-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, MHA8lsF3ug7nCWla6C0nPcstFhD6T9nX0VAKQZPOHTg5UIg4HRQdNGM5rhj2RfwZ YDl7yjkOhEMsCq+XqSkZog== 0000910647-01-500185.txt : 20010816 0000910647-01-500185.hdr.sgml : 20010816 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000910647-01-500185 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10KSB PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20010331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20010815 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WIDECOM GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000922023 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, NEC [3669] IRS NUMBER: 980139939 STATE OF INCORPORATION: A6 FISCAL YEAR END: 0331 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10KSB SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13588 FILM NUMBER: 1715913 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 72 DEVON ROAD STREET 2: BRAMPTON CITY: ONTARIO, CANADA L4Z STATE: A6 BUSINESS PHONE: 9057120505 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 72 DEVON ROAD STREET 2: BRAMPTON CITY: ONTARIO, CANADA L4Z STATE: A6 10KSB 1 wide-10k.txt BODY OF FORM 10-KSB SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-KSB Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001. COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-13588 THE WIDECOM GROUP INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter) ONTARIO, CANADA 98-0139939 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) 37 George Street North, Suite 103, BRAMPTON, ONTARIO, CANADA L6X 1R5 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (905) 712-0505 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each Exchange on Title of each class which Registered ------------------- ---------------- COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE BOSTON STOCK EXCHANGE WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK BOSTON STOCK EXCHANGE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Name of each Exchange on Title of each class which Registered ------------------- ---------------- COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE NASDAQ BULLETIN BOARD WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK NASDAQ BULLETIN BOARD
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 periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. X ----- The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant based upon the closing sale price of Widecom's common stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market as of March 31, 2001 and the Nasdaq Bulleting Board as of June 29, 2001, respectively, was approximately $ 1,234,493 and $342,366. The number of shares outstanding of Widecom's common stock on March 31, 2001 and June 29, 2001 was 2,633,585 shares. All references to "dollar" or "$" in this Annual Report are to United States dollars. PART I FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We desire to avail ourselves of certain safe harbor provisions of the 1995 Reform Act and are therefore including this special note to enable us to do so. Forward-looking statements included in this prospectus or hereafter included in other publicly available documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, reports to our stockholders and other publicly available statements issued or released by us involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause our actual results, performance, either financial or operating, or achievements to differ from the future results, performance, either financial or operating, achievements expressed or implied by those forward looking statements. These future results are based upon management's best estimates of current conditions and the most recent results of our operations. The statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus and include statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations, and those of our directors or officers with respect to future revenues, product development, the future of the wide format document system industry, and other matters. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those discussed throughout this prospectus. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks associated with recent and accumulated losses, need for additional financing, competition, conflicts of interest, limited operating history, dependence upon one product line, and other risks detailed in this Form 10-KSB and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including filings Form 10-QSB as well as recently filed Reports on Form 8-K, if any, each of which could adversely affect our business and the accuracy of the forward looking statements contained herein. ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS The Widecom Group, Inc. ("Widecom") - ----------------------------------- We design, assemble and market high-speed, high-performance document systems that transmit, receive, print, copy and/or archive wide format documents, such as blueprints, schematics, newspaper layouts and other mechanical and engineering drawings. Our products include a 36" wide format scanner, a 54 inch wide scanner and a 72 inch wide scanner, a 36" wide format copier and a 36" wide format plotter/printer. We also market a modular digital multi-function unit which incorporates a scanner module, a plotter module, optional internal modems and software to permit the unit to interface with a personal computer and combine scanning, printing, facsimile and copying functions in one unit. We design our document management systems in response to perceived market demand for systems that facilitate the efficient management and transmission of wide format documents. Our primary market is for architectural, engineering and construction applications. In addition, we also market our products for use by manufacturers in the garment, woodworking and graphic arts industries, utilities and government agencies and for applications in newspaper and advertising industries. Although our product markets are highly specialized and although we have not conducted any formal market studies as to the potential demand for wide format document systems, we firmly believe that the world-wide market for wide format document systems is emerging as a result of increasing demand for systems which can more efficiently scan, copy, print, transmit, receive and archive wide format documents. Our products provide attractive alternatives to traditional methods used to permit multiple consumers in different locations to view wide format documents. We believe our products are more time and cost-efficient than outmoded methods such as overnight couriers delivering copies of a document or microfiche reproduction. On October 2nd, 1996, Widecom formed a research and development consortium known as 3994340 Canada Inc., operating as Technologies NovImage, with an economic development agency of the Province of Quebec. All of our primary research and development activities are now conducted through NovImage, which activities are expected to qualify for partial funding from governmental agencies. Our capital investment in NovImage was approximately US $1,875,000 each, for which we received 450 shares of the Class A common stock of NovImage. This consideration was paid for by cash derived from our working capital. We currently maintain general business and products liability insurance. We do not maintain directors and officers liability insurance. To date we have limited revenue from operations, significant losses and have a significant deficit. The Company's Common Stock was delisted from the Nasdaq Small Cap Market effective the close of business April 10, 2001 for failure to meet certain minimum net tangible asset requirements. The stock continues to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board. Products Widecom SLC936-C Color Scanner The SLC936-C is a wide format scanner capable of scanning documents up to 36" wide. Our new 24 bit scanners are available in color and monochrome models and offer Small Computer System Interfacing with personal computers to enable the user to scan images into the personal computer for display, editing and archiving. First generation scanners were able to process monochromatic images only. The second-generation SLC436-C, introduced in May 1996, represented our first low-cost wide format color scanner capable of scanning 36" by 48" documents at a resolution of 400 dpi in under thirty seconds for monochrome images, and under eight minutes for full color images. The new SLC936-C and SLC936+ monochrome scanner were introduced in late 1998 and possess resolution capabilities of up to 900 dpi. These products offer high speed, high quality scanning capacity to Geographic Information Systems, Engineering Document Management Systems, Reprographic and graphic arts applications with high fidelity to complex originals. The SLC936 Series offer a four times faster throughput speed than the previous SLC436 and SLC836 models. To capture the image of a wide format document, our scanners employ our exclusive technology where one head moves in a straight line in contact with the paper. In contrast, traditional technology employs multiple lenses, which do not touch the paper. The contact scanner consists of a 36" fiber optic array, 8mm computer chips aligned to create a 36" length light sensor, a 36" light emitting diode array and software designed to enhance the scanned image by removing deteriorations from the document being reproduced and interface the scanner with a personal computer. The fiber optic array acts as a lens and focuses the image on computer chips, which read the image. Because these computer chips contain pixels larger than those of chips used in other scanners manufactured by other companies, our contact scanners require less light exposure and, therefore, operate faster than other scanners. The software incorporated in the SLC936-C improves scanned images by removing background discoloration and enhancing faded images. This capability improves the image quality of documents which are stained or which have faded over time. Various enabling software packages permits our SLC936-C scanner to interface with a personal computer, as well as permit the user to perform a variety of scanning, editing, viewing and transmission functions. Traditional document scanners employ camera based lenses that are only capable of scanning documents up to 12" wide. Traditional wide format scanners employ multiple camera lenses to capture portions of a document's image and integrate the images to reproduce a wide format document. The reproduced document can be distorted by camera-based scanners, particularly at the edges, and misaligned at the center as a result of the use of multiple lenses, thereby limiting the reliability and usefulness of the reproduced document. We believe that our software and exclusive scanner technology, which enable a single scanner head to come in contact with the paper, enable our products to scan and reproduce documents with vastly improved clarity and accuracy. SLC1036 We have adopted a vertical orientation in our products to facilitate a greater spectrum of end user preferences and increase our market share. During the last fiscal year, we introduced the SLC1036; a more advanced model of our color scanner that is marketed along side our SLC936 product. Capable of direct Scan-to-File and Scan-to-Print functions, the SLC1036 has throughput of over 4 inches per second at 400 dpi resolution. At the monochrome setting, the SLC1036 is capable of scanning a 36" x 48" monochrome image in less than 12 seconds. The SLC1036 is twice as fast on scans and output and is available for a 30% premium in price over our 936 models and at less than half of the price of the next fastest competitor's scanner. The resolution of our SLC1036 is up to 1000 dpi. This scanner also employs our exclusive technology that permits the scanner head to come into contact with the paper. SLC972 During the last fiscal year we announced our super wide format scanner, the SLC972, a color and monochrome scanner capable of handling documents up to six feet wide (72 inches)with thickness ranging up to 1/2". We anticipate a significant performance and overall document capacity advantage over similar priced competitor models. We are now able to address all of the tiers in the large format market including automotive, aircraft and marine design applications. The SLC972 has scanning resolutions of up to 900 dpi and is capable of direct interfacing with assorted application specific software and functions well with most thermal ink-jet printers/plotters. SLC954 During the last fiscal year we announced another ultra-wide format scanner, the SLC972, a color and monochrome scanner capable of handling documents up to four and -a-half feet wide (54 inches)with thickness ranging up to 1/2". We anticipate a significant performance and overall document capacity advantage over similar priced competitor models. We are now able to address all of the tiers in the large format market including automotive, aircraft and marine design applications. The 954 has scanning resolutions of up to 800 dpi and is capable of direct interfacing with assorted application specific software and functions well with most thermal ink-jet printers/plotters. We commenced formal delivery of the 954 model during the last quarter of fiscal year 2000. Plotter/Printer (WC 936P) We introduced the WC436P, a plain paper plotter late in fiscal 1998. This product was designed to print an image at a speed of 2 inches per second. This was replaced in January 1999 with the WC936P, which offered a Small Computer System Interface ("SCSI"). The WC 936P incorporates our new print heads that enable the plotter to print in increments of 400 dpi. This plotter is designed to incorporate a thermal transfer ribbon coated with a wax-like printing substance which, when heated by energy passing through the pixels on the print head, melts onto the paper to reproduce the document's image. The plotter, without the thermal transfer ribbon, would function as a traditional thermal plotter. The WC 936P is a wide format plotter capable of printing a document up to 36" wide x 325' in length. Widecom's Plotter/Printer interfaces with a personal computer to enable the user to print images directly from the personal computer. The Plotter/Printer prints wide format documents on various media including mylar, matte film and bond paper. Modular Digital Multi-Functional Unit (WC 936 C/P) The Widecom WC 936 C/P consists of a scanner module and a plotter/printer module integrated into one unit. Together, these modules perform scanning, printing and copying functions. The user of a Widecom scanner or a Widecom Plotter/Printer can upgrade either machine to the unit by purchasing and connecting the other module. The unit features high speed, high quality printing, copying and scanning at over two inches per second and with resolution at 400 dots per inch. Indirect thermal printing using thermal transfer ribbons saves time and money with increased uptime and productivity. This new unit facilitates practical entry into the digital copier environment for users with lower volume requirements. This new unit is also extremely compact in comparison to similar functioning products from other manufacturers. This Widecom Copier/Printer incorporates original and copy catch trays into its stand-alone set up and uses a single media roll. This product has Windows(TM) and AutoCad(TM) compatible applications enabling digital scanning and storage of color and monochrome images and production of multiple copies, collated sets and image size control including reduction and enlargement capabilities. Original Equipment Manufacturers Components We manufacture our own scan and print heads that possess our proprietary technology which employs an array of sensor chips and are now making them available to original equipment manufacturers for use in their products. This technology combines a light emitting diode array with computer chips, which can sense or read the image. A 12" OEM scan head was custom-developed by us for a specific departmental scanner manufacturer to facilitate automated form processing. We expect to secure additional OEM agreements for other product subassemblies created from all or most of our core-level technologies. Software and Accessories We sell several software drivers for our products that, on request of the customer, may include third party software libraries. We also sell accessories for use in connection with our complete product line, including various types of paper and film for the plotter/printers and the copiers. Sales of accessories have not been material to date and are not expected to be material in the near future. Formation of New Posternetwork Business Line Widecom has recently established a majority owned subsidiary named Posternetwork.Com, Inc., to engage in the business line of providing customers with an Internet-based online printing service offering customized, fast, inexpensive poster-size reproductions. Posternetwork intends to create posters, large photographs, signs and other wide-format prints to customers who provide deliver to a digital or analog images to the its web site. Widecom anticipates that Posternetwork will commence offering services through its Posternetwork.com Internet site during the coming fiscal year. We intend to market the Posternetwork services through traditional print and media advertising and banner advertising and links on other Internet provider home pages. To date, Posternetwork's operations have been limited to organizational activities and financing. Acquisition of Diprin, Inc. At our annual shareholders meeting on January 27, 1999, our independent and unrelated shareholders approved the acquisition of Diprin, Inc., an Ontario corporation wholly owned by Widecom's President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Raja S. Tuli. Diprin was acquired in exchange for 125,000 shares of Widecom's common stock. The value of the WideCom shares given in exchange was $93,750. Diprin had been actively researching and developing portable photo-printer technology for which a patent application is currently pending. We believe that the cost of this technology is extremely low in comparison to the potential revenues to be derived from potential sales of the portable photo-printer and additional potential revenue from consumables that will be marketed along with the product. Marketing and Sales Our primary marketing strategy is to sell our products in targeted commercial markets in which wide format document systems are believed to have potential for significant applications. We believe that architectural, engineering and construction firms, for which reproduction, archiving and transmission of wide format documents are essential, is our primary market. We also market our products for use by manufacturers in the garment industry, utilities and government agencies and applications in the newspapers and advertising industries. We believe that our products are used by consumers in these markets for a variety of applications, including the transmission of construction plans, architectural drawings, newspaper and advertising layouts and clothing patterns. We establish beneficial marketing relationships by engaging independent distributors and dealers to market our products in various regions throughout the United States and in foreign markets. As of March 31, 2001, we had arrangements with approximately 60 distributors, dealers and sales agents. We have written agreements with approximately 75% of them. Generally, our distributor agreements are for a term of two to three years and grant the distributor the right to market our products within a specified territory during the term of the agreement. We sell products to distributors at discounts when compared to end user price of the products. These discounts rarely exceed 40% of the list price and rarely approach 25%. For the years ended March 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001 our five largest distributors accounted for approximately 20.3%, 27.7% and 25.8%, respectively, of our overall product sales. No single distributor represented more than 15% of our sales for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. During the years ended March 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001, sales by distributors accounted for approximately 94.7%, 96.4% and 89.5%, respectively, of our product sales. We support our U.S. and international distribution channels through regional sales managers that are all presently located in the U.S and Canada. A substantial portion of our sales has been made to foreign markets, primarily to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The following table sets forth the amount of our sales by geographic region. Sales amounts are expressed both as a dollar amount and as a percentage of product sales for the indicated period: REGIONAL SALES BREAKDOWN
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1999 2000 2001 ------------------- ------------------- ------------------ REGION AMOUNT % AMOUNT % AMOUNT % - ------ ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- United States $1,338,704 52.0 $1,535,204 59.9 $ 722,943 45.7 Middle East & R.O.W. 200,711 7.8 117,733 4.6 173,587 11.0 Asia 583,077 22.6 286,394 11.2 364,700 23.1 Europe 241,708 9.4 355,385 13.9 167,931 10.6 Canada 211,735 8.2 267,559 10.4 152,630 9.6 ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- Total $2,575,935 100.0 $2,562,275 100.0 $1,581,791 100.0 ========== ===== ========== ===== ========== =====
Warranty, Service and Maintenance We offer a 90-day limited warranty, which can be extended for a term of up to one-year. This limited warranty covers the workmanship and parts. During the term of the warranty of products sold directly by us, we will repair our products and replace parts that become defective due to normal use. During the term of the warranty of products sold by distributors, we will replace parts that become defective due to normal use. The distributor is responsible for servicing the product. We provide a warranty to distributors for a period expiring on the earlier of twelve months following the distributor's purchase of the product and three months following the distributor's sale of the product. We train our in-house service engineers and certain distributors to enable them to service and maintain our products. We also operate a telephone line during normal business hours to respond to distributors and user inquiries about the operation, service and maintenance of our products. We operate and monitor an E-mail box which distributors and users can access to receive such assistance. Manufacturing We subcontract certain manufacturing operations, such as the production of our proprietary printed circuit boards or machine enclosures, to outside suppliers. Off-the-shelf items, such as integrated circuits, modems, rollers, gears and liquid crystal displays, are acquired directly from vendors. We believe that alternative sources of supply for all of our components and custom parts are readily available on commercially reasonable terms. We do not maintain supply agreements with any of our suppliers or subcontractors. We purchase components and custom parts in the ordinary course of business. Most of the components are acquired Internationally and shipped to our manufacturing facility in a free trade zone in India. Quality control and adjustments are also conducted at our Indian facility. While we assemble our products in-house, we will need to increase our manufacturing capabilities in the event of any increased product demand. There can be no assurance that we will succeed on commercially reasonable terms, in a timely manner, or at all. Competition The markets for document systems are characterized by intense competition. We believe our products compete on the basis of resolution, quality, speed, price and the quality of our distribution channels. We compete with numerous well-established foreign and domestic companies that market or are developing wide format document systems. Our competitors include: 1. Contex Corporation, Vidar Systems Inc., Oce and Colortrac Corporation in the market for wide format scanners; 2. Encad Corporation, Hewlett Packard Company, Oce and Mutoh Corporation in the market for wide format plotters; and 3. Xerox, Katsuragawa Company and Oce in the wide format printer and copier market. We also suspect that other companies that manufacture and sell standard copiers, scanners and plotters could develop, without significant delay, wide format document systems directly competitive with our products. Many of these companies possess substantially greater financial, technical, marketing and personnel resources than Widecom. In addition, these companies also have established reputations for success in the development and marketing of facsimile machines, plotters, scanners and copiers and have sufficient budgets to permit them to implement extensive advertising and promotional campaigns to respond to competitors and enter new markets. In addition, the markets for our products are characterized by rapidly changing technology and evolving industry standards. This often results in rapid product obsolescence or shortened product lifecycles. As a result, our ability to compete may be dependent upon: * our ability to continually enhance and improve our products; * to complete development and introduction into the marketplace of our new products in a timely manner; and * to successfully develop and market these new products. There can be no assurance: * that we will be able to compete successfully; * that competitors will not develop technologies or products that could render our products obsolete or less marketable; or * that we will be able to successfully enhance our existing products or develop new products to continue to compete. Research and Development In October 1996, Widecom formed a research and development consortium named Technologies NovImage with Innovatech, an economic development agency of the Province of Quebec. In this fiscal year, M.S. Judge replaced Innovatech as the independent outside investor in the consortium. We are now conducting all of our research and development activities at that facility. NovImage's activities are expected to continue to qualify for partial funding from governmental agencies. The research and development activities conducted by NovImage on our behalf are primarily focused on plotter, scanner and copier technologies. The plotter research at NovImage is concentrated in two areas. First, NovImage is researching the development of a high speed, high quality wide format color plotter/printer. NovImage is also working to improve printer resolution and develop thermal transfer mechanisms for incorporation into the plain paper plotter, including color printing capabilities. Our scanner research is presently focused on the development of color scanning capabilities and the enhancement of scanner image quality. NovImage has completed development of a color-scan chip intended to be incorporated into a future model scanner to provide color scanning capabilities at speeds of under 30 seconds compared to approximately eight minutes with earlier generation scanners. This new chip is designed to combine four computer chips to sense or read the primary colors as well as black. As a result, the next generation scanners are expected to be able to function both as a color scanner and as a monochrome scanner. The combined research and development expenditures for Widecom and NovImage for the 2001 fiscal year was $910,378. Intellectual Property We rely upon intellectual property and employ various methods to protect the ideas, concepts and documentation of our proprietary technology. These methods include nondisclosure agreements with our employees and distributors. However, these methods may not afford complete protection. There can be no assurance that our competitors or customers will not be able to independently develop such know-how or otherwise obtain access to our know-how, ideas, concepts and documentation. We presently hold one patent and have filed several other patent applications relating to various aspects of our technology. There can be no assurance that any further patents will be issued to us or, if issued, that such patents would afford us any competitive advantage. In any event, there can be no assurance that future patents, if any, could not be circumvented or otherwise invalidated. In addition, some aspects of the technologies embodied in our products are generally available to other manufacturers. We are not presently aware of any infringement on the proprietary rights of others in any of our products. We have not, however, conducted any formal investigation as to any possible infringement(s). There can be no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement claims against us in connection with our products, nor that any assertion of infringement will not result in litigation. We are also unable to speculate as to our chances for success in the event of any infringement-related litigation or our potential ability to license any infringed patents of third parties on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If our technologies were found to infringe another party's rights, we could be required to modify our products or obtain a license. There can be no assurance that we would be able to do so in a timely manner, upon acceptable terms and conditions, or at all. Further, there can be no assurance that we would have the financial or other resources necessary to successfully defend a claim for the violation of proprietary rights. We have not yet formally filed for copyright protection of our software and may not pursue such activities in the future. We hold a registered trademark with the United State Patent and Trademark Office. We have licensed our pending and approved patents, trademarks, copyright material and all of our technology relating to our scanner and plotter manufacturing technology and software to NovImage for research and development purposes. NovImage is attempting to develop improvements, modifications, additions or alterations to that Intellectual Property and to develop new products. In exchange for this license and the payment of a 0.5% royalty fee on net revenue, licensing revenue and net sales to sub- licensees, NovImage granted us an exclusive perpetual worldwide license, except for the Province of Quebec, Canada. This license allows us to use improved scanner and plotter technology and software to manufacture, distribute, market and sell the improved scanner, plotter and software, and any new products developed by NovImage. NovImage retained these rights with respect to the Province of Quebec, Canada. We have no other restrictions on our sales and marketing activities in Quebec. Employees As of March 31, 2001, our North American operations had 12 full-time employees, including sales staff and administrative personnel. We also employ 89 people at a manufacturing facility in India and work with our wholly owned Indian subsidiary. Neither Widecom nor our subsidiary is a party to any labor agreements and none of our employees are represented by a labor union. At present, we believe our employee relations to be satisfactory. Effect of Government Regulation Compliance with laws and regulations governing our business can be complicated, expensive, and time-consuming and may require significant managerial and legal supervision. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a materially adverse effect on our business. Further, any changes in any of these laws and regulations could materially and adversely affect our business. There is no assurance that we will be able to secure on a timely basis, or at all, necessary regulatory approvals in the future. At present, environmental compliance issues do not have a material effect on the management and earnings of our business, nor is any change anticipated. Enforcement of Civil Liabilities Our headquarters are located in, and our officers, directors and auditors are residents of Canada. Further, a substantial portion of our assets are, or may be, located outside the United States. Accordingly, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon non-resident officers and directors, or to enforce against them judgments obtained in the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provision of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or state securities laws. However, there is doubt as to the enforceability in Canada against us or against any of our directors, controlling persons, officers or the experts named herein, who are not residents of the United States, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws. Service of process may be effected, however, upon our duly appointed agent for service of process. If investors have questions with regard to these issues, they should seek the advice of their individual counsel. Item 2. Description of Properties In February 1996, we purchased property in the Noida Export Processing Zone, a Free Trade Zone located near New Delhi, India. The purchase price was approximately $67,500 and we are building a manufacturing facility of approximately 24,000 square feet with estimated construction costs of approximately $800,000. Clean-room facilities and other special infrastructure within the building are estimated to cost an additional $200,000 by completion. We do not have a forecast for the completion date as construction is stalled due to lack of funds.. Upon completion of construction of our new manufacturing facility, we intend to transfer the majority of our manufacturing operations to the new facility. We lease the following properties: 1,050 square feet at 37 George St. N., Unit #103, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, under a five-year lease entered into in 2001, and 7,000 square feet in the Free Trade Zone. The current annual rents are $23,357.64 and $15,200, respectively. Although we believe that our present facilities are adequate for our current level of operations, we will likely need to increase our manufacturing capabilities in the event of any substantial increase in demand for our products. Item 3. Legal Proceedings On December 20, 1996, two individuals, John Keenan and Vincent DiGiulio, filed a lawsuit in the United Stated District Court for the District of Rhode Island, seeking 60,000 shares and 40,000 warrants. This action has been formally dismissed. An additional three shareholders have also commenced related litigation, alleging purchases of our securities from the previously noted two individuals, who are named as co-defendants. We have filed and received default judgments on our cross-claims against the two individual co-defendants. As the value of our common stock has decreased substantially in recent months, we may not be able to settle the outstanding suits through issuance of stock. Collectively almost $1 million is claimed by the 3 shareholder suits. We have been served with legal papers claiming breach of contract under two specific joint venture and development agreements to use and distribute various iterations of software components, which the claimant alleges is its sole property. The title of the action is Nexsys Consulting, Inc. and Tern Solutions Group Corp. v. The Widecom Group, Inc. The action claims damages for breach of contract and copyright and trademark infringement. The claim seeks a total of $15.85M in damages and is currently pending in the Superior Court of Justice of the Province of Ontario. We believe that our prospects for a successful result are strong and that settlement options also remain viable. A settlement is currently being negotiated based on mediation held in September 2000. We expect resolution to this case in the next fiscal year. Any such significant litigation matter is set out in the contingent liabilities section of our annual financial statements. We are also involved in a number of small litigation matters relating to disagreements with certain of our suppliers, which are currently pending and being handled by our in-house counsel. These matters are neither significant nor material. Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS On January, 27, 1999, an annual shareholders meeting was held wherein, via proxy vote or otherwise, a majority of our shareholders carried four specific resolutions detailed as follows: 1) Approval of a one for four 1:4 reverse split of our common stock; 2) Approval of the acquisition of Diprin Inc., an Ontario Corporation wholly owned by one of our principals (with abstention of all related Board members); 3) Approval of the re-election of our existing Board of Directors; 4) Approval of a proposal to conduct a private placement to raise capital funds. No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during our fiscal year ended March 31, 2000 or March 31, 2001. PART II Item 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company's Common Stock was delisted from the Nasdaq Small Cap Market effective the close of business April 10, 2001, because the Company no longer met the requirements of net tangible assets. The Company's common stock and warrants are quoted on the Nasdaq Bulleting Board under the symbols "WIDE" and "WIDWF", respectively, and on the Boston Stock Exchange under the symbols "WDE" and "WDEW". The table below represents the quarterly high and low closing prices for our common stock and warrants as reported through March 31, 2001 and June 30,2001. The prices listed in this table reflect quotations without adjustment for retail mark-ups, mark-downs, or commissions. We have not paid any cash dividends since inception, and intend to retain earnings, if any, in the foreseeable future for use in our continued expansion. The approximate number of registered holders of record of our common stock and warrants at March 31, 2001 was 98 and 16. Our advisers firmly believe that the actual number of beneficial holders of our common stock and warrants is in excess of 500.
COMMON STOCK WARRANTS High Low High Low 1998 First Quarter (Jan.1-Mar.31/98) 7 2.5 1.5 1.5 Second Quarter (Apr.1-June 30/98) 4.5 2.5 0.5 0.5 Third Quarter (July 1-Sept.30/98) 2 0.5 * * Fourth Quarter (Oct.1-Dec.31/98) 1.875 0.9375 * * 1999 (1:4 Reverse Split-January 29/99) First Quarter (Jan.1-Mar.31/99) 2.75 1.25 * * Second Quarter (Apr.1-June 30/99) 10.5 1.25 * * Third Quarter (July 1-Sept.30/99) 10.375 6.75 * * Fourth Quarter (Oct.1-Dec.31/99) 17.25 5.375 * * 2000 First Quarter (Jan.1-Mar.31/00) 10.375 7 * * Second Quarter (Apr.1-June 30/00) 7.875 3.625 * * Third Quarter (July 1-Sept.30/00) 4.25 2 * * Fourth Quarter (Oct.1-Dec.31/00) 3 0.4375 * * 2001 First Quarter (Jan.1-Mar.31/01) 1 0.3125 * * Second Quarter (Apr.1-June 30/01) 0.34375 0.12 * * * No formal market for warrants - -----------------------------------
During fiscal 1999, our shareholders approved a private offering of ten specific units for $20,000 each comprising 10,000 of our common shares and a convertible note exercisable at $2.00 per share for the remainder. 9.5 units of the offering closed in fiscal 1999 and one-half unit (5,000 shares only) closed in the first quarter of fiscal 2000. Additional shares of our common stock can be purchased at $1.20 per share on the exercise of placement agent warrants. During fiscal 2000, only 2,190 of these additional underlying shares were issued. During fiscal 2000, the board of directors approved a further private offering, in straight equity, of 325,000 of our common shares at $2.00 per share that was fully subscribed. This offering provided for a maximum over- allotment of 12,500 additional shares that were also issued during fiscal 2000. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - ----------------------- STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA:
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, ------------------------------------------- 1999 2000 2001 ---- ---- ---- Total Revenue $ 3,075,609 $ 2,572,711 $ 1,584,388 Product Sales 2,575,935 2,562,275 1,581,791 R & D grants 479,821 nil nil Total Expenses 4,708,600 3,845,337 2,470,077 Net Earnings (Loss) (2,244,351) (1,500,840) (1,042,414) Net Earnings(loss)per share (1.28) (0.61) (0.40) Weighted average shares outstanding 1,749,386 2,443,730 2,591,418 BALANCE SHEET DATA: MARCH 31, ------------------------------------------- 1999 2000 2001 ---- ---- ---- Working Capital $ 229,470 237,653 (168,333) Total Assets 4,278,216 3,435,361 2,433,456 Total Liabilities 1,970,893 1,568,610 1,762,320 Retained earnings(deficit) (10,892,334) (12,393,174) (13,435,588) Shareholders' equity 2,307,323 1,866,751 671,136
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW Since inception, we have generated limited revenues from operations and have not yet achieved significant profitability. Our revenues are primarily derived from product sales that are recognized for accounting purposes when products are shipped. We have limited revenue from operations, significant losses and have a significant defecit. Due to limited cash resources, we have often relied on cash infusions from management to meet ongoing obligations. There is no certainly that such access to funds will be available to us in the future. In order to reduce our losses, we have significantly reduced Selling, General and Administrative costs. We expect this to have a reduction on sales. Commercialization of our WC936 copier systems late in fiscal 1998 had only a small material impact on our revenues for the fiscal year 2001. During the year, sales of printers and scanners were $ 122,822 and $ 916,170 respectively. Widecom's Selling, General and Administration infrastructure was set up to service our full product line of monochrome and color scanners, monochrome and color printers and monochrome and color copiers. Neither the color printer nor the color copier has yet been commercialized and the latest monochrome printers and copiers had only a small material impact on revenues. Although we anticipate a return to profitability upon the introduction of our full extended product line, there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop and commercialize these products. In February 2000, we established a majority-owned subsidiary, Posternetwork.COM Inc., to engage in the business line of offering an online printing service. Posternetwork is currently engaged in organizational and financing activities. GOVERNMENT SPONSORED PROGRAMS During 1997, a change in Canadian Tax legislation substantially reduced the amount of subsidy available on Research and Development performed by publicly traded companies. Subsidies of this nature have represented a substantial portion of our revenue in the past. As noted earlier in Part I, our research and development is conducted by Technologies Novimage whose nature entitles us to receive grants in excess of 40% of qualified research expenditures. Products derived from the research are then licensed back to us at a nominal royalty of 0.5% of sales of those products. The formation of NovImage allows us to obtain a substantial increase in the amount of research that can be performed and at a lesser more beneficial cost. IMPACT OF CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES We conduct a substantial portion of our business in foreign currency, primarily the Canadian dollar and, to a lesser extent, the Indian rupee. To date, fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates have not had a significant impact on our results of operations. Fluctuations in the exchange rates between the United States dollar and the Canadian dollar or Indian rupee, however, could have an adverse effect on our operating results in the future. We may seek to limit our exposure to the risk of currency fluctuations by engaging in foreign currency transactions that could, however, expose us to substantial risk of loss. We have limited experience in managing international transactions and have not yet formulated a strategy to protect us against any profound currency fluctuations. There can be no assurance that fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates will not have a significant impact on our future operating results. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 Revenues for the year ended March 31, 2001 were $1,584,388, a 38% decrease, as compared to $2,572,711 for the year ended March 31, 2000. This decrease was attributable to a decrease in product sales as we reduced selling and related expenditures. Operating expenses for the year ended March 31, 2001 were $2,470,077, a decrease of $1,375,260, or 36%, as compared to $3,845,337 for the year ended March 31, 2000. The decrease in operating expenses, is primarily attributable to decreases in selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") costs and management costs. Our affiliate NovImage is primarily a research and development organization, who's primary source of revenue will be from royalties it earns on the commercialization of its products. Our share of loss in equity in this affiliate was $156,725 for this compared to $228,214 in the previous year. The decrease in SG&A cost was primarily due to cost reductions we implemented to preserve cash and meet ongoing obligations. Amortization expense for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001 was $215,603 compared to $296,147 for the year ending March 31, 2000. Management fees decreased from $351,430 for the year ending March 31, 2000 to $258,090 for the year ending March 31, 2001as we eliminated a number of senior management positions and reduced the employment of others to a part-time basis. YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 Revenues for the year ended March 31, 2000 were $2,572,711, a 16% decrease, as compared to $3,075,609 for the year ended March 31, 1999. This decrease was attributable to a non-recurring research and development grant of $479,821 in the previous year, while product sales remained substantially the same. Operating expenses for the year ended March 31, 2000 were $3,845,337, a decrease of $863,263, or 18%, as compared to $4,708,600 for the year ended March 31, 1999. The decrease in operating expenses, is primarily attributable to decreases in selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") costs. Our affiliate NovImage is primarily a research and development organization, who's primary source of revenue will be from royalties it earns on the commercialization of its products. Our share of loss in equity in this affiliate was $228,214 for this compared to $452,619 in the previous year. The decrease in SG&A cost was primarily due to a leveling off of expenditures and economies undertaken to effect savings as we continued expansion of our distribution channel in the USA. Total research and development expenditures incurred by NovImage and WideCom for the fiscal year ending March 31,2000 was $1,466,932, which we expect to substantially decline as the products being developed by our subsidiaries Posternetwork and Diprin reach completion. Amortization expense for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2000 was $296,147 compared to $362,108 for the year ending March 31, 1999. Legal settlement costs decreased to $0 compared to $158,742 in the previous year. We did have expenses related to legal fees and the implementation of the legal settlements which have been recorded as part of SG&A. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Our primary cash requirements have been to fund the acquisition of inventories and to meet operating expenses incurred in connection with the commercialization of our products. Until our initial public offering, we had satisfied our working capital requirements principally through the issuance of debt and equity securities, government sponsored research and development grants and reimbursement and cash flow from operations. At March 31, 2001, we had working capital of $(168,333), as compared to $237,653 at March 31,2000. We have an operating line of credit available for approximately $100,000 which bears interest at prime plus 0.75%, is due on demand, and is secured by a general security agreement over all our assets except real property. At March 31, 2001 approximately $93,891 ($160,133 in 2000) was utilized. Our 2001 and 2000 bank indebtedness is the result of a bank overdraft in our subsidiary as well as a revolving operating loan in the Company. The indebtedness of the subsidiary is secured by a pledge of fixed deposits with the local bank. We are in default on the interest payments on 12% debentures that are part of a private placement we conducted in 1999. Our cash requirements in connection with manufacturing and marketing will continue to be significant. We do not have any material commitments for capital expenditures. We believe, based on our current plans and assumptions relating to our operations, projected cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to satisfy our contemplated cash requirements for the foreseeable future. We have relied on investments from management to cover our short falls in the last fiscal year, such investment may not be available to us in the future. In the event that our plans or assumptions change, or prove to be incorrect, or if the projected cash flows otherwise prove to be insufficient to fund operations (due to unanticipated expenses, delays, problems or otherwise), we could be required to seek additional financing sooner than currently anticipated. There can be no assurance that this additional financing will be available to us when needed, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Nasdaq The Company's Common Stock was delisted from the Nasdaq Small Cap Market effective the close of business April 10, 2001 for failure to meet certain minimum net tangible asset requirements. The stock continues to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board. ITEM 7. Financial Statements The following financial statements of The WideCom Group Inc. are included: Report of Chartered Accountants; Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2001, 2000; Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2001,2000, 1999; Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended March 31, 2001, 2000,1999; Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2001, 2000, 1999; Summary of Significant Accounting Policies; and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Item 8. Change in Accountants On June 15, 2001, our Board of Directors determined that it would be in the our best interests to cease our relationship with our independent accountant and auditors, Schwartz, Levitsky, Feldman, LLP, which acted as our independent accountant and auditors with respect to the our financial statements for the previous two fiscal years ended March 31, 2000. The replacement of Schwartz, Levitsky, Feldman, LLP was recommended and approved by our Board of Directors and is not the result of any disagreement with Schwartz, Levitsky, Feldman, LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practice, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure. During the last two fiscal years no report issued by Schwartz, Levitsky, Feldman, LLP contained any adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, or was qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. In addition, during the last two fiscal years and subsequent periods, there were no disagreements with Schwartz, Levitsky, Feldman, LLP regarding accounting principles, or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure nor any dispute between Widecom and Schwartz, Levitsky, Feldman, LLP with respect to the Company's status as a "going concern." Effective June 15, 2001, our Board of Directors determined that it would be in our best interests to retain the services of Zafar H. Siddiqui CA to replace Schwartz, Levitsky, Feldman, LLP as our independent accountant and auditors. The firm audited our financial statements included in our Form 10-KSB for our fiscal years ended March 31, 2001. We intend to have Zafar H. Siddiqui CA continue to serve as our accountant and auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2002. PART III ITEM 9. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant and Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. Our directors and executive officers are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION Raja S. Tuli 35 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Willem J. Botha 65 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Suneet S. Tuli 33 Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director Lt. Colonel K.C. Sharma 60 Director
Name Salary & Commission Consulting Fees Shares In Lieu Total Raja S. Tuli $31,380 $47,072 (1) nil $78,452 (President & C.E.O.) Suneet S. Tuli $34,651 $51,977 (1) nil $86,628 Secretary, V.P.- Sales & Marketing) - -------------------- Such amounts were paid by Widecom to a consulting company owned by the respective officers of the company for the year ended March 31, 2001. The consulting fees were for software development services provided by these companies. The salary and consulting fees collectively do not exceed the compensation paid to these officers as allowed by their employment agreements with the company. These employment agreements expired in June, 2000. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, we amended our Employee Stock Option Plan that allows issuance of options to purchase up to 125,000 shares of Widecom's stock. The Plan is designed to attract, retain and motivate persons to provide us with services and to increase the alignment of their interests with those of our Stockholders. The Plan allows the Board, at its discretion, to grant options to purchase shares of our Common Stock at the fair market value of such shares on the date the option was granted. Options may be granted to any "Eligible Person," including any of our directors, officers, employees or those of an affiliate, or any of our consultants or insiders (as defined in the Plan) of any of our affiliates. The Board also has the authority under the Plan to determine the number of shares subject to each option, the expiration date of each option and the extent to which each option is exercisable from time to time during its term. The options expire ten years after the date they are granted, or at such other date as may be provided for in the Plan. Individual option agreements may allow an optionee who retires or terminates service with the consent of the Board of Directors to exercise his or her option(s) within six months of such retirement or termination. If the optionee is terminated for cause, the optionee may not exercise the option following such termination. Following a June 27, 2000 amendment in the exercise price of the options under the plan, the current exercise price of those options is now $4.00 USD. An aggregate of 125,000 shares of Common stock (subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan) were available under the Plan and such shares subject to options which terminate unexercised will be available for future option grants. At present, all of the employee stock options available under the plan are fully allocated. ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2001, information as to (i) the Common Stock beneficially owned by all directors, nominees and named executive officers, (ii) the Common Stock beneficially owned by any person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of our Common Stock.
Amount and Nature of Percentage of Beneficial Outstanding Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) Ownership (2) Shares Owned - ---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Raja S. Tuli 540,437(3) 20.5% Lakhbir S. Tuli 111,533 4.2 Suneet S. Tuli 222,207(4) 8.4 Willem J. Botha --- --- All executive officers and directors as a group (six persons) 874,177(2)(3)(4) 33.2% - -------------------- Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each beneficial owner is 37 George St. N., Suite 103, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, L6X 1R5. Except as indicated by footnote, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them. Each beneficial owner's percentage ownership is determined by assuming that convertible securities, options or warrants that are held by such person (but not those held by any other person) and which are exercisable within 60 days of the date hereof have been exercised. Lakhbir S. Tuli is the father of Raja S. Tuli and Suneet S. Tuli. None of them have beneficial ownership over each others shares. Includes (i) 50,000 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of currently exercisable options at a price of $4.00 per share and 12,500 shares issuable upon exercise of currently exercisable warrant at a price of $4.00 per share, and (ii) 8,125 shares owned by Diversified Investors Capital Services of North America, Inc., a New York corporation, 16,875 shares owned by Pyrotech Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation, and 1,223 shares owned by Donald J. Schattle, respectively, as to which Mr. Tuli has voting rights pursuant to a stock exchange agreement. Also includes 40,810 shares held by RST Consulting Ltd. Includes 12,500 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of currently exercisable options at a price of $8.50 per share and 12,500 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of currently exercisable warrant at a price of $4.00 per share. Also includes 20,808 shares held by SST Consulting Ltd.
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS In February, 2000 we established a majority owned subsidiary named Posternetwork.Com, Inc., to engage in the business line of providing customers with an Internet-based online printing service offering customized, fast, inexpensive poster-size reproductions. Posternetwork intends to create posters, large photographs, signs and other wide-format prints for customers from digital or analog images directly through its web site. In connection with the establishment of Posternetwork, Widecom entered into two agreements with Posternetwork pursuant to which Posternetwork will purchase the technology underlying Widecom's wide-format printer in consideration for 12,000,000 shares of Posternetwork common and a fee of $.015 per square foot of the posters and other products produced with the technology. Pursuant to the second agreement, Widecom will provide Posternetwork with certain administrative services and technical support for a fee equal to 120% of cost. As of January 30, 1997, we announced that we had finalized a joint venture agreement with Societe Innovatech du Grand Montreal, an instrumentality of the Province of Quebec, Canada ("Innovatech"). Each of the Registrant and Innovatech purchased 450 shares of the Class A Common Stock of the joint venture, Technologies NovImage Inc., a Quebec corporation ("NovImage") for a purchase price of approximately US $1,875,000 each. The consideration we paid for the stock of NovImage was in cash and was derived from our working capital. In addition, two other corporations, 3294412 Canada Inc., a Quebec corporation and 3294421 Canada Inc., a Quebec corporation, both of which corporations are wholly-owned by Raja S.Tuli, our President and Chief Executive Officer, each acquired 50 shares of the Class A Common Stock of NovImage in exchange for the transfer to NovImage of certain patents, patent applications and other technology and intellectual property rights of those companies. The company has historically relied significantly on government grants, for many of which it ceased to qualify upon becoming a public company. The Company is now conducting all of its research and development activities through NovImage, which activities are expected to qualify for partial funding from governmental agencies. In connection with the transaction, we licensed all of our patents and technology relating to our scanner and plotter manufacturing to NovImage for research and development purposes in order to develop improvements, modifications, additions or alterations to the Intellectual Property and to develop new products. In exchange for this license and the payment of a 0.5% royalty fee on net revenue, licensing revenue and net sales to sub-licensees, NovImage granted the Registrant an exclusive perpetual worldwide (with the exception of the Province of Quebec, Canada) license to use such improved scanner and plotter technology and developed software to manufacture, distribute, market and sell those improved scanners, plotters and newly developed software, as well as any new products developed by NovImage. NovImage retained such rights with respect to the Province of Quebec, Canada. In connection with the transaction, we also entered into a Stock Exchange Agreement with Innovatech pursuant to which Innovatech would be permitted, under certain circumstances, to exchange its shares of NovImage for up to 63,250 shares of Widecom's common stock for which Innovatech would have demand registration rights. This amount represents less than 5% of our outstanding shares and is accordingly omitted from the table of beneficial ownership. Innovatech's recent request to convert eighty percent of its share in Novimage into Widecom common stock will close after our annual filing and will be reported in a subsequent fiscal year. Although we believe that the foregoing transactions were on terms no less favorable than would have been available from unaffiliated third parties in an arm's length transaction, there can be no assurance that this is the case. All future transaction and loans between Widecom and its officers, directors and 5% shareholders will be on terms no less favorable than could be obtained from independent, third parties and will be approved by a majority of the independent and disinterested members of the Board of Directors. There can be no assurance, however, that future transactions or arrangements between us and our affiliates will be advantageous, that conflicts of interest will not arise with respect thereto or that if conflicts do arise, that they will be resolved in our favor. The Company has accrued debts for unpaid salaries, consulting fees, investments and related costs in favor of members of management in the aggregate amount of $645,485 as of the year ended March 31, 2001. Management's total compensation is paid party in salary and partly through consulting fees. The consulting fees are paid for software development services provided by firms wholly owned by the respective officer. At our annual shareholders meeting on January 27, 1999, our independent and unrelated shareholders approved the acquisition of Diprin, Inc., an Ontario corporation wholly owned by Widecom's President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Raja S. Tuli. Diprin was acquired in exchange for 125,000 shares of Widecom's common stock. The value of the WideCom shares given in exchange was $93,750. Diprin had been actively researching and developing portable photo-printer technology for which a patent application is currently pending. We believe that the cost of this technology is extremely low in comparison to the potential revenues to be derived from potential sales of the portable photo-printer and additional potential revenue from consumables that will be marketed along with the product. ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K during Fiscal 2000 We filed a Report on Form 8-K on March 6, 2001 concerning a notification from the Nasdaq delisting our securities from the Nasdaq Small Cap Market. We filed a Report on Form 8-K on May 31, 2000 concerning our press release establishing Posternetwork.com, Inc. (b) EXHIBITS See Exhibit Index. EXHIBITS The following exhibits are filed herewith. Exhibits with an asterisk (*) denotes those exhibits filed herewith. Exhibit No. Description - ------- ----------- 3.1 Articles of Incorporation (Exhibit 3.1 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004,filed May 6, 1994) 3.2 Bylaws (Exhibit 3.1 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004,filed May 6, 1994) 4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate (Exhibit 4.1 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed November 21, 1994) 4.2 Form of Underwriter's Warrants and Warrant Agreement (Exhibit 4.2 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed December 12, 1995) 4.3 Form of Bridge Note (Exhibit 4.3 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed December 12, 1995) 4.4 Form of Bridge Warrant (Exhibit 4.4 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed December 12, 1995) 4.5 Form of Warrant Agreement (Exhibit 4.5 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed December 12, 1995) 4.6 Form of Warrant Certificate (Exhibit 4.6 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed December 12, 1995) 4.7 Representative's Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock (Exhibit 4.2 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78994, filed August 5, 1994) 4.8 Form of Warrant (Exhibit 4.3 to Form SB-2 Registration Number 333-89109, filed on October 15, 1999) 4.9 Form of Convertible Notes Issued in 1999 private placement (Exhibit 4.4 to Form SB-2 Registration Number 333-89109, filed on October 15, 1999) 10.1 Financial Consulting Agreement, dated June 2, 1997, by and between The Widecom Group Inc. and Alex Moore & Co., (Exhibit 10.1 to Form S-3/A, File Number 333-35547) 10.2 Settlement Agreement, dated May 1, 1997, among Brett Whiton, Richard Benjamin, Anthony Hand, and the Company, Messrs. Raja and Suneet Tuli (Exhibit 10.2 to Form S-3/A, File Number 333-35547) 10.3 License Agreement between WideCom R & D Inc. and the Company date August 24, 1993 (Exhibit 10.5 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed April 21, 1994) 10.4 Employment Agreement with Exhibits between Raja Tuli and the Company dated October 4, 1993 (Exhibit 10.6 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed April 21, 1994) 10.5 Employment Agreement with Exhibits between Suneet S. Tuli and the Company dated October 4, 1993 (Exhibit 10.7 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed April 21, 1994) 10.6 Indemnity Agreement between Raja S. Tuli and the Company (Exhibit 10.8 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed November 21, 1994) 10.7 Financial Consulting Agreement, dated February 1, 1998, by and between The Widecom Group Inc. and Quantum Resources of New York, Inc. (Exhibit 10.1 to Form SB-2 Registration Number 333-89109, filed October 15, 1999) 10.8 Financial Consulting Agreement, dated August 1998, by and between The Widecom Group Inc. and Robb Peck McCooey Clearing Corporation. (Exhibit 10.2 to Form SB-2 Registration Number 333-89109, filed October 15, 1999) 10.9 Agreement, dated September 9, 1998, by and between The Widecom Group, Inc. and Cantella & Co. (Exhibit 10.3 to Form SB-2 Registration Number 333-89109, filed October 15, 1999) 10.10 Agreement dated August 10, 1999 by and between The Widecom Group, Inc., Robb Peck McCooey Clearing Corp. and Quantum Resources of New York (Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 1 to Form SB-2, Registration Number 333-89109, filed on December 28, 1999) 10.11 Technology Transfer Agreement between The Widecom Group, Inc. and Posternetwork.com, Inc. 10.12 Services Agreement between The Widecom Group, Inc. and Posternetwork.com, Inc. 16 Letter from BDO Dunwoody, LLP on change in Certifying Accountant (Exhibit 16.1 to Form 8-K, filed June 21, 1999) 21 Subsidiaries of Registrant (Exhibit 22.1 to Form F-1 Registration Number 33-78004, filed April 21, 1994) SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: August 12,2001 THE WIDECOM GROUP INC. By: /s/ RAJA S. TULI -------------------- Raja S. Tuli Chief Executive Officer and President Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report to be signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
NAME TITLE DATE - ---- ----- ---- RAJA S. TULI President, Chief Executive Officer, - ----------------------- Director (Principal Executive Officer) August 12,2001 Raja S. Tuli /s/ WILLEM J. BOTHA Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer August 12,2001 - ----------------------- (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Willem J. Botha /s/ SUNEET S. TULI Executive Vice-President, August 12,2001 - ----------------------- Marketing, Secretary and Director Suneet S. Tuli /s/ COLONEL K.C. SHARMA Director August 12,2001 - ----------------------- Col. K.C. Sharma
The WideCom Group Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements For the years ended March 31, 2000 and 2001 Together with Report of Independent Auditors TABLE OF CONTENTS Report of Independent Auditors 3 Consolidated Balance Sheets 4 Consolidated Statements of Operations 5 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 6 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 7 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8 to 25 Zafar H. Siddiqui Chartered Accountants Mississauga, Ontario, Canada PAGE-2 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of The WideCom Group Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The WideCom Group Inc. (incorporated in Ontario, Canada) as of March 31, 2001 and 2000 and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity for each of the years ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the management of The WideCom Group Inc. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The WideCom Group Inc. as of March 31, 2001 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended March 31 2001, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2000 were audited by another firm of Chartered Accountants with an unqualified audit report issued thereon. Since the accompanying consolidated financial statements have not been prepared and audited in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and standards in Canada, they may not satisfy the reporting requirements of Canadian statutes and regulations. /s/ Zafar H. Siddiqui Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Chartered Accountants PAGE-3 The WideCom Group Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in United States dollars)
March, 31 2000 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Current Assets Notes Cash and cash equivalents 11,314 69,576 Accounts receivable 1 584,494 443,797 Inventory 2 909,583 743,559 Prepaid expenses 19,485 20,062 Advances to related parties 3 244,883 297,070 Deferred financing costs 36,504 19,923 --------------------------- Total Current Assets 1,806,263 1,593,987 Capital Assets 4 1,243,059 664,651 Purchased research and development technology 5 50,279 15,625 Investment in affiliate 6 335,760 159,193 --------------------------- Total Assets 3,435,361 2,433,456 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity Current Liabilities Bank indebtedness 7 179,465 170,299 Accounts payable & accrued liabilities 8 806,446 762,637 Loans from related parties 3 382,699 645,485 Convertible debentures 9 200,000 183,899 --------------------------- Total Current Liabilities 1,568,610 1,762,320 --------------------------- Stockholders' Equity 10 Common shares 5,000,000* shares authorized of no par value 2,582,985* shares issued and outstanding on March 31, 2000 2,633,585* shares issued and outstanding on March 31, 2001 14,703,589 14,711,179 Contributed surplus 159,825 159,825 Deficit (12,393,174) (13,435,588) Cumulative other comprehensive loss 11 (603,489) (764,280) --------------------------- 1,866,751 671,136 --------------------------- Total Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity 3,435,361 2,433,456 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Adjusted for reverse split of Company's stock (1:4) on January 29, 1999.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. PAGE-4 The WideCom Group Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (in United States dollars)
For the years ended March 31 1999 2000 2001 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue Product sales 2,575,935 2,562,275 1,581,791 Research and development grants 479,821 - - Interest income 19,853 10,436 2,597 ---------------------------------------- Total Revenue 3,075,609 2,572,711 1,584,388 ---------------------------------------- Expenses Cost of product sales 726,909 718,353 522,876 Research and development 134,248 231,532 130,719 Selling, general & administrative 3,112,056 2,249,796 1,284,242 Interest and bank charges 51,504 69,217 58,547 Management fees & salaries 333,743 351,430 258,090 Amortization 362,108 296,147 215,603 Financing fees - 17,981 - Foreign exchange loss (gain) (11,968) (89,119) - ---------------------------------------- Total Expenses 4,708,600 3,845,337 2,470,077 Operating loss (1,632,991) (1,272,626) (885,689) Legal settlement costs (158,741) - - Equity in loss of affiliate (452,619) (228,214) (156,725) ---------------------------------------- Net loss for the year (2,244,351) (1,500,840) (1,042,414) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loss per common share, basic and diluted 10(f) (1.28) (0.61) (0.40) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average number of shares outstanding* 1,749,386 2,443,730 2,591,418 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Adjusted for reverse split of Company's stock (1:4) on January 29, 1999. The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. PAGE-5 The WideCom Group Inc. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (in United States dollars)
For the years ended March 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Total Common Contributed Comp. Stockholder Shares Surplus Deficit Loss Equity ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, March 31, 1997 10,598,884 159,825 (5,312,118) (203,288) 5,243,303 Exercise of warrants (180,981)* 2,170,179 - - - 2,170,179 Warrant exercise costs (120,470) - - - (120,470) Class action settlement (69,625)* 355,158 - - 355,158 Conversion of convertible debentures (14,742)* 50,000 - - - 50,000 Share issuance costs (71,036) - - - (71,036) Net loss for year - - (3,335,865) - (3,335,865) Conversion of convertible debentures (17,213)* 50,000 - - - 50,000 Shares issued on private placement (95,000) 95,000 - - - 95,000 Share issuance costs (24,988) - - - (24,988) Net loss for year - - (2,244,351) - (2,244,351) Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - (280,396) (280,396) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, March 31, 1999 13,577,841 159,825 (10,892,334) (538,009) 2,307,323 Class action settlement (54,719) 75,239 - - - 75,239 Shares issued on private placement (5,000) 5,000 - - - 5,000 Share issuance for corporate indebtedness (61,618) 123,236 - - - 123,236 Class action settlement (18,748) 65,618 - - - 65,618 Shares issued on private placement (337,500) - net of issuance costs 630,000 - - - 630,000 Conversion of convertible debentures (21,310) 203,777 - - - 203,777 Shares issued for legal fees (13,500) 20,250 - - - 20,250 Warrant exercise (2,190) 2,628 - - - 2,628 Net loss for the year - - (1,500,840) - (1,500,840) Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - (65,480) (65,480) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, March 31, 2000 14,703,589 159,825 (12,393,174) (603,489) 1,866,751 Shares issued to Societe Innovatech du Grand Montreal (50,600) 7,590 7,590 Net loss for the year (1,042,414) (1,042,414) Foreign currency translation adjustment (160,791) (160,791) Balance, March 31, 2000 14,711,179 159,825 (13,435,588) (764,280) 671,136 * Adjusted for reverse split of Company's Stock (1:4) on January 29, 1999.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. PAGE-6 The WideCom Group Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in United States dollars)
For the years ended March 31 1999 2000 2001 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash provided by (used in) Operating Activities Loss for the year (2,244,351) (1,500,840) (1,042,414) (Add (deduct) items not requiring a cash outlay) Amortization 362,108 296,147 215,603 Foreign exchange loss (gain) (11,968) (89,119) - Share issued to settle lawsuits and corporate indebtedness 283,457 284,343 - Equity in loss of affiliate 452,619 228,214 156,725 Net changes in non-cash Working capital balances related to operations: Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable (7,988) (8,839) 140,697 Decrease in research and development grants receivable - - - Decrease (increase) in inventory 49,882 308,947 166,024 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 551,213 (538,059) (43,809) Increase in prepaid expenses 42,920 22,772 577 ------------------------------------------ (522,108) (996,434) (406,597) ------------------------------------------ Investing Activities Disposal (purchase) of capital assets (179,241) 2,989 254,580 Advances to related parties (55,330) (10,091) (52,187) ------------------------------------------ (234,571) (7,102) 202,393 ------------------------------------------ Financing Activities Deferred financing costs incurred (49,813) (2,882) - Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness 75,005 (93,942) (9,166) Shares and warrants issued, net of issue costs 70,012 637,628 7,590 Loan from related parties 64,939 310,422 262,786 Issuance of convertible debentures 190,000 10,000 - ------------------------------------------ 350,143 861,226 261,210 ------------------------------------------ Effect of exchange rate change on cash (130,104) (2,569) 1,256 ------------------------------------------ Net increase (decrease) in cash during the year (536,640) (144,879) 58,262 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 692,833 156,193 11,314 ------------------------------------------ Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 156,193 11,314 69,576 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: See note 16 for supplementary information.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. PAGE-7 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Business The WideCom Group Inc. ("the Company") was incorporated under the laws of Ontario, Canada on June 15, 1990. The Company designs, assembles and sells high speed, high performance document systems which transmit, receive, print,copy and/or archive wide format documents. Basis of Financial Statements The accompanying consolidated financial statements are stated in United States dollars, "the reporting currency". The transactions of the Company have been recorded during the year in Canadian dollars, "the functional currency". The translation of Canadian dollars into United States dollars amounts have been made at the year end exchange rates for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. Translation adjustments to reporting currency are included in equity as "cumulative other comprehensive loss" (see Note 11). The consolidated financial statements reflect retroactively a reverse stock split occurring during 1999 (see Note 10). These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Principles of Consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Indo WideCom International Ltd. and Diprin Inc., and majority owned PosterNetwork.com Inc. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Investment in Affiliate The investment in affiliate is accounted for on the equity basis. Accounting Estimates The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimated. Inventory Inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in first-out basis, and market value. Market value for raw material is defined as the replacement cost and for finished goods as the net realizable value. Long-lived Assets Management reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, and, if deemed impaired, measurement and recording of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. PAGE-8 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES cont'd Capital Assets Capital assets are recorded at cost. Amortization is provided annually at rates calculated to amortize the assets over their estimated useful lives as follows: Machinery, plant & computer equipment 30% declining balance Furniture and fixtures 20% declining balance Prototypes and jigs 20% declining balance Earning or Loss Per Share The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" during fiscal 1998. As a result of this adoption, the Company has restated all periods presented in these financial statements to reflect "basic" and "diluted" earning (loss) per share. Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus common stock equivalents (if dilutive) related to stock options and warrants for each period. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturates of three months or less. Revenue Recognition Product sales are recognized as revenue upon shipment of the product. Advance sales revenue is deferred until shipment of the product. Stock Based Compensation SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" encourages, but does not require, companies to record compensation costs for stock- based employee compensation plans at fair value. The Company chose to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25. "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company's stock at the measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. See Note 10 (d) for a summary of the pro forma net loss per share determined as if the Company had applied SFAS No. 123. Deferred Financing Charges Deferred financing charges are amortized on a straight-line basis over three years. Foreign Currency Translation Balances of the Company denominated in foreign currencies and the accounts of the foreign subsidiary are translated into the functional currency as follows: (i) all assets and liabilities expect for capital at year end rates; (ii) capital at historic rates; (iii) revenue and expense transactions at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the year; and (iv) changes in cash flows at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. Exchange gains or losses arising on these translations are reflected in other comprehensive loss for the year. PAGE-9 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES cont'd Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method as required by SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted tax rates applicable to future year differences between the financial statements carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. When tax credits are available, they are recognized as reductions of the current year's tax expense. Concentrations of Credit Risk and Business Concentration The Company's receivables are unsecured and are generally due in 30 days. Currently the Company's customers are primarily local, national and international users of wide format document management systems. The Company's receivables do not represent significant concentrations of credit risk as at March 31, 2001 due to the wide variety of customers, markets and geographic areas to which the Company's products are sold. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts of financial instruments of the Company, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, bank indebtedness, accounts payable, and convertible debentures approximate fair value because of their short maturity. The fair value of advances to related parties cannot be readily determined because of the nature of their terms. The Company realizes a significant portion of its sales and purchases in a foreign currency. Consequently some liabilities and expenses are exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations. Research and Development All research and development costs except for purchased research and development technology are expensed as research and development expenses. Purchased research and development technology is amortized over its estimated useful life (see Note 5). PAGE-10 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consists of: 2000 2001 ---- ---- Trade receivables 640,822 693,533 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts 56,328 249,736 ------------------- 584,494 443,797 -------------------
2. Inventory
Inventory consists of: 2000 2001 ---- ---- Raw material 564,980 577,802 Work-in-progress 25,654 40,930 Finished goods 318,949 124,827 ------------------- 909,583 743,559 ===================
3. Advances to/Loans from Related Parties (a) Advances to related parties are non-interest bearing and will be repaid as follows:
2000 2001 ---- ---- 3294340 Canada Inc. (i) 204,043 297,070 Vallille Wide Format (ii) 40,840 - Stockholders - - ------------------- 244,883 297,070 =================== (i) Advances were made to a company as referred to in Note 5 to facilitate research and development activities. There is no fixed term of repayment and the balance is due on demand. (ii) A company controlled by a non-executive director, incurred in the normal course of business, was included as a related party advance in year 2000. The said director has resigned during the year, and the corresponding balance has been included with trade accounts receivable without reclassifying the previous year comparative.
(b) Non-interest bearing advances to the Company as short-term loans in order to assist in certain working capital requirements.
2000 2001 ---- ---- Directors and officers 382,699 645,485 ===================
(c) Transactions with companies by, and fees paid to, executive officers, the principal stockholders and directors during the year were as follows:
2000 2001 ---- ---- Sales - - Management fees and salaries expense 310,653 258,000
The management fees are paid on a month to month basis to companies controlled by certain executives who comprise senior management of the Company. * Adjusted for reverse split of Company's Stock (1:4) on January 29, 1999. Page 11 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Capital Assets
Capital assets consist of: 2000 2001 ------------------------- ------------------------- Accumulated Accumulated Cost Amortization Cost Amortization ---- ------------ ---- ------------ Machinery, plant & computer equipment 1,989,048 1,361,419 1,646,001 1,448,831 Furniture and fixtures 112,487 67,224 91,395 76,277 Prototypes and jigs 301,220 165,408 239,494 131,722 Land 58,564 - 45,806 - Building under construction 375,791 - 298,785 - ------------------------------------------------------ 2,837,110 1,594,051 2,321,481 1,656,830 ====================================================== Net book value 1,243,059 664,651 ------------------------------------------------------
5. Purchased Research and Development Technology During 1999, the Company acquired at a cost of $93,750, the rights to photo-printer technology, which is in the process of being developed by its President and Chief Executive Officer. A patent application is currently pending. The development of this technology will continue through a wholly- owned subsidiary, Diprin Inc. ("Diprin"), which was previously owned by the President and Chief Executive Officer. In consideration for the ownership of this technology, the Company issued 125,000* common shares to its President and Chief Executive Officer (see Note 10(b)(vii)). The design of the portable photo-printer is still in the final stages of completion which management estimates to be in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2002. The cost of the technology is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 3 years commencing from Sept 30/98. As at Mar 31, 2001 the unamortized balance amounted to $15,625. 6. Investment in Affiliate
2000 2001 ---- ---- 3294340 Canada Inc. 335,760 159,193 ======= =======
In October 1996, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement which resulted in the purchase of a 45% stake in 3294340 Canada Inc. (Technologies NovImage as mentioned in note 12), a Quebec based company, for approx. $1,875,000. The investee carries on research and development activities in order to develop improvements, modifications, additions or alteration to the intellectual property and to develop new products. In connection with the transaction, the Company also entered into a Stock Exchange Agreement with Societe Innovatech du Grand Montreal ("Innovatech"), an economic development agency of the government of the Province of Quebec, pursuant to which Innovatech would be permitted, under certain circumstances, to exchange its 45% interest for common shares of the Company. PAGE-12 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Investment in Affiliate cont'd The Company has a commitment to pay a royalty fee based on net revenue (see Note 13(b)). The assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of 3294340 Canada Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2000 and 2001 are as follows:
2000 2001 ---- ---- Current assets 636,551 390,865 Capital assets 486,823 373,759 ---------------------- 1,123,374 764,624 Current liabilities 396,462 428,495 ---------------------- Net assets 726,912 336,129 ---------------------- Revenue Miscellaneous income (loss) 100,958 (3,020) Research and development 627,299 429,922 ---------------------- 728,257 426,902 Expenses 1,235,400 775,181 ---------------------- Net loss for the period (507,143) (348,279) ======================
The Company's portion of the net loss is $156,725 ($228,214 in 2000). During the fiscal year 2000, Innovatech had made a request to convert 80% of its shares in 329430 Canada Inc. into the Company's common stock. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, the company issued 50,600 shares to Innovatech. As a result of another transaction with M.S.Judge Systems, as at the year end the company still had a 45% stake in 329430 Canada Inc. 7. Bank Indebtedness The Company has an operating line of credit available for approximately $100,000 which bears interest at prime plus 0.75%, is due on demand, and is secured by a general security agreement over all Company assets except real property. At March 31, 2001 approximately $93,891 ($160,133 in 2000) was utilized. The Company's 2001 and 2000 bank indebtedness is the result of a bank overdraft in the Company's subsidiary as well as a revolving operating loan in the Company. The indebtedness of the subsidiary is secured by a pledge of fixed deposits with the local bank. 8. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of:
2000 2001 ---- ---- Trade accounts payable 495,382 444,258 Wages and employee deductions payable 64,023 49,343 Accrued liabilities 177,591 174,761 Accrued litigation costs 69,450 94,275 ------------------- 806,446 762,637 =================== * Adjusted for reverse split of Company's Stock (1:4) on January 29, 1999.
PAGE-13 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Convertible Debentures
2000 2001 ---- ---- 12% Convertible debentures 200,000 183,899
During 1999, the Company conducted a private placement of ten specific investment units, each comprising 10,000 common shares ( see Note 10(b)(x)) and a three-year 12% convertible subordinated note in the amount of $20,000. Interest payments are payable quarterly and conversion is available at an exercise price of $1.00 per share. One-half of the principal amount of the note is exercisable during the 30 day period commencing 180 days from the initial closing on February 19, 1999. The remaining principal amount is convertible following 360 days after the initial closing. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000, the Company issued the remaining one-half unit comprising of 5,000 common shares ( see Note 10(b)(x)) and a three-year 12% convertible subordinated note in the amount of $10,000. The Company is presently in default on the interest payments on the 12% convertible debentures. The consequences of this default has not been determined. 10. Share Capital (a) Authorized 5 Million common shares pursuant to shareholder approval of a 1:4 reverse split of the common shares of the Company effective January 29, 1999. Of the 2,582,985 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2000, 3,444* shares have not been registered by the Company's stock transfer agent. (b) Changes to Issued Share Capital (i) Effective January 29, 1999, the Company's stockholders approved a 1:4 reverse stock split resulting in 1,788,649* common shares outstanding as of that date. (ii) During 1998, 180,981* warrants were exercised in exchange for 180,981* common shares. The proceeds of this issue, net of related expenses of $120,470, was $2,049,709. This amount includes warrants exercised under the Company's warrant call. (iii) During 1998, 69,635* shares were issued for the full settlement and legal costs of a class action lawsuit filed in the State of New York and a partial settlement of another class action lawsuit filed in the State of California. Both lawsuits were in connection with potential losses that would be suffered on the warrant call. The Company is required to issue an additional 18,750* shares in connection with the State of California suit and accordingly the Company accrued approximately $122,000 for the cost of these shares representing the fair value of the shares on February 2, 1998. The Company also agreed to issue 96,927* replacement warrants for each warrant held by warrant holders on February 10, 1997 and sold by such holders prior to March 5, 1997. (iv) During 1998, $50,000 of convertible debentures ( see Note 9) were converted into 14,742* common shares. The debentures were converted based on a conversion price of $0.8479 that represents the average of the closing bid share price of 20 days prior to the conversion. The Company also incurred $10,000 of issuance cost relating to the conversion of the debentures. (v) During fiscal 1999, it was determined that an accrual for warrant costs was not required. As a result, a reversal of the accrual was made consistent with APB 20 : "Accounting changes". * Adjusted for reverse split of Company's Stock (1:4) on January 29, 1999. PAGE-14 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Share Capital cont'd (vi) In fall 1998, the Company issued an aggregate of 294,117* common shares ( 73,529*, 110,294* and 110,294* ) to three principals of the Company in full satisfaction of corporate indebtedness to those parties as approved by the Board of Directors. (vii) During the forth quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company's stockholders approved the acquisition of Diprin Inc., a corporate entity wholly owned by a principal of the Company in exchange for the issuance of 125,000* common shares. (viii) During the forth quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company and its legal counsel approved an amendment to a legal resolution with respect to a class action settlement. The amendment converted the warrant entitlements under the settlement into common shares that were subject to the 1:4 reverse stock split. An aggregate of 109,471 common shares were issued pursuant to two separate issuances pursuant to Company instructions dated February 17, 1999 and May 21, 1999 ( 54,752 and 54,719 respectively ). (ix) In April, 1998, an additional $50,000 of convertible debentures (see Note 9) were converted into 17,213* common shares. The debentures were converted based on a conversion price of $0.7262 that represents the average of the closing bid share price for the twenty days preceding the conversion. The Company incurred $15,000 in further issuance costs related to this conversion of the debenture. (x) During fiscal 1999, the Company engaged the services of Robb Peck McGooey Clearing Corporation, Cantella & Associates and Quantum Resources Inc., three related financial services companies to conduct a private offering to raise funds for investment in the Company. The units in the offering granted 10,000 shares to each purchaser. In total, ten units were sold with a 1/2 unit closing after March 31, 1999. 95,000 shares were issued pursuant to the placement between February 1999 and March 31, 1999. The remaining 5,000 shares were issued in the first quarter of fiscal 2000. The three companies are also entitled to a grant of 50,000 warrants to purchase 50,000 common shares at an exercise price of $1.20. (xi) In April, 1999 the Company issued an aggregate of 61,618 common shares ( 40,810 and 20,808 ) to two consulting companies independently run by principals of the Company in full satisfaction of corporate indebtedness to those parties as approved by the Board of Directors. (xii) On May 26, 1999, the Company and its legal counsel, with the approval of the Board of Directors, issued an additional aggregate of 18,748 common shares as the final stage of a settlement agreement with the Company. (xiii) On July 6, 1999, the Company closed an additional private placement involving up to 325,000 common shares of the Company at $2.00 per share issued on October 6, 1999. As a result of an over-subscription, a total of 337,500 shares of the Company's common stock was issued in the offering. (xiv) On December 21, 1999, the Company resolved three outstanding debentures, each in the amount of $50,000, and accrued interest in the amount of $56,351 by a transfer of 21,310 shares of the Company's common stock. (xv) On April 12, 1999, the Company settled an outstanding legal account in favour of its independent legal counsel by issuing 13,500 of the Company's common shares in full and final satisfaction of payment for the services rendered. (xvi) On January 4, 2000, the Company issued 2,190 of its common shares to Cantella and Associates on exercise of a vested placement agent warrant in their favour. (xvii) In January, 2001 the Company issued 50,600 common shares to Societe Innovatech du Grand Montreal in exchange for Innovatech's 45% stake in 329430 Canada Inc. (c) Warrants As at March 31, 2001, the Company had 929,762 issued and outstanding warrants. The warrants are exercisable at prices ranging from $1.20 to $34.00 with expiry dates between 1999 and 2009. * Adjusted for reverse split of Company's Stock (1:4) on January 29, 1999. PAGE-15 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Share Capital cont'd (d) Employee Stock Option Plan The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board (APB ) Opinion No. 25, " Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees ", and related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options. Under APB No. 25, compensation expense is not recognized if the exercise price equals or exceeds the market price on the date of grant. The exercise price of the employees' stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, therefore no compensation expense is recognized. In July 1996, the board of directors approved an employee stock option plan covering options to purchase 75,000* common shares that was increased in January 1997 to 125,000*. All options are currently vested. As of March 31, 1998, 115,625* employee stock options granted to management employees were outstanding with an exercise price of $8.50. These options expire 10 years after the grant date. In fiscal 1999, 8,625* employee stock options were granted with exercise prices ranging from $3.28 to $4.00. On April 11, 2000, 9,250 employee stock options were cancelled and no new issuances occurred. Pro-froma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for the employee stock options under fair value method of that statement. The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black- Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted- average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of approximately 5% to 6%; dividend yield of 0.0%; volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company's common stock of approximately 21% ( 122% in 1999 and 21% in 2000) and weighted- average expected life of the option of 10 to 13 years. The Company's pro-forma information is as follows:
year ended year ended year ended 31-Mar 31-Mar 31-Mar 1999 2000 2001 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net loss As reported (2,244,351) (1,500,840) (1,042,414) Pro-forma (2,350,607) (1,571,758) (1,248,253) Net loss per share As reported (1.28) (0.61) (0.40) Pro-forma (1.34) (0.64) (0.42)
PAGE-16 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Share Capital cont'd (e) The Activity of the Company's Stock Option Plan is as follows:
Option Outstanding Option Exercisable -------------------------- -------------------------- Weighted Weighted Average price Option Average price Options Per Share Outstanding Per Share Exercisable ------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- (dollars) (dollars) Balance, March 31, 1998 8.50 117,542 8.50 98,942 Granted 3.91 8,625 Cancelled 8.50 (9,667) Balance, March 31, 1999 8.15 116,500 8.15 104,958 Granted - - Cancelled - - Balance, March 31, 2000 8.15 116,500 8.15 95,750 Cancelled 8.15 (9,250) Balance, March 31, 2001 4.00 107,250 4.00 95,750
At March 31, 2001, there were 8,500 options available for future grants. As at March 31, 2001, the options have a weighted average contractual life of 7.5 years. Effective June 27, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a repricing of the exercise under the plan of the options to $4.00 per share. (f) Loss per Common Share The computation of loss per common share and common equivalent share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year except as noted below plus (in years which they have a dilutive effect ) the effect of common shares contingently issuable pursuant to outstanding warrants and options. On March 31, 2001 there were 929,762 warrants and 116,500 options outstanding that were not considered because they are anti-dilutive. The weighted average number of common shares used in calculating earnings per common share (after retroactive application of the reverse stock split in 1999) is as follows:
1999 2000 2001 ---- ---- ---- Shares outstanding at year end* 2,068,400 2,582,985 2,633,585 -------------------------------------- Weighted average shares outstanding* 1,749,386 2,443,730 2,591,418 -------------------------------------- * Adjusted for reverse split of Company's common stock (1:4) on January 29, 1999.
PAGE-17 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Cumulative Other Comprehensive Loss The Company has adopted SFAS No. 130, " Reporting comprehensive income " as of January 1, 1998 which requires new standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in the consolidated financial statements. However, it does not affect net income or total stockholder's equity. The components of comprehensive loss are as follows:
1999 2000 2001 ---- ---- ---- Net loss (2,244,351) (1,500,840) (1,042,414) Other comprehensive loss & foreign currency translation adjustments (280,396) (65,480) (160,791) -------------------------------------------- Comprehensive loss (2,524,747) (1,566,320) (1,203,205) ============================================
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: Accumulated other translation loss March 31, 1998 (257,613) Foreign currency translation adjustment for the year ended March 31, 1999 (280,396) -------- Accumulated other translation loss March 31, 1999 (538,009) Foreign currency translation adjustment for the year ended March 31, 2000 (65,480) -------- Accumulated other translation loss March 31, 2000 (603,489) Foreign currency translation adjustment for the year ended March 31, 2001 (160,791) -------- Accumulated other translation loss March 31, 2001 (764,280) ========
12. Income Taxes (a) The reconciliation of income taxes calculated at an approximate statutory rate of 45% to the total tax provision is as follows:
1999 2000 2001 ---- ---- ---- Income taxes recovery (1,001,000) (670,000) 583,000 Items not subject to income taxes 252,000 274,000 228,000 Benefit of tax losses not recognized 749,000 396,000 248,000 --------------------------------------- - - - =======================================
Income tax provision and recovery is related solely to domestic operations. Foreign operations are not subject to taxes. (b) The Company has net operating loss carryforwards to reduce federal taxable income of approximately $8,028,000 which expire in 2004 through 2008. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards available to reduce Ontario taxable income of approximately $9,470,000 which expire during the years 2001 through 2008. The potential tax benefits of these losses have not been recognized in these consolidated financial statements. The Company has share issue costs amounting to $2,800,000, which are deductible against taxable income. When realized, the benefits will be recorded as a capital transaction. * Adjusted for reverse split of Company's common stock (1:4) on January 29, 1999. PAGE-18 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. Commitments (a) The Company leases premises, office equipment and motor vehicles under operating leases expiring in 2004. The approximate annual rental commitments during the lease terms are as follows: Year ended March 31, 2002 36,077 Year ended March 31, 2003 14,000 Year ended March 31, 2004 900
Approximate rental expense incurred under operating leases is as follows: Year ended March 31, 1998 169,000 Year ended March 31, 1999 177,000 Year ended March 31, 2000 178,000 Year ended March 31, 2001 179,500
(b) The Company is committed to its affiliate, 3294340 Canada Inc., to pay a 0.5% royalty fee on net revenue, licensing revenue and net sales to sub-licensees on scanner and plotter technology created by the affiliate on behalf of the Company (see Note 6). (c) Capital commitments of the foreign subsidiary, Indo WideCom International Ltd. in India, is approximately $14,000. 14. Segmented Information The Company has adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about segments of an enterprise" which establishes standards for reporting operating segments in annual financial statements. Description of type of product : The Company operates through one segment, wide format document management systems, comprising of two major products- wide format scanners and plotters. Measurement of Segment profit and loss : As the products ( noted above ) are regarded as one segment, the total Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets and deemed by management to be wholly attributable to that segment. (a) The Company operated in one industry segment. The Company's operations and identifiable assets by geographic region are as follows:
Canada India Intercompany Total ------ ----- ------------ ----- Year ended March 31, 1998 Revenue 2,913,259 1,556,141 (1,415,596) 3,053,804 Net loss (3,321,531) (244,027) 229,693 (3,335,865) Identifiable assets 6,677,495 2,442,435 (3,468,740) 5,651,190 Year ended March 31, 1999 Revenue 2,726,807 1,694,131 (1,345,329) 3,075,609 Net loss (2,357,707) (111,715) 225,071 (2,244,351) Identifiable assets 4,547,514 2,066,306 (2,335,604) 4,278,216 Year ended March 31, 2000 Revenue 2,540,161 769,102 (736,552) 2,572,711 Net loss (1,232,624) (391,398) 123,182 (1,500,840) Identifiable assets 3,650,014 1,779,172 (1,993,825) 3,435,361 Year ended March 31, 2001 (214,653) Revenue 1,465,283 395,342 (276,237) 1,584,388 Net loss (1,093,988) (174,278) 225,852 (1,042,414) Identifiable assets 3,014,456 1,270,768 (1,851,768) 2,433,456
Page 19 The WideCom Group Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (in United States dollars) March 31, 2000 and 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14. Segmented Information cont'd. (b) The breakdown of sales by geographic region is as follows:
1999 2000 2001 ---- ---- ---- Canada 211,735 267,559 152,630 United States 1,338,704 1,535,204 722,943 Middle East 200,711 117,733 173,587 Asia 583,077 286,394 364,700 Europe 241,708 355,385 167,931 --------------------------------------- 2,575,935 2,562,275 1,581,791 =======================================
(c) In the year ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 no end user accounted for more than 5% of the Company's product sales. In 2000, approximately 27.7% of the Company's product sales were made through five distributors, with the largest representing approximately 14.3%. For the year ended March 31, 2001, approximately 26% of the Company's product sales were made through five distributors, with the largest representing approximately 15%. (d) Information with respect to revenues earned by country or by product are not readily available. 15. (a) The Company has been served with a claim, with respect to a breach of contract regarding the Company's rights under two specific joint venture and development agreements to use and distribute various iterations of software components allegedly the sole property of the claimant. The action claims damages for breach of contract along with copyright and trademark infringement. The claim seeks a total of $15.85 million in damages and is in progress in the Province of Ontario. Management considers that the prospects of a successful resolution are likely. Several other claims against the Company are in various stages of litigation. In management's opinion, these claims are not material and accordingly no provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements. Loss, if any, on the above claims will be recorded when settlement is probable and the amount of the settlement is estimable. (b) The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Indo WideCom International Ltd., in India, has not met export obligations for the fiscal year which may result in additional customs duty levied by the authorities in India. As at year end, this amount was not determinable. 16. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
2000 2001 ---- ---- Cash paid during the year: Interest 16,863 16,863 ------------------- Non monetary transaction during the year: Shares issued for conversion of debentures 203,777 - Shares issued to Innovatech (as explained earlier) 4,815 ------------------- 203,777 4,815 ===================
17. Comparative Figures Comparative figures for the previous years, as presented in these financial statements were audited by the company's former auditors. 18. Subsidiaries During the year the Company sold its proprietary wide-format printing technology and related patents to its wholly owned subsidiary PosterNetwork.com Inc. ("PosterNetwork") in exchange for 12 million shares of PosterNetwork. The Indian subsidiary decided not to recognize any gain or loss on foreign currency transactions during the year. PAGE-20 EX-23 3 widex23.txt FORM OF CONSENT Exhibit 23 Zafar Husain Siddiqui Chartered Accountant CONSENT OF Zafar Husain Siddiqui The undersigned, Zafar Husain Siddiqui, Chartered Accountants hereby Consent to the use of our name and the use of our opinion dated August 12, 2001 on the consolidated financial statements of The Widecom Group Inc. ("the Company") for the years ended March 31, 2000 and 2001 included in Form 10-K Annual Report being filed by the Company. Toronto, Ontario /s/ Zafar Husain Siddiqui llp August 15, 2001 Charted Accountants -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----