UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
X ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______________ to __________________
Commission file number: 0-30314
Bontan Corporation Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Inapplicable
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
Province of Ontario, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 2G3
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Common shares without par value
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Issuers classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report
Common shares without par value 28,430,203 as at March 31, 2007
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such report) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow
Item 17: X Item 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No. | ||
Forward-looking statements | 1 | |
Foreign Private Issuer Status and Currencies and Exchange Rates | 2 | |
Part I | ||
Item 1. | Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors | 2 |
Item 2. | Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable | 2 |
Item 3. | Key Information | 2 |
Item 4. | Information on the Company | 9 |
Item 5. | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects | 15 |
Item 6. | Directors, Senior Management and Employees | 24 |
Item 7. | Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions | 28 |
Item 8. | Financial Information | 30 |
Item 9. | The Offer and Listing | 31 |
Item 10. | Additional Information | 33 |
Item 11. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 47 |
Item 12. | Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities | 48 |
Part II | ||
Item 13. | Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies | 48 |
Item 14. | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds | 48 |
Item 15. | Controls and Procedures | 48 |
Item 16. | Audit Committee, Code of Ethics, and Principal Accountants Fees and Services | 49 |
Part III | ||
Item 17. | Financial Statements | 50 |
Item 18. | Financial Statements | 50 |
Item 19. | Exhibits | 51 |
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 resource sector.
- - 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 "Bontan Corporation Inc." the "Company,"Bontan", we, us, our are used interchangeably in this Annual Report and mean Bontan Corporation Inc. and its subsidiaries.
FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER STATUS AND CURRENCIES AND EXCHANGE RATES
Foreign Private Issuer Status:
Bontan Corporation Inc. is a Canadian corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario. Approximately 86% of its common stock is held by non-United States citizens and residents and our business is administered principally 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
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.
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, 2007, 2006 and 2005. 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 last five fiscal years 2003 through 2007 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
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |
Revenue | $743,786 | $1,857,647 | $418,861 | $251 | $15,256 |
Loss from continuing operations | $(164,043) | ($4,784,933) | ($4,876,898) | ($1,360,958) | ($319,363) |
Loss from discontinued operations | $- | $- | ($179,678) | $- | $ - |
Net Loss | $(164,043) | ($4,784,933) | ($5,056,576) | ($1,360,958) | ($319,363) |
Net loss per share (1) | ($0.01) | ($0.31) | ($0.43) | ($0.26) | ($0.31) |
Working capital (Deficit) | $6,624,466 | $5,285,784 | $4,734,269 | ($311,005) | ($314,491) |
Total assets | $6,672,918 | $5,450,772 | $5,075,158 | $3,085,584 | $28,676 |
Capital stock | $27,667,872 | $30,585,691 | $28,280,890 | $24,287,903 | $20,393,106 |
Warrants | $6,961,152 | $2,540,608 | $- | $- | $- |
Contributed surplus | $4,069,549 | $4,069,549 | $3,795,078 | $- | $- |
Shareholders' equity(Deficit) | $6,624,466 | $5,285,784 | $4,950,837 | $2,219,348 | ($314,491) |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding ( 2 ) | 27,472,703 | 15,655,023 | 11,700,303 | 5,221,071 | 1,032,376 |
1. The effect of potential share issuances pursuant to the exercise of options and warrants would be anti-dilutive and, therefore, basic and diluted losses per share are the same.
2. Weighted average number of shares for a year was calculated by dividing the total of the number of shares outstanding at the end of each of the months by twelve. Weighted average number for the fiscal year 2003 was adjusted to reflect 7:1 stock consolidation in fiscal 2004.
Selected Financial Data (U.S. GAAP) Fiscal year ended March 31
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |
Loss for year | ($52,384) | ($4,590,175) | ($5,238,898) | ($1,407,665) | ($243,908) |
Comprehensive Loss | $795,658 | ($4,038,005) | ($5,273,144) | ($1,360,958) | ($230,532) |
Loss per share -Basic and diluted | ($0.00) | ($0.29) | ($0.45) | ($0.26) | ($0.22) |
Total assets | $7,632,619 | $6,197,700 | $4,858,590 | $3,085,584 | $28,676 |
Shareholders' equity(Deficit) | $7,584,167 | $4,734,269 | $4,734,269 | $2,219,348 | ($314,491) |
The Company has not declared or paid any dividends in any of its last five financial years.
Exchange Rates
In this Annual Report on Form 20-F, unless otherwise specified, all monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars. The exchange rates used herein were obtained from Bank of Canada; however, they cannot be guaranteed.
On May 10, 2007, the exchange rate, based on the noon buying rates, for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars (the Noon Rate of Exchange) was CDN $1.11=US$1
The following table sets out the high and low exchange rates for each of the last six months.
2007 | April | March | February | January | Dec-06 | Nov-06 |
High for period | $1.16 | $1.18 | $1.19 | $1.18 | $1.17 | $1.14 |
Low for period | $1.11 | $1.15 | $1.16 | $1.17 | $1.14 | $1.13 |
The following table sets out the average exchange rates for the five most recent financial years calculated by using the average of the Noon Rate of Exchange on the last day of each month during the period.
Year Ended March 31 | |||||
| 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
Average for the year | 1.14 | 1.19 | 1.28 | 1.35 | 1.54 |
(B) CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not applicable
(C) REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable
(D) RISK FACTORS
The following is a brief discussion of those distinctive or special characteristics of the Companys operations and industry that may have a material impact on, or constitute risk factors in respect of, the Companys future financial performance.
We have a history of operating losses and may not achieve or sustain profitability in the future.
We have incurred significant operating losses during recent fiscal years. We have not yet had any revenue from the exploration activities nor have we ever found that development activity is warranted on any of our properties. As of March 31, 2007, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $32.0 million. We currently have no interest in any oil or gas property or any natural resource project.
We expect to continue to incur losses until it is determined that properties in which we may acquire interests in the future can be sufficiently developed for commercialization. Even if it is determined that such properties should be developed for commercialization, there is no certainty that we will produce revenue, operate profitably or provide a return on investment in the future. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve or sustain profitable operations in the future.
We are in the process of seeking oil and gas opportunities and currently do not own any interests or properties.
Currently, we do not own any interest in any oil or gas project or any natural resource project. We are assessing various opportunities, none of which may meet our eligibility requirements. Consequently, we may not own any interest for an indeterminate amount of time. As a result, we will use our cash resources to pay for expenses and costs we incur in our efforts to identify appropriate opportunities as well as for our standard operating costs.
Our operations are subject to substantial exploration and development risks.
The Company anticipates participating in oil and gas resource properties in the hope of locating reserves. The Company's property interests, when acquired will most likely be in the exploration stage only. Accordingly, there is little likelihood that the Company will realize any profits in the short to medium term. Any profitability in the future from the Company's business will be dependent upon locating reserves, which itself is subject to numerous risk factors.
The business of exploring for and producing oil and gas involves a substantial risk of investment loss which, even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. The principal resources necessary for the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas are leasehold prospects under which crude oil and natural gas reserves may be discovered, drilling rigs and related equipment to explore for such reserves and knowledgeable personnel to conduct all phases of crude oil and natural gas operations, all of which requires a substantial investment.
Drilling oil and gas wells involves the risk that the wells will be unproductive or that, although productive, the wells do not produce oil and/or gas in economic quantities. Other hazards, such as unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, fires, blowouts, loss of circulation of drilling fluids or other conditions may substantially delay or prevent completion of any well. Adverse weather conditions can also hinder drilling operations.
A productive well may become uneconomic in the event water or other deleterious substances are encountered, which impair or prevent the production of oil and/or gas from the well. In addition, production from any well may be unmarketable if it is impregnated with water or other deleterious substances. As with any petroleum property, there can be no assurance that oil and gas will be produced from the properties in which the Company had and may in future have interests.
In addition, the marketability of oil and gas, which may be acquired or discovered, will be affected by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company. These factors include the proximity and capacity of oil and gas pipelines and processing equipment, market fluctuations of prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, allowable production and environmental protection.
The extent of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in the Company not receiving an adequate return on invested capital. There is no assurance that our anticipated exploration and development activities in future resource properties will ultimately yield oil or gas in commercial quantities. Drilling for oil and gas may be unprofitable. Dry holes and wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues after drilling, operating and other costs are unprofitable. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve profitable operations in the future.
In determining the purchase price for our future interests, we will rely on both internal and external assessments relating to estimates of exploration, production and possible reserves that may prove to be materially inaccurate.
The price we are willing to pay for an interest in an oil and gas project is based on a combination of projected exploration and production costs and on the estimates of potential reserves. Actual costs and reserve could vary materially from these estimates. Consequently, the interests we acquire may be less unproductive than expected, or not productive at all, which could adversely affect us or cause us to lose our entire invest, or both. Initial assessments of an interest will be based on a report by engineers or firms of engineers and these initial assessments may differ significantly from our subsequent assessments.
Our interests are subject to uninsurable risks.
Our industry also experiences numerous operating risks. These operating risks include the risk of fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards. Environmental hazards include oil spills, natural gas leaks, ruptures or discharges of toxic gases. Such events could result in substantial damage to oil and gas wells, producing facilities and other property and personal injury. Although management believes the operator of any properties in which the Company and its subsidiaries may acquire interests, will acquire and maintain appropriate insurance coverage in accordance with standard industry practice, the Company and its subsidiaries may suffer losses from uninsurable hazards or from hazards which the operator has chosen not to insure against because of high premium costs or other reasons. If any of these industry operating risks occur, the Company and its subsidiaries may face liability. &nbs p;The payment of any such liabilities may have a material, adverse effect on the Company's financial position. We cannot assure you that insurance held by the operator of any of our properties will be adequate to cover losses or liabilities.
Environmental and other regulatory requirements may delay production and development of our resource interests.
The current or future operations of the Company, including development activities and commencement of production on its properties, require permits from various governmental authorities and such operations will be subject to laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, safety and other matters. Companies engaged in the development and operation of natural resource properties and related facilities generally experience increased costs, and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits.
There can be no assurance that approvals and permits required to commence production on its properties will be obtained. Additional permits and studies, which may include environmental impact studies conducted before permits can be obtained, may be necessary prior to operation of the properties in which the Company acquires interests and there can be no assurance that the operator of these interests or the Company will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary permits that may be required to commence construction, development or operation of oil and gas extraction facilities at these properties on terms which enable operations to be conducted at economically justifiable costs.
Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions against the operator of any of our resource properties or us, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions.
Conducting business in foreign countries subjects us to special risks, which we have no control over.
Companys current business strategy may involve participation in overseas projects in the resource sector. Consequently, the Company will be subject to certain risks associated with foreign ownership, including currency fluctuations, inflation, political instability and political risk. Oil, gas and other resource exploration and production activities in foreign countries may be affected in varying degrees by political stability and government regulations relating to the resource industry. Any changes in regulations or shifts in political conditions are beyond the control of the Company and may adversely affect its business. Operations may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, restriction of earnings, taxation laws, expropriation of property, environmental legislation, water use and workplace safety.
Our short term investments are susceptible to market fluctuations and other risks.
We have approximately $6.3 million in cash ($3 million) and marketable securities ($3.3 million) as of March 31, 2007. Our marketable securities are primarily securities of publicly held Canadian corporations. The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuations as well as the specific risks of each particular issuer. Although we believe we have diversified our portfolio, we may lose some of our original investment in the event that an investment does not perform as anticipated.
Further, approximately $1.6 million or 48% of our investments are invested in one Canadian marketable security. While the market value of this security at March 31, 2007 was $2.7 million and continued at that level on May 10, 2007, the date of this report, there is no guarantee that the market price would continue to be higher than our cost. In the event, we are unable to or do not sell these securities on time and their market price gets adversely affected for whatever reasons, we may lose significant sum of money. We are minimising this risk by having all our investments monitored on a daily basis by consultants with substantial experience and knowledge of the investment market.
We will need to raise additional funds in the future, which may not be available to us.
The Company is currently without a source of revenue from operations and upon the investment of its current cash and liquidity, resources will most likely be required to issue additional securities to finance its operations and the development of its projects. We may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all. Failure to obtain additional financing on a timely basis could cause the Company to sell or forfeit its interest in its properties and reduce or terminate its operations on such properties or discontinue operations entirely.
There is a substantial risk of dilution through possible equity financings and stock options.
Any equity or debt financings, if available at all, may cause dilution to our then-existing shareholders. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, the net tangible book value per share of our common shares would decrease and the percentage ownership of then current shareholders would be diluted.
Additionally, the Company may in the future grant to some or all of its own and its subsidiaries' directors, officers, insiders and key consultants options to purchase the Company's common shares as non-cash incentives to those people. Such options may be granted at exercise prices equal to market prices at time when the public market is depressed or below fair market value. To the extent that significant numbers of such options may be granted and exercised, the interests of the then existing shareholders of the Company may be subject to additional dilution.
We are dependent upon our key managerial consultants, the loss of which would negatively affect our business.
Our performance depends on a small number of key managerial consultants. In particular, we believe our success is highly dependent upon the services of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Kam Shah, as well as Mr. Terence Robinson both of whom are consultants and who have been significantly involved in locating and negotiating our resource investments. Loss of either of their services could negatively affect our business.
Our officers and directors reside outside of the United States and there is a risk that civil liabilities and judgments may be unenforceable.
The Company and its officers and all but one of its directors are residents of countries other than the United States, and most of the Company's assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons or enforce in the United States against such persons judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of United States federal securities laws or state securities laws.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Common Shares
Our share price has been volatile in the past and may decline in the future.
In recent years, the securities markets in Canada and the United States have experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and the market prices of securities of many companies, particularly small mineral exploration companies like the Company, have experienced wide fluctuations which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Our shares may continue to experience significant market price and volume fluctuations in the future in response to factors, which are beyond our control.
Shares eligible for future sale may depress our stock price.
At March 31, 2007, we had approximately 28.4 million shares of common stock outstanding. We also have approximately 13 million and 4.8 million shares of commons stock issuable under presently exercisable warrants and options, respectively, All such shares are registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act and are eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of shares of common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement or under Rule 144 or another exemption under the Act could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities.
We do not intend to pay dividends.
All of the Company's available funds will be invested to finance the growth of the Company's business and therefore investors cannot expect and should not anticipate receiving a dividend on the Company's common shares in the foreseeable future.
Our common stock is subject to penny stock rules.
The capital stock of the Company would be classified as penny stock as defined in Reg. § 240.3a51-1 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 1934 Act). In response to perceived abuse in the penny stock market generally, the 1934 Act was amended in 1990 to add new requirements in connection with penny stocks. In connection with effecting any transaction in a penny stock, a broker or dealer must give the customer a written risk disclosure document that (a) describes the nature and level of risk in the market for penny stocks in both public offerings and secondary trading, (b) describes the brokers or dealers duties to the customer and the rights and remedies available to such customer with respect to violations of such duties, (c) describes the dealer market, including bid and ask prices for penny stock and the significance of the spread between the bid and ask p rices, (d) contains a toll-free telephone number for inquiries on disciplinary histories of brokers and dealers, and (e) define significant terms used in the disclosure document or the conduct of trading in penny stocks. In addition, the broker-dealer must provide to a penny stock customer a written monthly account statement that discloses the identity and number of shares of each penny stock held in the customers account, and the estimated market value of such shares. The extensive disclosure and other broker-dealer compliance related to penny stocks may result in reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for such stocks, thus limiting the ability of the holder to sell such stock.
Your rights and responsibilities as a shareholder will be governed by Canadian law and differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders under U.S. law.
We are incorporated under Ontario Canada law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of our shares are governed by our memorandum of association, our articles of association and by Canadian law. These rights and responsibilities may differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations.
Changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure can cause additional expenses and failure to comply may adversely affect our reputation and the value of our securities.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, new SEC regulations and new and changing provisions of Canadian securities laws, are creating uncertainty because of the lack of specificity and varying interpretations of the rules. As a result, the application of the rules may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies, which could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating a ctivities to compliance activities. Any failure to comply with applicable laws may materially adversely affect our reputation and the value of our securities.
If we fail to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our reputation and the value of our securities may be adversely affected.
Beginning with our annual report for the year ending March 31, 2008, Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require us to include an internal control report of management with our annual report on Form 20-F, which is to include managements assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the fiscal year. That report will also be required to include a statement that our independent auditors have issued an attestation report on managements assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. In order to achieve compliance with Section 404 within the prescribed period, management is in the process of adopting a detailed project work plan to assess the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, validate through testing that controls are functioning as documented, remediate any control weaknesses that may be identified, and implement a continuous reporting and imp rovement process for internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to comply with Section 404, including issuing the required management report and obtaining the attestation report on managements assessment from our independent auditors, may materially adversely affect our reputation and the value of our securities.
If we lose our status as a foreign private issuer, our compliance costs will increase.
We are a "foreign private issuer" as defined under the Exchange Act. As a result, our proxy solicitations are not subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act and transactions in our equity securities by our officers and directors are exempt from Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. If we lose our status as a foreign private issuer by our election or otherwise, we will be subject to additional reporting obligations under the Exchange Act which could increase our cost of operations.
ITEM 4 INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
(A) HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
We are a Canadian corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario. Since April 2003, we have been a diversified natural resource company that invests in exploration, development and exploitation projects worldwide through our wholly-owned subsidiaries by acquiring joint venture, indirect and direct participation interests and working interests in those projects. During the fiscal year 2006, we sold our indirect participation interest in an oil exploration project and wrote off our working interest in a gas project owing to a dry test well. We currently do not own any interests in any oil or gas project or any natural resource project. We are currently seeking opportunities to acquire oil and gas interests. We have over $6.3 million in cash ($3 million) and marketable securities ($3.3 million) as of March 31, 2007.
We were originally incorporated under the Business Corporation Act (Ontario) in 1973 under the name Kamlo Gold Mines Limited and went through multiple name changes and five major changes in our business activities including a marine propulsion business, a snack food business, and an emerging technology investments business. Details of these changes are provided in our Registration Statement on Form 20-F dated June 12, 2000 and a summary is provided in our Annual Report on Form 20-F dated August 29, 2006. On April 21, 2003, we changed our name to "Bontan Corporation Inc." when we adopted our business strategy to focus on the natural resource sector.
The Companys registered office is situated at 47 Avenue Road, Suite 200,Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 2G3. The Company is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Ontario. The Companys shares have been listed on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol BNTNF in the United States.
The following is a summary of our key past events:
a.
The Company was incorporated under the name Kamlo Gold Mines Limited and remained an inactive shell from the date of incorporation to 1985.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
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 Dealcheck.com Inc. and agreed on a new business strategy. This strategy focused on investing in new and emerging technology oriented projects and businesses.
e.
In 1999, the company successfully raised $3.2 million, which were invested in various projects and companies over the next two years as per the new business strategy of the company. Unfortunately, IT sector performed poorly since 2001 and new and emerging technology-based businesses suffered significant losses, financial problems and bankruptcies. These factors adversely affected the companys investments and its profitability. The company had to write off all its investments by the end of the fiscal 2003.
f.
In April 2003, the Company changed its business focus to resource industry based on the recommendations of its shareholders in the last shareholders meeting. At that time, the Company commenced and successfully completed a private placement of approximately 8.9 million common shares, raising approximately US$3.1 million. These funds were primarily invested in projects involving oil and gas exploration and diamond mining projects in Brazil between April 2003 and September 2005,
g.
Diamond mining operations discontinued in December 2004. The company sold its interest in an oil exploration project in Papua New Guinea in July 2005 for US$3.2 million. The Companys cost of this project was approximately US$1.6 million. Further, in October 2004, the company acquired working interest in gas exploration project in Louisiana, USA. Between March 2005 and September 2005, the company invested approximately $3.9 million as its share of exploration costs. The exploration however proved a dry well and was therefore abandoned and the costs incurred were fully written off in December 2005.
(B) BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Our long-term business plan continues to be focused on becoming a diversified natural resource company that invests in major oil and gas exploration prospects. Through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, we will continue to seek highly visible opportunities in countries around the globe with a history of natural resource production that offer exciting and attractive propositions. We will seek to minimize risk by bringing in either joint venture, carried or working interest partners, depending on the size and scale of the project.
It is our current belief that oil and gas exploration is a high priority all over the world and especially in North America. Higher price levels for both these natural resources which have occurred over the past twelve months encourage new drilling activities. Our past experience with our two oil and gas projects enables us to more efficiently select and evaluate potential exploration projects in the oil and gas sector than in the other resource sectors. During the past several months, we have received without solicitation opportunities to participate in oil and gas exploration projects as a result of our past involvement in similar projects.
Therefore, our current business model, based on our experience with resource projects handled over the recent past and our assumptions set forth above, envisions the following key features:
a.
We will focus only on oil and gas exploration projects;
b.
Preference will be given to projects that have proven but undeveloped reserves rather than probable or potential reserves;
c.
We will invest our resources in projects which involves multiple well exploration potentials;
d.
Preference will be given to explorations involving shallow wells (up to 7,500 ft.) rather than deep wells (over 15,000 ft.);
e.
Preference will be given to projects with other experienced partners who are involved in the project;
f.
We will attempt to allocate our cash or liquidity resources to more than one project.
However, if the Company is unable to find any suitable projects in oil and gas within a reasonable time, it may seek opportunities in other sectors, including alternative energy but not necessarily limited to the energy sector.
(C) ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
As at March 31, 2006, the Company had the following whollyowned subsidiaries:
Subsidiary | Date of incorporation / acquisition | Comments on current status |
Foodquest Inc. (1) | August 13, 1993 | Inactive since 1998. It is currently a shell with no assets or liabilities. |
1388755 Ontario Inc. (1) | December 3, 1999 | Inactive since April 2003. The subsidiary was engaged in development of a prototype of a wireless and portable Internet appliance for medical data logging system. However, due to several technical problems, the project was shelved and all investment written off. Currently a shell with no assets or liabilities. |
Bontan Diamond Corporation (2) | 20-Feb-04 | Originally engaged in diamond mining in Brazil but business discontinued in December 2004 and has been inactive since then. |
Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation | 20-Feb-04 | Held interest in oil exploration project, which was sold in July 2005 and also held interest in a gas exploration project, which was written off in December 2005 due to abandonment of the project due to dry well. |
Bontan Gold Corporation (1) | 20-Feb-04 | Not yet active |
Bontan Mineral Corporation (1) | 20-Feb-04 | Not yet active |
Bontan Trading Corporation (1) | 20-Feb-04 | Not yet active |
(1)
These subsidiaries were dissolved between February 7, 2007 and February 15, 2007.
(2)
The subsidiary was dissolved on March 31, 2007.
All the dissolved subsidiaries were inactive and had no assets or external liabilities. The decision to dissolve them was approved by the Board in order to reduce the administrative work in maintaining their records and filing obligations.
The Company has yet to receive a formal certificate of dissolution in respect of the above entities from the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
(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 this premise is subleased to the Company.
See Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Item 5 for further details.
ITEM 4A UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
(A) OPERATING RESULTS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Audited Financial Statements of the Company and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.
Results of operations
Year ended March 31 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
in 000' CDN $ | in 000' CDN $ | in 000' CDN $ | |
Income | 744 | 1,858 | 419 |
Expenses | (908) | (6,643) | (5,296) |
Loss before discontinued operations | (164) | (4,785) | (4,877) |
Discontinued operations | - | - | (180) |
Net loss for year | (164) | (4,785) | (5,057) |
Deficit at end of year | (32,074) | (31,910) | (27,125) |
Overview
The following were the key events in fiscal 2007:
1.
The Company completed its private placement on April 16, 2006 and raised an additional $1.3 million between April 1, 2006 and the closing date. In this connection, the Company paid finders fee at 10% in cash and 10% (1,040,000) in warrants to Current Capital Corp., a related party.
2.
The Company initiated preparation of a prospectus and registration statement in Form F-3 for submission to US Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of shares issued and issuable under warrants issued under a private placement completed in April 2006. The prospectus became effective on November 30, 2006.
3.
The directors of the Company approved a new plan 2007 Consultants Stock Compensation Plan covering 1.5 million common shares of the company for issuance to consultants in settlement of their fees for services to be rendered during 2007. The Plan was formally filed with a registration statement Form S-8 with US Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on January 16, 2007.
4.
The Company received several exploration participation proposals during the year, of which it carried out a detailed due diligence on three oil project proposals but eventually decided against participating in any of them due to unsatisfactory results of the due diligence.
5.
The surplus funds continued to be gainfully invested in short term marketable securities. The cash and marketable securities at fair market value of at March 31, 2007 were $7.3 million compared to $5.8 million as at March 31, 2006. During the fiscal 2007, the company earned approximately 27% return on its short term investments of an average of approximately $2.6 million.
The following were the key events in fiscal 2006:
1.
The Company sold its indirect participation interest in oil project in Papua New Guinea on July 5, 2005 for a gross amount of US$3.2 million and made a net profit of US$1.6 million before adjustment of non cash selling costs.
2.
The Company invested a further $3.7 million in the Louisiana Gas exploration project in which the Company acquired 49% working interest in fiscal 2005. The well under exploration was drilled to the targeted depth and found to be a dry well. As a result, the Company wrote off its investment in this project.
3.
The Company raised approximately $3.9 million through exercise of warrants and options by the existing shareholders and a new private placement.
4.
The Company invested approximately $1.7 million in short-term investments from its surplus funds while searching for a right project to participate into. These investments proved to be profitable and gained approximately $1.4 million in realized and unrealized gains by March 31, 2006.
5.
The Company issued stocks and options to various consultants under the five plans, including three created in fiscal 2006, registered under the US Securities Act, Stocks and options valued at approximately $2 million were expensed and $0.3 million were deferred.
The following were the key events in fiscal 2005:
1.
The Company completed its private placement on May 26, 2004 and raised additional $646,679 in fiscal 2005, raising a total of $3.8 million through issuance of 8.9 million units.
2.
In July 2004, the Company converted its advances of US$2.1 million relating to an oil exploration project in Papua New Guinea into 15,262 shares of Interoil Corporation at a cost of approx. US$0.3 million and a .75% indirect participation interest in the oil exploration project at the remaining cost of approx. US$1.8 million. The shares were sold by February 2005 for US$.5 million and .75% interest was sold in July 2005 for US$3.2 million.
3.
In September 2004, the Company began investing in diamond mining activities in Brazil by acquiring a subsidiary in Brazil and signing two joint venture projects. However, the Brazilian operations were discontinued in December 2004 owing to the companys adverse assessment of the expected funding requirements and local environment. In October 2004, total investment of approx. $0.2 million was written off.
4.
The Company acquired 49% working interest in a gas project in the State of Louisiana and began making investments towards pre-exploration costs like seismic survey. To total amount invested by the end of the year was $216,568.
5.
The Company issued stocks and options to various consultants under the two plans registered under the US Securities Act, which were valued at approx. $6.5 million. $4.8 million was expensed and $1.7 was deferred.
Income
Income comprised the following:
Fiscal year ended March 31 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Realised gain on disposal of short term investments | 650,508 | 618,707 | 417,255 |
Interest | 93,278 | 31,109 | 1,606 |
Gain on sale of interest in oil exploration project | - | 1,207,831 | - |
$743,786 | $1,857,647 | $418,861 |
Gains on disposal of short term investments
At the end of the fiscal 2006, the Company was able to retain a surplus cash of approximately $2 million after writing off its working interest in gas project, which failed to explore a producing well and after meeting its working capital requirements. In addition, the Company raised approximately $2.7 million from the private placement between February and April 2006 net of finders fee. The management began reviewing new oil and gas projects for potential participation.
Meanwhile, however, the management decided to invest the surplus funds on hand in short term marketable securities of companies primarily in the resource sector. The management believed that this would bring better returns than simply leaving the funds in bank deposits. The funds were invested through well known Canadian brokerage firms in securities trading on Canadian and US stock exchanges or Over the Counter Bulletin Boards.
By the end of the fiscal 2007, the Company realized a net gain of $650,508 and an unrealized gain of $ 959,701 on its investments. Average of approximately $2.6 million remained invested through the year.
By the end of the fiscal year 2006, the Company realized a net gain of $618,707 on these investments and the market value of its holdings exceeded the carrying value by $746,928. Average of approximately $1 million remained invested through the year.
During the fiscal 2005, The Company made a net capital gain of approx. $417,000 from disposal of 15,262 shares of Interoil Corporation that it received by converting part of its advances for a oil exploration project in Papua new Guinea made in fiscal 2004 and certain other shares of non related corporations that it bought as part of its temporary investments of surplus funds.
Interest Income
Interest was earned on cash funds held at the brokerage firms before they are being invested in marketable securities.
Significantly higher interest income in fiscal 2007 was mainly due to higher cash balances being held. Average cash during the fiscal 2007 was approximately $3.2 million compared to $2.1 million in fiscal 2006 and $700,000 in fiscal 2005.
Gain on sale of Interest in oil exploration project Fiscal 2006 only
Computation of net gain on sale of IPI interest | |||
US$ | CDN$ | ||
Carrying value of the IPI interest | 1,589,943 | 1,897,279 | |
Sale proceeds | 3,200,000 | 3,818,560 | |
Less: fee paid to Brokerage firm in cash | (32,000) | (38,186) | |
Restricted common shares issued to the Brokerage firm | (16,000) | (19,485) | |
Valuation of options granted to Mr. Robinson | (566,940) | (655,779) | |
Net proceeds on sale | 2,585,060 |
| 3,105,110 |
Capital gain on sale | 995,117 |
| 1,207,831 |
On July 5, 2005, the Company sold its 0.75% Indirect Participation Interest in an oil exploration project in Papua New Guinea (IPI Interest) for a sum of US$3.2 million to an independent institutional investor under an IPI purchase agreement dated July 5, 2005. The Company received the funds on July 7, 2005. Under the agreement, the Company will no longer be responsible for any future cash calls and other obligations of the Project.
In this connection, the Company paid cash fee of US$32,000 plus 16,000 restricted common shares of the Company valued at US$16,000 to an independent US brokerage firm, which introduced the buyer.
In addition, the Company also granted, on December 5, 2005, 1.1 million options to acquire equal number of common shares of the Company to Mr. Terence Robinson exercisable at US$0.50 per option, for successfully bringing in and negotiating the deal. The value of the option granted of $655,779 based on Black-Scholes option price model was charged against the proceeds of the sale of IPI interest.
Expenses
The overall analysis of the expenses is as follows:
Year ended March 31 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Operating expenses | $428,197 | $584,377 | $461,939 |
Stock based compensation | 367,973 | 1,984,938 | 4,815,922 |
Exchange loss (gain) | 111,659 | 194,758 | 17,898 |
Loss from discontinued operations | - | - | 179,678 |
Write off of interest in gas exploration project | - | 3,878,507 | - |
$907,829 | $6,642,580 | $5,475,437 |
Operating Expenses
Travel, promotion and consulting -
Year ended March 31 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Travel, meals and entertainment | $ 101,075 | $ 144,461 | $ 58,675 |
Consulting | 50,461 | 49,286 | 81,950 |
Promotion | 7,191 | 82,007 | 61,178 |
$ 158,727 | $ 275,754 | $ 201,803 | |
% of operating expenses | 37% | 47% | 44% |
Travel, meals and entertainment
These expenses are primarily incurred by the key consultant, Mr. Terence Robinson in traveling to the USA and Europe and also in maintaining his net work which has been successfully used in raising funds, in attracting qualified consultants with minimum cash outlay and in securing suitable projects for the Company.
During the fiscal 2006, the expenses included three visits to USA by the CEO, Mr. Kam Shah in attending the trade show where the Company had a booth, presenting to a group of financial consultants in New York and meeting business prospective. This was in addition to the expenses of Mr. Robinson as explained above.
Expenses in fiscal 2005 related to the visits by the CEO, Mr. Kam Shah, to the USA and Brazil in connection with the Companys projects and prospective new business opportunities.
Consulting costs
Consulting fee in fiscal 2007 mainly consisted of fees paid to administrative assistant. Both Mr. Shah who was the CEO and CFO and Mr. Robinson, the key consultant accepted shares in lieu of their fees to minimize the cash outlay of the Company.
Consulting fee in fiscal 2005 related to cash fees of $28,000 paid to Mr. Terence Robinson, the former CEO of the company who served as consultant, $13,000 (US$10,000) paid to Snapper Inc. under a consulting contract which was terminated on May 31, 2004 and the balance of the fees were paid to administrative assistant and other temporary consultants.
Promotion costs
There were no new promotional activities during the fiscal 2007. Costs incurred related to costs of entertaining prospective and existing investors and business prospects.
During the fiscal 2006, several promotional programs were undertaken to promote the Companys working interest in gas exploration project and overall awareness of the companys affairs among the investing public. These programs included presentation to Financial analysts and money manager society in New York at the cost of approximately US$11,000, signing a booth for a two day Value rich expo in New York City at a cost of approximately 9,000, hiring two independent analyst firms to produce reports on the Company at a cost of approximately US$26,000 and enrolment to IR awareness and lead generation programs of independent firms.
Promotional costs for fiscal 2005 include general business entertainment costs of approx. $ 22,000 by Mr. Terence Robinson payable per consulting contract and special promotional efforts made through Googles adwords and overtures of approx. $26,000.
Other operating costs -
Year ended March 31, | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Shareholder information | 149,105 | 176,982 | 127,205 |
Professional fees | 53,084 | 71,588 | 116,479 |
Other | 67,281 | 60,053 | 16,452 |
$ 269,470 | $ 308,623 | $ 260,136 | |
% of operating costs | 63% | 53% | 56% |
Shareholder information
Shareholder information costs comprise investor and media relations fee, costs of holding annual general meeting of the shareholders and various regulatory filing fees.
Major cost consists of media relation and investor relation services provided by Current Capital Corp. under contracts dated July 1, 2004, which are being renewed automatically unless canceled in writing by a 30-day notice for a total monthly fee of US$10,000. Current Capital Corp. is a shareholder Corporation where the Chief Executive and Financial Officer of the Company provide accounting services.
The fee charged for fiscal 2007 was $136,249 and for fiscal 2006 the fee was $163,391 which included agreed fee of $143,391 and an additional fee of $20,000 for special work during various promotional efforts detailed under promotion costs above. Fees for fiscal 2005 were $117,053.
Professional fee
Fiscal 2007 professional fees consisted of audit fee of $ 31,700 and legal fee of $21,384. Legal fees related to filing of the 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan, Registration statement for the shares issued and issuable under the 2006 private placement and other legal matters.
Fiscal 2006 fees included audit fee of $28,000 and approximately $35,000 for the legal fees. Increased legal fees were due to filing of registration statements for various stock compensation and option Plans and prospectus for warrants and shares issued under private placement.
Fiscal 2005 professional fee included fee of $36,000 charged by Kam Shah, CEO for accounting services, $22,478 for the audit services and balance was mostly legal fees. Higher legal fees were due to legal work involved in reviewing various project related documents and registration of stock compensation and stock option plans and issuing opinions under rule 144 with respect to the removal of restrictive legends on the restricted shares issued under the private placement.
Other operating costs
These costs include rent, telephone, Internet, transfer agents fees and other general and administration costs.
Other operating costs for fiscal 2005 included a credit of approximately $37,000 on account of reversal of a provision for rent under dispute owing to lack of any further communication for over three years from the former landlord.
Stock based compensation
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |
Stock compensation | 367,973 | 839,786 | 695,834 |
Options granted | - | 1,145,152 | 4,120,088 |
$ 367,973 | $1,984,938 | $4,815,922 | |
Deferred stock compensation | $ 314,208 | $ 314,208 | $1,732,929 |
Stock based compensation is made up of the Companys common shares and options to acquire the Companys common shares being issued to various consultants and directors of the Company for services provided. The Company used this method of payment mainly to conserve its cash flow for business investments purposes. This method also allows the Company to avail the services of consultants with specialized skills and knowledge in the business activities of the Company without having to deplete its limited cash flow.
During the fiscal 2007, the Company only registered one Plan and issued common shares to three existing consultants as explained below. No new consultants were hired due to lack of any active projects.
On January 16, 2007, the Company registered 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company registered 1.7 million common shares under this Plan. On February 8, 2007, the company issued 1,150,000 common shares under this Plan to three existing consultants, who are all related parties, for a value of $313,486 based on the market price of the Companys common shares on the date of their issuance.
The following table summarizes the stock granted by each consultant and nature of the services provided by the consultants:
# | Name | Period of service | # of shares to be issued | Market price (US$) | Fee in US$ | CDN$ at | Brief description of services to be performed |
|
|
|
|
|
| $1.1852 | |
1 | John Robinson (a) | Year ending June 30, 2008 | 300,000 | $0.23 | $69,000 | $81,779 | Searching and evaluating new oil and gas exploration project proposals and assisting Terence in managing our short term investment portfolios |
2 | Terence Robinson (b ) | Year ending December 31, 2007 | 500,000 | $0.23 | $115,000 | $136,298 | Business development and managing our short term investment portfolios |
3 | Kam Shah | Year ending December 31, 2007 | 350,000 | $0.23 | $80,500 | $95,409 | Act as CEO/CFO |
|
|
| 1,150,000 |
| $264,500 | $313,485 |
|
(a)
John has been providing consulting services for the last few years. These services mainly included review of oil and gas proposals that are received and short listing them for further review and analysis by CEO. In addition, John also does constant research on companies acquiring oil and gas interest and major oil and gas plays under consideration. The research has always proved useful in negotiating proper terms on any proposals and saved the company from over paying. During the past year, John also played an important role in managing our short term investments of around $6 million. These investments grew by over 100% during the period and provided the Company with a healthy cash flow. Owing to the above, we have extended John's contract for another year to June 30, 2008 and negotiated settlement of his fee for this period by issuance of the recommended number of shares.
(b)
Terence provides two main services to the company. Owing to his extensive network, he is constantly in touch with some of our key shareholders and potential investors to ensure that whenever the company needs additional funding, it can be easily raised through private placement. We had two such successful placements during the past five years. The second important service is business development through his network. The company receives lucrative proposals for acquiring interest in oil and gas projects from contacts known to Terence. Once we finalize such a project, he also helps secure best pricing. For the past few months, Terence was involved in deciding on the marketable securities in which the company's surplus funds got invested on a short term basis. Our funds grew by over 100% owing to his selection of the marketable securities and decisions to buy and sell at the right time. He will continue to provide these services during the year 2006 and has agreed to accept the proposed number of common shares in lieu of his fees for such services.
During fiscal 2006, the board of directors of the Company approved and created three new Plans, which were all registered with Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America as required under the Securities Act of 1933:
1.
2005 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan covering one million common shares, which were issued to five consultants including directors and key consultants of the company for their services and valued at $327,827. $60,398 was expensed in fiscal 2006 and the balance was deferred.
2.
The Robinson Plan covering 1.1 million options exercisable at an option price of US$0.50 per option to convert into equal number of common shares within five years to December 5, 2010. These options were granted to Mr. Terence Robinson, a key consultant for services rendered in connection with the sale of IPI interest in oil exploration project. These options were valued at $655,779 and were off set against the net gain from the sale as explained earlier in this report.
3.
2005 Stock Option Plan covering one million options. None of the options were granted to anyone as at March 31, 2006.
During fiscal 2005, approx. 929,000 shares were issued under the Consultants compensation plan to eleven consultants for services provided in fiscal 2005 and to be provided during the fiscal 2006. These shares were valued at the fair value, based on the market value on the date of issue, of approx. $1.2 million. Approx. 347,000 shares valuing at approx. $590,000 related to the services to be provided in the fiscal 2006 and have therefore been carried as deferred compensation while the remaining value was expensed in fiscal 2005.
During the fiscal 2005, the Company also allotted all the 5.5 registered Options to eleven individuals, which were valued at approx. $5.3 million using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Approx. $4.1 million was expensed and the balance 1.1 million was deferred. Further details on the Options are available in note 9 to the financial statements for fiscal 2005.
Exchange Loss
The Companys reporting unit of currency is the Canadian dollar. At the year end, all transactions in US dollar and other currencies are translated using either average rate for the year or the rates on the dates of transactions depending upon the nature of the transactions. All assets and liabilities in non- Canadian currencies are translated at either the closing rate or rates on the dates of the underlying transactions again depending upon the nature of these balances.
During the fiscal 2007, the Company had an exchange loss of $111,659 on year end translation of foreign currency balances. The Companys subsidiary, Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation has US dollar as a functional currency. The subsidiary owes to the parent company over US$ 3 million, which resulted in a translation loss at the year end on conversion of the US dollar balances into Canadian dollar due to strengthening of the value of the Canadian dollar versus US dollar. One US dollar was equal to Canadian dollar 1.15 at March 31, 2007 compared to 1.17 at March 31, 2006.
Similar trend between the two currencies gave rise to an exchange loss of $194,758 at March 31, 2006. One US dollar was equal to Canadian dollar 1.17 at March 31, 2006 compared to 1.22 at March 31, 2005.
Loss for the fiscal year 2005 was relatively small - $17,898 since most of the assets were non current and were translated at historical rate which was higher than the year end rate.
Loss from discontinued operations for fiscal year 2005 only
There were no discontinued operations in fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2004.
In fiscal 2005, the Company discontinued its diamond mining operations in Brazil and decided to focus on oil and gas activities. The Company incurred losses of $179,678 from this discontinued operation during the fiscal 2005.
Losses were made up of expenses of approx. $121,000 relating to operations of the Brazilian office and approx. $55,000 relating to the costs of investments in two joint ventures, which was originally deferred but was written off on the closure of the operations.
Write off of interest in gas exploration project
On October 15, 2004, the Company entered into an exploration agreement with a private investors group in the United States under which it acquired 49% gross working interest in a gas exploration project in the State of Louisiana, USA (the project).
By September 20, 2005, the Company paid approximately US$3.5 million CDN$ 4.3 million towards seismic survey, land leases and exploration costs of the first exploration test well, Placide Richard No.1, under the project.
The drilling began on August 21, 2005 and the targeted depth of 15,378 was reached on October 19, 2005.
On October 21, 2005, the Company was informed by the project operators that based on electric log analysis and wireline formation tests results, the well could not be completed as a well capable of commercial production and therefore the well should be plugged and abandoned and all leases be allowed to expire.
Consequently, as at September 30, 2005, the management decided to write off the carrying value of the interest in the gas project in full. Subsequently in December 2005, when final account was rendered, the Company received a refund of US$318,563, which reduced the amount actually written off at the end of the fiscal 2006.
During the fiscal 2007, the company received a final charge of $4,142 (US$ 3,638) relating to closure of the drilled well. No further charges are now expected in respect of this project.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
As at March 31, 2007, the Company had a net working capital of approximately $6.6 million compared to a working capital of $5.3 million as at March 31, 2006.
95% of the working capital - approximately $6.3 million - at March 31, 2007 was in the form of cash and short term investments compared to 94% - $5 million at March 31, 2006.
Significant improvement in the liquid working capital was due to raising of equity through private placement and short term investments in marketable securities realising significant gains as explained earlier in this report.
Cash on hand as at March 31, 2007 was $3.0 million compared to $3.3 million as at March 31, 2006.
Operating cash flow
During the fiscal 2007, operating activities required net cash outflow of $529,323 which was off set by the net proceeds of $650,508 from the sale of short term investments. The Company was able to support its operating needs from the short term investment activities and was able to save the funds it raised from private placement for project investment purposes.
In fiscal 2006, the Companys operating activities required net cash flow of $752,520 which was partly off set by the net proceeds from the sale of short term investments of $618,707 leaving a deficit of $133,813, which was financed from the funds raised through private placement.
The major decline in the operating cash requirement was due to the key management opting to shares and options in lieu of cash fees for their services.
Investment cash flows
During the fiscal 2007, the Company invested a net of $1.5 million in short term marketable securities while generating $650,508 from the sale of the short term marketable securities. These proceeds were primarily used for operational needs as explained above while funds raised through private placement were primarily used for investments.
There were three key investment activities during the fiscal 2006 that resulted in significant cash flows.
·
Sale of IPI interest in oil exploration project , as explained earlier in this report, generated a net cash flow of around $ 4 million (US$ 3.2 million)
·
Approximately $3.7 million was spent on the gas exploration project in Louisiana during the fiscal year 2006.
·
A net sum of $1.7 million was invested in short term marketable securities through various brokerage firms, while generating $618,707 from the sale of short term marketable securities. The proceeds were used for the operational needs as explained above.
Overall investment activities in fiscal 2006 required a net cash outlay of $1.3 million before the net cash inflow form disposal of short term investments, which was primarily met from the equity funds raised under financing cash flows.
Financing cash flows
During the fiscal 2007, the Company raised an additional $1.2 million net of the finders fee from private placement which commenced in late fiscal 2006 and completed in April 2006.
The company generated approximately $4 million through financing activities during the fiscal 2006. The key financing activities in fiscal 2006 were as follows:
·
$2.2 million from exercise of warrants attached to the Units issued under the 2003 private placement.
·
Approximately $300,000 from exercise of options granted under various option plans discussed earlier in this report.
·
Approximately $1.7 million from a new private placement, which commenced on February 24, 2006 and completed on April 16, 2006.
The Company paid finders fee of $397,944 in connection with funds raised through warrant exercise and private placements during the fiscal 2006.
(C)
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES
The Company has not spent any funds on research and development during the fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005.
(D)
TREND INFORMATION
Our business is exploration of oil and gas so the price of these items has a direct impact on our prospects for success and our ability to raise capital. The recent trend for the price of oil and gas has been positive and has remained steady at relatively high historical prices. Management believes that the current trend will continue for the foreseeable future. History has shown, however, that there can be no such assurances.
There are no other trends, commitments, events or uncertainties presently known to management that are reasonably expected to have a material effect on the Companys business, financial condition or results of operation other than uncertainty as to the speculative nature of the business (Refer to the heading entitled Risk Factors).
(E)
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
At March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company did not have any off balance sheet arrangements, including any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnership to enhance perceived liquidity.
(F)
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Not applicable.
(G)
SAFE HARBOUR
Not applicable.
ITEM 6 DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
(A) DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
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:
Name and Position With the Company | Other principal directorships | Principal business activities outside the Company |
Kam Shah Director and Chairman Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | Director Argen Energy Corp. | Provides accounting services to Current Capital Corp. and a part time practice as chartered accountant. |
Terence Robinson Key Consultant | None | President of TR Network Inc. an independent organisation providing business and financial services. |
Dean Bradley Director | Director of Quasar Aviation Corporation and Quasar-Lite, Inc. | Chief Executive Officer of Quasar Aviation Corporation and Quasar-Lite, Inc. |
Brett D. Rees Director effective December 8, 2006 | Director of five Canadian private corporations. | Independent broker in life and other insurance products and personal and estate financial planning. |
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 effective May 17, 2004, following resignation of the Chairman, Mr. Terence Robinson, has also assumed the responsibilities of the chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Mr. Shah is also a consultant providing accounting and tax services to Current Capital Corp., (CCC) a private Ontario corporation, having its head office in Toronto. CCC provides investors and media relations services to public companies including Bontan Corporation.
Terence Robinson was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since October 1, 1991. He resigned from the Board on May 17, 2004 but continues with the Company as a key consultant. He advises the board in the matters of shareholders relations, fund raising campaigns, introduction and evaluation of 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 and currently runs his own consulting firm in the name of TR Network Inc.
Dean Bradley is a non-executive independent director based in Florida. He was first appointed director of the Company on November 20, 2000. 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 and is currently involved in two ventures as explained above. Mr. Bradley is currently the chairman of the audit committee of the Company.
Brett Rees was appointed as independent director and a member of the audit committee effective December 8, 2006. Mr. Rees is a Chartered life underwriter, financial consultant and financial planner and a licensed mutual funds manager. He has over twenty years of experience in various insurance products, estate planning, pension planning for individual and corporation and in group benefit assessments. He is currently an officer/director in five Canadian private corporations including Resolution Oil & Gas Ltd., Resolution Mining Ltd and Platinum Equity Funding.
Damian Lee had been appointed as non-executive director on April 12, 2005 and resigned on December 8, 2006.
Management Team
The Companys current management team consists only of Mr. Kam Shah whose background details are given above. Mr. Terence Robinson is a key consultant who basically acts in an advisory role with no specific authority to bind the Company.
Mr. Shahs consulting agreement expired on March 31, 2005. A new agreement was signed on April 1, 2005, which is effective for five years to March 31, 2010. Copy of the new agreement was included in the Exhibits attached to fiscal 2005 annual report.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of the persons named above.
Other Relationships
There are no arrangements or understandings between any major shareholder, customer, supplier or others, pursuant to which any of the above-named persons were selected as directors or members of senior management.
(B) COMPENSATION
The compensation payable to directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiary is summarized below:
1.
General
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 Companys directors from time to time and the reimbursement of direct expenses.
The Company does not have any pension plans.
2.
Statement of Executive Compensation
The following table and accompanying notes set forth all compensation paid by the Company to its directors, senior management and key consultants for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
ANNUAL COMPENSATION | LONG-TERM COMPENSATION | |||||||
Awards | Payouts | |||||||
Name and principal position | Year | Fee | Bonus | Other annual compensation (4) | Securities under options/SARs Granted (1) | Shares or units subject to resale restrictions | LTIP (2) payouts | all other compensation |
($) | ($) | ($) | (#) | ($) | ($) | |||
Kam Shah - CEO and CFO (3) | 2007 | 95,409 | ||||||
CEO and CFO | 2006 | 86,112 | ||||||
CFO | 2005 | 36,000 | - | 1,100 | 450,000/ nil | - | - | - |
Terence Robinson - CEO/Consultant (5) | 2007 | 136,298 | ||||||
CEO/Consultant | 2006 | 143,520 | 1,100,000 (6)/ nil | |||||
CEO | 2005 | 311,250 | - | - | 2,090,000 /nil | - | - | - |
Dean Bradley - an independent director (7) | 2007 | - | ||||||
2006 | 5,980 | |||||||
2005 | - | - | - | 20,000/nil | - | - | - | |
Damian Lee - an independent director (8) | 2007 | - | ||||||
2006 | 5,980 | |||||||
2005 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
John Robinson - Consultant (9) | 2007 | 81,779 | ||||||
2006 | 273,357 | 807,500/ nil | ||||||
2005 | 56,950 | 1,107,500/ nil |
Notes:
1.
SAR means stock appreciation rights.
2.
LTIP means long term incentive plan.
3.
Mr. Shah was CFO until May 17, 2004. Since that date he also assumed the responsibility of CEO following the resignation of Mr. Terence Robinson as CEO on that date. Mr. Shah received 350,000 common shares during the fiscal 2007 valued at $95,409, 288,000 common shares during the fiscal 2006 valued at $86,112 and a cash fee of $36,000 in fiscal 2005 as fee for his services as CEO/CFO during these years.
4.
Mr. Shah was given an interest-free loan of $20,000 in fiscal 2004. The loan was settled On March 31, 2005. The amount shown under other annual compensation against Mr. Shah represents the value of imputed interest on the loan at 5.5%.
5.
Mr. Terence Robinson was CEO of the Company until May 17, 2004 on which date he resigned as CEO and continued as consultant with the Company. He received 500,000 common shares in fiscal 2007 valued at $136,298, 480,000 common shares in fiscal 2006 valued at $143,520 and cash payment of $28,037 plus 145,250 common shares valued at $283,213 in fiscal 2005 as fee for his services during these years.
6.
Mr. Terence Robinson was issued 1.1 million options in fiscal 2006 for his services in connection with sale of the Companys interest in oil exploration project in Papua New Guinea. These options are valid for two years from the date of their issuance and are convertible into equal number of common shares of the company at a conversion price of US$0.50 per option. The options are issued under The Robinson Plan.
7.
Mr. Dean Bradley received fee in the form of 20,000 common shares valued at $5,980 in fiscal 2006. However, he returned the common shares for cancellation and instead accepted a cash payment of $5,522 in fiscal 2006.
8.
Mr. Damian Lee received fee in the form of 20,000 common shares valued at $5,980 in fiscal 2006. Mr. Lee received no compensation in fiscal 2007 and resigned from the board on December 8, 2006.
9.
Mr. John Robinson has been providing consulting services involving projects evaluation and management of short term investments. He is brother of Mr. Terence Robinson and is a sole owner of Current Capital Corp., a related corporation. Mr. John Robinson received 300,000 common shares in fiscal year 2007 valued at $ 81,779, 299,048 common shares in fiscal 2006 valued at $273,357 and 82,143 common shares in fiscal 2005 valued at $ 56,950 for his services during these years.
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) Awards
The Company does not have a LTIP, pursuant to which cash or non-cash compensation intended to serve as an incentive for performance (whereby performance is measured by reference to financial performance or the price of the Companys securities) was paid or distributed to the Named Executive Officers during the most recently completed financial year.
Defined Benefit or Actuarial Plan Disclosure
There is no pension plan or retirement benefit plan that has been instituted by the Company and none are proposed at this time.
(C) BOARD PRACTICES
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.
Mandate of the Board
The Board has adopted a mandate, in which it has explicitly assumed responsibility for the stewardship of Bontan Corporation Inc. In carrying out its mandate the Board holds at least four meetings annually. The frequency of meetings, as well as the nature of the matters dealt with, will vary from year to year depending on the state of our business and the opportunities or risks, which we face from time to time. The Board held a total of 6 meetings during our financial year ended March 31, 2007. To assist in the discharge of its responsibilities, the Board has designated one standing committee: an Audit Committee, as more particularly discussed below.
Audit Committee
The members of the audit committee consisted of Dean Bradley and Damian Lee until December 8, 2006 when Mr. Lee resigned and was replaced by Mr. Brett Rees as an independent director who became another member of the audit committee. 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.
The Companys Audit Committees charter was detailed in the annual report for fiscal 2005. The Charter became effective on August 2, 2005.
Audit Committee charter assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for our accounting and financial reporting practices by:
·
reviewing the quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements and management discussion and analyses;
·
meeting at least annually with our external auditor;
·
reviewing the adequacy of the system of internal controls in consultation with the chief executive and financial officer;
·
reviewing any relevant accounting and financial matters including reviewing our public disclosure of information extracted or derived from our financial statements;
·
establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;
·
pre-approving all non-audit services and recommending the appointment of external auditors; and
·
reviewing and approving our hiring policies regarding personnel of our present and former external auditor
A copy of the Audit Committee Charter can be requested by calling (416) 929-1806.
Compensation Committee
The Company does not currently have a Compensation Committee. The directors determined that, in light of the Companys size and resources, setting up such a committee would be too expensive and would not serve any useful purpose for the Company at this time. The Company has, however, set up an Independent Review Committee of the Board to review and approve all non-arms' length contracts. This Committee has the same composition as the Audit Committee, and is currently comprised of the two independent directors - Dean Bradley and Brett Rees.
(D) EMPLOYEES
The Company presently has no permanent employees. It uses the services of consultants from time to time.
(E) SHARE OWNERSHIP
The Corporation had the following plans as at March 31, 2007:
1.
1999 Stock Option Plan covering 3 million options registered under the Securities Act of 1933, United States of America (the Act) on April 30, 2003.
2.
2001 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan covering 1,205,714 shares registered under the Act on April 30, 2003.
3.
2003 Stock Option Plan covering 2.5 million options registered under the Act on July 22, 2004
4.
2003 Stock Compensation Plan covering 1 million shares registered under the Act on July 22, 2004.
5.
The Robinson Option Plan covering 1.1 million options registered under the Act on December 5, 2005.
6.
2005 Stock option Plan covering 1 million shares registered under the Act on December 5, 2005.
7.
2005 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan covering I million shares registered under the Act on December 5, 2005.
8.
2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan covering 1.7 million common shares registered under the Act on January 16, 2007.
All options under 1999 Plan, 2003 plan and The Robinson Plan were issued and as at May 10, 2007, the date of this report, 4,795,000 options were outstanding. No options have yet been issued under the 2005 Plan.
All shares reserved under the 2001, 2003 and 2005 Compensation Plans and 1,150,000 common shares under 2007 Compensation Plan were issued before March 31, 2007.
The objective of these Plans is to provide for and encourage ownership of common shares of the Company by its directors, officers, consultants and employees and those of any subsidiary companies so that such persons may increase their stake in the Company and benefit from increases in the value of the common shares. The Plans are designed to be competitive with the benefit programs of other companies in the natural resource industry. It is the view of management that the Plans are a significant incentive for the directors, officers, consultants and employees to continue and to increase their efforts in promoting the Companys operations to the mutual benefit of both the Company and such individuals and also allow the Company to avail of the services of experienced persons with minimum cash outlay.
The following table sets forth the share ownership of those persons listed in subsection 6.B above and includes details of all options or warrants to purchase of the Company held by such persons at March 31, 2007:
Name | # of Common shares held at March 31, 2007 | # of stock options | Exercise price - in US$ | Expiry date(s) |
Kam Shah | 731,000 | 100,000 | $0.50 | 11-May-09 |
125,000 | $0.50 | 18-Aug-09 | ||
125,000 | $0.75 | 18-Aug-09 | ||
Terence Robinson | 500,000 | 1,690,000 | $0.50 | 18-Aug-09 |
1,100,000 | $0.50 | 5-Dec-10 | ||
Dean Bradley | - | 15,000 | $0.35 | 11-May-09 |
5,000 | $1.00 | 18-Aug-09 | ||
Damian Lee | 20,000 | |||
John Robinson * | 2,012,500 | 1,615,000 | $0.35 | 28-Oct-09 |
* Includes 1,712,500 held in the name of Current Capital Corp., which is fully owned by Mr. John Robinson |
ITEM 7 MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
(A) MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
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 all the beneficial owners thereof.
As at May 10, 2007, Intermediaries like CDS & Co, Toronto, Canada and Cede & Co of New York, USA held approx. 61% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the company on behalf of several beneficial shareholders whose individual holdings details were not fully available. The following are the other shareholders holding more than 5% of the common shares of the company as at May 10, 2007.
Name of Shareholder | No. of Shares | % of Issued Shares |
Current Capital Corp. | 2,012,500 | 7.0% |
Pinetree Resource Partnership | 3,112,000 | 10.86% |
At May 10, 2007, the Company had 28,645,203 shares of common stock outstanding, which, as per the details provided by the Transfer Agents, were held by 98 record holders excluding the beneficial shareholders held through the intermediaries, 54 of which, holding an aggregate of 4,118,553 shares (14.38%) of common stock, were in the United States.
One of the private placees of the 2006 private placement exercised 215,000 warrants subsequent to March 31, 2007 and was thus issued 215,000 common shares.
The Company is a publicly owned Canadian corporation, the shares of which are owned by Canadian residents, US residents, and residents of other countries. The Company is not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by another corporation or any foreign government. There are no arrangements, known to the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the Company.
(B) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Given below is background information on some of the key related parties and transactions with them:
1.
Current Capital Corp. (CCC). CCC is a related party in following ways
a.
Director/President of CCC, Mr. John Robinson is a consultant with Bontan
b.
CCC provides media and investor relation services to Bontan under a consulting contract.
c.
Chief Executive and Financial Officer of Bontan is providing services to CCC as CFO.
d.
CCC and John Robinson hold significant shares in Bontan.
Bontan shares premises with CCC for which CCC charges on a quarterly basis for the rent, phone and utilities based on the actual costs and area occupied. Charges from CCC reflect actual costs and do not include any mark ups.
Another charge from CCC relates to the investor relations and media relation services provided under a contract. The charge is a fixed sum of US$10,000 per month plus taxes.
CCC also charged a finders fee at the rate of 10% of the gross money raised for the Company through issuance of shares and warrants under private placements. In addition, It also received 1,040,000 warrants at 10% of the Units issued.
2.
Mr. Kam Shah is a director of the Company and also provides services as chief executive and financial officer under a five-year contract. The compensation is decided by the board on an annual basis and is usually given in the form of shares and options.
3.
Mr. Terence Robinson used to be providing services as chief executive officer until May 2004 and was also a director until that date. Currently, Mr. Robinson is providing services as a key consultant under a five-year contract. His services include sourcing of new business opportunities on behalf of the company using his extensive network of business contacts. His remuneration is paid mostly in shares on an annual basis.
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:
(i)
Included in shareholders information expense is $136,249 (2006 $143,391; 2005 $117,053) to Current Capital Corp, (CCC) for media relations services. CCC is a shareholder corporation and a director of the Company provides accounting services as a consultant.
(ii)
CCC charged approximately $5,666 for rent, telephone, consultants fees and other office expenses (2006: $8,200 and 2005: $24,000).
(iii)
Finders fee of $740,043(2006: $397,944, 2005: $35,238) was charged by CCC in connection with the private placement. The fee included cash fee of $130,313 and 1,040,000 warrants valued at $609,730 using a Black-Scholes option price model.
(iv)
Business expenses of $10,279 (2006 - $15,805; 2005 - $15,205) were reimbursed to directors of the corporation and $85,862 (2006 - $143,987, 2005: $93,244) to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company.
(v)
Shares issued to directors under Consultants stock compensation plan 330,000 valued at $89,429 (2006 - 328,000 valued at $98,072, 2005: nil,). Shares issued to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company under the Consultant stock compensation plan 500,000 valued at $ 136,298 (2006: 480,000 valued at $ 143,500, 2005: 290,500 valued at $566,426).
(vi)
Options issued to directors under Stock option plans 2007: nil (2006: nil, 2005: 485,000 valued at $541,910). Options issued to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company under Stock option plans: nil (2006: 1,100,000 options valued at 655,779, 2005: 2,090,000 valued at $1,002,738 )
(vii)
Consulting fees include amounts to Snapper Inc., a shareholder corporation of $nil (2006: $ nil, 2005 - $12,786).
(viii)
Payable and accrual includes $3,471 (2006: $7,145, 2005 $nil) due to CCC, $1,431 (2006: $1,758, 2005: $nil) due to a director and $7,099 (2006: $3,562, 2005: $ nil) due to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company.
(ix)
Interest income includes $1,398 (2006 & 2005: $nil) representing interest received from Chief Executive officer on loan of $25,000 repaid by him during the year.
Indebtedness to Company of Directors, Executive Officers and Senior Officers
None of the directors, consultants, executive officers and senior officers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, proposed nominees for election or associates of such persons is or has been indebted to the Company in excess of $25,000 at any time for any reason whatsoever, including the purchase of securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Mr. Shah, the CEO and CFO of the Company borrowed $25,000 on December 6, 2005, repayable within six months and carrying interest at 5.5% per annum. The loan was fully paid with interest on December 12, 2006.
(C) INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
ITEM 8 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(A) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Information regarding our financial statements is contained under the caption "Item 17. Financial Statements" below.
Legal Proceedings
There are no material legal proceedings in progress or to the knowledge of the Company, pending or threatened to which the Company is a party or to which any of its properties is subject.
Dividend Policy
Since its incorporation, the Company has not declared or paid, and has no present intention to declare or to pay in the foreseeable future, any cash dividends with respect to its Common Shares. Earnings will be retained to finance further growth and development of the business of the Company. However, if the Board of Directors declares dividends, all Common Shares will participate equally in the dividends, and, in the event of liquidation, in the net assets, of the Company.
(B) SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
There were no corporate changes and other significant events that occurred subsequent to March 31, 2007 up to the date of this report, May 10, 2007.
ITEM 9 - THE OFFER AND LISTING
(A) OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
The following tables set forth the reported high and low sale prices for the common shares of the Company as quoted on OTCBB.
The following table outlines the annual high and low market prices for the five most recent fiscal years:
Fiscal year ended March 31 | High In US$ | Low In US$ |
2007 | 0.75 | 0.22 |
2006 | 1.51 | 0.20 |
2005 | 2.15 | 0.33 |
2004 | 2.47 | 0.21 |
2003 | 2.38 | 0.21 |
The following table outlines the high and low market prices for each fiscal financial quarter for the two most recent fiscal periods and any subsequent period:
Fiscal Quarter ended | High | Low |
| In US$ | In US$ |
March 2007 | 0.30 | 0.23 |
December 2006 | 0.38 | 0.25 |
September 2006 | 0.60 | 0.25 |
June 30, 2006 | 0.75 | .48 |
March 31, 2006 | 0.66 | .23 |
December 31, 2005 | 1.45 | .20 |
September 30, 2005 | 1.53 | .68 |
June 30, 2005 | 1.05 | .58 |
The following table outlines the high and low market prices for each of the most recent six months:
Month | High | Low |
| In US$ | In US$ |
April 2007 | 0.45 | 0.29 |
March 2007 | 0.30 | 0.22 |
February 2007 | 0.27 | 0.23 |
January 2007 | 0.29 | 0.24 |
December 2006 | 0.34 | 0.25 |
November 2006 | 0.38 | 0.30 |
(B) PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Not applicable.
(C) MARKETS
The Companys common shares were traded on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol DEAL and on Canadian Dealing Network (CDN) under the symbol FDQI until January 20, 1999.
Effective January 21, 1999. The Companys shares were traded only on OTCBB. 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.
The company changed its name to Bontan Corporation Inc. On April 21, 2003 and its common shares began trading, and currently trade under a new symbol BNTNF on OTCBB.
(D) SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
Not applicable.
(E) DILUTION
Not applicable.
(F) EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
Not applicable.
ITEM 10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(A) SHARE CAPITAL
This Form 20F is being filed as an Annual Report under the Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this section.
(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 Securities and Exchange Commission, in Washington, D.C. on June 12, 2000 to which our Articles of Incorporation and Memorandum were filed as exhibits.
No further changes have been made to the Companys Articles/Bylaws.
(C) MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Except for contracts entered into in the ordinary course of its business, the only material contracts to which we are or have been a party to for the two years preceding this annual report is as follows:
1.
Agreement dated July 5, 2005 with Kings Road Investments Limited for sale of indirect participation interest in oil exploration project in Papua New Guinea.
2.
Private Placement Agreement dated February 24, 2006 for issuance of Units consisting of common shares and common share purchase warrants to a group of accredited investors.
(D) EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Limitations on the ability to acquire and hold shares of the Company may be imposed by the Competition Act (Canada) (the Competition Act). This legislation permits the Commissioner of Competition to review any acquisition of a significant interest in us. This legislation grants the Commissioner jurisdiction, for up to three years, to challenge this type of acquisition before the Competition Tribunal if the Commissioner believes that it would, or would be likely to, result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition in any market in Canada.
The Competition Act requires that any person proposing to acquire any of the assets in Canada of an operating business file a notification with the Competition Bureau where (a) the parties to the transaction, together with their respective affiliates, have (i) assets in Canada the value of which exceeds $400,000,000 in the aggregate, or (ii) annual gross revenues from sales in, from or into Canada that exceed $400,000,000 in the aggregate; and (b) the aggregate value of those assets, or the gross revenues from sales in or from Canada generated from those assets, would exceed $50,000,000. For the purposes of the Competition Act, asset values and gross revenues are to be determined as of the last day of the period covered by the most recent audited financial statements in which the assets or gross revenues are accounted for.
This legislation also requires any person who intends to acquire shares to file a notification with the Competition Bureau if certain financial thresholds are exceeded, and that person would hold more than 20% of our voting shares as a result of the acquisition. If a person already owns 20% or more of our voting shares, a notification must be filed when the acquisition would bring that persons holdings over 50%. Where a notification is required, the legislation prohibits completion of the acquisition until the expiration of a statutory waiting period, unless the Commissioner provides written notice that he does not intend to challenge the acquisition.
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our securities. However, any such remittance to a resident of the United States may be subject to a withholding tax pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada). For further information concerning such withholding tax, see Taxation" below.
Except as may be provided under the Investment Canada Act (the "ICA"), there are no specific limitations under the laws of Canada, the Province of Ontario, or in the Notice of Articles and Articles of the Company with respect to the rights of non-residents of Canada to hold and/or vote securities of the Company.
The ICA requires each individual, government or agency thereof, corporation, partnership, trust or joint venture that is not a Canadian as defined in the ICA (a non-Canadian) making an investment to acquire control of a Canadian business, the gross assets of which exceed certain defined threshold levels, to file an application for review with the Investment Review Division of Industry Canada. The current threshold level for non-Canadians who are World Trade Organization investors (as defined in the ICA) is $265,000,000 (in 2006). This amount is subject to an annual adjustment on the basis of a prescribed formula in the ICA to reflect inflation and real growth within Canada.
In the context of the Company, in essence, three methods of acquiring control of a Canadian business are regulated by the ICA: (i) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets used in carrying on business in Canada; (ii) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of voting shares of a Canadian corporation carrying on business in Canada; (iii) the acquisition of voting shares of an entity which controls, directly or indirectly, another entity carrying on business in Canada. An acquisition of a majority of the voting interests of an entity, including a corporation, is deemed to be an acquisition of control under the ICA. However, under the ICA, there is a rebuttable presumption that control is acquired if one-third of the voting shares of a Canadian corporation or an equivalent undivided interest in the voting shares of such corporation are held by a non-Canadian person or entity. A n acquisition of less than one-third of the voting shares of a Canadian corporation is deemed not to be an acquisition of control. An acquisition of less than a majority, but one-third or more, of the voting shares of a Canadian corporation is presumed to be an acquisition of control unless it can be established that on the acquisition the Canadian corporation is not, in fact, controlled by the acquirer through the ownership of voting shares. Certain transactions relating to the acquisition of common shares would be exempt from review from the ICA, including:
(a) acquisition of common shares by a person in the ordinary course of a persons business as a trader or dealer in securities;
(b) acquisition of control of a Canadian corporation in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for any purpose related to the provisions of the ICA; and
(c) acquisition of control of a Canadian corporation by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization following which the ultimate direct or indirect control in fact of the corporation, through the ownership of voting interests, remains unchanged.
In addition, if less than a majority of voting interests of a Canadian corporation are owned by Canadians, the acquisition of control of any other Canadian corporation by such corporation may be subject to review unless it can be established that the corporation is not in fact controlled through the ownership of voting interests and that two-thirds of the members of the board of directors of the corporation are Canadians.
Where an investment is reviewable under the ICA, it may not be implemented unless it is likely to be of net benefit to Canada. If an applicant is unable to satisfy the Minister responsible for Industry Canada that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada, the applicant may not proceed with the investment. Alternatively, an acquirer may be required to divest control of the Canadian business that is the subject of the investment.
In addition to the foregoing, the ICA requires formal notification to the Canadian government of all other acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses by non-Canadians. These provisions require a foreign investor to give notice in the required form, which notices are for information, as opposed to review purposes.
(E) TAXATION
Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences
We consider that the following general summary fairly describes the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations applicable to holders of our common shares who, for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the ITA), deal at arms length with the Company, hold such shares as capital property, do not carry on business in Canada, have not been at any time residents of Canada for purposes of the ITA and are residents of the United States (US Residents) under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention as amended by the Protocols thereto (the Convention).
This summary is based upon the current provisions of the ITA, the Income Tax Regulations (the Regulations), the current publicly announced administrative and assessing policies of the Canada Revenue Agency (formerly Canada Customs and Revenue Agency), and all specific proposals (the Tax Proposals) to amend the ITA and Regulations publicly announced prior to the date hereof by the Minister of Finance (Canada). This description is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax consequences and, except for the Tax Proposals, does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action, nor does it take into account provincial or foreign tax considerations which may differ significantly from those discussed herein.
The following discussion is for general information only and it is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any holder or prospective holder of our common shares and no opinion or representation with respect to any Canadian federal, provincial or foreign tax consequences to any such holder or prospective holder is made. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of our common shares should consult with their own tax advisors about the Canadian federal, provincial and foreign tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of our common shares.
Dividends
The ITA provides that dividends and other distributions deemed to be dividends paid or deemed to be paid by a Canadian resident corporation (such as our Company) to a non-resident of Canada shall be subject to a non-resident withholding tax equal to 25% of the gross amount of the dividend or deemed dividend. Provisions in the ITA relating to dividend and deemed dividend payments to and gains realized by non-residents of Canada, who are residents of the United States, are subject to the Treaty. The Treaty may reduce the withholding tax rate on dividends as discussed below.
The Convention provides a 5% withholding tax on gross dividends or deemed dividends paid to a United States corporation which beneficially owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the company paying the dividend. In cases where dividends or deemed dividends are paid to a United States resident (other than a corporation) or a United States corporation which beneficially owns less than 10% of the voting stock of a company, a withholding tax of 15% is imposed on the gross amount of the dividend or deemed dividend paid. We would be required to withhold any such tax from the dividend and remit the tax directly to CRA for the account of the investor.
The reduction in withholding tax from 25%, pursuant to the Treaty, will not be available:
(a)
if the shares in respect of which the dividends are paid formed part of the business property or were otherwise effectively connected with a permanent establishment or fixed base that the holder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition, or
(b)
the holder is a U.S. LLC which is not subject to tax in the U.S.
The Convention generally exempts from Canadian income tax dividends paid to a religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organization or to an organization exclusively administering a pension, retirement or employee benefit fund or plan, if the organization is resident in the U.S. and is exempt from income tax under the laws of the U.S.
Capital Gains
The Convention provides that a US Resident will not be subject to tax under the ITA in respect of any capital gain on the disposition of our common shares unless such shares constitute taxable Canadian property of the US Resident and the US Resident is not entitled to the benefits of the Convention with regards to capital gains. Our common shares will constitute taxable Canadian property if at any time during the five year period immediately preceding the disposition of our common shares, the US Resident, or persons with whom the US Resident did not deal at arms length, or the US Resident together with persons with whom the US resident did not deal at arms length owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of our capital stock.
Where a US resident realizes a capital gain on a disposition of shares that constitute taxable Canadian property, the Convention relieves the US resident from liability for Canadian tax on such capital gains unless:
(a)
the value of the shares is derived principally from real property in Canada, including the right to explore for or exploit natural resources and rights to amounts computed by reference to production;
(b)
the shareholder was resident in Canada for 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years preceding the disposition, was resident in Canada at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding the disposition and the shares were owned by him when he ceased to be resident in Canada;
(c)
the shares formed part of the business property of a permanent establishment or pertained to a fixed base used for the purpose of performing independent personal services that the shareholder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition, or
(d)
the holder is a U.S. LLC which is not subject to tax in the U.S.
If subject to Canadian tax on such a disposition, the taxpayer's capital gain (or capital loss) from a disposition is the amount by which the taxpayer's proceeds of disposition exceed (or are exceeded by) the aggregate of the taxpayer's adjusted cost base of the shares and reasonable expenses of disposition. For Canadian income tax purposes, the "taxable capital gain" is equal to one-half of the capital gain.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of our common shares (Common Shares).
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences that may apply to a U.S. Holder as a result of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any U.S. Holder. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Scope of this Disclosure
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), published administrative positions of the IRS, the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed September 26, 1980, as amended (the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention), and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this Annual Report. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive basis.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of Common Shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S., (b) a corporation, or any other entity classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or any state in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, (c) an estate if the income of such estate is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source of such income, or (d) a trust if (i) such trust has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust.
Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a non-U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of Common Shares other than a U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares to non-U.S. Holders. Accordingly, a non-U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences (including the potential application of and operation of any tax treaties) of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including the following U.S. Holders: (a) U.S. Holders that are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) U.S. Holders that are financial institutions, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) U.S. Holders that are dealers in securities or currencies or U.S. Holders that are traders in securities that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) U.S. Holders that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar; (e) U.S. Holders that are liable for the alternative minimum tax under the Code; (f) U.S. Holders that own Common Shares as part of a straddle, hedging t ransaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; (g) U.S. Holders that acquired Common Shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (h) U.S. Holders that hold Common Shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code; or (i) U.S. Holders that own, directly or indirectly, 10% or more, by voting power or value, of our outstanding shares. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
If an entity that is classified as partnership (or pass-through entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such partnership (or pass-through entity) and the partners of such partnership (or owners of such pass-through entity) generally will depend on the activities of the partnership (or pass-through entity) and the status of such partners (or owners). Partners of entities that are classified as partnerships (or owners of pass-through entities) for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own financial advisor, legal counsel or accountant regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Tax Consequences Other than U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, or foreign tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares. (See TaxationCanadian Federal Income Tax Consequences above).
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Acquisition, Ownership, and Disposition of Common Shares
Distributions on Common Shares
General Taxation of Distributions
A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to the Common Shares will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. To the extent that a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such distribution will be treated (a) first, as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holders tax basis in the Common Shares and, (b) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of such Common Shares. (See more detailed discussion at Disposition of Common Shares below).
Reduced Tax Rates for Certain Dividends
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002 and before January 1, 2011, a dividend paid by us generally will be taxed at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains if (a) we are a qualified foreign corporation (as defined below), (b) the U.S. Holder receiving such dividend is an individual, estate, or trust, and (c) such dividend is paid on Common Shares that have been held by such U.S. Holder for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (i.e., the first date that a purchaser of such Common Shares will not be entitled to receive such dividend).
We generally will be a qualified foreign corporation under Section 1(h)(11) of the Code (a QFC) if (a) we are incorporated in a possession of the U.S., (b) we are eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention, or (c) the Common Shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. However, even if we satisfy one or more of such requirements, we will not be treated as a QFC if we are a passive foreign investment company (as defined below) for the taxable year during which we pay a dividend or for the preceding taxable year. In 2003, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the Treasury) and the IRS announced that they intended to issue Treasury Regulations providing procedures for a foreign corporation to certify that it is a QFC. Although these Treasury Regulations were not issued in 2004, the Treasury and the IRS have confirmed their int ention to issue these Treasury Regulations. It is expected that these Treasury Regulations will obligate persons required to file information returns to report a distribution with respect to a foreign security issued by a foreign corporation as a dividend from a QFC if the foreign corporation has, among other things, certified under penalties of perjury that the foreign corporation was not a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year during which the foreign corporation paid the dividend or for the preceding taxable year.
As discussed below, we believe that we might be considered a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year ended March 31, 2007. There can be no assurance that we will not be a passive foreign investment company for the current or any future taxable year. Accordingly, there can be no assurances that we will be a QFC for the current or any future taxable year, or that we will be able to certify that it is a QFC in accordance with the certification procedures issued by the Treasury and the IRS.
If we are not a QFC, a dividend paid by us to a U.S. Holder, including a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust, generally will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates (and not at the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains). The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the dividend rules.
Distributions Paid in Foreign Currency
The amount of a distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency generally will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such distribution based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt. A U.S. Holder that does not convert foreign currency received as a distribution into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt generally will have a tax basis in such foreign currency equal to the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency on the date of receipt. Such a U.S. Holder generally will recognize ordinary income or loss on the subsequent sale or other taxable disposition of such foreign currency (including an exchange for U.S. dollars).
Dividends Received Deduction
Dividends paid on the Common Shares generally will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction. The availability of the dividends received deduction is subject to complex limitations that are beyond the scope of this discussion, and a U.S. Holder that is a corporation should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the dividends received deduction.
Disposition of Common Shares
A U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and (b) such U.S. Holders tax basis in the Common Shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss, which will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Common Shares are held for more than one year. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares generally will be treated as U.S. source for purposes of applying the U.S. foreign tax credit rules. (See more detailed discussion at Foreign Tax Credit below).
Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses and net capital losses are subject to complex limitations. For a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust, capital losses may be used to offset capital gains and up to US$3,000 of ordinary income. An unused capital loss of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust generally may be carried forward to subsequent taxable years, until such net capital loss is exhausted. For a U.S. Holder that is a corporation, capital losses may be used to offset capital gains, and an unused capital loss generally may be carried back three years and carried forward five years from the year in which such net capital loss is recognized.
Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder who pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to dividends paid on the Common Shares generally will be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian income tax paid. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holders income subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a year.
Complex limitations apply to the foreign tax credit, including the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. Holders foreign source taxable income bears to such U.S. Holders worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holders various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either foreign source or U.S. source. In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income (including passive income, high withholding tax interest, financial services income, general income, and certain other categories of income). Dividends paid by us generally will constitute foreign source income and generally will be categorized as passive income or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, financial services income. However, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006, the foreign tax credit limitation categories are reduced to passive income and general income (and the other categories of income, including financial services income, are eliminated). The foreign tax credit rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Information Reporting; Backup Withholding Tax
Payments made within the U.S., or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from certain sales or other taxable dispositions of, Common Shares generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax, at the rate of 28%, if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish such U.S. Holders correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on Form W-9), (b) furnishes an incorrect U.S. taxpayer identification number, (c) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (d) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax. However, U.S. Holders that are corporations generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rules. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holders U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the information reporting and backup withholding tax rules.
Additional Rules that May Apply to U.S. Holders
If we are a controlled foreign corporation, or a passive foreign investment company (each as defined below), the preceding sections of this summary may not describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Controlled Foreign Corporation
We generally will be a controlled foreign corporation under Section 957 of the Code (a CFC) if more than 50% of the total voting power or the total value of our outstanding shares are owned, directly or indirectly, by citizens or residents of the U.S., domestic partnerships, domestic corporations, domestic estates, or domestic trusts (each as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), each of which own, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the total voting power of our outstanding shares (a 10% Shareholder).
If we are a CFC, a 10% Shareholder generally will be subject to current U.S. federal income tax with respect to (a) such 10% Shareholders pro rata share of the subpart F income (as defined in Section 952 of the Code) of the Company and (b) such 10% Shareholders pro rata share of our earnings invested in United States property (as defined in Section 956 of the Code). In addition, under Section 1248 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares by a U.S. Holder that was a 10% Shareholder at any time during the five-year period ending with such sale or other taxable disposition generally will be treated as a dividend to the extent of the earnings and profits of the Company that are attributable to such Common Shares. If we are both a CFC and a passive foreign investment company (as defined below), we ge nerally will be treated as a CFC (and not as a passive foreign investment company) with respect to any 10% Shareholder.
We do not believe that Bontan has previously been, or currently is a CFC. However, there can be no assurance that we will not be a CFC for the current or any future taxable year.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
We generally will be a passive foreign investment company under Section 1297 of the Code (a PFIC) if, for a taxable year, (a) 75% or more of our gross income for such taxable year is passive income or (b) 50% or more of the assets held by us either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the fair market value of such assets (or on the adjusted tax basis of such assets, if we are not publicly traded and either is a controlled foreign corporation or makes an election). Passive income includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions.
For purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described above, if we own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another foreign corporation, we will be treated as if it (a) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other foreign corporation and (b) received directly a proportionate share of the income of such other foreign corporation. In addition, for purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described above, passive income does not include any interest, dividends, rents, or royalties that are received or accrued by us from a related person (as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of the Code), to the extent such items are properly allocable to the income of such related person that is not passive income.
We believe that Bontan has during the fiscal year 2007 and is currently a PFIC since we do not have any active projects and our surplus funds are being held in short term investments and our main sources of revenue are gains from disposal of these investments and interest on the funds on hand.
Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code
If we are a PFIC, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares will depend on whether such U.S. Holder makes an election to treat the Company as a qualified electing fund or QEF under Section 1295 of the Code (a QEF Election) or a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the Code (a Mark-to-Market Election). A U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election will be referred to in this summary as a Non-Electing U.S. Holder.
A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code with respect to (a) any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares and (b) any excess distribution paid on the Common Shares. A distribution generally will be an excess distribution to the extent that such distribution (together with all other distributions received in the current taxable year) exceeds 125% of the average distributions received during the three preceding taxable years (or during a U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares, if shorter).
Under Section 1291 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, and any excess distribution paid on the Common Shares, must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to prior years of such Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period for the Class Common Shares (other than years prior to the first taxable year of the Company during such Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period and beginning after December 31, 1986 for which we were not a PFIC) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax applicable to ordinary income in each such prior year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be required to pay interest on the resulting tax liability for each such prior year, calculated as if such tax liability had been due in each such prior year. Such a N on-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat any such interest paid as personal interest, which is not deductible. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to the current year of such Non-Electing U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares will be treated as ordinary income in the current year, and no interest charge will be incurred with respect to the resulting tax liability for the current year.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds Common Shares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such Non-Electing U.S. Holder, regardless of whether we cease to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent years. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if such Common Shares were sold on the last day of the last taxable year for which the Company was a PFIC.
QEF Election
A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. However, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such U.S. Holders pro rata share of (a) the net capital gain of the Company, which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) and the ordinary earnings of the Company, which will be taxed as ordinary income to such U.S. Holder. Generally, net capital gain is the excess of (a) net long-term capital gain over (b) net short-term capital loss, and ordinary earnings are the excess of (a) earnings and profits over (b) net capital gain. A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such amounts for each taxable year in which we are a PFIC, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distribut ed to such U.S. Holder by us. However, a U.S. holder that makes a QEF Election may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer payment of current U.S. federal income tax on such amounts, subject to an interest charge. If such U.S. Holder is not a corporation, any such interest paid will be treated as personal interest, which is not deductible.
A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally also (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from us to the extent that such distribution represents earnings and profits of the Company that were previously included in income by the U.S. Holder because of such QEF Election and (b) will adjust such U.S. Holders tax basis in the Common Shares to reflect the amount included in income or allowed as a tax-free distribution because of such QEF Election. In addition, a U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares.
The procedure for making a QEF Election, and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of making a QEF Election, will depend on whether such QEF Election is timely. A QEF Election will be treated as timely if such QEF Election is made for the first year in the U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares in which we were a PFIC. A U.S. Holder may make a timely QEF Election by filing the appropriate QEF Election documents at the time such U.S. Holder files a U.S. federal income tax return for such first year. However, if we were a PFIC in a prior year, then in addition to filing the QEF Election documents, a U.S. Holder must elect to recognize (a) a gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if the Common Shares were sold on the qualification date or (b) if we were also a CFC, such U.S. Holders pro rata share of the post-1986 earnings and profits 48; of the Company as of the qualification date. The qualification date is the first day of the first taxable year in which we were a QEF with respect to such U.S. Holder. The election to recognize such gain or earnings and profits can only be made if such U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares includes the qualification date. By electing to recognize such gain or earnings and profits, such U.S. Holder will be deemed to have made a timely QEF Election. In addition, under very limited circumstances, a U.S. Holder may make a retroactive QEF Election if such U.S. Holder failed to file the QEF Election documents in a timely manner.
A QEF Election will apply to the taxable year for which such QEF Election is made and to all subsequent taxable years, unless such QEF Election is invalidated or terminated or the IRS consents to revocation of such QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election and, in a subsequent taxable year, we cease to be a PFIC, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) during those taxable years in which we are not a PFIC. Accordingly, if we become a PFIC in another subsequent taxable year, the QEF Election will be effective and the U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above during any such subsequent taxable year in which we qualify as a PFIC. In addition, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) with respect to a U.S. Holder even after such U.S. Holder disposes of all of such U.S. Holders direct and indirect interest in the Common Shares. Acc ordingly, if such U.S. Holder reacquires an interest in the Company, such U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above for each taxable year in which we are a PFIC.
Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election. U.S. Holders should be aware that there can be no assurance that we will satisfy record keeping requirements that apply to a QEF, or that we will supply U.S. Holders with information that such U.S. Holders require to report under the QEF rules, in event that we are a PFIC and a U.S. Holder wishes to make a QEF Election.
Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market Election only if the Common Shares are marketable stock. The Common Shares generally will be marketable stock if the Common Shares are regularly traded on (a) a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (b) the national market system established pursuant to section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, or (c) a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market is located, provided that (i) such foreign exchange has trading volume, listing, financial disclosure, and other requirements and the laws of the country in which such foreign exchange is located, together with the rules of such foreign exchange, ensure that such requirements are actually enforced and (ii) the rules of such foreign exchange ensure active trading of listed stocks.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above. However, if a U.S. Holder makes a Mark-to-Market Election after the beginning of such U.S. Holders holding period for the Common Shares and such U.S. Holder has not made a timely QEF Election, the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will apply to certain dispositions of, and distributions on, the Common Shares.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in ordinary income, for each taxable year in which we are a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of the Common Shares as of the close of such taxable year over (b) such U.S. Holders tax basis in such Common Shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will be allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the excess, if any, of (i) such U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares over (ii) the fair market value of such Common Shares as of the close of such taxable year or (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the amount included in ordinary income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years over (ii) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holders tax basis in the Common Shares to reflect the amount included in gross income or allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election. In addition, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will recognize ordinary income or loss (not to exceed the excess, if any, of (a) the amount included in ordinary income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years over (b) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior taxable years).
A Mark-to-Market Election applies to the taxable year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is made and to each subsequent taxable year, unless the Common Shares cease to be marketable stock or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a Mark-to-Market Election.
Other PFIC Rules
Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the IRS has issued proposed Treasury Regulations that, subject to certain exceptions, would cause a U.S. Holder that had not made a timely QEF Election to recognize gain (but not loss) upon certain transfers of Common Shares that would otherwise be tax-deferred (e.g., gifts and exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations). However, the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder may vary based on the manner in which Common Shares are transferred.
Certain additional adverse rules will apply with respect to a U.S. Holder if we are a PFIC, regardless of whether such U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election. For example under Section 1298(b)(6) of the Code, a U.S. Holder that uses Common Shares as security for a loan will, except as may be provided in Treasury Regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such Common Shares.
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own financial advisor, legal counsel, or accountant regarding the PFIC rules and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be relied on as legal or tax advice or representations to any particular investor. Consequently, potential investors are urged to seek independent tax advice in respect of the consequences to them of the acquisition of common stock having regard to their particular circumstances.
(F) DIVIDEND AND PAYING AGENTS
Not applicable.
(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) 929-1806. Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") may also be read and copied at the SEC's public reference room at 100F Street, N. E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms.
The Company is subject to reporting requirements as a reporting issuer under applicable securities legislation in Canada and as a foreign private issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). As a result, we must file periodic reports and other information with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A copy of this Annual Information Form/Form 20-F Annual Report and certain other documents referred to in this Annual Report and other documents filed by us may be retrieved from the system for electronic document analysis and retrieval (SEDAR) system maintained by the Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.ca or from the Securities and Exchange Commission electronic data gathering, analysis and retrieval system (EDGAR) at www.sec.gov/edgar.
(I) SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
The documents concerning the Companys 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 are exposed to financial market risks, credit risks on investments and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not use derivative financial instruments.
Financial Market and Credit Risk
At March 31, 2007 we had invested approximately $3.3 million (March 31, 2006: $1.8 million) in short-term marketable securities. A fundamental objective of our investment policy is to obtain better than bank interest return on the surplus funds being held while we review and finalize opportunities for participation in oil and gas projects. Our investments are mostly in marketable securities quoted and traded on Canadian or US exchanges. We have consultants with extensive experience monitoring our investments on a daily basis and therefore believe that we will be able to respond on time to any major factors affecting the value of our investments and reduce or eliminate the risks of significant market price fluctuations. Further discussion of our investment strategy is set forth in item 3D under the heading Our short term investments are susceptible to market fluctuations and other risks.
Foreign Currency Risk
We operate internationally, however the majority of our expenditures are in Canadian or United States dollars. As at March 31, 2007; approximately $5 million 75% - of our assets were held in US dollar. (As at March 31, 2006: $3.1 million or 57%). We incurred a foreign exchange loss of $111,659 for the year ended March 31, 2007 (see ITEM 5, OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS OPERATING RESULTS - Other Income and Expenses). Due to our net United States dollar working capital position in Fiscal 2007 and the increasing value of the Canadian dollar as compared to the United States dollar, we incurred a foreign exchange loss.
Further, the Company also plans activities in different countries involving different local currencies. Exchange rates for these currencies in the future may have an adverse effect on our earnings or assets when these currencies are exchanged for Canadian dollars. The Company has 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 3 D under the heading, Conducting business in foreign countries.
The Company has no debt instruments subject to interest payments, sales contracts, swaps, derivatives, or forward agreements or contracts, or inventory.
The Company has no currency or commodity contracts, and the Company does not trade in such instruments.
The Company periodically accesses the capital markets with the issuance of new shares to fund operating expenses and new projects.
ITEM 12 DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 13 DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14 MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
No modifications or qualifications have been made in the Fiscal Year to the instruments defining the rights of the holders of our Common Shares and no material amount of assets securing our securities has been withdrawn or substituted by us or anyone else (other than in the ordinary course of business).
ITEM 15 - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
a) Disclosure controls and procedures
We have no employees. Our Chief Executive Officer who also serves as Chief Financial Officer (CEO) is primarily responsible in establishing and maintaining controls and procedures concerning disclosure of material information and their timely reporting in consultation and under direct supervision of the audit committee which comprises two independent directors. We therefore do not have an effective internal controls and procedures due to lack of segregation of duties. However, given the size and nature of our current operations and involvement of independent directors in the process significantly reduce the risk factors associated with the lack of segregation of duties.
The CEO has instituted a system of disclosure controls for the Corporation to ensure proper and complete disclosure of material information. The limited number of consultants and direct involvement of the CEO facilitates access to real time information about developments in the business for drafting disclosure documents. All documents are circulated to the board of directors and audit committee according to the disclosure time-lines.
In July 2006 a comprehensive review of risk factors facing the Corporation was undertaken by management and the board of directors. Mitigating controls and procedures were identified wherever possible. New procedures were implemented in a couple of cases where it was evident that controls were not robust enough to ensure appropriate disclosure in a timely manner. Some controls were implemented as a secondary detection mechanism if the initial controls failed to prevent errors from occurring.
The CEO, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Corporations disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in U.S. Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(c)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 20-F, have concluded that, as of such date, the Corporations disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that material information relating to the Corporation was made known to him by others within the Corporation during the period in which this Form 20-F was being prepared.
There were no significant changes in the Corporation's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date the CEO completed his evaluation, nor were there any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Corporation's internal controls requiring corrective actions other than the lack of segregation of duties.
b) Managements annual report on internal control over financial reporting
Not applicable, pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
c) Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm
Not applicable, pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 16 (A) AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERTS
As at the Companys financial year ended March 31, 2007, the audit committee consisted of two directors, one of whom, Mr. Dean Bradley would be determined as a financial expert, as that term is defined under Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Bradleys background is described under Item 6(A) Directors and senior management.
Effective December 8, 2006, Mr. Damian Lee was replaced by Mr. Brett Rees as independent director and a member of the audit committee. Mr. Dean Bradley continues as a financial expert.
ITEM 16 (B) CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a Code of Ethics, which applies to all employees, consultants, officers and directors. A copy of our current code of ethics is included in the exhibits to this report.
ITEM 16 (C) PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANTS FEES AND SERVICES
The following outlines the expenditures for accounting fees for the last two fiscal periods ended:
| March 31 2007 |
| March 31 2006 |
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees (1) | 25,000 |
| 28,000 |
Tax Fees (2) | 3,620 |
| - |
(1)
Audit fees for the fiscal year 2007 have not yet been billed by our auditors. The amount shown is the managements estimate.
(2)
Tax fees comprised $2,620 paid for the US corporation tax returns preparation for the years 2005 and 2006 and an accrual of $1,000 for the year 2007.
Under our existing policies, the audit committee must approve all audit and non-audit related services provided by the auditors.
ITEM 16 (D) - EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
The information referred to in this section is not required as to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, which is the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
ITEM 16 (E)
- PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
The information referred to in this section is not required as to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, which is the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
PART III
ITEM 17 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See the Financial Statements and Exhibits listed in Item 19 hereof and filed as part of this Annual Report. These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP and are expressed in Canadian dollars. Such financial statements have been reconciled to U.S. GAAP (see Note 16 therein). For a history of exchange rates in effect for Canadian dollars as against U.S. dollars, see Item 3(A) Exchange Rates of this Annual Report.
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 19 - EXHIBITS
(a)
Financial Statements
Description of Document | Page No. |
Cover Sheet | F-1 |
Independent Auditors Report dated April 27, 2007 | F-2 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at March 31, 2007 and 2006 | F-3 |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 | F-4 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 | F-5 |
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 | F-6 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | F-7 |
Previous independent Auditors Report dated July 27, 2005 covering fiscal year 2005 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a) F-8 to the Companys Annual Report in Form F-20/A for fiscal year 2006 filed on February 5, 2007. |
(b)
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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed on June 12, 2000.
1.9
Certificate of name change from Dealcheck.com Inc. to Bontan Corporation Inc. - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(viii) to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on September 23, 2003.
2(a)
Specimen Common Share certificate - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1(viii) to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on September 23, 2003.
4(a)2.i
Investor relations contract with Current Capital Corp. dated April 1, 2003 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (a) 2i to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 filed on September 28, 2005.
4(a)2.ii
Media Relation Contract with Current Capital corp. dated April 1, 2003 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (a) 2ii to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 filed on September 28, 2005.
4(a)2.iii
A letter dated April1, 2005 extending the contracts under 4(a)2.i and ii. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (a) 2iii to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 filed on September 28, 2005.
4(b)1
Indirect Participation Interest Purchase Agreement dated July 5, 2005 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (b) 1 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 filed on September 28, 2005.
4(c)1
Consulting Agreement dated April 1, 2005 with Kam Shah Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (c) 1 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2005 filed on September 28, 2005.
4(c)2
Consulting Agreement dated April 1, 2003 with Terence Robinson - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 (a) to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2004 filed on August 30, 2004.
4(c)3
Letter dated February 8, 2007 extending the Consulting Agreement with Mr. John Robinson to June 30, 2008.
4(c)(iv)1
The Robinson Option Plan, 2005 Stock Option Plan and 2005 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan - Incorporated herein by reference to Form S-8 filed on December 5, 2005.
4(c)(iv)2
2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan Incorporated herein by reference to Form S-8 filed on January 16, 2007.
11
Code of ethics of the Company.
12.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
13.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
SIGNATURES
The Company hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
DATED at Toronto, Ontario, Canada, this 10th day of May, 2007.
BONTAN CORPORATION INC.
Per: (signed) Kam Shah
Title: Chairman and CEO
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Years Ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
(Canadian Dollars)
Index | |
Auditors Report | 2 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets | 3 |
Consolidated Statements of Operations | 4 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 5 |
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity | 6-7 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 8-28 |
Schwartz Levitsky Feldman llp
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
LICENSED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TORONTO. MONTREAL
AUDITORS REPORT
To the Shareholders of
Bontan Corporation Inc.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Bontan Corporation Inc. as at March 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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, 2007 and 2006 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles which differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (refer to note 16).
The consolidated financial statements of Bontan Corporation Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2005, were audited by another firm of Chartered Accountants, who expressed an opinion without reservation on those consolidated financial statements in their report dated July 27, 2005.
SCHWARTZ LEVITSKY FELDMAN LLP
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Chartered Accountants
April 27, 2007
Licensed Public Accountants
1167 Caledonia Road
Toronto, Ontario M6A 2X1
Tel: 416 785 5353
Fax: 416 785 5663
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Canadian Dollars)
For the Years Ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Note | 2007 | 2006 | |||||
Assets | |||||||
Current | |||||||
Cash | $3,014,928 | $3,262,842 | |||||
Short term investments | 3 | 3,315,691 | 1,777,921 | ||||
Interest in oil properties | 5(i) | - | - | ||||
Deferred stock based compensation | 4 | 276,146 | 314,208 | ||||
Prepaid and other receivables | 66,153 | 95,801 | |||||
$6,672,918 | $5,450,772 | ||||||
Liabilities and shareholders' equity | |||||||
Current liabilities | |||||||
Accounts payable | $19,052 | $34,218 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | $29,400 | $130,770 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 48,452 | 164,988 | |||||
Shareholders' Equity | |||||||
Capital stock | 6 | 27,667,872 | 30,585,691 | ||||
Warrants | 8 | 6,961,152 | 2,540,608 | ||||
Contributed surplus | 4,069,549 | 4,069,549 | |||||
Deficit | (32,074,107) | (31,910,064) | |||||
Total shareholders' equity | 6,624,466 | 5,285,784 | |||||
$6,672,918 | $5,450,772 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 12) | |||||||
Related Party Transactions (Note 13) |
Approved by the Board Kam Shah Director Dean Bradley Director
(signed) (signed)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Canadian Dollars)
For the Years Ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Note | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||
Income | |||||||
Gain on disposal of short term investments | $650,508 | $618,707 | $417,255 | ||||
Gain on sale of interest in oil exploration project | 5( i ) | - | 1,207,831 | - | |||
Interest | 93,278 | 31,109 | 1,606 | ||||
743,786 | 1,857,647 | 418,861 | |||||
Expenses | |||||||
Stock based compensation | 4 | 367,973 | 1,984,938 | 4,815,922 | |||
Travel, promotion and consulting | 158,727 | 275,754 | 201,803 | ||||
Shareholders information | 13 | 149,105 | 176,982 | 127,205 | |||
Exchange loss | 111,659 | 194,758 | 17,898 | ||||
Professional fees | 53,084 | 71,588 | 116,479 | ||||
Office and general | 30,630 | 22,219 | 12,993 | ||||
Bank charges and interest | 13,885 | 4,029 | 3,922 | ||||
Communication | 7,984 | 19,471 | 17,985 | ||||
Rent (recovery) | 5,666 | 5,839 | (26,771) | ||||
Transfer agents fees | 4,974 | 8,495 | 8,323 | ||||
Write off of interest in gas exploration project | 5 | 4,142 | 3,878,507 | - | |||
907,829 | 6,642,580 | 5,295,759 | |||||
Loss before discontinued operations | (164,043) | (4,784,933) | (4,876,898) | ||||
Discontinued operations | 10 | - | - | (179,678) | |||
Net loss for year | (164,043) | (4,784,933) | (5,056,576) | ||||
Basic and diluted loss per share information | |||||||
Loss from continuing operations | $(0.01) | $(0.31) | $(0.42) | ||||
Loss from discontinued operations | $ - | $ - | (0.01) | ||||
Net Loss per share | 9 | $(0.01) | $(0.31) | $(0.43) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Canadian Dollars)
For the Years Ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Note | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | ||||
Net loss before discontinued operations | $ (164,043) | $ (4,784,933) | $ (4,876,898) | |
Write off of interest in gas exploration project | 5 | 4,142 | 3,878,507 | - |
Gain on sale of interest in oil exploration project | - | (1,207,831) | - | |
Gain on disposal of short term investments | (650,508) | (618,707) | (417,255) | |
Unrealized loss on investments | - | - | 16,348 | |
Provision for rent reversed | - | - | (34,287) | |
Stock based compensation | 4 | 367,973 | 1,984,938 | 4,815,922 |
Loss from discontinued operations | - | - | (179,678) | |
Promotion costs settled by shares | - | 12,542 | - | |
Net change in working capital components | ||||
Prepaid and other receivable | 29,649 | (68,843) | 27,732 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (116,536) | 51,807 | (206,667) | |
(529,323) | (752,520) | (854,783) | ||
Investing activities | ||||
Short term Investments | (1,537,770) | (1,701,534) | 275,632 | |
Net proceeds from sale of short term investments | 650,508 | 618,707 | 417,255 | |
Disposal of interest in oil exploration project | - | 4,045,081 | - | |
Investment in interest in gas properties | 5 | (4,142) | (3,661,939) | (216,568) |
(891,404) | (699,685) | 476,319 | ||
Financing activities | ||||
Net advances from shareholders | - | (11,140) | (500,961) | |
Common shares issued | 1,172,813 | 3,865,857 | 1,239,214 | |
| 1,172,813 | 3,854,717 | 738,253 | |
Increase in cash during year | (247,914) | 2,402,512 | 359,789 | |
Cash at beginning of year | 3,262,842 | 860,330 | 500,541 | |
Cash at end of year | $ 3,014,928 | $ 3,262,842 | $ 860,330 | |
Supplemental disclosures | ||||
Non-cash operating activities | ||||
Consulting fees settled for common shares and options and expensed during the year | 4 | 367,973 | 2,640,717 | 4,815,922 |
Consulting fees prepaid in shares | 4 | 276,146 | 314,208 | 1,732,929 |
$ 644,119 | $ 2,954,925 | $ 6,548,851 | ||
Non-cash investing activities | ||||
Advances converted into interest in oil properties and investment | - | - | 2,530,353 | |
Interest in oil properties acquired by converting advances | - | - | (2,161,986) | |
Investments acquired by converting advances | - | - | (368,367) | |
$ - | $ - | $ - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity
(Canadian Dollars)
For the Years Ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Number of Shares | Share Capital | Warrants | Contributed surplus | Accumulated Deficit | Shareholders' Equity | |
Balance March 31, 2004 | 9,603,272 | 24,287,903 | - | - | (22,068,555) | 2,219,348 |
Issued under private placement | 1,343,124 | 649,679 | - | - | 649,679 | |
Finder's fee paid on private placement | - | (35,237) | - | - | (35,237) | |
Options granted under 1999 and 2001 stock option plans | - | - | 5,265,240 | - | 5,265,240 | |
1999 Stock options exercised | 1,100,000 | 624,773 | - | - | 624,773 | |
Value transferred from contributed surplus to the extent exercised | - | 1,470,162 | (1,470,162) | - | - | |
Issued under 2001 Consultant stock compensation plan | 174,524 | 119,695 | - | - | 119,695 | |
Issued under 2003 Consultant stock compensation plan | 754,619 | 1,163,915 | - | - | 1,163,915 | |
Net loss | - | - | - | (5,056,576) | (5,056,576) | |
Balance March 31, 2005 | 12,975,539 | $28,280,890 | $3,795,078 | $(27,125,131) | $4,950,837 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity - Continued 2
(Canadian Dollars)
For the Years Ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
Number of Shares | Share Capital | Warrants | Contributed surplus | Accumulated Deficit | Shareholders' Equity | |
Balance March 31, 2005 | 12,975,539 | $28,280,890 | $- | $3,795,078 | $(27,125,131) | $4,950,837 |
Options exercised | 500,000 | 284,367 | 284,367 | |||
Value of options excercised transferred | 381,308 | (381,308) | 0 | |||
Issued under 2003 Consultant stock compensation plans | 196,212 | 238,390 | 238,390 | |||
Issued under 2005 Consultant stock compensation plans | 1,000,000 | 327,827 | 327,827 | |||
Restricted shares issued in settlement of fees | 23,500 | 32,027 | 32,027 | |||
Warrants exercised | 2,162,452 | 2,256,738 | 2,256,738 | |||
Issued under private placement | 3,900,000 | 1,139,146 | 1,139,146 | |||
Existing warrants revalued | (254,120) | 254,120 | 0 | |||
Warrants issued under private placement | (2,286,488) | 2,286,488 | 0 | |||
Subscribed and paid for under private placement but Issued subsequent to the balance sheet date | 2,000,000 | 583,550 | 583,550 | |||
Finder fee | (397,944) | (397,944) | ||||
Options granted | 655,779 | 655,779 | ||||
Net loss | (4,784,933) | (4,784,933) | ||||
Balance March 31, 2006 | 22,757,703 | $30,585,691 | $2,540,608 | $4,069,549 | $(31,910,064) | $5,285,784 |
Issued under private placement | 4,500,000 | 1,303,126 | 1,303,126 | |||
Warrants issued under private placement | (3,810,814) | 3,810,814 | 0 | |||
Warrants issued for finders fee | (609,730) | 609,730 | ||||
Finder fee | (130,313) | (130,313) | ||||
Shares cancelled | (20,000) | (5,980) | (5,980) | |||
Issued under 2003 Consultant stock compensation plans | 42,500 | 22,406 | 22,406 | |||
Issued under 2007 Consultant stock compensation plans | 1,150,000 | 313,486 | 313,486 | |||
Net loss | (164,043) | (164,043) | ||||
Balance, March 31, 2007 | 28,430,203 | $27,667,872 | $6,961,152 | $4,069,549 | $(32,074,107) | $6,624,466 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
1.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Bontan Corporation Inc. (the Company) is a diversified natural resource company that invests in major oil and gas exploration and exploitation projects in countries around the globe through its subsidiary by acquiring joint venture, indirect participation interest and working interest in those projects.
The company focuses on projects where the other project partners have proven experience in oil and gas exploration, development and distribution.
2.
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 16 Differences from United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries as detailed below. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
Subsidiary | Date of incorporation / acquisition | Comments on current status |
Foodquest Inc. (1) | 13-Aug-93 | Inactive since 1998 |
1388755 Ontario Inc. (1) | 3-Dec-99 | Inactive since April 2003 |
Bontan Diamond Corporation (2) | 20-Feb-04 | Business discontinued in December 2004. No further activities. |
Bontan Oil & Gas Corporation | 20-Feb-04 | Interests in oil and gas exploration projects. |
Bontan Gold Corporation (1) | 20-Feb-04 | Not yet active |
Bontan Mineral Corporation (1) | 20-Feb-04 | Not yet active |
Bontan Trading Corporation (1) | 20-Feb-04 | Not yet active |
(1) These subsidiaries were dissolved between February 7 and 15, 2007.
(2) This subsidiary was dissolved on March 31, 2007.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
2.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Mineral Properties (discontinued operation)
The cost of each mineral property or interest therein, together with exploration costs are capitalized until the properties to which they relate are placed into production, sold or abandoned. These costs will be amortized on the basis of units produced in relation to the proven reserves available on the related property following commencement of production. Costs of abandoned properties are written off to operations.
The costs capitalized do not necessarily reflect present or future values. The ultimate recovery of such amounts depends on the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, successful commercial development of the related properties, availability of financing and future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of the properties.
Although the Company has taken steps to verify the title to resource properties in which it has an interest, in accordance with industry standards for the current stage of exploration of such properties, these procedures do not guarantee the Companys title. Property title may be subject to unregistered prior agreements, transfers or aboriginal land claims and title may be affected by undetected defects.
The company discontinued its mineral exploration activities effective December 30, 2004.
Oil and Gas Properties Interest
Interests held in oil and gas properties are recorded on the basis of successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas exploration and development activities under which direct acquisition costs of development properties, geological and geophysical costs associated with these properties and costs of development and exploratory wells that result in additions to proven reserves are capitalized. When the carrying value of a property exceeds its net recoverable amount that may be estimated by quantifiable evidence of an economic geological resource or reserve, joint venture expenditure commitments or the Companys assessment of its ability to sell the property for an amount exceeding the deferred costs, provision is made for the impairment in value.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues associated with the sales of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs) together with costs including production and mineral taxes, royalty to landowner and transportation and selling costs are recognized on receipt of a statement of account from the operators of the projects where the Company holds equity interest and collection is reasonably assured.
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 lower of cost and market value. All short term investments are considered available for sale type of investments.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar. 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.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
2.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Future Income Taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of 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 recognized in the financial statements if realization is considered more likely than not. A valuation allowance against future tax assets is provided to the extent that the realization of these future tax assets is not more likely than not.
Stock-Based Compensation Plan
The Company follows a fair value based method of accounting for all Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock-based Payments to employees and non-employees. The fair value of all share purchase options is expensed over their vesting period with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. Upon exercise of share purchase options, the consideration paid by the option holder, together with the amount previously recognized in contributed surplus, is recorded as an increase to share capital. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the fair value of share purchase options at the date of grant.
The market value of the Companys share on the date of issuance of shares under any stock compensation plan is considered as fair value of the shares issued.
Loss Per Share
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (the denominator) during the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the dilution that would occur if outstanding stock options and share purchase warrants were exercised or converted into common shares using the treasury stock method and are calculated by dividing net loss applicable to common shares by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares had been issued.
The inclusion of the Companys stock options and share purchase warrants in the computation of diluted loss per share would have an anti-dilutive effect on loss per share and are therefore excluded from the computation. Consequently, there is no difference between basic loss per share and diluted loss per share.
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. Some of the key areas where estimates and assumptions are normally used include valuation of stocks, warrants and options.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
3.
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
Short-term investments are comprised of marketable securities. The quoted market value of the securities on hand as at March 31, 2007 was $ 4,275,393 (2006: $ 2,524,849) resulting in an unrealised gain of $959,701 (2006: $746,928), which has not been accounted for according to the stated accounting policy.
Included in the short-term investments are 100,000 shares (2006: nil) of a US public corporation subscribed under private placements at a total cost of US$ 100,000 (2006: nil) (market value at March 31, 2007: US$164,000). These shares cannot be traded until their registration with the US Securities and Exchange Commission according to the restrictive conditions of the private placement.
Also included in the short-term investments is 500,000 Common shares (2006: nil) in a private corporation for a cost of US$50,000 (2006: nil) and 50,000 preference shares (2006: 50,000 preference shares) held in another private corporation for a cost of US$50,000 (2006: US$50,000). The market value of these shares as at March 31, 2007 was not available but management believes that this approximates the cost. However, based on the management review of the affairs of the investee companies and discussions with their management, it was concluded that there was no permanent impairment in the carrying costs of these investments.
4.
DEFERRED STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
Deferred stock option compensation relates to the fair value of shares and options issued under the Companys Option Plans to consultants for services that will be performed during the period subsequent to the balance sheet date. Changes during the year were as follows:
Balance at April 1, 2006 | Deferred during the year | Canceled during the year | Expensed during the year | Balance at March 31, 2007 | |
Options | $- | $- | $- | $- | $- |
Stocks | 314,208 | 335,891 | (5,980) | (367,973) | 276,146 |
$314,208 | $335,891 | $(5,980) | $(367,973) | $276,146 | |
Balance at April 1, 2005 | Deferred during the year | Canceled during the year | Expensed during the year | Balance at March 31, 2006 | |
Options | $1,145,152 | $655,779 | $- | $(1,800,931) | $- |
Stocks | 587,777 | 566,217 | - | (839,786) | 314,208 |
$1,732,929 | $1,221,996 | $- | $(2,640,717) | $314,208 | |
Analysis of options and stock expenses during fiscal year 2006: | |||||
Stock based compensation | $(1,984,938) | ||||
Adjusted against gains on sale of interest in oil project | $(655,779) | ||||
$(2,640,717) |
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
5.
OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES INTERESTS
April 1, 2006 | Exploration costs | Amortization | Write-down | March 31, 2007 | |
Interest in gas properties (ii) | - | 4,142 | - | (4,142) | - |
$ - | $4,142 | $- | $(4,142) | $ - | |
April 1, 2005 | Exploration costs | Disposal | Write off | March 31, 2006 | |
Interest in oil properties (i) | $2,161,986 | $ - | $(2,161,986) | $ - | $ - |
Interest in gas properties (ii) | 216,568 | 3,661,939 | - | (3,878,507) | - |
$2,378,554 | $3,661,939 | $(2,161,986) | $(3,878,507) | $ - |
i. Interest in oil properties (applicable to fiscal year 2006):
On July 5, 2005, the Company sold its 0.75% Indirect Participation Interest in an oil exploration project in Papua New Guinea (IPI Interest) for a sum of US$3.2 million to an independent institutional investor under an IPI purchase agreement dated July 5, 2005. The Company received the funds on July 7, 2005. Under the agreement, the Company will no longer be responsible for any future cash calls and other obligations of the Project.
The Company paid cash fee of US$32,000 plus 16,000 restricted common shares of the Company valued at US$16,000 to an independent US brokerage firm, which introduced the buyer.
In addition, the Company also granted, on December 5, 2005, 1.1 million options to acquire equal number of common shares of the Company to Mr. Terence Robinson exercisable at US$0.50 per option, for successfully bringing in and negotiating the deal. The value of the option granted of $655,779 based on Black-Scholes option price model was charged against the proceeds of the sale of IPI interest.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
5.
OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES INTERESTS - Continued .
ii. Interest in gas properties
On October 15, 2004, the Company entered into an exploration agreement with a private investors group in the United States under which it acquired 49% gross working interest in a gas exploration project in the State of Louisiana, USA (the project).
By September 20, 2005, the Company paid approximately US$3.5 million towards seismic survey, land leases and exploration costs of the first exploration test well under the project.
The drilling began on August 21, 2005 and the targeted depth of 15,378 was reached on October 19, 2005.
On October 21, 2005, the Company was informed by the project operators that based on electric log analysis and wireline formation tests results, the well could not be completed as a well capable of commercial production and therefore the well should be plugged and abandoned and all leases be allowed to expire.
Consequently, the management decided to write off the carrying value of the interest in the gas project in October 2005.
In July 2006, the company paid $4,142 (US$3,638) to the project contractor towards its share of the cost of open hole logging. The Company does not expect any further costs on this project.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
6.
CAPITAL STOCK
(a)
Authorized
Unlimited number of common shares
(b)
Issued
As at March 31 | 2007 | 2006 | |||
Common | Common | ||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||
Beginning of year | 22,757,703 | $30,585,691 | 12,975,539 | $28,280,890 | |
Issued under a private placement | ii | 4,500,000 | 1,303,126 | 3,900,000 | 1,139,146 |
Subscribed under a private placement | - | - | 2,000,000 | 583,550 | |
Warrants issued | Note 8i | (3,810,814) | (2,540,608) | ||
Warrants issued in settlement of expenses relating to private placement | Note 8ii | (609,730) | - | ||
Expenses relating to private placement | ii | (130,313) | (397,944) | ||
Restricted shares issued in settlement of fee | - | - | 23,500 | 32,027 | |
Warrants exercised | - | - | 2,162,452 | 2,256,738 | |
Issued under 2003 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan | iii | 42,500 | 22,406 | 196,212 | 238,390 |
Issued under 2005 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan | - | - | 1,000,000 | 327,827 | |
Issued under 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan | iv | 1,150,000 | 313,486 | ||
Shares canceled | v | (20,000) | (5,980) | ||
Options excercised | Note 7 | - | - | 500,000 | 665,675 |
28,430,203 | $27,667,872 | 22,757,703 | $30,585,691 |
i)
On February 24, 2006, the Company reached an agreement with certain accredited investors for a private placement of 10.4 million Units at US$0.25 per Unit for gross proceeds of US$2.6 million. Each Unit includes one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles its holder to acquire one common share of the company at a price of US$0.35 within twenty-four months of the date of issuance of the Unit. Private placement was closed on April 16, 2006. The number of Units subscribed under the private placement between April 1, 2006 and the closing date was 4.5 million resulting in issuance of equal number of common shares.
The 10.4 million shares issued under this private placement were registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on November 30, 2006 and are therefore freely tradable.
Refer to Note 8 regarding the details of the warrants issued and their valuation.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
6.
CAPITAL STOCK (b) (Continued)
ii)
Expenses relating to private placement relate to finder fee payable to Current Capital Corp., a related corporation, at the rate of 10% of the proceeds. Finder fee includes cash fee of $130,313 at 10% of the private placement proceeds of $1,303,126 received during the period and 1,040,000 warrants at 10% of the total number of Units at 10.4 million issued under the private placement. The warrants were issued on the closing date. Each warrant can be exercised to acquire one common share of the company at an exercise price of US$0.35 within 24 months of the date of its issuance. The warrants were valued at $609,730 as explained in Note 8.
iii)
42,500 shares (2006: 77,500 shares) were issued under 2003 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan to Jeffrey Robinson; brother of Mr. Terence Robinson, the key consultant. The shares were issued for various services provided under consulting contract and valued at the fair market value of shares on the date of issue. The consulting contract with Mr. Jeffrey Robinson expired on July 30, 2006 and was not renewed.
iv)
On January 16, 2007, the Company registered 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The company registered 1.7 million common shares under this Plan to be offered to consultants, directors and employees in lieu of fees for services rendered or to be rendered.
On February 8, 2007, the Company issued a total of 1,150,000 common shares under the above Plan to three consultants, all of whom are related parties. These shares were valued at $313,486 based on the market price of the companys common shares on the date of issuance. The shares issued comprised 350,000 shares issued to Mr. Kam Shah, Chief executive and financial officer for the services to be provided during the year ending December 31, 2007, 500,000 shares issued to Mr. Terence Robinson, a key consultant for his services for the calendar year ending December 31, 2006 and the balance 300,000 shares issued to Mr. John Robinson, a consultant, who is a brother of Mr. Terence Robinson and sole owner of Current Capital Corp., a related party, for his services for the year ending June 30, 2008.
v)
On October 16, 2006, one of the non executive directors to whom 20,000 common shares of the Company were issued under 2005 Consultant Stock compensation Plan returned the shares for cancellation and was paid $4,059 (US$3,600) as fee for his services as chairman of the audit committee and $1,577 (US$1,400) as reimbursement towards expenses like printing, mailing, courier etc. incurred by him in the performance of his duties as chairman of the audit committee. The shares were cancelled on the same date.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
7.
STOCK OPTION PLANS
(a)
The Company has four option plans as follows:
i)
On April 30, 2003, the Company registered 3 million stock options under 1999 stock option plan exercisable at option prices ranging from US$0.35 to US$1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America (SEC) as required under the Securities Act of 1933.
ii)
On July 22, 2004, the Company registered 2.5 million stock options under 2003 stock option plan exercisable at option prices ranging from US$0.50 and US$ 1.75 with the SEC as required under the Securities Act of 1933.
iii)
On December 5, 2005, the Company registered 1.1 million stock options in favor of Mr. Terence Robinson under The Robinson option plan exercisable at option price of US$0.50 with the SEC for services rendered in connection with the sale of the Companys indirect participation interest in the Papua New Guinea oil exploration project (Note 5(i)). The options are valid for five years to December 5, 2010.
iv)
On December 5, 2005 the Company registered 1 million stock options under 2005 stock option plan exercisable at option price(s) and within the time period(s) to be decided at the discretion of the board of directors of the Company at the time of grant.
(b)
At March 31, 2007, approximately 5.8 million common shares were reserved for issuance under the Companys stock option plans (at March 31, 2006 : 5.8 million) as follows:
2007 | 2006 | |||
Number of options | Weighted average exercise price in US$ | Number of options | Weighted average exercise price in US$ | |
Outstanding at beginning of year | 4,795,000 | 0.46 | 4,400,000 | 0.48 |
Granted | - | - | 1,100,000 | 0.50 |
Exercised | - | - | (500,000) | 0.47 |
Expired | - | - | (205,000) | 1.15 |
Outstanding at end of year | 4,795,000 | 0.46 | 4,795,000 | 0.46 |
Options granted and exercisable at year end | 4,795,000 | 4,795,000 | ||
Reserved for issuance at year end | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year | $0.50 |
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
7.
STOCK OPTION PLANS - continued ..
2007 | 2006 | |||
Options outstanding & excercisable | Options outstanding & excercisable | |||
Exercise price in US$ | Number | Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) | Number | Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) |
0.35 | 1,630,000 | 2.33 | 1,630,000 | 3.33 |
0.50 | 3,025,000 | 2.37 | 3,025,000 | 3.37 |
0.75 | 125,000 | 2.39 | 125,000 | 3.39 |
1.00 | 15,000 | 2.38 | 15,000 | 3.38 |
0.46 | 4,795,000 | 2.36 | 4,795,000 | 3.36 |
All options have been fully vested as at March 31, 2007. The options can be exercised at any time after vesting within the exercise period in accordance with the applicable option agreement. The exercise price was more than the market price on the date of the grants for 3,065,000 options and less than the market price for the balance of 1,730,000 options. Upon expiry or termination of the contracts, vested options must be exercised within 30 days for consultants and 90 days for directors.
8.
WARRANTS
2007 | 2006 | ||||
# of warrants | Fair value | # of warrants | Fair value | ||
Issued and outstanding at beginning of year | 5,667,410 | 2,540,608 | 8,879,571 | - | |
Issued during year | i | 6,500,000 | 3,810,814 | 3,900,000 | 2,286,488 |
Issued in settlement of finders fee | ii | 1,040,000 | 609,730 | - | - |
Issued previously being revalued | - | - | - | 254,120 | |
Exercised during year | - | - | (2,162,452) | - | |
Expired during year | (45,450) | - | (4,949,709) | - | |
Issued and outstanding at end of year | 13,161,960 | $6,961,152 | 5,667,410 | $2,540,608 |
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
8.
WARRANTS Continued .
(i)
The company issued 6.5 million warrants (2006: 3.9 million warrants) under a 2006 private placement. 2 million warrants relating to Units subscribed and paid for prior to March 31, 2006 and the balance of 4.5 million relating to Units subscribed during the current period as explained in Note 6(b)(i). These warrants are convertible into equal number of common shares at an exercise price of US$0.35 per warrant and expiry within two years of their issue.
The fair value of these warrants has been estimated using a Black-Scholes option price model with the following assumptions:
Risk free interest rate
5%
Expected dividend
nil
Expected volatility
130%
Expected life
730 days
Market price
US$0.67
The amount of $3,810,814 has been accounted for as a reduction of the value of the shares issued.
(ii)
On April 16, 2006, the Company issued 1,040,000 warrants to Current Capital Corp., a related party as part of the finders fee in connection with a private placement as explained in Note 6(b)(ii). The warrants are convertible into equal number of common shares at an exercise price of US$0.35 per warrant and expiry within two years of their issue.
The fair value of these warrants has been estimated using a Black-Scholes option price model with the assumptions detailed in 8(i) above. The amount of $609,730 has been accounted for as a finders fee.
The shares issuable upon exercise of these warrants were registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on November 30, 2006 and will therefore be freely tradable when issued.
iii)
1,721,960 warrants issued under 2003 private placement were originally expiring on March 31, 2007. The board extended the expiry date on March 30, 2007 to March 31, 2009.
The fair value of these warrants as of March 31, 2007, being the date on which their terms changed, has been estimated using a Black-Scholes option price model with the following assumptions:
Risk free interest rate
5%
Expected dividend
nil
Expected volatility
52.25%
Expected life
731 days
Market price
US$0.30
Exercise price
US$1.00
The amount of $20,846 resulting from the above criteria was considered immaterial and no revision was made to the existing value of the warrants for extending their expiry date.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
8.
WARRANTS Continued .
Option price models used for calculating fair value of warrants require input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and therefore the models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Companys warrants.
9.
LOSS PER SHARE
Loss per share is calculated on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, which were 27,472,703 shares for the year ended March 31, 2007 (2006 15,655,023, 2005 11,700,303).
The Company had approximately 13.1 million warrants and 4.8 million options, which were not exercised as at March 31, 2007. Inclusion of these warrants and options in the computation of diluted loss per share would have an anti-dilutive effect on loss per share and are therefore excluded from the computation. Consequently, there is no difference between loss per share and diluted loss per share.
10. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On December 30, 2004, the Company decided to close its operations in Brazil and discontinue further participation in any diamond mining activities. It had only one existing joint venture which was dissolved due to the failure of the local partner to obtain the environmental permit for exploratory drilling, which was a pre-condition to the Companys commitment to invest more money into the program. The Company also had option to acquire mining rights in another program. The option expired on December 31, 2004 and was not renewed.
Year ended March 31, 2005 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Operating costs | - | - | $ 124,279 |
Assets and deferred costs written off | - | - | $ 55,399 |
- | - | $ 179,678 |
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
11.
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the Federal and Provincial statutory income tax rates to income before income taxes. The reasons for the differences are as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||
Income tax recovery based on combined corporate income tax rate of 36.12% (2005: 36.12%) | ($59,237) | ($1,728,318) | ($1,826,435) | |
Increase(Decrease) in taxes resulting from: | ||||
Non-deductible stock based compensation | $132,912 | $716,960 | $1,739,511 | |
Non-deductible meals & entertainment expenses | $7,503 | $9,210 | $9,210 | |
Gain on sale of short term investments | ($117,482) | ($72,581) | ($214,195) | |
Deductible capital cost allowance | ($8,035) | - | ||
Deductible share issue costs | ($47,069) | ($143,737) | ($12,727) | |
Income tax recovery | ($91,408) | ($1,218,467) | ($304,636) | |
Benefit of tax losses not recognised | $91,408 | $1,218,467 | $304,636 | |
Provision for income taxes | - | - | - |
The component of the future income tax asset and the country of origin at March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (applying the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate of 36.12% and the US income tax rate of 34.00% for both the years):
Canada | US | |||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |
in '000 $ | ||||
Future income tax assets: | ||||
Non-capital losses carried forward | $2,796 | $2,183 | $1,498 | $1,489 |
Capital losses carried forward | $698 | $698 | - | - |
Future tax assets | $3,494 | $2,881 | $1,498 | $1,489 |
Valuation allowance | ($3,494) | ($2,881) | ($1,498) | ($1,489) |
Future income taxes | - | - | - | - |
The Company has approximately $7.9 million (2006: $6 million) in Canadian non-capital losses, $1.9 million (2006: $1.9 million) in capital losses and US$ 4.4 million in US non-capital losses available to claim against future taxable income. The benefits arising from these losses has not been included in the financial statements as management has not determined whether it is more likely than not that the losses will be utilized.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
11.
INCOME TAXES - Continued
The non-capital losses expire as follows:
Canada in CDN $ | US in US$ | ||||
2008 | 200,000 | ||||
2009 | 1,007,000 | ||||
2010 | 232,000 | ||||
2011 | 1,342,000 | ||||
2015 | 1,501,000 | 2015 | 1,050,000 | ||
2016 | 3,374,000 | 2016 | 3,300,000 | ||
2017 | 253,000 | 2017 | 25,000 | ||
$ 7,909,000 | $ 4,375,000 |
12.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
(b)
The Company entered into media relations and investor relations contracts with Current Capital Corp., a shareholder corporation, effective July 1, 2004 initially for a period of one year and renewed automatically unless cancelled in writing by a 30-day notice for a total monthly fee of US$10,000.00
(b)
The Company entered into a consulting contract with Mr. Kam Shah, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer on April 1, 2005 for a five-year term up to March 31, 2010. The fee for each of the years is to be decided at the board meeting after the end of the third quarter of the calendar year. The fee for the calendar year ending December 31, 2007 was settled by issuance of 350,000 common shares under 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan as detailed in Note 6(iv). Further, the contract provides for a lump sum compensation of US$250,000 for early termination of the contract without cause. The contract also provides for entitlement to stock compensation and stock options under appropriate plans as may be decided by the board of directors from time to time.
(c)
The Company entered into a consulting contract with Mr. Terence Robinson, a key consultant and a former Chief Executive Officer, on April 1, 2003 for a six-year term up to March 31, 2009. The contract provides for a monthly fee of $10,000 inclusive of taxes plus reimbursement of expenses and a lump sum compensation of $250,000 for early termination of the contract without cause. Mr. Robinson accepted 500,000 common shares issued under 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan as detailed in Note 6(iv), in lieu of his fees for the year ending December 31, 2007.
(d)
The Company has a consulting contract with Mr. John Robinson expiring in June 2007. Mr. John Robinson is sole owner of Current Capital Corp., a firm with which the Company has an ongoing contract for media and investor relations, and a brother of Mr. Terence Robinson who is a key consultant to the Company and a former Chief Executive Officer of the Company. On February 8, 2007, the Company renewed the consulting contract with Mr. John Robinson for another year to June 30, 2008. The consulting fee was agreed to be US$82,000 which was pre-paid by issuance of 300,000 common shares under 2007 Consultant Stock Compensation Plan as detailed in Note 6(iv). Mr. Robinson will provide services that include monitoring the oil and gas projects and short term investment opportunities that the Company may participate in from time to time.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
12.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Continued .
(e) The Company has agreed to payment of a finders fee to Current Capital Corp., a related party, at the rate of 10% of the proceeds from exercise of any of the outstanding warrants. The likely fee if all the warrants are exercised will be approximately $620,000.
13.
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.
(i)
Included in shareholders information expense is $136,249 (2006 $143,391; 2005 $117,053) to Current Capital Corp, (CCC) for media relations services. CCC is a shareholder corporation and a director of the Company provides accounting services as a consultant.
(ii)
CCC charged approximately $5,666 for rent, telephone, consultants fees and other office expenses (2006: $8,200 and 2005: $24,000).
(iii)
Finders fee of $740,043(2006: $397,944, 2005: $35,238) was charged by CCC in connection with the private placement. The fee included cash fee of $130,313 and 1,040,000 warrants valued at $609,730 using a Black-Scholes option price model.
(iv)
Business expenses of $10,279 (2006 - $15,805; 2005 - $15,205) were reimbursed to directors of the corporation and $85,862 (2006 - $143,987, 2005: $93,244) to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company.
(v)
Shares issued to directors under Consultants stock compensation plan 350,000 valued at $95,409 (2006 : 328,000 valued at $98,072 2005: nil,). Shares issued to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company under the Consultant stock compensation plan 500,000 valued at $ 136,298 (2006: 480,000 valued at $ 143,500, 2005: 290,500 valued at $566,426).
(vi)
Options issued to directors under Stock option plans 2007: nil (2006: nil, 2005: 485,000 valued at $541,910). Options issued to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company under Stock option plans: nil (2006: 1,100,000 options valued at 655,779, 2005: 2,090,000 valued at $1,002,738 ).
(vii)
Consulting fees include amounts to Snapper Inc., a shareholder corporation of $nil (2006: $ nil, 2005 - $12,786).
(viii)
Payable and accrual includes $3,471 (2006: $7,145, 2005 $nil) due to CCC, $1,431 (2006: $1,758, 2005: $nil) due to a director and $7,099 (2006: $3,562, 2005: $ nil) due to a key consultant and a former chief executive officer of the Company.
(ix)
Interest income includes $1,398 (2006 & 2005: $nil) representing interest received from Chief Executive officer on loan of $25,000 repaid by him during the year.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
14.
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
As at March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had only one major business segment-
Energy sector: This segment includes the Companys acquisition of interests in joint ventures and projects relating to exploration and commercial drilling of oil and gas and related products.
The Company discontinued its mineral activities effective December 30, 2004.
The accounting policies of the segments are same as those described in Note 2. The Company evaluates each segments 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, 2007 and 2006
Geographic Information
The Company operates from one location in Canada. Its assets are located as follows:
2007 | 2006 | |
Canada | $6,557,628 | $5,432,531 |
USA | 115,290 | 18,241 |
$6,672,918 | $5,450,772 |
15.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF RISKS
The fair value for all financial assets and liabilities are considered to approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature.
There is an exposure to market price fluctuation risk on the Companys short term investments in marketable securities which accounted for approximately 50% of total assets of the Company as at March 31, 2007. Further, the Companys holding in one Canadian marketable security accounted for approximately 50% of the total short term investment in marketable securities or 24% of total assets at March 31, 2007. The management mitigates this risk by daily monitoring of all its investments by experienced consultants.
The Company also has a currency exposure on its US dollar cash balances on hand at March 31, 2007, which accounted for approximately 12% of the total assets.
16.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada ("Canadian GAAP"). Material variations in the accounting principles, practices and methods used in preparing these consolidated financial statements from principles, practices and methods used in the United States ("US GAAP") and in SEC Regulation S-X are described and quantified below.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
16.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES continued .
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Balance under Canadian GAAP | Adjustment | Balance under US GAAP | Balance under Canadian GAAP | Adjustment | Balance under US GAAP | |
Balance Sheets | ||||||
Current assets | $6,672,918 | 959,701 | $7,632,619 | $5,450,772 | 746,928 | $6,197,700 |
Long term assets | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Total assets | $6,672,918 | $959,701 | $7,632,619 | $5,450,772 | $746,928 | $6,197,700 |
Current Liabilities | 48,452 | 48,452 | 164,988 | 164,988 | ||
Capital stock | 27,667,872 | 27,667,872 | 30,585,691 | 30,585,691 | ||
Warrants | 6,961,152 | 6,961,152 | 2,540,608 | 2,540,608 | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | - | 1,412,673 | 1,412,673 | - | 564,631 | 564,631 |
Contributed surplus | 4,069,549 | 4,069,549 | 4,069,549 | 4,069,549 | ||
Deficit | (32,074,107) | (452,972) | (32,527,079) | (31,910,064) | 182,297 | (31,727,767) |
Liabilities and shareholders' equity | $6,672,918 | $959,701 | $7,632,619 | $5,450,772 | $746,928 | $6,197,700 |
The impact of significant US GAAP variations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations is as follows:
Year ended March 31 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Net Loss for year, Canadian GAAP | $ (164,043) | $ (4,784,933) | $ (5,056,576) |
Exploration interests expensed (ii) | - | - | (216,568) |
Reclassification of unrealized losses on short term investments ( i) | 16,348 | ||
Reclassification of exchange loss (gain) on year end translation of foreign currency items and balances (iii) | 111,659 | 194,758 | 17,898 |
Loss for year US GAAP | $ (52,384) | $ (4,590,175) | $ (5,238,898) |
Reclassification of exchange (loss) gain on year end translation of foreign currency items and balances (iii) | (111,659) | (194,758) | (17,898) |
Reclassification of unrealised losses on short term investments( i) | - | - | (16,348) |
Unrealised gain on short term investments ( i) | 959,701 | 746,928 | - |
Comprehensive Income(loss) for year, US GAAP | $ 795,658 | $ (4,038,005) | $ (5,273,144) |
Basic and diluted loss per share, US GAAP | $ (0.00) | $ (0.29) | $ (0.45) |
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
16.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (Continued)
The impact of the above differences between Canadian GAAP and US GAAP on the consolidated statements of cash flows would be as follows:
Year ended March 31 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Cashflows used in continuing operating activities, Canadian GAAP | $ (533,465) | $ (752,520) | $ (854,783) |
Adjustment to oil & gas properties interests (ii) | - | - | (216,568) |
Cashflows used in operating activities, US GAAP | (533,465) | (752,520) | (1,071,351) |
Cashflows provided by (used) in investing activities, Canadian GAAP | (887,262) | (699,685) | 476,319 |
Adjustment to oil & gas properties interests (ii) | - | - | 216,568 |
Cashflow provided by (used) in investing activities | (887,262) | (699,685) | 692,887 |
Cashflow provided by financing activities, Canadian and US GAAP | 1,172,813 | 3,854,717 | 738,253 |
Increase(decrease) in cash during period, Canadian and US GAAP | (247,914) | 2,402,512 | 359,789 |
Cash at beginning of year | 3,262,842 | 860,330 | 500,541 |
Cash at end of year | $ 3,014,928 | $ 3,262,842 | $ 860,330 |
The following are brief explanations of the identified differences:
(i)
Short-term Marketable securities
In accordance with Canadian GAAP, short-term marketable securities are carried at the lower of aggregate cost and current market values, with unrealized losses being included in the determination of net income (loss) for the year. Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, requires that equity securities that have readily determinable fair values be classified as either available-for-sale or trading securities, and that they be reported at fair market values. For available-for-sale securities, unrealized gains or losses are to be reported as other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders equity, until realized. All our short term investments are classified as available for trade and the resultant unrealised gains for the year are included as other comprehensive income in the reconciliation.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
16.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (Continued)
(ii)
Oil and gas properties interests
Under Canadian GAAP, mineral properties, including exploration, development and acquisition costs, are carried at cost until the properties to which they relate are placed into production, sold or where management has determined there to be a permanent impairment in value.
Under U.S. GAAP, mineral property expenditures are expensed as incurred. Once a final feasibility study has been completed however, additional costs incurred to bring the mine into production are capitalized as development costs.
Fiscal 2005
As the Companys interests in gas project is currently at exploratory stages as explained in Note 5, it has been decided to expense the cost of acquiring the interests and its contribution to exploration costs under the US GAAP. No adjustment is considered necessary as regards the Companys interest in oil properties since the interest was subsequently sold at a profit and was therefore not considered held for exploration as at March 31, 2005.
Similarly, the costs for the year were treated as part of cash flows from operating activities instead of investing activities under the US GAAP.
(iii)
Exchange gains and losses on translation of foreign currency items and balances
Under Canadian GAAP, gains or losses arising from the translation of foreign currency financials into the reporting currency, which is Canadian dollar, are included in the computation of net income.
Under FAS 52 (13) and FAS 130, translation adjustments resulting from translating foreign currency financials into the reporting currency shall not be included in determination of net income but shall be included in other comprehensive income computation.
Translation losses arising from translating the foreign currency financials, into Canadian dollar at the year end were therefore eliminated from the computation of net income and included in the computation of the comprehensive income in the reconciliation.
Recently issued accounting standards
The following standards were issued by the Financial accounting Standards Board during 2007 and 2006:
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS Statement No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (SFAS 154). SFAS 154 is a replacement of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20 (APB 20) and FASB Statement No. 3. SFAS 154 provides guidance on the accounting for and reporting of accounting changes and error corrections. It establishes retrospective application, or the latest practicable date, as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle and the reporting of a correction of an error. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 154 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
16.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES Recent Pronouncements - Continued
In June 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position Paper (FSP) 115-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments, superseding EITF 03-1. FSP 115-1 will replace the accounting guidance on the determination of whether an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired as set forth in EITF 03-1 with references to existing other-than-temporary impairment guidance. FSP 115-1 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Adoption of FSP 115-1 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In February 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140. Among other things, SFAS No. 155 permits the election of fair value remeasurement for certain hybrid financial instruments that would otherwise require bifurcation under Statement 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. These hybrid financial instruments would include both assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 155 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006.
The Company has not yet determined the effect of future implementation of this new standard on its financial statements.
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets (SFAS 156). SFAS 156 addresses the accounting for recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities related to certain transfers of the servicers financial assets and for acquisitions or assumptions of obligations to service financial assets that do not relate to the financial assets of the servicer and its related parties. SFAS 156 requires that all recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities are initially measured at fair value, and subsequently measured at either fair value or by applying an amortization method for each class of recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS 156 is effective in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. The adoption of SFAS 156 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2006, FASB issued FIN 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 FIN 48 seeks to reduce the significant diversity in practice associated with financial statement recognition and measurement in accounting for income taxes. FIN 48 is effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.
The Company has not yet determined the effect of future implementation of this new interpretation on its financial statements.
In September 2006, FASB issued Standard 157 Fair Value Measurements. FAS 157 provides enhanced guidance for using fair values to measure assets and liabilities and applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. FAS157 does not expand the use of fair values in any new circumstances. FAS157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
The Company has not yet determined the effect of future implementation of this new standard on its financial statements.
Bontan Corporation Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Canadian Dollars)
March 31, 2007 and 2006
16.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES Recent Pronouncements - Continued
In September 2006, FASB issued Statement No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). This Statement applies to employers that sponsor single-employer defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans
The requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and the disclosure requirements for entities with publicly traded equity securities are effective as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006
The Company currently does not have any defined benefit plan or any other post retirement plans. The Company will therefore determine the effect of future implementation of these new FAS, if and when it introduces any post retirement plans.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission released SAB No. 108 regarding the effects of prior year misstatements in considering current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. The opinion in SAB 108 is that in the case of an error that has occurred and been immaterial in a number of previous years, the cumulative effect should be considered in assessing the materiality of the error in the current year. If the cumulative effect of the error is material, then the current year statements, as well as prior year statements should be restated. In the case of restated prior year statements, previously filed reports do not need to be amended, if the error was considered immaterial to previous years financial statements. However the statements should be amended the next time they are filed. The effects of this guidance should be applied cumulatively to fiscal years ending March 31, 2007 onwards. Additional disclosure should be made regarding any cumulative adjustments made in the current year financial statements. Adoption of this SAB did not have any significant impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS Statement No. 159, the Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of SFAS No. 115. This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entitys first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007.
The Company will implement this standard on the effective date especially with regards to its available for sale investments.
17.
CERTAIN PRIOR YEARS AMOUNTS HAVE BEEN RECLASSIFIED TO CONFORM TO CURRENT PRESENTATION.
February 8, 2007
Exhibit 4 ( c) 3
John Robinson
11 McMaster Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1A8
Dear Mr. Robinson:
We refer to the consulting agreement dated April 1, 2003 that expired on June 30, 2004 and being extended on a year to year basis. The last extension agreed on January 18, 2006 was up to June 30, 2007.
We also refer to our meeting on January 16, 2007 where you presented us with a proposal for further services for another year at a cost of approx. $82,000. ON February 8, 2007, you agreed to accept 300,000 common shares of Bontan valued at the market price of US$0.23 or CDN$0.27 being the market price of the shares on February 8, 2007
As a result of an assessment of our current requirements, it appears that we will need to retain your services for another year. We therefore confirm that your services contract is extended for another year to June 30, 2008 on the same terms and conditions as outlined in the Agreement dated April 1, 2003, except for the Work Fee (clause 3).
If you accept the terms of our renewal, please sign the enclosed copy of this letter and return it to our office.
Yours truly,
BONTAN CORPORATION INC.
Sd: Kam Shah
Kam Shah, CA CPA
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
AGREED AND ACCEPTED
Sd: John Robinson
_____________________
John Robinson
_____________________________________________________________________________
47 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5R 2G3 T: 416-929-1806 F: 416-361-6228
Exhibit 12.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Kam Shah certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Bontan Corporation Inc.
2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) [omitted pursuant to Transition Period provisions at Section III of Release 34-47986 of the Securities and Exchange Commission entitled Managements Reports on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports] for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) [omitted pursuant to Transition Period provisions at Section III of Release 34-47986 of the Securities and Exchange Commission entitled Managements Reports on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports];
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the companys internal control over financial reporting; and
5. I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the companys auditors and the audit committee of the companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the companys internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 10, 2007
/s/ Kam Shah
Kam Shah
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 13.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the annual report on Form 20-F of Bontan Corporation Inc.. for the year ended March 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The annual report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the annual report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Bontan Corporation Inc.
Date: May 10, 2007
/s/ Kam Shah
Kam Shah
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.