e20vf
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2007
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
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o |
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Registration statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 |
OR
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þ |
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Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007
OR
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o |
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Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from
to
OR
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o |
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Shell company report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company report
Commission file number 0-30082
ENVOY CAPITAL GROUP INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
Ontario, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
172 John Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 1XS
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or 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
The Nasdaq Capital Market
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
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: At September 30, 2007, there were
9,637,233 common shares outstanding.
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act. YES: o NO: þ
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not
required to file reports pursuant to 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their
obligations under these Sections. YES: o NO: þ
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES: þ NO: o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
or a non accelerated filer:
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer þ
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow. Item
17: þ Item 18: o
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) YES: o NO: þ
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
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Item 1. |
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Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers |
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3 |
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Item 2. |
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Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable |
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3 |
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Item 3. |
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Key Information |
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3 |
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Item 4. |
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Information on the Company |
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11 |
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Item 4A. |
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Unresolved Staff Comments |
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16 |
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Item 5. |
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Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
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16 |
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Item 6. |
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Directors, Senior Management and Employees |
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38 |
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Item 7. |
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Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions |
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51 |
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Item 8. |
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Financial Information |
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54 |
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Item 9. |
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The Offer and Listing |
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54 |
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Item 10. |
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Additional Information |
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56 |
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Item 11. |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
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66 |
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Item 12. |
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Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities |
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67 |
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PART II |
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Item 13. |
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Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies |
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67 |
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Item 14. |
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Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds |
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67 |
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Item 15. |
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Controls and Procedures |
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67 |
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Item l6A |
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Audit Committee Financial Expert |
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68 |
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Item l6B |
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Code of Ethics |
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68 |
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Item l6C |
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Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
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69 |
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Item 16D |
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Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees |
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70 |
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Item 16E |
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Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases |
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70 |
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PART III |
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Item 17. |
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Financial Statements |
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71 |
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Item 18. |
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Financial Statements |
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71 |
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Item 19. |
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Exhibits |
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72 |
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Signatures |
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73 |
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Certifications |
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Exhibit Index |
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2
The certifications are exhibits, not part of body.
References in this annual report to the Company and Envoy mean Envoy Capital Group Inc. and its
subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.
The Company presents its consolidated financial statements in Canadian dollars. In this annual
report, except where otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars.
References to $ are to Canadian dollars, references to U.S. are to United States dollars and
references to £ are to British pounds. See Selected Financial Data in Item 3 of this Form 20-F.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to Envoys outlook
or future economic performance, anticipated profitability, revenues, commissions and fees, expenses
and other financial items, and Envoys plans and expectations relating to its business and
prospects. The words expect, anticipate, estimate, may, will, should, intend,
believe, and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by Envoy in light of its
experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future
developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes are appropriate in the
circumstances. Many factors could cause Envoys actual results, performance or achievements to
differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including,
without limitation, the factors described in Item 3.D Risk Factors. These factors should be
considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Envoys forward-looking
statements. The Company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
PART I
Item 1: Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2: Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3: Key Information
A. Selected Financial Data1
The following tables sets forth selected financial data for Envoy for the fiscal years indicated
below and should be read in conjunction with the more detailed audited consolidated financial
statements and the related notes thereto (the Consolidated Financial Statements) appearing under
Item 17 in this Form 20-F and the discussion under Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects herein. The selected consolidated financial data does not
3
include statements of
operations data or balance sheet data of any acquired operations prior
to their respective acquisition effective dates. The Companys historical results are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
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Fiscal Years Ended |
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September 30 |
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2007 |
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2006(2) |
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2005(3) |
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2004(4) |
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2003(5) |
(all amounts in thousands except |
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per share data) |
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Statement of Operations Data: |
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Net Revenue |
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$ |
17,551 |
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$ |
9,672 |
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$ |
19,567 |
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$ |
15,838 |
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$ |
20,103 |
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(Loss) Earnings From
Continuing
Operations |
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2,641 |
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(5,392 |
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3,074 |
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(4,781 |
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(148 |
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Earnings (Loss)From
Discontinued Operations |
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375 |
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7,528 |
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2,868 |
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1,674 |
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2,686 |
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Earnings (Loss) From
Continuing Operations Basic
Earnings Per Share |
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0.20 |
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(0.27 |
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0.14 |
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(0.28 |
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(0.03 |
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Earnings (Loss) From
Continuing Operations
Diluted Earnings Per Share |
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0.20 |
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(0.27 |
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0.14 |
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(0.28 |
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(0.02 |
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Net (Loss) Earnings |
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3,017 |
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2,136 |
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5,942 |
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(3,106 |
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2,538 |
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Net Earnings (Loss) Per
Share Basic |
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0.23 |
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0.10 |
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0.27 |
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(0.18 |
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0.58 |
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Net Earnings (Loss) Earnings
Per Share Diluted |
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0.23 |
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0.10 |
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0.27 |
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(0.18 |
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0.43 |
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1 |
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The Consolidated Financial Statements of Envoy have been prepared by management in accordance with
Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Canadian GAAP) which vary in certain
significant respects from U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP).
Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP is set forth in Note 20 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. The fol1owing would be the adjustments under U.S. GAAP to the information provided
above as an increase (decrease) to: Net Revenue 2007 ($5,148), 2006 $nil, 2005 $nil, 2004 $nil and
2003 ($3,387); Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 2007 ($1,240), 2006 $nil, 2005 $344, 2004
($464) and 2003 ($4,025); Earnings (loss) from continuing operations earnings per share basic 2007
($0.09), 2006 $nil, 2005 $0.01, 2004 ($0.03) and 2003 ($0.93); Earnings (loss) from continuing
operations earnings per share diluted 2007 ($0.09), 2006 $nil, 2005 $0.01, 2004 ($0.03) and 2003
($0.33); Net earnings (loss) 2007 ($1,240), 2006 ($2,700), 2005 $344, 2004 $(464) and 2003 $67; and
Net earnings (loss) per share basic 2007 ($0.09), 2006 ($0.13), 2005 $0.01, 2004 $(0.03) and 2003
$0.02; Net earnings (loss) per share diluted 2007 ($0.09), 2006 ($0.13), 2005 $0.01, 2004 $(0.03)
and 2003 $0.01. |
4
Effective May 1, 2003, Envoy adopted the provisions of the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants Handbook (the CICA Handbook) Handbook section 3475, Disposal of long-lived assets
and discontinued operations. The results of operations of a business that has either been disposed
of, or is held for sale, is reported as discontinued operations if the operations and cash flows of
the component have been (or will be) eliminated from the Companys ongoing operations, and the
Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component
after the disposal transaction. The results of discontinued operations, less applicable taxes are
reported as a separate element of income or loss before extraordinary items for both current -and
prior periods. For businesses that were disposed of prior to the adoption of these new standards,
Envoy includes the results of their operations in the comparative financial results.
At a meeting held on August 14, 2003, the Companys shareholders approved the consolidation of the
Companys common shares on the basis to be determined by its board of directors (not to exceed a
ratio of 1 for 10). On January 15, 2005, the Companys board of directors approved the
consolidation of the common shares (a reverse stock split) on the basis of a 1 for 5 ratio. On
January 21, 2005 the Company filed Articles of Amendment consolidating its common shares on the
basis of 1 new common share for every 5 common shares outstanding. Outstanding shares and earnings
per share figures for all periods presented have been adjusted to give effect to the share
consolidation. Information on the number of shares outstanding, and stock options are disclosed on
a post-consolidation basis.
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As at September 30 |
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2007 |
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2006(2) |
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2005(3) |
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2004(4) |
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2003(5) |
(all amounts in thousands) |
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Balance Sheet Data: |
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Current Assets |
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$ |
38,832 |
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$ |
68,701 |
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$ |
44,759 |
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$ |
59,432 |
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$ |
18,844 |
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Total
Assets(8) |
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50,792 |
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81,274 |
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84,057 |
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88,880 |
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37,967 |
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Total
Debt(7) |
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157 |
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252 |
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361 |
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659 |
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11,425 |
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Shareholders
Equity(8) |
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45,157 |
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75,047 |
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73,555 |
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76,891 |
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12,359 |
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Retained
(Deficit) Earnings(9) |
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3,094 |
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(40,266 |
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(42,403 |
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(48,344 |
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(45,237 |
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2 |
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The exchange rate utilized with respect to the Statement of Operations Data for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 of Watt Gilchrist Limited (Gilchrist) and Parker Williams
Design Limited (PWD) is £1.00 to $2.0571 and with respect to the Balance Sheet Data of Gilchrist
and PWD is £1.00 to $2.1044. Except as set forth in footnotes 5, 6 and 7, no other acquisitions by
Envoy materially affect the comparability of the information in the Selected Financial Data. |
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3 |
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The exchange rate utilized with respect to the Statement of Operations Data for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 of Watt Gilchrist Limited (Gilchrist) is £1.00 to $2.2641
and with respect to the Balance Sheet Data of Gilchrist is £1.00 to $2.0648. The exchange rate
utilized with respect to the Statements of Operations Data for the fiscal year ended September 30,
2005 of Parker Williams Design Limited (PWD) is £1.00 to $2.2428. The exchange rate utilized with
respect to the Balance Sheet Data of PWD is £1.00 to $2.0648. |
5
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Except as set forth in footnotes 5, 6 and 7, no other acquisitions by Envoy materially affect the
comparability of the information in the Selected Financial Data. |
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4 |
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The exchange rate utilized with respect to the Statement of Operations Data for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 of Gilchrist is £1.00 to $2.3759 and with respect to the
Balance Sheet Data of Gilchrist is £1.00 to $2.2878. Except as set forth in footnotes 5, 6 and 7,
no other acquisitions by Envoy materially affect the comparability of the information in the
Selected Financial Data. |
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5 |
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The exchange rate utilized with respect to the Statement of Operations Data for the
year ended September 30, 2003 of Gilchrist is £1.00 to $2.3425 and with respect to the Balance
Sheet Data of Gilchrist is £1.00 to $2.2448. The exchange rate utilized with respect to the
Statement of Operations Data of US activities is $1.00 U.S. to $l.4635 and with respect to the
Balance Sheet Data of US activities is $1.00 U.S. to $l.3499. Except as set forth in footnotes 5, 6
and 7, no other acquisitions by Envoy materially affect the comparability of the information in the
Selected Financial Data. During fiscal 2003, Envoy disposed of a number of subsidiaries including
Sage Information Consultants Inc.Sage, Devlin Multimedia Inc. (Devlin) and Hampel Stefanides
Inc. (Hampel) as described in Notes 16 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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6 |
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As reflected in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the net earnings
(loss) from continuing operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
and 2003 were $1,401, ($5,392), $3,418, ($5,245) and ($4,276), respectively under U.S. GAAP. The
net earnings (loss) for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were
$1,777, ($564), $6,286, ($3,571) and ($2,606), respectively under U.S. GAAP. The diluted net
earnings (loss) per share for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003 were
$0.14, ($0.03), $0.28, ($0.21) and ($0.43), respectively under U.S. GAAP. |
As described above, on January 21, 2005, Envoy filed Articles of Amendment consolidating its common
shares on the basis of 1 new common share for every 5 common shares outstanding. Outstanding shares
and earnings per share figures for all periods presented have been adjusted to give effect to the
share consolidation.
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7 |
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Total debt includes both the current and long term portion of debt. |
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8 |
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As reflected in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the shareholders
equity as at September 30, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $41,140, $72,589, $73,550, $77,066
and $11,765, respectively under U.S. GAAP. Total assets as of September 30, 2007 under U.S. GAAP
would exclude the unrealized gain on private equities of $1,147. In addition, total assets as of
September 30, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003, under U.S. GAAP would include the unrealized gain
(loss) on securities for sale of $nil, $242, ($6), $174 and $nil, respectively, exclude capitalized
incorporation costs of $66, $nil, $nil, $nil and $nil, respectively, and it would exclude cash held
in escrow relating to the sale of the UK operations of $2,803, $2,700, $nil, $nil and $nil,
respectively. |
6
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9 |
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Retained earnings as of September 30, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003, excludes the
cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment of ($77), ($51), ($2,153), 74 and ($236)
respectively. See Note 2(g) in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Envoy. |
Envoy has never paid any dividends on its common shares and does not anticipate that it will pay
any cash dividends on its common shares in the foreseeable future. Any decision to pay dividends in
the future will be at the discretion of Envoys board of directors, after taking into account such
factors as Envoys financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs and
plans for expansion.
Exchange Rates:
On December 19, 2007, the noon buying rate for Canadian dollars as certified for customs purposes
by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was $1.00 U.S. to $1.0056. The following table sets forth
for the periods indicated certain information regarding the exchange rates of Canadian dollars into
U.S. currency. The rate of exchange means the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers
in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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2003 |
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Average * |
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$ |
1.0885 |
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$ |
1.1151 |
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$ |
1.2171 |
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$ |
1.2034 |
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$ |
1.4553 |
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* |
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The Average rate means the average rates each period, calculated by using the average of the
exchange rates on the last day of each month during the fiscal period. |
For the Month Ended
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November |
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October |
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September |
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August |
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July |
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June |
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2007 |
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2007 |
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2007 |
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2007 |
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2007 |
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2007 |
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High |
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$ |
1.0007 |
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$ |
1.0002 |
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$ |
1.0546 |
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$ |
1.0754 |
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$ |
1.0689 |
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|
$ |
1.0727 |
|
Low |
|
$ |
0.9168 |
|
|
$ |
0.9496 |
|
|
$ |
0.9959 |
|
|
$ |
1.0497 |
|
|
$ |
1.0372 |
|
|
$ |
1.0579 |
|
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Information not required for annual report.
7
D. Risk Factors
Envoys business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely
affected by any of the following risks. In addition, risk and uncertainties not currently known to
the Company or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial may also materially and adversely
affect its business.
Risks Related to Envoys Business and Industry
The Company has a limited number of large clients:
The Company receives a significant portion of its revenues from a limited number of large clients.
The loss of any such clients could adversely impact the Companys prospects, business, financial
condition and results of operations.
The Companys results of operations and its business depend on its relationship with a limited
number of large clients. Set forth below is the percentage of net revenue during the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2007 for each of the Companys clients that accounted for 10% or more of its
net revenue:
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2007
Client
|
|
|
|
|
Meijer, Inc. |
|
|
17 |
% |
The Great Atlantic and Pacific Company |
|
|
15 |
% |
Dubai Festival City Retail Development LLC |
|
|
15 |
% |
McDonalds Restaurants of Canada Limited |
|
|
11 |
% |
The Company expects its reliance on a limited number of clients will continue in the future.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain its historical rate of growth
or its current level of revenue derived from any client in the future.
The Company is dependent on its key personnel:
The Companys success depends in part upon its ability to hire and retain key senior management and
skilled technical, client service and creative personnel able to create and maintain solid
relationships with clients. An inability to hire or retain qualified personnel could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company is exposed to the risks of doing business internationally:
The Companys operations are subject to a number of risks inherent in operating in different
countries. These include, but are not limited to risks regarding:
|
|
|
currency exchange rate fluctuations; |
|
|
|
|
restrictions on repatriation of earnings; and |
|
|
|
|
changes in the political or economic conditions of a specific country or region,
particularly in emerging markets. |
8
The occurrence of any of these events or conditions could adversely affect the Companys ability to
increase or maintain its operations in various countries.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect the Companys results of operations:
The Company is subject to currency risk through its activities in the United States. Unfavourable
changes in the exchange rate may affect the operating results of the Company. The Company does not
currently use derivative instruments or foreign currency contracts to reduce its exposure to
foreign currency risk.
Market rate fluctuations could adversely affect the Companys results of operations:
The Company is subject to market risk through the risk of loss of value in Envoys portfolios
resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, credit spreads, and equity
prices.
The Company may be unsuccessful in evaluating material risks involved in completed and future
investments.
The Company regularly reviews investment opportunities and as part of the review, the Company
conducts business, legal and financial due diligence with the goal of identifying and evaluating
material risks involved in any particular transaction. Despite the Companys efforts, it may be
unsuccessful in ascertaining or evaluating all such risks. As a result, it might not realize the
intended advantages of any given investment and may not identify all of the risks relating to the
investment. If the Company fails to realize the expected benefits from one or more investments, or
does not identify all of the risks associated with a particular investment, the Companys business,
results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
The Company is subject to credit risk:
The Company manages its credit risk with respect to accounts receivable by acting as an agent for
its customers, by dealing primarily with large creditworthy customers and by billing whenever
possible in advance of rendering services or making commitments. The Company had one customer who
represented 19% of accounts receivable as at September 30, 2007, and one customer who represented
21% of accounts receivable as at September 30, 2006. Should the Company fail to efficiently manage
its outstanding accounts receivable, the Companys results of operations may be adversely affected.
Certain of the Companys financial assets, including cash and cash equivalents are exposed to the
risk of financial loss occurring as a result of default of a counterparty on its obligations to the
Company. The Company may, from time to time, invest in debt obligations. The Company is also
exposed, in the normal course of business, to credit risk from the sale of its investments and
advances to investee companies.
The Company may need to raise additional capital to grow its business, which it may not be able to
do.
9
The Companys future liquidity and capital requirements are difficult to predict because they
depend on numerous factors, including the success of its existing services, attracting and
maintaining clients, as well as competing market developments. As a result, the Company may not be
able to generate sufficient cash from its operations to meet additional working capital
requirements, support additional capital expenditures or take advantage of investment or
acquisition opportunities. Accordingly, the Company may need to raise additional capital in the
future.
The Companys ability to obtain additional financing will be subject to a number of factors,
including market conditions and its operating performance. These factors may make the timing,
amount, terms and conditions of additional financing unattractive for the Company. If the Company
raises additional funds by selling equity securities, the relative equity ownership of its existing
investors could be diluted or the new investors could obtain terms more favorable than previous
investors. If the Company raises additional funds through debt financing, it might incur
significant borrowing costs. If the Company is unable to raise additional funds when needed, or on
terms acceptable to it, the Companys ability to operate and grow its business could be impeded.
The Company is subject to recessionary economic cycles:
The marketing and communications industry is cyclical and as a result it is subject to downturns in
general economic conditions and changes in client business and marketing budgets. Such downturns in
the economic cycle may have material adverse effects on the Companys business, results of
operations and financial condition.
The Company may be subject to certain regulations that could restrict the Companys activities:
From time to time, governments, government agencies and industry self- regulatory bodies in Canada,
the United States, the European Union and other countries in which the Company operates have
adopted statutes, regulations and rulings that directly or indirectly affect the activities of the
Company and its clients. For further discussion of such regulations, see the discussion in the
Government Regulations section under Item 4.B. Though the Company does not expect any existing or
proposed regulations to materially adversely impact the Companys business, the Company is unable
to estimate the effect on its future operations of the application of existing statutes or
regulations or the extent or nature of future regulatory action.
The Company competes for clients in a highly competitive industry, which may reduce market share
and decrease profits:
The marketing and communication services industry is highly competitive and fragmented. The
Companys principal competitors are large multinational communications services companies, as well
as regional and national branding and marketing services firms. Many of the Companys competitors
have larger client bases and significantly greater financial, marketing, public relations, revenues
and other resources than the Company does. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to compete effectively against these companies, and the competition for clients against such
current and future competitors may reduce the Companys market share and decrease profits.
10
Risks related to the Companys common shares
Because the Company is a Canadian company, it may be difficult to enforce liabilities against the
Company based solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States:
The Company was organized under the laws of the Province of Ontario, and its principal executive
offices are located in Toronto, Ontario. Many of its directors, controlling persons and officers
are residents of Canada and a substantial portion of their assets and a majority of the Companys
assets are located outside the United States. Consequently, it may be difficult to enforce against
the Company or any of its directors, controlling persons, or officers, liabilities based solely
upon the federal securities laws of the United States.
The Company believes that it is a Passive Foreign Investment Company, which may have adverse tax
consequences for the Companys shareholders in the United States:
Under U.S. federal income tax laws, the Company believes that it is a passive foreign investment
company (PFIC), which may have adverse tax consequences for the Companys shareholders in the
United States. U.S. shareholders are urged to read the section titled Certain United States
Federal Income Tax Considerations in Item 10 of this Form 20-F and to consult their tax advisors
concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding the common shares of a PFIC.
Item 4: Information on the Company
Envoys businesses include an international consumer and retail branding company and a merchant
banking and financial services company.
Envoy conducts its branding services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Watt International Inc.
(Watt International), which is one of the worlds leading brand strategy and design
consultancies. Envoy provides consulting, branding, packaging and retail design services to clients
in Canada, the United States, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, China and South America, as well as
project work for clients in other countries around the globe. With two offices located in North
America, Watt Internationals clients include: Meijer, Inc., The Great Atlantic and Pacific
Company, Dubai Festival City Retail Development LLC, McDonalds Restaurants of Canada Limited, and
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
In 2007, the top three customers accounted for 17%, 15% and 15% of net revenue. In 2006, the top
three customers accounted for 17%, 15% and 11% of net revenue. In 2007, one other customer
accounted for 11% of net revenue. In 2006, no other customers accounted for more than 10% of net
revenue.
Watt International subsists under the laws of the Province of Ontario.
In fiscal 2006, Envoy announced that its board of directors had approved the establishment of Envoy
Capital Group, a merchant banking division focused on providing financial services as well as
equity and debt capital to small and mid-cap companies. Envoy Capital Group was officially launched
in fiscal 2007.
The merchant banking division investments currently consist of a blend of professionally managed
market diversified funds and direct investments in growth stage public companies.
11
A certain portion of the portfolio is also invested in common shares of private companies. The
merchant bank business earnings consist of both realized and unrealized gains in the market value
of its investments, plus dividends and interest income.
The principal place of business of Envoy is 172 John Street, Toronto, Canada M5T 1X5. Envoy may be
reached by telephone at (416) 593-1212 or facsimile at (416) 593 4434. Envoys website is
www.envoy.to. Information contained on Envoys website does not constitute a part of this Form
20-F.
A. History and Development of the Company
Envoy was incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada as Potential
Mines Ltd. in December 1973 and was continued under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada in
December 1997. Since December 1997, Envoy has shifted the nature of its business to providing
marketing, communications and consumer and retail branding services for promoting clients
products, services and business messages utilizing such media as print, broadcast and the Internet.
Envoy has grown, in large part, through strategic acquisitions. Certain material acquisitions by
Envoy since January 1, 2005 are described below.
On February 28, 2005, Envoy, through its subsidiary ECG Holdings (UK) Limited (ECGH), acquired
65% of the outstanding shares of Parker Williams Design Limited (PWD), a London, United Kingdom
based packaging design and brand specialist company. The purchase price of £l,818,000, equivalent
to $4,324,113, was paid in cash on completion. The remaining 35% of the PWD shares (Management
Shares) were held by senior management of PWD (Management Shareholders), subject to certain
options described below.
ECGH had the option to acquire from the Management Shareholders and the Management Shareholders had
the option to require ECGH to purchase from them, at various stages over a period of 4 years
following completion, the Management Shares for a purchase price based on the profitability of PWD
for certain defined periods following completion.
The PWD acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The fair value of
the net assets acquired was £128,961 ($306,733) consisting of working capital and capital assets.
The resulting excess purchase price, including acquisition expenses, over the fair value of the net
assets acquired of £1,884,894 ($4,152,369) was allocated to goodwill and an amount of £139,000
($330,849) was allocated to intangible assets consisting of customer relationships and non-compete
agreements.
In March 2006, Envoy, through its subsidiary ECGH, acquired an additional 5% of the shares of PWD
from two former employees as per the terms and conditions of the sale and purchase agreement for
£52,679 ($104,758).
The additional PWD acquisition in March 2006 was accounted for using the purchase price method of
accounting. The fair value of the net assets acquired was £34,955 ($69,511) consisting of working
capital and capital assets, resulting in goodwill of £17,725 ($35,247).
12
In June 2006, Envoy increased its ownership in PWD to approximately 80% by acquiring, through its
subsidiary ECGH, approximately 10% of the shares from three shareholder managers as per the terms
and conditions of the sale and purchase agreement for £166,833 ($341,174).
The June 2006 acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The fair
value of the net assets acquired was £62,918 ($128,668) consisting of working capital and capital
assets, resulting in goodwill of £327,550 ($686,612).
Effective September 15, 2006, Envoy completed the sale of all of the shares of its wholly owned UK
subsidiary ECGH, including the related business and assets of Gilchrist and PWD. The sale price of
$27 million was paid in cash. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the sale purchase agreement,
$2.7 million is being held in escrow to secure potential third party claims. The escrowed funds,
less the amount of any third party claims, will be released to Envoy on the first anniversary date
of the transaction, September 15, 2007.
On September 15, 2006, the Company announced its intention to repurchase its common shares under a
substantial issuer bid in the form of a modified Dutch Auction tender offer. On January 25, 2007,
pursuant to this Dutch Auction tender offer, the Company announced that it would take up and pay
for the shares at a purchase price of US$2.70 (CDN$3.19) per share for a total purchase price of
US$24.4 million (CDN$28.7 million). Costs relating to the offering totaled approximately $1.5
million. On January 30, 2007, the Company took up and paid for 9,002,383 shares. Payment for the
shares was made from available cash on hand.
B. Business Overview
Services in the Envoy Group:
Consumer and retail branding Watt International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Envoy that
management believes to be one of the worlds leading brand strategy and design consultancies,
provides the following services: strategic brand consulting, corporate identity and communications,
retail branding and store design, and package design.
In Fiscal 2006, Envoy announced that its board of directors had approved the establishment
of Envoy Capital Group, a merchant banking organization focused on providing financial services as
well as equity and debt capital to small and mid-cap companies. Envoy Capital Group was officially
launched in fiscal 2007.
The Merchant Bank division investments currently consist of a blend of professionally managed
market diversified funds and direct investments in growth stage public companies. A certain
portion of the portfolio is also invested in common shares of private companies. The Merchant Bank
business earnings consist of both realized and unrealized gains in the market value of its
investments, plus dividends and interest income.
Our Strategic Direction:
At the Companys annual general meeting held on March 30, 2007 the shareholders voted to amend the
corporations articles of incorporation by changing its name to Envoy Capital
13
Group Inc. and removing the maximum number of common shares that the corporation is authorized to
issue. In addition, the shareholders also voted to reduce the stated capital of the corporations
common shares by $40.3 million for the purpose of eliminating the deficit on the consolidated
balance sheet of the corporation as at September 30, 2006.
On September 15, 2006, the Company announced its intention to repurchase its common shares under a
substantial issuer bid in the form of a modified Dutch Auction tender offer. On January 25, 2007,
pursuant to this Dutch Auction tender offer, the Company announced that it would take up and pay
for the shares at a purchase price of US$2.70 (CDN$3.19) per share for a total purchase price of
US$24.4 million (CDN$28.7 million). Costs relating to the offering totaled approximately $1.5
million. On January 30, 2007, the Company took up and paid for 9,002,383 shares. Payment for the
shares was made from available cash on hand.
On September 15, 2006, Envoy sold its wholly owned subsidiary ECGH, including related assets and
business operations. Envoy believes that the sale of ECGH, which represented non-core holdings of
Envoy, will enhance shareholder value.
On June 30, 2005, Envoy sold all the shares of its advertising business, John Street, to the
management of John Street.
During fiscal 2004, Envoy sold all the shares of its corporate event and corporate travel business
and, during fiscal 2003, Envoy divested its technology services business. Envoy remains focused on
the expansion and prosperity of its core business of consumer and retail branding. Watt
International, its branding business, has proven successful at creating and executing private label
programs and landmark store design, making Envoy a world authority in brand strategy and design for
the retail sector.
Industry Overview:
Consumer and Retail Branding
In all areas of marketing and product design, companies are looking to extend their customer
relationships and influence consumer behavior. Consumer and retail branding services encompass the
entire customer experience, from product packaging to the retail environment, and are a key
component of a companys marketing communications strategy.
The consumer and retail branding services sector is rapidly evolving into a global marketplace, as
companies are increasingly looking for expertise in the development and maintenance of their brands
on a global basis. Companies are looking to firms that can deliver a consistent message to
consumers through packaging and retail design, regardless of geography.
Retail is the second largest industry in the United States and one of the largest industries
worldwide. Unlike other, more volatile sectors, the retail industry continues to grow at a steady
rate, particularly as developing countries achieve greater economic stability.
Watt International has continued to service clients in various segments of the market. During
fiscal 2007, Watt International continued to focus its efforts to transform the business model to
strategically driven operations and align itself with the market conditions to retain and
14
service existing clients and to grow by providing innovative solutions in domestic and
international markets.
Government Regulations:
The marketing communications industry is subject to extensive government regulation, both domestic
and foreign, with respect to the truth in and fairness of advertising. There are also a number of
U.S. federal and state laws and regulations directed at the advertising and marketing of specific
products, such as food and drug products. In addition, there has been an increasing tendency on the
part of businesses to resort to the judicial system, as well as industry self-regulatory
procedures, to challenge comparative advertising of their competitors on the grounds that the
advertising is false and deceptive. There can be no assurance Envoy will not be subject to claims
against it or Envoys clients by other companies or governmental agencies or that such claims,
regardless of merit, would not have a material adverse effect on Envoys future operating
performance.
Merchant Banking
Canada has 72 banks, with $2.5 trillion in assets. In 2005, banks provided over $81 billion in
authorized credit to more than 1.2 million Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises.
Domestic and foreign banks provide approximately 53 per cent of small business financing, with
other sources including credit unions and caisses populaires, finance companies, insurance
companies and venture capital/investment funds.
The financial services sector is experiencing a period of instability as forces of change with
respect to globalization, regulatory changes, consolidations, and advances in technology change the
entire context of financial services throughout the world.
Competition in the financial services sector is increasing both domestically and in the
international marketplace. Within Canada, recent changes to federal law and regulation have opened
up new opportunities for foreign banks to operate and encouraged the start up of new banks,
offering more choice to consumers. New banks are arriving on the scene virtually every year. Some
have established traditional branches, while others have focused on electronic channels, or
specific products or market segments. Recent entrants have included both global competitors and
domestic newcomers.
Envoy Capital Group is a merchant banking division of Envoy that focuses on providing financial
services as well as equity and debt capital, to small and mid-cap companies. Envoy Capital Groups
objective is to provide loans and equity investments of between $500,000 and $3,000,000 to publicly
listed and private companies, operating in a variety of industries including media and marketing
services, resources and real estate.
Government Regulations:
The banking and financial industry is one of the most regulated industries in the world. The
Company is required to adhere to extensive rules and regulations governing both financial services
and securities exchanges. Recent changes to federal law and regulation have opened up new
opportunities for foreign banks to operate in Canada, encouraged the start up of new
15
banks with new ownership rules, and given certain non-bank financial institutions direct access to
the payments system. Many of the old barriers prohibiting financial institutions from competing in
each others business have disappeared over the past 15 years.
C. Organizational Structure
Envoy has operations in the United States and Canada. Envoy owns 100% of Watt International, its
sole operating subsidiary.
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
Envoy currently operates offices in Toronto, Canada. The terms of our principal leases are as
follows:
Envoys principal executive offices consist of a four-story office building of approximately 20,000
square foot located at 172 John Street, Toronto, Ontario. These premises have been leased pursuant
to a lease with a term that commenced on July 1, 1999 and expires in June 2009 at a current annual
rent of $198,691 with rent increases each year of the lease term. In connection with the lease
negotiation, the landlord advanced to Envoy $750,000 as a loan, with an interest rate of 3.5% per
annum to be repaid over 10 years. The leasehold improvements involved modernization of the
facilities and other modifications expected to benefit both Envoy and the landlord. The principal
balance of this loan at September 30, 2007 was $157,477.
The offices of Envoys wholly owned subsidiary, Watt International, consist of an office building
of approximately 26,600 square feet located at 300 Bayview, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The premises
are leased pursuant to a lease with a current annual rent of $460,608 that expires in March 2010.
In September 2006, Envoy sold all the shares of its United Kingdom subsidiaries, and has no further
lease obligations in the United Kingdom.
Item 4A: Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by,
the Consolidated Financial Statements of Envoy and the Notes relating thereto, included as item 17
in this Form 20-F. The information contained in this Item 5 refers to Financial Statements of
Envoy, which are presented in Canadian dollars and are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
Canadian GAAP differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP
is set forth in Note 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Historical results of
operations, percentage relationships and any trends that may be
16
inferred there from are not necessarily indicative of the operating results of any future period.
Overview
Net Revenue
The Company presents as net revenue fee income earned as compensation for its services, net of pass
through costs. Further, the balance sheet reflects the following:
(i) |
|
deferred revenue representing fees billed and collected in advance of such fees being earned; |
(ii) |
|
unbilled accounts receivable representing fees earned but not yet billed as well as well as
reimbursable pass-through costs; and |
(iii) |
|
work in process represents costs incurred on projects for which revenue has not yet been
recognized for accounting purposes. |
|
|
|
Included in work in process are charges for staff time at standard cost and third party
charges. The standard cost rate provides for the recovery of actual labour and overhead costs
incurred. |
Net revenue represents the Companys compensation for its non-agency services
and is recognized only when collection of such net revenue is probable. The
Companys non-agency projects are short-term in nature. Fees earned for non-agency
services are recognized either upon the performance of the Companys services when the
Company earns a per-diem fee, or in the case of a fixed fee, when the Companys
services are substantially complete and accepted by the client. Fees earned but not
yet billed are included in accounts receivable. Fees billed to clients in excess of
fees recognized as net revenue are classified as deferred revenue.
Securities transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses
on disposal of investments and unrealized gains and losses due to the change in fair
value of held-for-trading investments are reflected in the consolidated statements of
operations and are calculated on an average cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on
the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.
Operating Expenses
Salaries and benefits, general and administrative expenses and occupancy costs
represent our operating expenses. Salaries and benefits expenses include salaries,
employee benefits, incentive compensation, contract labour and other payroll related
costs, which are expensed as incurred. General and administrative costs include
business development, office costs, technology, professional services and foreign
exchange. Occupancy costs represent the costs of leasing and maintaining company
premises.
17
Tax Matters
With respect to Envoys 2007 fiscal year, Envoy had tax loss carry forwards sufficient
to cover its Canadian income tax liabilities and has approximately $18.2 million in
loss carry forwards. Details on income taxes are set forth in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
A. Operating Results
Net revenue from the continuing operations for the twelve months ended September 30,
2007 was $17.6 million, compared to $9.7 million for the twelve months ended September
30, 2006, a increase of $7.9 million. The increase was primarily due to several new
client wins in the Consumer and Retail Branding division, along with solid returns on
the newly launched Merchant bank operations.
Salaries expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007, was $11.3 million,
compared to $10.7 million in the twelve months ended September 30, 2006, a increase of
$0.6 million. The labour to net revenue ratio for the twelve months ended September
30, 2007 was 64.2%, compared to 110.3% in the twelve months ended September 30, 2006.
The improvement in the salary ratio was due to a strengthening of the revenue base at
the Consumer and Retail Branding division.
Occupancy costs decreased to $0.5 million for the twelve months ended September 30,
2007, from $1.0 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006 a decrease of
$0.5 million. The occupancy cost to net revenue ratio was 2.8% for the twelve months
ended September 30, 2007 compared to 10.3% for the twelve months ended September 30,
2006, due mainly to a consolidation of office space at the Consumer and Retail
Branding division.
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by management in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada, which vary in certain
significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States. A description of the significant differences, as applicable to the Company,
is included in note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
18
SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
|
Fiscal 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue |
|
$ |
17.6 million |
|
|
$ |
9.7 million |
|
|
$ |
19.6 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations |
|
2.6 million |
|
|
|
(5.4) million |
|
|
3.0 million |
|
From discontinued
operations |
|
0.4 million |
|
|
7.5 million |
|
|
2.9 million |
|
Total |
|
3.0 million |
|
|
2.1 million |
|
|
$ |
5.9 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
$ |
0.27 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
$ |
0.27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
(0.27 |
) |
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
(0.27 |
) |
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From discontinued
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at: |
|
Sep 30, 2007 |
|
Sep 30, 2006 |
|
Sep 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
50.8 million |
|
$ |
81.3 million |
|
$ |
84.0 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
long-term financial liabilities |
|
$ |
0.1 million |
|
$ |
0.2 million |
|
$ |
0.3 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends declared |
|
$ |
nil |
|
$ |
nil |
|
$ |
nil |
19
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006
On a consolidated basis, the net earnings for the year ended September 30, 2007 were
$3.0 million compared to $2.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2006. On a
fully diluted per share basis the net income for fiscal year 2007 was $.23 per share
compared to $.10 in fiscal 2006.
The comparative results for fiscal 2006 include the operating results for the UK and
European operations for the period prior to disposition, as well as the gain on
disposal. The amount is included as discontinued operations as a result of the sale
of the ECG Holdings (UK) last year. Income from discontinued operations (net of
taxes) amounted to approximately $7.5 million. From continuing operations, fiscal
2007 earnings per share on a fully diluted basis was $.20 per share compared to a loss
of ($.27) in fiscal 2006. The earnings per share from discontinued operations in
fiscal 2007 was $.03 per fully diluted share compared to $.37 per share in fiscal
2006,
Consumer and Retail Branding Segment
Net revenue for the Branding segment represents compensation for services rendered,
net of any pass-through costs such as production costs incurred on behalf of clients
in acting as agent for them.
The geographical breakdown of net revenue is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue for the year ended September 30 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
% of total |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
% of total |
|
By customer location: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USA and South America |
|
$ |
6.4 |
|
|
|
52 |
% |
|
$ |
3.5 |
|
|
|
36 |
% |
Canada |
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
52 |
% |
Middle East and Asia |
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
15 |
% |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
12.4 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
9.7 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue for the year ended September 30, 2007 was $12.4 million, compared to $9.7
million for the year ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $2.7 million. The main
reason for the increase was significant new client wins in both the U.S. and
internationally. The Company expects that net revenue from the Middle East and Asia
will be a significant contributor to its future growth. In reviewing our client
spending plans for fiscal 2008, we expect net revenue to show continued improvement.
Net revenue from U.S. and South American based customers increased $2.9 million from
$3.5 million last year to $6.4 million for the current year, whereas net revenue from
Canadian customers decreased by approximately $0.9 million in fiscal 2007 as compared
to the same period last year. Net revenue from the Middle East and Asian region
increased
20
$0.7 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006, primarily as a result of the
net revenue from a client in Dubai.
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation, for the twelve months ended September 30,
2007 were $10.2 million compared with $10.9 million for the twelve months ended
September 30, 2006, a decrease of $0.7 million. Expressed as a percentage of revenue
operating expenses were 82.6% this year compared to 112.4% last year.
Salaries and benefits expenses for the current fiscal year were $8.0 million compared
to $8.2 million last year, a decrease of $0.2 million or 2.4%. Salaries and benefits
expense as a percent of net revenue was 64.8% for the fiscal year 2007 compared to
84.4% for the same period last year. Salaries and benefits are more closely aligned
with revenue this year as a result of the restructuring implemented last year and
continue to be closely monitored to align costs with current and expected revenues.
General and administrative expenses were $1.4 million for the twelve months ended
September 30, 2007, compared to $1.6 million for twelve months ended September 30,
2006, a decrease of $0.2 million. General and administrative expenses as a percent of
net revenue were 11.5% for the current year compared to 16.5% last year. The Company
continues to actively look at ways to reduce or eliminate discretionary expenses while
balancing the need to maintain the quality of its service while investing to grow its
net revenue.
Occupancy costs for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 were $0.8 million
compared to $1.2 million twelve months ended September 30, 2006, a decrease of $0.4
million. Occupancy costs as a percent of net revenue were 6.2% this year compared to
12.2% last year. Watt continues to benefit from consolidating its operations from two
locations to one location late last year.
Depreciation expense for the year ended September 30, 2007 and year ended September
30, 2006 was $0.4 million.
Interest expense was minimal for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 and the
comparative period last year.
Pre-tax earnings from the branding segment was $1.8 million in fiscal 2007 compared to
a loss of ($2.3) million in fiscal 2006.
Merchant Banking Segment
Investment income from merchant banking activities includes realized and unrealized
gains and losses from the Companys investments plus interest and dividend income
earned during the period. Envoys merchant banking activities are being reported as a
new operating segment in fiscal 2007. Accordingly, there are no comparable amounts
for fiscal 2006.
21
In aggregate, the merchant banking segment generated a net investment gain of
approximately $5.1 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007. Going
forward investment gains will be a function of general market and economic conditions
as well as the success of individual securities selected for investment. Accordingly,
the income generated from such investment activity is unlikely to be consistent from
period to period.
For the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 the Company realized a gain on the
disposal of investments of $1.4 million. All of the gain was attributable to the sale
of marketable securities. The company also had net unrealized gains on its investments
of approximately $2.7 million at September 30, 2007. Interest and dividend income for
the merchant banking segment for the fiscal year 2007 was approximately $1.1 million.
Interest earned for the period was largely attributable to cash held in short term
GICs or discount securities.
For the twelve months ended September 30, 2007, the Company generated a return of
approximately 15.7% on its invested capital. Investment returns were significantly
impacted by currency fluctuations. As the Company maintains a diverse portfolio, its
U.S. and international equities, returns were negatively impacted by the weakening of
the U.S. dollar late in the year.
Operating expenses for the merchant banking business were comprised largely of
salaries and benefits. Total operating expenses for the twelve months ended September
30, 2007 were approximately $1.9 million.
Fiscal 2007 pre tax earnings from the merchant banking segment totaled approximately
$3.3 million.
Corporate
Corporate expenses include salaries and benefits for the accounting, financial and
administrative functions of Envoy. In addition, the corporate expenses include the
costs of regulatory compliance such as audit and legal expenses, board fees, listing
fees and shareholder relations. Credit amounts generated by the corporate segment
relate to a recovery in excess of actual costs as a result of subleasing excess space
at the Companys corporate office. Due to the unpredictable nature of certain
maintenance and operating costs, there is no assurance that recovered amounts will
continue to be in excess of actual expenditures. For the twelve months ended September
30, 2007 these expenses, excluding depreciation, totaled approximately $2.4 million.
The corporate segment of the Companys operations earned approximately $0.4 million in
interest revenue from cash set aside to fund the Companys substantial issuer bid,
which closed in January 2007. Approximately $30 million was segregated for this
purpose and held in secure cash investments bearing a nominal interest rate. As the
substantial issuer bid was settled in the second quarter, it is not expected that
additional interest income will be earned within the corporate segment.
22
Income Taxes
Income tax recovery for fiscal 2007 was less than $0.1 million. The current value of
the tax asset reflects managements assessment of those timing differences and loss
carryforwards which are more likely than not to be used in future periods.
Income from discontinued operations
Income from discontinued operations represents income from Envoys UK subsidiaries
which were disposed of in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. The income from
discontinued operations, net of income taxes and minority interests, for the fiscal
year 2007 was $0.4 million and for the fiscal year 2006 was approximately $7.5
million. Income from discontinued operations in fiscal 2007 represents the settlement
of potential liabilities more favourably than expected
Discontinued operations as detailed in note 19 to the Financial Statements as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal year: |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Net revenue |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
21,432,172 |
|
|
$ |
26,741,062 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,460,973 |
|
|
|
23,252,416 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(60,327 |
) |
|
|
(11,623 |
) |
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,294,822 |
|
|
|
1,770,052 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
582,122 |
|
|
|
512,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings from discontinued operations
(excluding gain on sale) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,154,582 |
|
|
|
1,218,194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
347,599 |
|
|
|
149,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale of discontinued operations |
|
|
375,514 |
|
|
|
5,721,229 |
|
|
|
1,799,631 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
375,514 |
|
|
$ |
7,528,212 |
|
|
$ |
2,868,017 |
|
|
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 was $3.0 million, compared
to $2.1 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006. On a per share basis
the net earnings in the current year were $.23 per share compared to $.10 last year.
The earnings per share calculations are based on fully diluted weighted average shares
outstanding of 13,155,910 this year compared to 20,459,736 last year.
23
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006, COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
Net revenue for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006 was $9.7 million, compared
to $19.6 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005, a decrease of $9.9
million.
Net revenue by type of service and by customer location:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Revenue for the twelve months |
|
|
|
ended September 30 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
% of total |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
% of total |
|
By type of By type of service |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Consumer and retail branding |
|
$ |
9.7 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
19.6 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
% of total |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
% of total |
|
By customer location |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada |
|
$ |
5.0 |
|
|
|
52 |
% |
|
$ |
5.7 |
|
|
|
29 |
% |
USA/South America |
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
13.5 |
|
|
|
69 |
% |
Middle East/Asia |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9.7 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
19.6 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue by type of service:
Net revenue from consumer and retail branding services decreased $9.9 million in the
twelve months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the twelve months ended September
30, 2005.
Net revenue by customer location:
Net revenue from Canada decreased by $0.7 million, for the twelve months ended
September 30, 2006 compared to the twelve months ended September 30, 2005. Net
revenue from the U.S. and South America decreased by $10.0 million for the twelve
months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the twelve months ended September 30,
2005. Net revenue from Middle East/Asia increased $0.8 million for the twelve months
ended September 30, 2006, compared to the twelve months ended September 30, 2005,
primarily as a result of the net revenue from a client in Dubai.
Operating Expenses
Expenses of continuing operations include corporate expenses which are fixed in nature
and are incurred to support discontinued operations and investment banking operations.
Due to the sale and separately reporting the results of discontinued operations, the
continuing operational expenses and related ratios are distorted and do not provide
basis for fair comparison of ratios to revenue.
24
Operating expenses decreased by 21.4% to $14.7 million for the twelve months ended
September 30, 2006 from $18.7 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005.
Changes in operating expenses were as follows:
Salaries and benefits expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006 were
$10.7 million, compared to $14.7 million for the twelve months ended September 30,
2006, a decrease of $4.0 million or 27.2%. Salaries and benefits continue to be
closely monitored to match expected revenues with labour costs. Included in salaries
and benefits is stock based compensation for the twelve months ended September 30,
2006 of $0.06 million, compared to $0.3 million in the twelve months ended September
30, 2005. Salaries and benefits expense as a percent of net revenue was 110.3% for
fiscal 2006 compared to 75.0% for fiscal 2005.
General and administrative expenses for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006
were $3.0 million, compared to $2.9 million for the twelve months ended September 30,
2005, an increase of 3.5%. Included in general and administrative expenses is foreign
exchange expense of $0.1 million for fiscal 2006, compared to an income of $0.02
million for fiscal 2005. General and administrative expense as a percent of net
revenue was 31.3% for fiscal 2006 compared to 14.8% for fiscal 2005.
Occupancy costs for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006 were $1.0 million,
compared to $1.1 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005, a decrease of
9.0%. Occupancy costs as a percent of net revenue was 10.6% for fiscal 2006 compared
to 5.6% for fiscal 2005.
Depreciation expense
Depreciation expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006 was $0.8 million,
compared to $1.0 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005.
Interest (income) expense and financing costs
Interest expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006 was $0.02 million
compared to an income of $0.02 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005.
Investment earnings
Investment earnings for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006 was $1.0 million,
compared to $2.8 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005. Investment
earnings represent the income earned on the cash and marketable securities held in the
investment portfolio. Going forward, the Company expects that its investment earnings
for the year will be in the range of approximately $5.5 to $7.4 million, depending on
the assets under investment, market conditions, bond yields, interest rates, dividend
yields and general economic factors, and as a result of changes in the mandate
provided to the portfolio manager. These changes allow the manager greater
flexibility in selecting longer term fixed
25
income securities and high yielding securities, while still maintaining a high quality
portfolio.
Income from discontinued operations
Effective September 15, 2006 Envoy completed the sale of shares of its wholly owned UK
subsidiary ECGH and related business and all of the operational assets of Gilchrist
and PWD. The sale price was $27 million in cash. As per terms and conditions of the
sale purchase agreement, $2.7 million is being held in escrow to secure potential
third party claims. The escrowed funds, less the amount of any third party claims,
will be released to the Company on the first anniversary date of the transaction,
September 15, 2007. Fiscal 2006 income from discontinued operations in the amount of
$7.5 million includes $1.8 million income from discontinued operations and a one time
gain of $5.7 million on sale of discontinued operations of this business during the
periods presented.
During fiscal 2005, effective June 30, 2005, the Company sold the John Street
advertising business for proceeds of $1.2 million to the management of John Street.
Certain equipment was also sold for proceeds of $0.3 million to the same group. The
income from discontinued operations reflects the operations of this business during
the periods presented and the gain on sale of the Companys investment in this
business. The income from discontinued operations, including the gain on sale of the
business, was $1.8 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005. See note 19
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings for the year ended on September 30, 2006 were $2.1 million, compared to
$5.9 million for the year ended on September 30, 2005.
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
2006 (UNAUDITED)
On a consolidated basis, the net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 was less
than $0.1 million compared with $4.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.
The comparative results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 include the operating
results for the UK and European operations for the three months ended September 30,
2006 and the gain on disposition. The amount is included as discontinued operations
as a result of the sale of the ECG Holdings (UK) last year. Income from discontinued
operations (net of taxes) amounted to approximately $6.7 million.
From continuing operations, fully diluted per share net income for this years fourth
quarter was nil compared to a loss of ($.10) last year. The income from discontinued
operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 was $.04 per share compared to $.33
per fully diluted share in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.
26
Consumer and Retail Branding Segment
Net revenue for the branding segment represents compensation for services rendered,
net of any pass-through costs such as production costs incurred on behalf of clients
in acting as agent for them.
The breakdown of net revenue is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue for the three months ended September 30 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
2007 |
|
% of total |
|
2006 |
|
% of total |
By customer location: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USA and South America |
|
$ |
2.2 |
|
|
|
65 |
% |
|
$ |
0.4 |
|
|
|
16 |
% |
Canada |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
26 |
% |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
52 |
% |
Middle East and Asia |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3.4 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
2.5 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $3.4 million, compared
to $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $0.9
million. The principal reason for the increase in net revenue from last year to this
year was several new business wins for both the consumer and retail divisions. The
consumer brands component has augmented its revenue base with a diverse portfolio of
both strategy and creative accounts. The retail branding component has expanded its
international reach with additional client wins in the United States, along with
expansion into the Middle East, serving clients in Dubai, UAE.
Net revenue from U.S. and South American customers increased by approximately $1.8
million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to the same period last
year, while net revenue from the Canadian based customers decreased by $0.4 million
and net revenue from the Middle East and Asian region decreased $0.5 million.
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation, for the fourth quarter of 2007 were $3.0
million, compared to $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, mainly due to
increased labour costs. Expressed as a percentage of revenue operating expenses were
88.2% this year compared to 73.6% last year.
Salaries and benefits expenses for the fourth quarter of 2007 were $2.6 million
compared to $1.6 million for the fourth quarter last year, an increase of $1.0 million
or 63%. Salaries and benefits levels increased as a result of the increase in
revenue. Salaries and benefits expense as a percent of net revenue was 74.9% for this
years fourth quarter compared to 63.3% for the same period last year.
General and administrative expenses were $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal
2007 and $nil for the same period last year. General and administrative expenses as a
percent of net revenue were 8.4% for this year. Fiscal 2006 fourth quarter general
and administrative
27
expenses were minimal as a result of corporate reallocations to more accurately
represent real costs.
Occupancy costs for the current quarter were $0.2 million compared to $0.3 million
last year, a decrease of $0.1 million. Occupancy costs as a percent of net revenue
were 4.7% this year compared to 10.3% last year.
Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and three months
ended September 30, 2006 was $0.1 million.
Interest expense was negligible for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and for
the same period last year.
Merchant Banking Segment
Investment income from merchant banking activities includes realized and unrealized
gains and losses from the Companys investments plus interest and dividend income
earned during the period. Envoys Merchant banking activities are being reported as a
new operating segment in fiscal 2007.
For the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2007 the merchant banking revenue was $1.0
million. The majority of the revenue was due to unrealized gains from the upward
adjustment to market value of its investments as at September 30, 2007 over their
value at the end of the prior quarter. Foreign exchange losses had a significant
negative impact on overall fourth quarter returns.
Operating expenses for the merchant banking business were comprised largely of
salaries and benefits. Total operating expenses for the quarter were approximately
$0.5 million.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 pre tax earnings from the merchant banking
business totaled approximately $0.5 million.
Corporate
Corporate expenses include salaries and benefits for the accounting, financial and
administrative functions of Envoy. In addition, the corporate expenses include the
costs of regulatory compliance such as audit and legal expenses, board fees, listing
fees and shareholder relations. During the quarter these expenses totaled
approximately $0.9 million.
Income Taxes
The income tax expense for the period was less than $0.1 million. The reason for the
disparity from the substantially enacted tax rate of 33% was an adjustment to the
future value of the tax asset based on the Companys results for the fourth quarter.
The current value of the tax asset reflects managements assessment of those timing
differences and loss carryforwards which are more likely than not to be used in future
periods.
28
Income from discontinued operations
The income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes and minority interests,
for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 was $0.4 million compared to $6.7 million for
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $0.4 million, compared
to $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. On a per share basis
the net earnings in the current quarter were $.04 per share compared to $.23 last
year.
The earnings per share calculations are based on fully diluted weighted average shares
outstanding of 9,747,620 for the current quarter compared to 20,176,658 in the same
period last year.
29
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q4 2007 |
|
|
Q3 2007 |
|
|
Q2 2007 |
|
|
Q1 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue |
|
$ |
4.5 million |
|
|
$ |
4.3 million |
|
|
$ |
3.8 million |
|
|
$ |
5.0 million |
|
|
Net earnings (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing |
|
|
($0.01) million |
|
|
$ |
0.20 million |
|
|
$ |
0.86 million |
|
|
$ |
1.59 million |
|
operations
Including
discontinued
operations |
|
$ |
0.36 million |
|
|
$ |
0.20 million |
|
|
$ |
0.86 million |
|
|
$ |
1.59 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
0.08 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
0.08 |
|
Including
discontinued
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
0.08 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
0.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q4 2006 |
|
|
Q3 2006 |
|
|
Q2 2006 |
|
|
Q1 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue |
|
$ |
2.5 million |
|
|
$ |
5.5 million |
|
|
$ |
3.8 million |
|
|
$ |
5.5 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing |
|
|
($1.84) million |
|
|
|
($1.51) million |
|
|
|
($1.08) million |
|
|
|
($0.96) million |
|
operations
Including
discontinued
operations |
|
$ |
4.82 million |
|
|
|
($1.12) million |
|
|
|
($0.43) million |
|
|
|
($1.13) million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
($0.10 |
) |
|
|
($0.07 |
) |
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
Diluted |
|
|
($0.10 |
) |
|
|
($0.07 |
) |
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
Including
discontinued
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
|
|
($0.02 |
) |
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
|
|
($0.02 |
) |
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
30
RECONCILIATION TO U.S. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
Summary of material adjustments to net earnings (loss) for the years ended September
30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 required to conform to US GAAP. Detailed information can be
found in note 20 to the Financial Statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
3,016,719 |
|
|
$ |
2,136,186 |
|
|
$ |
5,941,690 |
|
Stock-based compensation 20(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
344,151 |
|
Cash held in escrow 20(b) |
|
|
(103,549 |
) |
|
|
(2,700,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Capitalized incorporation costs 20(g) |
|
|
(66,339 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income recognized on reclassification
of investments 20(h) |
|
|
77,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains on privately-held securities 20(h) |
|
|
(1,147,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) based on
U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
1,776,747 |
|
|
$ |
(563,814 |
) |
|
$ |
6,285,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) from continuing
operations |
|
$ |
1,401,233 |
|
|
$ |
(5,392,026 |
) |
|
$ |
3,417,824 |
|
Net earnings from discontinued
operations (Notes 19) |
|
$ |
375,514 |
|
|
$ |
4,828,212 |
|
|
$ |
2,868,017 |
|
|
The following adjustments are required in order to conform total assets based on
Canadian GAAP to total assets based on U.S. GAAP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets based on Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
50,792,314 |
|
|
$ |
81,273,654 |
|
Cash held in escrow 20(b) |
|
|
(2,803,549 |
) |
|
|
(2,700,000 |
) |
Capitalized incorporation costs 20(g) |
|
|
(66,339 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Investments held for trading 20(h) |
|
|
(1,147,500 |
) |
|
|
242,378 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets based on U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
46,774,926 |
|
|
$ |
78,816,032 |
|
|
The following adjustments are required in order to conform shareholders equity based
on Canadian GAAP to shareholders equity based on U.S. GAAP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity based on Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
45,157,001 |
|
|
$ |
75,046,589 |
|
Cash held in escrow 20(b) |
|
|
(2,803,549 |
) |
|
|
(2,700,000 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income 20(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
242,378 |
|
Capitalized incorporation costs 20(g) |
|
|
(66,339 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Gains on privately-held securities 20(h) |
|
|
(1,147,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity based on U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
41,139,613 |
|
|
$ |
72,588,967 |
|
|
31
The Companys comprehensive income represents U.S. GAAP net earnings plus the results
of certain changes in shareholders equity during a period from non-owner sources that
are not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) for the year in
accordance with U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
1,776,747 |
|
|
$ |
(563,814 |
) |
|
$ |
6,285,841 |
|
Unrealized gain (loss) on available
for sale securities arising during
the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
242,378 |
|
|
|
(5,859 |
) |
Less: reclassification adjustment
for gains realized in net income |
|
|
(242,378 |
) |
|
|
5,859 |
|
|
|
(174,426 |
) |
Change in cumulative translation
adjustment account |
|
|
(25,514 |
) |
|
|
2,101,995 |
|
|
|
(2,183,228 |
) |
|
|
|
$ |
1,508,855 |
|
|
$ |
1,786,418 |
|
|
$ |
3,922,328 |
|
|
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
As at September 30, 2007, Envoy had working capital of $33.3 million, compared to
September 30, 2006, when it had a working capital of $62.6 million. Included in
working capital is an investment portfolio of marketable securities, the current
portion of which was $27.6 million at September 30, 2007 and $57.3 million at
September 30, 2006. The principal reason for the decrease was the sale of
investments to generate the cash used to repurchase the Companys shares.
Approximately $1.6 million in cash was generated from operations during the twelve
months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $2.7 million for the twelve months ended
September 30, 2006. The main sources of funds were the reduction of prepaid expenses
and sales of investments held for trading. The cash provided from continuing
operations was used to finance a decrease in accounts payable and an increase in
accounts receivable in order to support the growth of the branding business.
The Company used funds from sales of its investments to repurchase 9,002,383 shares of
the Company for cash consideration of $30.2 million under a substantial issuer bid. In
addition to the substantial issuer bid, during fiscal 2007 $2.8 million of working
capital was used to repurchase 813,466 shares of the Company pursuant to the normal
course issuer bid. A similar amount of funds was used to repurchase shares in fiscal
2006 under the normal course issuer bid.
The Company made use of its operating line of credit in fiscal 2007 in order to manage
day-to-day needs without being forced to liquidate investments. The revolving credit
facility is
32
available up to a maximum of $2.0 million, which was almost fully utilized at
September 30, 2007.
During fiscal 2007, the Company used the proceeds from loans receivable to fund
additional investments. In the fourth quarter of 2006, proceeds of $24.3 million, net
of $2.7 million held in escrow, were received from the sale of the UK subsidiaries and
related business assets. Of this amount, $0.8 million was used to pay the sale related
costs and the remaining $23.5 million was invested in the investment portfolio managed
by the Companys portfolio manager.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The significant accounting policies used by Envoy in preparing its Financial
Statements are described in Note 2 to the Financial Statements and should be read to
ensure a proper understanding and evaluation of the estimates and judgements made by
management in preparing those Financial Statements. Envoys Financial Statements are
prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Envoy
also prepared a reconciliation to United States generally accepted accounting
principles, which is included in Note 20 to the Financial Statements.
Inherent in the application of some of these policies is the judgment by management as
to which of the various methods allowed under generally accepted accounting principles
is the most appropriate to apply in the case of Envoy. As well, management must take
appropriate estimates at the time the Financial Statements are prepared.
Although all of the policies identified in Note 2 to the Financial Statements are
important in understanding the Financial Statements, the policies discussed below are
considered by management to be central to understanding the Financial Statements,
because of the higher level of measurement uncertainties involved in their
application.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the price paid for acquisitions in excess of the fair market value
of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is carried at cost, less
impairment losses if any.
The Company uses a two-step impairment test on an annual basis, or when significant
business changes have occurred that may have had an adverse impact on the fair value
of the goodwill. To determine whether impairment has occurred, the fair value of the
reporting unit is compared to its carrying amounts, including goodwill. When the fair
value is in excess of its carrying amount, the goodwill is not considered to be
impaired, and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary.
When the carrying amount of the reporting unit as determined in the first step exceeds
the fair value, then the fair value of the goodwill is determined in the same manner
as followed on a business combination. An impairment loss is recognized when the
carrying amount
33
of the goodwill of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. It is not reversed in the
event that the fair value subsequently increases.
Intangible assets
To determine the value of intangible assets acquired in an acquisition, the Company
considers the expected impact on cash flows of the asset, the inherent uncertainty of
estimates, and the time value of money. The intangible assets are amortized over a
period considered to represent their useful life. Intangible assets are reviewed each
year and if circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, a
write-down would be charged to operations in the period.
Income Taxes
Envoy accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this
method, future income taxes are recognized at the enacted or substantially enacted tax
rate expected to be applicable at the anticipated date of the reversal for all
significant temporary differences between the tax and accounting bases of assets and
liabilities and for certain tax carryforward items. Future income tax assets and
liabilities are recognized only to the extent that, in the opinion of management, it
is more likely than not that the future income tax assets will be realized. Future
operating results and future tax rates could vary materially, and accordingly the
value of income tax assets and liabilities could change by material amounts.
Revenue
Net revenue represents the Companys compensation for its non-agency services and is
recognized only when collection of such net revenue is probable. The Companys
non-agency projects are short-term in nature. Fees earned for non-agency services are
recognized either upon the performance of the Companys services when the Company
earns a per-diem fee, or in the case of a fixed fee, when the Companys services are
substantially complete and accepted by the client. Fees earned but not yet billed are
included in accounts receivable. Fees billed to clients in excess of fees recognized
as net revenue are classified as deferred revenue.
Securities transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. Realized gains and losses
on disposal of investments and unrealized gains and losses due to the change in fair
value of held-for-trading investments are reflected in the consolidated statements of
operations and are calculated on an average cost basis. Dividend income is recorded
on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.
Stock-based compensation
Direct awards of stock or liabilities incurred, or other compensation arrangements
that are based on the price of common stock, are measured at fair value at each
reporting date, with the change in fair value reported in the Statement of Operations.
34
Financial Instruments
Effective October 1, 2006, the Company adopted Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants Handbook Section 3855 Financial Instruments recognition and
measurement (CICA Section 3855) and Section 3861 Financial Instruments disclosure
and presentation. CICA Section 3855 establishes standards for recognizing and
measuring financial assets, financial liabilities and non-financial derivatives.
Under the new standards, financial assets and financial liabilities are initially
recognized at fair value and their subsequent measurement is dependent on their
classification as described below. Their classification depends on the purpose for
which the financial instruments were acquired or issued, their characteristics and the
Companys designation of such instruments. The standards require that all financial
assets be classified either as held-for-trading (HFT), available-for-sale (AFS),
held-to-maturity (HTM), or loans and receivables. The standards require that all
financial assets, including all derivatives, be measured at fair value with the
exception of loans and receivables, debt securities classified as HTM, and AFS
financial assets that do not have quoted market prices in an active market.
HFT financial assets are financial assets typically acquired for resale prior to
maturity. They are measured at fair value at the balance sheet date. Interest and
dividends earned, gains and losses realized on disposal and unrealized gains and
losses from market fluctuations are included in net revenue for the period.
HTM financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets with fixed or
determinable payments and a fixed maturity, other than loans and receivables that an
entity has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. These financial
assets are measured at amortized cost.
AFS financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as
AFS, or that are not classified as loans and receivables, HTM investments or HFT. AFS
financial assets are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included
in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) until realized when the cumulative gain or loss is
recognized in net income.
Loans and receivables are accounted for at amortized cost using the effective interest
method.
At each financial reporting period, the Companys management estimates the fair value
of investments based on the criteria below and reflects such valuations in the
consolidated financial statements.
(i) Publicly-traded investments:
Securities which are traded on a recognized securities exchange and for which no sales
restrictions apply are recorded at fair values based on quoted market prices at the
consolidated balance sheet dates or the closing price on the last day the security
traded if there were no trades at the consolidated balance sheet dates.
35
Securities which are traded on a recognized securities exchange but which are escrowed
or otherwise restricted as to sale or transfer may be recorded at amounts discounted
from market value. In determining whether a discount is appropriate for such
investments, the Company considers the nature and length of the restriction, the
business risk of the investee company, its stage of development, market potential,
relative trading volume and price volatility and any other factors that may be
relevant to the ongoing and realizable value of the investments.
(ii) Privately-held investments:
Securities in privately-held companies are recorded at fair value based on objective
evidence including recent arms length transactions between knowledgeable, willing
parties, such as significant subsequent equity financing by an unrelated, professional
investor, discounted cash flow analysis, operational results, forecasts and other
developments since acquisition.
IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FAS Statement No. 109 (FIN 48)
FASB issued an interpretation under FIN 48 which prescribes a recognition and
measurement model for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the
Companys tax returns. FIN 48 provides guidance on de-recognition, classification,
interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods and disclosure. FIN 48 is
applicable for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2006. The adoption of
this statement is not expected to have a material effect on the Companys future
reported financial position or results of operations.
Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157)
FASB issued SFAS 157 which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value in U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair values. This standard does
not require any new fair value measurements. The standard is applicable for fiscal
years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently considering the
impact of the adoption of this interpretation.
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159)
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities. SFAS No. 159 permits companies to measure financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of this statement is
to improve financial reporting by providing companies with the opportunity to mitigate
volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities
differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159
is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement for accounting for financial
instruments. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15,
2007. The Company is currently considering the impact of the adoption of this
interpretation.
36
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
All statements in this MD&A that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical
facts constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of that term in
Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act),
and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act). These statements represent Envoys intentions, plans, expectations
and beliefs, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which
are beyond the control of Envoy. These factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from such forward-looking statements. These factors include but are not
restricted to the timing and size of contracts, acquisitions and other corporate
developments; the ability to attract and retain qualified employees; market
competition in our industry; general economic and business conditions, foreign
exchange and other risks identified in the MD&A, in Envoys Annual Report or Form 20-F
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), or Envoys Annual
Information Form filed with the Canadian securities authorities. The words believe,
estimate, expect, intend, anticipate, foresee, plan, and similar
expressions identify certain of such forward looking statements, which are valid only
as of the date on which they are made. In particular, statements relating to future
growth are forward looking statements. Envoy disclaims any intention or obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
Not applicable.
D. Trend Information
Not applicable.
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
F. Commitments and Contractual Commitments
Set out below is a summary of the amounts due and committed under contractual cash
obligations at September 30, 2007 (all amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due in |
|
|
Due in |
|
|
Due in |
|
|
Due in |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
year 1 |
|
|
year 2 |
|
|
year 3 |
|
|
year 4 |
|
|
Operating leases |
|
$ |
1,898,623 |
|
|
$ |
820,178 |
|
|
$ |
768,724 |
|
|
$ |
306,681 |
|
|
$ |
3,040 |
|
Long term debt |
|
|
162,625 |
|
|
|
91,990 |
|
|
|
70,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual
cash obligations |
|
$ |
2,061,248 |
|
|
$ |
912,168 |
|
|
$ |
839,359 |
|
|
$ |
306,681 |
|
|
$ |
3,040 |
|
|
|
|
37
G. Safe Harbor
See Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in the introduction to this
Form 20-F.
Item 6: Directors and Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the directors and senior
managers of Envoy as of November 30, 2007. Each director is elected at the annual
meeting of shareholders to serve until the next annual meeting or until a successor is
elected or appointed.
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
Age |
|
Positions Held with Envoy |
|
Geoffrey B. Genovese
53
|
|
President, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer and Director |
|
J. Joseph Leeder
53
|
|
Executive Vice President Mergers
& Acquisitions and Chief Financial Officer |
|
John H. Bailey
62
|
|
Executive Vice President,
Corporate Secretary and Director |
|
David Hull 1 2 3
51
|
|
Director |
|
Hugh Aird 1 2 3
51
|
|
Director |
|
David Parkes 1 2 3
51
|
|
Director |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Member of the Audit Committee |
|
2 |
|
Member of the Compensation Committee |
|
3 |
|
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
The principal occupations, business experiences and positions for the past five years
and, in certain cases, prior years of the directors and executive officers of Envoy
are as follows:
Geoffrey B. Genovese: Mr. Genovese founded The Incentive Design Company Ltd. (IDC),
a business and marketing communications company, in 1981. Envoy acquired IDC in July
1991. Mr. Genovese currently serves as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Envoy and Chief Executive Officer of Watt International. Mr. Genovese was appointed
Chairman in September 2001. Mr. Genovese has been a Director of Envoy since July 1991.
38
J. Joseph Leeder, CA: Mr. Leeder joined Envoy in 1998 as Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer. Prior to joining Envoy, Mr. Leeder was a partner of KPMG LLP in
Canada, an accounting firm, and an Executive Vice President of KPMG Corporate Finance
Inc., a subsidiary of KPMG LLP. Mr. Leeder left Envoy on May 30, 2003, and joined USC
Forest Group as its Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Leeder rejoined Envoy as Vice
President Mergers and Acquisitions on October 24, 2005, and became the Chief Financial
Officer on January 1, 2006.
John H. Bailey: Mr. Bailey is a barrister and a solicitor who has been in private
practice since 1973. Mr. Bailey earned a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws
degree from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Laws degree from York
University. Mr. Bailey has been a Director of Envoy since April 1994, Corporate
Secretary since August 1997, and Executive Vice-President since February 2004.
David Hull: Mr. Hull has been the President of Hull Life Insurance Agencies Inc.
since May 1991. Hull Life Insurance Agencies Inc. specializes in estate planning and
life and disability insurance. Prior thereto, Mr. Hull served as Executive Vice
President of Hull Life Insurance Agencies Ltd. and Thomas I. Hull Insurance Ltd.,
members of The Hull Group of Companies. Mr. Hull has been a Director of Envoy since
January 1995.
Hugh Aird: Mr. Aird has been the Vice-Chairman North America of Edelman Public
Relations, since January, 2006. Prior to joining Edelman in 2006, Mr. Aird was the
Director of Business Development of Blackmont Capital. Prior to joining Blackmont
Capital in 2005, Mr. Aird was a Senior Relationship Manager at Morgan Stanley Canada.
Mr. Aird was Vice President, Business Development, Mulvihill Capital Management Inc.
Prior to joining Mulvihill Capital Management Inc. in 2001, Mr. Aird was Vice Chairman
of Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. (formerly Midland Walwyn Capital Inc.). Mr. Aird first
became a director of Envoy on August 20, 1997. As a result of personal commitments,
Mr. Aird resigned as a director on April 1, 2003. On November 24, 2003, Mr. Aird was
re-elected as a director of Envoy.
David Parkes: Mr. Parkes is currently working for his Consulting Company David Parkes
& Assoc. Mr. Parkes was President and CEO of Freefone Inc. until 2005. Prior to
joining Freefone Inc. in 2003, Mr. Parkes founded David Parkes & Assoc. in 2001. Mr.
Parkes was President and CEO of Look Communications Inc. until 2001 and President and
CEO of TeleSpectrum Canada Inc. until 1999. Mr. Parkes has been a Director of Envoy
since October 2002. Mr. Parkes is a director of SelectCore Ltd., a prepaid
telecommunications provider based in Ontario, Canada, and Mitec Telecom Inc., a
Quebec, Canada based designer and manufacturer of radio and amplifier equipment.
The Ontario Business Corporations Act requires that at least 25% of Envoys directors
be Canadian residents. There are no arrangements or understandings between any
director or executive officer of Envoy with major shareholders, customers or others,
pursuant to which he or she was selected as such.
There are no family relationships between any of the persons named above.
39
B. Compensation
The following table sets forth in, Canadian dollars all compensation for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2007 paid to the Chief Executive Officer of Envoy and the
four other most highly compensated officers who served as executive officers of the
Company (the Named Executive Officers):
|
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|
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|
|
Long-Term Compensation |
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|
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|
Awards |
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|
Securities |
|
Restricted |
|
|
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|
Annual Compensation |
|
Under |
|
Shares or |
|
Payouts |
|
|
Name and |
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|
|
|
|
Other |
|
Option/SARs |
|
Restricted |
|
LTIP |
|
All Other |
Principal |
|
Salary |
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|
|
|
|
Annual |
|
Granted |
|
Share Units |
|
Payouts |
|
Compensation |
Position |
|
($) |
|
Bonus |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
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|
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Geoffrey B. Genovese, |
|
$ |
550,000 |
|
|
|
850,000 |
|
|
|
330,3131 |
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182,3502 |
|
Chairman, President
and Chief Executive
Officer |
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J. Joseph Leeder, |
|
$ |
400,000 |
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|
|
300,000 |
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|
20,603 |
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|
Vice President,
Mergers and
Acquisitions and Chief
Financial Officer |
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John H. Bailey, |
|
$ |
300,000 |
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Executive Vice
President, and
Secretary |
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Colin Beaton |
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$ |
183,061 |
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$ |
29,169 |
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$ |
38,462 |
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|
Managing Director,
Watt Retail Design
Practice |
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Patrick Rodmell, |
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$ |
285,129 |
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Managing Director,
Watt International Inc. |
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1 |
|
Included in this amount is $300,000 which was paid to a corporation related
to Mr. Genovese as an annual management fee. |
|
2 |
|
Mr. Genovese received taxable benefits for life insurance premiums paid by
the Corporation and a car allowance. |
40
There were no options granted under the Stock Option Plan to the Named Executive
Officers of the Company in the most recently completed fiscal year.
The following table sets forth options exercised under the Stock Option Plan to the
Named Executive Officers of the Company in the most recently completed fiscal year and
the value of unexercised options held by them as at the most recent fiscal year:
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Stock Options Exercised During 2007 Fiscal Year |
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|
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Unexercised Options at |
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Value of Unexercised In |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Aggregate |
|
FY-End Exercisable/ |
|
the Money Options at FY-End |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value Realized |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable 1 |
Name |
|
Exercise |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Geoff Genovese |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
80,000/nil |
|
nil/nil |
Joseph Leeder |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
nil/nil |
|
nil/nil |
John H. Bailey |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
40,000/nil |
|
nil/nil |
Patrick Rodmell |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
13,333/nil |
|
21,999/nil |
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|
15,000/nil |
|
nil/nil |
Colin Beaton |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
nil/nil |
|
nil/nil |
The Company does not provide any pension, retirement plan or other remuneration to its
directors or officers that constitutes an expense to the Company, nor are there any
plans or arrangements in respect of compensation received or that may be received by
executive officers in the Companys most recently completed or current fiscal year to
compensate such officers in the event of a termination of employment or a change in
control of the Company.
Employment Contracts and Termination Agreements:
The Company and its subsidiary, Watt International, have entered into employment
contracts with the Named Executive Officers.
Geoffrey B. Genovese has agreed to act as the Companys Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer at an annual base salary of $550,000, together with an annual bonus
of up to 100% of salary and fees paid to Mr. Genoveses management company, based on
pre-set specific performance criteria approved annually, in advance, by the
Compensation Committee. This agreement provides for a severance payment equivalent to
$300,000 plus an amount equal to three times the total remuneration and other
compensation paid to Genovese and his management company during the 12-month period
preceding termination, if Mr. Genoveses employment is terminated, without cause, by
the Company or if there is a change of control of the Company and Mr. Genovese elects
to terminate his employment with the Company. In addition, if there is a change of
control of the Company, Mr. Genovese is entitled to receive, at the sole discretion of
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, a one-time bonus of up to a
maximum of $1,000,000. An annual fee of $300,000 is also payable to Mr. Genoveses
management company pursuant to a management agreement with the Company. The management
agreement is automatically renewable on September 30th of each year, unless terminated
by either party.
41
Joseph J. Leeder has agreed to act as the Companys Executive Vice President, Mergers
and Acquisitions and Chief Financial Officer at an annual base salary of $400,000,
together with an annual bonus of up to 100% of salary, based on pre-set specific
performance criteria approved annually, in advance, by the Compensation Committee.
This agreement also provides for a severance payment equal to the greater of $800,000
and two times the total remuneration and other compensation earned by Mr. Leeder
during the twelve month fiscal period of the Corporation immediately preceding the
date of termination, if Mr. Leeders employment is terminated, without cause, by the
Corporation. If there is a change of control (as defined) of the Corporation and Mr.
Leeder elects to resign within twelve months of the date on which the change of
control occurs, Mr. Leeder is entitled to receive a severance payment equal to the
same amount to which he would have been entitled if his employment had been terminated
by the Corporation, without cause.
John H. Bailey was appointed Executive Vice President of the Company on February 1,
2004. Pursuant to the terms of an agreement dated February 1, 2004 between the Company
and Semper Consulting Inc. (Semper), Semper agreed to provide certain financial
advisory services as well as general advice of a strategic nature, including the
personal services of John H. Bailey. In consideration for these services, the Company
has agreed to pay Semper an annual fee of $300,000 and to reimburse Semper for all
expenses incurred by it in the performance of its services. The agreement has a term
ending on May 31, 2010, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions thereof.
If the Company terminates the agreement for any reason, other than cause, or if there
is a change of control of the Company and Semper elects to terminate the agreement,
Semper is entitled to receive a payment equal to three times the fees paid to Semper
during the twelve-month period ending on the month immediately preceding the month in
which the agreement is terminated. Semper is wholly-owned by the spouse of John H.
Bailey.
Colin Beaton has agreed to act as the Managing Director of Watt Internationals Retail
Design business at an annual base compensation of $200,000, together with a
discretionary cash bonus based on the performance of Watt International. This
agreement provides for a severance payment equivalent to his base salary and benefits
for a period of two weeks, if his services are terminated by Watt International.
Patrick Rodmell has agreed to act as the Managing Director of Watt International at an
annual base salary of $300,000, together with an annual cash bonus based on the
performance of Watt International. This agreement provides for a severance payment
equivalent to his base salary and benefits for a period of up to four months, if his
employment is terminated, without cause, by Watt International.
Compensation of Directors:
All non-executive directors of the Company or any of its affiliates are compensated
for their services as directors and members of a committee through a combination of
annual and meeting attendance fees. Messrs. Aird, Hull and Parkes are each entitled to
receive an annual directors/committee members fee of $30,000. As the Lead Director,
Mr. Aird receives an additional $50,000 per year. A non-executive director receives an
additional annual fee of $10,000 for presiding over a committee of the Board (other
than the Audit Committee). For his part, the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives
an additional
42
annual fee of $40,000. In addition, each director receives an attendance fee of $1,000
for each Board or committee meeting attended. No compensation is paid to the other
directors who are also executive officers, for their services as directors. Directors
are also entitled to participate in the Companys Stock Option Plan.
In the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, Envoy paid approximately $244,786 to John
H. Bailey Professional Corporation for legal services provided to Envoy. John H.
Bailey Professional Corporation is wholly-owned by John H. Bailey.
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance:
The Company maintains liability insurance for the benefit of the directors and
officers of the Company and its subsidiaries against liability incurred by them in
their respective capacities. The current annual policy limit is $10,000,000. Under the
policy, individual directors and officers are reimbursed for losses incurred in their
capacities as such, subject to a deductible of $250,000 for claims arising in the
United States and $150,000 for all other claims. The deductible is the responsibility
of the Company. The Company paid the annual premium of $142,000.
C. Board Practices
Corporate Governance:
The Company is subject to a variety of corporate governance guidelines and
requirements enacted by the CSA, The Nasdaq Capital Market (Nasdaq) and by the SEC
under its rules and those mandated by the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
During the recent past, there were several changes to the corporate governance and
corporate governance disclosure requirements applicable to the Company. Specifically,
the Canadian Securities Administrators introduced in final form National Instrument
58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (NI 58-101) and National
Policy 58-201 Corporate Governance Guidelines (National Policy 58-201), both of
which came into force on June 30, 2005 and effectively replaced the Corporate
Governance Guidelines of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Also, in 2005, amendments were
made to Multilateral Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees (MI 52-110).
The Company is required to disclose certain specified corporate governance information
under NI 58-101. The disclosure required addresses items such as the constitution and
independence of corporate boards, the functions to be performed by boards and their
committees, the orientation and education of directors, ethical business conduct and
compensation matters. Set out below is a description of certain corporate governance
practices of the Company, required by NI 58-101.
As new regulations come into effect, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
and the Companys Board of Directors (the Board) will continue to review the
Companys corporate governance practices and make appropriate changes.
43
Board of Directors:
The articles of the Company provide that there shall be a Board of not less than three
or more than ten directors. There are currently five directors on the Board. National
Policy 58-201 recommends that boards of directors of reporting issuers be composed of
a majority of independent directors (within the meaning of such term in NI 58-101).
The Board, on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,
is responsible for determining whether or not each director is independent. To achieve
this, the Board analyses all of the relationships each director has with the Company
and its subsidiaries in light of the concept of independence in NI 58-101 and director
independence standards adopted by the Board. These standards are available in the
Governance section of the Companys website at www.envoy.to. In general, a director
who meets these standards and who does not otherwise have a material relationship with
the Company would be considered independent. Based on the information provided by each
director, and having considered the independence standards mentioned above, the Board
determined that three of the Companys five directors are independent within the
meaning of such term in NI 58-101. Therefore, the Board is composed of a majority of
independent directors.
The three independent directors are: Messrs. Hugh Aird, David Hull and David Parkes.
Two directors have material relationships with the Company and are therefore not
independent. Mr. Geoffrey Genovese, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, is considered to have a material relationship with the Company by virtue of
his executive officer position. Mr. John Bailey is considered to have a material
relationship with the Company by virtue of his position as Executive Vice President
and Secretary of the Company.
The current Chairman of the Board is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, and is not an independent director. Because the Chairman is an executive
officer, the Board has also adopted a policy that it have an independent lead director
(Lead Director) who is charged with the duty to ensure that the Board discharges its
responsibilities effectively and independently of management. The Lead Director chairs
meetings of directors without management present. The Board has determined that the
Lead Director shall be appointed by the Board based on the recommendations of the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. On September 22, 2004, Hugh Aird was
appointed the Lead Director.
Where appropriate, the directors meet without management following Board meetings and
at meetings of independent directors. The Board also meets without the President and
Chief Executive Officer when his performance and compensation are being discussed.
Since October 1, 2006, the independent directors have held thirteen meetings without
non-independent directors present.
Between October 1, 2006 and November 30, 2007, inclusive, the Board held 25 meetings.
The attendance of the directors at such meetings was as follows:
44
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
Board Meetings Attended 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hugh Aird |
|
25 |
|
of |
|
25 |
John Bailey |
|
25 |
|
of |
|
25 |
Geoff Genovese |
|
25 |
|
of |
|
25 |
David Hull |
|
25 |
|
of |
|
25 |
David Parkes |
|
23 |
|
of |
|
25 |
Note: 1In addition, Messrs. Aird, Hull and Parkes attended thirteen meetings
of the independent directors, at which Messrs. Genovese and Bailey were not eligible
to attend.
Mandate of the Board:
The Board has adopted a Board Mandate, under the title Envoy Capital Group Inc.
Corporate Governance Guidelines. A copy of this Board Mandate is available in the
Governance section of the Companys website at www.envoy.to, and is incorporated by
reference herein as Exhibit 11.3 to this Form 20-F.
The Board has the responsibility for the overall stewardship of the Company,
establishing the overall policies and standards for the Company in the operation of
its businesses, and reviewing and approving the Companys strategic plans. In
addition, the Board monitors and assesses overall performance and progress in meeting
the Companys goals. Day-to-day management is the responsibility of the President and
Chief Executive Officer and senior management.
In addition to the Boards statutory responsibilities under the Business Corporations
Act (Ontario), the Boards stewardship responsibilities include the following: (a)
assessing the principal risks arising from or incidental to the business activities of
the Company; (b) appointing all senior executives of the Company and, through the
Compensation Committee of the Board, developing and implementing the executive
compensation policies and reviewing the performance of the President and Chief
Executive Officer with reference to the Companys policies, stated budget and other
objectives; (c) overseeing the Companys policies regarding public communications,
investor relations and shareholder communications; and (d) monitoring and assessing,
through the Audit Committee of the Board, the scope, implementation and integrity of
the Companys internal information, audit and control systems.
Board Committees:
The directors have established the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to focus resources and expertise in
certain areas of the Boards mandate.
(a) Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is comprised of three directors, David Parkes (Chairman),
Hugh Aird and David Hull. All three members of the Audit Committee are independent
directors of the Company. Among other things, the Audit Committee is responsible for
reviewing the
45
Companys annual and quarterly consolidated financial statements and reporting to the
Board in connection therewith. On September 22, 2004, the Audit Committee adopted a
new Audit Committee Charter, which specifies the auditors accountability to the Board
and the authority and responsibilities of the Audit Committee in compliance with
MI52-110. No changes to the Audit Committee Charter were required as a result of the
amendments to MI 52-110 which became effective on June 30, 2005. A copy of the Audit
Committee Charter is available in the Governance section of the Companys website at
www.envoy.to, and is incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit 15.1 to this Form
20-F.
(b) Compensation Committee
The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to assist the Board in its oversight
responsibilities relating to the compensation, nomination, evaluation and succession
of the executive officers of the Company; the administration of the Companys Stock
Option/Stock Appreciation Right Plan; and the review of executive compensation
disclosure. The Compensation Committee is comprised of three directors, David Hull
(Chairman), David Parkes and Hugh Aird, all of whom are independent directors. A copy
of the Compensation Committee Charter is available in the Governance section of the
Companys website at www.envoy.to, and is incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit
15.2 to this Form 20-F.
(c) Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Board has delegated to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of
the Board responsibility for co-coordinating and managing the process of recruiting,
interviewing and recommending candidates to the Board; developing and recommending
standards of performance of the Board as a whole, its committees and individual
directors; assessing the effectiveness of the Board as a whole and its committees and
the contribution of individual directors; making recommendations to the Board
regarding the composition of committees of the Board; providing new directors with an
orientation program through a review of past Board materials and other public and
private documents concerning the Company; reviewing and making recommendations to the
Board with respect to developments in the area of corporate governance and the
structure and practices of the Board; and reviewing and assessing compliance by the
Company with applicable corporate governance rules and guidelines established by
securities regulators and stock exchanges. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee is comprised of three independent directors, David Hull (Chairman), Hugh
Aird and David Parkes. A copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Charter is available in the Governance section of the Companys website at
www.envoy.to, and is incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit 15.3 to this Form
20-F.
Position Descriptions:
The Board has a broad responsibility for supervising the management of the business
and affairs of the Company. The Chair of the Board is responsible for establishing the
Agenda for each Board meeting and ensuring agenda items are dealt with. The Board has
not found it necessary to develop specific position descriptions for the Chair of
Board committees. The Board is currently of the view that the general mandates of
committees on which such
46
directors may sit are sufficient to delineate the role and responsibilities of the
Chair of each committee.
The Companys by-laws state that the Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall
exercise general supervision over the affairs of the Company. The Board has not found
it necessary to develop a specific position description for the Chief Executive
Officer beyond this description.
Orientation and Continuing Education:
New directors are given the opportunity to individually meet with members of senior
management to improve their understanding of the Companys business. All directors
have regular access to senior management to discuss Board presentations and other
matters of interest.
The Company also gives directors a reference manual, which contains information about
the Companys history and current status, corporate governance materials, its
investments and its shareholders. This reference manual is updated regularly. It
includes the Companys Code of Business Conduct, which also applies to the directors,
as well as governance and responsibilities of the Board and its committees, and a
description of the duties and obligations of directors. As part of its mandate, the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is also responsible for providing
orientation and continuing education for all board members, including reimbursing
costs of attending certain outside director education programs. During their regular
scheduled Board meetings, directors are given presentations on various aspects of the
Companys business.
Nomination of Directors:
The members of the Companys Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are all
independent directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has the
responsibility for assessing potential Board nominees, screening their qualifications
and making recommendations for approval by the Board of nominees for election or
appointment to the Board. To help achieve this task, the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee develops qualifications and criteria for the selection of
directors.
The Board aims to have a sufficient range of skills, expertise and experience to
ensure that it can carry out its responsibilities effectively. Directors are chosen
for their ability to contribute to the broad range of issues that the Board must deal
with. The Board reviews each directors contribution through the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee and determines whether the Boards size allows it to
function efficiently and effectively. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee is mandated to review the size of the Board from time to time and recommend
changes in size when appropriate.
Each year, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews how directors are
compensated for serving on the Board and its committees. It compares their
compensation to that of similar companies and recommends any changes to the Board. In
2004, the Board conducted a review of the compensation of non-management directors.
This was partly to address the risks and responsibilities associated with being an
effective director. As a result,
47
a new compensation arrangement was adopted for these non-management directors, which
came into effect on October 1, 2004. All non-management directors of the Company are
compensated for their services as directors and members of a committee through a
combination of annual and meeting attendance fees. Messrs. Aird, Hull and Parkes are
each entitled to receive an annual directors/committee members fee of $30,000.00. As
the Lead Director, Mr. Aird receives an additional $50,000 per year. A non-management
director receives an additional annual fee of $10,000 for presiding over a committee
of the Board (other than the Audit Committee). The Chairman of the Audit Committee
receives an additional annual fee of $40,000. In addition, each director receives an
attendance fee of $1,000 for each Board or committee meeting attended. No compensation
is paid to the other directors, who are also executive officers, for their services as
directors. Directors are also entitled to participate in the Companys Stock Option
Plan.
Other Board Committees:
The Board has not established any committees other than the Audit Committee, the
Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Assessments:
As part of its charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is required
to survey every year all directors on the effectiveness and performance of the Board
and the Boards committees, as well as individual directors. This is done primarily by
distributing questionnaires to each director and will often include individual
interviews with the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The Companys Board Mandate states that the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee will report to the Board annually on the evaluation of the performance of
the Board, each of its committees and that of individual directors, based on the
results of the directors annual questionnaire. In addition, the performance of the
Lead Director is annually evaluated by the chair of the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee by means of formal interviews with each of the directors.
Shareholder Communication:
The objective of the Companys shareholder communication policy is to ensure open and
timely exchange of information relating to the Companys business, affairs and
performance, subject to the requirements of applicable securities legislation and
other statutory and contractual obligations limiting the disclosure of such
information. Information material to the Companys business is released through news
wire services, the general media, telephone conferences and shareholder mailings,
thereby ensuring timely dissemination. Additionally, individual queries, comments or
suggestions can be made at any time directly to the Companys secretarial department
located at its head office.
48
D. Employees
As at November 30, 2007, Envoy had 77 full-time employees based in Toronto, Canada and
1 based in the United States. Of this total, 73 employees were engaged in consumer and
retail branding and 4 were engaged in merchant banking.
As at November 30, 2006, Envoy had 76 full-time employees based in Toronto, Canada and
1 based in the United States. Of this total, 72 employees were engaged in consumer and
retail branding.
As at November 30, 2005, Envoy had 109 full-time employees based in Toronto, Canada, 2
based in the United States and 115 based in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
Of this total, 219 employees were engaged in consumer and retail branding.
As at January 31, 2005, Envoy had 158 full-time employees based in Toronto, Canada, 17
based in the United States and 153 based in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
Of this total, 20 employees were engaged in marketing, and 326 in consumer and retail
branding.
As at January 31, 2004, Envoy had 154 full-time employees based in Toronto, Canada, 12
based in the United States and 73 based in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
Of this total, 17 employees were engaged in marketing, and 222 in consumer and retail
branding.
E. Share Ownership
As of September 30, 2007, the options and other rights to purchase common shares of
Envoy consisted of stock options to purchase 258,333 common shares.
Options
Stock Option Plan
The Company has established a Stock Option Plan pursuant to which options to purchase
common shares and stock appreciation rights may be granted to directors, officers,
employees or certain consultants to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as
determined by the Board, at prices to be fixed by the directors, subject to
limitations imposed by any Canadian stock exchange on which the common shares are
listed for trading and any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction in such
matters. The common shares subject to each option shall become purchasable at such
time or times as may be determined by the directors. Stock appreciation rights
(SARs) may only be granted in conjunction with an option and, when exercised,
entitle the holder to receive an amount equal in value to the excess of the market
value of the common shares over the price of the related option. The excess amount is
payable in common shares having a market value equal to such excess. Options are
non-assignable and non-transferable by the option-holder and shall be exercisable
during the option-holders lifetime only by the option-holder. Stock appreciation
rights are non-transferable and terminate when the related option terminates.
49
The maximum number of common shares currently reserved for issuance upon exercise of
options under the Stock Option Plan is 800,000 common shares. As at September 30, 2007
options to purchase 258,333 common shares had been granted and were outstanding under
the Stock Option Plan. There are no SARs outstanding under the Stock Option Plan. The
aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance to any one individual under
the Stock Option Plan may not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding common shares.
During fiscal 2003, the President of the Company, Geoffrey B. Genovese, elected to
cancel his stock options to purchase 950,000 common shares, being all of the options
to purchase common shares granted to Mr. Genovese under the Stock Option Plan. The
cancellation of these stock options resulted in an additional 950,000 common shares
being available for grant, without increasing the maximum number of common shares
reserved for issuance upon exercise of options under the Stock Option Plan.
The following table describes the options to acquire common shares that are
outstanding pursuant to the Stock Option Plan or otherwise as of November 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Under |
|
Exercise |
|
|
Class of Optionee |
|
Options Granted |
|
Price |
|
Date of Expiry |
Geoffrey Genovese |
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
May 24, 2009 |
John H. Bailey |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
May 24, 2009 |
Joseph Leeder |
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
n/a |
|
Patrick Rodmell |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
May 24, 2009 |
Other |
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
May 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table sets forth shares owned by the Named Executive Officers and
Directors as of November 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Common |
|
Percent of |
Identity of Person |
|
Shares Owned |
|
Outstanding Class |
|
|
|
|
|
Geoffrey Genovese |
|
|
332,551 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
% |
Joseph Leeder |
|
nil |
|
|
nil |
|
Colin Beaton |
|
nil |
|
|
nil |
|
Patrick Rodmell |
|
|
13,333 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
% |
John H. Bailey |
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
% |
Hugh Aird |
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
David Hull |
|
|
55,700 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
% |
David Parkes |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
% |
50
Item 7: Major Shareholders And Related Party Transactions
A. Major Shareholders
Ownership of Envoys securities are recorded on the books of its transfer agent in
registered form, however the majority of such shares are registered in the name of
intermediaries such as brokerage firms and clearing houses on behalf of their
respective clients and in general Envoy does not have knowledge of the beneficial
owners thereof, except for the beneficial ownership by officers and directors of
Envoy. Envoy is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation
or entity or by any foreign government. Envoy is not a party to any arrangement, and
does not know of any other arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent
date result in a change in control of Envoy.
At a special meeting of the shareholders Envoy held on March 30, 2007, the
shareholders approved an amendment to the Articles of the Company to increase its
authorized share capital from 40,000,000 common shares to an unlimited number of
common shares.
As of November 30, 2006, Envoy had an authorized share capital of unlimited common
shares without par value, of which 9,462,257 common shares were issued and
outstanding.
On January 15, 2005, the Companys board of directors approved the consolidation of
the common shares (a reverse stock split) on the basis of a 1 common share for every 5
common shares outstanding. On January 21, 2005 the Company filed Articles of Amendment
consolidating its common shares on the basis of 1 new common share for every 5 common
shares outstanding. The effective date for post consolidation trading of the shares
was February 10, 2005. Amounts shown for shares and earnings per share figures for all
periods presented have been adjusted to give effect to the share consolidation.
As of November 30, 2007, the Company had 5,526,317 transferable common share purchase
warrants (the Warrants) outstanding. Following the consolidation described above,
each five whole Warrants entitles the holder thereof, through February 20, 2009, to
purchase one common share at a price of Cdn$9.00 per common share.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of
outstanding common shares of Envoy as of November 30, 2007 with respect to each person
known by Envoy to be the beneficial owner or, in the case of Envoy directors or
Executive Officers, the beneficial owner of more than 2.5% of Envoys outstanding
common shares. As used in this table, beneficial ownership refers to the sole or
shared power to vote or direct the voting or to dispose or direct the disposition of
any security. A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be
acquired within 60 days from the date of this Form 20-F through the exercise of any
option, warrant or right. Common shares subject to options, warrants or rights which
are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for
computing the ownership percentage of the person holding such options, warrants or
rights, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the ownership percentage of any
other person. To the best of our knowledge, no significant change in the percentage
ownership of any major shareholder of the Company has taken place during the past
three years, with the exception of Messrs. Steven N. Bronson and Richard L. Scott, who
owned 10.2% and 9.8% of the common shares at November 30, 2006, respectively.
51
Both Messrs. Bronson and Scott tendered their shares under the Companys substantial
issuer bid, as discussed in Item 16E,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Identity of |
|
Common Shares |
|
Percent of |
Person or Group |
|
Beneficially Owned |
|
Outstanding Class |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geoffrey B. Genovese1
|
|
|
332,551 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
% |
See also Item 6.E Share Ownership for information regarding outstanding stock
options to purchase common shares.
As of November 30, 2007 there were 9,462,257 outstanding common shares of Envoy of
which 575,163 were held of record by 6 Non-U.S. residents and 8,887,094 were held of
record by 19 U.S. residents. The foregoing information regarding the number and the
country of residence of Envoys shareholders does not reflect those shareholders whose
shares are being held of record by brokerage clearing houses and in general the
ultimate beneficial owners of these shares are not known to Envoy. The Companys major
shareholders do not have different voting rights.
B. Related Party Transactions
As disclosed in Note 7 to the Financial Statements, the following are transactions
that took place during fiscal 2007 that involved related parties:
During fiscal 2007, one of the Company directors charged the Company $244,786 (2006 -
$230,785; 2005 $57,500) for legal services.
In April 2007, Envoy founded Sereno Capital Corporation (Sereno), a Capital Pool
Company, under the specific provisions of the TSX-V program. During the year, the
Company invested $200,000 in Sereno and at September 30, 2007 Envoy owned an
approximate 30% interest. Members of Envoys management group are also officers and
directors of Sereno and exercise significant influence. The investment in Sereno has
been accounted for using the equity method.
During fiscal 2006, ECG Properties Inc. (ECGP), a newly created wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement with an officer of the Company to
jointly purchase three investment properties located on Queen Street West in Toronto.
The agreement provided that the costs of acquisition, including legal fees,
disbursements, land transfer taxes and development costs, be funded equally by both
parties. During the first quarter of fiscal 2007 the agreement was terminated and the
Company purchased the related partys interest in the properties for a cash payment of
$945,133 net of a loan receivable of $56,221.
In September 2007, ECGP sold one of its investment properties to an officer of the
Company. The net selling price was $625,000.
52
In March 2006, the Company, through its subsidiary ECGH, acquired an additional 5% of
the shares of PWD from two former employees pursuant to the terms and conditions of
the sale and purchase agreement for £52,679 ($104,758).
In June 2006, Envoy increased its ownership in PWD to approximately 80% by acquiring,
through its subsidiary ECGH, approximately 10% of the shares from three shareholder
managers in accordance with the terms and conditions of the sale and purchase
agreement for £166,833 ($341,174) plus future payment consideration calculated based
on performance. Future consideration payments were due on June 30, 2008. The group of
three shareholder managers continued to own collectively approximately 20% of PWD.
Effective September 15, 2006 Envoy sold its wholly owned UK subsidiary ECGH, including
PWD and Gilchrist. See note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Discontinued
Operations and Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Acquisition of
Subsidiaries. Envoy subsequently sold PWD through its sale of ECGH.
Related party transactions are recorded at the exchange amount, being the amount
agreed to by the related parties.
Except as disclosed above, no director or executive officer, and no relative or spouse
of the foregoing persons (or relative of such spouse) who has the same house as such
person or is an executive officer or director of any parent or subsidiary of Envoy
has, or during the last fiscal year of Envoy had, any material interest, direct or
indirect, in any transactions, or in any proposed transaction, which in either such
case has materially affected or will materially affect Envoy.
There are no outstanding loans currently owed to Envoy by any director or executive
officer.
Under the applicable Canadian provincial securities laws, insiders (generally officers
and directors of Envoy and its subsidiaries) are required to file individual insider
reports of changes in their ownership in Envoys securities within 10 days following
any trade in Envoys securities. Copies of such reports are available for public
inspection at the offices of the British Columbia Securities Commission, 701 West
Georgia Street, Pacific Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V7Y 1L2 (telephone
604/899-6500), at the offices of the Alberta Securities Commission, 410-300 5th
Avenue, S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3C4 (telephone 403/297-2489), at the offices of the
Quebec Securities Commission, Stock Tower Exchange, 800 Victoria Square, Montreal,
Quebec M42 1G3 (telephone 514/395-0337) and at the offices of the Ontario Securities
Commission, 20 Queen Street West, Suite 1903, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3S8 (telephone
416/593-8314)
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
53
Item 8: Financial Information
See Item 17 Financial Statements.
Item 9: The Offer and Listing
A. Price History
Envoys common shares are listed for trading on the TSX under the symbol ECG and on
Nasdaq under the symbol ECGI. The common shares began trading on Nasdaq on June 6,
2000 and on the TSX on September 3, 1997. From March 1984 until September 2, 1997
Envoys shares traded on the Vancouver Stock Exchange.
On February 10, 2005, Envoys common shares were consolidated (reverse stock split) on
the basis of 1 new common share for every 5 common shares outstanding. The data
presented for periods prior to that date are adjusted accordingly for comparability.
The following table sets forth the reported high and low sale prices in Canadian
dollars for the common shares on the TSX for the fiscal, quarterly and monthly periods
indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2003 |
|
$ |
8.35 |
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
Fiscal 2004 |
|
|
10.75 |
|
|
|
2.45 |
|
Fiscal 2005 |
|
|
4.50 |
|
|
|
2.30 |
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
|
2.70 |
|
|
|
1.50 |
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
4.71 |
|
|
|
2.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
|
3.10 |
|
|
|
2.35 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
4.71 |
|
|
|
2.60 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
4.42 |
|
|
|
3.05 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
3.61 |
|
|
|
2.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
|
2.70 |
|
|
|
1.62 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
1.95 |
|
|
|
1.65 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
1.85 |
|
|
|
1.56 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
2.61 |
|
|
|
1.50 |
|
54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the month ending |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 30, 2007 |
|
|
3.13 |
|
|
|
2.81 |
|
October 31, 2007 |
|
|
3.24 |
|
|
|
2.84 |
|
September 30, 2007 |
|
|
3.10 |
|
|
|
2.76 |
|
August 31, 2007 |
|
|
3.40 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
July 31, 2007 |
|
|
3.61 |
|
|
|
3.20 |
|
June 30, 2007 |
|
|
3.34 |
|
|
|
3.21 |
|
The following table sets forth the reported high and low sale prices in U.S. dollars
of trading for the common shares as reported on Nasdaq for the fiscal, quarterly and
monthly periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2003 |
|
|
U.S. $6.10 |
|
|
|
U.S. $0.30 |
|
Fiscal 2004 |
|
|
8.05 |
|
|
|
1.85 |
|
Fiscal 2005 |
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
1.80 |
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
1.31 |
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
4.07 |
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
|
2.69 |
|
|
|
2.13 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
4.04 |
|
|
|
2.50 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
4.07 |
|
|
|
2.81 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
3.45 |
|
|
|
2.81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
|
2.09 |
|
|
|
1.42 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
1.72 |
|
|
|
1.43 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
1.65 |
|
|
|
1.43 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
1.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the month ending |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 30, 2007 |
|
|
3.25 |
|
|
|
2.71 |
|
55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2007 |
|
|
3.39 |
|
|
|
2.93 |
|
September 30, 2007 |
|
|
3.05 |
|
|
|
2.81 |
|
August 31, 2007 |
|
|
3.27 |
|
|
|
2.91 |
|
July 31, 2007 |
|
|
3.45 |
|
|
|
3.02 |
|
June 30, 2007 |
|
|
3.17 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
On November 30, 2007 the closing price of the common shares as reported on the TSX was
$2.81 and on NASDAQ was U.S. $2.94.
See Item 6.E. with respect to Share Ownership for information regarding outstanding
stock options to purchase 225,000 common shares.
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
See above Item 9.A. Price History for disclosure on Markets.
D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
Item 10: Additional Information
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
Envoys Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws were previously filed as an Exhibit to
its Annual Report on Form 20-F, dated May 15, 2000 for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1999. Subsequent amendments to Envoys Articles of Incorporation, dated January
9, 2004 and January 21, 2005, were previously filed as an Exhibit to its Annual Report
on Form 20-F, dated December 29, 2005 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005. A
subsequent amendment to Envoys Articles of Incorporation dated March 30, 2007 are
included in this Annual Report as Exhibit 1.4.
56
C. Material Contracts
None.
D. Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Security Holders
There is no governmental law, decree or regulation in Canada that restricts the export
or import of capital, or that affects the remittance of dividends, interest or other
payments to a non-resident holder of common shares of Envoy, other than withholding
tax requirement. See Item l0.E. Taxation.
There is no limitation imposed by the laws of Canada, the laws of Ontario or British
Columbia or by the charter or other constituent documents of Envoy on the right of a
non-resident to hold or vote common shares of Envoy, other than as provided in the
Investment Canada Act (Canada) (the Investment Act) . The following discussion
summarizes the material provisions of the Investment Act which relate to the
acquisition by a non-resident of common shares of Envoy. This summary is not a
substitute for independent advice from an investors own advisor, and it does not take
into account any future statutory or regulatory amendments.
The Investment Act generally prohibits implementation of a reviewable investment by an
individual, government or agency thereof, corporation, partnership, trust or joint
venture that is not a Canadian as defined in the Investment Act (a non-Canadian) ,
unless after review the minister responsible for the Investment Act (the Minister)
is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada. An
investment in common shares of Envoy by a non-Canadian, other than a WTO investor (as
defined in the Investment Act) at any time Envoy is not controlled by a WTO investor,
is reviewable under the Investment Act if the investment is to acquire control of
Envoy and the value of the assets of Envoy is over $5,000,000 for a direct acquisition
and over $50,000,000 for an indirect acquisition or if an order for review is made by
the Federal Cabinet on the grounds that the investment relates to Canadas cultural
heritage or national identity. An investment in common shares of Envoy by a WTO
investor, or by a non-Canadian at any time Envoy is controlled by a WTO investor, is
reviewable under the Investment Act if the investment is to acquire control of Envoy
and the value of the assets of Envoy is not less than $150,000,000 in terms of
constant 1992 dollars, which for 2007 is $281,000,000. A non-Canadian would acquire
control of Envoy for the purposes of the Investment Act if such investor acquired a
majority of the common shares of Envoy unless it could be established that, on the
acquisition, Envoy was not controlled in fact by the acquirer through the ownership of
common shares.
Certain transactions relating to common shares of Envoy would be exempt from the
Investment Act including:
(a) an acquisition of common shares of Envoy by a person in the ordinary course of
that persons business as a trader or dealer in securities;
(b) an acquisition of control of Envoy in connection with the realization of security
granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for a purpose related to the
provision of the Investment Act;
57
(c) an acquisition of control of Envoy by reason of an amalgamation, merger,
consolidation or corporate reorganization following; which the ultimate direct or
indirect control in fact of Envoy through the ownership of common shares, remained
unchanged;
(d) an acquisition of voting interests by any person in the ordinary course of a
business carried on by that person that consists of providing, in Canada, venture
capital on terms and conditions not inconsistent with such terms and conditions as may
be fixed by the Minister; and
(e) an acquisition of control of a Canadian business for the purpose of facilitating
its financing and not for any purpose related to the provisions of the Investment Act
on the condition that the acquirer divest itself of control within two years after it
is acquired or within such longer period as is approved by the Minister.
E. Taxation
Certain Canadian Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is intended to be a general summary of certain material
Canadian federal income tax considerations applicable to holders of common shares
described below and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or
tax advice to any particular person, and no opinion or representation with respect to
income tax considerations is hereby given or made. It does not take into account any
particular partys circumstances and does not address consequences peculiar to any
party subject to special provisions of Canadian income tax law. Each person should
consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment
in the common shares in their own particular circumstances.
The following summary is based upon the current provisions of the Income Tax Act
(Canada) (the ITA), and the regulations thereunder and the Canada- United States
Income Tax Convention (1980) as amended (the Convention), all proposed amendments to
the ITA and the regulations thereunder and the Convention publicly announced by the
Department of Finance, Canada prior to the date hereof, and the current published
administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency. Except
for the foregoing, this summary does not take into account or anticipate any changes
in the law or the Convention or the administrative policies or assessing practices of
the Canada Revenue Agency whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action or
decision, and does not take into account or anticipate provincial, territorial or
foreign tax legislation or considerations, which may differ significantly from the
Canadian federal income tax considerations described herein.
The summary discusses the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under
the ITA and the regulations thereunder generally applicable to purchasers of common
shares who at all times: (i) for purposes of the ITA, are not, have not been and will
not be or be deemed to be resident in Canada while they held or hold common shares,
deal at arms length with Envoy, are not affiliated with Envoy, hold their common
shares as capital property, do not use or hold, and will not and will not be deemed to
use or hold their common shares in, or in the course of carrying on a business in
Canada, and are not financial institutions for the purposes of the mark-to-market
rules; and (ii) for purposes of
58
the Convention, are residents of the U.S. and not residents of Canada and will not
hold their common shares as part of the business property of, or so that their common
shares are effectively connected with, a permanent establishment in Canada or in
connection with a fixed base in Canada (a U.S. Holder).
Amounts in respect of common shares paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited
as, on account or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, dividends to a U.S.
Holder will generally be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax. Such
withholding tax is levied at a rate of 25%, which may be reduced pursuant to the terms
of the Convention. Under the Convention, the rate of Canadian non-resident withholding
tax on the gross amount of dividends beneficially owned by a U.S. Holder is 15%.
However, where such beneficial owner is a company which owns at least 10% of the
voting stock of Envoy, the rate of such withholding is 5%.
A U.S. Holder will not be subject to tax under the ITA in respect of any disposition
of common shares (other than a disposition to Envoy) unless at the time of such
disposition such common shares constitute taxable Canadian property of the holder
for purposes of the ITA. If the common shares are listed on a prescribed stock
exchange, for the purposes of the ITA, such as the TSX, at the time they are disposed
of, they will generally not constitute taxable Canadian property of the U.S. Holder
at the time of a disposition of such shares unless at any time during the 60-month
period immediately preceding the disposition of the common shares, 25% or more of the
issued shares of any class or series of Envoy, or an interest therein or an option in
respect thereof, was owned by the U.S. Holder, by persons with whom the U.S. Holder
did not deal at arms length or by the U.S. Holder and persons with whom the U.S.
Holder did not deal at arms length. The common shares may also be taxable Canadian
property in certain other circumstances. Under the Convention, gains derived by a U.S.
Holder from the disposition of common shares will generally not be taxable in Canada
unless the value of the common shares is derived principally from real property
situated in Canada. If the common shares are listed on a prescribed stock exchange for
the purposes of the ITA at the time they are disposed of by a U.S. Holder, the U.S.
Holder will generally not be required to comply with the provisions of section 116 of
the ITA, which requires notification to be given to the Canada Revenue Agency when
certain property is disposed of.
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a general discussion of certain material anticipated United States
federal income tax considerations relevant to U.S. Holders, defined below, of Envoys
common shares who hold such shares as capital assets (as defined in Section 1221 of
the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code)). This
discussion is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations thereunder (the Treasury
Regulations), administrative rulings, and court decisions, all as in effect as of the
date hereof and all of which are subject to differing interpretations and/or change at
anytime (possibly with retroactive effect). This discussion is intended to be a
general description of the United States federal income tax considerations material to
a purchase, ownership and a disposition of common shares. Readers are cautioned that
this discussion does not address all relevant tax consequences relating to an
investment in the common shares, nor does it take into account tax consequences
peculiar to persons subject to special provisions of United States federal income tax
law, such as financial institutions, persons actually or constructively
59
owning 10% or more of the voting power of Envoys stock, persons that hold common
shares through a partnership or other pass through entity, or persons that hold common
shares that are a hedge against, or that are hedged against, currency risk or that are
part of a straddle or conversion transaction, or persons whose functional currency is
not the United States dollar. Therefore, investors should consult a tax advisor
regarding the particular consequences of purchasing common shares.
U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF
THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS
ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX RULES
OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY
APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.
Except as otherwise described, this discussion applies to investors that are (i)
citizens or individual residents of the United States; (ii) corporations (or other
entities taxable as corporations), that are created or organized in or under the laws
of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia;
(iii) estates, the income of which is subject to federal income taxation, regardless
of its source; or (iv) trusts (a), if a court within the United States is able to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more
United States persons as described in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code has the
authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust /or (b) that was in
existence on August 20, 1996, was treated as a U.S. person under the code on the
previous day and has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations
to be treated as a U.S. person (a U.S. Holder).
The United States federal income tax treatment of a holder of common shares that is a
partnership (or other entity taxable as a partnership for United States federal tax
purposes) generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the
partnership. Partners in partnerships holding common shares should consult their tax
advisors about the United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase,
ownership and disposition of common shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
Special United States federal income tax rules apply to U.S. Holders owning shares of
a passive foreign investment company (a PFIC). A non-United States corporation
generally will be classified as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes
in any taxable year in which, after applying relevant look-through rules with respect
to the income and assets of subsidiaries, either at least 75% of its gross income is
passive income, (the income test), or on average at least 50% of the gross value
of its assets is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for
the production of passive income, (the asset test). For this purpose, passive income
generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, certain rents and
royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. Envoy believes that it
was a PFIC for the taxable year ended September 30, 2007, and depending on its income,
assets and activities, it may be a PFIC in the current taxable year and in subsequent
taxable years.
60
If Envoy is classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds
common shares, Envoy will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S.
holder in all succeeding years, regardless of whether Envoy continues to meet the
income test or asset test described above. However, under Treasury Regulations, such
U.S. Holder will not be treated as holding stock in a PFIC, if in a subsequent taxable
year in which Envoy is not a PFIC, such holder elects to recognize any unrealized gain
in such common shares as of the last day of the last taxable year during which Envoy
qualified as a PFIC (a deemed sale election). Any gain so recognized will be subject
to the adverse ordinary income and any special interest charge consequences described
below. Any loss realized on the deemed sale is not recognized.
If a U.S. Holder holds common shares of Envoy in any year in which it is classified as
a PFIC, unless a U.S. Holder has a valid qualified electing fund (QEF) election or
a mark-to-market election, described below, in effect with respect to the common
shares, the following income tax consequences will result to the U.S. Holder:
1. Distributions with respect to Envoys common shares made by Envoy during the
taxable year to a U.S. Holder that are excess distributions must be allocated
ratably to each day of the U.S. Holders holding period. The amounts allocated to the
current taxable year and to taxable years prior to the first year in which Envoy was
classified as a PFIC are included as ordinary income in a U.S. Holders gross income
for that year. The amount allocated to each other prior taxable year is taxed as
ordinary income at the highest tax rate in effect for the U.S. Holder in that prior
year and the tax is subject to an interest charge at the rate applicable to
deficiencies in income taxes (the special interest charge).
2. The entire amount of any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of
Envoys common shares will be treated as an excess distribution made in the year of
sale or other disposition and as a consequence will be treated as ordinary income and,
to the extent allocated to years prior to the year of sale or disposition, will be
subject to the interest charge described above.
QEF Election
A U.S. Holder that owns common shares may elect to have Envoy treated as a QEF,
provided that Envoy provides such person with certain information. A QEF election must
be made by a U.S. Holder before the due date (with regard to extensions) for such
persons U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year for which the election is
made and once made, is effective for all subsequent taxable years of such U.S. Holder
unless revoked with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS). A U.S.
Holder that has a QEF election in effect with respect to all years that such holder
holds Envoys stock and Envoy is a PFIC is referred to herein as an Electing U.S.
Holder. Envoy intends to make available to U.S. Holders, in accordance with
applicable procedures, the annual information statement currently required by the IRS,
which will include information as to the allocation of Envoys ordinary earnings and
net capital gain among the common shares and as to distributions on such common
shares. Such statement may be used by Electing U.S. Holders for purposes of complying
with the reporting requirements applicable to the QEF election.
61
An Electing U.S. Holders gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of such common
shares generally will be a capital gain or loss. Such capital gain or loss generally
will be long-term if such Electing U.S. Holder had held the common shares for more
than one year at the time of the disposition. For non-corporate U.S. Holders,
long-term capital gain is generally subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of
15% for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010 (and, possibly, a
higher rate thereafter).
A U.S. Holder holding common shares with respect to which a QEF election is not in
effect for any taxable year in which Envoy is a PFIC may avoid the adverse ordinary
income and special interest charge consequences (described above) upon any subsequent
disposition of such common shares if such person elects to recognize any unrealized
gain in such common shares as of the first day in the first year that the QEF election
applies to such common shares (a deemed sale election). Any gain so recognized,
however, will be subject to the adverse ordinary income and special interest charge
consequences described above.
In any year that Envoy is treated as a PFIC, an Electing U.S. Holder will be required
to include currently in gross income such U.S. Holders pro rata share of Envoys
annual ordinary earnings and annual net capital gains. Such inclusion will be required
whether or not such U.S. Holder owns common shares for an entire year or at the end of
Envoys taxable year. The amount so includable will be determined without regard to
the amount of cash distributions, if any, received from Envoy. Electing U.S. Holders
will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax currently on such imputed income,
unless, as described below, an election is made to defer such payment. The amount
currently included in income will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the
Electing U.S. Holders allocable share of Envoys ordinary earnings and generally will
be treated as long-term capital gain to the extent of such U.S. Holders allocable
share of Envoys net capital gains. Such net capital gains ordinarily would be subject
to a maximum 15% United States federal income tax rate for taxable years beginning on
or before December 31, 2010 (and, possibly, a higher rate thereafter) in the case of
non-corporate U.S. Holders, unless Envoy elects to treat the entire amount of its net
capital gain as ordinary income. No portion of such ordinary earnings will be eligible
for the favorable 15% United States federal income tax rate applicable to so-called
qualified dividend income.
If an Electing U.S. Holder demonstrates to the satisfaction of the IRS that amounts
actually distributed to him have been previously included in income as described above
by such U.S. Holder or a previous U.S. Holder, such distributions generally will not
be taxable. An Electing U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in his common shares will be
increased by any amounts currently included in income under the QEF rules and will be
decreased by any subsequent distributions from Envoy that are treated as non-taxable
distributions of previously-included income (as described in the preceding sentence).
For purposes of determining the amounts includable in income by Electing U.S. Holders,
the tax bases of Envoys assets, and Envoys ordinary earnings and net capital gains,
will be computed on the basis of United States federal income tax principles.
Accordingly, it is anticipated that such tax bases and such ordinary earnings and net
capital gains may differ from the figures set forth in Envoys financial statements.
An Electing U.S. Holder who sells his common shares prior to the end of Envoys
taxable year will be required to include in income, as of the last day of Envoys
taxable year, a
62
portion of Envoys ordinary earnings and net capital gains attributable on a pro rata
basis to the period during which such common shares were held during such taxable
year. However, the amount of such U.S. Holders taxable gain on the sale should be
reduced, or the amount of his taxable loss increased, by the amount of such income
inclusion. If an Electing U.S. Holder sells his common shares in a taxable year of
such U.S. Holder ending during Envoys then current taxable year, such U.S. Holder may
nevertheless have to include his proportionate share of Envoys ordinary earnings and
net capital gains in gross income for his taxable year which includes the last day of
Envoys above referred taxable year. While the matter is unclear, such U.S. Holder
should be able to claim a loss in his subsequent taxable year equal to the amount by
which such holders adjusted tax basis in the common shares would have increased to
reflect the imputed income under the QEF rules.
An Electing U.S. Holder may elect to defer, until the occurrence of certain events,
payment of the United States federal income tax attributable to amounts includable in
income for which no current distributions are received, but will be required to pay
interest on the deferred tax computed by using the statutory rate of interest
applicable to an extension of time for payment of tax.
Under temporary Treasury Regulations, an individual is required to include in income
his proportionate share of the investment expenses of certain pass-through entities.
It is not clear under such Treasury Regulations whether a PFIC for which a QEF
election is in effect may be treated as a pass-through entity. If these provisions
were to apply to Envoy, each individual Electing U.S. Holder would be required to
include in income an amount equal to a portion of Envoys investment expenses and
would be permitted an offsetting deduction (if otherwise allowable under the Code) to
the extent that the amount of such expenses included in income, plus certain other
miscellaneous itemized deductions of such U.S. Holder, exceed 2% of such U.S. Holders
adjusted gross income.
Generally, a QEF election that is made with respect to Envoy will remain in effect
throughout an Electing U.S. Holders holding period for Envoys shares, even if Envoy
does not qualify as a PFIC in every taxable year following the taxable year in which
the election is made.
In any year in which Envoy is not treated as a PFIC, an Electing U.S. Holder will have
the tax consequences described below, under the heading, Ownership and Disposition of
Common Shares if Envoy is Not a PFIC.
Market-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder generally may make a mark-to-market election with respect to shares of
marketable stock of a PFIC. Under the Code and Treasury Regulations, the term
marketable stock includes stock of a PFIC that is regularly traded on a qualified
exchange or other market. Because Envoys common shares are traded on a qualified
exchange or other market, a market-to-market election will be available with respect
to the common shares.
As a result of a mark-to-market election, a U.S. Holder will generally be required to
report gain annually in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the
common
63
shares at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of the common shares
at that time and will generally be required to report loss annually in an amount equal
to the excess of the adjusted tax basis of the common shares at the end of the taxable
year over the fair market value of the common shares at that time, but only to the
extent of any prior net market-to market gains. Any gain under this computation and
any gain on an actual sale or other disposition of the common shares will be treated
as ordinary income. Any loss under this computation will be treated as ordinary loss.
Any loss on an actual sale or other disposition will be treated as an ordinary loss to
the extent of the prior net mark-to-market gain and thereafter will be considered
capital loss. Thus, a U.S. Holder that makes a mark-to- market election will be taxed
on appreciation with respect to the U.S. Holders common shares even though such U.S.
Holder has no corresponding receipt of cash. In addition, unlike the case of a QEF
election, a U.S. Holder that has made a mark-to-market election generally cannot
obtain any favorably-taxed long-term capital gains with respect to the common shares.
The U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the common shares is adjusted for any gain or
loss taken into account under the mark-to-market election. Under Treasury Regulations,
if a U.S. Holder has made a QEF election and subsequently makes a mark-to-market
election with respect to the same stock, the mark-to-market election will
automatically terminate the QEF election, and such U.S. Holder may not make another
QEF election with respect to the stock before the sixth taxable year thereafter.
Unless either (i) the mark-to-market election is made as of the first taxable year in
which Envoy is a PFIC during the U.S. Holders holding period for the common shares,
or (ii) a QEF election has been in effect with respect to such U.S. holders common
stock for all years in which Envoy was a PFIC during such U.S. holders holding
period, any mark-to-market gain for the election year generally will be subject to the
excess distribution rules applicable to dispositions described above.
U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the United States
federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of stock of a PFIC.
Ownership and Disposition of Common Shares if Envoy is Not a PFIC
U.S. Holders who do not hold common shares during any taxable year in which Envoy is
classified as a PFIC will not be subject to the rules described above, under the
heading Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules. Instead, such U.S. Holders will be
required to include the gross amount of any distribution on common shares (without
reduction for Canadian tax withheld) in their gross income as a taxable dividend, to
the extent such distribution is paid out of Envoys current or accumulated earnings
and profits as determined under United States federal income tax principles. U.S.
Holders must include in income an amount equal to the United States dollar value of
such dividends on the date of receipt, based on the exchange rate on such date.
Provided that Envoy is not treated as a PFIC, described above, during any year in
which a U.S. Holder holds Envoys common shares in the case of a non-corporate U.S.
Holder, including individuals, such dividends generally will be eligible for a maximum
rate of tax of 15% for dividends received in a taxable year beginning before January
1, 2011, provided certain conditions are satisfied. To the extent that distributions
paid by Envoy exceed Envoys current or accumulated earnings and profits, they will be
treated first as a return of capital up to the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the
shares, and then as a gain from the sale or exchange of the shares.
64
U.S. Holders will generally be entitled to a foreign tax credit, or deduction, for
United States federal income tax purposes, in an amount equal to the Canadian tax
withheld from a distribution on common shares. For taxable years beginning on or
before December 31, 2006, dividends paid by Envoy generally will constitute foreign
source passive income or financial services income for foreign tax credit
purposes. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006, such dividends
generally will be treated as passive category income or general category income,
for United States foreign tax credit purposes. The Code applies various limitations on
the amount of foreign tax credit that may be claimed by a United States taxpayer.
Because of the complexity of those limitations, U.S. Holders should consult their own
tax advisors with respect to the amount of foreign taxes they may claim as a credit.
Dividends paid by Envoy on the common shares will not generally be eligible for the
dividends received deductions.
A U.S. Holder that sells common shares will generally recognize a gain or loss in an
amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized on the sale and
the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the shares. Unless Envoy is treated as a PFIC
during any year in which the U.S. Holder holds Envoys common shares (described
above), any gain or loss recognized upon the sale of shares held as capital assets
will be a long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on whether the
common shares have been held for more than one year. Such gain or loss generally will
be treated as United States source income or loss for United States foreign tax credit
purposes.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
United States backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements generally
apply to certain payments to certain non-corporate holders of the common shares.
Information reporting generally will apply to payments of dividends on, and to
proceeds from the sale or disposition of, common shares by a payor within the United
States to a U.S. Holder (if such person is other than an exempt recipient, including a
corporation, not a United States person that provides an appropriate certification or
certain other persons).
A payor within the United States will be required to withhold tax (currently imposed
at a rate of 28%) on any payments made to a common shareholder (if that common
shareholder is not an exempt recipient) consisting of dividends on, or proceeds from
the sale or disposition of, the common shares, if the selling common shareholder fails
to timely furnish a correct taxpayer identification number on IRS Form W-9 or
otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an exemption from, such backup
withholding tax requirements. Moreover, a payor or middleman may rely on a
certification provided by a payee that is not a United States person only if such
payor or middleman does not have actual knowledge or a reason to know that any
information or certification stated in such certificate is incorrect. Investors will
be allowed a refund or a credit equal to any amounts withheld under the United States
backup withholding tax rules against their United States federal income tax liability,
provided that they furnish the required information to the IRS.
F. Dividend and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
65
G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
Any statement in this Annual Report about any of our contracts or other documents is
not necessarily complete. If the contract or document is filed as an exhibit to this
Annual Report, the contract or document is deemed to modify our description. You must
review the exhibits themselves for a complete description of the contract or document.
The Company is subject to the informational reporting requirement of the Exchange Act
and files reports and other information with the SEC. You may examine all reports and
other information filed by Envoy with the SEC, including the documents that are
exhibits to this Annual Report, without charge, at the public reference facilities
maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20549. For more
information on the public reference rooms, call the SEC at l.800.SEC.0330. Envoys
reports and other information filed with the SEC are also available to the public from
commercial document retrieval services and the website maintained by the SEC at
http://www.sec.gov.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Except as described below, Envoy does not have a material position or exposure with
respect to any market risk sensitive instruments (as defined in Item 11 in Form 20-F).
Market Risk: Market risk is the risk of loss of value in Envoys portfolios resulting
from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, credit spreads, and equity
prices. Unfavourable economic conditions may negatively impact the Companys ability
to generate new investment opportunities. The Company mitigates this risk by
employing a professional investment manager and by ensuring that the portfolio is well
diversified and not singularly exposed to any one issuer or class of issuers.
Credit Risk: Certain of the Companys financial assets, including cash and cash
equivalents are exposed to the risk of financial loss occurring as a result of default
of a counterparty on its obligations to the Company. The Company may, from time to
time, invest in debt obligations. The Company is also exposed, in the normal course
of business, to credit risk from the sale of its investments and advances to investee
companies.
Foreign Currency Risk: The Company is subject to currency risk through its activities
in the United States. Unfavourable changes in exchange rates may affect the operating
results of the Company. The Company does not actively use derivative instruments to
reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk. However, dependent on the nature, amount
and timing of foreign currency receipts and payments, the Company may enter into
foreign currency contracts to mitigate the associated risks. As at September 30, 2007
there were no foreign currency contracts outstanding.
66
Item 12: Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
Not applicable
PART II
Item 13: Defaults, Dividends Arrearages and Delinquencies
A. There has been no material default in the payment of principal, interest, a sinking
or purchase fund installment or any other material default relating to the
indebtedness of the Company its significant subsidiary.
B. There is no preferred stock of Envoy its significant subsidiary and accordingly
there has been no material arrearage in the payment of dividends or any other material
delinquency not cured within 30 days, with respect to any class of preferred stock of
Envoy or of its significant subsidiary.
Item 14: Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of
Proceeds
A. There have been no material modifications in the constituent instruments defining
any class of registered securities of Envoy.
B. There has been no material limitation or qualification of the rights evidenced by
any class of registered securities of Envoy by the issuance or modification of any
other class of securities of Envoy.
C. There has been no material withdrawal or substitution of assets securing any class
of registered securities of Envoy.
D. Not applicable.
E. Not applicable.
Item 15: Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that the
information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs
rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. After evaluating
the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules l3a 15(e) and 15d 15(e)) as of September 30, 2007, our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of such date, the
Companys disclosure controls and procedure were effective.
There were no changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect these disclosure controls and procedures during the 2007 fiscal
year, including any
67
significant deficiencies or material weaknesses of internal controls that would
require corrective action.
Item 16A: Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Companys Board of Directors has determined that David Parkes, an independent
director of the Company, is an audit committee financial expert. The Audit Committee
has determined that all three members of the Audit Committee are Financially Literate.
Financially Literate means that a member has the ability to read and understand a
set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of
accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the
issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Companys financial
statements. David Parkes was determined to be Financially Literate based on his
experience as the President and CEO of a number of telecommunications companies where
he was responsible for supervising the preparation of financial statements of a
similar breadth and complexity to the Companys financial statements, where he was
responsible for making judgments and decisions related to accounting matters on behalf
of management and where he was accountable for internal controls and financial
reporting procedures. Hugh Aird was determined to be Financially Literate based on his
experience as an investment banker where he analyzed and evaluated financial
statements of a similar breadth and complexity to the Companys financial statements
and based on his experience as a director and senior officer of other companies where
he has been responsible for overseeing management and the preparation of financial
statements in his capacity as a director and senior officer. David Hull was determined
to be Financially Literate based on his experience as the President of an insurance
agency where he has been responsible for supervising the preparation of financial
statements and where he has been responsible for making judgments and decisions
related to accounting matters on behalf of management and where he was accountable for
internal controls and financial reporting procedures. The particulars of each members
experience can be found in the biographies under Item 6A.
Item 16B: Code of Business Conduct
The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct (the Code). All of the Companys
employees, directors and officers must follow the Code, which provides guidelines for
ethical behaviour. A copy of the Code is available in the Governance section of the
Companys website at www.envoy.to, and is incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit
11.1 to this Form 20-F.
The Code sets out in detail the principles and general business tenets and ethics and
compliance policies applicable to the Companys business and activities. The Code
addresses topics such as: honest and ethical conduct and conflicts of interest;
compliance with applicable laws and Company policies and procedures; business
integrity and fair dealing; public disclosure; use of corporate property and
opportunities; confidentiality; compliance with insider trading and other legal
requirements; and records and document retention.
The Board expects all employees at all levels of the companies within its group, as
well as officers, directors, customers, suppliers, vendors, contractors and partners,
to read, understand and comply with the Code. If any employee is uncertain about a
situation, the
68
employee is expected to refer the matter to a supervisor or Human Resources
representative. All employees are also expected to report in good faith any violations
or potential violations of the Code and to co-operate in internal investigations about
a reported violation. Supervisors are expected to answer employee questions about the
Code or direct them to the right source of information; provide timely advice and
guidance to employees on ethics and compliance concerns; handle all employee reports
promptly and confidentially; encourage employees to ask questions and get advice
before they act; and report in good faith any violations of the Code or situations
that could result in violations to the Companys Chief Legal Officer. In addition to
employees and supervisors responsibilities detailed above, senior management has the
responsibility to continuously promote ethical business conduct, in line with the
Companys values and general business principles.
No material change report has been filed since October 1, 2006 that pertains to any
conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a departure from the Code.
In addition to the Code, the Company has also developed procedures for the receipt,
retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal controls,
auditing matters or evidence of an activity that may constitute corporate fraud or
violation of applicable law and for the confidential and anonymous submission by
employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The
complete Complaint Procedures for Accounting and Auditing Matters is available in the
Governance section of the Companys website at www.Envoy.to, and is incorporated by
reference herein as Exhibit 11.2 to this Form 20-F.
Directors and officers of the Company are required under the Business Corporations Act
(Ontario) to disclose any material interest in any material contract or transaction
with the Company and refrain from voting with respect thereof, subject to certain
exceptions.
Item 16C: Principal Accountant Fees and Services
(a) |
|
AUDIT FEES were $250,000 in 2007 and $450,000 in 2006. These fees include
year end audit work, consents, reviews and assistance with regulatory filings. |
(b) |
|
AUDIT-RELATED FEES were $10,000 in 2007 and $17,000 in 2006. These fees
include assistance with due diligence and accounting research. |
(c) |
|
TAX FEES were $25,000 in 2007 and $25,000 in 2006. These fees include tax
compliance services and tax advice. |
|
(d) |
|
All OTHER FEES were $nil in 2007, and $nil in 2006. |
(e) |
|
In accordance with the Companys Audit Committee Charter, the Audit
Committee ensures the independent auditor submits a formal written statement
delineating all relationships between the independent auditor and the Company and
pre-approves all audit fees and non-audit services to be provided to the Company
or any subsidiary by the independent auditor. All services provided to the
Company after the adoption of the Audit Committee Charter were pre-approved by
the Audit Committee. |
69
Item 16D: Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not Applicable.
Item 16E: Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Pursuant to the terms of a substantial issuer bid via a modified Dutch Auction which began
on September 15, 2006 and ended on January 24, 2007, the Company re-purchased, for
cancellation, 9,002,383 shares at a price of US$2.70 (CDN$3.19) per share. Total cash
consideration, including associated costs, was $30,218,722, or $3.36 per share.
Also during fiscal 2007, the Company repurchased and cancelled 1,001,775 common shares for
cash consideration of $3,396,000, pursuant to the terms of a normal course issuer bid which
began on February 7, 2007 and ends on February 6, 2008. The Company is authorized to
repurchase and cancel up to 10% of the public float of the shares.
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
(d) Maximum Number |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) Total Number |
|
(or Approximate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) Average |
|
of Shares (or Units) |
|
Dollar Value) of Shares |
|
|
(a) Total Number |
|
Price Paid |
|
Purchased as Part |
|
(or Units) that May Yet |
|
|
of Shares (or |
|
per Share |
|
of Publicly Announced |
|
Be Purchased Under the |
Period |
|
Units) Purchased |
|
(or Units) |
|
Plans or Programs |
|
Plans or Programs |
|
January 25, 2007 |
|
|
9,002,383 |
|
|
$ |
3.36 |
|
|
|
9,002,283 |
|
|
nil |
|
February 7, to
February 28, 2007 |
|
nil |
|
|
nil |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
1,001,818 |
|
March 1, to
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
136,752 |
|
|
$ |
3.58 |
|
|
|
136,752 |
|
|
|
865,066 |
|
April 1, to
April 30, 2007 |
|
|
139,088 |
|
|
$ |
3.68 |
|
|
|
139,088 |
|
|
|
725,978 |
|
May 1, to
May 31, 2007 |
|
|
154,794 |
|
|
$ |
3.65 |
|
|
|
154,794 |
|
|
|
571,184 |
|
June 1, to
June 30, 2007 |
|
|
105,035 |
|
|
$ |
3.32 |
|
|
|
105,035 |
|
|
|
466,149 |
|
July 1, to
July 31, 2007 |
|
|
81,867 |
|
|
$ |
3.34 |
|
|
|
81,867 |
|
|
|
384,282 |
|
August 1, to
August 31, 2007 |
|
|
195,930 |
|
|
$ |
3.25 |
|
|
|
195,930 |
|
|
|
188,352 |
|
September 1, to
September 30, 2007 |
|
nil |
|
|
nil |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
94,612 |
|
October 1, to
October 31, 2007 |
|
|
93,740 |
|
|
$ |
3.08 |
|
|
|
93,740 |
|
|
|
94,612 |
|
November 1, to
November 30, 2007 |
|
|
94,569 |
|
|
$ |
3.01 |
|
|
|
94,569 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,001,775 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,001,775 |
|
|
|
|
|
70
PART III
Item 17: Financial Statements
(a) |
|
Envoy Capital Group Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)
|
|
Auditors Report on
the financial
statements for the
year ended
September 30, 2007
|
|
F-1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments by Auditor
for U.S. Readers on
Canada-U.S.
Reporting
Differences |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auditors Report on the financial statements for the year ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(ii)
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 2007 and 2006
|
|
F-2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(iii)
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September
30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
|
|
F-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(iv)
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings (Deficit) for the years ended September 30, 2007,
2006 and 2005
|
|
F-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(v)
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September
30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
|
|
F-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(vi)
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
F-6 |
Item 18: Financial Statements
Envoy has elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 17.
71
Item 19: Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
|
|
|
1.1*
|
|
Articles of Incorporation and By-Law No. 1 (as amended on May 2, 2000) of Envoy
Communications Group Inc. |
1.2**
|
|
Articles of Amendment (as amended on January 9, 2004) and By-Law No. 1 of Envoy
Communications Group Inc. |
1.3**
|
|
Articles of Amendment (as amended on January 21, 2005) and By-Law No. 1 of Envoy
Communications Group Inc. |
1.4
|
|
Articles of Amendment (as amended on March 30, 2007) and By-Law No. 1 of Envoy
Capital Group Inc. |
8.1
|
|
List of Significant Subsidiaries (contained in Item 4.C hereof) |
11.1***
|
|
Code of Business Conduct |
11.2***
|
|
Complaint Procedures for Accounting and Auditing Matters |
11.3***
|
|
Board Mandate |
12.1
|
|
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
12.2
|
|
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
13.1
|
|
Certifications of CEO and CFO Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 |
15.1***
|
|
Audit Committee Charter |
15.2***
|
|
Compensation Committee Charter |
15.3***
|
|
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter |
17
|
|
Financial Statements |
|
|
|
* |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on May 15, 2000
(Commission File No. 000-30082) |
|
** |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on December
29, 2006 (Commission File No. 000-30082). |
|
*** |
|
Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on December
29, 2005 (Commission File No. 000-30082). |
72
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F
and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its
behalf.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ENVOY CAPITAL GROUP INC.
|
|
Date: December 19, 2007 |
/s/ GEOFFREY B. GENOVESE
|
|
|
Name: |
Geoffrey B. Genovese |
|
|
Title: |
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
73