | $908,644 | $2,542,932 | $259,706 | $61,541 |
| Long Term Liabilities | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL |
| Total Liabilities | $201,724 | $149,132 | $220,312 | $98,290 | $705,028 |
| Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) | $4,872 | $759,521 | $2,322,620 | $161,416 | ($643,437) |
| Number of Shares Outstanding | 7,226,630 | 4,619,316 | 4,117,616** | 2,832,616xx | 1,122,615* |
| * | Recalculated on the basis of the 15:1 common share consolidation on October 29, 1998 to make them comparable with the fiscal 1999. |
| ** | The number of shares includes 68,300 shares, subscribed and paid for but not yet issued |
| xx | The number of shares included 700,000 shares to be issued to shareholders in settlement of their advances of $525,000 at $0.75 per share. Shares were issued subsequent to the year-end. |
(B) CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not applicable.
(C) REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
(D) RISK FACTORS
Unfavorable Market Conditions
The downward turn in the Technology Sector over the last year has made the climate for Internet start-ups unfavorable and reduced their liquidity. Consequently, the demand and market acceptance for Internet and high technology products is subject to a high level of uncertainty and risk. As a result, the incubation of Internet and high technology oriented businesses creates a
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substantial risk to the Company and may cause adverse impacts on the Company and its investee entities.
Securities of Information
Concerns regarding security of transactions and transmitting confidential Information over the Internet may have an adverse impact on the businesses of the entities in which the Company holds equity or non-equity interest. The management believes that concern regarding the security of confidential information transmitted over the Internet prevents many potential customers from engaging in online transactions. If the Company or its investee entities that depend on such transactions do not add sufficient security features to the future product releases, the products and services may not gain market acceptance or there may be additional legal exposure.
The network infrastructure, i.e. E-Mail server, of the Company and its investee entities is potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, viruses or similar problems. If a person circumvents the security measures imposed, he or she could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruption in operations of the Company. Security breaches that result in access to confidential information could damage the reputation of the company and expose it to a risk of loss or liability. The Company and its investee entities may be required to make significant investments and efforts to protect against or remedy security breaches.
Risks Related to Legal Uncertainties
Because much of the investee entities' potential success and value lies in the ownership and use of intellectual property, and the failure to protect this intellectual property could negatively affect the Company and its investee entities. The ability to compete effectively is dependent in large part upon the maintenance and protection of intellectual property. We currently do not have patents or trademark registrations protecting our investee entities' products and other intellectual property. To date, we have relied on trade secret and copyright law, as well as confidentiality procedures and licensing arrangements, to establish and protect the rights to investee entities' technology. Typically, confidentiality or license agreements are entered in with investee entities' consultants, customers, strategic partners and vendors in an effort to control access to and distribution of investee entities' software, firmware, documentation and other proprietary information. Despite these precautio ns, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use the proprietary technology without authorization. Policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult. The steps we take may not prevent misappropriation of our investee entities' intellectual property, and the agreements entered may not be enforceable. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may be unavailable or limited in some jurisdictions outside Canada and the United
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States. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce or protect our investee entities' intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. That litigation could cause us to incur substantial costs and divert resources away from our daily business, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business.
Investee entities may be subject to damaging and disruptive intellectual property litigation.
Technology Obsolescence
The Company and its investee entities plan to operate in markets characterized by rapid technology change, frequent new product and service introductions and evolving industry standards. Significant technological changes could render the existing Web site technology or other products and services of the Company and its investee entities obsolete. The e-commerce market's growth and intense competition may exacerbate these conditions.
If the Company and its investee entities are unable to successfully respond to these developments or do not respond in a cost-effective way, their business, financial condition and operating results will be adversely affected. To be successful the Company and its investee entities must adapt to the rapidly changing markets by continually improving the responsiveness, services and features of our products and services and by developing new features to meet the needs of their customers. Success will depend, in part, on their ability to license leading technologies useful in their businesses, enhance their products and services and develop new offerings and technology that address the needs of their customers. The Company and its investee entities will also need to respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards in a cost- effective and timely manner.
Government Regulations
Government regulations and legal uncertainties may place financial burdens on the business of The Company and its investee entities.
As at March 31, 2001, there were few laws or regulations directed specifically at e-commerce. However, because of the Internet's popularity and increasing use, new laws and regulations may be adopted. These laws and regulations may cover issues such as the collection of and use of data from Web site visitors and related privacy issues, pricing, content, copyrights, online gambling, distribution and the quality of goods and services. The enactment of any additional laws or regulations may impede the growth of the Internet and e-commerce, which could decrease the potential revenue and place additional financial burdens on the business of the Company and its investee entities.
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Laws and regulations directly applicable to e-commerce or Internet
Communications are becoming more prevalent. For example, US Congress recently enacted laws regarding online copyright infringement and the protection of information collected online from children. Although these laws may not have a direct adverse effect on the proposed business of the Company and its investee entities, they add to the legal and regulatory burden faced by e-commerce companies.
Dependence on Key Individuals
Terence E. Robinson, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Kam Shah, Director and Chief Financial Officer, have been primarily responsible for the development and expansion of the Company's business, and the loss of the services of either of or both those individuals could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company currently has five-year consulting agreements with each of Messrs. Robinson and Shah, expiring on April 1, 2005.
Exchange Rate Risk
The Company records its transactions and prepares its financial statements in Canadian dollars. During the Company's 2001 fiscal year, 21 per cent of the Company's business was transacted in currencies other than the Canadian dollar. Any change in the value of the United States dollar against the Canadian dollar will affect revenues and earnings of the Company when translated into Canadian dollars.
Service of Legal Process and Enforcement of Judgments
It may be difficult for investors to effect service of process and to enforce judgments against the Company or those of its officers and Directors who are not resident in or citizens of the United States. The Company is an Ontario corporation. All of its Directors and officers are residents of Canada and all or a substantial portion of the assets of each of those persons and a substantial portion of the assets of the Company are located outside the United States. Consequently, it may be difficult for United States investors to effect service within the United States upon the Company or upon Directors or officers of the Company, or to satisfy judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon civil liabilities under United States federal securities laws.
Absence of Dividends
The Company has not paid any cash dividends and does not anticipate paying any dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Company anticipates that earnings, if any, will be retained to finance future growth.
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ITEM 4 - INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
(A) HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
Dealcheck.com Inc. ("the Company") was incorporated under the Business Corporation Act (Ontario) in 1973 and is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Company went through seven name changes and four major changes in its business activities. Details of these changes were provided in the Registration Statement F-20 dated June 12, 2000. The significant changes, briefly, were as follows:
- The Company was incorporated under the name "Kamlo Gold Mines Limited" and remained an inactive shell from the date of incorporation to 1985.
- Between 1986 and 1982, the Company was involved in the development of a new technology for the marine propulsion business. During this period, the Company went through three name changes.
- Between 1993 and 1996, the Company was involved in the distribution and manufacture of a snack food. During this period, the Company went through two more name changes.
The Company remained an inactive shell since the closure of snack food business in November 1996 until December 1998 when it changed its name to the current name and agreed on a new business strategy.
The Company had no significant revenue since April 1, 1996 except in the fiscal year 2001 and incurred significant losses since inception. Accumulated deficit at March 31, 2002 was approx. $20 million.
The Company's operating cash requirement during the fiscal year 2002 was primarily funded out of the sale of investments, funds received from shareholders and directors and issue of common shares.
Capital Expenditures
The Company spent $352 on capital assets during the year ended March 31, 2002 compared to $17,850 in fiscal 2001 and $9,896 in fiscal 2000.
(B) BUSINESS OVERVIEW
The company's operating activities can be broadly classified into three categories--
Business services: this segment includes management and operational services to investee companies and others
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Product development: This segment includes revenue from the Company's own web sites and technical projects
Incubation: This segment includes dividend and/or capital gains earned through long-term investments in start-ups and emerging companies
In December 1999, the Company successfully initiated a private placement and raised a net amount of $3.2 million.
The Company invested the funds raised in short term investments in marketable securities of new or emerging public companies, in non-marketable securities of private companies and in convertible debenture of a private company. All these companies were primarily engaged in development of Internet related businesses. Unfortunately, all these investments were significantly affected due to continually adverse business climate for the technology industry in general and start up companies in particular. As a result, almost all these investments were either written off or disposed of by the end of the fiscal 2001. approx. $2.5 million was invested over the period of three years between the fiscal 1999 and 2001.
During the same period, the company also invested in several in house projects, which aimed to use the Internet and other new technologies for commercial usage.
One of the in house projects was known as IRCheck.com. The project comprised development of a comprehensive, content-driven web site, which would provide details on Investors Relations firms for the small to medium size public companies seeking to outsource their investor relation matters. The revenue opportunities would include subscription fees chargeable to the owners of the contents included in the portal (IRCheck.com - IR firms) and user fees to the visitors to the portal requiring customized information beyond the basic free information. Other sources of revenue would include sponsorship, product packaging and sale of proprietary database. The Company spent a total of approx. $35,000 up to the end of the fiscal 2001. the company licensed the databse developed in relation to this project to an affiliated shareholder corporation and generated revenue of approx. $151,000 in fiscal 2001.
During the fiscal 2001, the company funded a new project through an Ontario private company in which the Company has full equity ownership. The investee company's business strategy was to develop and market and/or license web enabled wireless and portable Internet appliances using latest wireless connectivity technologies like Bluetooth. First of its projects relates to a medical data logging device. The Company invested about $113,000 by March 31, 2001
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Overview of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002
Investments
As explained earlier, most of the investments made up to the fiscal 2001 were either disposed of or written off by the fiscal 2001. During the fiscal 2002, the company sold its investment in XLoom Holdings, Inc. at the net book value and written off its investment in Hotlamp Interactive Inc.
During the fiscal 2001, the company advanced funds to an affiliated Ontario corporation, First Empire Entertainment.com Inc., which is engaged in live theatrical productions and other multimedia products and services. These funds were covered by a convertible note allowing the company an option to convert its loan into the common shares of the investee company. The balance of the loan at the end of the fiscal 2001 was $205,000 and increased to $215,000 by September 30, 2001, when the company exercised its option and converted the entire balance into 2 million shares in First Empire. This holding gave the company approx. 29% equity interest in First Empire.
Unfortunately, First Empire was unable to raise the fund and proceed with its intended business plan within the expected time frame, nor was it able to anticipate with reasonable assurance as to when it would be able to do so. The company never intended to hold this investment for an indefinite period nor did it have funds to provide further financial support to First Empire. It therefore sold the entire investment to a shareholder corporation, Snapper Inc. for $50,000 and wrote off the balance of the investment at the end of the fiscal 2002.
Business Projects
The IRCheck project, which began in fiscal 2000 was completed and launched in March 2001. as explained earlier, the company generated $151,000 in annual license fee and a usage fee based on revenue earned from the use of this database. This contract was not renewed in the fiscal 2002. the company was unable to spend further funds on this project in updating the database and the web site. The company therefore fully wrote off the book value of the project.
The company spent additional $25,000 on its Biochex project carried out by a subsidiary as explained earlier. This project is being actively pursued. The company received letters from couple of non-related Ontario corporations confirming their financial participation up to $500,000 on completion of successful prototype by the company. The prototype is expected by the end of December 2002.
Full details of these investments and related business activities are provided under "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects " section of this Report.
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Fulfillment services
During the year, the company charged $60,000 to an affiliated company for lending the services of its consultants. The management believes that similar types of fulfillment services may be required on a regular basis and will form part of one of the regular revenue sources for the Company.
(C) ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Company has two wholly owned subsidiaries. Foodquest Inc. and 1388755 Ontario Inc. Foodquest Inc. has been inactive since 1998 and is currently a shell with no assets or liabilities. 1388755 Ontario Inc. is engaged in development of a prototype of a wireless and portable Internet appliance for medical data logging system. The Company directly carries out all other investments and operations.
(D) PROPERTY PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
The administrative head office of the Company is located in subleased premises at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There is no long-term lease commitment.
Total area of the premises is approximately 950 sq. ft., and about 30% of these premises is subleased to the Company. Effective February 16, 2002, the administrative head office of the company was relocated in subleased premises at 47 Avenue Road.
Until February 15, 2002, the company was operating from a 4,800 sq. ft. leased premises at 65 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The lease for was five year until 2005. However, the company could no longer afford or justify keeping such a large premises in the light of its business operations. The company therefore cancelled the lease and relocated at the new address. See Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - item 5 for further details.
ITEM 5 - OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
(A) OPERATING RESULTS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial Statements of the Company and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.
| YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 |
| in 000' CDN$ | |||
| Income | 67 | 351 | 36 |
| Expenses | 1,398 | 2,068 | 1,426 |
| Net Loss for year | 1,333 | 1,717 | 1,390 |
| Deficit at end of year | 20,388 | 19,055 | 17,338 |
Overview
The company's performance during the fiscal year 2002 remained dismal. Lack of adequate funding coupled with discouraging business climate adversely affected some of the initiatives, which were intended to bring profitable business activities in the company. These are discussed in detail later in this report.
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The performance by business segment was as follows:
- Incubation--
- This segment relates to investing mainly in start up companies with Internet and high technology oriented business plans.
This segment did not generate any revenue. The net loss sustained during fiscal 2002 by this segment was approx. $0.9 million in fiscal 2002 compared to $ 1.6 million in fiscal 2001.
- Commercial web sites and project development--
- This segment relates to the Company's investments in wholly owned commercial web sites and projects. The company invested in two projects - IRCheck.com, which was completed and began generating revenue during the fiscal 2001 and the Biochex project through an Ontario private company where the Company has full ownership equity. Both these projects are further detailed later in this report.
This segment did not generate any revenue in fiscal 2002 compared to $152,000 in fiscal 2001. Net earnings from this segment during fiscal 2002 were a loss of $300 compared to a profit of $136,000 in fiscal 2001. The revenue and earnings in fiscal 2001 arose solely from IRCheck.com project. This is further explained under income section of this report.
- Fulfillment services--
- This segment provides administration and operational services to investee companies and other entities where the company may choose to invest in the future.
This segment generated revenue and net income of $60,000 in fiscal 2002 compared to $120,000 in fiscal 2001. The decline in revenue is explained under income section of this report.
Income
Overall revenue of the Company decreased significantly to $66,860 in fiscal 2002 compared to $351,242 in fiscal 2001. Revenue was $35,681 in fiscal 2000.
Various sources of income are discussed below.
Operational services income
The company earned $60,000 from providing management services to an Ontario affiliated shareholder corporation. These services comprised lending the services of two of its directors during the fiscal year in the finance and business development areas of the affiliate. The services were charged at the rate of
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$10,000 per month. The company earned $120,000 from similar services to the same corporation in the fiscal 2001.
The management services agreement was canceled effective October 1, 2001 which explains only six months revenue in fiscal 2002 compared to full year's revenue in fiscal 2001.
The Company earned $10,000 in fiscal 2000 from similar services to a non-affiliated investee, which were provided on a one-time basis and were not renewed.
License and usage fees
During the fiscal 2001, The Company was able to license its database related to its commercial web site - IRCheck.com to Ontario affiliated Shareholder Corporation under a licensing agreement. A total of $151,508 was earned from this source.
The licensing agreement expired on March 31, 2001 and was not renewed for the fiscal 2002. The company was unable to update the database on a timely basis due to non-availability of funds, which was partly responsible for the termination of the agreement. As a result, no revenue was earned from this source during the fiscal 2002.
Other income
The other income totaled $6,860 in the fiscal 2002 compared to $79,734 in fiscal 2001 and $25,861 in fiscal 2000.
The other income in fiscal 2002 comprised of exchange gain. The net exchange gain in fiscal 2001 was $49,269 and in fiscal 2000, it was $5,337. The exchange gain mainly resulted from conversion of US Dollar items into Canadian Dollar. The exchange rate between these currencies changed from $1.4537 Canadian to one US Dollar at the end of fiscal 2000 to $1.5784 Canadian at the end of fiscal 2001 and to 1.5958 at the end of the fiscal 2002. However, significant reduction in the US dollar operations and net assets of the company over these periods affected the amount of net gain generated.
The other item in other income in fiscal 2001 included Interest earned of $15,383 (2000: $20,524) on funds with the brokerage firms and interest charged on advances and balances receivable. These balances were almost eliminated by way of liquidation or equity adjustments during the fiscal 2002 and hence there was no interest earned during the year.
The remaining of the other income of $15,082 in fiscal 2001 related to a one-time facilitation fee earned.
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Expenses
The overall analysis of the expenses is as follows:| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |
| Operating expenses | $1,135,954 | $703,634 | $ 835,609 |
| Net loss on investment | 263,832 | 1,364,812 | 590,709 |
| $1,399,786 | $2,068,446 | $1,426,318 | |
Operating Expenses
Travel, promotion and consulting-
| Year ended March 31, | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 |
| Travel, meals and entertainment | $37,451 | $51,566 | $ 102,545 |
| Consulting | 344,205 | 170,252 | 315,376 |
| Promotion | 123,326 | 142 | 49,914 |
| $504,982 | $221,960 | $467,835 | |
| % of operating expenses | 44% | 32% | 56% |
Travel, Meals and Entertainment
During the fiscal 2002, the management continued to focus more on handling in -house projects and investments on hand than seeking new businesses due to lack of funding and adverse business climate. Hence travel, meals and entertainment costs declined in fiscal 2002 and 2001 compared with those of fiscal 2000.
Consulting costs
Consulting fee totaling $211,779 (about 62% of the total fee) for fiscal 2002 was settled through issuance of 1,330,000 common shares of the company. 1,230,000 were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 by filing of Form S-8 on March 28, 2002. The remaining 100,000 shares were issued to a non-US and non-Canadian consultant and were not registered.
Increase in consulting fee in fiscal 2002 was mainly due to the shares issued as above, which included shares valued at $159,400 issued to current and past executives of the company for services rendered during current and past years.
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Consulting costs also include a consulting fee of $94,026 (2001: $90,493, 2000: $176,550) charged by a shareholder under a Consulting agreement. The services provided included arranging non-interest bearing working capital funds, introduction to business opportunities and public relations. The Company had successfully used the services of this corporation in the past until September 30, 2000, when the agreement expired and was not renewed. Given the current financial situation of the company, the management felt it was in the interest of the company to renew the contract for another year effective October 1, 2001 at the same rate of $10,000 US per month as in the past.
Promotion Costs
Promotional costs for the fiscal 2002 consisted of $78,697US charged by a non-related European corporation, which was hired to conduct promotional work for the company and its projects in Europe for about six months.
Professional fees
Professional fees in fiscal 2002 were $133,152 compared to $97,593 in fiscal 2001 and $94,688 in fiscal 2000.
The fees included $121,811 (2001: $72,000) paid to an executive director for providing financial, accounting and corporate services. Increase during the current fiscal year was due to payment of $47,820 in common shares of the company for the services rendered during current and past years. These shares were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 by filing of Form S-8 on March 28, 2002. Other professional fees comprise legal costs for filing of Form S-8 and audit costs. Total costs during the fiscal 2002 were $341,377 compared to $204,005 in fiscal 2001 and $6,268 in fiscal 2000. Major element of these costs in fiscal 2002 comprised investor relations and corporate promotional costs incurred as follows: 15 The management believed that an effective communication was essential with the shareholders and other investing communities in view of the Company's listing on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board of NASDAQ and a need to raise further equity capital and attract strategic partners for its projects. Therefore, the decision was made to contract this work to professional firms. Other costs related to the costs of press releases, annual and special meeting of the shareholders and fees for various statutory filings with regulatory bodies in Canada and the USA. These costs include rent, telephone, Internet, transfer agents fees and other general and administration costs. Other operating costs in fiscal 2002 were $156,143 compared to $164,955 in fiscal 2001 and $111,448 in fiscal 2000. The company signed a long-term lease on February 1, 2000 which was to expire on May 30, 2005 for its premises at 65 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Monthly rent was approximately $12,500. These premises were sub-leased to two associated corporations from whom approx. 68% of the rent was recovered. However, since October 1, 2001, the company was unable to pay its rent in full every month. The management approached the landlord with a request for relocation to smaller premises. While the landlord accepted the smaller rental payments and allowed the company to defer its rent, they did not provide any written response to the company's request despite promising to do so. In order to avoid any further liabilities, the company decided to cancel the lease and accordingly informed the landlord about its intention in writing. The premises 16 were vacated on February 15, 2002 and the corporate office has since been relocated to 47 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, as a subtenant without any long term lease commitment. The rental cost to the company is less than $1,000 per month. No further charges were received from the landlord for early cancellation of the lease agreement. The company may be subject to a penalty of approx. $38,000 for early cancellation of the lease as per the terms of the lease. The management is of the opinion that they have a strong case against the landlord for not paying such penalty and are further assured by the fact that no such penalty has been demanded till date. The penalty has therefore not been accounted for in the books of the company. The above move together with substantial reduction in related office costs is expected to reduce the overall operating costs and future operating cash requirements. The net loss in fiscal 2002 was $263,832 compared to $1,364,812 in the fiscal years 2001 and $ 590,709 in fiscal year 2000. The net loss is made up of the following - Holding gain or loss related to short term investments in marketable securities of new and developing companies and resulted from adjusting the costs of these investments to their quoted market values at the year end as per the stated accounting policy. Holding loss for the fiscal 2002 was $98,401 made up of full provisions against two marketable securities - $58,290 for Hotlamp Interactive Inc. and $40,111 for Mecaserto, Inc. (holding losses for 2001 : $ nil and for 2000: $612,794) Provision for non-temporary impairment related to the reduction made in the carrying value of a long-term investment at the year-end based on the management's conservative evaluation of the factors leading to a decline in the value of a permanent nature as per the stated accounting policy. No such provision was required for the fiscal 2002. Provision made during fiscal 2001 was $798,200 and for fiscal 2000 was $72,470. Realized gains and losses related to the difference between the net proceeds and carrying value of investments as per the stated accounting policy. The company incurred a realized loss of $165,431 on sale of its investments in First Empire Entertainment.com Inc. during the fiscal year 2002. Realized losses in fiscal 2001 were $575,612 and for fiscal 2000, there was a realized gain of $94,555. 17 Further details on the major investments are given under Investment section of "Liquidity and Capital Requirement " below. Cash on hand at March 31, 2002 was $47,708 compared to $40,737 at March 31, 2001. There was a deficit of $133,419 in the net working capital at March 31, 2002 compared to a positive net working capital of $526,296 at March 31, 2001. Two major factors were responsible for significant deterioration in the working capital and cash flow situation during the current year. Most of the short term investments and receivables became irrecoverable due to continued adverse market situation through out fiscal years 2001 and 2002. The company followed the conservative accounting and decided to fully provide against such items. On the other hand, the company had to resort to extensive promotional efforts during the current year to attract new funds. These efforts added to its current liability resulting in the negative working capital. During the fiscal year 2002, the company generated a net cash of about $220,000 from the funds advanced by shareholders and recovery of the debt owed by the directors and common shares issued against the warrants exercised by one of the investees from the private placement done in fiscal 2000. Additional $62,000 approx. was generated from the disposal of investments and capital assets. Of these funds, about $25,000 was spent on the Biochex project and $250,000 on operating activities resulting in a net surplus of about $7,000. 18 The company's only investment comprised 80,000 common shares of Mecaserto Inc. bought at a cost of about $165,000US in fiscal 2000. Mecaserto is a producer of simulators for radiotherapy machines based in France. Following the management's visit to the company's operations in fiscal 2001, it was concluded to wait until the company was successful in getting listed on Over The Counter Bulletin Board of NASDAQ, when the realization value of the investment is likely to increase. Meanwhile, the investment was valued at the market value of $ 20,000 US and the balance was fully provided at March 31, 2001. During the last quarter of fiscal 2002, the management reviewed the status of this investment and found that the company did not make any efforts to get its shares properly traded. No further financial details were available, although the company was purportedly in operations. In the light of this development, management decided to fully provide against this investment. The major items included in this category as at March 31, 2002 are as follows: a. Advances to directors $6,087 (2001: $73,311) These advances are non-interest bearing, payable on demand.. Approximately $67,000 was repaid during the fiscal 2002. b. Accounts receivable $3,395 (2000: $501,028) There were two major items included in the receivable at March 31, 2001 - Receivable from a shareholder corporation, Current Capital Corp. of $295,549. This debt was fully settled since then and as at March 31, 2002, there was an advance from Current Capital Corp. of $28,616, which has been included under advances from shareholders. Second major receivable at March 31, 2001 was $205,479 due from a related corporation, First Empire Entertainment.com Inc. These funds were advanced under a convertible loan. On August 9, 2001, the company exercised its option to convert the loan balance of approx. $207,000 into equity in First Empire Entertainment.com Inc. See investment details below for further details. The following is a summary of the development costs incurred to date by project: 19 As explained earlier, the company was unable to raise funds for maintaining the database up to date and for promoting this product and raising any new revenue. The management therefore decided to fully amortize the balance of the deferred cost of this project during the quarter ended December 31, 2001. During the fiscal 2001, the Company acquired full equity ownership of 1388755 Ontario Inc., which is an Ontario incorporated private company. 1388755 Ontario Inc.'s objective is to innovate and develop cost-effective, secure and portable Internet appliances, with wireless connection to the Web, using the latest technologies for wireless connectivity such as Bluetooth (short range, low power radio technology), 802.11HR and Wi-Fi. 1388755 Ontario's first project, named "Biochex", is the development of an Internet enabled medical data logging device, that is both wireless and portable. The following were the major developments on this project since March 31, 2001 - 20 The company has been testing the application of another wireless technology on a much smaller transducer. Originally, this testing was to be completed by December 31, 2001. This has however been delayed due to various technical difficulties. The Company's chief technology officer hopes to complete the testing by the end of December 2002. The commercial launch of this product will depend on the company's ability to attract more funds or other partners with marketing and operational facilities. The management has decided to wait until the next fiscal year to assess whether this project has any future revenue potentials. No further production costs are anticipated until the beta testing is successfully concluded. The company's original investment in First Empire was 13,000 common shares bought in June 2000. As explained earlier, the company provided funds under a convertible loan agreement. On August 9, 2001, the company exercised its option and converted its entire loan balance of approx. $207,000 into 2 million common shares of First Empire. First Empire is a related corporation since it has common management and directors. As a result of this transaction, the company held approx. 29% of the equity of First Empire. This transaction was approved by the Board, including the independent director, in a meeting held on August 8, 2001. First Empire Entertainment.com Inc. is an emerging company in the entertainment industry. The Company is seeking to promote Broadway-bound shows and related merchandise, as well as music, film, and television products and services. First Empire plans to market them through multimedia channels. 21 First Empire Entertainment.com Inc. is an Ontario reporting issuer, reporting to Ontario Securities Commission. In October 2000, it signed an agreement to purchase all the shares of an Ontario private company, which owned rights to a Broadway musical based on Alexander Dumas' story of the Count of Monte Cristo and titled "Count of Monte Cristo" and held two preview shows of the musical during 2000 and 2001 in Toronto and New York respectively. The company is now seeking to raise more funds to begin commercial production and road shows of the Musical. First Empire has however been unsuccessful so far in raising the required funds. In the current market for such industry, it is not certain if and when the First Empire can raise the required fund. The management was originally attracted to this investment owing to its business plan, which was to use Internet platform to promote and sell tickets, and other multimedia products arising from live theatrical productions. However, delay and difficulty faced by First Empire in raising the required funds and the company's own cash requirement raised doubts about the company's ability to realize this investment within a reasonable time. The company therefore accepted the offer of $50,000 from Snapper Inc., a shareholder and financial consultant for the company to acquire this investment. The amount due from this transaction was to be set off against partial payment of the balance owed to Snapper Inc. The transaction was approved in the board meeting dated February 28, 2002 and was implemented on the same date. The balance of the book value of this investment was written off as realized loss on investment. This company has so far been unsuccessful to raise adequate funds to support its marketing and product launch. The management decided to provide fully against this investment as at December 31, 2001. The company sold this investment to an affiliated shareholder corporation at a net book value on March 31, 2002. The company current has no sources of revenue which can generate funds for its operating and investing needs and relies entirely on advances from its shareholders to support its operational costs. While the management has made all efforts in minimizing its operational costs including the rental as explained above and estimates its operating cash requirement for the fiscal 2003 to be not 22 more than $200,000, it is uncertain as to how much and how long it continues to receive advances from the shareholders or others in future. The management hopes that its current financial consulting contract with a shareholder corporation which was renewed effective October 1, 2001, as explained earlier, will enable the company to obtain operational cash until alternative sources are found. However there is no guarantee that this will happen. Meanwhile, the management is pursuing interest shown by some corporations in acquiring interest in the company and in the Biochex project as explained earlier. The foregoing Management's Discussion and Analysis contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, and as contemplated under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding, among other items, the Company's business strategies, continued growth in the Company's markets, projections, and anticipated trends in the Company's business and the industry in which it operates. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intends," "forecast," "project," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company cautions that these statements are further qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially fr
om those in the forward looking statements, including, among others, the following: reduced or lack of increase in demand for the Company's products, competitive pricing pressures, changes in the market price of ingredients used in the Company's products and the level of expenses incurred in the Company's operations. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained herein will in fact transpire or prove to be accurate. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update "forward looking statements". Not applicable. The following table sets forth all current directors and executive officers of the Company, with each position and office held by them in the Company, and the period of service as such: 23 Terence Robinson is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Robinson is responsible for the shareholders relations, arranging the required financing, reviewing investment opportunities and overall operating strategies for the Company. He has over 18 years of experience as merchant banker and venture capitalist and has successfully secured financing for a number of start-up and small cap companies. During the last five years, Mr. Robinson acted as a CEO of Dealcheck.com Inc and an executive officer of Current Capital Corp., a private Ontario corporation, having its head office in Toronto. CCC provides venture capital financing to start up companies and investors' relations services to public companies. Mr. Robinson was also an executive producer of a children's film, "Beethoven Lives Upstairs," which won him an Emmy Award in 1992 and is a director of First Empire Entertainment.com Inc., an Ontario reporting corporation engaged in live theatrical productions and other multimedia products and services. 24 Kam Shah joined the Company as a Chief Financial Officer and was appointed to the Board on January 3, 1999. He worked with Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP and Ernst & Young. He is a US Certified Public Accountant and a Canadian Chartered Accountant. He has over fifteen years of international experience in corporate financial analysis, mergers & acquisitions. Mr. Shah is responsible for the financial and statutory matters of the Company and will also assist the Chairman in reviewing investment opportunities and strategic planning. Mr. Shah is also an officer of Current Capital Corp., a private Ontario corporation, having its head office in Toronto. CCC provides venture capital financing to start up companies and investors' relations services to public companies and a director in First Empire Entertainment.com Inc., an Ontario reporting corporation engaged in live theatrical productions and other multimedia products and services. Dean Bradley is a non-executive director based in Seattle, Washington. He assists the Company from time to time in introducing new businesses and liaising with businesses in the USA in which the Company has equity interest. Mr. Bradley had been CEO of many corporations including real estate, mining, manufacturing, and import/export and financial services corporations. Currently, Mr. Bradley is the President and CEO of First Access Capital Corporation, a Belleview, Washington, based private corporation, and McKenzie Management Co., Ltd., a private company in Orange Park, Florida. The Company 's current management team consists of the following individuals: Mr. Terence Robinson - see above for his background. Mr. Kam Shah - see above for his background. Both, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Shah signed consulting agreements on April 1, 2000, for a term of five years. Copies of these agreements were included in the Exhibits attached to the annual report for the fiscal year 2001 submitted on July 23, 2001. These contracts were ratified by the shareholders in their annual and special meeting on November 13, 2000. 25 The compensation payable to directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiary is summarized below: The Company does not compensate directors for acting solely as directors. Except as described below, the Company does not have any arrangements pursuant to which directors are remunerated by the Company or its subsidiary for their services in their capacity as directors, other than options to purchase shares of the Company which may be granted to the Company's directors from time to time and the reimbursement of direct expenses. The Company does not have any pension plans. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, the aggregate remuneration paid or payable by the Company and its subsidiary to its directors and executive officers for services rendered was $351,492 and total expenses reimbursed were $32,451. The Company also paid $149,438 to an ex-director for past services. Directors may be appointed at any time in accordance with the by-laws of the Company and then re-elected annually by the shareholders of the Company. Directors receive no compensation for serving as such, other than stock option and reimbursement of direct expenses. Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors of the Company and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company has not set aside or accrued any amount for retirement or similar benefits to the directors. The members of the audit committee consist of Terence Robinson and Dean Bradley. The audit committee is charged with overseeing the Company's accounting and financial reporting policies, practices and internal controls. The committee reviews significant financial and accounting issues and the services performed by and the reports of our independent auditors and makes recommendations to our Board of Directors with respect to these and related matters. 26 The Company presently has no permanent employees. It uses the services of consultants from time to time. In the Annual General Meeting held on November 30, 2001, the shareholders empowered the directors to increase the limit on maximum number of stock options that might be issued from time to time to employees, officers, consultants and directors of the Corporation under the 1999 Stock Option Plan from 10% to 25% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Corporation at the time of such issue. No options have been granted under this Plan. The Company's securities are recorded on the books of its transfer agent in registered form. The majority of such shares are, however, registered in the name of intermediaries such as brokerage houses and clearing-houses on behalf of their respective clients. The Company does not have knowledge of the beneficial owners thereof. To the best of its knowledge the Company is not directly nor indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation(s) or by a foreign government. The following table sets forth information on all stockholders known to the Company to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, as of August 31, 2002, provided by the Company's transfer agents, the depository trust company and brokers. Except as may be otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, each person has sole voting power and sole dispositive power as to all of the shares shown as beneficially owned by them. There are no voting agreements or similar arrangements (formal, informal, written, or oral) known to management to exist. Holders of Common stock are entitled to one vote per share. 27 At August 31, 2002, the Company had 7,226,030 shares of common stock outstanding, which as per the details provided by the Transfer Agents, were held by 1,042 record holders, 506 of which, holding an aggregate of 855,777 shares of common stock, were in the United States. Transactions with related parties are incurred in the normal course of business and are measured at the exchange amount, which is the consideration established and agreed to by the respective parties. Related party transactions have been listed below:Shareholders information
1. Effective April 1, 2000, an investor relations contract was signed with an Ontario affiliated shareholder corporation at the fee of $10,000 US per month, which is in line with the fees charged by the said firm to its other non related clients. The fee was revised to $10,000 CDN per month effective April 1, 2001 when the contract was renewed for another year. Total fee charged for the fiscal 2002 was $120,000 (2001: $180,425)
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2. On August 15, 2001, the company signed a one-year promotion contract with a non-related US corporation for a total fee of $165,853. The fee was settled by issuance of 226,349 common shares of the company. These shares are not yet registered. Fee relating to the period after March 31, 2002 were expensed instead of being considered as prepaid. The management assessed the effectiveness of the promotion program and decided to expense the entire cost. (fiscal 2001 costs : $ Nil)
3. $62,744 charged by a non-related Canadian corporation for design, production and distribution of promotional materials. These fees were settled by issuance of 100,000 common shares of the company. (fiscal 2001 costs : $ nil)
Other operating costs
Rent
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Net loss on investments
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(B) LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and working capital
Investments
31-Mar-02
31-Mar-01
Short term investments
-
38,068
Advances & receivable
20,597
584,234
Product development
138,291
134,521
Long term investments
-
58,290
$ 158,888
$ 815,113
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Short term investments
Advances & receivable
Product Development
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Project
31-Mar-02
31-Mar-01
IRCheck.com
-
21,370
Biochex.com
138,291
113,151
$ 138,291
$ 134,521
IRCheck Project
Biochex Project
•
The initial beta testing of the first Biochex device was successfully completed in June 2001. The device used BluetoothTM chips and a proprietary firmware technology on an electronic stethoscope to successfully test its functionality
•
A comprehensive web site for Biochex products and services was launched on November 5, 2001. However, the Web site was withdrawn from the public display for further work and testing.
•
On November 26, 2001, the company received a memorandum of understanding from a non-related Ontario corporation to license the company's Biochex technology for a licence fee of $250,000 plus a royalty. Further development in the matter is subject to successful completion of the Biochex beta testing.
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•
On June 17, 2002, the company received a letter from another non-related Ontario corporation expressing its interest in partnering with the company by contributing $500,000 subject to their evaluation of the final prototype and underlying technology.
Long term Investments
31-Mar-02
31-Mar-01
First Empire Entertainment.com Inc.
-
-
Hotlamp Interactive Inc.
-
55,802
XLoom Holdings Inc./ Dataloom Inc.
-
2,488
-
$ 58,290
First Empire Entertainment.com Inc.
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Hotlamp Interactive Inc.
XLoom Holdings Inc.
Liquidity
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Forward Looking Statements
(C) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES ETC.
(D) TREND INFORMATION
ITEM 6 - DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
(A) DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
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Name and Position
Commencement of
With the Company
Age
Service
Terence Edward Robinson
43
October 1, 1991
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Kam Shah
51
January 3, 1999
Director and Chief Financial Officer
Dean Bradley
69
November 13, 2000
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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Management Team
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(B) COMPENSATION
1. General
2. Directors and Officers of the Company
(C) BOARD PRACTICES
Audit Committee
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(D) EMPLOYEES
(E) SHARE OWNERSHIP
ITEM 7 - MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
(A) MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
Name of
Common Stock
Percent
Beneficial Owner
Beneficially Owned
Owned
John Robinson
500,000
7%
Terence Robinson
500,000
7%
Snapper Inc.
643,000
9%
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(B) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
| • | Licence and usage fee income of $Nil (2001 - $151,508; 2000 - Nil) and consulting service fee income of $60,000 (2001 - $120,000; 2000 - $10,000) were earned from a corporation which has common management. |
| • | Included in shareholders information expense is $120,000 (2001 - $180,000; 2000 - Nil) to a corporation, which has common management. |
| • | Rent and telephone expense are net of recoveries of $79,494 (2001 - $110,587; 2000 - $43,106) from corporations, which share common management and directors. |
| • | Interest earned from related corporations amounts to $Nil (2001 - $8,458; 2000 - $1,669). |
| • | Included in professional and consulting fees are $351,492 (2001 - $150,400; 2000 - $114,592) paid to directors of the Company and $149,438 paid to an ex-director for the past services. |
(C) INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
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ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(A) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Information regarding our financial statements is contained under the caption "Item 18. Financial Statements" below.
Legal Proceedings
There are no material legal proceedings in progress or to the knowledge of the Company, pending or threatened to which the Company is a party or to which any of its properties is subject.
Dividend Policy
The Company has not paid any dividends on its Common Shares and does not currently intend to declare and pay dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
(B) SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
There have been no significant changes since the date of the financial statements included in this annual report.
ITEM 9 - THE OFFER AND LISTING
(A) OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
The following table sets forth the reported high and low sale prices and volume traded for the common shares as quoted on OTCBB or Pink Sheet on a quarterly basis since April 1, 1999:
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| Period (M/D/Y) | High | Low | Volume for | |||
| (In US Dollar) | Quarter | |||||
| 4/1/99 - 6/30/99* | 3.125 | 1.375 | 230,700 | |||
| 7/1/99 - 9/30/99* | 2.50 | 1.75 | 152,700 | |||
| 10/1/99 - 12/31/99 | 8.00 | 2.00 | 277,500 | |||
| 1/1/00 - 3/31/00 | 6.50 | 2.75 | 223,000 | |||
| 4/1/00 - 6/30/00 | 1.80 | .875 | 925,000 | |||
| 7/1/00 - 9/30/00 | 1.70 | .625 | 983,000 | |||
| 10/1/00 - 12/31/00 | 1.06 | .21 | 1,945,000 | |||
| 1/1/01 - 3/31/01 | .40 | .13 | 1,630,000 | |||
| 4/1/01 - 6/30/01 | .68 | .14 | 1,925,000 | |||
| 7/1/01 - 9/30/01 | .68 | .35 | 2,410,700 | |||
| 10/1/01 - 12/31/01 | .50 | .027 | 3,665,700 | |||
| 1/1/02 - 3/31/02 | .29 | .07 | 1,809,100 | |||
| * Reflects prices after the consolidation of 15 old common shares into 1 new common share. | ||||||
The following table sets forth the reported high and low sale prices and average volume traded for the common shares as quoted on CDN on a quarterly basis since April 1, 1999:
| Period (M/D/Y) | High | Low | Volume for | |||
| (In Canadian Dollar) | Quarter | |||||
| 4/1/99 - 6/30/99* x | ||||||
| 7/1/99 - 9/30/99* | 2.50 | 1.75 | 152,700 | |||
As of June 30, 2002, the Company's share register indicated that 845,777 of the issued and outstanding common shares were held by 506 shareholders with addresses in the United States, representing approximately 12% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.
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(B) PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Not applicable.
(C) MARKETS
The Company's common shares were traded on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) and Canadian Dealing Network (CDN) under different symbols ending with the symbol "FDQI" until January 20, 1999.
Following the name change and 15:1 common shares consolidation in December 1998, the Company's common shares were traded primarily on OTCBB under the symbol "Deal" effective January 21, 1999. The symbol was further changed to "NMBC" on August 13, 1999 and then to "DCHK" on November 3, 1999.
On May 26, 2000, the Company shares were de-listed from OTCBB and began trading on the "Pink Sheet" pending clearance of the Registration Statement, F-20 by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company filed F-20 originally in December 1999 and then filed several amendments in response to the comments received from SEC to its submissions. The SEC clearance was finally received on June 16, 2000 and the common shares of the Company began trading again on OTCBB effective August 2, 2000.
(D) SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
Not applicable.
(E) DILUTION
Not applicable.
(F) EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
Not applicable.
ITEM 10 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(A) SHARE CAPITAL
Not applicable.
(B) MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
The Memorandum and Articles of the Company are incorporated by reference to the information in our registration statement on Form 20-F filed with the
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Securities and Exchange Commission, in Washington, D.C. on June 12, 2000 to which our Articles of Incorporation and Memorandum were filed as exhibits.
(C) MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Except for contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, the Company has not entered into any material contracts in the preceding two years.
(D) EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Other than those described below, there are currently no limitations imposed by Canadian federal or provincial laws on the rights of non-resident or foreign owners of Canadian securities to hold or vote the securities held. There are also no such limitations imposed by our memorandum and articles of association with respect to our Common Shares.
Investment Canada Act
Under the Investment Canada Act, the acquisition of control of a Canadian business by a "non-Canadian" is subject to review by the Investment Review Division of Industry Canada ("Investment Canada"), a government agency, and will not be allowed unless the investment is found likely to be of "net benefit" to Canada. An acquisition of control will be reviewable by Investment Canada if the value of the assets of the Canadian business for which control is being acquired is (1) $5 million or more in the case of a "direct" acquisition; (2) $50 million or more in the case of an "indirect" acquisition, which is a transaction involving the acquisition of the shares of a company incorporated outside of Canada which owns subsidiaries in Canada; or (3) between $5 million or more but less than $50 million where the Canadian assets acquired constitute more than 50% of the value of all entities acquired, or if the acquisition is not effected through the acquisition of control of a foreign corporation.
These thresholds have been increased for the purposes of acquisition of control of a Canadian business by investors from members of the World Trade Organization ("WTO"), including Americans, or WTO member-controlled companies. A direct acquisition by a WTO investor is reviewable only if it involves the direct acquisition of a Canadian business with assets of $209 million or more for the year 2001 (this figure is adjusted annually to reflect inflation). Indirect acquisitions by WTO investors are not reviewable unless the Canadian assets acquired constitute more than 50% of the asset value of all entities acquired, in which case the $209 million threshold applies.
These increased thresholds applicable to WTO investors do not apply to the acquisition of control of a Canadian business that is engaged in certain sensitive areas such as uranium production, financial services, transportation or culture. In the case of the acquisition of control of a cultural business, the Minister can elect
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to review the transaction even where it does not exceed the lower asset threshold test above. Even if the transaction is not reviewable, a non-Canadian must still give notice to Investment Canada of the acquisition of control of a Canadian business within 30 days after its completion.
Competition Act
Under the Competition Act (Canada), certain transactions are subject to the pre-notification requirements of the Competition Act whereby notification of the transaction and specific information in connection therewith must be provided to the Commissioner of Competition. A transaction may not be completed until the applicable statutory waiting periods have expired, namely 14 days for a short-form filing or 42 days for a long-form filing. Where the parties elect to file a short-form notification, the Commissioner may convert the filing to a long-form, thereby restarting the clock once the parties submit their filing.
A proposed transaction is subject to pre-notification if the parties to the transaction together with their affiliates exceed two thresholds. First, the parties and their affiliates must have total assets or total revenues from sales in, from or into Canada that exceed $400 million in aggregate value. Having met this first threshold, the parties must then provide pre-notification if any one of the following additional thresholds is met: (1) for an acquisition of assets in Canada where the aggregate value of the assets or the gross revenues from sales in or from Canada that are being acquired exceeds $35 million (the "$35 million threshold"); (2) in the case of an acquisition of shares of a company in Canada, where as a result of the proposed acquisition, the person acquiring the shares, together with its affiliates, would own more than 20% (or, if the person making the acquisition already owns 20% or more of the voting shares of the target, then 50%) of the voting shares of a corporation th at are publicly traded or, in the case of a company of which the shares are not publicly traded, the threshold is 35% of the voting shares (and 50% if the acquirer owns 35% or more of the voting shares of the subject company prior to making the acquisition) and the $35 million threshold is exceeded; or (3) in the case of a proposed amalgamation of two or more corporations where one or more of the amalgamating corporations carries on an operating business (either directly or indirectly) where the aggregate value of the assets in Canada that would be owned by the continuing corporation resulting from the amalgamation would exceed $70 million or the gross revenues from sales in or from Canada generated from the assets of the amalgamated entity would exceed $70 million.
Finally, all merger transactions, regardless of whether they are subject to pre-merger notification, are subject to the substantive provisions of the Competition Act, namely, whether the proposed merger prevents or lessens, or is likely to prevent or lessen, competition substantially in a relevant market.
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(E) TAXATION
In this section we summarize the material U.S. federal and Canadian federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our Common Shares. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as tax advise, you must rely only on the advise of your own tax advisor. We make no assurances as to the applicability of any tax laws with respect to any individual investment. This summary relating to our Common Shares applies to beneficial owners who are individuals, corporations, trusts and estates which:
| • | for purposes of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through the date hereof (the "Code"), are U.S. persons and, for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Income Tax Act") and the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), are non-residents of Canada and residents of the United States, respectively, at all relevant times; |
| • | hold Common Shares as capital assets for purposes of the Code and capital property for purposes of the Income Tax Act; |
| • | deal at arm's length with us for purposes of the Income Tax Act; and |
| • | do not and will not use or hold the Common Shares in carrying on a business in Canada. |
We refer to persons who satisfy the above conditions as "Unconnected U.S. Shareholders."
The tax consequences of an investment in Common Shares by persons who are not Unconnected U.S. Shareholders may differ materially from the tax consequences discussed in this section. The Income Tax Act contains rules relating to securities held by some financial institutions. We do not discuss these rules, and holders that are financial institutions should consult their own tax advisors.
This discussion is based upon the following, all as currently in effect:
| • | the Income Tax Act and regulations under the Income Tax Act; |
| • | the Code and Treasury regulations under the Code; |
| • | the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980); |
| • | the administrative policies and practices published by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, formerly Revenue Canada; |
| • | all specific proposals to amend the Income Tax Act and the regulations under the Income Tax Act that have been publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date of this report; |
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| • | the administrative policies published by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service; and |
| • | judicial decisions. |
All of the foregoing are subject to change either prospectively or retroactively. We do not take into account the tax laws of the various provinces or territories of Canada or the tax laws of the various state and local jurisdictions of the United States or foreign jurisdictions.
This discussion summarizes the material U.S. federal and Canadian federal income tax considerations of the ownership and disposition of Common Shares. This discussion does not address all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in Common Shares. We have not taken into account your particular circumstances and do not address consequences peculiar to you if you are subject to special provisions of U.S. or Canadian income tax law (including, without limitation, dealers in securities or foreign currency, tax-exempt entities, banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions, persons that hold Common Shares as part of a "straddle," "hedge" or "conversion transaction," and Unconnected U.S. Shareholders that have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar or that own Common Shares through a partnership or other pass-through entity). Therefore, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of purchasing Common Shares.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
Subject to the discussion below regarding Foreign Personal Holding Company Rules, Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules and Controlled Foreign Corporation Rules, this section summarizes U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the Common Shares.
As an Unconnected U.S. Shareholder, you generally will be required to include in income dividend distributions, if any, paid by us to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits attributable to the distribution as computed based on U.S. income tax principles. The amount of any cash distribution paid in Canadian dollars will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of the Canadian dollars on the date of distribution based on the exchange rate on such date, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted to U.S. dollars and without reduction for Canadian withholding tax. (For a discussion of Canadian withholding taxes applicable to dividends paid by us, see "Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations.") You will generally be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction in an amount equal to the Canadian tax withheld. To the extent distributions paid by us on the Common Shares exceed our current or accumulated earnings and profits, they will be treated first as a re turn of capital up to your adjusted tax basis in the shares and then as capital gain from the sale or exchange of the shares.
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Dividends paid by us generally will constitute foreign source dividend income and "passive income" for purposes of the foreign tax credit, which could reduce the amount of foreign tax credits available to you. The Code applies various limitations on the amount of foreign tax credits that may be available to a U.S. taxpayer.
Because of the complexity of those limitations, you should consult your own tax advisor with respect to the availability of foreign tax credits.
Dividends paid by us on the Common Shares generally will not be eligible for the "dividends received" deduction.
If you sell the Common Shares, you generally will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and your adjusted tax basis in the shares. Any such gain or loss will be long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on whether the shares have been held by you for more than one year, and will generally be U.S. source gain or loss.
Dividends paid by us on the Common Shares generally will be subject to U.S. information reporting or the 31% backup withholding tax, unless you furnish the paying agent or middleman with a duly completed and signed Form W-9. You will be allowed a refund or a credit equal to any amount withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided you furnish the required information to the Internal Revenue Service
Foreign Personal Holding Company Rules
Special U.S. tax rules apply to a shareholder of a foreign personal holding company ("FPHC"). We would be classified as a FPHC in any taxable year if both of the following tests are satisfied:
| • | five or fewer individuals who are U.S. citizens or residents own or are deemed to own more than 50% of the total voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote or the total value of our stock; and |
| • | at least 60% of our gross income consists of "foreign personal holding company income," which generally includes passive income such as dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of stock or securities, rents and royalties. |
We believe that we are not a FPHC. However, we cannot assure you that we will not be classified as a FPHC in the future.
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Personal Holding Company Rules
We will not be classified as a personal holding company a ("PHC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless at any time during the last half of our taxable year, five or fewer individuals (without regard to their citizenship or residency) own or are deemed to own (pursuant to certain attribution rules) more than 50% of our stock by value, and at least 60% of our ordinary gross income for the taxable year is "personal holding company" (generally passive income such as dividends and interest). We should not meet the PHC tests, and even if we were to become a PHC, we do not expect to have material undistributed PHC income. However, we cannot assure you that we will not become a PHC because of uncertainties regarding the application of the constructive ownership rules and the possibility of changes in our shareholder base and income or other circumstances that could change the application of the PHC rules to us. In addition, if we become a PHC we cannot assure that the amount of our PHC income will be immaterial.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
The passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") provisions of the Code can have significant tax effects on Unconnected U.S. Shareholders. We could be classified as a PFIC if, after the application of certain "look through" rules, for any taxable year, either:
| • | 75% or more of our gross income is "passive income," which includes interest, dividends and certain rents and royalties; or |
| • | the average quarterly percentage, by fair market value of our assets that produce or are held for the production of "passive income," is 50% or more of the fair market value of all our assets. |
To the extent we own at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, we are treated for purposes of the PFIC tests as owning our proportionate share of the assets of such corporation, and as receiving directly our proportionate share of the income of such corporation.
Distributions which constitute "excess distributions" from a PFIC and dispositions of Common Shares of a PFIC are subject to the following special rules: (1) the excess distributions (generally any distributions received by an Unconnected U.S. Shareholder on the shares in any taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by such Unconnected U.S. Shareholder in the three preceding taxable years, or the Unconnected U.S. Shareholder's holding period for the shares, if shorter) or gain would be allocated ratably over an Unconnected U.S. Shareholder's holding period for the shares, (2) the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC would be treated as ordinary income in the current taxable year and (3) the amount allocated to each of the other
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taxable years would be subject to the highest rate of tax on ordinary income in effect for that year and to an interest charge based on the value of the tax deferred during the period during which the shares are owned.
Subject to specific limitations, Unconnected U.S. Shareholders who actually or constructively own marketable shares in a PFIC may make an election under section 1296 of the Code to mark those shares to market annually, rather than being subject to the above-described rules. Amounts included in or deducted from income under this mark-to-market election and actual gains and losses realized upon disposition, subject to specific limitations, will be treated as ordinary gains or losses. For this purpose, we believe that our shares will be treated as "marketable securities" within the meaning of Section 1296(e)(1) of the Code.
We believe that we will not be a PFIC for the current fiscal year and we do not expect to become a PFIC in future years. Whether we are a PFIC in any year and the tax consequences relating to PFIC status will depend on the composition of our income and assets, including cash. You should be aware, however, that if we are or become a PFIC we may not be able or willing to satisfy record-keeping requirements that would enable you to make a "qualified electing fund" election.
You should consult your tax advisor with respect to how the PFIC rules affect your tax situation.
Controlled Foreign Corporation Rules
If more than 50% of the voting power or total value of all classes of our shares is owned, directly or indirectly, by U.S. shareholders, each of which owns 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our shares, we could be treated as a controlled foreign corporation ("CFC") under Subpart F of the Code. This classification would require such 10% or greater shareholders to include in income their pro rata shares of our "Subpart F Income," as defined in the Code. In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code, gain from the sale or exchange of shares by an Unconnected U.S. Shareholder who is or was a 10% or greater shareholder at any time during the five year period ending with the sale or exchange will be ordinary dividend income to the extent of our earnings and profits attributable to the shares sold or exchanged.
We believe that we are not a CFC, however, we cannot assure you that we will not become a CFC in the future.
Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations
In this section, we summarize the material anticipated Canadian federal income tax considerations relevant to the ownership and disposition of the Common Shares.
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Under the Income Tax Act, assuming you are an Unconnected U.S. Shareholder, and provided the Common Shares are listed on a prescribed stock exchange, which includes the Toronto Stock Exchange and the AMEX, you will generally not be subject to Canadian tax on a capital gain realized on an actual or deemed disposition of the Common Shares unless you alone or together with persons with whom you did not deal at arm's length owned or had rights to acquire 25% or more of our issued shares of any class at any time during the sixty (60) month period before the actual or deemed disposition.
Dividends paid, credited or deemed to have been paid or credited on the Common Shares to Unconnected U.S. Shareholders will be subject to a Canadian withholding tax under the Income Tax Act at a rate of 25% of the gross amount of the dividends. Under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), the rate of withholding tax on dividends generally applicable to Unconnected U.S. Shareholders who beneficially own the dividends is reduced to 15%. In the case of Unconnected U.S. Shareholders that are corporations that beneficially own at least 10% of our voting shares, the rate of withholding tax on dividends generally is reduced to 5%. United States limited liability companies ("LLCs") will not be entitled to these reduced rates. Shareholders that are partnerships will be subject to the 25% rate unless the partnership applies for and receives written authority for us to reduce the withholding tax rate.
Canada does not currently impose any federal estate taxes or succession duties. However, if you die, there is a deemed disposition of the Common Shares held at that time for proceeds of disposition generally equal to the fair market value of the Common Shares immediately before the death. Capital gains realized on the deemed disposition, if any, will have the income tax consequences described above.
THE FOREGOING SUMMARY DOES NOT DISCUSS ALL ASPECTS OF CANADIAN OR US FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION THAT MAY BE RELEVANT TO A PARTICULAR HOLDER OF COMMON STOCK IN LIGHT OF SUCH HOLDER'S PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND INCOME TAX SITUATION. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT WOULD RESULT FROM THEIR OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
(F) DIVIDEND AND PAYING AGENTS
Not applicable.
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(G) STATEMENT BY EXPERTS
Not applicable.
(H) DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
The documents concerning the Company referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at the Company's office at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 2G3. The Company may be reached at (416) 860-0211. Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") may also be read and copied at the SEC's public reference room at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza Building, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the SEC located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms.
(I) SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
The documents concerning the Company's subsidiaries referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at the Company's office at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 2G3.
ITEM 11 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We hold no material financial instruments.
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk as we currently earn revenues and incur expenses in United States dollars and Canadian dollars, exchange rates for these currencies in the future may have an adverse effect on our earnings or assets when United States dollars are exchanged for Canadian dollars. We have not entered into forward foreign exchange contracts in an attempt to mitigate this risk. To date, losses and gains resulting from foreign exchange transactions have been included in our results of operations. Further discussion of foreign currency risk is set forth in Item 5.B under the heading, "Foreign Currency."
ITEM 12 - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 13 - DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14 - MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 15 - [RESERVED]
ITEM 16 - [RESERVED]
PART III
ITEM 17 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Information regarding our financial statements is contained under the caption "Item 18. Financial Statements" below.
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F immediately following the text of this 20-F, beginning on page 1-F.
Audited Consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended March 31, 2002 and 2001,
- Auditors Report
- Consolidated Balance Sheet
- Consolidated Statement of Operations and Deficit
- Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
- Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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ITEM 19 -- EXHIBITS
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
| 1.1 | Articles of Incorporation of the Company - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(ix) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000 | ||
| 1.2 | By-Laws of the Company - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(xi) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000 | ||
| 1.3 | Certificate of name change from Kamlo Gold Mines Limited to NRT Research Technologies Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(iii) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000. | ||
| 1.4 | Certificate of name change from NRT Research Technologies Inc. to NRT Industries Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(iv) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000 | ||
| 1.5 | Certificate of name change from NRT Industries Inc. to CUDA Consolidated Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(v) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000 | ||
| 1.6 | Certificate of name change from CUDA Consolidated Inc. to Foodquest Corp. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(vi) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000 | ||
| 1.7 | Certificate of name change from Foodquest Corp. to Foodquest International Corp. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(vii) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000 | ||
| 1.8 | Certificate of name change from Foodquest International Corp. to Dealcheck.com Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(viii) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000 | ||
| 2 | Specimen Common Share certificate - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2(i) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000 | ||
| 4(a) .1 | Promissory Note dated April 1, 2000 re funds advanced to First Empire Entertainment.com Inc. and First Empire Entertainment Corp. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.(b).2) to the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year 2001 filed on July 23, 2001. | ||
| 4(a) .2 | Board Resolution exercising First Empire Entertainment.com Inc. shares in settlement of debt. | ||
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| 4.(b).1 | Agreement dated February 28, 2002 for purchase of First Empire Entertainment.com Inc. shares by Snapper Inc. | ||
| 4(b).2 | Agreement dated March 31, 2002 for settlement of debt with Current Capital Corp. | ||
| 4(c).1 | Consulting Agreement dated April 1, 2000 with Kam Shah - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.(b).2) to the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year 2001 filed on July 23, 2001 | ||
| 4(c).2 | Consulting Agreement dated April1, 2000 with Terence Robinson- Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.(b).2) to the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year 2001 filed on July 23, 2001 | ||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant, Dealcheck.com Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf, thereunto duly authorized on September 10, 2002.
/s/ Terence Robinson 43 I, Kam Shah, Chief Financial Officer of Dealcheck.com Inc., certify that: I, Terence Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Dealcheck.com Inc., certify that: 44 DAREN, MARTENFELD, CARR, TESTA AND COMPANY LLP AUDITOR'S REPORT To the Shareholders of We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Dealcheck.com Inc. as at March 31, 2002 and 2001 and the consolidated statements of operations and deficit and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and United States generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the company as at March 31, 2002 and 2001 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Canadian generally accepted accounting principles vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States would have affected results of operations for the year ended March 31, 2002 and the shareholders' equity as at that date to the extent summarised in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements. Daren, Martenfeld, Carr, Testa and Company LLP (signed) Comments by Auditor on Canada-United States Reporting Difference United States reporting standards for auditors require the addition of an explanatory paragraph when the financial statements are affected by conditions and events that cast substantial doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern, such as those described in Note 1 to the financial statements. Although we conducted our audits in accordance with both Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and United States generally accepted auditing standards, our report to the shareholders dated June 27, 2002 is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards which do not permit a reference to such conditions and events in the auditor's' report when these are adequately disclosed in the financial statements. June 27, 2002 A Member Firm of F-1 Going Concern (Note 1) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 11) Related party transactions (Note 12) SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES APPROVED BY THE BOARD F-2 SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES F-3 See accompanying notes. F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 F-8 F-9 F-10 F-11 F-12 F-13 F-14 F-15 F-16 F-17 F-18
Terence Robinson
Chairman and CEO
Dealcheck.com Inc.
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CERTIFICATION
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Dealcheck.com Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; and
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report.
Date: September 10, 2002.
By: /s/ Kam Shah
Kam Shah
Chief Financial Officer
CERTIFICATION
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Dealcheck.com Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; and
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report.
Date: September 10, 2002.
By: /s/ Terence Robinson
Terence Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
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CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
20 Eglinton Avenue West Telephone: 416-480-0160 Suite 2100 Facsimile: 416-480-2646 Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8
Dealcheck.com Inc.
DAREN, MARTENFELD, CARR, TESTA AND COMPANY LLP
Midsnell International
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
Notes
2002
2001
ASSETS:
Current
Cash
$
$47,708
$
$40,737
Short-term Investments
3
-
38,068
Amounts receivable
4
20,597
584,234
Prepaid and sundry assets
-
12,380
$
68,305
$
675,419
Long-term investments
3
-
58,290
Product development costs
5
138,291
134,521
Capital assets
6
-
40,414
$
$206,596
$
$908,644
LIABILITIES:
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
$65,967
$
$64,803
Advances from shareholder, non-interest bearing
135,757
84,320
$
201,724
$
149,123
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Capital stock
7
20,393,106
19,814,829
Deficit
(20,388,234)
(19,055,308)
$
4,872
$
759,521
$
206,596
$
908,644
/s/ Kam Shah
Director
/s/ Terence Robinson
Director
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit
(Canadian Dollars)
For the Years ended March 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
(Unaudited)
Note
2002
2001
2000
INCOME
Operational services
$
$60,000
$
$120,000
$
$10,000
License and usage fee
-
151,508
-
Interest
-
15,383
20,524
Exchange gain
6,860
49,269
5,337
Other income
-
15,082
-
$
66,860
$
351,242
$
35,861
EXPENSES
Travel, promotion and consulting
$
504,982
$
221,960
$
467,835
Professional fees
133,152
97,593
94,688
Net loss on investments
13
263,832
1,364,812
590,709
Projects development costs
300
15,121
155,370
Bank charges and interest
1,726
9,694
3,905
Rent
57,447
45,814
23,548
Telephone, Internet and courier
9,684
11,796
26,673
Transfer agents fees
13,634
15,665
21,047
Shareholders information
341,377
204,005
6,268
Amortization
36,746
34,926
21,468
Office and general
36,906
47,060
14,807
$
1,399,786
$
2,068,446
$
1,426,318
Net loss for period
(1,332,926)
(1,717,204)
(1,390,457)
Deficit at beginning of period
(19,055,308)
(17,338,104)
(15,947,647)
Deficit at end of period
$
(20,388,234)
$
(19,055,308)
$
(17,338,104)
Net loss per share
$
(0.27)
$
(0.40)
$
0.52
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Canadian Dollars)
For the Years ended March 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
(Unaudited)
2002
2001
2000
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss for year
$
(1,332,926)
$
(1,717,204)
$
(1,390,457)
Amortization
36,746
34,926
21,468
Write-off of product development costs
300
15,121
155,370
Write-off of capital assets
15,577
-
-
Other non-cash expenses
476,393
-
-
Net loss on investments
259,301
1,364,812
590,709
(544,609)
(302,345)
(622,910)
Amounts receivable
280,982
(268,784)
(28,414)
Prepaid and sundry assets
12,380
(12,380)
-
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
1,163
24,254
(26,873)
(250,084)
(559,255)
(678,197)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of capital assets
(352)
(17,850)
(9,896)
Sale of capital assets
9,813
-
-
Settlement of note payable
-
-
(23,250)
Refund of subscription advance
-
489,173
-
Investments
52,488
18,779
(2,494,930)
Product development costs
(25,440)
(150,327)
(155,935)
36,509
339,775
(2,684,011)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net advances from shareholder
51,438
26,557
472,147
Net advances to affiliates
-
(151,114)
-
Net advances to directors
67,224
(73,311)
-
Common shares issued
101,884
32,105
3,251,661
220,546
(165,763)
3,723,808
Increase (decrease) in cash during year
$
6,971
$
(385,243)
$
361,600
Cash at beginning of period
40,737
425,968
64,368
Cash at end of period
$
47,708
$
40,725
$
425,968
Supplemental disclosure
Non-cash operating activities
Consulting fee settled for common shares
$ 248,664
-
-
Investor relations fees settled for common shares
227,729
-
-
$ 476,393
-
-
Non-cash investing activities
Conversion of debt to investment
$ 215,431
-
-
Conversion of debt to equity
-
122,000
300,000
$ 215,431
$ 122,000
$ 300,000
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Dealcheck.com Inc. ("the Company") is an Internet development and business services Company. The Company's Internet strategy includes development and operations of wholly owned Internet business concepts as well as investing in new and emerging Internet companies that have demonstrated synergies with the Company's core business. In addition the Company offers business services to its investees and related companies. The Company's strategy also envisions and promotes opportunities for synergistic business relationships among the companies within its portfolio.
GOING CONCERN
These financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which presumes the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations for the foreseeable future.
As at March 31, 2002, the Company has a working capital deficiency of $133,419, has incurred a net loss of $1,332,926 for the year ended March 31, 2002, and has an accumulated deficit of $20,388,234.
The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is uncertain and is dependent on achieving profitable operations, commercialising its Biochex technology and continuing development of new technologies, the outcome of which cannot be predicted at this time. Accordingly, the Company will require, for the foreseeable future, ongoing capital infusions in order to continue its operations, fund its research and development activities, and ensure orderly realization of its assets at their carrying value. The consolidated financial statements do not reflect adjustments in carrying values and classifications of assets and liabilities that would be necessary should the Company not be able to continue in the normal course of operations.
The Company is not expected to be profitable during the ensuing twelve months and therefore must rely on securing additional funds from existing shareholders and by the issuance of shares of the Company for cash consideration.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada which do not materially differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) except as described in Note 17 "Differences from United States Accounting Principles".
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and it's wholly owned subsidiaries - Foodquest Inc., inactive since 1998, and 1388755 Ontario Inc., in development stage. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont'd)
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
INVESTMENTS
(a) Short-term Investments
Short-term investments are investments that are either highly liquid or are to be disposed of within a one year period and are recorded at cost.
Events may occur during the holding period, which may result in the Company having the right to exercise control or significant influence. However, such control or significant influence may be waived or rectified and is not intended to continue. Accordingly, the accounts of the investee companies in which the Company holds an interest which allow for control or significant influence are not consolidated or accounted for according to the equity method.
Short-term investments, which have quoted market values and are publicly traded on a recognized exchange, are recorded at a value based on the quoted market price at the balance sheet date. The holding losses of the short-term investment are recorded in the Statement of Operations.
(b) Long-term Investments
Long-term investments are not highly liquid and management does not intend on disposing of them within one year. The investment is recorded at cost. Management writes down the Company's long-term investments when a permanent impairment occurs.
In order to determine if there has been a permanent impairment in carrying value the Company compares the carrying value of the investment with the financial condition and expected income from the investment.
Where the Company can exert significant influence over the investment the investment is accounted for under the equity method. Under this method, the interest in the investment is carried on the balance sheet at cost plus the company's share of undistributed earnings since acquisition.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The costs relating to the development of the web site and other technical projects, which are intended to generate revenue in future are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic life of the project not exceeding three years. Amortization commences when the project becomes commercially active. The development costs will be written off when it is determined that they are not recoverable or when the project is abandoned.
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont'd)
CAPITAL ASSETS
Capital assets are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization, which is based on management's estimates of the assets' useful lives. Amortization is provided for on a straight-line method at annual rate of 20% for office furniture and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over five years on a straight-line basis.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets are translated at exchange rates in effect when they were acquired. Revenue and expenses are translated at the approximate average rate of exchange for the year, except that amortization is translated at the rates used to translate related assets. The resulting gains or losses on translation are included in the consolidated statement of operations.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The fair values of amounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and advances from shareholder approximate their carrying values due to the short-term maturity of those instruments.
FUTURE INCOME TAXES
The liability method of tax allocation is used in accounting for income taxes. Under this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as for the benefit of losses available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Future income tax assets are recorded in the financial statements if realization is considered more likely than not.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN
The Company maintains a stock-based compensation plan, which is described in Note 9. No compensation expense is recognized for this plan when stock options or shares are issued to employees. Any consideration received from plan participants upon exercise of stock options or purchase of shares is credited to share capital.
Fair value, as represented by either the most recent stock price or the fair value of consideration received, whichever is more reliably measured is used as the basis for calculating the fair value of stock issued for compensation.
Shares issued under stock based compensation plans will be restrictive as to their sales and transferability unless they are appropriately registered with the regulatory body of the exchange on which the company's shares are being traded.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Research costs are charged to operations when incurred. Development costs are expensed in the year incurred unless they meet the deferral criteria under generally accepted accounting principles for deferral and amortization. Amortization commences with the successful commercial production or use of the product. Deferred development costs are
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont'd)
amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated selling life of the product to a maximum of three years.
On an ongoing basis, management reviews the valuation and amortization of deferred development costs. If, in any year, any particular product is found to have insufficient market potential to recover the investment, any unamortized balance in respect of that product will be charged to operations.
INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS
Investment tax credits are accrued when qualifying expenditures are made and there is reasonable assurance that the credits will be realized. The Company accounts for the investment tax credits using the cost reduction method.
2. INVESTMENTS
(a) Short-term Investments
MARKET
COST
VALUE
March 31, 2002
Non-marketable securities (see 2 below)
-
$ -
March 31, 2001
Marketable trading securities (see 1 below)
$ 261,082
$ 31,568
Non-marketable securities
Biolink Corp.
6,500
6,500
$ 267,582
$ 38,068
1. Marketable trading securities comprised 80,000 shares of Mecaserto, Inc. These shares were sold to a related corporate shareholder at the net book value of $31,568 (US$20,000) on March 31, 2002.These share were traded on the Pink Sheet of NASDAQ and book value represented the market value based on the last traded price.
2. Non-marketable securities consisted of 2,013,000 shares in First Empire Entertainment.com Inc. (previously known as Biolink Corp.). The company acquired 2 million common shares of First Empire in full settlement of the amount owed to the company as of September 30, 2001. (Note 4).
On February 28, 2002, the company received and accepted an offer from Snapper Inc. to purchase these shares for a valuation of $50,000 , which was set off in part settlement of the amount owed to Snapper Inc. at that date.
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
3. INVESTMENTS (Cont'd)
(B) Long-term Investments
2002
2001
Hotlamp Interactive Inc. (i)
$ -
$ 55,802
Xloom Holdings Inc. (ii)
-
2,488
$ -
$ 58,290
(i) Hotlamp Interactive technologies inc. (Hotlamp)
The Company's investment represented less than 1% of the equity interest in Hotlamp, a private Nevada Corporation. It is a software development company focused on multimedia products.
Hotlamp had been experiencing severe cash flow problem for the last couple of years and was unable to raise any further funds during the fiscal 2002. Accordingly, the management decided to make a full provision against this investment at March 31, 2002.
(ii) Xloom Holdings Inc. (Xloom)
Investment in XLoom comprised 165,921 common shares in that company. These shares were sold to a corporate shareholder at the net book value of $2,488 on March 31, 2002.
4. AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE
2002
2001
Secured receivable
-
$ 295,549
Covertible loans (i)
3,395
205,479
Due from directors
6,087
73,311
Other receivables
11,115
9,895
$ 20,597
$ 584,234
(i) Convertible loans are funds advanced to a related public corporation, bearing interest at 5% per annum and payable on demand. The advances are convertible, at the option of the Company into the common shares of the related entity at $0.05 per share. The share value was revised to $0.10 on July 1, 2001 in the light of certain business development at the debtor corporation.
On September 30, 2001, the company exercised its option and accepted 2 million common shares of the debtor corporation in settlement of the balance at that time of $215,431 due on that date (Note 3).
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
5. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Balance
Incurred
Written Off
Amortized
Balance
at March 31,
During
During
During
at March 31,
2001
Year
Year
Year
2002
Shellfn.com (a)
-
$ 300
$ (300)
-
-
IRCheck.com (b)
21,370
-
(16,028)
(5,342)
-
Biochex.com (c)
113,151
25,140
-
-
138,291
$ 134,521
$ 25,440
$ (16,328)
$ (5,342)
$ 138,291
Balance
Incurred
Written Off
Amortized
Balance
at March 31,
During
During
During
at March 31,
2000
Year
Year
Year
2001
Shellfn.com
-
$ 111
$ (111)
-
-
IRCheck.com
10,000
22,055
-
(10,685)
21,370
Dealcheck.com
-
15,010
(15,010)
-
-
Biochex.com
-
113,151
-
-
113,151
$ 10,000
$ 150,327
$ (15,121)
$ (10,685)
$ 134,521
(a) Shellfn.com web site was intended to become an electronic advertising medium for shell companies to attract prospective buyers. During fiscal 2000, the management decided to put a hold on this project for an indefinite period of time. The costs incurred to date were therefore fully written off.
(b) IRCheck.com web site is developed to provide a comprehensive database of investors relation firms to facilitate an informed decision for the prospective public companies desiring to outsource its investors relation and media relation work to an independent firm. The costs incurred to date represent costs towards web site design and development. The Web site development work was completed and the site was launched on March 5, 2001. The company negotiated licensing of its database to a related company for a fee during the fiscal 2001. Accordingly, one third of the costs were amortized annually. The said contract expired in September 2001 and was not renewed. The management was unable to find another licensee and owing to lack of funds, was unable to maintain its database up to date. Accordingly, the balance was fully written off.
(c) Biochex.com is a project initiated by the Company's subsidiary, 1388755 Ontario Inc. The project involves the design and development of a prototype of a wireless and portable Internet appliance for medical data logging system. The costs incurred during the year were towards development of a commercial prototype.
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
6. CAPITAL ASSETS
Accumulated
Disposal/
Net
Cost
Amortization
Write off
2002
Office furniture
$ 56,190
$ 51,977
$ 4,213
$ -
Office equipment
64,299
54,486
9,813
-
Leasehold improvements
10,000
9,321
679
-
$ 130,489
$ 115,784
$ 14,705
$ -
Accumulated
Disposal/
Net
Cost
Amortization
Write off
2001
Office furniture
$ 56,190
$ 40,740
$ -
$ 15,450
Office equipment
63,946
41,661
-
22,285
Leasehold improvements
10,000
7,321
-
2,679
$ 130,136
$ 89,722
$ -
$ 40,414
7. CAPITAL STOCK
(a) Authorized
Unlimited number of common shares
(b) Issued
2002
2001
COMMON
COMMON
SHARES
AMOUNT
SHARES
AMOUNT
Beginning of year
4,619,916
$19,814,829
4,117,616
$19,660,724
On conversion of debt
-
-
400,000
122,000
On settlement of consulting fees (i)
1,963,714
476,393
-
-
Issued for cash on conversion of warrants(i)
643,000
101,884
101,700
32,105
7,226,630
$20,393,106
4,619,316
$19,814,829
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
6. CAPITAL ASSETS (Cont'd...)
(i) During the year, the Company issued shares in settlement of consulting fees as follows:
Number
of Shares
Cost
(a) Issued to non-related entities for promotional activites not registered and not tradeable in the US, restricted
403,714
$227,729
(b) Issued to directors for services rendered as executives under registration statement, S-8 filed with SEC on March 28, 2002
800,000
127,520
(c) Issued to ex-director for services renderred as executive
executive under registration statement, S-8 filed with SEC on March 28, 2002
500,000
79,700
(d) Issued to other non-related consultants for services provided under registration statement, S-8 filed with SEC on March 28, 2002
260,000
41,444
1,963,714
$476,393
(c) Warrants
In the Annual and special meeting of the shareholders held on October 30,2001, the shareholders approved to extend the expiry date of the warrants attached to the private placement completed in fiscal 2000 by one year and authorize the directors to revise the exercise price at their discretion. The directors in their meeting on November 12, 2001 approved revision of the exercise price to US$0.10 per warrant and set the expiry date to March 31, 2002.
One of the private placees exercised its warrants, resulting in issuance of 643,000 shares for US$64,300 (CDN$101,884).
At the end of the year, there were 140,200 warrants that remained unexercised and expired.
8. STOCK OPTION PLAN
In the Annual General Meeting held on November 15, 1999, the shareholders approved the creation of the "1999 Stock Option Plan" pursuant to which the directors were authorized to issue stock options from time to time to employees, officers, consultants and directors of the Company up to 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company at the time of such issue, at a minimum price allowed under the applicable securities laws. In the Annual general and special meeting held on November 13, 2000, the shareholders approved an increase in the limit of maximum number of stock options to 25% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the corporation at the time of such issue.
No options were allowed under the Plan during the year and no options are outstanding at the year-end.
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
9. LOSS PER SHARE
Loss per share is calculated on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, which were 4,851,612 shares for the year ended March 31, 2002 (2001 - 4,259,424).
Fully diluted earnings per share information has not been presented as potential conversions are anti dilutive.
10. INCOME TAXES
The effective tax rate of nil (2001 - nil) for income taxes varies from the statutory income tax rate of 44% (2001 - 44%) due to the fact that no tax recoveries have been recorded for losses incurred, as management has not determined it is more likely than not that the losses will be utilized before they expire.
The temporary differences that give rise to future income tax assets and future income tax liabilities are presented below:
2002
2001
Amounts related to tax loss and credit carry forwards
$4,123,000
$4,152,000
Unrealized and holding losses on investments
250,000
421,000
Capital assets
-
39,000
Net future tax assets
4,373,000
4,612,000
Less: valuation allowance
(4,373,000)
(4,612,000)
$ -
$ -
The Company has carry forward tax losses of approximately $5.6 million, which may be applied against future taxable income and expire as detailed below. The benefit arising from these losses has not been included in the financial statements.
2003
$1,133,000
2004
617,000
2005
536,000
2006
460,000
2007
683,000
2008
970,000
2009
1,200,000
$5,599,000
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
(a) The Company entered into a consulting agreement with a shareholder corporation on October 1, 2001. The agreement requires the corporation to provide financial services. The consulting fee is US $10,000 per month payable in advance. The agreement expires on March 31, 2003 and is subject to automatic renewal unless cancelled in writing by either party.
(b) The Company entered into a consulting agreement with a related shareholder corporation on April 1, 2000. The agreement required the corporation to provide investors relations services. The consulting fee was US $10,000 per month payable in advance. The fee was revised to $10,000 CDN effective April 1, 2001.The agreement expired on March 31, 2002 and is being renewed automatically until cancelled in writing by either party.
(c) The company cancelled its existing lease on February 15, 2002 and moved to another location as a sub-tenant effective April 1, 2002 without any long-term lease commitment. No further charges were received from the landlord for early cancellation of the lease agreement. The company may be subject to a penalty of approx. $38,000 for early cancellation of the lease as per the terms of the lease. The management is of the opinion that they have a strong case against the landlord for not paying such penalty and are further assured by the fact that no such penalty has been demanded till date. The penalty has therefore not been provided for in these financial statements.
(d) The company entered into consulting contracts with two executive directors for five-year term up to March 31, 2005. The contracts provide for a lump sum compensation of $250,000 each for early termination of the contract without cause.
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with related parties are incurred in the normal course of business and are measured at the exchange amount. Related party transactions and balances have been listed below, unless they have been disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements.
•
Licence and usage fee income of $Nil (2001 - $151,508; 2000 - Nil) and consulting service fee income of $60,000 (2001 - $120,000; 2000 - $10,000) were earned from a corporation which has common management.
•
Included in shareholders information expense is $120,000 (2001 - $180,000; 2000 - Nil) to a corporation, which has common management.
•
Rent and telephone expense are net of recoveries of $79,494 (2001 - $110,587; 2000 - $43,106) from corporations, which share common management and directors.
•
Interest earned from related corporations amounts to $Nil (2001 - $8,458; 2000 - $1,669).
•
Included in professional and consulting fees are $351,492 (2001 - $150,400; 2000 - $114,592) paid to directors of the Company and $149,438 paid to an ex-director for the past services.
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Cont'd.)
•
Business expenses of $32,451 (2001 - $55,959; 2000 - $108,249) were reimbursed to directors of the corporation.
•
Consulting fees include amounts to a shareholder corporation of $94,026 (2001 - $90,482; 2000 - $176,550)
13. NET LOSS ON INVESTMENTS
2002
2001
2000
Holding losses
$ 98,401
$ -
$ 612,794
Provision for non-temporary impairment in value
-
789,200
72,470
Realized loss (gains)
165,431
575,612
(94,555)
$ 263,832
$ 1,364,812
$ 590,709
14. COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Certain figures presented for comparative purposes have been reclassified to conform to the current year's method of presentation.
15. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company's operations include three reportable operating segments -
Business services: this segment includes management and operational services to investee companies and others
Product development: This segment includes revenue from the Company's own web sites and technical projects
Incubation: This segment includes dividend and/or capital gains earned through long-term investments in start-ups and emerging companies
The accounting policies of the segments are same as those described in Note 2. The Company evaluates each segment's performance based on its contribution to consolidated net earnings. There are no inter-segmental charges or transactions. The following table presents summarised financial information for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2002 and 2001.
Geographic Information
The Company operates from one location in Canada. All its assets are located at this location.
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
15. SEGMENTED INFORMATION (Cont'd.)
Business Segments
Business
Product
Services
Development
Incubation
2002
Total revenue
$
60,000
$
-
$
-
Earnings (losses) from operations
$
60,000
$
(300)
$
(946,827)
Total assets
$
-
$
138,290
$
-
Total liabilities
$
-
$
-
$
75,976
2001
Total revenue
$
120,000
$
151,508
$
-
Earnings (losses) from operations
$
120,000
$
136,387
$
(1,589,772)
Total assets
$
-
$
134,521
$
58,920
Total liabilities
$
-
$
-
$
64,803
Reconciliation to Financial Statements
2002
2001
Revenue
Total revenue from reportable segments
$
60,000
$
271,508
Other
12,407
79,734
$
72,407
$
351,242
Net Loss
Total earnings (losses) from continuing
operations for reportable segments
$
(904,525)
$
(1,333,385)
Other
(668,626)
(383,819)
$
(1,573,151)
$
(1,717,204)
Assets
Total assets used for reportable segments
$
138,290
$
193,441
Other
68,305
715,203
$
206,595
$
908,644
Liabilities
Total liabilities used for reportable segments
$
75,976
$
64,803
Other
154,337
84,320
$
230,313
$
149,123
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
16. CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COSTS
The costs of developing the commercial web sites and technical projects are allowed to be deferred under the Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. However, these costs should be expensed under US GAAP. Accordingly, under the US GAAP, net loss for year would be $1,358,366 (2001 - $ 1,841,725). Total assets would be $ 68,305 (2001 - $774,123) and deficit would be $20,526,525 (2001 - $19,189,829).
INVESTMENTS
Investments in marketable equity securities that are classified as short-term investments under Canadian GAAP, are grouped into trading and available-for-sale categories and accounted for at fair value under the US GAAP. Unrealised holding gains or losses on trading securities are included in the income. Unrealised holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in shareholders' equity.
Investments in equity securities that are classified as long term investments under the Canadian GAAP, are accounted for at fair value under the US GAAP. Unrealised holding gains and losses are included in shareholders' equity.
No significant adjustment would be required in the net loss for year, total assets and deficit under the US GAAP.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company accounts for common stock purchase options and warrants granted to non-employees pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (FAS No.123) and Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") No. 96-18, "Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services." These standards require that the fair value of equity instruments, including options and warrants, be recognized in the financial statements. FAS No. 123 permits a company to account for employee stock options under the method specified by the previous standard, Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB No.25"), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Under APB No.25, if the exercise price of fixed employee stock options equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense
is recorded. For such options, FAS No.123 requires disclosure of, among other things, the fair value of options granted, the assumptions used in determining the fair value and the pro-forma effect on earnings as if measurement provisions of FAS No. 123 had been applied. The Company will apply the measurement principles of APB No.25, supplemented by the required FAS No.123 disclosures, for any stock options it grants to employees in the future.
RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENT
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations". SFAS No. 141 requires that all business combinations be accounted for under the purchase method for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 for which the date of acquisition is July 1, 2001 or later. Use of the pooling-of-interests method is no longer permitted.
Dealcheck.com Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2002 and 2001
16. CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (Cont'd.)
In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". FAS No. 142 requires that goodwill no longer be amortized to earnings, but instead be periodically reviewed for impairment. SFAS No. 142 must be adopted starting with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. In August 2001, the Accounting Standards Board ("AcSB") issued. Handbook Section 1581, "Business Combinations", and Handbook Section 3062, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which are consistent with SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142, respectively, except for certain remaining generally accepted accounting principles differences, including the accounting for purchased in-process research and development. The impact of adopting the provision of SFAS No. 141, No. 142 and Section 1581 and 3062 will not have any effect on the company's financial statements as the company has not completed any business combinations.
In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 addresses significant issues relating to the implementation of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of", and develops a single accounting method under which long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale are measured at the lower of book value or fair value less cost to sell. Additionally, SFAS No. 144 expands the scope of discontinued operations to include all components of an entity with operations that (i) can be distinguished from the rest of the entity and (ii) will be eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity in a disposal transaction. SFAS No. 144 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 and its provisions are to be applied prospectively. The company is currently assessing the impact of SFA
S No. 144 on its financial position and results of operations.
In December 2001, the AcSB issued Handbook Section 3870 "Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments". Section 3870 establishes standards for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of stock- based compensation and other stock-based payments made in exchange for goods and services provided by employees and non-employees. It applies to transactions in which shares of common stock, stock options, or other equity instruments are granted or liabilities incurred based on the price of common stock or other equity instruments. The company's current accounting policy as it relates to stock-based compensation complies with the US GAAP. The company's current account policy is an acceptable method of accounting for stock-based compensation and other stock-based payments under Section 3870 and therefore the company does not believe that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Comprehensive Income:
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" (SFAS No. 130), which establishes standards for reporting and presentation of comprehensive income. This standard defines comprehensive income as the changes in equity of an enterprise, except those resulting from shareholder transactions. For the years ended March 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, there is no difference between net loss and comprehensive loss.