e20vf
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2006
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, 2006
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 COMMUNICATIONS 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
(Title of Class)
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
(Title of Class)
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, 2006, there were
19,401,415 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
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PART I
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Item 1.
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Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
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Item 2.
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Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable |
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Item 3.
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Key Information |
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Item 4.
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Information on the Company |
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Item 4A.
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Unresolved Staff Comments |
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Item 5.
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Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
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Item 6.
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Directors, Senior Management and Employees |
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Item 7.
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Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions |
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Item 8.
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Financial Information |
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Item 9.
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The Offer and Listing |
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Item 10.
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Additional Information |
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Item 11.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
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Item 12.
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Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities |
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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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Item 14.
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Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds |
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Item 15.
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Controls and Procedures |
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Item l6A
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Audit Committee Financial Expert |
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Item l6B
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Code of Ethics |
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Item l6C
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Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
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Item 16D
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Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees |
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Item 16E
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Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases |
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PART III
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Item 17.
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Financial Statements |
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Item 18.
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Financial Statements |
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Item 19.
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Exhibits |
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Signatures |
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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 Communications 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 US 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
3
consolidated financial data does not 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 |
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Ended |
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September 30 |
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2006 |
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2005 (2) |
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2004 (3) |
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2003 (4) |
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2002 (5) |
(all amounts in |
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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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$ |
9,672 |
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$ |
19,567 |
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$ |
15,838 |
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$ |
20,103 |
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$ |
40,069 |
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(Loss) Earnings
From Continuing
Operations |
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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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(53,068 |
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Earnings (Loss)From
Discontinued
Operations |
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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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(311 |
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Earnings (Loss) From
Continuing
Operations Basic
Earnings Per Share |
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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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(12.64 |
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Earnings (Loss) From
Continuing
Operations
Diluted Earnings
Per Share |
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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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(12.64 |
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Net (Loss) Earnings |
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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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(53,379 |
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Net Earnings (Loss)
Per
Share Basic |
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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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(12.71 |
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Net Earnings (Loss)
Earnings
Per Share Diluted |
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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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(12.71 |
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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 |
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forth in Note 21 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. The following would be the adjustments under U.S. GAAP to the information provided
above as an increase (decrease) to: Net Revenue 2006 $nil, 2005 $nil, 2004 $nil, 2003 ($3,387), and
2002 ($15,825). Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 2006 $nil, 2005 $344, 2004 $(464), 2003
($4,025) and 2002 $37,488. Earnings (Loss) from continuing operations earnings per share basic 2006
$nil, 2005 $0.01, 2004 ($0.03), 2003 ($0.93) and 2002 $8.93. Earnings (Loss) from continuing
operations earnings per share diluted, 2006 $nil, 2005 $0.01, 2004 ($0.03), 2003 ($0.33) and 2002
$8.84; Net (Loss) earnings 2006 ($2,700), 2005 $344, 2004 $(464), 2003 $67, and 2002 $nil; and Net
(Loss) Earnings per share basic 2006 ($0.13), 2005 $0.01, 2004 $(0.03), 2003 $0.02, and 2002 $nil;
Net (Loss) per share diluted 2006 ($0.13), 2005 $0.01, 2004 $(0.03), 2003 $0.01, and 2002 $nil. |
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Effective May 1, 2003, Envoy uses 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. |
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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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2006 |
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2005
(2) |
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2004
(3) |
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2003
(4) |
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2002
(5) |
(all amounts in |
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thousands) |
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Balance Sheet Data: |
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Current Assets |
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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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$ |
27,447 |
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Total Assets |
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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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49,174 |
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Total Debt (8) |
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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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14,795 |
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Shareholders Equity (9) |
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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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9,779 |
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Retained (Deficit) Earnings
(10) |
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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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(47,776 |
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5
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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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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 Cdn. The exchange rate utilized with respect to
the Balance Sheet Data of PWD is £1.00 to $2.0648 Cdn. 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, 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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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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The exchange rate utilized with respect to the Statement of Operations Data for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2002 of Gilchrist is £1.00 to $2.3119 Cdn. and with
respect to the Balance Sheet Data of Gilchrist is £1.00 to $2.4894. The exchange rate utilized with
respect to the Statement of Operations Data of Hampel is $1.00 U.S. to $l.573l Cdn. and with
respect to the Balance Sheet Data of Hampel is $1.00 U.S. to $l.5872. Except as set forth in
footnotes 4, 5 and 6, 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 . |
6
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6 |
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As reflected in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the net earnings
(loss) from continuing operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003,
and 2002 were ($5,392), $3,418, ($5,245), ($4,276)and ($15,577) respectively under U.S. GAAP. The
net earnings (loss) for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was
($564), $6,286, ($3,571), ($2,606) and ($53,376) respectively under U.S. GAAP. The diluted net
earnings (loss) per share for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, and 2002 was
($0.03), $0.28, ($0.21), ($0.43) and ($12.71), respectively under U.S. GAAP. |
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As described above and in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, 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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Total debt includes both the current and long term portion of debt. |
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As reflected in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the shareholders
equity as at September 30, 2006, 2005, and 2004 was $72,588, $73,550, and $77,066, respectively
under U.S. GAAP. Total assets as of September 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, and 2002, under U.S. GAAP
would include the unrealized gain (loss) on securities for sale of $242, ($6), $174, $nil, and
$nil, respectively, and it would exclude cash held in escrow relating to the sale of the UK
operations of $2.7, nil, nil, nil and nil, respectively. |
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10 |
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Retained earnings as of September 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, and 2002, excludes the
cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment of ($51), ($2,153), 74, ($236) and $1,348
respectively. See Note 2(g) to the Notes in the 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 28, 2006, 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
$1.1599. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain information regarding the
exchange rates of Canadian dollars into U.S. currency. The rate of exchange means the noon buying
rate in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes
by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
7
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Fiscal Year Ended September 30, |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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2003 |
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2002 |
Average * |
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1.1151 |
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1.2171 |
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$ |
1.2034 |
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$ |
1.4553 |
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$ |
1.5731 |
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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. |
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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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2006 |
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2006 |
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2006 |
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2006 |
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2006 |
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2006 |
High |
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1.1474 |
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1.1384 |
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1.1272 |
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1.1312 |
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1.1415 |
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1.1241 |
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Low |
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1.1276 |
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1.1154 |
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1.1052 |
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1.1066 |
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1.1112 |
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1.0991 |
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B. |
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Capitalization and Indebtedness |
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Not applicable. |
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C. |
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Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds |
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Information not required for annual report. |
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D. |
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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, 2006 for each of the Companys clients that accounted for 10% or more of its
net revenue and for the Companys five largest clients combined:
8
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2006
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Client |
|
|
|
|
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. |
|
|
17 |
% |
McDonalds Restaurants of Canada Limited |
|
|
15 |
% |
Dubai Festival City Retail Development LLC |
|
|
11 |
% |
The Company expects its reliance on a limited number of its clients to 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.
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 mitigates this risk by employing a professional investment manager and by
ensuring that the portfolio is well diversified.
The Company may be unsuccessful in evaluating material risks involved in completed and future
investments.
9
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 21% of accounts receivable as at September 30, 2006, and one customer who represented
18% of accounts receivable as at September 30, 2005. Should the Company fail to efficiently manage
its outstanding accounts receivable, the Companys results of operations may be adversely affected.
The Company may need to raise additional capital to grow its business, which it may not be able to
do.
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
10
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.
Risks Related to the Companys Common Shares
On November 20, 2006, the Company commenced an issuer tender offer to repurchase up to 8,500,000 of
its common shares. The offer to purchase will remain open until December 29, 2006, unless
otherwise extended by the Company. Based on the 19,421,415 common shares outstanding as of
November 20, 2006 and publicly available information, Messrs. Steven N. Bronson and Richard L.
Scott, directly or indirectly, beneficially own or exercise control or direction over 10.18% and
9.79% of the Companys common shares, respectively. Should 8,500,000 common shares be repurchased
by the Company pursuant to the current issuer tender offer and should neither Mr. Bronson nor Mr.
Scott tender their common shares in connection with
such tender offer, Mr. Bronson and Mr. Scott will, directly or indirectly, beneficially own or
exercise control or direction over approximately 18.1% and 17.4% of the Companys common shares,
respectively. Given the current tender offer and the extent of both Mr. Bronsons and Mr. Scotts
ownership positions, they have the potential to exercise substantial influence over matters
requiring approval by shareholders, including the election of directors, any amendments to the
Companys articles of incorporation or by-laws, and significant corporate transactions. Mr. Scott
and Mr. Bronson may have interests that differ from the interests of the other shareholders of the
Company.
11
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: Dubai Festival City Retail Development LLC,
McDonalds Restaurants of Canada Limited, and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
In 2006, three customers accounted for 17%, 15% and 11% of net revenue. In 2005, three customers
accounted for 33%, 13% and 12% of net revenue. In both years, no other customers accounted for
more than 10% of net revenue.
Watt International subsists under the laws of the Province of Ontario.
On January 19, 2006, Envoy announced that its board of directors approved the launch of Envoy
Capital Group (ECG), a division of Envoy. ECG will be a merchant banking organization that
focuses on providing financial services as well as equity and debt capital to small and mid-cap
companies. Envoy plans to capitalize this new division with an investment of approximately $35
million. ECGs primary
12
|
|
objective is to provide asset backed bridge loans of between $500,000 and
$3,000,000 to private and publicly listed companies engaged in professional and marketing services,
media, manufacturing and real estate development. It will compliment its bridge loan business by
making equity investments in emerging companies as well as providing corporate financial services.
ECGs mission is to build wealth and its investment strategy is to generate both yield and grown in
a tax-efficient manner, while preserving capital. ECGs goal is to deliver superior returns on a
consistent basis and to create value for its shareholders. During fiscal 2006 and to date, minimal
activity has occurred in ECG. |
|
|
|
The principal place of business of Envoy is located at 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 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. |
13
|
|
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). |
|
|
|
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. |
|
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. |
Our Strategic Direction:
On January 19, 2006, Envoy announced that its board of directors approved the launch of ECG, a
division of Envoy. ECG is a merchant banking organization that focuses on providing financial
services, as well as equity and debt capital, to small and mid-cap companies. Envoy plans to
capitalize this new division with an investment of approximately $35 million.
Envoy believes that there is a need for merchant banking services in this segment of the market and
Envoy is uniquely positioned to satisfy this need. Envoy has made several successful equity
investments in recent
14
years and has demonstrated an ability to identify and to add value to small
and mid-cap companies in need of capital.
ECGs primary objective is to provide asset backed bridge loans of between $500,000 and $3,000,000
to private and publicly listed companies engaged in professional and marketing services, media,
manufacturing and real estate development. It will compliment its bridge loan business by making
equity investments in emerging companies as well as providing corporate financial services. ECGs
mission is to build wealth and its investment strategy is to generate both yield and growth in a
tax-efficient manner, while preserving capital. ECGs goal is to deliver superior returns on a
consistent basis and to create value for its shareholders.
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 2006, Watt International focused its efforts to transform the business model to
strategically driven operations and completed the restructuring plan to align itself with the
market conditions to retain and service existing clients and to grow by providing innovative
solutions in domestic and international markets.
15
Watt International announced new customer wins and strengthened relationships during the 2006
fiscal year. In March 2006, Watt International announced that it would be working with leading
South American retail developer, Cencosud S. A., to carry out the retail design development of the
Costanera Shopping Center in Santiago, Chile. In May 2006, Watt International announced its
appointment as Dubai Festival Citys Design Consultant of record, tasked with ensuring that
world-class design standards were maintained across the five hundred retail tenants of the Citys
Festival Center Shopping Mall. Further, Watt International announced that it has been selected to
develop a new prototype model for Cineplex Entertainments SilverCity banner, while continuing to
grow and strengthen existing relations with other retail clients such as McDonalds Canada.
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.
C. Organizational Structure
Envoy has operations in the United States and Canada. Envoy owns 100% of Watt International, its
sole subsidiary.
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
Envoy currently operates offices in the following cities: Toronto, Canada, and Cincinnati, USA. 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. In addition to Envoy, IDG, a division of
Watt International, are also located at these premises. 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 $190,946 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, 2006 was $252,035.
Until January 2003, Envoys principal executive offices consisted of a five-story office building
of approximately 35,000 square feet located at 26-28 Duncan Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In
January 2003, Envoy exited the Duncan Street facility after negotiating a release of the term of
the lease extension. Envoy had no further obligation to the landlord beyond February 1, 2003.
In October 2002, Envoy sold the assets of Devlin to management of the subsidiary. The new company
formed to acquire Devlin has been assigned all future obligations for all leases formerly held by
Devlin.
16
During fiscal 2004, Envoy negotiated to payoff all amounts owing with respect to the Hampel lease.
In 2003, when the Hampel business was closed down, Envoy negotiated a settlement with the landlord,
agreeing to make 22 monthly payments of US$33,316 each commencing on March 1, 2003, and a final
payment of US$150,000 in February 2005. The payments were secured by a letter of credit in the
amount of US$250,000 in favour of the landlord. During 2002, Envoy negotiated the exit of
approximately 18,000 square feet of office space located on the l2th floor of 111 Fifth Avenue, New
York, New York. Under the terms of the lease settlement agreement Envoy agreed to pay the landlord,
on September 30, 2002, US$500,000 cash, issued 250,000 common shares of Envoy at a price of US$.50
per share and agreed to make 22 additional monthly payments of US$36,638, commencing October 1,
2002. The payments were secured by a letter of credit in the amount of US$250,000 in favour of the
landlord. The total expense relating to the 12th floor termination agreement has been
reflected as restructuring costs in fiscal 2002.
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 24 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Historical results
of operations, percentage relationships and any trends that may be inferred there from are not
necessarily indicative of the operating results of any future period.
Overview
Net Revenue
The Company presents as net revenue its net commission and fee income earned as compensation for
its services. Further, the balance sheet reflects the following:
(i) deferred revenue representing only fees billed and collected in advance of such fees
being earned;
(ii) unbilled accounts receivable represents 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.
17
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.
The third party charges are for actual costs related to outsourced goods and services for specific
projects.
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.
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.
Tax Matters
With respect to Envoys 2006 fiscal year, Envoy had tax loss carry forwards sufficient to cover
its Canadian income tax liabilities and has approximately $19.4 million in loss carry forwards.
Details on income taxes are set forth in Note 13 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
A. Operating Results
The expenses of continuing operation include corporate expenses which are fixed in nature, were
incurred to support fiscal 2005 level of net income. The sale of discontinued operations and
separately reporting the results of those discontinued operations, the expenses and ratios of
continued operations are distorted and do not provide a basis for fair comparison of ratios to
revenue. Under the circumstances, the Company continues to incur expenses at current levels in
anticipation of higher net revenue in fiscal 2007.
Due to soft market conditions and sensitivity to preserve capital, the merchant banking operation
is moving slower than the Company had anticipated.
Net revenue from the continuing operations 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. The decrease was primarily due to softer market conditions in USA. The net revenue
from USA during fiscal 2006 decreased $3.5 million compared to $13.5 in fiscal 2005.
Salaries expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006, was $10.7 million, compared to
$14.7 million in the twelve months ended September 30, 2005, a decrease of $4.0 million. The
labour to
net revenue ratio for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006 was 110.3%, compared to 75.0% in
the twelve months ended September 30, 2005.
18
Occupancy costs decreased to $1.0 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006, from
$1.1 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005, a decrease of $0.1 million. The
occupancy cost to net revenue ratio was 10.6% for the twelve months ended September 30, 2006
compared to 5.6% for the twelve months ended September 30, 2004. Envoy expects its occupancy cost
to net revenue ratio for fiscal 2007 to be approximately 8%.
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 21 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
Fiscal 2005 |
|
Fiscal 2004 |
|
Net revenue |
|
$ |
9.7 |
million |
|
$ |
19.6 |
million |
|
$ |
15.8 |
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations |
|
|
(5.4) |
million |
|
|
3.0 |
million |
|
|
(4.8) |
million |
From discontinued operations |
|
|
7.5 |
million |
|
|
2.9 |
million |
|
|
1.7 |
million |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
2.1 |
million |
|
$ |
5.9 |
million |
( |
$ |
3.1) |
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
$ |
0.27 |
|
|
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
$ |
0.27 |
|
|
$ |
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.27 |
) |
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
|
$ |
(0.28 |
) |
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.27 |
) |
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
|
$ |
(0.28 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at: |
|
Sep 30, 2006 |
|
Sep 30, 2005 |
|
Sep 30, 2004 |
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
81.3 |
million |
|
$ |
84.0 |
million |
|
$ |
88.9 |
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term
financial liabilities |
|
$ |
0.2 |
million |
|
$ |
0.3 |
million |
|
$ |
0.4 |
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends declared |
|
$ |
nil |
|
|
$ |
nil |
|
|
$ |
nil |
|
19
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006, COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
Net revenue The Companys net revenue represents its compensation for services. The Companys
compensation from non-agency or project related services is primarily generated from project fees
and hourly charges. Net revenue is net of any pass-through costs such as production costs incurred
on behalf of clients in acting as agent for them.
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 custom 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. After a review of
client spending plans, the Company expects that its 2007 net revenue to increase to $12.4 million
or by about 28%.
20
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. The Company expects that 2007 net
revenue from Canada will increase to $6.3 million.
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. The Company expects that
2007 net revenue from U.S. and South America will increase to $5.0 million.
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 client in Dubai. The Company expects that 2007 net revenue from Asia will increase to
$1.1 million.
Operating Expenses
Salaries and benefits, general and administrative expenses and occupancy costs represent the
Companys 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.
Expenses of continuing operation 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.
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 are as follow:
21
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. The Company expects that salaries and
benefits expense will be $9.7 million in fiscal 2007.
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.
The Company expects that general and administrative expenses will be $2.6 million in fiscal 2007.
The Company is continuously looking into reducing or eliminating discretionary expenses and
maintains the quality of service.
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. The Company
expects that occupancy expense will be $1.0 million in fiscal 2007.
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.
22
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 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.
ANALYSIS OF USE OF PROCEEDS FROM PUBLIC OFFERING
Through public offerings in fiscal 2004, the Company raised $66.5 million gross proceeds ($60.1
million net proceeds). In the short form prospectus issued with the public offerings, the Company
indicated that the net proceeds of the offering would be used for general corporate purposes and
potential acquisition and investment opportunities that it determined have the potential to create
value for the Companys shareholders, and that either complement or provide an opportunity to
diversify the current business of the Company. Envoy retained broad discretion in allocating the
net proceeds of the public offering.
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2004 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Net proceeds from public offering |
|
$ |
60.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds were used to: |
|
|
|
|
Repay short-term debt |
|
|
6.9 |
|
Redeem outstanding shares |
|
|
0.8 |
|
Repay outstanding long-term debt |
|
|
5.2 |
|
Allocated to investment portfolio |
|
|
46.7 |
|
Other working capital changes |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total use of proceeds |
|
$ |
60.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
As a result of repaying the outstanding debt, the Company has established financial flexibility and
is able to take advantage of acquisition and investment opportunities as they are identified.
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q4 2006 |
|
|
Q3 2006 |
|
|
Q2 2006 |
|
|
Q1 2006 |
|
|
|
million |
|
|
million |
|
|
million |
|
|
million |
|
Net revenue |
|
|
$ 2.5 |
|
|
|
$ 5.5 |
|
|
|
$ 3.8 |
|
|
|
$ 5.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations |
|
|
($1.81 |
) |
|
|
($1.50 |
) |
|
|
($1.09 |
) |
|
|
($1.00 |
) |
Including discontinued
operations |
|
|
$3.20 |
|
|
|
$0.40 |
|
|
|
($0.40 |
) |
|
|
($1.10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) 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 |
|
|
$0.22 |
|
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
|
|
($0.02 |
) |
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
Diluted |
|
|
$0.22 |
|
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
|
|
($0.02 |
) |
|
|
($0.05 |
) |
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q4 2005 |
|
|
Q3 2005 |
|
|
Q2 2005 |
|
|
Q1 2005 |
|
|
|
million |
|
|
million |
|
|
million |
|
|
million |
|
Net revenue |
|
$ |
5.50 |
|
|
$ |
5.70 |
|
|
$ |
4.30 |
|
|
$ |
4.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
$ |
0.40 |
|
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
Including discontinued
operations |
|
$ |
0.90 |
|
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
0.80 |
|
|
$ |
0.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
Including discontinued
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
0.16 |
|
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
0.16 |
|
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
Summary of Discontinued operations (detailed information on note 19 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal year: |
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Net revenue |
|
$ |
21,432,172 |
|
|
$ |
26,741,062 |
|
|
$ |
25,363,129 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
17,460,973 |
|
|
|
23,252,416 |
|
|
|
21,409,049 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
(60,327 |
) |
|
|
(11,623 |
) |
|
|
(38,121 |
) |
Depreciation |
|
|
1,294,822 |
|
|
|
1,770,052 |
|
|
|
1,311,101 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
582,122 |
|
|
|
512,023 |
|
|
|
541,496 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings from discontinued operations
(excluding gain on sale) |
|
|
2,154,582 |
|
|
|
1,218,194 |
|
|
|
2,139,604 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest |
|
|
347,599 |
|
|
|
149,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain (loss) on sale of disco. operations |
|
|
5,721,229 |
|
|
|
1,799,631 |
|
|
|
(465,576 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
7,528,212 |
|
|
$ |
2,868,017 |
|
|
$ |
1,674,028 |
|
|
Reconciliation to United States generally accepted accounting principles, detailed information can
be found on note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
25
Summary of material adjustments to net earnings (loss) for the years ended September 30, 2006,
2005 and 2004 required to conform to US GAAP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Net earnings (loss) Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
2,136,186 |
|
|
$ |
5,941,690 |
|
|
$ |
(3,106,804 |
) |
Stock-based compensation 21(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
344,151 |
|
|
|
200,117 |
|
Convertible debentures 21(b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(664,516 |
) |
Cash held in escrow 21(c) |
|
|
(2,700,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) based on
U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
(563,814 |
) |
|
$ |
6,285,841 |
|
|
$ |
(3,571,203 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net earnings (loss) from continuing
operations |
|
$ |
(5,392,026 |
) |
|
$ |
3,417,824 |
|
|
$ |
(5,245,231 |
) |
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued
operations (Notes 19 and 20(c)) |
|
$ |
4,828,212 |
|
|
$ |
2,868,017 |
|
|
$ |
1,674,028 |
|
|
The following adjustments are required in order to conform shareholders equity based on Canadian
GAAP to shareholders equity based on U.S. GAAP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Shareholders equity based on Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
75,046,589 |
|
|
$ |
73,555,483 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (d) |
|
|
242,378 |
|
|
|
(5,859 |
) |
Cash held in escrow (c) |
|
|
(2,700,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity based on U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
72,588,967 |
|
|
$ |
73,549,624 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Net earnings (loss) for the year in
accordance with U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
(563,814 |
) |
|
$ |
6,285,841 |
|
|
$ |
(3,571,203 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gain (loss) on available
for sale securities arising during
the year |
|
|
242,378 |
|
|
|
(5,859 |
) |
|
|
174,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: reclassification adjustment
for gains realized in net income |
|
|
5,859 |
|
|
|
(174,426 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in cumulative translation
adjustment account |
|
|
2,101,995 |
|
|
|
(2,183,228 |
) |
|
|
310,087 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,786,418 |
|
|
$ |
3,922,328 |
|
|
$ |
(3,086,690 |
) |
|
27
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005,
COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
Net Revenue
The Companys net revenue represents its compensation for services. The Companys compensation from
non-agency or project related services is primarily generated from project fees and hourly
charges. Net revenue is net of any pass- through costs such as production costs incurred on behalf
of clients in acting as agent for them.
Net revenue for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005 was $19.6 million, compared to $15.8
million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $3.7 million, or 24%.
Operating Expense:
Salaries and benefits, general and administrative expenses and occupancy costs represent the
Companys 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.
Operating expenses increased by 12% to $18.7 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005
from $16.7 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2004. Changes in operating expenses
are as follows:
Salaries and benefits expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005 were $14.7 million,
compared to $12.6 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $2.1
million or 17%. Included in salaries and benefits is stock based compensation for the twelve
months ended September 30, 2005 of $0.3 million, compared to $0.2 million in the twelve months
ended September 30, 2004. Salaries and benefits expense as a percent of net revenue was 75% for
fiscal 2005 compared to 79% for fiscal 2004.
General and administrative expenses for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005 were $2.9
million, compared to $3.0 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2004.
Occupancy costs for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005 and the twelve months ended
September 30, 2004 were $1.1 million. Occupancy costs as a percent of net revenue was 5.6% for
fiscal 2005 compared to 7.1% for fiscal 2004.
28
Depreciation expense:
Depreciation expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005 was $1.0 million, compared to
$1.1 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2004.
Interest (income) expense and financing costs and accreted interest:
Interest (income) expense and financing costs and accreted interest for the twelve months ended
September 30, 2005 was an income amount of $0.1 million, compared to an expense of $3.6 million for
the twelve months ended September 30, 2004. During fiscal 2004, all of the outstanding bank
indebtedness and debentures were repaid from the proceeds of the public offering. Therefore, in
fiscal 2005 there were no interest expense and finance costs or accreted interest relating to these
items.
Investment earnings:
Investment earnings for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005 was $2.8 million, compared to
$0.4 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2004. Investment earnings represent the income
earned on the cash and marketable securities held in the investment portfolio. The Company expects
that its investment earnings will be in the range of approximately $3.5 to $4.5 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 income
securities and high yielding securities, while still maintaining a high quality portfolio.
Income from discontinued operations:
Effective June 30, 2005, after a review of the ongoing viability, future prospects and cash
requirements of our John Street advertising business, the Company sold the 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 its 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, compared to a loss of $0.4 million on the sale of
Communiqué, for the twelve months ended September 30, 2004.
Net earnings (loss):
The Company had net earnings of $5.9 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005,
compared to a loss of ($3.1) million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of
$9.0 million.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
As at September 30, 2006, the Company had working capital of $62.6 million and a cash balance of
$0.8 million, compared to September 30, 2005, when it had a working capital of $34.5 million and a
cash balance of $2.3 million. Included in working capital is an investment portfolio of marketable
securities, the current portion of which was $57.3 million at September 30, 2006 and $22.1 million
at September 30, 2005.
29
During fiscal 2006, working capital was used to repurchase 1,606,102 shares of the Company for
cash consideration of $2.8 million pursuant to the normal course issuer bid. In addition, it was
used to acquire additional ownership of PWD, in the amount of $0.9 million net of cash acquired as
described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company also purchased capital
assets in the amount of $0.02 million.
During fiscal 2005, working capital was used to repurchase 2,447,417 shares of the Company for cash
consideration of $7.4 million pursuant to the normal course issuer bid. In addition, it was used
for the acquisition of PWD, in the amount of $4.8 million net of cash acquired as described in Note
6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company also purchased capital assets in the amount
of $0.8 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.2 million for the twelve months ended September
30, 2006, compared to $0.1 million provided by operating activities for the twelve months ended
September 30, 2005. Cash provided from continuing operations was used to finance an increase in
prepaid expense.
Net cash used in financing activities of $2.9 million during fiscal 2006 and $7.7 million during
fiscal 2005 was mostly due to the repurchase of the Companys shares under normal course issuer
bids in both years. Net cash used in investing activities was $1.2 million for the twelve months
ended September 30, 2006, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $14.2 million
for the twelve months ended September 30, 2005. 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. During fiscal 2005, the Companys used $15.0 million to acquire PWD and capital
assets.
Income Tax
The effective tax rate for the Company for 2006 was 2.2%. This differed substantially from the
statutory rate of 36.12%, mainly due to permanent and temporary differences between accounting
income and taxable income of $127,012 (2005 $139,889) and a change in the valuation allowance
based on uncertainty relative to the Companys ability to realize the full value of operating loss
carryforwards of $1,820,581 (2005 ($2,042,816)).
As described elsewhere, the Company intends to buy its own shares under a modified Dutch Auction
tender offer. In the event of a full take up, the Company will spend up to $25 million in cash.
This will reduce the capital available to the Company to generate future investment earnings and
will prolong the use of losses carried forward. Accordingly the Company increased the valuation
allowance to adjust the future tax assets to the likely realizable value.
Future Income Taxes
In determining the realizable value of the future tax asset, management considered various factors
in its assessment, including potential operating results of its subsidiaries, expected returns on
its merchant banking activities, its ability to manage operating expenses and general economic
conditions. Based on the historical income levels of Watt International, the Companys
expectations with respect to both the funds available for investment and the likely returns, as
well as the timing of such relative to the expiration of losses, management feels it is more likely
than not that sufficient income will be realized.
30
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006, COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
Net revenue Net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $2.5 million, compared
to $5.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, a decrease of $3.0 million.
Net revenue by type of service and by customer location:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Revenue for the three months ended |
|
|
|
September 30 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
% of total |
|
2005 |
|
% of total |
By type of service |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer and retail branding |
|
$ |
2.5 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
5.5 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
% of total |
|
2005 |
|
% of total |
By customer location |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada |
|
$ |
1.3 |
|
|
|
52 |
% |
|
$ |
1.1 |
|
|
|
20 |
% |
USA/South America |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
16 |
% |
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
78 |
% |
Middle east/Asia |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.5 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
5.5 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue by type of service:
Net revenue from consumer and retail branding services decreased by $3.0 million in the three
months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2005.
Net revenue by customer location:
Net revenue from Canada increased $0.2 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2006
compared to the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of 18%.
Net revenue from the U.S./South America decreased by $3.9 million to $0.4 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2006 from $4.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2005.
Net revenue from Middle East/ Asia increased by $0.7 to $0.8 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2006, from $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses decreased by 40.0% to $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006
from $5.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Changes in operating expenses are
as follow:
Salaries and benefits expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $2.3 million,
compared to $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, a decrease of $2.2 million.
Salaries and benefits continue to be closely monitored to match expected revenues with labour
costs.
31
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $0.8
million, compared with $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.
Occupancy costs for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $0.3 million, compared to $0.2
million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of $0.1 million.
Depreciation expense
Depreciation expense for the three months ending September 30, 2006 was $0.2 million, compared to
$0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, a decrease of 33.3%.
Interest (income) expense and financing costs
Interest (income) expense and financing costs were $0.04 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2006, compared to $0.00 million for the same period in fiscal 2005.
Investment earnings
Investment earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $0.5 million, compared to a
loss of $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Investment earnings represent
the net income earned on the cash and marketable securities held in the investment portfolio.
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Earnings from discontinued operations were $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30,
2006, which included revenue from discontinued operations in the amount of $0.3 million and a gain
on the sale of a subsidiary in the amount of $ 5.7 million.
Net earnings (loss)
The Company had net earnings of $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006,
compared to $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The significant accounting policies used by the Company in preparing its Consolidated Financial
Statements are described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read to
ensure a proper understanding and evaluation of the estimates and judgments made by management in
preparing those Consolidated Financial Statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements are
prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The Company also prepared a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP,
which is included in Note 21 to the Consolidated 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 the Company. As well, management must take appropriate estimates at the
time the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared.
32
Although all of the policies identified in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements are
important in understanding the Consolidated Financial Statements, the policies discussed below are
considered by management to be central to understanding the Consolidated Financial Statements,
because of the higher level of measurement uncertainties involved in their application.
Goodwill:
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of the
entities acquired at the respective dates of acquisition. The Company assesses the recoverability
of the carrying value of its goodwill on an annual basis. As part of the evaluation, the Company
considers several factors, including the operating results and trends, movement in major clients
and key client service personnel, changes in client relationships and general economic conditions.
Significant changes in these factors could result in an impairment of goodwill.
Goodwill is considered to be impaired if the future anticipated undiscounted operating cash flows
from the acquired businesses are less than the carrying value of the goodwill. These cash flow
projections require management to make certain assumptions regarding future revenue and expenses.
When impairment is determined; the related loss is charged to earnings and is measured by the
excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over its fair value based on estimated discounted
future operating cash flows.
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 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.
Stock Based Compensation and Other Stock based Payments:
Effective October 1, 2003, the Company adopted the revisions to CICA handbook Section 3870 that
required the use of the fair value method for all stock-based compensation transactions. The
application of this accounting methodology requires management to estimate a number of variables,
including the risk free rate, and the expected volatility of the stock price. The amounts
determined for these variables, which are detailed in Note 12(e) to the Consolidated Financial
Statements have a significant impact on the values assigned to the stock options.
IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED CANADIAN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
33
There has been no significant impact on fiscal 2006 results as a result of any recently issued
Canadian Accounting Standards.
IMPACT
OF RECENTLY ISSUED UNITED STATES 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 Company is currently considering the impact of the adoption of this interpretation.
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.
Considering the Effects of Prior Years Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year
Financial Statements (SAB 108). The Security and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 108 that provides interpretive guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior
year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of materiality
assessment. The implication is that the assessment of the misstatements through the greater of the
current year earning or closing retained earnings adjustments. SAB 108 is applicable for fiscal
years ending after November 16, 2006. The Company is currently considering the impact of the
adoption of this interpretation.
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, and Section 2lE of the United States Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). These statements represent the Companys
intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other
factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. 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 the
Companys Annual Report or Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC), or the Companys Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators
(the CSA). 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. The Company 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.
34
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, 2006 (all amounts in thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due in 1 |
|
Due between |
|
Due between |
|
Due after |
|
|
Total |
|
year or less |
|
years 2 and 3 |
|
years 4 and 5 |
|
5 years |
Operating leases |
|
$2,371 |
|
|
$ |
755 |
|
|
$ |
736 |
|
|
$ |
657 |
|
|
$ |
223 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
252 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations |
|
$2,623 |
|
|
$ |
840 |
|
|
$ |
824 |
|
|
$ |
736 |
|
|
$ |
223 |
|
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, 2006. 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
|
|
President, Chairman and Chief |
52
|
|
Executive Officer and Director |
|
|
|
J. Joseph Leeder
|
|
Executive Vice President Mergers |
52
|
|
& Acquisitions and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
John H. Bailey
|
|
Executive Vice President, |
61
|
|
Corporate Secretary and Director |
|
|
|
David Hull 1 2 3
|
|
Director |
50 |
|
|
35
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
Age |
|
Positions Held with Envoy |
|
|
|
Hugh Aird 1 2 3
|
|
Director |
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
David Parkes 1 2 3
|
|
Director |
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
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., 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.
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
36
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.
The Ontario Business Corporations Act requires that a majority 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.
B. |
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
The following table sets forth in, Canadian dollars all compensation for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2006 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): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards |
|
Payouts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Restricted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation |
|
Under |
|
Shares or |
|
|
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
Option/SARs |
|
Restricted |
|
LTIP |
|
All Other |
Principal |
|
Salary |
|
|
|
|
|
Annual |
|
Granted |
|
Share Units |
|
Payouts |
|
Compensation |
Position |
|
($) |
|
Bonus |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Geoffrey B. Genovese, |
|
$ |
550,00 |
|
|
|
650,000 |
|
|
|
330,313 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
182,350 |
2 |
Chairman, President
and Chief Executive
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Joseph Leeder, |
|
$ |
375,898 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
20,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
3 |
Vice President,
Mergers and
Acquisitions and Chief
Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John H. Bailey, |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Vice
President, and
Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colin Beaton |
|
$ |
175,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,940 |
|
|
$ |
9,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Managing Director,
Watt Retail Design
Practice |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patrick Rodmell, |
|
$ |
272,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Managing Director,
Watt International Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
3 |
|
Mr. Leeder received a signing bonus of $200,000. |
37
There were no options granted under the Stock Option Plan to the Named Executive Officers of
the Company in the most recently completed fiscal year.
The following table sets forth options exercised under the Stock Option Plan to the Named Executive
Officers of the Company in the most recently completed fiscal year and the value of unexercised
options held by them as at the most recent fiscal year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options Exercised During 2006 Fiscal Year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised Options at |
|
Value of Unexercised In |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Aggregate |
|
FY-End Exercisable/ |
|
the Money Options at FY-End |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value Realized |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable 1 |
Name |
|
Exercise |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
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 |
|
12,000/nil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000/nil |
|
nil/nil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,500/nil |
|
nil/nil |
Colin Beaton |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
6,667/3,333 |
|
|
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 and 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
38
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.
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 salary of $175,000, 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 four months, if his employment is terminated,
without cause, by Watt International.
Patrick Rodmell has agreed to act as the Managing Director of Watt International at an annual base
salary of $277,000, 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.
39
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
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, 2006, Envoy paid approximately $230,870 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 $l0,000,000. 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 $230,602.
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 Stock 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.
40
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 of the Company. 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.
Currently, no directors serve on the boards of directors of other public companies, other than
David Parkes. Mr. Parkes is a director of Clearly Canadian Beverage Corporation, a consumer
products manufacturer based in British Columbia, Canada, and Ribbon Capital Corp., a retail
distributor of telecom products based in Ontario, Canada.
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, 2005, the independent
directors have held three meetings without non-independent directors present.
Between October 1, 2005 and December 28, 2006, inclusive, the Board held 29 meetings. The
attendance of the directors at such meetings was as follows:
|
|
|
Director |
|
Board Meetings Attended 1 |
|
|
|
Hugh Aird |
|
28 of 29 |
John Bailey |
|
28 of 29 |
Geoff Genovese |
|
29 of 29 |
David Hull |
|
28 of 29 |
David Parkes |
|
28 of 29 |
|
|
|
Note:1 |
|
In addition, Messrs. Aird, Hull and Parkes attended three meetings of the independent directors, at which Messrs. Genovese and Bailey were not eligible to attend. |
41
Mandate of the Board:
The Board has adopted a Board Mandate, under the title Envoy Communications 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 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 |
42
|
|
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 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.
43
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, 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.
44
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.
D. Employees
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, 2006, the options and other rights to purchase common shares of Envoy consisted
of stock options to purchase 293,550 common shares.
45
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.
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, 2006 options to purchase
293,550 common shares have been granted and are 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, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Under |
|
Exercise |
|
|
Class of Optionee |
|
Options Granted |
|
Price |
|
Date of Expiry |
Geoffrey Genovese |
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
May 24, 2009 |
Colin Beaton |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
May 24, 2009 |
Patrick Rodmell |
|
|
13,333 |
|
|
$ |
1.25 |
|
|
October 27, 2007 |
Patrick Rodmell |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
May 24, 2009 |
Patrick Rodmell |
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
$ |
15.25 |
|
|
August 1, 2007 |
Joseph Leeder |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
n/a |
John H. Bailey |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
May 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
16,667 |
|
|
$ |
1.25 |
|
|
October 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
$ |
3.05 |
|
|
May 29, 2007 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
May 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
2,050 |
|
|
$ |
15.25 |
|
|
August 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
293,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46
The following table sets forth shares owned by the Named Executive Officers as of November 30,
2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Common |
|
|
Percent of |
|
Identity of Person |
|
Shares Owned |
|
|
Outstanding Class |
|
Geoffrey Genovese |
|
|
498,890 |
|
|
|
3 |
% |
Joseph Leeder |
|
nil |
|
nil |
Colin Beaton |
|
nil |
|
nil |
Patrick Rodmell |
|
nil |
|
nil |
John H. Bailey |
|
|
45,518 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
% |
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 January 8, 2004, the shareholders approved
an amendment to the Articles of the Company to increase its authorized share capital from
10,000,000 common shares to 40,000,000.
As of November 30, 2006, Envoy had an authorized share capital of 40,000,000 common shares without
par value, of which 19,421,415 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 20, 2006, the Company had 5,526,317 transferable common share purchase warrants
(the Warrants) outstanding. Following the consolidation described above, each five whole
Warrants entitles
47
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, 2006 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. Bronson and Scott, as listed
below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Identity of |
|
Common Shares |
|
Percent of |
Person or Group |
|
Beneficially Owned |
|
Outstanding Class |
Steven N. Bronson 1 |
|
1,977,100 |
|
10.2% |
Richard L. Scott 1 |
|
1,900,000 |
|
9.8% |
Geoffrey B. Genovese 2 |
|
498,890 |
|
2.6% |
|
|
|
1 Ownership figures are based on publicly available information.
|
|
2 Includes common shares held by family members |
See also Item 6.E Share Ownership for information regarding outstanding stock options to
purchase common shares.
As of November 30, 2006 there were 19,421,415 outstanding common shares of Envoy of which
18,730,324 were held of record by 8 Non-U.S. residents and 691,091 were held of record by 25
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 2006 that involved related parties:
During fiscal 2006, one of the Company directors charged the Company $230,785 (2005 $57,500; 2004
- $266,100) for legal services.
48
During fiscal 2006, the Company invested $125,000 in Matiadeka Ventures Inc., a Capital Pool
Company (CPC), which filed a preliminary prospectus on September 18, 2006 to complete an Initial
Public Offering (IPO) in Ontario. This transaction is deemed to be a related party transaction by
virtue of certain directors and officers of the Company being shareholders in the CPC. Upon
completion of the IPO, the Company will own 9.30% and, as a group with the directors and officers,
it will own 16.29% of the CPC.
In April 2006, ECG Properties Inc. (ECGP), a newly created wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company, entered into an agreement with an executive 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 and land transfer taxes, be funded
equally by both parties. It was anticipated that, within 12 months from the acquisition, the
properties would be severed and separate legal ownership will be established. The total costs of
acquisition, surveying and consulting related to all the properties was estimated to be $3,000,000,
with Envoys share expected to be $1,500,000. Expenses were initially funded by ECGP and then
reimbursed by the related party within 10 days of demand. As of September 30, 2006, ECGP had net
expenditures of $1,001,354, including a receivable from the related party of $56,221. Subsequent
to the fiscal 2006 year end, the agreement was terminated and the Company purchased the executive
officers interest in the properties for a cash payment of $945,133, net of the loan receivable of
$56,221.
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.
At September 30, 2004, Envoy purchased from the executive officers of John Street the 30% of the
shares of John Street which it did not already own. Effective June 30, 2005, Envoy completed the
sale of the shares of John Street and related assets to the management of John Street for a gross
sale price of $1,500,000. The purchase price for the shares was $1,200,000 and for the related
assets was $300,000. The sale transaction produced a net gain of $1,801,507. As at June 30, 2005,
John Street was also indebted to Envoy in the amount of $675,000. These loans are payable over a
period of 5 years and, except for interest free periods totaling 12 months, carry interest at the
rate of 8% per annum. The repayment of these loans requires quarterly payments totaling $100,501
to be made by June 30, 2006, followed by 48 monthly payments of $41,145 beginning July 31, 2006.
These loans are secured against 100% of the common shares in the capital of John Street and
security interest in the assets. At September 30, 2006, the amount of these loans receivable was
$1,850,725 of which $492,923 was current and $1,357,802 was long term.
49
During fiscal 2004, certain executives of the Company loaned the Company an amount of $100,000, and
a relative of a director loaned the Company an amount of $150,000. These debentures bore an
interest rate of 10% per annum, and included warrants to purchase a total of 125,000 shares at
$0.15 per share. During fiscal 2004, these debentures were repaid.
At January 1, 2004, the Company sold the operations of Communiqué to an executive of Communiqué
(see Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
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.
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, Suite 1100, 865 Hornby Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 21-14
(telephone 604/660-4800), at the offices of the Alberta Securities Commission, 410-300 5th Avenue,
S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3C4 (telephone 403/297-6454), at the offices of the Quebec Securities
Commission, Stock Tower Exchange, 800 Victoria Square, Montreal, Quebec M42 1G3 (telephone
514/940-2150) and at the offices of the Ontario Securities Commission, 20 Queen Street West, l8
Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5H 358 (telephone 416/597-0681)
Item 8: Financial Information
See Item 17 Financial Statements.
Item 9: The Offer and Listing
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.
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
Fiscal 2002 |
|
14.50 |
|
1.00 |
Fiscal 2003 |
|
8.35 |
|
0.50 |
Fiscal 2004 |
|
10.75 |
|
2.45 |
Fiscal 2005 |
|
4.50 |
|
2.30 |
Fiscal 2006 |
|
2.70 |
|
1.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly 2005 |
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
4.50 |
|
2.30 |
Second Quarter |
|
3.75 |
|
2.50 |
Third Quarter |
|
2.96 |
|
2.33 |
Fourth Quarter |
|
3.19 |
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
For the month ending |
|
|
|
|
November 30, 2006 |
|
2.93 |
|
2.60 |
October 31, 2006 |
|
2.75 |
|
2.35 |
September 30, 2006 |
|
2.61 |
|
1.63 |
August 31, 2006 |
|
1.72 |
|
1.50 |
July 31, 2006 |
|
1.79 |
|
1.51 |
June 30, 2006 |
|
1.81 |
|
1.56 |
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.
51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
Fiscal 2002 |
|
9.25 |
|
0.65 |
Fiscal 2003 |
|
6.10 |
|
0.30 |
Fiscal 2004 |
|
8.05 |
|
1.85 |
Fiscal 2005 |
|
3.75 |
|
1.80 |
Fiscal 2006 |
|
2.36 |
|
1.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly 2005 |
|
|
|
|
First Quarter |
|
3.75 |
|
1.80 |
Second Quarter |
|
3.15 |
|
2.05 |
Third Quarter |
|
2.38 |
|
1.84 |
Fourth Quarter |
|
2.74 |
|
2.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
For the month ending |
|
|
|
|
November 30, 2006 |
|
2.59 |
|
2.24 |
October 31, 2006 |
|
2.53 |
|
2.13 |
September 30, 2006 |
|
2.36 |
|
1.32 |
August 31, 2006 |
|
1.56 |
|
1.31 |
July 31, 2006 |
|
1.63 |
|
1.45 |
June 30, 2006 |
|
1.65 |
|
1.51 |
On November 30, 2006 the closing price of the common shares as reported on the TSX was $2.93 and on
NASDAQ was U.S. $2.50.
See Item 6.E. with respect to Share Ownership for information regarding outstanding stock options
to purchase 293,550 common shares.
Not applicable
52
See above Item 9.A.4. Price History for disclosure on Markets.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Item 10: Additional Information
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, are
included in this Annual Report as Exhibits 1.2 and 1.3, respectively.
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
53
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 2006
is $177,000,000. 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;
(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
54
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 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
55
amended (the Code)). This discussion is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations there under
(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 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
56
PFIC for the taxable year ended September 30, 2006, and depending on its income, assets and
activities, it may be a PFIC in the current taxable year and in subsequent taxable years.
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.
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.
57
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 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
58
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 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
59
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.
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
60
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.
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
61
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. The
Company mitigates this risk by employing a professional investment manager and by ensuring
that the portfolio is well diversified.
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, 2006 there were no foreign
currency contracts outstanding.
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. |
62
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, 2006, 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 2006 fiscal year, including any significant
deficiencies or material weaknesses of internal controls that would require corrective action.
63
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 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
64
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, 2005 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 $350,000 in 2006 and $355,000 in 2005. These fees include year end audit
work, consents, reviews and assistance with regulatory filings. |
|
|
(b) |
|
AUDIT-RELATED FEES were $nil in 2006, and $64,000 in 2005. These fees include assistance
with due diligence and accounting research. |
|
|
(c) |
|
TAX FEES were $64,000 in 2006, and $108,000 in 2005. These fees include tax compliance
services and tax advice. |
|
|
(d) |
|
All OTHER FEES were $nil in 2006, and $nil in 2005. |
|
|
(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. |
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 normal course issuer bid which began on August 26, 2005 and ended on
August 25, 2006, the Company was authorized to repurchase and cancel up to 10% of the public float
of the shares. During fiscal 2006, under this normal course issuer bid, the Company repurchased
and cancelled 1,602,102 common shares for cash consideration of $2,829,831.
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d) Maximum Number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(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 |
August 26, to
August 31, 2005 |
|
|
6,700 |
|
|
$ |
2.67 |
|
|
|
6,700 |
|
|
|
2,007,002 |
|
September 1, to
September 30, 2005 |
|
|
400,380 |
|
|
$ |
2.71 |
|
|
|
400,380 |
|
|
|
1,606,622 |
|
October 1, to
October 31, 2005 |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
November 1, to
November 30, 2005 |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
December 1, to
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
January 1, to
January 31, 2006 |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.73 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
1,596,622 |
|
February 1, to
February 28, 2006 |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
March 1, to
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
1.79 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
1,546,622 |
|
April 1, to
April 30, 2006 |
|
|
440,800 |
|
|
|
1.76 |
|
|
|
440,800 |
|
|
|
1,105,822 |
|
May 1, to
May 31, 2006 |
|
|
282,000 |
|
|
|
1.74 |
|
|
|
282,000 |
|
|
|
823,822 |
|
June 1, to
June 30, 2006 |
|
|
537,597 |
|
|
|
1.76 |
|
|
|
537,597 |
|
|
|
286,225 |
|
July 1, to
July 31, 2006 |
|
|
280,005 |
|
|
|
1.80 |
|
|
|
280,005 |
|
|
|
6,220 |
|
August 1, to
August 31, 2006 |
|
|
5,700 |
|
|
|
1.78 |
|
|
|
5,700 |
|
|
|
520 |
|
September 1, to
September 30, 2006 |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
October 1, to
October 31, 2006 |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
November 1, to
November 30, 2006 |
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
nil |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
Total |
|
|
2,013,182 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,013,182 |
|
|
|
|
|
On September 15, 2006, the Company announced its intention to repurchase up to 8 million of
its common shares pursuant to a substantial issuer bid in the form of a modified Dutch Auction
tender offer at a cash price of not more than $2.50 and not less than $2.25 per common share.
Subsequent to the announcement, the offer was modified to repurchase up to 7.0 million shares at a
cash price of not more than U.S. $2.70 and not les than U.S. $2.55 per common share. The
substantial issuer bid circular and other documents related to the tender offer were mailed to
shareholders on November 20, 2006. On December 14, 2006, the Company announced that it had
increased the number of common shares offered to repurchase to 8.5 million common shares, and had
extended the expiry of the tender offer from December 27, 2006 to 5:00 pm (Toronto time) on
December 29, 2006, unless further extended by the
Company. Notice of variation and extension of offer to purchase for cash was mailed to
shareholders on December 14, 2006.
66
PART III
Item 17: Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Envoy Communications Group Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
(i)
|
|
Auditors Report on
the financial
statements for the
year ended
September 30, 2006
|
|
F-1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments by Auditor for U.S. Readers on Canada-U.S. Reporting Differences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auditors Report on the financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(ii)
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 2006 and 2005
|
|
F-2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(iii)
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004
|
|
F-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(iv)
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings (Deficit) for the years ended September 30, 2006,
2005 and 2004
|
|
F-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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(v)
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004
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F-5 |
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(vi)
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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F-6 |
Item 18: Financial Statements
Envoy has elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 17.
67
Item 19: Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
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Exhibit No. |
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Description |
1.1 *
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Articles of Incorporation and By-Law No. 1 (as amended on May 2, 2000) of Envoy Communications Group Inc. |
1.2
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Articles of Incorporation and By-Law No. 1 (as amended on January 9, 2004) of Envoy Communications Group Inc. |
1.3
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Articles of Incorporation and By-Law No. 1 (as amended on January 21, 2005) of Envoy Communications Group Inc. |
8.1
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List of Significant Subsidiaries (contained in Item 4C hereof) |
11.1**
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Code of Business Conduct |
11.2**
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Complaint Procedures for Accounting and Auditing Matters |
11.3**
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Board Mandate |
12.1
|
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Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
12.2
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Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
13.1
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Certifications of CEO and CFO Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
15.1**
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Audit Committee Charter |
15.2**
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Compensation Committee Charter |
15.3**
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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter |
17
|
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Financial Statements |
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|
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* |
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Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on May 15, 2000 (Commission File No. 000-30082) |
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** |
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Incorporated by reference to the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on December 29, 2005 (Commission File No. 000-30082). |
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.
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ENVOY COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC.
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Date: December 29, 2006 |
/s/ GEOFFREY B. GENOVESE
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Name: |
Geoffrey B. Genovese |
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Title: |
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer |
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