20-F 1 digatrade20f05062016.htm DIGATRADE FINANCIAL CORP. - 20-F CA Filed by Filing Services Canada Inc. 403-717-3898

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

o Registration Statement Pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

or

 

x Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

or

 

o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

For the transition period from _______ to ________.

 

 

Commission file number 000-52145

 

Digatrade Financial Corp

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

________________________________________________

(Translation of Registrant's name into English)

 

Business Corporations Act (British Columbia)

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

999 Canada Place, Suite 568; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3E1

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

 

Common Stock, without par value

(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

__________________________

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 82,442,179 shares of common stock as at December 31, 2015.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes  x No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to filed reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934  o Yes  x No

 

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)   x Yes  o No; and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  x Yes   o No.

 

Indicate which financial statement item the registrant elects to follow:   x Item 17  o Item 18.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  o    Accelerated filer  o    Non-accelerated filer x

 

If this is an annual report, indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  o Yes  x No

 

 

 
 

 

Digatrade Financial Corp

 

Table of Contents

PART I 1
Item 1.   Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors 1
Item 2.   Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable 1
Item 3.   Key Information 1
Item 4.   Information on the Company 6
Item 5.   Operating and Financial Review 7
Item 6.   Directors, Senior Management and Employees 10
Item 7.   Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions. 13
Item 8.   Financial Information 14
Item 9.   The Offer and Listing 14
Item 10.   Additional Information 15
Item 11.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 24
Item 12.   Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities 25
PART II 25
Item 13.   Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies 25
Item 14.   Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds 25
Item 15T.   Controls and Procedures 25
Item 15.   Controls and Procedures 25
Item 16A.   Audit Committee Financial Experts 26
Item 16B.   Code of Ethics 26
Item 16C.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services 27
Item 16D.   Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees 27
Item 16E.   Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers 27
Item 16F.   Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant 27
Item 16G.   Corporate Governance 27
Item 17.   Financial Statements 28
Item 18.   Financial Statements 28
Item 19.   Exhibits 28
SIGNATURES 28
 
 

PART I

 

Introduction.  Digatrade Financial Corp. (Formerly: Bit-X Financial Corp.) (referred to as “Digatrade” or “the Company”), is a British Columbia corporation incorporated on December 28, 2000. The Company is engaged in entering into the crypto-currency exchange and internet financial business.

 

Item 1.   Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors

 

The President & CEO of the Company is Brad Moynes, and the directors of the Company are Brad Moynes and Paul E. Heney of 999 Canada Place, Suite 568; Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3E1.  Mr. Heney also serves as our Chairmam. See Item 6 for further information.

 

The Company’s registered independent auditors are WDM Chartered Professional Accountants, Suite 420 – 1501 West Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6J 4Z6.  For further information, see Item 16C and the consolidated financial statements under Item 8.

 

Item 2.   Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable  

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3.   Key Information

 

A.   Selected Financial Data

 

The following selected information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and notes, filed with this Form 20-F.  This information, and all other financial information in this Form 20-F, is stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.  

 

The financial information is presented on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards.  With respect to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, there are no material differences from applying these principles compared to applying United States generally accepted accounting principles.  

 

Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data

  Year Ended December 31,
Operating Data 2015   2014
  $   $
Sales  -    -
Gross Profit, Net of Cost of Sales  -    -
       
Net Loss (557,433)   (234,144)
Loss per Common Share – Basic & Diluted* (0.007)   (0.004)
       
Number of Shares Outstanding* 82,442,979   80,417,179
       
Balance Sheet Data 2015   2014
  $   $
       
Current Assets 66,900   15,548
Current Liabilities 1,011,113   545,499
Total Assets     16,153
       
Share Capital 3,354,848   3,241,848
Share Purchase Warrant Reserve -   18,600
Accumulated Deficit (4,328,627)   (3,789,794)
Dividends per Common Share 0.00   0.00
       

 

 1 
   

 

 

* Adjusted to reflect the consolidation of the Company’s stock on (i) March 22, 2010 in the ratio of 1 new common share for 10 old common shares and (ii) April 3, 2013 in the ratio of 1 new common share for 50 old common shares.

 

 

Exchange Rates

 

In this FORM 20-F, references to “dollars”, “$” or “Cdn$” are to Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified. Reference to “US$” refers to United States dollars. Since June 1, 1970, the Government of Canada has permitted a floating exchange rate to determine the value of the Canadian dollar as compared to the United States dollar.

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are stated in Canadian dollars.

 

The Company realized losses on foreign exchange of $55,536 and $14,005 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively.  These foreign exchange gains and losses were due to currency exchange rate fluctuations between the Canadian and United States dollar.

 

The Bank of Canada closing exchange rate on December 31, 2015 was Cdn$1.3840 per US$1.00. For the past five fiscal years ended December 31, and for the period between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015, the following exchange rates were in effect for Canadian dollars exchanged for United States dollars, expressed in terms of United States dollars (based on the nominal exchange rates provided by the Bank of Canada):

 

 

Year Ended Average per US$1
December 31, 2009 $ 1.07
December 31, 2010 $ 1.03
December 31, 2011 $ 0.99
December 31, 2012 $ 0.99
December 31, 2013 $ 0.94
December 31, 2014 $ 0.86
December 31, 2015 $ 0.72

 

 2 
   

  Per US$1
Month Ended High   Low
January 31, 2015 $ 0.86   $ 0.79
February 28, 2015 $ 0.81   $ 0.79
March 31, 2015 $ 0.80   $ 0.78
April 30, 2015 $ 0.84   $ 0.79
May 31, 2015 $ 0.84   $ 0.80
June 30, 2015 $ 0.82   $ 0.80
July 31, 2015 $ 0.80   $ 0.77
August 31, 2015 $ 0.77   $ 0.75
September 30, 2015 $ 0.76   $ 0.75
October 31, 2015 $ 0.78   $ 0.76
November 30, 2015 $ 0.76   $ 0.75
December 31, 2015 $ 0.75   $ 0.71

 

B.   Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2015, using:

 

·82,442,179 shares outstanding on an actual basis; 

 

  December 31,   As Adjusted
  2015   April 25,
      2016
  (audited)   (unaudited)
  $   $
Bank Indebtedness (24)   2,715
Long-term obligations, less current portion -   -
       
Shareholders’ (deficiency) equity      
Share capital 3,358,848   3,358,848
Share Subscription Received 25,998   25,998
Accumulated deficit (4,328,627)   (4,405,628)
Shareholders’ (deficiency) equity (943,781)   (1,020,782)

 

On March 8, 2015, the Company completed a private placement of 250,000 shares at $0.13 per share, raising gross proceeds of $32,000.

 

On November 11, 2015, the Company completed a private placement of 400,000 shares at US$0.05 per share, raising gross proceeds of $25,998 (US$20,000).

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company entered into investor relations consulting agreements with various unrelated third parties. The Company paid $21,063 (US$17,500) in cash and agreed to issue in aggregate 1,400,000 shares with a fair value of $70,000.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company entered into business consulting agreements. The Company agreed to issue in aggregate 300,000 shares with a fair value of $15,000. 150,000 of these shares were issued to a related party.

 3 
   

 

None of the capitalization referred to above is secured or guaranteed. All amounts in respect of capitalization including long term debt are unsecured and not guaranteed.

 

C.   Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D.   Forward Looking-Statements and Risk Factors

 

Forward-looking Statements.  In this document, we are showing you a picture which is part historical (events which have happened) and part predictive (events which we believe will happen).  Except for the historical information, all of the information in this document comprises "forward looking" statements.  Specifically, all statements (other than statements of historical fact) regarding our financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives are forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to management.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, including the risks resulting from economic and market conditions, accurately forecasting operating and capital expenditures and capital needs, successful anticipation of competition which may not yet be fully developed, and other business conditions.  Our use of the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "continue" and "intend", and similar words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements (also known as "cautionary statements").  These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events.  They are subject to the realization in fact of assumptions, but what we now believe will occur may turn out to be inaccurate or incomplete.  We cannot assure you that our expectations will prove to be correct.  Actual operating results and financial performance may prove to be very different from what we now predict or anticipate.  The "risk factors" below specifically address all of the factors now identifiable by us that may influence future operating results and financial performance.

 

 

Risk Factors

 

Risks Related to the Business

 

We have a history of operating losses and need additional capital to implement our business plan.  For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a net loss of $557,433 from operations compared to a net loss of $234,144 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The financial statements have been prepared using International Financial Reporting Standards applicable to a going concern.  However, as shown in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, our ability to continue operations is uncertain.

 
We continue to incur operating losses, and have a consolidated deficit of $4,328,627 as at December 31, 2015. Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been funded primarily from the issuance of share capital and the continued support of creditors.  Historically, we have met working capital needs primarily by selling equity to Canadian residents, and from loans (including loans from relatives of principal shareholders).

 

We estimate that we will require a minimum of approximately $500,000 to develop and implement the crypto-currency exchange and cover working capital expenses for up to 12 months.. See Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

 4 
   

 

Our entry into the crypto-currency exchange business may not be successful and there are risks attendant on these activities.  The crypto-currency exchange business is highly competitive, and is populated with many companies, large and small, with the capital and expertise to evaluate, purchase, and exploit opportunities.  Even with capital and experience, industry risks are significant regulatory compliance is an increasingly complex and potentially costly obstacle to many new crypto-currency start-ups, and often times, and even if licenses are obtained, they may be sufficiently restrictive.

 

We offer no assurance that our entry into this business activity will be successful.

 

Risks Related to Our Stock

 

If we have to raise capital by selling securities in the future, your rights and the value of your investment in the Company could be reduced.  If we issue debt securities, the lenders would have a claim to our assets that would be superior to the stockholder rights.  Interest on the debt would increase costs and negatively impact operating results.  If we issue more common stock or any preferred stock, your percentage ownership will decrease and your stock may experience additional dilution, and the holders of preferred stock (called preference securities in Canada) may have rights, preferences and privileges which are superior to (more favorable) the rights of holders of the common stock.  It is likely the Company will sell securities in the future.  The terms of such future transactions presently are not determinable.

 

 

If the market for our common stock is illiquid in the future, you could encounter difficulty if you try to sell your stock.  Our stock trades on the “OTC.BB” but it is not actively traded.  If there is no active trading market, you may not be able to resell your shares at any price, if at all.  It is possible that the trading market in the future will continue to be "thin" or "illiquid," which could result in increased price volatility.  Prices may be influenced by investors' perceptions of us and general economic conditions, as well as the market for energy generally.   Until our financial performance indicates substantial success in executing our business plan, it is unlikely that there will be coverage by stock market analysts will be extended. Without such coverage, institutional investors are not likely to buy the stock.  Until such time, if ever, as such coverage by analysts and wider market interest develops, the market may have a limited capacity to absorb significant amounts of trading.  As the stock is a “penny stock,” there are additional constraints on the development of an active trading market – see the next risk factor.

 

The penny stock rule operates to limit the range of customers to whom broker-dealers may sell our stock in the market.  In general, "penny stock" (as defined in the SEC’s rule 3a51-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) includes securities of companies which are not listed on the principal stock exchanges, or the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market, and which have a bid price in the market of less than $5.00; and companies with net tangible assets of less than $2 million ($5 million if the issuer has been in continuous operation for less than three years), or which has recorded revenues of less than $6 million in the last three years.

 

As "penny stock" our stock therefore is subject to the SEC’s rule 15g-9, which imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers which sell such securities to persons other than established customers and "accredited investors" (generally, individuals with net worth in excess of $1 million or annual incomes exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together with their spouses, or individuals who are the officers or directors of the issuer of the securities).  For transactions covered by rule 15g-9, a broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and have received the purchaser's written consent to the transaction prior to sale.  This rule may adversely affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our stock, and therefore may adversely affect our stockholders' ability to sell the stock in the public market.

 5 
   

 

Your legal recourse as a United States investor could be limited.  The Company is incorporated under the laws of British Columbia.  Most of the assets now are located in Canada.  Our directors and officers and the audit firm are residents of Canada.  As a result, if any of our shareholders were to bring a lawsuit in the United States against the officers, directors or experts in the United States, it may be difficult to effect service of legal process on those people who reside in Canada, based on civil liability under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  In addition, we have been advised that a judgment of a United States court based solely upon civil liability under these laws would probably be enforceable in Canada, but only if the U.S. court in which the judgment were obtained had a basis for jurisdiction in the matter. We also have been advised that there is substantial doubt whether an action could be brought successfully in Canada in the first instance on the basis of liability predicated solely upon the United States' securities laws.

 

Item 4.   Information on the Company

 

A.   History and Development of the Company

 

The Company is a British Columbia corporation (organized on December 28, 2000, incorporation number BC 0619991, which is the incorporation number reflecting the transition to the new corporate statute (the British Columbia Business Corporations Act)).  The registered office is at 999 Canada Place, Suite 568, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C-3E1. We do not have an agent in the United States.

 

The Company’s legal name is Digatrade Financial Corp and business is carried on in this name at this time. On October 27, 2015 the Company changed its name from Bit-X Financial Corporation to Digatrade Financial Corporation. On February 9, 2015 the Company changed its name from Rainchief Energy Inc to Bit-x Financial Corp and on November 21, 2008 the Company changed its name from Black Diamond Brands Corporation to Rainchief Energy Inc.

 

 

B.   Overview

 

Digatrade Financial Corp. (the “Company”) was incorporated on December 28, 2000 under the Company Act of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. We are developing a crypto-currency exchange and prior to February 2015, we had operations in oil and gas exploration in Alberta, Canada.

 

The Company’s Organization Structure

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company incorporated three subsidiaries: Digatrade Limited (a British Columbia, Canada corporation), Digatrade (UK) Limited (a United Kingdom corporation) and Digatrade Limited (a Nevada corporation).

 6 
   

 

On October 27, 2015 the Company changed its name to from Bit-X Financial Corporation to Digatrade Financial Corporation. The Company’s stock will continue to trade on the FINRA OTC.QB under the symbol BITX until the change of name is processed by FINRA.

 

On September 30, 2009, we disposed of two subsidiaries, Black Diamond Importers Inc., a British Columbia, Canada, corporation and Liberty Valley Wines, LLC., a Delaware, U.S.A., limited liability company. On December 30, 2009, we disposed of our remaining subsidiary, Point Grey Energy Inc., an Alberta, Canada corporation.

 

Effective December 22, 2010, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Jaydoc Capital Corp (“Jaydoc”), a company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. Jaydoc was acquired to facilitate our business venture in solar energy development. The assets of Jaydoc are its business plan and strategic business relationship with operational partners that offer experience and knowledge in the development, engineering and construction of solar energy projects in Italy and the European Union.

 

On December 18, 2010 we incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Rainchief Renewable-1 S.R.L under the laws of Italy.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, Jaydoc Capital Corp. and Rainchief Renewable-1 S.R.L., were de-registered.

 

Commitments.

As at December 31, 2015, the Company owned computer and office furniture and equipment with a depreciated cost of $432. See note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 5.   Operating and Financial Review

 

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company had net losses of $557,433, $234,144 and $220,479, respectively.

 

Accounting, Audit and Legal expenses increased by $21,236 from $18,050 for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $39,286 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Audit, accounting, and legal fees amounted to $39,286, consistent with the amount expended during the year ended December 31, 2015 after adjusting for the reversal in that period of excess accruals in previous periods.

Accounting, Audit and Legal expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by $22,101 for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $18,050 from $40,151 for the year ended December 31, 2013. Audit and accounting fees reduced by $13,088 as a result of cost reductions negotiated by management and the reversal of excess accruals in previous periods. Legal fees reduced by $9,013 as a result of reduced requirements for legal services.

 

 

 7 
   

Consulting expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $15,735 to $75,735 as compared with $60,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, as a result of increased corporate activity. Consulting expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 amounted to $60,000, a decrease of $20,000 as compared with $80,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013 as a result of reduced use of consulting services during that year.

 

The Company entered into three investor relations contracts during the year end December 31, 2015 for a total cost of $94,072. The Company did not incur any Investor Relations expenses during the year ended December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013 the Company incurred Investor Relations expense in the amount of $3,663 in connection with the consolidation of the Company’s stock.

 

Filing and Transfer Agents Fees for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $3,425 to $11,720 from $8,295 for the year ended December 31, 2014 as a result of increased corporate activity during the year. Filing and Transfer Agents Fees for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by $7,496 to $8,295 from $15,791 for the year ended December 31, 2013 as a result of increased corporate activity during the year.

 

Management Fees for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $60,000, unchanged from the amounts incurred during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively.

 

Administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased from $950 during the year ended December 31, 2014 to $3,690 for the year ended December 31, 2015 as the Company utilized rented office accommodation. Administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013 were ($124) as a result of the reversal of expenses accrued in prior periods.

 

The Company did not incur property investigation costs during the years ended December 31, 2015. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company incurred property investigation costs of $2,500 and $13,054, respectively, in connection with the Gulf Jensen project.

 

The Company incurred losses on foreign exchange of $55,536, $14,005 and $6,666 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These losses resulted from changes in the foreign currency exchange rates between the Canadian and US Dollars.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, the Company realized a net gains on the settlement of certain debts in the amounts of $42,626 and $334 respectively. The Company did not settle any debts during the year ended December 31, 2015

 

The Company was the respondent in a lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The Plaintiff sought damages in the amount of $60,750, claiming breach of a licensing agreement relating to the Company’s use of certain photographs, the copyright to which is held by the plaintiff. The Company recorded a contingent liability for this amount as at December 31, 2009. In July 2013 the Supreme Court of British Columbia found in favour of the Plaintiff and awarded damages, interest and costs. In December 2013 the Company paid the Plaintiff $61,500 in full and final settlement of the matter.

 8 
   

 

Financial position

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company had a working capital deficiency of $944,213 as compared with a working capital deficiency of $529,951 as at December 31, 2014, an increase of $414,262. The increase in working capital deficiency during the year ended December 31, 2014 is due to increases in Convertible Promissory Notes Payable of $338,460, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities of $84,523, Liabilities to Customers of $42,747, and a reduction in GST receivable of $5,552; offset by increases in Accounts Receivable of $51,019 and Prepaid Expenses of $5,885, and a reduction in Bank Indebtedness of $116.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company raised $281,638 by the issuance of Convertible Promissory Notes (year ended December 31, 2014 -$127,024).

 

The Company raised $57,998 in private placements during the year ended December 31, 2015 The Company did not complete any private placements during the year ended December 31, 2014

 

Changes in working capital accounts during the year ended December 31, 2015 provided $75,919 (year ended December 31, 2014 – $34,554).

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company used cash in the amount of $415,438 to fund the Company's continuing operations (year ended December 31, 2014 – $168,472).

 

C.   Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

Not applicable

 

D.   Trend Information

 

Management is not aware of any trend, commitment, event or uncertainty that is expected to have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

E.   Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Not applicable.

 

F.   Contractual Obligations

 

Not applicable.

 9 
   

Item 6.   Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

A.   Directors, Senior Management, and Employees

 

The following table sets forth the name, positions held and principal occupation of each of our directors, senior management and employees upon whose work the Company is dependent.  Information on such persons’ share ownership is under Item 7.

 

Name and Positions Held Experience and Principal Business Activities
   
Paul Heney (56) Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director Director of the Company since November 18, 2010.  
   
Bradley J. Moynes (46) President, and Director President and Director of the Company since December 2000.
 10 
   

 

B.   Compensation

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

The following table sets forth the compensation paid to the executive officers of the Company in each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.  The table includes compensation paid for service by such persons to subsidiaries. All amounts are stated in US dollars.

 

 

      Annual Compensation   Long Term Compensation  
                  Awards   Payouts  
(a) (b)   (c)   (d)   (e)   (f)   (g)   (h)   (i)  
Name and Current Principal Position Year   Salary   Bonus   Other   Restricted Stock Awards   Options or SAR's   LPIT Payouts   All Other Compensation  
 
 
      (US$)   (US$)   (US$)   (US$)     (#)   (US$)   (US$)  
Paul Heney 2015   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -       $ -   $ -  
Chairman and CEO 2014   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -     -   $ -   $ -  
2013   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -     -   $ -   $ -  
                                               
Bradley J. Moynes, 2015   $ 46,986   $ -   $ -   $ -     -   $ -   $ -  
President 2014   $ 54,344   $ -   $ -   $ -     -   $ -   $ -  
2013   $ 58,273   $ -   $ -   $ -     -   $ -   $ -  

 

 

 11 
   

 

Executive Compensation Plans and Employment Agreements

 

Management Agreements

 

No management agreements were entered into for the period commencing January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

 

Equity Compensation Plans

 

Effective December 31, 2010, our Board of Directors adopted the 2010 Stock Option Incentive Plan (“the Stock Option Plan”). The purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to enhance the long-term stockholder value of the Company by offering opportunities to directors, officers, key employees and eligible consultants of the Company to acquire and maintain stock ownership in the Company, in order to give these persons the opportunity to participate in the Company's growth and success, and to encourage them to remain in the service of the Company. A maximum of 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock are available for issuance under the Stock Option Plan.

 

C.   Board Practices

 

Each director holds office until the next annual general meeting of the Company unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the Articles of the Company or the Canada Business Corporations Act.

 

During the most recently completed fiscal year, there are no arrangements (standard or otherwise) under which directors of the Company were compensated by the Company or its subsidiaries for services rendered in their capacity as directors, nor were any amounts paid to the directors for committee participation or special assignments, other than the granting of stock options.  There were no arrangements under which the directors would receive compensation or benefits in the event of the termination of that office.

 

The Company does not have an audit committee at the present time. The Company is currently seeking a suitable individual to serve on an audit committee.

 

The audit committee is responsible for selecting, evaluating and recommending the Company’s auditors to the Board of Directors for shareholder approval; evaluating the scope and general extent of the auditors’ review; overseeing the work of the auditors; recommending the auditors’ compensation to the Board of Directors; and assisting with the resolution of any disputes between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting.  The audit committee is also responsible for reviewing the Company’s annual and interim financial statements and recommending their approval to the Board of Directors; reviewing the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to internal controls and financial reporting; and establishing procedures for dealing with complaints regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters.

 

The Company does not have a compensation or corporate governance committee at the present time. The Company is listed for trading on the OTCBB as a reporting issuer under registration statement Form 20-F (Foreign Private Issuer) and as such it believes that it is not required to have such committees.

 

D.   Employees

 

The Company currently has two officers and no employees.  Employees will be added as required.

 

 

E.   Share Ownership

 

 12 
   

Our directors and officers own the indicated shares of common stock as at the date hereof; percentages are based on 82,442,179 shares outstanding on April 29, 2016.

 

Name No. of Shares   Percentage of outstanding at April 21, 2015
Paul Heney 25,000   0.03%
Brad Moynes 50,208,303   60.9%

 

Item 7.   Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.

 

A.   Major Shareholders

 

To our knowledge, only one person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over, common shares carrying more than 5% of the voting rights attached to the 82,442,179 shares outstanding at April 29, 2016.

 

The Company has approximately 200 shareholders of record at April 29, 2016.  The number of shareholders holding securities beneficially through street name nominees, as reflected in the record position of Cede & Co. and other intermediaries, is approximately 0.09%.  None of the major shareholders, if any, have different voting rights.

 

To the best of our knowledge, approximately 98.817% of the Company’s common shares are owned by residents of Canada or residents of countries other than the United States.  The number of shareholders holding securities beneficially through street name nominees, as reflected in the record position of Cede & Co. and other intermediaries, who may be residents of other countries, is approximately 43%. These assumptions are based on our shareholder registry issued by Action Stock Transfer as of April 7, 2016.

 

To our knowledge, we are not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by another corporation or by any foreign government, nor are there any arrangements which may result in a change of control of the Company. The directors of the Company own approximately 63% of the issued and outstanding shares following the March 22, 2010 and April 3, 2013 share consolidations and the subsequent private placements debt settlement issues. As a direct result of these treasury orders and subsequent non-brokered private placements the percentage of shares controlled by the directors currently represents voting control of the Company.

 

 

B.   Related Party Transactions

 

Trade and other payables

 

As at December 31, 2015, the Company had $87,086 (2014 - $64,526) in trade and other payables owed to key management personnel. The amounts owed to key management personnel arose from outstanding management fees and are non-interest bearing, unsecured and have no specified terms of repayment.

 

Promissory Notes

 

Included in Convertible Promissory Notes as at December 31, 2015, was $87,611 including US$29,000 (2014 - $67,194 including US$17,000) owed to a company controlled by a Director (also an officer) of the Company.

 13 
   

 

Included in promissory notes as at December 31, 2015, was $65,100 (2014 - $65,100) owed to a former officer of the Company.

 

Management Fees

  2015   2014   2013
  $   $   $
Management Fees 60,000   60,000   60,000
Share-Based Payments -       -
           
  60,000   60,000   60,000

 

 

C.   Interest of Experts and Counsel

 

None.

 

Item 8.   Financial Information

 

See the consolidated financial statements under Item 18.

 

Item 9.   The Offer and Listing

 

A.   Offer and Listing Details

 

The Company's common shares are traded on the “OTC.BB” under the symbol BITXF; the shares are not listed on any exchange or traded on any other medium.  Trading commenced in the first quarter 2004 on the Pink Sheets and then became a reporting issuer and was listed for trading on the OTC.BB during the second quarter of 2007.

 

The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices on the OTC Markets and the OTC.BB for the periods indicated, adjusted for the consolidations of the Company’s stock on March 22, 2010 and April 3, 2013. See Item 10A below.

 

By Quarters in 2015, 2014 & 2013 High Sales Price Low Sales Price
US$ US$
Fourth Quarter 2015 $0.30 $0.05
Third Quarter 2015 $0.43 $0.22
Second Quarter 2015 $0.36 $0.10
First Quarter 2015 $.15 $0.07
Fourth Quarter 2015 $0.60 $0.05
Third Quarter 2014 $0.85 $0.12
Second Quarter 2014 $0.18 $0.08
First Quarter 2014 $0.11 $0.07
Fourth Quarter 2013 $0.30 $0.02
Third Quarter 2013 $0.10 $0.01
Second Quarter 2013 $0.13 $0.06
First Quarter 2013 $0.30 $0.02

 

On December 31, 2015, the closing price was US$0.08 per share.

 14 
   

 

B.   Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

C.   Markets

 

See "Offer and Listing Details" above.

 

D.   Selling Shareholders

 

Not applicable.

 

E.   Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

F.   Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10.   Additional Information

 

A.   Share Capital Authorized

 

Unlimited number of common shares without par value

 

Issued and Outstanding

 

  Number of Common Shares  

Amount

$

 

   
   
Balance, December 31, 2008 (Pre-Share Consolidation) 23,818,852   2,031,174
       
Shares Issued for Cash, Net of Share Issue Costs 4,020,000   210,271
       
Balance, December 31, 2009 (Pre-Share Consolidation) 27,838,852   2,241,445
       
Share Consolidation (25,054,944)   -
       
Balance, March 22, 2010 (Post-Share Consolidation) 2,783,908   2,241,445
       
Shares Issued for Cash, Net of Share Issue Costs 10,660,000   198,215
Shares Issued for Debt 15,130,000   152,600
Shares Issued for Exercise of Share Rights 5,000,000   101,386
Fair Value of Share Rights Exercised -   13,286
Shares Issued for Acquisition of Subsidiary 4,000,000   80,000
       
Balance, December 31, 2010 (Post-Share Consolidation) 37,573,908   2,786,932
       
Shares Issued for Cash, Net of Issuance Costs 1,703,334   233,327
Shares Surrendered and Cancelled (4,500,000)   (97,336)
       
Balance, December 31, 2011 (Post-Share Consolidation) 34,777,242   2,922,923
       
Shares issued for cash 1,330,000   26,051
Shares repurchased (1,100,000)   (22,097)
Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of warrants 2,200,000   44,137
Shares issued pursuant to a directors resolution 200,000   -
Shares issued as compensation to directors 750,000   22,500
       
Balance, December 31, 2012 (Post-Share Consolidation) 38,157,242   2,993,514
       
Share consolidation in the ratio of 1 new share for 50 old shares (47,190,898)   -
Shares issued for post-consolidation rounding 835   -
Pre-consolidation shares issued in settlement of debt 10,000,000   10,000
Post-consolidation shares issued in settlement of debt 50,250,000   65,000
Share issued for cash 1,200,000   60,000
       
Balance, December 31, 2013 (Post-Share Consolidation) 52,417,179   3,128,514
Post-consolidation shares issued in settlement of debt 28,000,000   56,000
Shares held in escrow 75,000   7,334
       
       
Share Issued for Cash 250,000   32,000
Shares issued pursuant to Business Consulting Agreements 300,000   15,000
Shares issued pursuant to Investor Relations Consulting Agreements 1,400,000   70,000
       
Balance, December 31, 2015 (Post-Share Consolidation) 82,442,179   3,358,848

 

 

 15 
   

 

 

 

i)Share consolidation

 

Effective April 3, 2013, the common shares of the Company were consolidated at the ratio of one new common share for every 50 old common shares. The Company issued 835 shares to round up fractional entitlements resulting from the consolidation. The basic loss per share calculations disclosed in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, have been adjusted to reflect the share consolidation.

 

ii)Shares issued in settlement of debt

 

In January 2013, the Company entered into a debt settlement agreement with a company controlled by a Director and Officer of the Company to settle outstanding accounts payable of $10,000. The Company agreed to issue 10,000,000 pre-April 3, 2013, share consolidation shares.

 

In April 2013, the Company entered into a debt settlement agreement with an arm’s length party to settle outstanding accounts payable of $54,486. The Company paid $15,000 in cash and issued 250,000 post-April 3, 2013, share consolidation shares with a fair value of $15,000. The Company recorded a gain of $24,486 on the settlement of this debt.

 

 16 
   

In September 2013, the Company entered into a debt settlement agreement with a company controlled by a Director and Officer of the Company to settle outstanding accounts payable of $50,000. The Company agreed to issue 50,000,000 post-April 3, 2013, post-share consolidation shares with a fair value of $100,000. The Company recorded a loss of $50,000 on the settlement of this debt.

 

iii)Settlement of Convertible Promissory Notes during 2014

On March 27, 2014, the Company agreed to issue 28,000,000 common shares with a fair value of $56,000 for settlement of convertible promissory notes totaling $100,783 (including US$63,500), recording a gain of $44,783 on settlement of these debts. These debts were owed, on the date of settlement, to arm’s length parties who acquired the debts from creditors of the Company on March 27, 2014 for a consideration of $9,000. The Company issued the shares on May 23, 2014.

 

iv)Shares in Escrow

On September 19, 2014, the Company entered into an escrow agreement with a creditor. The Company agreed to pay the creditor $2,500 upon the signing of the agreement and to issue 75,000 shares to be held in escrow. The Company is obligated to pay the creditor a further $6,687 forty five days after the Company’s stock becomes DWAC-eligible. Upon payment of the final amount owing the shares will be returned to the Company.

 

v)Shares issued for business consulting during 2015

During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company entered into business consulting agreements.. The Company agreed to issue in aggregate 300,000 shares with a fair value of $15,000

 

vi)Shares issued for investor relations services during 2015

During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company entered into investor relations consulting agreements with various unrelated third parties. The Company paid $21,063 (US$17,500) in cash and agreed to issue in aggregate 1,400,000 shares with a fair value of $70,000.

 

vii)Private Placements during 2015

On March 8, 2015, the Company completed a private placement of 250,000 shares at $0.13 per share, raising gross proceeds of $32,000.

 

On November 11, 2015, the Company completed a private placement of 400,000 shares at US$0.05 per share, raising gross proceeds of $25,998 (US$20,000). Shares have not been issued as of December 31, 2015.

 

Share Purchase Warrants

 

The continuity of warrants for the year ended December 31, 2015 is summarized below.  The quantity and exercise price of warrants have been retroactively restated to reflect the share consolidations which took effect on March 22, 2010 and April 3, 2013.

 

 

Expiry Date Exercise Price December 31, 2014 Issued Exercised Expired / Cancelled December 31, 2015
             
30-Mar-15 US$1.00 116,200 - - 116,200 -
15-Oct-15 US$2.00 10,000 - - 10,000 -
28-Oct-15 US$1.00 20,000  - 20,000 -
             
Total   146,200 - - 146,200 -
             
Weighted Average Exercise Price   US$1.07 - - US$1.07 -

 

 

 17 
   

 

 

B.   Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

The Company is registered under the Company Act of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (BC 0619991).

 

With respect to directors, under the by-laws, a director who is a party to a material contract or proposed material contract with us, or is a director or officer of or has a material interest in any person who is a party to a material contract or proposed material contract with us, must disclose to us in writing the nature and extent of such interest.  An interested director can vote on only a limited number of such matters (securing a loan from the director to the Company, his remuneration, indemnity or insurance, or a contract with an affiliate) provided the interest is disclosed.  Otherwise, even with disclosure of the interest, such a director cannot vote on a material contract or proposed material contract.  A contract approved by the board of directors is not voidable because one or more directors has a conflict of interest, if the conflict is disclosed and the interested director(s) do not vote on the matter.  Subject to the conflict of interest provisions summarized above, there is no restriction in the by-laws on the power of the board of directors to have the Company borrow money, issue debt obligations, or secure debt or other obligations of the Company.  The by-laws contain no provision for the retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement.  A director is not required to hold any shares of the Company in order to be a director.

 

The Articles of the Company provide for the issuance of unlimited number of shares of common stock, without par value.  All holders of common stock have equal voting rights, equal rights to dividends when and if declared, and equal rights to share in assets upon liquidation of the corporation.  The common shares are not subject to any redemption or sinking fund provisions.  Directors serve from year to year, there being no provision for a staggered board; cumulative voting for directors is not allowed.  Between annual general meetings, the existing board can appoint one or more additional directors to serve until the next annual general meeting, but the number of additional directors shall not at any time exceed one-third of the number of directors who held office at the expiration of the last annual meeting.  All issued and outstanding shares are fully paid and non-assessable securities.

 

In order to change the rights of the holders of common stock, the passing of a special resolution by such shareholders is required, being the affirmative vote of not less than 2/3 of the votes cast in person or by proxy at a duly called meeting of shareholders.

 

An annual meeting of shareholders must be called by the board of directors not later than 15 months after the last annual meeting.  The board at any time may call a special meeting of shareholders.  Notice of any meeting must be sent not less than 21 and not more than 50 days before the meeting, to every shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting.  All shareholders entitled to vote are entitled to be present at a shareholders meeting.  A quorum is the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of at least 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock.

 

Except under the Investment Canada Act, there are no limitations specific to the rights of non-Canadians to hold or vote our shares under the laws of Canada or our charter documents.  The Investment Canada Act ("ICA") requires a non-Canadian making an investment which would result in the acquisition of control of a Canadian business, the gross value of the assets of which exceed certain threshold levels or the business activity of which is related to Canada's cultural heritage or national identity, to either notify, or file an application for review with, Investment Canada, the federal agency created by the ICA.  The notification procedure involves a brief statement of information about the investment on a prescribed form which is required to be filed with Investment Canada by the investor at any time up to 30 days after implementation of the investment.  It is intended that investments requiring only notification will proceed without intervention by government unless the investment is in a specific type of business related to the scope of the ICA.  If an investment is reviewable under the ICA, an application for review in the prescribed form normally is required to be filed with Investment Canada before the investment is made and it cannot be implemented until completion of review and Investment Canada has determined that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada.  If the agency is not so satisfied, the investment cannot be implemented if not made, or if made, it must be unwound.

 18 
   

 

C.   Material Contracts

 

Except as otherwise disclosed in this Form 20-F, we have no material contracts.

 

D.   Exchange Controls

 

There are no laws, decrees or regulations in Canada relating to restrictions on the export or import of capital, or affecting the remittance of interest, dividends or other payments to non-resident holders of our shares of common stock.

 

E.   Taxation

 

Canada

 

Canadian Federal Income Tax Information for United States Residents

 

The following is a discussion of material Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to holders of our common shares who acquire such shares in this offering and who, for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder, or the Canadian Tax Act:

 

·deal at arm’s length and are not affiliated with us;
·hold such shares as capital property;
·do not use or hold (and will not use or hold) and are not deemed to use or hold our common shares, in or in the course of carrying on business in Canada;
·have not been at any time residents of Canada; and
·are, at all relevant times, residents of the United States, or U.S. Residents, under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), (the Convention).

 

 

TAX MATTERS ARE VERY COMPLICATED AND THE CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES WILL DEPEND UPON THE STOCKHOLDER’S PARTICULAR SITUATION. THE SUMMARY OF MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH BELOW IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONLY A GENERAL SUMMARY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DESCRIPTION OF ALL POTENTIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.

 

THIS DISCUSSION DOES NOT INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE TAX LAWS OF ANY PROVINCE OR TERRITORY WITHIN CANADA. ACCORDINGLY, HOLDERS AND PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS ABOUT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM HAVING REGARD TO THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING ANY CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING OR DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES ARISING UNDER CANADIAN FEDERAL, CANADIAN PROVINCIAL OR TERRITORIAL, U.S. FEDERAL, U.S. STATE OR LOCAL TAX LAWS OR TAX LAWS OF JURISDICTIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES OR CANADA.

 19 
   

 

This summary is based on the current provisions of the Canadian Income Tax Act, proposed amendments to the Canadian Income Tax Act publicly announced by the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the “Proposed Amendments”), and the provisions of the Convention as in effect on the date hereof.  No assurance can be given that the Proposed Amendments will be entered into law in the manner proposed, or at all. No advance income tax ruling has been requested or obtained from the Canada Revenue Agency to confirm the tax consequences of any of the transactions described herein.

 

This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax consequences for U.S. Residents, and other than the Proposed Amendments, does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, administrative, governmental or judicial decision or action, nor does it take into account Canadian provincial, U.S. or foreign tax considerations which may differ significantly from those discussed herein.  No assurances can be given that subsequent changes in law or administrative policy will not affect or modify the opinions expressed herein.

 

 

 

A U.S. Resident will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act in respect of any capital gain on a disposition of our common shares unless such shares constitute “taxable Canadian property”, as defined in the Canadian Tax Act, of the U.S. Resident and the U.S. Resident is not eligible for relief pursuant to the Convention.  Our common shares will not constitute “taxable Canadian property” if, at any time during the 60-month period immediately preceding the disposition of the common shares, the U.S. Resident, persons with whom the U.S. Resident did not deal at arm’s length, or the U.S. Resident together with all such persons, did not own 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of our capital stock. In addition, the Convention generally will exempt a U.S. Resident who would otherwise be liable to pay Canadian income tax in respect of any capital gain realized by the U.S. Resident on the disposition of our common shares, from such liability provided that the value of our common shares is not derived principally from real property situated in Canada. The Convention may not be available to a U.S. Resident that is a U.S. LLC which is not subject to tax in the U.S.

 

Amounts in respect of our 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. Resident will generally be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax at the rate of 25%. Currently, under the Convention the rate of Canadian non-resident withholding tax will generally be reduced to:

 

·5% of the gross amount of dividends if the beneficial owner is a company that is resident in the U.S. and that owns at least 10% of our voting shares; or
·15% of the gross amount of dividends if the beneficial owner is some other resident of the U.S.

 

United States Federal Income Tax Information for United States Holders.

 

The following is a general discussion of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common shares by U.S. Holders (as defined below). This discussion is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all as in effect at the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion only addresses the tax consequences for U.S. Holders that will hold their common shares as a “capital asset” and does not address U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular U.S. Holders in light of their individual circumstances or U.S. Holders that are subject to special treatment under certain U.S. federal income tax laws, such as:

 

·tax-exempt organizations and pension plans;
·persons subject to alternative minimum tax;
 20 
   
·banks and other financial institutions;
·insurance companies;
·partnerships and other pass-through entities (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes);
·broker-dealers;
·persons who hold their common shares as a hedge or as part of a straddle, constructive sale, conversion transaction, and other risk management transaction; and
·persons who acquired their common shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation.

 

As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of our common shares that is:

 

·an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
·a corporation, a partnership or entity treated as a corporation or partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;
·an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; and
·a trust if both a United States Court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust; and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

TAX MATTERS ARE VERY COMPLICATED AND THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES WILL DEPEND UPON THE STOCKHOLDER’S PARTICULAR SITUATION. THE SUMMARY OF MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH BELOW IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONLY A GENERAL SUMMARY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DESCRIPTION OF ALL POTENTIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.

 

NOTE THAT THIS DISCUSSION DOES NOT INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE UNITED STATES. ACCORDINGLY, HOLDERS AND PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS ABOUT THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES.

 

Ownership of Shares.

 

The gross amount of any distribution received by a U.S. Holder with respect to our common shares generally will be included in the U.S. Holder’s gross income as a dividend to the extent attributable to our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). To the extent a distribution received by a U.S. Holder is not a dividend because it exceeds the U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital and reduce (but not below zero) the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s shares. To the extent the distribution exceeds the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s shares, the remainder will be taxed as capital gain (the taxation of capital gain is discussed under the heading “Sale of Shares” below).

 

For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2009, dividends received by non-corporate U.S. Holders from a qualified foreign corporation are taxed at the same preferential rates that apply to long-term capital gains. A foreign corporation is a “qualified foreign corporation” if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (the income tax treaty between Canada and the United States is such a treaty) or the shares with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the Nasdaq Capital Market).  Notwithstanding satisfaction of one or both of these conditions, a foreign corporation is not a qualified foreign corporation if it is a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year. (Whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is discussed below under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Companies”). A foreign corporation that is a PFIC for any taxable year within a U.S. person’s holding period generally is treated as a PFIC for all subsequent years in the U.S. person’s holding period.  Although we have not been, are not now, and do not expect to be a PFIC, and we don’t expect to pay dividends, you should be aware of the following matters in the event that we do become a PFIC and do pay dividends.

 21 
   

 

 

If we were to become a PFIC, then U.S. Holders who acquire our common shares may be treated as holding shares of a PFIC throughout their holding period for the purpose of determining whether dividends received from us are dividends from a qualified foreign corporation. As a consequence, dividends received by U.S. Holders may not be eligible for taxation at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains.

 

If a distribution is paid in Canadian dollars, the U.S. dollar value of such distribution on the date of receipt is used to determine the amount of the distribution received by a U.S. Holder. A U.S. Holder who continues to hold such Canadian dollars after the date on which they are received, may recognize gain or loss upon their disposition due to exchange rate fluctuations. Generally such gains and losses will be ordinary income or loss from U.S. sources.

 

U.S. Holders may deduct Canadian tax withheld from distributions they receive for the purpose of computing their U.S. federal taxable income (or alternatively a credit may be claimed against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability as discussed below under the heading “Foreign Tax Credit”). Corporate U.S. Holders generally will not be allowed a dividend received deduction with respect to dividends they receive from us.

 

Foreign Tax Credit

 

Generally, the dividend portion of a distribution received by a U.S. Holder will be treated as income in the passive income category for foreign tax credit purposes. Subject to a number of limitations, a U.S. Holder may elect to claim a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability (in lieu of a deduction) for Canadian withholding tax deducted from its distributions. The credit may be claimed only against U.S. federal income tax attributable to a U.S. Holder’s passive income that is from foreign sources.

 

If we were to become a qualified foreign corporation with respect to a non-corporate U.S. Holder, dividends received by such U.S. Holder will qualify for taxation at the same preferential rates that apply to long-term capital gains. In such case, the dividend amount that would otherwise be from foreign sources is reduce by multiplying the dividend amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the U.S. Holder’s preferential capital gains tax rate and the denominator of which is the U.S. Holder’s ordinary income tax rate. The effect is to reduce the dividend amount from foreign sources, thereby reducing the U.S. federal income tax attributable to foreign source income against which the credit may be claimed. Canadian withholding taxes that cannot be claimed as a credit in the year paid may be carried back to the preceding year and then forward 10 years and claimed as a credit in those years, subject to the same limitations referred to above.

 

The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are very complex. U.S. Holders and prospective U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine whether and to what extent they would be entitled to claim a foreign tax credit.

 

Sale of Shares

 

 22 
   

Subject to the discussion of the “passive foreign investment company” rules below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale of our shares equal to the difference between: (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received; and (b) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares. This gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss from U.S. sources, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held its shares for more than 12 months. Generally, the net long-term capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. Holder from the sale of shares is subject to taxation at a top marginal rate of 15%. A Capital gain that is not long-term capital gain is taxed at ordinary income rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Companies

 

We will be a PFIC if, in any taxable year either: (a) 75% or more of our gross income consists of passive income; or (b) 50% or more of the value of our assets is attributable to assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.  Subject to certain limited exceptions, if we meet the gross income test or the asset test for a particular taxable year, our shares held by a U.S. Holder in that year will be treated as shares of a PFIC for that year and all subsequent years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period, even if we fail to meet either test in a subsequent year.  

 

If we were a PFIC in the future, gain realized by a U.S. Holder from the sale of PFIC Shares and certain dividends received on such shares would be subject to tax under the excess distribution regime, unless the U.S. Holder made one of the elections discussed below. Under the excess distribution regime, federal income tax on a U.S. Holder’s gain from the sale of PFIC Shares would be calculated by allocating the gain ratably to each day the U.S. Holder held its shares. Gain allocated to years preceding the first year in which we were a PFIC in the U.S. Holder’s holding period, if any, and gain allocated to the year of disposition would be treated as gain arising in the year of disposition and taxed as ordinary income.  Gain allocated to all other years would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each of those years. Interest for the late payment of tax would be calculated and added to the tax due for each of the PFIC Years, as if the tax was due and payable with the tax return filed for that year. A distribution that exceeds 125% of the average distributions received on PFIC Shares by a U.S. Holder during the 3 preceding taxable years (or, if shorter, the portion of the U.S. Holder’s holding period before the taxable year) would be taxed in a similar manner.

 

A U.S. Holder may avoid taxation under the excess distribution regime by making a qualified electing fund (“QEF”) election. For each year that we would meet the PFIC gross income test or asset test, an electing U.S. Holder would be required to include in gross income, its pro rata share of our net ordinary income and net capital gains, if any.  The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our shares would be increased by the amount of such income inclusions.  An actual distribution to the U.S. Holder out of such income generally would not be treated as a dividend and would decrease the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our shares. Gain realized from the sale of our shares covered by a QEF election would be taxed as a capital gain. U.S. Holders will be eligible to make QEF elections, only if we agree to provide to the U.S. Holders, which we do, the information they will need to comply with the QEF rules.  Generally, a QEF election should be made by the due date of the U.S. Holder’s tax return for the first taxable year in which the U.S. Holder held our shares that includes the close of our taxable year for which we met the PFIC gross income test or asset test. A QEF election is made on IRS Form 8621.

 

A U.S. Holder may also avoid taxation under the excess distribution regime by timely making a mark-to-market election.  An electing U.S. Holder would include in gross income the increase in the value of its PFIC Shares during each of its taxable years and deduct from gross income the decrease in the value of its PFIC Shares during each of its taxable years.  Amounts included in gross income or deducted from gross income by an electing U.S. Holder are treated as ordinary income and ordinary deductions from U.S. sources.  Deductions for any year are limited to the amount by which the income inclusions of prior years’ exceed the income deductions of prior years. Gain from the sale of PFIC Shares covered by an election is treated as ordinary income from U.S. sources while a loss is treated as an ordinary deduction from U.S. sources only to the extent of prior income inclusions. Losses in excess of such prior income inclusions are treated as capital losses from U.S. sources.  A mark-to-market election is timely if it is made by the due date of the U.S. Holder’s tax return for the first taxable year in which the U.S. Holder held our shares that includes the close of our taxable year for which we met the PFIC gross income test or asset test. A mark-to-market election is also made on IRS Form 8621.

 23 
   

 

As noted above, a PFIC is not a qualified foreign corporation and hence dividends received from a PFIC are not eligible for taxation at preferential long-term capital gain tax rates.  Similarly, ordinary income included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder who has made a QEF election or a market-to-market election, and dividends received from corporations subject to such election, are not eligible for taxation at preferential long-term capital gain rates. The PFIC rules are extremely complex and could, if they apply, have significant, adverse effects on the taxation of dividends received and gains realized by a U.S. Holder.  Accordingly, prospective U.S. Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax adviser concerning the potential application of these rules to their particular circumstances.

 

 

Controlled Foreign Corporation

 

Special rules apply to certain U.S. Holders that own stock in a foreign corporation that is classified as a “controlled foreign corporation” (“CFC”).  We do not expect to be classified as a CFC. However, future ownership changes could cause us to become a CFC.  Prospective U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisor concerning the potential application of the CFC rules to their particular circumstances.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

United States information reporting and backup withholding requirements may apply with respect to distributions to U.S. Holders, or the payment of proceeds from the sale of shares, unless the U.S. Holder: (a) is an exempt recipient (including a corporation); (b) complies with certain requirements, including applicable certification requirements; or (c) is described in certain other categories of persons. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 28%.  Any amounts withheld from a payment to a U.S. Holder under the backup withholding rules may be credited against any U.S. federal income tax liability of the U.S. Holder and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund.

 

F.   Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable.

 

G.   Statements by Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

H.   Documents on Display

 

Not applicable.

 

I.   Subsidiary Information

 

See the notes to the financial statements.

 

Item 11.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 24 
   

Item 12.   Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

 

Not applicable

 

Item 13.   Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 14.   Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 15T.   Controls and Procedures

 

Item 15.   Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and participation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Interim Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, these disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that all information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is: (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rule and forms; and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, primarily due to the Company’s minimal financial staff which prevents us from segregating duties, which management believes is a material weakness in our internal controls and procedures. We intend to address such weakness and work with outside advisors to improve our controls and procedures as and when the circumstances of the Company permit this.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by our Board, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Forward looking statements regarding the effectiveness of internal controls during future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

 25 
   

 

 

Management completed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) as of December 31, 2015, using the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) framework as contemplated by Rule 13a-15(c). Based on this assessment, the Company concluded that it did not have effective internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.

 

The Company’s assessment of the effectiveness of the ICFR as at December 31, 2015 identified certain material weaknesses as of that date:

 

1.  Weakness: It is not possible to adequately segregate incompatible duties among the officers of the Company, because the Company has only two officers and one accounting consultant. Remediation: Appoint a new Chief Financial Officer, in addition to the current officers, to formally segregate the duties of maintaining accounting records and preparing financial statements, from the executive duties of the current officers. Brad Moynes, who has served as Chief Financial Officer from July 2009, will cease to serve in that position upon appointment of a new individual as Chief Financial Officer.

 

2.  Weakness: The Company is small, with only two officers, thereby creating a risk of override of existing controls by management. Remediation: Require the new Chief Financial Officer’s approval of all expenditures and other dispositions of assets.

 

3.  Weakness: The Company maintains limited audit evidence in documentary form which is used to test the operating effectiveness of control activities. Remediation: Improve the documentation of expenditures and receipts, under the joint supervision of the new Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Executive Officer, to ensure received goods and third-party services conform to contract terms.

 

The Company intends to appoint additional levels of executive management and personnel to remediate the weaknesses, in the specific manners described in paragraphs 1 through 3 above, as and when the Company has sufficient financial resources to effect the remediations.

 

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

As disclosed above, the Company completed its assessment of its ICFR in place for the year ended December 31, 2015, using the COSO framework. There were no changes in ICFR during the 2015 fiscal year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s ICFR.

 

Item 16A.   Audit Committee Financial Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16B.   Code of Ethics

 

 26 
   

Not applicable.

 

Item 16C.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16D.   Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16E.   Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

None.

 

Item 16F.   Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16G.   Corporate Governance

 

Not applicable.

 

 27 
   

 

 

Item 17.   Financial Statements

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 18.   Financial Statements

 

See the consolidated financial statements of the Company, the notes thereto, and the auditors’ reports thereon, which are filed as Exhibit 99.1 with this FORM 20-F.  All of the financial information is presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

 

Item 19.   Exhibits

 

Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
3.(i) Articles of Incorporation (Notice of Articles and Transition Application)
3.(ii) By-laws (Schedule “A”)
4.(1) Management Agreement of January 1, 2008 (Bradley James Moynes)
4.(2) Management Agreement of January 1, 2008 (James Robert Moynes)
4.(3) Certifications (Brad J. Moynes)*
4.(4) Certifications (Brad J. Moynes)*
 4.(5a)  Certification Pursuant 18 USC Section (Brad J. Moynes)*
4.(5b) Certification Pursuant 18 USC Section (Brad J. Moynes)*
4.(6) Form of Warrant dated May 23, 2007
23.(1) Consent of Independent Auditors*
99.(1) Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.*

 

*   Filed herewith

 

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.

 

  Digatrade Financial Corp.
   
Date: May 5, 2016 /s/ Paul E. Heney
  Paul E. Heney
  Chairman
   
Date: May 5, 2016 /s/ Brad J. Moynes
  Brad J. Moynes
  President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 28