Advantex Announces Fiscal 2009 Year-End Results
- Total revenues up 5.7%, as CIBC Advantex Program revenues increase
19.0%
- Gross profit increased 11.2%
- Contribution from operations (EBITDA) up 193.4% to $1.3 million, and
Profit before amortization and interest increased 251.6% to
$1.3 million
- Merchants participating in CIBC Advantex programs increase 36% to
just under 550
- Net loss improves from fiscal 2008, despite impact of recession on
merchants
- Outlook is for further growth in fiscal 2010.
- In first two months of 2010, company is experiencing significant
increase in Contribution from operations (EBITDA)
ADX: TSX
2009 Overview
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"Advantex made very significant progress in 2009. Although we incurred a net loss for the year, in almost every other respect, we are proud of what we accomplished in a very challenging environment, building on the momentum that Advantex established in fiscal 2008," said
Financial Performance - Highlights
(millions of $s, except per share amounts)
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Three Three
months months Year Year
Ended Ended Ended Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
2009 2008 2009 2008
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Revenue 3.2 3.0 12.2 11.5
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Gross profit 2.1 2.0 8.0 7.2
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Gross margin 65.9% 65.9% 65.7% 62.4%
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Contribution from Operations 0.5 0.4 1.3 0.5
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Profit/(Loss) before Amortization
And Interest 0.4 0.3 1.3 0.4
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Amortization 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
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Interest 0.5 0.4 1.8 1.4
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Net (Loss) (0.1) (0.3) (0.9) (1.4)
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Net (Loss) per common share ($0.00) ($0.00) ($0.01) ($0.01)
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Some numbers in the above presentation may not add due to rounding.
"We began 2009 in strong fashion, building on the progress that Advantex made in 2008 and the momentum that we had established in the final months of that year. We were able to report a modest net profit for the first six months of the year, an impressive turnaround from the net loss in the first half of 2008. However, in the third quarter ended
After taking into account interest expense, stock-based compensation, and amortization, Advantex reported a net loss for the year of
2009 Operational Successes and Challenges
-----------------------------------------
"Our most notable achievement for 2009 concerns the CIBC Advantex Programs which, in revenue terms, grew
"We realized that a weaker economic environment actually offered us an opportunity to accelerate the growth of the APM program as merchants would be eager to obtain working capital. With this in mind we made it our primary strategic focus to increase the number of credit- worthy merchants participating. Our efforts were highly successful as Advantex achieved approximately a 36 percent increase in the number of merchants participating in the CIBC Advantex programs from approximately 400 at the end of 2008 to just under 550 at the end of 2009. The growth was in both product offerings in this program; APM and Marketing Only, but more so in APM," he said
Under the APM program, Advantex acquires the rights to cash flow from future designated credit card transactions at a discount from participating merchants (Transaction Credits) and thereby it allows the merchant to obtain working capital. In addition, Advantex promotes the merchant, by way of cardholder incentives through its loyalty marketing programs, and targeted marketing programs, and the provision of these services is included in the costs of acquiring transaction credits. The Company's revenue is from the designated credit card receipts at participating establishments, net of the Company's costs to acquire the transaction credits, Proceeds from the spend on designated credit cards are received by the Company and a predetermined portion is applied to reduce the transaction credit balance that the merchant owes.
"The improvements made in the past couple of years in our support infrastructure, particularly business systems, helped us to carryout a 20% reduction in the number of people on staff with no negative impact on the service levels to our customers. That reduction together with salary cuts enabled us to achieve annualized cost savings of about
"On the Online Shopping Mall side of the business, during 2009 we experienced a 24.4% decline in revenues. The actual decline in U.S. dollars, the currency used for the online malls transactions was 29%. The decline was due to the loss in August, 2008 of one customer, Delta Airlines, as well as the affect of the global recession on online shopping. The good news for this area of our business is that in
Working Capital and Liquidity Management
As at
Transaction credits are a likely indicator of future revenues from CIBC Advantex APM program. The Company, therefore, attempts to maximize Transaction credits, and deploys cash, surplus to its operating needs, with participating merchants.
The company expects that it will have sufficient cash to fund operations at its current scale, however, it will require additional capital in the form of debt and/or equity to fund the continued expansion of its APM programs.
Movement in cash and cash equivalent during the year was a positive
Expect Further Growth in 2010
"The Company expects the consumer spend trends prevalent since late fall of calendar 2008 to continue during Fiscal 2010. That being said the Company is cautiously optimistic for 2010. The goal for 2010 is to improve on the results of 2009 by building on fourth quarter of 2009, and during the first two months of 2010 we have firm indications that the Company's operational performance is moving in the right direction. Our goal is to sustain this throughout 2010. I will be able to share further details with you when the Company announces its 2010 first quarter results," said
Supporting our expectation for growth in 2010, at the end of 2009, we showed
"We expect to be able to continue growing the number of merchants participating in the CIBC Advantex programs. We also recognize the desirability of broadening our partnerships and have been negotiating with a number of other affinity partners to launch APM product offerings in new business sectors in 2010. If Advantex is successful in this effort, it also will mean further growth in the number of merchants participating, with the consequent benefit to our revenues. We are negotiating for potential additional capital to support this expansion," he said.
We have enjoyed a lengthy, and mutually beneficial relationship with CIBC. Our current agreement with CIBC was set to expire on
In 1998, the
On
About Advantex Marketing International Inc.
Advantex is a specialist in the marketing services industry, managing white-labeled rewards accelerator programs for major affinity groups through which their members earn bonus frequent flyer miles and/or other rewards on purchases at participating merchants. Under the umbrella of each program, Advantex provides merchants with marketing, customer incentives, and secured future sales through its Advance Purchase Marketing model. Advantex partners include more than 1000 restaurants, online retailers, golf courses, small inns and resorts, and major organizations, including CIBC, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Lufthansa Airlines. Advantex is traded on the
Forward-Looking Information
This Press Release contains certain "forward-looking information". All information, other than information comprised of historical fact, that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future constitutes forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information relates to, without limitation, information regarding: the Company's belief that it will be able to reach agreement with existing and or new affinity groups to launch its Advance Purchase Marketing (APM) product offering in new business segments/sectors during Fiscal 2010 and beyond; the size of the market for the Company's APM program in the new business segments; the Company's ability to renew and or extend its current agreement with CIBC beyond December, 2009; the Company's ability to expand its APM product in existing business segments (dining, golf, small inns and spas) allowed under the current CIBC agreement during Fiscal 2010 and beyond; the Company's ability to continue to access financing under its existing line of credit facility, and or its ability to access additional debt with respect to expanding the APM program within the existing business segments and launching and or expanding into new business segments/sectors during Fiscal 2010 and beyond; the impact of current market conditions on the Company's ability to access additional financing; the Company's ability to build on improvements in the existing support infrastructure, particularly systems, and its ability to achieve continuation of many of the cost savings, from measures implemented in Fiscal 2009, into Fiscal 2010; expectations that a weaker economic environment offers an opportunity to accelerate the growth of the APM program; expectations relating to consumer spending and trends; Company's belief that transaction credits are likely indicators of future revenue; the Company's expectation with regards to developing increased online business by hosting European online malls; the Company's anticipated increase in the number of merchants/establishments with which it will do business; the anticipated strong demand for the APM program offered by the Company; the impact on the Company's revenues, results and cash flows that increased merchant participation would have; the continued impact of economic conditions on the Company's performance; the ability of the Company to satisfy payments under the 24 month payment plan agreed with CRA; the Company's expectations that it will be successful in its application to list its common shares on an alternate stock exchange; the Company's belief that first two months of Fiscal 2010 provide firm indications that the Company's operational performance is moving in the right direction; and other information regarding financial and business prospects and financial outlook is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this Press Release, the Company has made assumptions regarding, among other things, its ability to access future financing; current and future economic and market conditions and the impact of same on the Company's business; ongoing revenue sources and future business levels; interest and currency rates; the impact of an extension of the agreement with CIBC on future business; the Company's ability to offer same rewards as CIBC; the appropriateness of the Company's tax filing position, ongoing consumer interest in accumulating frequent flyer miles; and the Company's ability to manage risks connected to collection of transaction credits. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, changes in general economic and market conditions, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, delays in finalizing agreements that allow the Company to launch its products in new business segments, the termination or expiration of the CIBC agreement, the inability of the Company to transition listing of the Company's common shares from the TSX to an alternate exchange, any adverse change to the currently agreed payment plan with the CRA, currency risks, the inability of the Company to collect under its APM program, the Company's financial status, and other factors, including without limitation, those listed under "General Risks and Uncertainties" and "Economic Dependence" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended
Management's Responsibility for Financial Reporting
To our Shareholders:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management and approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. Management is responsible for the information and representations contained in these consolidated financial statements and other sections of this Annual Report.
The Company maintains appropriate processes to ensure that relevant and reliable financial information is produced. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
The Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and approving the consolidated financial statements and overseeing management's performance of its financial reporting responsibilities. An Audit Committee, the majority of whose members are non-management Directors, is appointed by the Board. The Audit Committee reviews the consolidated financial statements, adequacy and internal controls, the audit process and financial reporting with management and the external auditors. The Audit Committee reports to the Directors prior to the approval of the audited consolidated financial statements for publication.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company's external auditors, audited the consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards to enable them to express to the shareholders their opinion on the consolidated financial statements. Their report is set out on the following page.
(Signed) - "Kelly E. Ambrose" (Signed) - "Mukesh Sabharwal"
Kelly E. Ambrose Mukesh Sabharwal
President and Chief Executive Officer V.P. and Chief Financial Officer
ADVANTEX MARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT JUNE 30, 2009 AND 2008
NOTE June 30, 2009 June 30, 2008
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ASSETS
Current:
Cash and cash equivalents $344,180 $144,794
Accounts receivable 506,380 804,673
Transaction credits 1(f) 8,151,185 7,300,912
Prepaid expenses and sundry assets 223,066 114,978
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9,224,811 8,365,357
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Long-term:
Property, plant and equipment 3 652,639 745,456
TOTAL ASSETS $9,877,450 $9,110,813
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
LIABILITIES
Current:
Loan payable 4 $980,988 $663,448
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities 3,544,327 2,664,079
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4,525,315 3,327,527
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Long-term:
Other liability 13 - 205,955
Non-convertible debentures payable 6 2,519,661 2,422,097
Convertible debentures payable 5 4,713,408 4,443,115
--------- ---------
7,233,069 7,071,167
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11,758,384 10,398,694
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SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
Capital Stock 7
Class A preference shares 3,815 3,815
Common shares 24,106,281 24,106,281
---------- ----------
24,110,096 24,110,096
Contributed surplus 578,090 507,023
Equity portion of debentures 5 2,114,341 2,114,341
Warrants 5/6 374,554 184,744
Deficit (29,058,015) (28,204,085)
------------ ------------
(1,880,934) (1,287,881)
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY $9,877,450 $9,110,813
------------ ------------
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Economic Dependence and Going Concern (note 1b)
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
Approved by the Board:
(Signed) - "William Polley" (Signed) - "Kelly E. Ambrose"
Director: Director:
-------------------------- ----------------------------
William Polley Kelly E. Ambrose
ADVANTEX MARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2009 AND 2008
NOTE 2009 2008
REVENUE $12,192,321 $11,536,746
Direct expenses 4,188,024 4,335,461
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GROSS PROFIT 8,004,297 7,201,285
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OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling and marketing 3,042,593 2,933,025
General and administrative 3,638,816 3,817,399
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6,681,409 6,750,424
CONTRIBUTION FROM OPERATIONS 1,322,888 450,861
Stock-based compensation 71,067 94,800
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PROFIT BEFORE AMORTIZATION
AND INTEREST 1,251,821 356,061
Amortization of property, plant
and equipment 349,132 361,725
Interest expense
Stated interest expense - loan
payable, non-convertible
debentures, and other 521,773 283,207
Stated interest expense -
convertible debentures 597,389 601,645
Accretion charge on debentures
and amortization of deferred
financing charges 5/6 637,457 477,055
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NET (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE
(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR $(853,930) $(1,367,571)
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NET (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE 9 $(0.01) $(0.01)
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ADVANTEX MARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF DEFICIT
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2009 AND 2008
2009 2008
BALANCE AT THE START OF THE YEAR $(28,204,085) $(26,836,514)
Net (loss) for the year (853,930) (1,367,571)
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BALANCE AT THE END OF THE YEAR $(29,058,015) $(28,204,085)
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ADVANTEX MARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2009 and 2008
NOTE 2009 2008
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) for the year $(853,930) $(1,367,571)
Items not affecting cash
Amortization of property, plant
and equipment 349,132 361,725
Accretion charge on debentures 5/6 437,703 346,266
Amortization of deferred
financing charges 199,754 130,789
Stock-based compensation 71,067 94,800
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203,726 (433,991)
Changes in non-cash working
capital items
Accounts receivable 298,293 (67,188)
Transaction credits (850,273) (1,910,500)
Prepaid expenses and sundry assets (108,088) 70,977
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 880,248 (1,043,164)
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220,180 (2,949,875)
Decrease in Long-term other liabilities (205,955) (244,901)
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Cash provided by/(utilized in) operating
activities 217,951 (3,628,767)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from non-convertible debenture, net - 2,665,000
Proceeds from draw of credit facility 253,208 824,281
Credit facility costs (15,458) (295,267)
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237,750 3,194,014
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (256,315) (331,448)
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MOVEMENT IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 199,386 (766,201)
DURING THE YEAR
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the year 144,794 910,995
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $344,180 $144,794
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Interest paid $1,221,371 $759,192
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year Ended June 30, 2009
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Nature of business
Advantex Marketing International Inc. (Advantex or the Company) is
a public company with common shares listed on the Toronto Stock
Exchange (trading symbol ADX.TO). Advantex operates in the
marketing services industry. The Company develops and manages
loyalty programs for financial institutions, airlines and other
major organizations through which their customers earn frequent
flyer miles or points on purchases at a wide selection of
participating merchants. Under the umbrella of each program,
Advantex provides merchants with marketing, customer incentives
and secured future sales through its Advance Purchase Marketing
model.
b. Economic dependence and going concern
A significant portion of the Company's current revenue is
dependent upon its offline value-added loyalty program agreement
with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) under which
Aeroplan Miles are awarded to holders of certain CIBC Visa credit
cards. The Company purchases Aeroplan Miles from CIBC, which in
turn purchases Aeroplan Miles from Aeroplan LP.
The agreement with CIBC was renewed in July 2005, for an
additional term ending on December 31, 2009.The agreement may be
renewed upon mutual agreement. If CIBC either terminates or does
not renew its offline value-added loyalty program agreement with
the Company, this could materially and adversely affect the
Company. In the event that the agreement expires or is terminated
by the Company as a result of a breach by CIBC, CIBC is not
entitled to offer a similar offline program to its Visa
cardholders for a period of six months and the Company will be
entitled to offer such cardholders a similar replacement program
on the Company's behalf.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the
realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities during the
normal course of operations.
Advantex and CIBC have reached an understanding that the agreement
will be extended six months, through June 2010, while they
evaluate and work on a longer renewal. However, at present, the
Company has no written commitment or agreement with CIBC with
respect to the extension and or renewal of the agreement.
As renewal of the agreement or any other funding initiatives
management may pursue as required for the Company to meet its
obligations as they come due beyond December 31, 2009 cannot be
assured, the uncertainty related to the renewal of the CIBC
agreement described above, may cast significant doubt on the
appropriateness of the use of accounting principles relating to a
going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not
include any adjustments or disclosures that may result from the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If the going
concern assumption were not appropriate for these consolidated
financial statements, adjustments may be necessary in the carrying
values of assets and liabilities and the reported expenses and
balance sheet classifications; such adjustments could be material.
c. Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Advantex Dining
Corporation, Advantex Marketing Corporation, Advantex Marketing
International Inc. (US), Advantex Marketing (Maryland) Inc.,
1600011 Ontario Limited, Advantex Systems Limited Partnership and
Advantex GP Inc.
d. Revenue recognition
Advantex provides marketing services to participating
establishments and provides awards to customers who make purchases
at participating establishments. There are two types of agreements
with participating establishments:
(i) The Company acquires the rights to future designated credit
card transactions at a discount from the face value from
participating establishments. The Company records as revenue
the spread between the future credit card transactions and
its costs to acquire the rights (cost of transaction
credits).
(ii) The Company provides marketing and loyalty services to
participating establishments and records as revenue the fee
charged for services. The fee is a percentage of customer
purchases made at participating establishments.
Under each agreement, the revenue is recognized at the time that a
consumer makes a designated credit card purchase from
participating establishments enrolled in these programs.
e. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments
redeemable at any time and are stated at cost, which approximates
fair value.
f. Transaction credits
The Company purchases the rights to receive future cash flows
associated with designated credit card purchases at a discount
from participating establishments. The Company continuously
reviews its transaction credits and records an estimated allowance
for amounts deemed uncollectible.
g. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated
amortization. Amortization is provided for at the following
annual rates and methods:
Computer equipment - 30% using the declining balance
method
Furniture and equipment - 20% using the declining balance
method
Computer software - 3 to 5 years straight-line
Property, plant and equipment are tested for impairment when
evidence of a decline in value exists. If it is determined that
the carrying value of the property, plant and equipment is not
recoverable, a write-down to fair value is charged to earnings in
the year that such a determination is made.
h. Deferred financing charges
Deferred financing charges are amortized over the term of the
convertible, non-convertible debentures, and loans payable using
the effective interest rate method.
i. Income taxes
The Company provides for income taxes using the liability method
of income tax allocation. Under this method, future income tax
assets and liabilities are determined based on deductible or
taxable temporary differences between financial statement values
and the corresponding income tax values of assets and liabilities
using substantively enacted income tax rates to be in effect for
the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The
Company establishes a valuation allowance against future income
tax assets if, based on available information, it is more likely
than not that some or all of the future income tax assets will not
be realized.
j. Stock option plan
The Company has a stock option plan which is described in note
7(d). The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to
determine the fair value of stock options.
k. Foreign currency translation
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
are translated into Canadian dollars at exchange rates in effect
at the consolidated balance sheet dates. Non-monetary assets and
liabilities are translated at rates of exchange at each
transaction date. Revenue and expenses are translated at the
average rate of exchange for the year. Gains or losses on foreign
currency translation are included in net loss for the year.
l. Use of estimates
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements, in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles,
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates. Tax reserves are established for uncertain
income tax positions based on management's best estimates.
2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Change in accounting policies
General Standards of Financial Statement Preparation
In June 2007, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
("CICA") amended Handbook Section 1400 "General Standards of
Financial Statement Presentation" to include requirements to assess
an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The new
requirements are effective for interim and annual financial
statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,
2008. Accordingly, the Company adopted the amendment to this
standard on July 1, 2008. The adoption of this amendment did not
have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial results,
position, or disclosure.
Capital Disclosures, Financial Instruments - Disclosures, and
Financial Instruments - Presentation
Effective July 1, 2008, the Company adopted the new CICA Handbook
Sections 1535 "Capital Disclosures", 3862 "Financial Instruments -
Disclosures", and 3863 "Financial Instruments - Presentation".
Capital disclosures
-------------------
Handbook Section 1535 specifies the disclosure of (i) an entity's
objectives, policies and processes for managing capital; (ii)
quantitative data about what the entity regards as capital; (iii)
whether the entity has complied with any capital requirements; (iv)
if it has not complied, the consequences of such non-compliance. The
Company has included disclosures recommended by the new Handbook
section, in note 14 to these consolidated financial statements.
Financial instruments
---------------------
Handbook Sections 3862 and 3863 replace Handbook Section 3861
"Financial Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation", revising and
enhancing its disclosure requirements, and carrying forward unchanged
its presentation requirements. These new sections place increased
emphasis on disclosures about the nature and extent of risks arising
from financial instruments and how the entity manages those risks.
The Company has included disclosures recommended by the new Handbook
section, in note 8 to these consolidated financial statements.
The Company has classified each of its significant categories of
financial instruments as follows:
- Cash and cash equivalents are classified as held-for-trading.
Changes in fair value for the period are recorded in earnings
as interest income.
- Accounts receivable and other receivables are classified as
loans and receivables.
- Borrowings under accounts payable and accrued liabilities are
classified as other financial liabilities.
- Convertible debentures, non-convertible debentures, and loan
payable are classified as other financial liabilities and
recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
- Debt issuance and transaction costs related to other financial
liabilities are netted against the carrying value of the debt
and amortized over the term of the debt using the effective
interest method.
Future change in accounting policies
Financial Statement Concepts
In February 2008, the CICA amended Handbook Section 1000 "Financial
Statement Concepts" to clarify the criteria for recognition of assets
and liabilities, the relationship between incurring expenditures and
creating assets, the future economic benefit criterion necessary for
recognition of an asset, and the timing of expense recognition. This
amendment is effective for annual and interim financial statements
relating to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008. The
Company will apply the amendments beginning July 1, 2009, and is
currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new
standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
In February 2008, the CICA issued Handbook Section 3064 "Goodwill and
Intangible Assets". Handbook Section 3064 replaces Handbook Section
3062 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" and Handbook Section 3450
"Research and Development Costs". This new section provides
additional guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and
disclosure of goodwill and intangible assets. This standard is
effective for interim and annual financial statements for fiscal
years beginning on or after October 1, 2008. The Company will apply
this new standard beginning July 1, 2009. The Company is evaluating
the impact that the adoption of this new standard will have on its
consolidated financial statements.
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")
On February 13, 2008, the CICA's Accounting Standards Board (AcSB)
confirmed that the use of IFRS will be required for interim and
annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after
January 1, 2011 for publicly accountable enterprises in Canada.
Companies will be required to provide comparative information under
IFRS for the previous fiscal year. The implementation of IFRS will
be applicable for the Company for the July 1, 2011 to September 30,
2011 quarter, for which the current and comparative financial
information will be presented under IFRS. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact that the adoption of IFRS will have on its
consolidated financial statements.
3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Accumulated Net
Cost Amortization Book Value
---- ------------ ----------
June 30, 2009
-------------
Computer equipment $2,325,887 $2,114,154 $211,733
Furniture and equipment 195,277 142,556 52,721
Computer software 2,340,086 1,951,901 388,185
---------- ---------- --------
$4,861,250 $4,208,611 $652,639
---------- ---------- --------
---------- ---------- --------
June 30, 2008
-------------
Computer equipment $2,223,012 $2,022,899 $200,113
Furniture and equipment 195,316 125,553 69,763
Computer software 2,209,325 1,733,745 475,580
---------- ---------- --------
$4,627,653 $3,882,197 $745,456
---------- ---------- --------
---------- ---------- --------
During the year the Company commenced and completed development of
data warehousing capability. The cost of the project was $89,800, and
the Company has commenced amortization on the system. The costs are
included in Computer software.
4. LOAN PAYABLE
In December, 2007 Advantex Dining Corporation, a 100% subsidiary of
the Company concluded an agreement with Accord Financial Inc.
(formerly Montcap Financial Corp) for a $ 5.0 million credit
facility. Under the agreement, the facility is to be used exclusively
to acquire transaction credits. Transaction credits can only be
acquired from those establishments that are in industries available
to the Company under its agreement with CIBC. The Company had
immediate access to $1.5 million of the facility. The remaining
balance of $3.5 million would be available once the Company reached
an agreement with CIBC that would allow the Company to expand its
program to retail fashion establishments.
In February, 2009 the agreement was revised and while it capped the
total credit facility to $3.0 million it allowed the Company to
increase access from the prior limit of $1.5 million.
Interest is calculated daily on the amount outstanding and charged
monthly at the per annum rate of 10 per cent above a certain major
Canadian bank's prime rate. First charge on all amounts due from
participating establishments which are funded from this facility are
provided as security. The agreement is for three years. The interest
paid during the year was $121,655 (2008 $54,026)
The financing fees related to this credit facility were $191,376.
The fees are being amortized over the term of the facility. The
carrying amount outstanding under this facility at June 30, 2009 was
$1,077,489 (2008 $824,281). The loan payable amount disclosed on the
Balance Sheet is net of the unamortized financing fees of $96,501
(2008 $160,833).
5. CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES PAYABLE
In prior periods, the Company issued $6,000,000 of senior convertible
debentures (the convertible debentures). The convertible debentures
bear interest at 10%, mature on December 9, 2011, are convertible
into common shares at $0.10 per common share and are secured by a
general security interest over the assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries.
The significant financial covenants of the convertible debentures
require the Company to meet a defined level of current assets and
interest coverage commencing on a quarterly basis.
As at June 30, 2008, the Company was in breach of its financial
covenant related to current assets, and interest coverage. In
September, 2008, the convertible debenture agreement was amended and
the covenants from June 30, 2008 through maturity were revised. The
Company met the revised financial covenants as at June 30, 2008. In
consideration for the amendments to the convertible debenture
agreement, the Company agreed to issue 9,990,000 warrants to the
holders of the convertible debentures on a pro rata basis based on
the outstanding principal amounts of the convertible debentures. Each
warrant entitled the holder to purchase one common share of the
Company at an exercise price of $0.045 at any time prior to December,
2011. The issuance of 9.86 million warrants was completed in two
tranches, January, 2009 and February, 2009.
In accordance with CICA Handbook section 3862, the debt and equity
portions of the convertible debentures were re-computed based on
estimated relative fair value of the debt and equity components. The
fair value of the warrants was determined as $189,810.
The Black-Scholes pricing model was used to determine the fair value
of the warrants. The following assumptions were used in the Black-
Scholes option pricing model.
Common share price $0.035
Exercise price of warrants $0.045
Expected life of the warrant 3 years
Expected volatility 87%
Risk-free interest rate 3%
During Fiscal 2009, the Company met its financial covenants at
quarters ended September 30, 2008, December 31, 2008, and March 31,
2009.
As at June 30, 2009, the Company met its financial covenants.
A summary of the debt and equity portions of the convertible
debentures and the related balance of unamortized financing charges
is as follows. The debt portion is shown on the balance sheet net of
financing costs.
Deferred
Debt Equity financing
portion Portion Warrants costs
-----------------------------------------------
Balance June 30, 2007 $4,426,929 $2,114,341 $ - $ 384,594
-----------------------------------------------
Accretion charge 315,316 - - -
Amortization of
issuance costs - - - (85,464)
-----------------------------------------------
Balance June 30, 2008 $4,742,245 $2,114,341 $ - $ 299,130
-----------------------------------------------
Accretion charge 374,639 - - -
Amortization of
issuance costs - - - (85,464)
Issuance of warrants (189,810) - 189,810 -
-----------------------------------------------
Balance June 30, 2009 $4,927,074 $2,114,341 $ 189,810 $ 213,666
-----------------------------------------------
6. NON-CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES PAYABLE
In December, 2007, the Company issued 2,000 units of non-convertible
debentures for gross proceeds of $2,000,000. The Company issued an
additional 665 units in January 2008, for gross proceeds of $665,000.
Certain directors and officers of the Company participated in the
second tranche, purchasing 110 units. Financing fees of $103,891
related to these debentures will be amortized over the term of the
debentures.
Each unit consists of a $1,000 secured non-convertible debenture and
1,975 share purchase warrants. The debentures bear interest at 14%
per annum, payable quarterly, and mature on December 31, 2010. Each
share purchase warrant allows the holder to acquire one share of the
Company at $0.06 per share during the three year term of the
debenture.
Under the agreement, the proceeds of the non-convertible debentures
are to be used to acquire transaction credits. In addition, the
proceeds of the non-convertible debentures are to be held in a
separate bank account, set up by the Company. As security, the
debenture holders have first charge to the balances in the separate
bank accounts as well as all amounts due from establishments funded
by the proceeds of the non-convertible debentures. The balance in the
separate bank account at June 30, 2009 was $60,000 (2008 $60,000).
The non-convertible debentures include a financial covenant that
requires the Company to meet a defined level of assets at each
quarter end commencing the quarter ending on March 31, 2008. The
Company met its financial covenant during the year ended June 30,
2009.
In accordance with CICA Handbook Section 3855, the fair value of the
non-convertible debentures was bifurcated into debt and equity
portions based on the estimated relative fair value of the debt and
equity components. Accordingly, $184,744 was allocated to the equity
portion of the share purchase warrants.
The Black-Scholes option pricing model was used to determine the fair
value of the share purchase warrants. The following assumptions were
used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model:
Common share price $0.06
Exercise price of share purchase warrant $0.06
Expected life of the share warrant 3 years
Expected volatility 89%
Risk-free interest rate 3.9%
The amount of non-convertible debentures is disclosed under long-term
liabilities:
Gross proceeds of debentures $2,665,000
Allocated to share purchase warrants (184,744)
Unamortized financing fees (54,609)
Accretion charges to date 94,014
-----------
Non - convertible debenture payable $2,519,661
-----------
7. CAPITAL STOCK
(a) Authorized
Class A preference - 500,000 shares non-voting,
non-participating, redeemable (at stated capital amount), 8% (of
stated capital amount) non-cumulative dividend rate
Class B preference - Unlimited number of shares, issuable in
series with rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions
determined by the Board of Directors at time of issue
Common - Unlimited number of shares
(b) Issued Class A preference shares
2009 2008
---- ----
459,781 shares $ 3,815 $ 3,815
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
(c) Issued common shares
2009 2008
---- ----
97,030,868 shares $24,106,281 $24,106,281
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
(d) Stock options
The Company has a stock option plan for directors, officers,
employees and consultants. The stock options are non-assignable; the
stock option price is to be fixed by the Board of Directors (but may
not be less than the closing price on the day immediately preceding
the date of the grant of the stock option); the term of the stock
options may not exceed five years, and payment for the optioned
shares is required to be made in full on the exercise of the stock
options. The stock options are subject to various vesting provisions,
determined by the Board of Directors, ranging from immediately to
four years. On January 26, 2006, the Company received approval from
the shareholders to amend its stock option plan from a fixed maximum
number of common shares issuable to a rolling maximum number of
common shares issued and outstanding (calculated on a non-diluted
basis). At the Annual and Special Meetings of the Shareholders held
on December 6, 2007, the Company's stock option plan was amended to
increase the maximum number of common shares issuable under the plan
from 10% of the number of common shares outstanding at any particular
time, to 12.5% of the number of common shares outstanding at any
particular time. The rolling maximum plan was re-approved for a
further three year period by the shareholders at the Special and
Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders held on December 30, 2008.
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plan as at
June 30, 2009 and 2008, and changes during the years then ended is
presented below:
2009 2008
----------------------- -----------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Share Exercise Share Exercise
options Price options Price
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Outstanding at the
beginning of the
year 11,896,606 $0.06 7,980,000 $0.08
Granted 303,672 0.01 4,721,606 0.05
Forfeited and expired (791,076) 0.06 (805,000) 0.14
----------- -----------
Outstanding at the
end of the year 11,409,202 $0.06 11,896,606 $0.06
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Options exercisable
at the end of the
year 10,048,198 7,239,333
The following table summarizes information about stock options
outstanding as at June 30, 2009:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
-------------------------------- ----------------------
Weighted
Average
Remaining Weighted Weighted
Range of Contractual Average Average
Exercise Number Life Exercise Number Exercise
Prices Outstanding (years) Price Exercisable Price
0.01 - 0.045 4.049,202 3.4 $0.046 3,212,198 $0.045
0.05 - 0.095 6,725,000 1.9 $0.062 6,525,000 $0.065
0.10 - 0.15 635,000 1.6 $0.133 311,000 $0.132
---------- ----------
11,409,202 10,048,198
---------- ----------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The number of stock options available for future issuance as at
June 30 is as follows:
2009 2008
---- ----
Maximum number reserved for issuance 12,128,858 12,128,858
Less: Outstanding at end of year (11,409,202) (11,896,606)
------------ -----------
Number of options available for future
issuance 719,656 232,252
------------ -----------
------------ -----------
The Company calculated the fair value of the stock options issued
during Fiscal 2009 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
and determined their fair value was $2,000 (2008 - $110,000);
$71,067 of stock option expense for the year ended June 30, 2009
was recorded in these consolidated financial statements (2008 -
$94,800), and was recorded as an increase in contributed surplus.
The assumptions used in the model were:
2009 2008
---- ----
Expected life of stock option 5 years 4 to 5 years
Expected volatility of common share price 83% 85%
Risk-free rate of return 1.40% 2.45%
(e) Shareholders' rights plan
At the Annual and Special Meeting of the Shareholders held on
December 6, 2007 the Company received approval to renew the
Shareholders' rights plan. The Plan expires the earliest of
the (i) termination time as defined in the plan; and (ii) the
termination of the Annual General Meeting of the Company in the
year 2010. Under the shareholders' rights plan, certain rights
become exercisable and permit shareholders to purchase common
shares from the Company at 50% of the then current market price
if any entity or person acquires or announces an intention to
acquire 20% or more of the common shares, other than with the
approval of the Board of Directors or pursuant to the "permitted
bid" procedures, as defined by the shareholders' rights plan.
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Credit risk
-----------
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a
customer fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company, in
the normal course of business, is exposed to credit risk on its
accounts receivable and transaction credits from customers. The
Company generally acquires transaction credits that are estimated to
be fully extinguishable within 30-120 days. Accounts receivable and
transaction credits are net of applicable allowance for doubtful
accounts, which is established based on the specific credit risk
associated with the customer and other relevant information.
The ageing of accounts receivable and transaction credits at the
reporting date was:
June 30, June 30,
2009 2008
----------- -----------
Current $7,934,945 $7,694,911
Over 120 days 722,620 410,674
----------- -----------
$8,657,565 $8,105,585
----------- -----------
Currency risk
-------------
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk as a portion of its
revenue is earned in US dollars and it has assets and liabilities
that will be settled in US dollars. Foreign exchange risk arises due
to fluctuations in foreign currency rates, which could affect the
Company's financial results.
Included in the undernoted accounts are the following amounts (in
USD):
June 30, June 30,
2009 2008
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents $ 82,929 $ 112,253
Accounts receivable $ 360,815 $ 656,849
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 728,770 $ 153,300
As at June 30, 2009, the Company had nominal amounts (equivalent to
under CAD 3,000) of assets and liabilities in Euro and Pound Sterling
(2008 nil).
Liquidity risk
--------------
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet
its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company's approach to
managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will
always have sufficient liquidity when obligations are due.
The Company deploys available funds to merchants under its Advance
Purchase Marketing (APM) program, which are disclosed as transactions
credits on the balance sheet. The Company generally acquires
transaction credits that are estimated to be fully extinguishable
within 30-120 days. The Company maintains adequate cash balances to
meet liabilities when due.
Fair value
----------
The carrying value of accounts receivable, transaction credits,
accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair
values due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
The stated value of the loans payable, convertible debentures payable
and non-convertible debentures payable approximate their fair values,
as the interest rates are representative of current market rates for
loans with similar terms, conditions and maturities.
Interest rate risk
------------------
The Company is exposed to price risk on both the convertible and non-
convertible debentures payable, as these amounts are subject to fixed
interest rates.
9. LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Loss per share is calculated on the basis of net loss divided by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year.
Diluted loss per share is calculated using the treasury stock method,
giving effect to the exercise of all dilutive instruments. Diluted
loss per share information has not been presented, as the effect of
potential exercise of the convertible debenture, stock options and
warrants would be anti-dilutive.
10. INCOME TAXES
The Company has $13,864,000 (2008 - $16,224,000) of non-capital
losses available to be applied against future taxable income. The
losses expire as follows:
Year ending June 30, 2010 - $ 2,133,000
2014 - $ 1,069,000
2015 - $ 1,448,000
2016 and thereafter - $ 9,214,000
-----------
$13,864,000
-----------
-----------
The income tax effect of these losses and other temporary differences
give rise to future income tax assets against which a valuation
allowance has been applied as follows:
2009 2008
---- ----
Income tax effect of:
Non-capital losses carried forward $4,966,000 $5,860,000
Property, plant and equipment
amortization 18,000 (14,000)
Deferred financing charges 6,000 (36,000)
Research and development 65,000 65,000
Other 110,000 27,000
------- ------
5,165,000 5,902,000
Valuation allowance (5,165,000) (5,902,000)
----------- -----------
Future income taxes $ - $ -
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
-----------
The Company is committed to minimum rental payments under existing
leases for equipment and premises for the next five years as follows.
Year ending June 30, 2010 $228,503
2011 173,241
2012 45,853
2013 27,838
2014 & beyond 9,812
Taxation
--------
After an audit in 1998, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) determined
that the Company was providing marketing services. Since 1998, the
Company has continued in the same business activities.
After completion of a recent audit, the CRA reversed its 1998
position. In April 2009, the Company received a notice of
reassessment for Goods and Services Tax owed related to the Company's
CIBC Advantex program and the ability to claim certain input tax
credits during Fiscal years 2005-2007. The re-assessment is in the
amount of $755,000.
The Company has contested the CRA position, and has filed a notice of
objection.
The balance owed under the re-assessment is required to be paid
during the objection process. The Company has agreed a 24 month
payment plan with the CRA. The amounts payable under the payment
plan, including an estimate for interest are:
Due within 12 months from June 30, 2009 - $366,000
Due within 12 months from June 20, 2010 - $416,000
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following transactions are in the normal course of business and
are measured at the exchange amount of consideration established and
agreed to by the related parties:
(i). On January 17, 2006, the Company entered into an agreement
appointing Notre-Dame to act as its exclusive agent in
connection with a series of financing transactions. In
addition, Notre-Dame was appointed as the Company's exclusive
financial adviser for a period of two years from January 17,
2006. The agreement was terminated by the Company effective
February 5, 2007. The agreement allowed the agent to earn a
commission on the issuance of common shares and debentures
plus, in the case of common shares, options corresponding to
10% of the common shares sold. On March 14, 2006, the Company
issued 37,037,037 common shares by way of a private placement
and, in its capacity as agent for the private placement, Notre-
Dame earned and was paid commission of $287,770 and received
3,552,716 stock options, exercisable at the offering price of
$0.081 for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the
private placement; the stock options were not exercised and
expired March 15, 2008. In its capacity of financial adviser
Notre-Dame was paid a monthly fee of $3,000. The president and
managing partner of Notre-Dame was appointed a director of the
Company on January 26, 2006, and resigned March 30, 2009
(ii). As at June 30, 2009, the following related parties are holders
of the debentures described in notes 5 and 6:
Principal
Principal Amount
Amount (Non-
(Convertible convertible
Title debenture) debenture)
------------- ------------
Chief Executive Officer $ 50,000 $ 30,000
Director $ nil $ 25,000
Chief Financial Officer $ nil $ 15,000
13. RESTRUCTURING COSTS
Other liabilities disclosed under Long-term liabilities (Fiscal 2007
restructuring costs of $1,088,657 which were primarily severance
payments due to former employees) are payable as follows:
June 30, June 30,
2009 2008
----------- -----------
Included in current liabilities $225,955 $260,000
Included in long term other liabilities $nil $205,955
14. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company's objective is to maintain a strong capital base so as to
maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain
future development of the business. The Company manages Loan
Payable, Non-Convertible debentures, Convertible debentures, and
Capital Stock which is explained in detail in these financial
statements. The Board of Directors does not establish quantitative
return on capital criteria for management, but rather promotes year
over year sustainable growth.
The Company is subject to financial covenants which are measured on a
quarterly basis. The Company is in compliance with all financial
covenants.
15. LISTING OF COMMON SHARES
On August 12, 2009, the TSX announced that it will delist Advantex's
common shares following the close of trading on September 11, 2009.
As announced by Advantex on January 15, 2009, the TSX had then
initiated a review of the company's listing as it appeared that the
shares no longer met the TSX's continued listing requirements. In
citing its reasons for delisting Advantex, the TSX indicated that the
common shares no longer met the continued listing requirements of the
TSX, particularly with respect to the threshold of minimum market
value of listed common shares.
The Toronto Stock Exchange has extended the date for the delisting of
the Company's common shares to close of trading on September 30,
2009.
The extension period is to allow the TSX Venture Exchange (the
"TSXV") to complete its review of the Company's application to list
its common shares on the TSXV prior to the delisting on the Toronto
Stock Exchange.
16. COMPARATIVES
Certain of the comparative figures have been reclassified to conform
to consolidated financial statement presentation adopted in the
current year.
%SEDAR: 00004122E
For further information: Mukesh Sabharwal, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Tel: (905) 470-9558 ext. 249, E-mail: [email protected]
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