Washington, D.C. 20549
______ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
______ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
Some of the information in this prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent our current expectations or forecasts of future events and are based on our management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include the words "anticipate," "believe," "budget," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "objective," "plan," "probable" "possible," "potential," "project" and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performances. Any references to we, our, us, Company, Corporation, or FEC refer to FEC Resources Inc,
Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this Form 20-F may turn out to be incorrect. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many of these factors, including the risks outlined under "Risk Factors," will be important in determining our actual future results, which may differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following:
When you consider these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risk factors and other cautionary statements in this prospectus. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are subject to a variety of variables which could cause actual results or trends to differ materially. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as otherwise required by United States securities laws, we are under no duty to update any of the forward looking statements after the date of this Form 20-F to conform them to actual results or to changes in our expectations. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statement.
Unless otherwise stated, "$", when used in this Form 20-F, refers to US dollars.
ITEM
1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS.
Not applicable to Form 20-F filed as annual report.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.
Not applicable to Form 20-F filed as annual report.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION.
The following is a summary of key information about our financial condition, capitalization and the risk factors pertaining to our business.
Currency Exchange Rates
Table No. 3(A)(1) below sets forth the rate of exchange for the Canadian Dollar at the end of each of the five (5) most recent fiscal years ended December 31, the average rates for each year, and the range of high and low rates for each year. Table 3(A)(2) sets forth the high and low exchange rates for each month during the previous six (6) months. The rate of exchange means the noon buying rate as posted by the Bank of Canada. The Tables set forth the number of Canadian Dollars required under that formula to buy one (1) US Dollar. The average rate means the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the year.
Table No. 3(A)(1)
U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar
Currency Exchange Table No. 1
U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar
|
Average
|
High
|
Low
|
Close
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/18
|
1.30
|
1.36
|
1.23
|
1.36
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/17
|
1.30
|
1.37
|
1.21
|
1.25
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/16
|
1.32
|
1.46
|
1.25
|
1.34
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/15
|
1.28
|
1.40
|
1.17
|
1.38
|
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31/14
|
1.10
|
1.16
|
1.06
|
1.25
|
The current closing rate of exchange was 1.33 on February 15, 2019.
Table No. 3(A)(2)
U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar
|
8/18
|
9/18
|
10/18
|
11/18
|
12/18
|
1/19
|
High
|
1.32
|
1.32
|
1.31
|
1.33
|
1.36
|
1.36
|
Low
|
1.29
|
1.29
|
1.28
|
1.31
|
1.32
|
1.31
|
A. Selected Financial Data
The following financial data summarizes selected financial data for our company prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The information presented below for the five year period ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is derived from our audited financial statements. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with our audited annual financial statements and related notes thereto included in this annual report, and with the information appearing under the heading "Item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects".
|
|
Year
Ended
12/31/18
('000) -
except per share data
|
|
|
Year
Ended
12/31/17
('000) -
except per share data
|
|
|
Year
Ended
12/31/16
('000) -
except per share data
|
|
|
Year
Ended
12/31/15
('000) -
except per share data
|
|
|
Year
Ended
12/31/14
('000) -
except per share data
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Net (Loss) Income
|
|
$
|
(218
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,803
|
|
|
$
|
(250
|
)
|
|
$
|
341
|
|
|
$
|
(290
|
)
|
Net (Loss) Income Per Share
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
Dividends Per Share
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
Weighted Avg. Shares O/S ('000)
|
|
|
409,144
|
|
|
|
409,144
|
|
|
|
411,275
|
|
|
|
439,144
|
|
|
|
439,144
|
|
Working Capital
|
|
$
|
182
|
|
|
$
|
399
|
|
|
$
|
261
|
|
|
$
|
510
|
|
|
$
|
169
|
|
Resource Properties
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Long-Term Debt
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Shareholders' Equity
|
|
$
|
1,847
|
|
|
$
|
2,065
|
|
|
$
|
262
|
|
|
$
|
511
|
|
|
$
|
170
|
|
Share Capital
|
|
$
|
16,732
|
|
|
$
|
16,732
|
|
|
$
|
16,732
|
|
|
$
|
16,732
|
|
|
$
|
16,732
|
|
Capital Stock Shares ('000)
|
|
|
409,144
|
|
|
|
409,144
|
|
|
|
409,144
|
|
|
|
439,144
|
|
|
|
439,144
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
1,903
|
|
|
$
|
2,099
|
|
|
$
|
320
|
|
|
$
|
572
|
|
|
$
|
212
|
|
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the U.S. Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
C. Reason for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
This Form 20-F is being filed as an annual report under the U.S. Exchange Act and, as such, there is no requirement to provide any information under this item.
D. Risk Factors
General Business Risks
We Have Had a History of Operating Losses Which May Affect Our Ability to Continue Operations.
We had a net loss of ($217,665) during the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017 –$1,803,036; 2016 – ($249,569).
Total income in 2017 included an unrealized gain of $1,965,000 on the Company's investment in Forum Energy Limited )"Forum Energy"). Commencing in 2017, the Company accounts for its investment in Forum Energy as "available for sale" whereas in 2016 this investment was accounted for on the equity basis. This change resulted from dilution of the Company's interest in Forum Energy as described below under section 4B – Business Overview – Recent Developments
.
. Commencing in 2018, upon the adoption of IFRS 9, the Company accounts for the investment at fair value through other comprehensive income. We have incurred operating losses in the previous fiscal years with our accumulated deficit totaling $17,943,399 as at December 31, 2018. We also anticipate sustaining a loss from operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. We have no sources of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2018 and in 2017 our only source of revenue was from the sale of the Forum Energy shares and, historically, have only shown net income as a result of accounting for our equity share of profits in other companies in which we hold equity investments. As a result, we may not be able to sustain operations in the future without additional debt or equity financing.
Unless We Are Able To Invest in Companies That Discover Economically Recoverable Reserves in the Future, There is Substantial Doubt We Will Be Able to Continue Operations as a Going Concern in the Long Term.
Our business success is dependent upon our ability to benefit from the discovery economically recoverable reserves by companies we invest in, and for those companies to bring such reserves into profitable production. The companies we invest in are subject to a number of risks, including environmental risks, contractual risks, legal and political risks, fluctuations in the price of oil and gas, and other factors beyond our control.
The consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by management on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a "going concern". Management believes the "going concern" basis, which presumes the realization of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future, is appropriate. We have experienced significant operating losses and cash outflows from operations in the years ended December 31, 2018 2017 and 2016 and have no income other than that generated from interest on cash balances and the sale of FEP shares. Our ability to continue as a "going concern" in the long term is dependent on benefiting from our investments and upon obtaining additional financing. The outcome of these matters cannot be predicted at this time.
We Believe We Don't Have Sufficient Working Capital to Support Our Business in 2019. We Will Need Additional Funds in Order to Sustain our Operations in Order to See if Our Investments Will be Successful and There is No Assurance that Such Funds Will Be Available As, If, and When, Needed.
Funds used in operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(196,157) and $(187,013), respectively. We have been dependent upon the proceeds of the sale of FEP shares, equity and debt financing in addition to the disposition of assets to fund operations. No assurances can be given that our actual cash requirements will not exceed our budget, that anticipated revenues will be realized, that, when needed, lines of credit will be available if necessary or that additional capital will be available to us. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain such additional funds on terms and conditions we may deem acceptable. Failure to obtain such additional funds may materially and adversely affect our ability to acquire interests directly or indirectly in producing oil and gas and mineral properties.
We Do Not Intend to Pay Dividends In the Foreseeable Future, and thus, You Should Not Expect to Receive Dividends.
We have paid no dividends on our common shares since inception, and do not plan to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. See
"
Description of Common Shares.
"
The Market Price of Our Common Shares Has Been, and Will Likely Continue to Be, Volatile.
The market price of our common shares has fluctuated over a wide range, and it is likely that the price of our common shares will fluctuate in the future. Further, announcements regarding acquisitions, the status of corporate collaborations, regulatory approvals or other developments by us or our competitors could have a significant impact on the market price of our common shares.
The Value and Transferability of Our Shares May Be Adversely Impacted By the Limited Trading Market For Our Shares and the Penny Stock Rules.
There is only a limited trading market for our shares on the Pink Sheets. There can be no assurance that (a) we will be able to be listed again on the OTCQB, due to enhanced listing requirements that were implemented by OTC Markets in 2014, (b) this market will be sustained, or (c) that we will be able to satisfy any future trading criteria that may be imposed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").
In addition, holders of our common shares may experience substantial difficulty in selling their securities as a result of the "penny stock rules" which apply to our common shares. Under the penny stock rules, the Securities and Exchange Commission imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse). For transactions covered by the rules, a broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and transaction prior to the sale. Consequently, the rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities, and also may affect the ability of purchasers of our stock to sell their shares in the secondary market. It may also cause fewer broker-dealers to make a market in our common shares.
The Large Number of Shares Eligible For Future Sale By Existing Shareholders May Adversely Affect the Market Price For Our Common Shares.
Future sales of substantial amounts of common shares in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common shares. In February 2016, an agreement was reached with a shareholder to cancel 30,000,000 common shares which had been issued but held in escrow; thus at February 15, 2018 we had 409,143,765 common shares outstanding. We currently have 238,207,423 shares eligible to be resold pursuant to Rule 144. We do not intend to include these common shares in a future Registration Statement to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, registering the common shares for sale. If a decision was made to file a Registration Statement for these common shares. no prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that sales of common shares or the availability of such shares for sale will have on the market prices of our common shares prevailing from time to time. The possibility that substantial amounts of our common shares may be sold under SEC Rule 144 into the public market may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common shares and could impair our ability to raise capital in the future through the sale of equity securities.
Your vote may not affect the outcome of any shareholder vote since our principal stockholder currently retains approximately 55% of our outstanding stock.
Specifically, PXP Energy Corporation ("PXP") (formerly Philex Petroleum Corporation) may be able to control the outcome of all stockholder votes, including votes concerning director elections, charter and by-law amendments and possible mergers, corporate control contests and other significant corporate transactions which may not be in the interests of all shareholders.
Foreign Laws, Rules and Environmental Regulations to Which Companies We Invest In Are Subject May Adversely Affect Our Business Operations As Well As the Market Price For Our Stock.
The production of oil and gas and the extraction of minerals by companies we invest in or by ourselves is generally subject to extensive laws, rules, orders and regulations governing a wide variety of matters, including the drilling and spacing of wells, allowable rates of production, prevention of waste and pollution and protection of the environment. In addition to the direct costs borne in complying with such regulations, operations and revenues may be impacted to the extent that certain regulations limit oil and gas and mineral production to below economic levels. Although the particular regulations applicable in each jurisdiction in which operations are conducted vary, such regulations are generally designed to ensure that oil and gas operations are carried out in a safe and efficient manner, and to ensure that similarly-situated operators are provided with reasonable opportunities to produce their respective fair share of available crude oil, natural gas, and mineral reserves. However, since these regulations generally apply to all oil and gas producers, we believe that these regulations should not put us at a material disadvantage to other oil, gas and mineral producers.
Operating Risks - Oil and Gas Exploration Investment Activities
We Do Not Currently Directly Own Assets That Provide Cash Flow Our Failure to Find or Acquire Available Assets May Adversely Impact Our Business Operations.
We do not own any properties or investments that provide cash flow. Our cash flow and income, as well as our success are highly dependent on success in finding or acquiring cash flow through our investments and obtaining the financing necessary to acquire such investments. We cannot assure shareholders that we will be able to acquire such investments, if any.
Exploring For and Producing Oil and Natural Gas and Minerals Are High-Risk Activities With Many Uncertainties That Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition or Results of Operations.
Exploration and development of oil and gas and mineral resources involve a high degree of risk, and few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing properties. There is no assurance that exploration and development activities of companies that we invest in will result in any discoveries of commercial bodies of oil, gas or minerals. The long-term profitability of our operations will be, in part, directly related to the cost and success of exploration programs of companies we invest in which may be affected by a number of factors. Substantial expenditures are required to establish reserves through drilling, to develop processes to extract the resources, and, in the case of new properties, to develop the extraction and processing facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for extraction. Although substantial benefits may be derived from the discovery of a major deposit of oil, gas or minerals, no assurance can be given that natural resources will be discovered in sufficient quantities by companies we invest in to justify commercial operations or that the funds required for development can be obtained on a timely basis.
If Companies We Invest In Are Unable to Continue to Identify, Explore and Develop New Properties, Our Business Operations May Be Adversely Affected.
We expect that to be successful companies we invest in must continually acquire or explore for and develop new oil and gas reserves to replace those, if any, being depleted by production. Without successful drilling or acquisition ventures, our indirect oil and gas assets, mineral assets and, properties and the revenues derived there from, if any, will decline over time. To the extent we engage in drilling activities indirectly, such activities carry the risk that no commercially viable oil or gas production or mineral extraction will be obtained. The cost of drilling, completing and operating oil and gas wells is often uncertain. Moreover, drilling for oil and gas and minerals may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of many factors, including shortage of available working capital, title problems, weather conditions, environmental concerns, government prohibitions, shortages of or delays in delivery of equipment, as well as the financial instability of well operators, major working interest owners, and drilling and well servicing companies. The availability of a ready market for oil and gas and minerals will depend on numerous factors beyond our control, including the demand for and supply of oil and gas and minerals, the proximity of natural gas reserves to pipelines, the capacity of such pipelines, the proximity of any smelting facilities in relation to any minerals found, fluctuations in seasonal demand, the effects of inclement weather, and government regulation. New gas wells may be "shut-in" for lack of a market until a gas pipeline or gathering system with available capacity is extended into an area.
The Exploration and Development of Oil and Gas and Mineral Properties are Subject to Operating Hazards and Risks for Which We Will Be Uninsured
.
Exploration for natural resources involves many risks, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. Operations in which we have an interest will be subject to all the hazards and risks normally incidental to exploration, development and production of resources, any of which could result in work stoppages, damage to persons or property and possible environmental damage. These include the possibility of fires, earthquake activity, coastal erosion, explosions, blowouts, oil spills or seepage, gas leaks, discharge of toxic gas, over-pressurized formations, unusual or unexpected geological conditions and the absence of economically viable reserves. These hazards may result in cost overruns, substantial losses, and/or exposure to substantial environmental and other liabilities.
Fluctuating Resource Prices May Adversely Impact Our Operations and Activities.
The price of natural resources has traditionally been subject to wide fluctuations, particularly in recent years, and is affected by numerous factors beyond our control including international, economic and political trends, expectations of inflation, currency exchange fluctuations, interest rates, global or regional consumptive patterns, speculative activities and increased production due to new extraction developments and improved extraction and production methods. The effect of these factors on the price of oil and gas and minerals, and therefore, the economic viability of any investments we have or make in exploration projects, cannot accurately be predicted.
If We Fail to Fulfill Our Obligations Under Our Purchase Option and Joint Venture Agreements, Not Only Will Our Operations Be Adversely Affected, But We May Lose Our Interest In the Property in Question
.
We may, in the future, be unable to meet our share of costs incurred under joint venture agreements or other option or joint venture agreements to which we are, or may become a party, and we may have our interest in properties, in which we may acquire interests subject to such agreements, reduced as a result. Furthermore, if other parties to such agreements do not meet their share of such costs, we may be unable to finance the cost required to complete recommended programs. In 2017, our interest in Forum Energy was diluted from 18.42% to 6.80% due to a subscription for new shares by other shareholders of Forum Energy and the sale of 1,000,000 Forum Energy shares by us.
It Is Possible that Our Title for the Claims in Which We Have a Direct or Indirect Interest in Will Be Challenged By Third Parties.
Although we will attempt to ascertain the status of the title for any projects in which we have or will invest in, there is no guarantee that title to such concessions will not be challenged or impugned. In some countries, the system for recording title to the rights to explore, develop, and mine natural resources is such that a title opinion provides only minimal comfort that the holder has title. Also, in many countries, claims have been made and new claims are being made by aboriginal peoples, and other countries claiming rights that call into question the property rights granted by the governments of those countries.
An example of this is the
force majeure declared on SC72 because this contract area falls within the territorial disputed area of the West Philippine Sea which was the subject of an United Nations arbitration process between the Republic of Philippines and the People's Republic of China.
On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines against China over
territorial disputes
in the South China Sea. China has rejected the ruling. It is uncertain whether this ruling will resolve the dispute between the parties
Reserve Estimates for Resources That May Be Reported By Companies We Invest In Are Dependent On Many Assumptions that May Ultimately Turn Out to Be Inaccurate.
Reserve estimates are imprecise and may be expected to change as additional information becomes available. Furthermore, estimates of reserves of natural resources, of necessity, are projections based on engineering data and there are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of such data as well as the projection of future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of oil, gas and minerals that cannot be measured in an exact way and the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the information regarding reserves of natural resources, if any, set forth herein will ultimately be produced.
Any Resource Production of Companies That we Have Invested In May Be Adversely Affected By Factors Beyond Our Control.
The production and marketing of resources are affected by a number of competitive factors which are beyond our control and the effect of which cannot be accurately predicted. These factors include crude oil and mineral imports, actions by foreign oil-producing nations and other mineral producers, the availability of adequate pipeline and other transportation facilities, the availability of equipment and personnel, the marketing of competitive fuels and minerals, the effect of governmental regulations, and other matters affecting the availability of a ready market such as fluctuating supply and demand.
Operations of Companies We Invest In Will Be Subject to Numerous Environmental Risks
Resource operations of companies we invest in, if any will be subject to compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. We believe that there is a trend toward stricter standards of environmental regulation which will in all probability continue. Compliance with such laws and standards may cause substantial delays and require capital outlays in excess of those anticipated, thereby adversely affecting our earnings and competitive position in the future.
Since We May Acquire Holdings In Properties In Less Developed Countries and Have Indirectly Acquired Holdings in Properties In Less Developed Countries, Our Operations May Be Adversely Affected By Risks Associated With the Political, Economic and Social Climate of the Countries In Which We Will Operate or Have Indirect Holdings .
Since our indirect exploration and development activities will occur primarily in countries other than Canada and the United States, we may be affected by possible political or economic instability in those countries. The risks include, but are not limited to, terrorism, military repression, extreme fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and high rates of inflation. Changes in resource development or investment policies or shifts in political attitude in these countries may adversely affect our business. Operations of companies we invest in may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to restrictions on production, price controls, export controls, income taxes, expropriation of property, maintenance of claims, environmental legislation, land use, land claims of local people, water use and mine safety. The effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted. Exploration and production activities in areas outside of the United States and Canada are also subject to the risks inherent in foreign operations, including loss of revenue, property and equipment as a result of hazards such as expropriation, nationalization, war, insurrection and other political risks.
We Face Competition From Larger and Better Financed Companies Seeking to Acquire Properties In Our Sphere of Operation.
The resource industry is highly competitive, and our business could be harmed by competition from other companies. Because resources are fungible commodities, the principal form of competition is price competition. We will strive to insure companies we invest in maintain the lowest exploration and production costs possible to maximize profits. In addition, we may compete for reserve acquisitions, exploration leases, licenses, concessions and marketing agreements against companies with financial and other resources substantially larger than we possess. Many of our competitors have established strategic long term positions and maintain strong governmental relationships in countries in which we may seek entry.
We Currently Do Not Maintain Insurance Against Potential Losses and Unexpected Liabilities.
As previously stated herein, exploration for and production of resources can be hazardous, involving natural disasters and other unforeseen occurrences such as "blowouts", "cratering", fires and loss of well control, which can damage or destroy wells or production facilities, injure or kill people, and damage property and the environment. We do not have such insurance coverage for companies we invest in; and, even if we were able to obtain such insurance coverage, there is no assurance that it would be adequate to protect against all operational risks, or subject to defenses or exclusions against insurance coverage.
We Are Dependent On Retaining Our Senior Management and Key Personnel.
To a large extent, we depend on the services of our senior management personnel. These individuals have critical and unique knowledge of the areas of operations that facilitate the evaluation and acquisition of potential properties in our intended sphere of operations. The loss of these experienced personnel, if that were to occur, could have a material adverse impact on our ability to compete in this region of the world. We do not maintain any insurance against the loss of any management personnel.
Our Directors May Face Conflicts of Interest In Connection With Our Participation In Certain Ventures Because They Are Directors of Other Resource Companies.
Some of our directors participate in other resource companies and to the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which we may participate, our directors may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such participation. It is possible that due to our directors' conflicting interests, we may be precluded from participating in certain projects that we might otherwise have participated in or we may obtain less favorable terms on certain projects than we might have obtained if our directors were not also the directors of other participating mineral resource companies. In their effort to balance their conflicting interests, our directors may approve terms that are equally favorable to all of their companies as opposed to negotiating terms that may be more favorable to us, but adverse to their other companies. Additionally, it is possible that we may not be afforded certain opportunities to participate in particular projects because such projects are assigned to our directors' other companies for which the directors may deem the projects to have a greater benefit.
Our Security Holders May Not Be Able to Enforce U.S. Civil Liabilities Claims Thereby Limiting Their Ability to Collect on Claims Against Us.
We are incorporated in Canada and the majority of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States. All or a substantial portion of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of Canada would recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof, or be competent to hear original actions brought in these countries against us or such persons predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof.
As a Foreign Private Issuer, We Are Exempt From a Number Of U.S. Securities Laws And Rules Promulgated Thereunder And Are Permitted To File Less Information With The SEC Than U.S. Companies Must. This Will Limit The Information Available To Holders Of Our Shares
We currently qualify as a "foreign private issuer," as defined in the SEC's rules and regulations and, consequently, we are not subject to all of the disclosure requirements applicable to companies organized within the U.S. For example, we are exempt from certain rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that regulate disclosure obligations and procedural requirements related to the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations applicable to a security registered under the Exchange Act. In addition, our officers and directors are exempt from the reporting and "short-swing" profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and related rules with respect to their purchases and sales of our securities. Moreover, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. public companies. We are also not subject to Regulation FD under the Exchange Act, which would prohibit us from selectively disclosing material nonpublic information to certain persons without concurrently making a widespread public disclosure of such information. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning our company than there is for U.S. public companies.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. Our Corporate History and Development.
We were incorporated on February 8, 1982 in British Columbia, Canada under the name Tylox Corporation. Our continuance under the
Canada Business Corporation Act
resulted in, among other things, our name change, first in December 1991, to Tracer Petroleum Corporation, followed in July 2003, to Forum Energy Corporation. On May 18, 2005, we changed our name to FEC Resources, Inc. We have no subsidiaries. .We currently hold 6.80% of the issued and outstanding capital of Forum Energy, and in addition we hold a 35% interest in Metalore Mining Corporation ("MMC"), a Philippine-based company that holds the rights to a 64 hectare license which has been abandoned. We also own a 1.08% interest in Lascogon Mining Corporation which owns the Mineral Production and Sharing Agreement 148 ("MPSA 148"), a gold exploration project in the Philippines.
We are engaged in investment into companies in the natural resource sector.
Our head office is located at
5th Floor, 40 Mount Street, North Sydney, New South Wales, NSW 2060 Australia
B. Business Overview
At this time, we do not have any significant revenue-generating assets, and as a result, we will rely upon issuance of new shares or debt to fund ongoing operations.
Recent Developments
A final hearing on the merits and remaining issues of jurisdiction and admissibility was held from November 24-30, 2015 in The Hague regarding the area covered by Forum Energy's
70% interest in Service Contract 72 Reed Bank.
On July12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines against China over
territorial disputes
in the South China Sea. China has rejected the ruling. It is uncertain whether this ruling will resolve the dispute between the parties.
A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the People's Republic of China and dated November 20, 2018 (the "MOU") was signed. The MOU states that the aforesaid governments
"…have decided to negotiate on an expedited basis arrangements to facilitate oil and gas exploration and exploitation in relevant maritime areas consistent with applicable rules of international law (hereinafter referred to as "the cooperation arrangements")… The two governments will endeavour to agree on the cooperation agreements within twelve (12) months of this Memorandum of Understanding… This Memorandum of Understanding, and all discussions, negotiations and activities of the two governments or their authorized enterprises under or pursuant to this Memorandum of Understanding, will be without prejudice to the respective legal positions of both governments. This Memorandum of Understanding does not create rights or obligations under international or domestic law."
The situation regarding SC72 remains unchanged and that the force majeure with respect to exploration of SC 72 remains in place.
The Philippines
We are currently pursuing exploration and development opportunities for oil and natural gas in the Philippines through Forum Energy. Forum Energy, in which we own a 6.80% equity interest, owns the oil and gas rights over a 8,800 square-kilometer block located in the West Philippine Sea. In addition Forum Energy holds interests in various other concessions located in the Philippines. This block is subject to a dispute between The Republic of the Philippines and the Peoples Republic of China
Forum Energy Plc. ("FEP")/Forum Energy Limited ("Forum Energy")
We currently own 6.80% of Forum Energy.
FEP was established through the consolidation in 2005 of the Philippine assets of FEC Resources, Inc. of Canada, and Sterling Energy Plc of the UK, into one corporate entity.
Forum Energy is a private
company, which has
participating interests in 11 oil and gas blocks in the Philippines through various subsidiaries.
Forum Energy's subsidiaries are
Forum Energy Philippines Corporation ("FEPCO"), Forum (GSEC101) Ltd. and Forum Exploration Inc. (66.67% owned). Forum Energy and ourselves are both ultimately under the control of PXP Energy Corporation ("PXP") and are therefore affiliates.
On March 23, 2017, PXP announced that it had increased its shareholdings in Forum Energy from 48.8% to 69.5% through a debt conversion for 39,350,920 shares at US$0.30 per share. At the same date
an independent third party purchased 6,666,667 newly issued Forum Energy shares at a price of US$0.30 per share for a total cash payment of US$2,000,000.
We did not participate in this financing transaction. These two transactions resulted in the dilution of our interest in Forum Energy from 18.42% to 8.03%.
As a result of this dilution, the Company's investment in Forum Energy ceased to be an equity investment. As a result of the loss of significant influence, we recognized an unrealized gain of $1,965,000 in the statement of operations and comprehensive income for the revaluation and reclassification of the investment as available for sale during the year. On December 6, 2017 we sold 1,000,000 Forum Energy shares to its parent company, PXP, for $0.30 per share. As a result of the sale of the shares our interest in Forum Energy was reduced to 6.80%.
The following information related to PXP or Forum Energy has been provided to us by PXP or Forum Energy , as we do not have direct knowledge of such information.
PXP holds a 78.98% controlling interest in Forum Energy, with 72.18% held directly and 6.80% held indirectly through its 54.99% shareholding in us. Forum Energy is a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales with focus on the Philippines and has: (a) a 70% operating interest in SC 72 Recto Bank, which covers the Sampaguita natural gas discovery in offshore West Palawan, held through Forum (GSEC 101) Limited; (b) a 66.67% operating interest in SC 40 North Cebu held through Forum Exploration, Inc.; and (c) minority interests in the SC 6 and SC 14 sub-blocks in offshore Northwest Palawan, including a 2.27% interest in the producing Galoc field, held through FEPCO.
A summary of Forum Energy's interests are as follows:
SC block
|
% interest
|
Currently Producing
|
SC72 Recto Bank
|
70%
|
No
|
SC40 North Cebu
|
66.67%
|
No
|
SC14C-1 Galoc
|
2.27%
|
Yes
|
SC6A Octon
|
5.56%
|
No
|
SC6B Bonita
|
8.18%
|
No
|
SC14A Nido
|
8.46%
|
Yes
|
SC14B Matinloc
|
12.40%
|
Yes
|
SC14B-1 N. Matinloc
|
19.46%
|
Yes
|
SC14C-2 W. Linapacan
|
9.10%
|
No
|
SC14D Retention Area
|
8.16%
|
No
|
SC14 Tara
|
10%
|
No
|
Following is a brief description of the properties of Forum Energy together with production details where appropriate.
SC 72 Recto Bank
Forum Energy's principal asset is a 70% participating interest in Service Contract 72 ("SC 72") (previously Geophysical Survey and Exploration Contract No. 101 ("GSEC101")), a petroleum license located in the Recto Bank offshore west of Palawan Island, the Philippines. The remaining 30% of SC 72 is owned by Monte Oro Resources & Energy Inc., a company incorporated in the Philippines, who is involved in a joint venture with Forum Energy with respect to SC72 (the "JV").
On 15 February 2010, the GSEC 101 licence was converted to Service Contract 72 and Forum Energy immediately conducted geological and geophysical works to further evaluate the block and to fulfil its commitment to the government. SC 72 covers 8,800 square kilometers, which is 85% of the area covered by GSEC 101.
Exploration in the area began in 1970, and in 1976, gas was discovered in the Sampaguita structure following the drilling of a well. To date, a total of three wells have been drilled at the southwest end of the structure. Two of the wells tested gas at rates warranting further exploration.
In early 2011, Forum Energy acquired 2,202 line-km of 2D seismic, gravity, and magnetic data over SC 72 to further define leads. Also, 565 square kilometers of 3D seismic data were acquired over the Sampaguita field.
The 2D seismic data were reprocessed in 2013 and were subsequently interpreted, aided by gravity-magnetics data that were interpreted by Fugro (in 2012) and Cosine, Ltd. (in 2015). In 2015, Arex Energy produced a report on the North Bank area and estimated the prospective resources to be significant enough to continue with exploration of the concession.
SC 72 has been under Force Majeure since 15 December 2014 due to the West Philippine Sea maritime dispute between the Republic of the Philippines and China. Forum Energy will have 20 months upon lifting of the Force Majeure to drill two commitment wells.
On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines against China over territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. However, China has rejected the ruling. Although there are ongoing discussions between the two countries it is uncertain when or how the matter of the maritime dispute will be settled with regards to SC 72.
In October 2018, Forum Energy started the Broadband and
Pre-Stack Depth Migration ("
PSDM") reprocessing of the Sampaguita 3D seismic data with DownUnder GeoSolutions ("DUG"), a company based in Perth, Australia, as contractor. The Sampaguita 3D was acquired in 2011 and has an area of 565 sq km. The reprocessing work is expected to cost around US$490,000, including quality control supervision, and will be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2019. The 2019 work program and budget submitted to the DOE includes 3D seismic reprocessing and seismic interpretation followed by a contingent geotechnical survey over the proposed well locations to be drilled on lifting of the Force Majeure.
On November 20, 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") was signed between the Philippines and China governments which aims to develop a framework for oil and gas exploration in the West Philippines Sea.
On December 21, 2018, Forum Energy through Forum (GSEC101) Limited, sent a formal request to the DOE in the Philippines to lift the Force Majeure imposed on SC 72. A contingent revised work program and budget covering 2019-2020 was submitted at the same time which included drilling of two wells and the acquisition of seismic in the North Bank area. As at the date of this amended and restated Management Discussion and Analysis, neither Forum Energy nor Forum (GSEC101) Limited have received a decision from the DOE.
SC 40 North Cebu
A 100% operating interest in SC 40 is held by Forum Energy's 66.67% owned subsidiary
Forum Exploration Inc
.
SC 40 is located in the Visayan Basin in the central part of the Philippine Archipelago and covers and area of 340,000 hectares in the northern part of Cebu Island and adjacent offshore areas. It contains the Libertad gas field and several other prospects.
A land gravity survey was conducted in the municipalities of Daanbantayan and Medellin from April 2 to 27, 2018. A total of 94 gravity stations were acquired at a spacing of 200m to 500m. The survey was divided into two (2) parts: grid and traverse. The grid program was designed with the objective of locating the apex of a high trend in the Dalingding area that was identified in previous gravity surveys. The traverse program, on the other hand, aimed to define faults through forward modeling and determine whether the mapped central depression is a graben or a trough. Processing and interpretation of the gravity data are ongoing and will be completed before the end of the year.
The processing and interpretation of the gravity data will be carried out in two stages. The first stage is a 3D inverse grid depth modeling which was undertaken by contractor Cosine Ltd. The final report for this work will be submitted before the end of the year. The second stage is a detailed stratigraphic 3D multi-sectional model to be done in-house by the Forum Energy technical team under Cosine's quality control supervision. This latter stage will be carried on to the following year. The results will be correlated later with seismic data, where possible.
Forum Energy will start planning for the drilling of an onshore well, Dalingding-2, in 1Q 2020. Forum has engaged the services of an operations geologist to prepare the geological program and prospect montage. The Dalingding Prospect is a reefal structure defined by seismic with Barili Limestone as the primary target. A well, Dalingding-1, was drilled by Cophil Exploration in 1996 and was plugged and abandoned as a dry hole with minor gas shows after reaching a total depth of 1,508
ft.
Following Forum Energy's recent re-evaluation of the prospect, it was concluded that Dalingding-1 did not reach the Barili target, which is estimated at 1,740 ft, or 232 ft below the well's total depth. The current plan is to drill a well down to at least 2,000 ft to penetrate the Barili and secondary targets underneath.
SC 14 C-1 Galoc
Block C-1 Galoc has an area of 164 square kilometeres and contains the producing Galoc Oil Field Development.
Gross production for 2018 averaged 3,198 bopd [2017 – 4,003 bopd]. FEPCO's share is approximately 73 bopd [2017 –91 bopd]. In 2016 the Galoc Consortium drilled the Galoc-7 well and after review of the results in light of low crude oil prices decided to temporarily suspend all activities related to this new phase III. Efforts will be concentrated on optimizing production from existing wells to sustain profitability.
Three (3) liftings, Cargoes 59, 60, and 61, were completed in January, May, and August 2018, with 1,066,075 barrels exported to refineries in South Korea and Singapore. The cargoes were sold at an average price of US$74.20 per barrel, which was 35% higher than the average price of US$54.97 per barrel realized in the four (4) liftings completed in 2017.
While Galoc nears the end of its economic life, it is expected that it will be profitable over the next two to three years, albeit with the normal decline in output associated with its maturity.
Production forecasted for 2019 is approximately 970,000 barrels of oil. Three (3) liftings are scheduled for 2019 with the first one in early January 2019. The next two liftings will be May and September 2019. There is a plan to install a Condensate Recovery Unit onboard Floating Production Storage and Offtake (the "FPSO") that will recover 15-20 barrels of condensate for every 1 million cubic feet of gas produced.
SC 6A Octon
SC 6A Octon covers an area of 1,080 square kilometers and contains the Octon field.
In 2017, the SC 6A Consortium headed by Philodrill carried out a reprocessing of some 508 sq. km of 3D seismic data using Pre-Stack Depth Migration ("PSDM"), which was then followed by a re-run of the quantitative QI study that was earlier undertaken on the 3D dataset using Pre-Stack Time Migration ("PSTM") processing. The QI work was completed in 1Q of 2018.
In 2018, Philodrill completed the seismic interpretation/mapping work on the northern sector of the block using the PSDM volume. The evaluation focused on the Malajon, Salvacion, and Saddle Rock prospects. The Malajon and Saddle Rock closures were previously tested by wells which encountered good oil shows in the Galoc Clastic Unit (GCU) interval. However, no tests were conducted in this interval due to operational constraints.
The forward program for the northern block will progress the mapping and understanding of the channel system in the area by doing additional attribute studies to identify and mature a drilling location in the area.
SC 6B Bonita
SC 6B Bonita covers an area of 533 square kilometers and contains the Bonita field.
An in-house evaluation completed by Operator Philodrill in early 2016 shows the East Cadlao Prospect has marginal resources which cannot be developed on a "stand-alone" basis. However, it remains prospective being near the Cadlao Field, which lies in another contract area. In view of this, the JV has requested for the reconfiguration of SC 6B to append the Cadlao Field for possible joint development in the future. On March 14, 2018, the DOE approved the annexation of Cadlao Block to SC 6B. Subsequently, a seismic reprocessing program over East Cadlao and Cadlao Field will now be undertaken.
On 28 June 2018, Philodrill received DOE's approval for the assignment of Trans-Asia's relinquished participating interest in SC 6B to the remaining JV partners. As a result, Forum Energy's interest in SC 6B has increased to 8.182%.
SC 14A [Nido], SC 14B [Matinloc] & SC14B-1 [N. Matinloc]
Total production from the three fields for 2018 was 94,790 barrels (2017 - 127,755) barrels for an average of 260 bopd (2017 – 345). The portion of production attributable to Forum Energy was 9,855 barrels (2017 – 13,283).
The Nido Field accounted for 54.59% of the total, the Matinloc Field contributed the remaining 45.41%. Shell Philippines remained as the sole buyer for the crude. In 2017,
most of the production came from the Matinloc Field [53.7%] and Nido [44.7%].
The Nido, Matinloc, and North Matinloc fields are in late-life and cyclical production, meaning intermittent production to allow time for oil to accumulate on top of the reservoir. Aside from production performance of the well, continued production from the three fields is dependent on oil price due to the relatively high operating cost and the ability to share operating expenses. .
The previously planned permanent plugging and abandonment (P&A) of the Libro-1 and Tara South-1 wells was completed in early June 2018. The two wells had been shut-in since 1989 and 1990, respectively. The P&A program took 41.5 days to complete, including mobilization and demobilization from Labuan to Malaysia.
The joint venture plans to P&A the remaining nine (9) wells at the Nido, Matinloc and North Matinloc Fields within the second quarter of 2019. These fields have already reached their end of life, having been in production since the late 70's-early 80's. The P&A operation will start in April 2019 and is expected to last for 54 days.
SC14C-2 West Linapacan
Block C-2 has an area of 176.5 square kilomters and contains the West Linapacan structures.
In 2018, the joint venture headed by Philodrill completed mapping and interpretation work on the reprocessed PSDM data by DUG in 2014. The study focused on the West Linapacan "B" structure, which was drilled in 1991. The JV is studying options to develop the field.
For 2019, Philodrill is planning to conduct QI using the reprocessed 3D data and data from previous West Linapacan A and B wells.
Other sub-blocks in SC6 and SC14
Forum Energy will continue to participate in these sub-blocks which are mostly in the exploration phase.
Forum Energy Objectives and Strategy
The core objective of Forum Energy is to maximize the potential of its investments and its current licences to generate income, whilst at the same time continuing to reduce administrative expenses.
Forum Energy plans to achieve this by:
·
|
Continued participation in Galoc
|
·
|
Continued review of exploration blocks to identify potential drilling targets
|
·
|
Continued review of administrative expenses
|
Risk factors specific to Forum Energy
We are exposed to certain risk factors which are specific to our investment in Forum Energy. These include the following:
·
|
Forum Energy's cash inflows are dependent on the Galoc Field production and the economic life of this field is expected to end in 2021. Forum Energy's operations do not generate sufficient cash to fund new exploration work; so in the event Forum Energy issued new capital to fund these costs, our interest in Forum Energy will be diluted.
|
·
|
Forum Energy is a closely held private company and there is a limited population of potential buyers for our relatively small interest in Forum Energy.
|
·
|
Forum Energy's interest in its main asset SC72 could be diluted depending on the agreement reached, if any, between the Philippine and Chinese governments concerning the maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
|
·
|
Further exploration work has to be completed on SC72 and SC40 to confirm the value of the resources within these properties.
|
·
|
In March 2017 Forum Energy, through a subsidiary, entered into an unsecured loan agreement with PXP that provides for a loan facility of up to US$6 million. The balance outstanding at the end of 2017 was approximately US$5.5 million. The loan facility has a term of three years and bears interest at LIBOR + 3.5% per annum. There is no certainty that this loan facility will be renewed, in which case Forum Energy may issue new shares to settle this amount outstanding. Terms of the loan agreement do not include any right for PXP to convert an unpaid amount into new shares of Forum Energy.
|
For further details regarding Forum Energy, see its 2017 financial statement package at
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/05411224/filing-
history
Please note that Forum Energy is not required to file its financial statement package with Companies House in the UK until September 30 following the end of its fiscal year which is December 31. Accordingly, the Forum Energy financial statement package for 2018 is not expected to be available until Q3 of 2018.
C. Organizational Structure
We are part of a group of companies with our parent company being PXP . We have no subsidiaries.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
N/A
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS.
We have experienced significant operating losses over the last few years, and as a result, our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on achieving profitable operations and/or upon obtaining additional financing.
Our audited financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which are different from US GAAP (refer to the Auditors' Reports dated March 29, 2019 and March 29, 2017).
The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations for general and administrative transactions denominated in Canadian Dollars. The majority of the Company's cash is kept in U.S. dollars. Cash held in Canadian dollars is subject to exchange rate fluctuations between the Canadian dollars and the U.S. dollars
.
The following discussion and analysis of financial results should be read in conjunction with our Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, together with the notes related thereto. The discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such information, although considered reasonable by our management at the time of preparation, may prove to be inaccurate and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the statements made.
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 versus December 31, 2017
Our accounts show a loss for the year ended December, 2018
of $(217,665) or $0.00
per share, versus income of $1,803,036 for the same period in 2017. The difference was because of the $1,965,000 unrealized gain on the reclassification of Forum Energy shares as a result of our loss of significant influence. Prior to the dilution, we accounted for our investment in Forum Energy using the equity method; following the loss of significant influence this investment is now classified as available for sale and is measured at fair value.
General and Administration expense were $222,326 for the year ended December 31, 2018 versus $166,263 for the same period in 2017. Overall expenses were higher than those experienced in the previous year due to an increase in professional fees, listing and filing fees and travel. Professional fees were $44,836 for the year ended December 31, 2018 versus $10,641 for the same period in the previous year due to costs resulting from a shareholder complaint. It is anticipated that
professional fees will continue to be significantly higher for the coming quarters. Listing and filing fees were $31,201 for the year ended December 31, 2018 versus $10,873 for the same period in the previous year. The increase was due to the fees associated with the application for the removal of the
cease trade order against the Company in Alberta and
British Columbia. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company was also able to negotiate a reduction in the audit fee for the previous year and received a credit. For the year ended December 31, 2018 travel expense was $8,691 versus $Nil for the year ended December, 2017. The increase was due to the costs associated with travel for the Company's annual general meeting. For the year ended December 31, 2018 foreign exchange loss was $22 versus a loss of $10,393 for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 versus December 31, 2016
Our accounts show income for the year ended December, 2017
of $1,803,036 or $0.00
per share, versus a loss of $249,569 for the same period in 2016. The difference was because of the $1,965,000 unrealized gain on the reclassification of Forum Energy shares as a result of our loss of significant influence. Prior to the dilution, we accounted for our investment in Forum Energy using the equity method; following the loss of significant influence this investment is now classified as available for sale and is measured at fair value.
General and Administration expense were $166,263 for the year ended December 31, 2017 versus $214,571 for the same period in restated 2016. Overall expenses were lower than those experienced in the previous year due to cost cutting measures. For the year ended December 31, 2017 foreign exchange loss was $10,393 versus a gain of $9,719 for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Our current assets were $237,591 at December 31, 2018 versus $433,253 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The difference is mainly a result of the higher cash balance on December 31, 2017. Our investment in Forum Energy was reflected at a carrying value of $1,665,000 in the financial statements as at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Our assets reflect our investment in Forum Energy on a fair value basis. The fair value of the investment in Forum Energy is reflected at $1,665,000 or US$0.30 per share based on the most recent arms' length financing completed by Forum Energy.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our working capital position at December 31, 2018 was $181,769 versus working capital of $399,308 at December 31, 2017 and shareholders' equity was $1,902,883 at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 $2,098,671).
Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $196,157 versus $187,013 for the same period in 2017 mainly as a result of the differences described in the results of operations above.
Cash provided by financing activities was $300,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017 verus $Nil for the year ended December 31, 2018. The difference was the result of the proceeds received from the sale of 1,000,000 Forum Energy shares during the year ended December 31, 2017
.
Cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $Nil
Capital Resources
We currently own 6.80% of Forum Energy.. If Forum Energy is required to raise additional funds through equity issuances then we would have to purchase our proportionate share of these equity issuances to maintain our current equity position.
We anticipate that we will require additional funds for working capital for the next twelve months from the date of this filing and we are evaluating options in order to raise the additional funds. If we are unable to raise additional funds there is significant doubt that we will be able to continue as a going concern.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
None
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Basis of preparation and accounting policies
The Company has prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). IFRS represents standards and interpretations approved by the IASB and are comprised of IFRS, International Accounting Standards ("IAS's"), and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC's") and the former Standing Interpretations Committee ("SIC's"). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS standards and interpretations effective as of December 31, 2018.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make certain judgments and estimates. Changes in these judgments and estimates could have a material impact on our reported financial result and financial condition.
The Company makes estimates and assumptions about the future that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Determination of natural resource reserves and natural resources estimates
The required process of estimating reserves of natural resources is critical to several accounting estimates that appear in our financial disclosures. It requires significant judgments based on available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data. These estimates may change substantially as data from ongoing development and production activities becomes available, and as economic conditions impacting oil and natural gas prices, operating costs, and royalty burdens change. Reserve estimates impact net income through depletion and the application of an impairment test. Revisions or changes in the reserve estimates can have either a positive or negative impact on net income.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We recognize liabilities and contingencies for anticipated tax audit issues based on our current understanding of the tax law. For matters where it is probable that an adjustment will be made, we record our best estimate of the tax liability including the related interest and penalties in the current tax provision. We believe we have adequately provided for the probable outcome of these matters; however, the final outcome may result in a materially different outcome than the amount included in the tax liabilities.
Determination of significant influence over investments
Judgment is required to determine whether significant influence exists over companies in which we hold investments. Significant influence is presumed to exist if an entity holds 20 per cent or more of the voting power of the investee unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case. Conversely, if the entity holds less than 20 per cent of the voting power of the investee, it is presumed that the entity does not have significant influence, unless such influence can be clearly demonstrated. The existence of significant influence by an entity is usually evidenced by one or more of the following:
(a)
representation on the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the investee;
(b)
participation in policy-making processes, including participation in decisions about dividends or other
distributions;
(c)
material transactions between the entity and its investee;
(d)
interchange of managerial personnel; or
(e)
provision of essential technical information.
We determined that, despite having our ownership of Forum Energy reduced to 18.42% of the outstanding shares of Forum Energy by way of a sale of a portion of our shareholdings during the year ended December 31, 2016, we still maintained significant influence over the operations of Forum Energy by virtue of our CEO and CFO holding a seat on the board of FEP as well being the Finance Director of Forum Energy. In 2017, we determined we no longer had significant influence by virtue of our shareholding being reduced to 6.80% by year end.
Functional Currency
We evaluated our functional currency and determined that the United States Dollar was our functional currency. All accounts and transactions were converted into US dollars from the transition date to IFRS. We determined that the effective date of the change in functional currency under IFRS was March 11, 2003.
Share capital and investments were converted from January 1, 2003 as a result of the conversion to IFRS.
Recent Accounting Related Pronouncements
New and amended IFRS standards that are effective for the current year
On January, 1 2018, the Company adopted IFRS 9 -
Financial Instruments
("IFRS 9") which replaced IAS 39 -
Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement ("IAS 39")
. IFRS 9 provides a revised model for recognition and measurement of financial instruments and a single, forward-looking 'expected loss' impairment model. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Company adopted the standard using the retrospective approach outlined in the standard. IFRS 9 did not impact the Company's classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities except for equity securities as described below. The standard also had negligible impact on the carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments at the transition date.
The following summarizes the significant changes in IFRS 9 compared to IAS 39:
(i)
IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is classified and measured at amortized cost or fair value. The classification and measurement of financial assets is based on the Company's business models for managing its financial assets and whether the contractual cash flows represent solely payments for principal and interest. Most of the requirements in IAS 39 for classification and measurement of financial liabilities were carried forward in IFRS 9. The change did not impact the carrying amounts of any of the Company's financial assets on the transition date. The Company designated its equity securities such as its investment in FEP as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVTOCI"), where they will be recorded initially at fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value will be recognized in other comprehensive income only and will not be transferred into earnings (loss) upon disposition. As a result of adopting IFRS 9, the net change in fair value of the equity securities, including realized and unrealized gains and losses, if any, is now presented as an item that will not be reclassified subsequently to net (loss) earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Realized gains and losses on securities derecognized prior to January 1, 2018 have not been restated in prior year comparatives.
(ii)
The adoption of the new "expected credit loss" impairment model under IFRS 9, as opposed to an incurred credit loss model under IAS 39, had no impact on the carrying amounts of the Company's financial assets on the transition date given the Company transacts exclusively with large international financial institutions and other organizations with strong credit ratings and the negligible historical level of customer default.
The following new standards, amendments and interpretations, which have not been early adopted in these financial statements, will or may have an effect on the Company's future results and financial position
IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16, Leases ("IFRS 16") will replace IAS 17, "Leases". IFRS 16 specifies how to recognize, measure, present and disclose leases, The standard provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring the recognition of assets and liabilities for all leases, unless the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with early adoption being permitted if IFRS 15, has also been applied. The Company does not have any lease agreements and the adoption of this standard will not impact its financial statements.
IFRIC 23
Uncertainty Over Income Tax Treatments
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over income tax treatments issued by the IASB in June 2017, provides guidance as to when it is appropriate to recognize a current tax asset when the taxation authority requires an entity to make an immediate payment related to an amount in dispute. This interpretation applies for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.
There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.
A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table lists, as of the date of this report, the names, ages, functions and areas of experience in our operations of all our directors and Senior Management. Each Director will serve until the next Annual General Meeting or until his/her successor is duly elected, unless his/her office is vacated in accordance with our charter documents. Our executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Name
|
Age
|
Position/Area of Experience/Function
|
Paul Wallace (1) (2)
|
68
|
Director since November 2012, President and CEO since August 2015 and CFO since June 2015.
|
Claro Ramirez (1)
|
58
|
Director since October 2011
|
Lyle Brown (1) (3)
|
65
|
Director since October 2013
|
(1)
|
Member of Audit Committee in 2018.
|
(2)
|
Member of Compensation Committee in 2018
|
(3)
|
Member of the Corporate Governance Committee in 2018
|
Information About our Directors and Officers
Mr. Paul Wallace Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Paul Frederick Wallace is a Chartered Professional Accountant and member of the CPA Canada. He was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of Hong Kong based First Pacific Company Limited from 1995 to 1997between 2003 and 2004 and between 2014 and 2015. He was appointed Group Finance Director to the Sanctuary Group plc between 2005 and 2008. Mr. Wallace was Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ocean Wireless Limited between 2009 and 2011, and a Non-Executive Director of JPMorgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust Plc between 2010 and 2015.
He is also the Finance Director of Forum Energy, a Director of Pitkin Petroleum and Head of Finance of Goodman Fielder Pty Limited.
Mr. Claro Ramirez
Mr. Ramirez is a resident of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada and served as Senior Vice President of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company ("PLDT") until 2014 and President of First Coconut Manufacturing Inc, from 2014 to May 2018.
Mr. Lyle Brown
Mr. Brown is a resident of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Partner of Culver & Co., an accounting firm, since 1991. Mr. Brown is also a director of Northern Lion Gold Corp and New World Resources Corp which are both listed on the TSX-V and Frankfurt stock exchanges. Mr. Brown is also a director of Nano One Materials Corp which is listed on the TSX-V.
None of our directors and/or executive officers, or those persons to be appointed, have been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree of any governmental agency or administrator, or of any court of competent jurisdiction, revoking or suspending for cause any license, permit or other authority of such person or of any corporation of which he or she is a director and/or executive officer, to engage in the securities business or in the sale of a particular security or temporarily or permanently restraining or enjoining any such person or any corporation of which he or she is an officer or director from engaging in or continuing any conduct, practice, or employment in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, or convicting such person of any felony or misdemeanor involving a security, or any aspect of the securities business, or of theft, or of any felony.
There are no arrangements or understandings between any two (2) or more directors or executive officers, pursuant to which he or she was selected as a Director or Executive Officer. There are no family relationships between any two (2) or more of our directors or executive officers.
B. Compensation.
We have recently agreed to pay our directors the following consulting fees or directors' fees on a monthly basis:
Lyle Brown
$2,000
Paul Wallace
$1,000
Claro Ramirez
$1,000
None of our executive officers or directors received other compensation in excess of the lesser of US $25,000 or 10% of such Executive Officer's or Director's cash compensation as reported in the compensation table below and all Executive Officers and directors as a group did not receive other compensation which exceeded US $25,000 times the number of persons in the group or 10% of the compensation reported in the compensation table below.
No funds were set aside or accrued by us during the year ending December 31, 2018 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for our directors or Executive Officers. Except for the stock option program discussed below, we have no bonus or profit sharing plans pursuant to which cash or non-cash compensation is or may be paid to the our directors or Executive Officers.
The following tables detail the compensation paid during fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 to our directors and members of our administrative, supervisory or management bodies:
Director/Executive Officer Compensation
Director Compensation for Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2018
Directors/Officers
|
Salary
|
Option Exercise
Net Market Value(1)
|
Total
Compensation
|
Claro Ramirez
|
$12,000
|
$0.00
|
$12,000
|
Lyle Brown
|
$24,000
|
$0.00
|
$24,000
|
Paul Wallace
|
$12,000
|
$0.00
|
$12,000
|
Total
|
$48,000
|
$0.00
|
$48,000
|
(1) "Option Exercise Net Market Value" is defined as the aggregate difference between the exercise price and the market value of the common stock on the date of exercise."
Director Compensation for Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2017
Directors/Officers
|
Salary
|
Option Exercise
Net Market Value(1)
|
Total
Compensation
|
Claro Ramirez
|
$12,000
|
$0.00
|
$12,000
|
Lyle Brown
|
$24,000
|
$0.00
|
$24,000
|
Paul Wallace
|
$12,000
|
$0.00
|
$12,000
|
Total
|
$48,000
|
$0.00
|
$48,000
|
(1) "Option Exercise Net Market Value" is defined as the aggregate difference between the exercise price and the market value of the common stock on the date of exercise."
Our Board may award special remuneration to any Director undertaking any special services on our behalf other than services ordinarily required of a Director. Other than indicated above no Director received any additional compensation for his or her services including committee participation and/or special assignments.
Except for the stock option program discussed below, we have no bonus or profit sharing plans pursuant to which cash or non-cash compensation is or may be paid to the our directors or Executive Officers.
Options to Purchase Our Securities.
Options to purchase securities from us are granted to directors, officers and employees on terms and conditions acceptable to the relevant regulatory authorities. We adopted a formal stock option plan on June 19, 2000. There were no stock options outstanding on December 31, 2018 and none were issued or exercised in 2018 or 2017.
C. Board Practices
We have an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Corporate Governance Committee. No committee members receive additional compensation for serving on a committee and all committee members serve for a one year term. All board members are elected at our Annual General Meeting to serve for one year or until their successor is appointed.
Audit Committee
. The Audit Committee oversees the retention, performance and compensation of our independent auditors, and the establishment and oversight of our systems of internal accounting and auditing control. Members of the Audit Committee in 2018 Lyle Brown, Claro Ramirez, and Paul Wallace. New members of our Audit Committee for 2019 will be appointed following our Annual and General Meeting of Shareholders.
Compensation Committee
. The Compensation Committee reviews and makes recommendations to our Board concerning the terms of the compensation packages provided to our senior executive officers, including salary, bonus and awards under our stock option plan and any other compensation plans that we may adopt in the future. Members of the Compensation Committee in 2018 were Paul Wallace, Lyle Brown and Claro Ramirez. Members of our Compensation Committee for 2019 will be appointed following our Annual and General Meeting of Shareholders.
Corporate Governance Committee
. The Corporate Governance Committee meets with and discusses current disclosure issuances with our management personnel, directors, and with both our Canadian and United States counsel, to report to our Board any matters which should be the subject of either public disclosure or remedial action and to assist our Board in establishing reporting and disclosure procedures to ensure that we are in compliance with our disclosure and compliance obligations under applicable laws, rules and obligations. Members of our Corporate Governance Committee in 2018 were Claro Ramirez and Lyle Brown. Members of our Corporate Governance Committee for 2019 will be appointed following our Annual and General Meeting of Shareholders,
D.
Employees
As of December 31, 2018, we had no employees.
E. Share Ownership
The following table lists as of February 18, 2019, the share ownership of our directors and executive officers.
The following table sets forth certain information as of February 18, 2019 regarding the ownership of our common stock by (i) each of our directors, (ii) each of our named executive officers, and (iii) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each person identified below is c/o FEC Resources Inc, 1500, 222 3
rd
Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0B4 . We believe that ownership of the shares by the persons identified below is both of record and beneficial and that such persons have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated. Percentage of class in the following table is calculated individually based on the following formula: (shares directly or indirectly controlled + shares issuable on the exercise or conversion of various securities) / (total shares outstanding + shares issuable on the exercise or conversion of various warrant, debentures and options by the director or officer). The total shares outstanding on February 18, 2019 was 409,143,765.
Name of Director and/or Officer and number of shares held:
|
Number of
Shares
|
Percent
of Class
|
Paul Wallace *
|
-
|
-
|
Claro Ramirez
|
-
|
-
|
Lyle Brown
|
-
|
-
|
Number of shares held by all Directors and Officers as a group:
|
-
|
-
|
* Paul Wallace and Claro Ramirez are nominees from PXP Energy Corporation. which owns 225,000,000 shares of FEC.
T
he particulars of the stock options granted to officers and directors are set forth in the preceding section entitled
"DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES."
The particulars regarding convertible debentures and warrants acquired by certain officers and directors are as follows:
The following table lists the current directors, executive officers and employees to whom warrants to purchase our shares were sold and the number of share purchase warrants so sold as of the date of this report, as well as the number of share purchase warrants sold to directors and all employees as a group.
Warrants Held by Directors and Officers
Name
|
Number of Share Purchase Warrants
|
Exercise Price
|
Expiration Date
|
None
|
None
|
|
|
We are a publicly-owned corporation, the shares of which are owned by Canadian residents, U.S. residents, and residents of other countries. Currently, we are not controlled directly or indirectly by any foreign government but are controlled by PXP Energy Corporation.
There are no arrangements, known to us, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in our control other than as noted above.
The above listed organizations and individuals have no special or separate voting rights than those rights held by our shareholders.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders
We are a publicly-owned corporation, the shares of which are owned by Canadian residents, U.S. residents, and residents of other countries. We are controlled by PXP. The following table provides the names and share ownership of those parties that have ownership of 5% or more of each class of our voting securities as of February 18, 2019 according to the information available to us
Name
|
Number of Shares Owned
|
Percent of Class
|
PXP Energy Corporation *
|
225,000,000
|
54.99
|
CDS&Co**
|
43,002,051
|
10.51
|
CEDE & Co**
|
38,775,175
|
9.48
|
Asian Coast International
|
62,740,000
|
16.56
|
* These shares are registered to PXP. Philex Mining purchased 200,000,000 shares in a private placement in December 2007 and 20,000,000 shares were purchased in a private transaction at the same time. In April 2010, Philex Mining Corporation received a further 5,000,000 shares pursuant to a private placement at $0.50 per share. In 2014 Philex Mining Corporation transferred the all of their shares to PXP. No other significant changes in the ownership of our shares by PXP has occurred during the past three (3) years.
** Cede& Co. and CDS and Co. are clearing houses in Canada and the United States and represent the interest of multiple shareholders and there is no way of knowing if any one in particular beneficially holds over 10% of the voting rights attached to our shares.
There are no arrangements, known to us, the effect of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in our control other than as noted in
Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
.
As at February 18, 2018, management is not aware of any person holding a greater than 5% registered interest in any class of our voting securities other than as set forth above. The above listed organizations and individuals have no special or separate voting rights than those rights held by our shareholders.
On February 18, 2018, the shareholders' list showed 590 registered shareholders and
409,143,765
shares outstanding. The number of shares held by U.S. residents was 47,237,571 representing 11.55% of the total issued and outstanding shares. The total number of U.S. resident registered shareholders was 521.
B. Related Party Transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2018 general and administrative expenses included key management personnel compensation totaling $48,000 (2017: $48,000; 2016: $48,000).
Related party transactions are measured at their exchange value.
* Note Item 7.C not required for this Annual Report.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information
We know of no pending legal or arbitration proceedings, including those relating to bankruptcy, governmental receivership or similar proceeding and those involving any third party against it, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material pending litigation.
We know of no pending proceedings to which any director, member of senior management, or affiliate is either a party adverse to us, or our subsidiaries, or has a material interest adverse to us. We have not declared any dividends for the last five (5) years, nor do we intend to declare any dividends in the foreseeable future
.
B. Significant Changes/Developments
None
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. Listing Details and Markets
Our shares have traded on the OTC – Bulletin Board ("OTC.BB") under the symbol "FECOF" since September 22, 1999 but in 2012 our shares were only listed on the Pink Sheets as a result of a lack of market makers.
The table below lists the high/low bid/ask prices on OTC.BB/Pink Sheets for our shares for each year within the five (5) most recent fiscal years.
NASDAQ Small Cap/OTC.BB/Pink Sheets Stock Annual Price History - Common Shares
(US Dollars)
Year Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
12/31/18
|
$0.05
|
$0.00
|
12/31/17
|
$0.02
|
$0.00
|
12/31/16
|
$0.01
|
$0.00
|
12/31/15
|
$0.01
|
$0.00
|
12/31/14
|
$0.02
|
$0.00
|
The table below lists the volume of trading and high/low bid/ask prices on Pink Sheets for our shares for each full quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years and any subsequent periods.
Pinks Sheets Stock Trading Activity - Common Shares
(US Dollars)
Quarter Ended
|
Volume
|
High
|
Low
|
12/31/18
|
7,849,233
|
$0.02
|
$0.01
|
9/30/18
|
3,777,114
|
$0.02
|
$0.01
|
6/30/18
|
26,833,298
|
$0.05
|
$0.01
|
3/31/18
|
15,372,734
|
$0.02
|
$0.00
|
12/31/17
|
2,981,775
|
$0.01
|
$0.00
|
9/30/17
|
7,899,222
|
$0.01
|
$0.00
|
6/30/17
|
889,320
|
$0.01
|
$0.00
|
3/31/17
|
4,104,943
|
$0.02
|
$0.00
|
The table below highlights for the most recent six (6) months the high and low market prices for each month of our common shares on the Pink Sheets.
Pink Sheets Stock Monthly Price History - Common Shares
(US Dollars)
Month Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
Volume
|
1/31/19
|
$0.02
|
0.01
|
2,601,942
|
12/31/18
|
$0.02
|
0.01
|
903,842
|
11/30/18
|
$0.02
|
0.01
|
5,119,911
|
10/30/18
|
$0.02
|
0.01
|
1,825,480
|
9/30/18
|
$0.02
|
$0.01
|
2,211,949
|
8/30/18
|
$0.02
|
$0.01
|
1,025,817
|
Our shares are issued in registered form and the following information is taken from the records of Computershare Investor Services (located in Vancouver, British Columbia), the lead registrar and transfer agent for our common shares.
On February 18, 2018, the shareholders' list showed 590 registered shareholders and
409,143,765
shares outstanding. The number of shares held by U.S. residents was 47,237,571 representing 11.55% of the total issued and outstanding shares. The total number of U.S. resident registered shareholders was 521.
Our shares are not registered to trade in the U.S. in the form of American Depository Receipts (ADR's) or similar certificates.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
.
A. Share Capital
Not applicable
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
Reference is hereby made to our Certificate of Continuance, and to our Bylaws, each of which is incorporated herein by reference to, respectively, Exhibit 3.1 and 3.2 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1, file number 33-81290.
C. Material Contracts.
See "Item 4. Information About the Company."
D. Exchange Controls
Investment Canada Act
The
Investment Canada Act
(the "ICA") prohibits the acquisition of control of a Canadian business enterprise in Canada by non-Canadians without the prior consent of Investment Canada, the agency that administers the ICA, unless such acquisition is exempt under the provisions of the ICA. Investment Canada must be notified of such exempt acquisitions. The ICA covers acquisitions of control of corporate enterprises, whether by purchase of assets, shares or "voting interests" of an entity that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity carrying on a Canadian business.
Apart from the ICA, there are no other limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote securities imposed by Canadian law or our Certificate of Continuance. There are no other decrees or regulations in Canada which restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our securities except as discussed in "Taxation", below.
E. Taxation
The following is a summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable in respect of our common stock. The tax consequences to any particular holder of common stock will vary according to the status of that holder as an individual, trust, corporation or member of a partnership, the jurisdiction in which that holder is subject to taxation, the place where that holder is resident and, generally, according to that holder's particular circumstances. This summary is applicable only to holders who are resident in the United States; have never been resident in Canada; deal at arm's length with us; hold their common stock as capital property; and who will not use or hold the common stock in carrying on a business in Canada.
This summary does not take into account provincial income tax consequences. This summary assumes that the publicly announced proposals will be enacted as proposed with the effective dates set out therein; otherwise, this summary assumes that there will be no other changes in law whether by judicial or legislative action.
If a non-resident were to dispose of common stock to another Canadian corporation which deals (or is deemed to deal) on a non-arm's length basis with the non-resident, and which, immediately after the disposition, is connected with us (i.e. which holds shares representing more than 10% of the voting power and more than 10% of the market value of all of our issued and outstanding shares), the excess of the proceeds over the paid-up capital of the common stock sold will be deemed to be taxable as a dividend either immediately, or eventually, by means of a deduction in computing the paid-up capital of the purchasing corporation.
Under the
Canadian Tax Act
, a gain from the sale of common stock by a non-resident will not be subject to Canadian tax, provided the stockholder (and/or persons who do not deal at arm's length with the stockholder) has not held a "substantial interest" in our shares (25% or more of the shares of any class of our equity securities) at any time in the five (5) years preceding the disposition. Generally, the Canadian-United States Tax Convention (the "Tax Convention") will exempt from Canadian taxation any capital gain realized by a resident of the United States, provided that the value of the common stock is not derived principally from real property situated in Canada.
In the case of any dividends paid to non-residents of Canada, the Canadian tax is withheld by us, which remits only the net amount to the stockholder. By virtue of Article X of the Tax Convention, the rate of tax on dividends paid to residents of the United States is generally limited to 15% of the gross dividend (or 10% in the case of certain corporate stockholders owning at least 10% of our voting shares). In the absence of the treaty provisions, the rate of Canadian withholding tax imposed on non-residents is 25% of the gross dividend. Stock dividends received by non-residents of Canada from us are taxable by Canada as ordinary dividends.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not exhaustive of all possible income tax consequences. It is not intended as legal or tax advice to any particular holder of common stock, and should not be so construed. Each holder should consult his/her own tax advisor with respect to the income tax consequences applicable to him/her in his/her own particular circumstances.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable
G. Summary By Experts
Not applicable
H. Documents on Display
The documents concerning us which are referred to in this Annual Report are either annexed hereto as exhibits (see Item 19) or may be inspected at our principal executive offices in North Sydney, Australia.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Currency Exchange Rate Sensitivity
In regards to transactional risk, our functional currency is the United States dollar and our activities are predominantly executed using both the U.S. and Canadian dollars. We have done a limited number of financings, and we are not subject to significant operational exposures due to fluctuations in these currencies. Our common shares are listed on the OTC.BB and are bought and sold in US dollars. We have not entered into any agreements, or purchased any instruments, to hedge any possible currency risks at this time.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
We currently have no significant short-term or long-term debt requiring interest payments. This does not require us to consider entering into any agreements or purchasing any instruments to hedge against possible interest rate risks at this time. Our interest-earning investments are short-term. Thus, any reductions in future income or carrying values due to future interest rate declines are believed to be immaterial.
Commodity Price Sensitivity
Our future revenue and profitability will be dependent, to a significant extent, upon prevailing spot market prices for gold, oil and gas. In the past, gold, oil and gas prices have been volatile. Prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response to changes in supply of, and demand for, gold, oil and gas, market uncertainty, and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control. We currently have no significant operating revenue.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES.
Not Applicable.