e40vf
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 40-F
(Check One)
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Registration statement pursuant to Section 12 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
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Annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005
Commission File Number 0-30946
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Federally Incorporated in Canada
(Province or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
Suite 208 1540 Cornwall Road
Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6J 7W5
(905) 339-1540
(Address and Telephone Number of Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
Corporation Service Company
2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400
Wilmington, Delaware 19804
(800) 927-9800
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service in the United States)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Name of Each Exchange |
Title of Each Class |
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on Which Registered |
Common Shares
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American Stock Exchange |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
N/A
(Title of Class)
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
þ Annual information form
þ Audited annual financial statements
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common
stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
21,584,940
Common Shares without Par Value
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the information contained in this Form is
also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). If Yes is marked, indicate the filing
number assigned to the Registrant in connection with such Rule. YES o NO þ
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days YES þ NO o
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PRINCIPAL DOCUMENTS
The following documents of Bennett Environmental Inc. (the Company) have been filed as part of
this Annual Report on Form 40-F:
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Annual Information Form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2005. |
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Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the
Company for the year ended December 31, 2005. |
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Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the years ended December 31,
2005 and 2004, together with the auditors report thereon
(Note 18 to the Audited Consolidated
Financial Statements relates to differences between Canadian and United States Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles). |
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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in the
operations of the Company in future periods, planned development activities, the adequacy of the
Companys financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future.
Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as expects,
anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, potential, possible and similar expressions,
or statements that events, conditions or results will, may, could or should occur or be
achieved. Information concerning our operations and related estimates also may be deemed to be
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are
inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions
may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of
risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those principal disclosure
documents of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 40-F.
The Companys forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of
management on the date the statements are made and the Company assumes no obligation to update such
forward-looking statements in the future. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as to the
effectiveness, design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange
Act)) as of December 31, 2005. The evaluation considered the procedures designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act
is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include,
without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer who serves as
our principal executive officer and our Chief Financial Officer who serves as our principal
financial officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Upon
such review, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2005.
B. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our
internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In late 2004 and
subsequent to the periods covered by this report, during 2005, under new management, the Company
took certain steps to improve its internal control over financial reporting. These improvements
included:
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strengthening the accounting and auditing department, including appointing new Chief
Financial Officer in
September 2004, hiring new corporate controller with external audit and public company
experience in January 2005 and adding three new positions to accounting department: accounting
manager (2005), financial analyst (2006) and accounts payable clerk (2005); |
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engaging outside independent consultants to assist in the evaluation, design and implementation of improved internal
controls; |
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adopting a revised/formal policy on revenue recognition; |
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improving segregation of duties of accounting staff; |
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providing training sessions to accounting staff on applicable accounting guidance; |
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moving the accounting department from Vancouver, British Columbia to the Companys head office in Oakville,
Ontario and centralizing accounting and payroll functions; |
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providing formal review and analysis of quarterly accounting issues and related literature to Audit Committee
members; |
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including a formal agenda item on Audit Committee and Board of Director meeting agendas to report on the progress
of projects and a summary of variance items on both revenues and costs; |
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implementing new accounting software systems; |
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adopting a monthly budget reporting system for each location and a system of providing monthly financial reporting
package per site for review by senior management; and |
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adopting accounting review systems including review and approval of payroll registers, conducting daily bank
reconciliations and using a month-end closing checklist. |
Other than as discussed above, there was no change in the Companys internal control over financial
reporting that
occurred during the periods covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
NOTICES PURSUANT TO REGULATION BTR
None.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Company has an Audit Committee established by the Board of Directors. The members of the Audit
Committee are Adam Lapointe, George Ploder and David Williams. The Board has designated George
Ploder as the Audit Committee Financial Expert as that term is defined under Section 407 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Ploder is independent as that term is defined under the rules of
the American Stock Exchange.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors,
officers and employees, including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and
principal accounting officer. The Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on its
website, www.bennettenv.com.
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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The aggregate amounts billed by KPMG LLP to the Company for each of the fiscal years ended December
31, 2005 and 2004 for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and all other fees are set forth
below (in 000s):
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Year Ended |
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Year Ended |
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December 31, |
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December 31, |
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2005 |
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2004 |
Audit Fees (1) |
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503.0 |
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431.2 |
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Audit-Related Fees (2) |
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10.4 |
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Tax Fees (3) |
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97.8 |
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102.5 |
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All Other Fees |
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Totals |
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$ |
600.8 |
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$ |
544.1 |
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NOTES:
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(1) |
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Audit Fees represent fees for the audit of the Companys annual
financial statements, review of the Companys interim financial
statements, prospectus-related fees (2004 only) and review in
connection with the Companys statutory and regulatory filings. |
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Audit-Related Fees represent fees for assurance and related services
that are related to the performance of the audit, principally
consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards
and accounting consultation on proposed transactions. |
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Tax Fees represent fees for tax compliance and tax consultation and tax planning. |
The Audit Committee has adopted procedures requiring Audit Committee review and approval in advance
of all particular engagements for services provided by the Companys independent auditors.
Consistent with applicable laws, the procedures permit limited amounts of services, other than
audit, review or attest services, to be approved by one or more members of the Audit Committee
pursuant to authority delegated by the Audit Committee, provided the Audit Committee is informed of
each particular service. All of the engagements and fees for 2005 were approved by the Audit
Committee. The Audit Committee reviews with KPMG LLP whether the non-audit services to be provided
are compatible with maintaining the auditors independence.
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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements as that term is defined pursuant to rules
promulgated under Section 13(j) of the Exchange Act. Please see discussion under Off-Balance Sheet
Arrangements, in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The required disclosure is included in the section of this Annual Report on Form 40-F entitled
Principal Documents, in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations, under Liquidity and Capital Resources.
UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
A. Undertaking
The Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond
to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the
Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the
securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or
transactions in said securities.
B. Consent to Service of Process
The Registrant filed concurrently with the Commission a Form F-X/A in connection with the filing of
this Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2005.
EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
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1.
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Consent of KPMG, LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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2.1
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended |
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2.2
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended |
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3.1
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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3.2
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC. |
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Registrant |
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By:
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/s/ Allan Bulckaert
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Name: Allan Bulckaert |
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Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Date: June 16, 2006
7
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Suite 208, 1540 Cornwall Road
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7W5
Annual Information Form
May 31, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INTERPRETATION |
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS |
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CORPORATE STRUCTURE |
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GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS |
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Three Year History |
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Recent Developments |
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NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS |
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Overview |
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Operations |
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Market for Services |
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Revenues |
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Sales and Marketing |
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Thermal Oxidation Process and Inputs |
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Major Inputs |
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RISK FACTORS |
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DIVIDEND POLICY |
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE |
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MARKET FOR SECURITIES |
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Trading Price and Volume |
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Prior Sales |
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DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS |
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Name, Occupation and Security Holding |
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Case Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions |
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Conflicts of Interest |
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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
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INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS |
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AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION |
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Composition of the Audit Committee |
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Auditors Service Fees |
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TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS |
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MATERIAL CONTRACTS |
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INTEREST OF EXPERTS |
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Names of Experts |
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Interests of Experts |
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
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APPENDIX I BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC. AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER |
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This Annual Information Form is disclosed as at May 31, 2006, unless otherwise indicated and
except for information contained in portions of documents that are incorporated by reference in the
Annual Information Form which are dated as of a different date.
INTERPRETATION
In this Annual Information Form, references to BEI are to Bennett Environmental Inc. and
references to the Corporation and Company are to BEI and its subsidiaries, Bennett RemTech
Ltd., Bennett Remediation Services Ltd., Récupère Sol Inc., Material Resource Recovery S.R.B.P.
Inc., Bennett Environmental US Inc., Bennett Environmental U.S.A. Inc. and Bennett Environmental
New Brunswick Inc., as a group.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this Annual Information Form and in certain documents
incorporated by reference into this Annual Information Form constitute forward-looking statements.
The use of any of the words anticipate, continue, estimate, expect, may, will,
project, should, believe and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such
forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in those
forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations
will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by
reference into, this Annual Information Form should not be unduly relied upon. These statements
speak only as of the date of this Annual Information Form or as of the date specified in the
documents incorporated by reference into this Annual Information Form, as the case may be. The
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
BEI was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on July 29, 1992. On April 4,
1996, BEI amended its articles to consolidate its issued and outstanding common shares on a one for
four basis, and on July 7, 2002, BEI amended its articles to subdivide its issued and outstanding
common shares on a three for two basis. On October 2, 2002, BEI amended its articles to authorize
the directors to appoint additional directors. BEIs head and principal office is located at Suite
208, 1540 Cornwall Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6J 7W5. The Corporation also maintains an
office in Québec, Canada. BEIs registered and records office and address for service in Ontario
is Suite 208, 1540 Cornwall Road Oakville, Ontario L6J 7W5. The Company will have a proposal
before its shareholders at its 2006 annual general and special meeting to change the name of BEI to
Terra Cycle Environmental Inc.
BEI carries on business through three wholly-owned operating subsidiaries Récupère Sol Inc.
(RSI), Material Resources Recovery S.R.B.P. Inc. (MRR), and Bennett Environmental New Brunswick
Inc. (BEN). RSI operates the Corporations thermal treatment facility in Saint Ambroise, Québec,
Canada. MRR operates a thermal treatment facility in Cornwall, Ontario. BEN was formed to operate
the Corporations recently constructed facility in Belledune, New Brunswick. In addition, BEI also
has four wholly-owned subsidiaries which do not currently carry on any operations Bennett
Remediation Services Ltd., Bennett RemTech Ltd., Bennett Environmental US Inc. and Bennett
Environmental U.S.A. Inc.
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The following chart illustrates BEIs principal operating subsidiaries, their jurisdictions of
incorporation and the percentages of their voting securities beneficially held by BEI:
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
Three-year History
The Corporation is involved in the remediation services business, primarily treating
contaminated soil and utilizes thermal oxidation technology. The Company developed this technology
through a predecessor company from 1984 to 1992. The Company initially focused its efforts in two
distinct business segments: waste remediation services and thermal oxidization equipment sales. In
1994, the Company became part owner of RSI, a Quebec-based thermal remediation business. In 1996
the Company became sole owner of RSI and in late 1997 obtained a permit to treat soils contaminated
with chlorinated hydrocarbons, including PCBs. The Corporation commenced full operations in 1998
and since that time has focused its efforts on securing contracts for the remediation of
contaminated soils.
Effective September 30, 2002, RSI purchased 100% of the common shares of MRR. MRR operates a
thermal treatment facility in Cornwall, Ontario and specializes in the thermal destruction of PCB
contaminated debris (e.g. wood, concrete and metal) and other plastics and metals. In addition,
MRR treats mercaptan contaminated gas distribution equipment.
Effective December 1, 2003, through a series of transactions, the Company acquired a non-exclusive,
two year renewable license to use and sublicense Gas Phase Chemical Reduction (GPCR) technology.
This technology is a non-incineration method of destroying hazardous wastes such as askarel, CFCs,
and other halogenated organic chemicals. Although GPCR is a proven technology, it has not been
successfully commercialized because certain operating costs make it uneconomical. The Company is
exploring ways to reduce costs and open markets for this technology. It is not anticipated that
the Company will spend
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more that $200,000 in its cost reduction efforts nor does it believe that GPCR will provide more
than 10% of the total revenue and earnings of the Corporation in the near term.
In late 2002 the Company was awarded a contract to remediate soil in Saglek, Northern Labrador.
The contract was a fixed rate contract to excavate and remediate approximately 19,500 cubic meters
of soil. In late September 2004 the Company completed field work on the Saglek contract. As of
December 2004 the Company had completed the work related to the project. Actual revenue from this
project was below expectations and the actual expenses were above expectations. The shortfall in
revenue was primarily attributed to lower actual excavation volume than expected, and lower revenue
from claims for extra expenses. Additional costs above the estimate were related to additional
processing costs due to lower volumes and higher than estimated site costs, fuel and transportation
costs. Gross margins for the year 2004 were reduced by approximately $9.7 million because of the
Saglek contract. The Company has submitted approximately $9.2 million of claims for extra expenses
to its customer. A net amount of approximately $4.9 million is included in accounts receivable and
was recognized as revenue in 2003 and 2004. Successful collection of the claims is contingent on
the Companys ability to prove entitlement either to its customer or to a court of law. While the
Company believes that a significant portion of these claims could eventually be recovered, the
matter may have to be litigated and there is no certainty that the amounts will be recovered. As
such the Company has reserved $4.7 million of these amounts at the end of 2005.
On September 9, 2003, the Government of New Brunswick approved construction by the Corporation of a
new thermal oxidation treatment facility at Belledune, New Brunswick, Canada. This facility is
expected to be capable of treating 100,000 metric tonnes of hydrocarbon and creosote impacted soil.
Construction of this facility was substantially completed in December 2004. The Company completed
compliance tests at this facility on April 19, 2006 and samples that were taken by an independent
third party environmental consulting firm during the testing period were sent to a laboratory for
analysis. Once the analysis is complete, the results will be sent to the Government of New
Brunswick for review against the criteria set out in the draft operating permit. If these criteria
are met, the Company expects to receive an operating permit for this facility which will allow the
Company to commence commercial operations at this facility.
In February 2004 the Corporation raised $26,000,000 (gross proceeds) through the sale of 1,000,000
units consisting of one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant entitling the
holder to purchase one common share at a price of $30.00 for a period of 18 months after closing.
The net proceeds of the private placement, after payment of underwriters fees, were used for
general corporate purposes, including the construction of the Corporations new facility in
Belledune, New Brunswick.
In March 2004, the operation of the Corporations Saint Ambroise, Quebec, thermal treatment
facility had an unscheduled two month shutdown due to lack of soil resulting from delays of
shipment of soil from two major customers. Operations at the Saint Ambroise facility resumed in
May 2004.
In December 2004, the Corporation raised $12,000,000 (gross proceeds) through the sale of 3,000,000
common shares. The net proceeds of the offering, after payment of underwriters fees and other
expenses, are being used for general corporate purposes.
Certain other developments arising during the last three fiscal years ended December 31, 2003, 2004
and 2005 including contract disputes, legal proceedings, regulatory investigations and other
matters are updated and discussed in the Recent Developments segment below.
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Recent Developments
Manville, New Jersey (Federal Creosote Contracts)
In June 2003, the Company announced that it had been awarded a subcontract (the 2003 Phase III
Contract) to treat an estimated 300,000 tons (plus or minus 15%) of soil contaminated with wood
treatment chemicals such as creosote, from the Federal Creosote Superfund Site (the FC Site) in
Manville, New Jersey. The 2003 Phase III Contract is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity
(ID/IQ) contract.
Shortly after the award of the 2003 Phase III Contract, an unsuccessful bidder lodged a protest of
the award with United States Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps), which supervises the
contractors on the FC Site, is responsible for the remediation process and consents to the award of
subcontracts under U.S. government procurement regulations. The Corps alleges, and the Company
disputes, that the Corps withdrew its consent to the award of the 2003 Phase III Contract to the
Company, although it consented to ship up to 10,000 tons of soil to the Company for treatment under
the 2003 Phase III Contract. The principal contractor on the FC Site did not take any action to
cancel the 2003 Phase III Contract, or otherwise notify the Company of the Corps actions. The
Company began receiving shipments under the 2003 Phase III Contract in August 2003.
After the unsuccessful bidders protest of the 2003 Phase III Contract, the principal contractor
issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) in November 2003 for a ID/IQ contract for thermal
remediation. The IFB provided for a guaranteed minimum of 1,000 tons and a maximum of 100,000
tons. The Company bid on the IFB in December 2003, and was notified in early 2004 that it was the
low bidder. During and after the bidding process, the Company repeatedly asked the principal
contractor to state whether the IFB supplemented or replaced the 2003 Phase III Contract. The
principal contractor did not respond to these queries. To benefit from deliveries from the FC
site, the Company elected to participate in the contract process, while continuing to seek
clarification from the principal contractor and the Corps regarding the IFB. Without waiving any
of its rights under the 2003 Phase III Contract, on June 3, 2004 the Company entered into an ID/IQ
subcontract (the 2004 Phase III Contract) with a guaranteed minimum of 1,000 tons and a maximum
of 100,000 tons for the same type of services as were covered by the 2003 Phase III Contract. The
2004 Phase III Contract is on less favorable economic terms than the 2003 Phase III Contract but
consistent with pricing under FC Site contracts concluded before the 2003 Phase III Contract. On
July 22, 2004, the Company announced that, based on correspondence received from the Corps, all
future shipments from the FC Site will be delivered under the 2004 Phase III Contract.
Currently, a number of agencies ranging from municipal to federal and including the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) are conducting studies to determine the extent of
excavation required at the FC Site in order to remove soil contaminants including creosote. The
extent of the excavation is ultimately expected to be dependent upon a number of factors including
a decision by municipal authorities as to the future use of the land and United States federal
government funding restrictions imposed on the EPA. The Company is awaiting a definitive design
plan from the EPA to better evaluate the prospects for additional contracts for the FC Site. The
extent of the excavation will be factored into the definitive design plan for the FC Site and will
be a primary factor in determining the tonnage of soil to be treated by the Company.
U.S. Securities Class Action
Beginning on July 30, 2004, twelve class action complaints were filed in the United States against
the Company and certain officers. The lawsuits were consolidated and a consolidated complaint was
filed on December 23, 2004 that asserted claims under sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the United States
Securities
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Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-5 based on the
Companys public statements concerning the Companys subcontract for Phase III of the Manville, New
Jersey federal creosote soil remediation project. The consolidated complaint named as defendants
the Company, its former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Bennett, its current Chief
Executive Officer Allan Bulckaert, its former Vice President of Engineering and Business
Development Danny Ponn, its former Chief Financial Officer Richard Stern and its former Vice
President of Sales and Marketing for the United States Robert Griffiths. Plaintiffs purported to
assert their claims on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Companys securities from June 2,
2003 to July 22, 2004, inclusive, and on behalf of a subclass of purchasers of the Companys
securities in a private placement that closed on January 24, 2004. All defendants filed motions to
dismiss the complaint. On August 30, 2005 the parties reached an agreement in principle to settle
all claims asserted in the complaint in exchange for a cash payment of US$9.75 million, of which
the Company would contribute US$0.75 million with the remainder paid by its insurers. Formal
settlement documents were thereafter executed and presented to the Court for its consideration. At
a hearing on January 13, 2006, following notice to members of the class, United States District
Judge Laura Swain advised the litigants that the Court would approve the settlement. On February
21, 2006, the Court entered its order and final judgement approving the settlement and dismissing
the consolidated action. Under the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure, the time to file a motion of
appeal from the order expired on or about March 23, 2006.
Regulatory Investigations
On January 29, 2004, the Company announced that it was in discussions with the Ontario Securities
Commission (the OSC) concerning a disclosure issue raised by the OSC staff arising from
information disclosed in response to questions posed in a telephone call with a research analyst
after the release of the Companys 1999 annual results in March 2000. OSC staff suggested that
some of the information conveyed in response to the analysts questions had not been publicly
disclosed and might have been material. The Company has not heard from the OSC Staff on this
matter since September 30, 2004.
On July 30, 2004, the OSC advised the Company that it was investigating the trading of shares of
the Company prior to (i) the disclosure on March 29, 2004 relating to delays in shipments of soil
from the two largest customers of the Company which caused an unscheduled shut down of the
Companys plant in Saint Ambroise, Québec, and (ii) the disclosure on July 22, 2004 regarding the
status of the Phase III contracts to treat contaminated soil from the FC Site. The OSC requested a
detailed written chronology of the events which had culminated in the announcements on March 29,
2004 and July 22, 2004. On August 26, 2004, the OSC requested further information and documents
relating to (i) the Saglek Labrador project for the Department of National Defense, (ii) the timely
disclosure of the Federal Court of Canada decision to quash the decision of the former federal
Minister of Environment to refer the Companys project in Belledune, New Brunswick to a federal
review panel, and (iii) the Companys customer contract backlog status, projected soil volume to be
processed in the third quarter of 2004 and the plans for the Belledune facility. On December 22,
2005, the Company received a letter from the OSC inquiring about the revenue recognition of the
Company. Specific questions were raised regarding revenue recognition at the Cornwall facility. A
letter of response was sent on behalf of the Company on January 5, 2006. On January 19, 2006, the
Company received a response from the OSC, stating that the OSCs review was complete and the OSC
had no further comments on the issues discussed.
On August 19, 2004, the Company was advised by the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX) that the TSX
was also investigating the Companys July 22, 2004 announcement regarding the status of the Phase
III contracts to treat contaminated soil from the FC Site. The TSX requested certain information
in connection with its investigation. The Company provided the requested information and documents
in respect of each of the above requests to the OSC and the TSX on September 30, 2004.
5
The Company and certain of the current officers and former officers received a letter dated
February 11, 2005 from the OSC giving such officers and directors the opportunity to provide
written submissions to the OSC before the OSC determines to commence enforcement proceedings. The
OSC stated in the letter to the Company that it was of the view that the Company had failed to
disclose the change in status of the contract at the Federal Creosote Site, and alleged illegal
insider trading. The Company submitted its response on March 17, 2005.
On March 16, 2005, the Company received a letter from the TSX alleging that the Company had
breached the TSXs timely disclosure policy by failing to promptly disclose the change of the
status of the 2003 Phase III Contract in August 2003 after the Companys original press release of
the award of the 2003 Phase III Contract on June 2, 2003. The TSX also alleged in the letter that
the Company did not provide balanced disclosure by failing to disclose the removal of the Company
from certain indices. The TSX requested a meeting with the Company and at least one independent
director to be held by April 8, 2005, and asked the Companys disclosure committee to attend a
timely disclosure education session. The meeting was held with the TSX and all of the Companys
senior staff attended a timely disclosure education session. The TSX also advised that it intended
to pass its findings to the OSC.
In a letter dated August 23, 2004, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC) advised the Company that the SEC is conducting an informal inquiry of the Company. The SEC
requested that the Company voluntarily produce certain records and oral testimony, and the Company
is cooperating with the request. According to the notice, [t]his request is confidential and
should not be construed as an indication by the Commission or its staff that any violation of the
Federal Securities laws has occurred, nor should it be construed as a reflection upon any
security, person or entity. The SEC subsequently obtained a judicial order opening a formal
investigation and authorizing it to depose witnesses. On October 3, 2005, the Company responded
to comments in letters dated August 18, 2005 and September 1, 2005 from the SEC, regarding the
Companys Annual Report on Form 40-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 and Reports on
Form 6-K including interim financial statements as of and for the periods ended March 31, 2005 and
June 30, 2005. On January 17, 2006, the Company responded to the SEC comments in a letter dated
December 23, 2005, regarding the Companys Annual Report on Form 40-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004 and Reports on Form 6-K including interim financial statements as of and for the
periods ended March 31, 2005, June 30, 2005 and September 30, 2005. The Company received
additional comments from the SEC in a letter dated January 20, 2006, and responded to this letter
on May 23, 2006. Currently the Company is expecting the SECs comments, if any, on the Companys
response.
In a letter dated September 3, 2004, the Company received notice from the NASD Regulatory Division
(the NASD), on behalf of the American Stock Exchange (the AMEX), that it is conducting a
review of certain transactions in the Companys common shares which occurred prior to the
Companys announcement on July 22, 2004 of the loss in its second quarter of 2004. According to
the notice, [t]his is a routine review and should not be construed as an indication that any
violations of Federal Securities laws or Exchange rules have occurred, on an adverse reflection on
the Company, its securities or any individual who effected transactions in such securities. On
December 22, 2004, the Company received a request for additional information to which the Company
responded on February 11, 2005.
The Company is continuing to cooperate with all regulatory agencies regarding these inquiries and
investigations.
Federal Appeal on Panel and Judicial Review
On May 20, 2004, the Company received a report from the federal Canadian Environment Assessment
Agency (the
CEAA) which confirmed that there was no reason to conclude that the Companys
facility
6
at Belledune, New Brunswick would likely cause significant adverse trans-boundary environmental
effects. The study team was comprised of experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment
Canada, Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the CEAA.
Despite the findings of this report, the former federal Minister of the Environment, the Hon. David
Anderson, referred the project to a CEAA federal review panel to assess the potential
trans-boundary environmental effects of the Belledune facility. The Company applied to the Federal
Court of Canada for a judicial review of the legality of the Ministers decision to refer this
project to a review panel.
On August 19, 2004, the Federal Court of Canada granted the Companys application and quashed the
decision by the former federal Minister of Environment to refer the project to a review panel. The
federal Minister of Environment appealed the Federal Court of Canada decision to the Federal Court
of Appeal. On July 19, 2005 Federal Court of Appeal upheld the Federal Court Judge Harringtons
order.
In the third quarter of 2005, the Hon. Stephane Dion, the then Minister of the Environment and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, accepted and decided not to
seek leave to appeal the July 19, 2005 Federal Court of Appeal decision to the Supreme Court of
Canada.
Quebec Order
On September 17, 2004, RSI received a Preliminary Notice to the issuance of an Order from the
Québec Ministry of Sustainable Development and Parks (formerly the Québec Ministry of the
Environment) concerning the RSI plant in Saint-Ambroise. The Preliminary Notice alleges that
increases in levels of dioxins and furans measured in soils near the RSI plant are attributable to
RSI. If issued, the Order seeks to require RSI to limit its emissions of dioxins and furans, to
install equipment to further monitor the emissions and to transmit the collected data to the
Ministry.
On November 1, 2004, RSI filed its observations with respect to the allegations contained in the
Preliminary Notice. The Company disputes allegations contained in the Preliminary Notice. In
support of its position, the Company commissioned several qualified third-party experts to review
the allegations contained in the Preliminary Notice. The experts findings support the Companys
position that other sources may have contributed to increases in levels of dioxins and furans in
the soil around the RSI plant.
Since the filing of its observations, RSI has exchanged correspondence and has had several
discussions with the Ministry. Recently, at a meeting held on February 9, 2005, the Company met
with Ministry officials where they asked the Company to develop an action plan to address the
concerns raised in the Preliminary Notice. The Company developed an action plan that it believes
addresses the Ministrys concerns, while at the same time allow it to remain commercially
competitive. The action plan was submitted to the Ministry on February 21, 2005. Subsequently,
there was a submission of an amended action plan on March 21, 2005.
On December 5, 2005 the Company was notified by the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development,
Environment and Parks (MSDEP) that, subsequent to a request by RSI, the MSDEP has issued a new
Certificate of Authorization to RSI for the operation of its facility located in St. Ambroise,
Quebec. In addition, the Company was notified that, in the circumstances, it is not necessary to
take further action with respect to the Preliminary Notice issued on September 17, 2004 and that it
will not issue an order against RSI.
Specifically, the new amended Certificate of Authorization provides that within 18 months, RSI will
comply with an average ambient air quality criteria of 60 fg TEQ/cubic meter for dioxins and furans
that are attributable to its operations. RSI is confident that it can continue to meet this annual
average ambient
7
air quality criteria based on the results of its sampling program, which has been improved in
accordance with MSDEP requests.
Since the improvements to the program were implemented in April 2005, the sampling results indicate
an average measurement of less than 20 fg TEQ/cubic meter of dioxins and furans in the ambient air,
which is below the 60 fg TEQ/cubic meter criteria that is provided for in the new amended
Certificate of Authorization. As well, the new amended Certificate of Authorization provides that
RSI will increase the sampling frequency provided for in RSIs air monitoring protocol,
particularly with respect to the sampling of ambient air.
Management Changes
On February, 18, 2004, Allan Bulckaert was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Mr. John
Bennett.
On July 20, 2004, BEI appointed Andrew Boulanger as the Chief Financial Officer, replacing Mr. Rick
Stern.
In August 2004, Mr. David Williams was appointed Chairman of the Board, replacing Mr. John Bennett.
Mr. Zul Tejpar resigned as Vice President of Business Development in December 2004. Mr. Danny Ponn
was re-assigned to the role of Vice President Engineering and Business Development. Mr. Al
Bulckaert assumed direct responsibility for plant operations.
In October 2004, Mr. Michael McSweeney joined the Company as Vice President, Governmental Relations
and Environmental Affairs.
In January 2005, Wendy Ford joined the Company as Corporate Controller and has assumed all
responsibility related to the transition of the accounting function from Vancouver to Oakville and
the day-to-day accounting and treasury function.
On September 28, 2005, the Company announced that Danny Ponn, Vice President of Engineering and
Business Development, would be leaving the Company effective December 28, 2005.
On March 6, 2006, the Company appointed Tomasz Wesolowski Vice President of Engineering and
Technology. Mr. Wesolowski will assume the duties Mr. Ponn was performing as well as duties related
to operating permits, due diligence related to potential acquisitions and reviewing and assessing
new technology for potential new waste streams.
On May 2, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Mr. Bernd Christmas as a director.
Closing Vancouver Office and Severance Arrangements
From the end of 2004, the Corporation proceeded to close its Vancouver office and consolidate all
accounting and administrative functions to its head office in Oakville, Ontario. At the end of May
2005 the Vancouver office was closed.
In connection with the arrangements being made to close the Vancouver office and the employment
contracts with certain executives, the Company has to date expensed approximately $l.7 million
towards severance provisions. In some instances these arrangements are being negotiated and
therefore neither the amount of monies payable, nor the timing of such payment(s), is certain.
8
In addition, certain agreements were reached between the Company and each of Messrs. John Bennett,
Rick Stern and Zul Tejpar with respect to their departure from the Company. For details of these
agreements, please refer to the segment entitled Executive Compensation-Compensation of Executive
Officers-Termination of Employment, Change in Responsibilities and Employment Contracts in the
management information circular of the Company with respect to the Companys 2006 annual and
special meeting expected to be available at www.sedar.com in July 2006, which segment is
incorporated by reference herein.
Restatement of Financial Statements
On March 6, 2006, the Company decided, after consultation with its auditors KPMG LLP and approval
of its Board of Directors, to restate its previously year end December 31, 2003 and 2004 annual
consolidated financial statements and related interim financial statements from those periods. The
restatement affects the allocation of revenue between 2003 and 2004. For details of the
restatement, please refer to note 3 to the Companys restated audited annual consolidated
comparative financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, which note is
incorporated herein by reference.
As a result of the restatement of these financial statements, the Company delayed filing its annual
financial statements and annual Managements Discussion & Analysis related thereto, and its Annual
Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 by the required filing date under
applicable Canadian securities laws, namely March 31, 2006. Further, the Company is delayed in
filing its interim financial statements and interim Managements Discussion & Analysis for the
three months ended March 31, 2006, which were due on May 15, 2006. The Company intends to file
these interim statements by June 15, 2006.
Other Recent Developments
In April 2006, the Company received an ID/IQ purchase order for up to a maximum shared quantity of
45,000 tonnes of contaminated material from the Federal Creosote project. The contract stipulates
that this purchase order can be fully satisfied by a minimum delivery of 1,000 tonnes. In April
2006, a work order for an estimated 1,000 tonnes of contaminated material from the Federal Creosote
Superfund site was issued to the Company. The Company expects to send this material for processing
to BEIs facility in St. Ambroise, Quebec, sometime in the second quarter of 2006.
On May 4, 2006, the Company announced that it had taken a shutdown at its facility in St. Ambroise,
Quebec. The company anticipated that this shutdown would last until June 5, 2006. The Company
continues to accumulate soil at this facility and will recommence operations when it has
accumulated sufficient volumes to operate efficiently.
On May 12, 2006, the Company received a letter from a representative of a group of dissident
shareholders. The letter, written by Joe Schocken, a former Director of Bennett Environmental and
principal of Broadmark Capital LLC, who has been retained by the dissidents, demands control of the
Companys Board of Directors.
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Overview
The Corporation is engaged in the business of using thermal oxidation technology to remediate
contaminated soil, contaminated construction debris and mercaptan contaminated gas distribution
equipment. The Corporation owns and operates remediation facilities located in Saint Ambroise,
Québec
9
and Cornwall, Ontario and has recently completed construction of a third facility in New Brunswick.
The Corporation markets its remediation services throughout Canada and the United States.
Operations
Existing Facilities
The Corporation provides its remediation services primarily through its facilities located in Saint
Ambroise, Québec and Cornwall, Ontario.
Saint Ambroise, Québec
The Corporations primary operations are at its facility in Saint Ambroise, Québec. The
Corporation owns the property where the Saint Ambroise facility is located and it constructed the
facility commencing in 1996 and in 1997. After extensive testing by the Ministry of the Environment
for Québec, BEIs subsidiary, RSI, received a permit to treat hydrocarbon-contaminated waste,
including soil contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons, including PCBs. The Saint Ambroise
facility commenced commercial operations in February 1998 and since that time the facility has
provided services to private businesses in Ontario; government departments and government-owned
corporations, including the Province of Nova Scotia, Manitoba Hydro and Dorval Airport (located in
Montreal, Québec); and environmental agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The facilities in Quebec consist of a:
|
|
|
Mark IV Thermal Oxidizer |
|
|
|
|
20,000 tonne storage building |
|
|
|
|
Ancillary service buildings |
Over the past five years, the Corporation has been upgrading the operating capacity of the Saint
Ambroise facility. Operating capacity has increased from approximately 40,000 tonnes in 1999 to
100,000 tonnes in 2002 through capital improvements. During 2005 and 2004, the Saint Ambroise
facility treated approximately 43,000 and 53,000 metric tonnes of contaminated soil, respectively.
The Corporation has no immediate plans to make further upgrades to the capacity of the Saint
Ambroise facility.
Cornwall, Ontario
Effective September 30, 2002, BEI acquired MRR through its subsidiary RSI. MRRs facility is
located in Cornwall, Ontario and MRR owns the land where the facility is located.
The Cornwall facility is comprised of a building (estimated to be 20,000 square feet) and houses a
high temperature incinerator capable of incinerating hazardous materials, shipping and storage
areas, and sales and engineering offices. MRR has the equipment and the required permits to handle
and incinerate PCB and mercaptan contaminated materials and also has the equipment and permits to
treat contaminated water. The current operations that are carried on at the facility are the
incineration of PCB contaminated materials (for example, wood, metals and concrete). In 2005, MRR
generated about $4.6 million in revenues, and treated about 1,183 tonnes of material through the
Cornwall facility.
Since January 2003, MRR made a decision to not treat any mercaptan-contaminated materials at its
facility in Cornwall. Since that time all mercaptan-contaminated materials received by the
Corporation
10
have been treated at a leased site in Garden City, Texas. In February 2006, the Company entered
into an agreement to sell the mercaptan portion of the business for $322,000. The book value of the
assets sold was $35,000 and the Company took back a vendor take-back of $262,000 payable.
Proposed and Potential Facilities
The Corporation recently constructed a new remediation facility at Belledune, New Brunswick and was
working towards establishing a facility at Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
Belledune, New Brunswick
On September 9, 2003, the Government of New Brunswick approved construction by the Corporation of a
new thermal oxidation treatment facility at Belledune, New Brunswick. The facility is located on
leased land at an environmental industrial park located near Belledune in northeastern New
Brunswick. Construction of the facility was completed at the end of 2004. The Company completed
compliance tests at this facility on April 19, 2006 and samples that were taken by an independent
third party environmental consulting firm during the testing period were sent to a laboratory for
analysis. Once the analysis is complete, the results will be sent to the Government of New
Brunswick for review against the criteria set out in the draft operating permit. If these criteria
are met, the Company expects to receive an operating permit for this facility which will allow the
Company to commence commercial operations at this facility. The facility will be capable of
treating 100,000 metric tonnes per year of hydrocarbon and creosote impacted soil. The facility
will use the Corporations Mark IV Thermal Oxidizer technology, which has been employed for six
years in the Corporations facility in Saint Ambroise, Québec.
For the fiscal year ended December, 31, 2005, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment of $15.4
million for the facility in Belledune, New Brunswick.
Kirkland Lake, Ontario
Since the fall of 1999, the Corporation has been working with environmental regulatory authorities
to establish a high-temperature thermal treatment facility in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. The
Corporation first submitted its permit application to the Ministry of the Environment for Ontario
in April 2000. On May 10, 2000 the Corporation decided to subject its proposed Kirkland Lake
facility to review under the Environmental Assessment Act (Ontario).
On June 19, 2002, the Corporation submitted its application to the Province of Ontario for final
approval of its permit to construct a facility in Kirkland Lake. On November 8, 2002 the
Corporation voluntarily withdrew its application in order to address issues raised by the Director
of Environmental Assessment and Approvals. The Corporation intends to resubmit the application in
the future when it has addressed these issues.
In the interim, a decision from a judicial review panel has put into question the Minister of the
Environments authority to set the parameters to be studied during an environmental assessment. As
a result, all environmental applications have been put on hold (including the Corporations)
pending the results of an appeal of that decision or a change in the applicable legislation.
During the third quarter of 2004 certain capitalized permit costs and equipment incurred as part of
a proposed thermal treatment facility in Kirkland Lake, Ontario were written off. Plans related to
a third plant in Kirkland Lake have been postponed indefinitely, which has resulted in a write down
in the value in such assets.
11
Market for Services
The proliferation of laws over the past decade in Canada and the United States which restrict
the landfilling of hazardous wastes has significantly increased the North American market for the
remediation of contaminated materials. The demand for remediation services and type of remediation
required depends in part upon the laws of jurisdiction where the contaminated materials are
located. Restrictions in Canada against the landfilling of wastes containing PCBs above 50 parts
per million (ppm) have significantly increased the Canadian market for the remediation of PCB
contaminated materials. Recent proposed changes to federal regulations (which is expected to become
law by the spring of 2006) in Canada would:
(a) |
|
end the use of PCB equipment containing: |
|
|
|
500 mg/kg or more of PCBs, by December 31, 2009; |
|
|
|
|
50 mg/kg or more to less than 500 mg/kg of PCBs, by December 31, 2014, with 50 mg/kg or
more of PCBs as specified in the regulations, by December 31, 2025, based on practical
considerations (light ballasts, pole top transformers, specified equipment in electricity
generation, transmission and distribution facilities); and |
|
|
|
|
50 mg/kg or more of PCBs located in sensitive areas, by December 31, 2009 (drinking
water treatment plants, food and feed processing sites and schools at or below the
secondary level, hospitals, and senior and child care facilities, including the land on
which they are located within 100 meters of these facilities); and |
(b) |
|
require destruction of PCB material containing: |
|
|
|
50 mg/kg or more of PCBs currently in storage by December 31, 2009; |
|
|
|
|
50 mg/kg or more of PCBs that will be stored after the new regulation is in place, no
later than one year after the waste is put into storage at the owners site, the transfer
site and destruction site respectively; and |
|
|
|
|
50 mg/kg or more of PCBs, except light ballasts, located in sensitive areas, no later
than one year after the new regulation is in place. |
Likewise, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys restrictions on the landfilling of
pentachlorophenol and other persistent organic pollutants, such as dioxins and furans, in U.S.
landfills has resulted in owners of certain U.S. waste sites seeking alternative treatment
solutions for their hazardous waste. While the Corporation has been able to access this U.S.
market for soil remediation services, U.S. regulations discourage PCBs with concentrations over 50
ppm from crossing the U.S. border. Therefore, the Corporation does not currently have access to
the sites in the United States contaminated with PCBs.
The Corporation believes that the introduction of stricter landfill restrictions in Ontario similar
to those in place in the United States and Québec, or the stricter enforcement of existing landfill
restrictions in Ontario, would increase the number of Canadian entities that require soil
remediation services. For example, generators of contaminated soil in Ontario are currently
required to register all PCB contaminated materials with the Ministry of the Environment for
Ontario. For those materials for which a destruction method is commercially available, a timetable
for destruction of those materials or details justifying continued storage of those materials must
be provided to the Ministry of the Environment for Ontario. While the Corporation understands that
the Ministry of the Environment for Ontario is
12
encouraging companies currently storing contaminated soil to comply with regulations that compel
them to eliminate the material, to date these regulations have not been strictly enforced. The
Corporation believes that as environmental clean-up becomes more important, these and other similar
regulations will become more strictly enforced, and the option of doing nothing will likely
become less desirable.
In 2000, the Province of Québec established the Revi-Sols/Soil Restoration to encourage the
clean-up of contaminated sites which included new financial incentives to clean-up contaminated
sites within the Province. The program provides $50 million in provincial rebates for the clean-up
of sites that will have economic and development potential. The program provides for a rebate of
up to 70% of the cost of the clean-up if the restoration involves treatment, and up to 50% if no
treatment is required. The Revi-Sols Program originally focused on the Québec City and Montreal
area; however, the program now will be expanded to include the entire Province of Québec.
In March, 2004, the federal government of Canada announced the inclusion of $4.0 billion to be
spent on the clean-up of federal contaminated sites over the next 10 years. This includes $500
million for the clean-up of the Sydney Tar Ponds in Nova Scotia. Management of the Corporation
believes that these types of programs will expand the market for the Corporations remediation
service program.
Revenues
The Corporations revenues from its remediation services by type and by geographical region
for the last two financial years are set out below (all figures in Canadian dollars). During each
year shown, approximately 81% of the Corporations revenues were generated from the waste
remediation facility at Saint Ambroise, Québec.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thermal Treatment Revenues |
|
|
|
U.S. |
|
|
Canada |
|
|
Total |
|
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
10,214,976 |
|
|
$ |
20,427,076 |
|
|
$ |
30,642,052 |
|
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2005 |
|
$ |
13,582,269 |
|
|
$ |
15,667,980 |
|
|
$ |
29,250,249 |
|
Sales and Marketing
Customer contracts are normally project-based or one-time contracts. They can be completed in
a month, or can sometimes span several years with several phases. Once the soil is received at the
Corporations facility, it is treated and invoices are sent to the customer, usually within one
month.
Competition
Competition in the contaminated materials remediation business in North America is limited, in
part, by the requirement to obtain permits from environmental authorities to treat soils
contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons, including PCBs. Obtaining permits is a long and
difficult process. An application to build and operate thermal incinerators often generates
opposition from the public who seek assurances about the environmental impact and safety of the
proposed facilities. To address public concerns, regulatory authorities who are responsible for
issuing the permits require the applicants to undergo extensive public consultations and to conduct
environmental assessments before a permit to build and operate a facility is granted. As a result,
the Corporation has limited direct competition from other incineration service providers.
13
The Corporation considers its main competition to be:
|
|
landfill sites in Ontario; |
|
|
|
multi-purpose incinerators operated throughout North America; and |
|
|
|
alternative treatment methods used in North America (for example, bioremediation, chemical
oxidation and low temperature desorption). |
Details on each of the competitor groups are provided below.
Ontario Landfills
In Canada, the only secure landfill sites permitted to accept wastes containing hazardous levels of
contaminants are in Ontario. As of January 2002, the Province of Québec restricted the levels of
contaminants that can be disposed of at Québec landfill sites. The Province of Ontario has
implemented landfill restrictions similar to those in Québec to be implemented over the next five
years. Ontario hazardous waste landfills market their services in the United States for the
disposal of soils within the Corporations market niche. The largest competitive advantage that
the landfills have over the Corporations remediation services is their cost. Landfilling costs to
end customers are approximately U.S. $120 to $200 per metric tonne, compared to the Corporations
services which cost the end customer approximately U.S. $400 to $500 per metric tonne.
However, in spite of this price advantage, landfills present disadvantages and potential financial
exposure to the landfill client, owners or the governments in which jurisdiction such landfills are
situated. Landfill clients, landfill owners or government agencies may face potential future
liability due to the potential failure of the landfills liners. This could lead to the generators
of the hazardous material being required to pay for the clean-up of the landfills. Landfills
continue to attract growing public scrutiny and opposition, which could serve to restrict their
operations and make them less attractive to potential clients.
Currently, Ontario hazardous waste regulations permit disposal of persistent organic pollutants in
landfills. The Ontario provincial government has enacted land disposal restrictions to change
their regulations to restrict the landfilling of certain hazardous waste over the next five years,
which might reduce the hazardous waste market for landfills. Treatment alternatives, such as the
Corporations thermal oxidation facilities may gain some of this market share that is currently
disposed of in Ontario landfills.
Multi-Purpose Incinerators in North America
There are several other companies, aside from the Corporation, that operate high temperature
thermal incinerators within North America, including one in Canada. Most of the competing
incinerators are located in the United States, which gives them a perceived advantage over the
Corporation with respect to the U.S. market. United States-based treatment, storage and disposal
facilities, hazardous waste generators, and consultants often prefer to do business with U.S.
hazardous waste remediation facilities. This is due in part to the perception by U.S. clients that
to export hazardous waste to another country for treatment is a complicated process. However, as
the Corporation continues to secure contracts with reputable organizations in the United States, it
has gained more acceptance as a suitable service provider for exports from the U.S. market. Under
the North American Free Trade Agreement, if a facility is licensed in one of the member countries,
that license has to be recognized by the other member countries. U.S. government clients are not
permitted to discriminate against the Corporations facility because it is Canadian.
14
Clean Harbors Inc., a company based in Braintree, Massachusetts, operates seven high-temperature
incinerators in the U.S. Clean Harbors regularly competes with the Company but has more limited
annual capacity related to soil remediation.
The incinerator at the Swan Hills Treatment Centre owned by the Province of Alberta is the
Corporations only competing Canadian high temperature thermal incinerator. Swan Hills is located
in Western Canada, which makes it more readily accessible to contaminated sites in the West. The
Corporation often competes with Swan Hills for soils originating in Western North America.
Several of the Corporations major competing incinerators, including Swan Hills, treat a wide
spectrum of hazardous waste in different physical forms, such as liquids, sludges, soils and
medical wastes. As a result, these competing facilities include additional capital equipment that
have made them more expensive to build and potentially more expensive to operate. For soil
remediation, the operational efficiency of certain competitors, in terms of throughput and on-site
soil storage, is reduced as a result of the differences in process and design, thereby increasing
the per unit treatment cost. In contrast, the Corporations equipment and its processes were
designed to treat only soils. As a result, the Company believes its equipment was built at a lower
cost and is able to operate at higher throughputs than many of its competitors.
Alternative Treatment Methods
The Corporation also faces competition from alternative waste treatment methods, which include
bioremediation, chemical oxidation and low temperature thermal desorption. These alternatives have
a cost advantage (due to their ability to provide on-site remediation thereby avoiding expensive
transportation costs) and the public perception that they are more environmentally friendly than
the thermal treatment process. However, on-site low temperature thermal desorption for certain
wastes has begun to attract public opposition and permitting concerns, which has made the option
less attractive.
Group Serrener Inc., a company owned by Environmental Management Solutions (EMS) and based in
Sherbrooke Quebec, is involved in the bioremediation of contaminated soil. However, bioremediation
is effective only for a relatively narrow spectrum of organic products and it takes a long time to
achieve any benefit, with unpredictable efficiency. This material is not normally treated using
the same processes employed by the Corporation.
Environmental Quality Inc., a company based in Michigan, uses chemical oxidation to treat
contaminated materials. This process uses a liquid oxidant to destroy the organic pollutants in
the soil. This treatment method is ineffective at destroying the wider spectrum of persistent
organic pollutants and depends on the oxidant coming into contact with the contaminant.
Thermal Oxidation Process and Permitting Process
The business of the Corporation is focused on the remediation of contaminated materials
through the use of thermal oxidation technology. Thermal oxidizers are specifically designed to
remediate waste materials such as contaminated soils, and certain types of chemical wastes and
sludge. Thermal oxidizers remove contaminants by vaporizing and then combusting the contaminants
at high temperatures. From 1996 to 1997, the Corporation spent approximately $2.2 million on
research and development of its own thermal oxidation technology, which is now used in its Saint
Ambroise, Québec facility. The Corporation will also use its oxidation technology at its facility
in Belledune, New Brunswick.
The Corporations own thermal oxidation technology utilizes a rotary kiln for soil treatment,
giving it the ability to accept virtually any type of organic waste in a number of physical forms.
Rotary kilns operate
15
using either thermal desorption systems or thermal oxidation systems. Thermal desorption
systems operate at low temperatures, and will not remove and destroy all contaminants. Thermal
oxidation systems, on the other hand, operate at higher temperatures to extract the hydrocarbons
from the soil via heat desorption, and subsequently destroy them. The Corporations rotary kiln is
capable of processing soil with high hydrocarbon content and can be adapted to handle municipal
household waste.
The thermal process that is used to treat contaminated debris at the Corporations Cornwall,
Ontario facility is a batch process whereby contaminated material is placed in a kiln and heated to
specific temperatures for a period of time to allow for the destruction of contaminants.
Permitting and Regulatory Approval Process
The Corporations business is dependant on its ability to obtain government permits for the
remediation and importation of contaminated soils. In most cases these permits are subject to
periodic assessments and reviews by the environmental regulators who can adjust or amend permitted
emission levels which could compel the Company to invest in capital assets or limit the type of
material being treated.
Remediation Permits
The process for obtaining permits for the development and operation of a thermal oxidizer facility
is costly and time consuming. The process requires development of the equipment and the facility
site in accordance with environmental laws, regulations, and policies, and other regulatory
concerns. This process can take many years to complete. In addition, the process can require
environmental assessment impact studies which can cost in excess of $3 million. The Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act has recently added another level of regulation to the permitting
process by requiring applicants to address additional issues relating to proposed treatment
facilities such as vehicle traffic and economic issues including effects on tourism and property
values. Once the necessary permits are obtained, the Corporation must also comply with the ongoing
monitoring, compliance testing and comprehensive reporting requirements provided for under the
permit.
The Corporations existing permit in Québec allows the Corporation to treat soils contaminated with
all chlorinated hydrocarbons and non-chlorinated organic contaminates including, PCB, PCP,
creosote, dioxins and pesticides.
The permits for the Cornwall, Ontario facility allow for the thermal treatment of PCB contaminated
construction debris, mercaptan contaminated metals and PCB contaminated water. The permit to
construct granted for the facility in Belledune, New Brunswick is to construct and operate a
thermal oxidation facility capable of treating a maximum of 100,000 metric tonnes of
non-chlorinated hydrocarbon and creosote impacted material. A final operating permit (expected in
2006) will be required before commercial operations may commence at the Belledune facility. In
order for this permit to be granted, compliance test results from the facility must demonstrate the
safe operation of the equipment.
Many of the challenges involved in obtaining a permit to treat contaminated waste using thermal
oxidation methods relate to the perceptions of the public regarding thermal remediation and not to
issues relating to efficient waste elimination and meeting emission standards beyond compliance.
The Corporation attempts to address these issues through ancillary activities, which include
community education programs such as disseminating information on thermal remediation in the
community in which it wishes to obtain an operating permit. These ancillary activities are an
important part of the strategy of obtaining an operating permit in a timely and cost-effective
manner.
16
Importation of Contaminated Materials
In addition to the regulatory process for the establishment of remediation facilities, the
Corporations operations are governed by various additional regulations in both the United States
and Canada, concerning the importation of hazardous materials. The importation of contaminated
soil into Canada requires regulatory approval from Environment Canada, which is the Canadian
authority responsible for federal environmental policies and programs, as well as from the Ministry
or Department of Environment, or the equivalent (each, the Ministry of Environment) for the
province where the final remediation is completed.
Prior to importing soils into Canada, the Corporation completes an import notice for Environment
Canada that describes the waste, where it comes from and when it is expected to arrive in Canada.
Simultaneously, the Corporation informs the relevant Ministry of Environment of its intention to
import soils into the province. The Corporation supplies the Ministry of Environment with an
analysis of the soils, showing the type level of contamination and general character of the soil.
When the relevant Ministry of Environment is satisfied that the analysis presented shows that the
soils can be treated by the Corporations facility within the terms of the Corporations permit,
the Ministry of Environment informs the federal authorities of their agreement with the
Corporations intention to import the soils. Environment Canada then issues a permit to the
Corporation to import the soils. To date, the Corporation has been successful in its applications
to import all types of organically contaminated soils for treatment in Canada.
Major Inputs
Natural Gas, Butane and Propane fuel
As part of the thermal process the Company consumes a considerable amount of natural gas in the
form of butane and propane. Energy makes up approximately 10% to 20% of the Companys direct input
costs.
Transportation
The Company uses a variety of truck, rail and water transportation methods to move soil in-feed to
its plants, with truck being the principal method of shipping soil to its plants. Transportation
can make up 10% to 50% of the Companys input costs depending where material is being sourced.
Human Resources
Direct labour is a significant input cost and makes up approximately 15% of direct input costs
depending on the volume of soil being processed in a given year.
As at December 31, 2005, the Corporation had 79 employees 45 in operations, 6 in marketing and
business development, and 24 in management and administration. Thirty-one (31) of the employees in
the Corporations treatment facilities are represented by a labour union. On May 16, 2002, the
Corporation signed a new five-year labour agreement that extends from January 1, 2002 until
December 31, 2006.
Disposal costs
Depending on the type of material being processed, the method of disposal of processed soils can
range from shipment to a hazardous landfill (generally where the soil contain a high level of heavy
metals) or
17
recycling treated soil for the beneficial re-use such as aggregates for road works. As such,
disposal costs can range from 8% to 10% of the direct input costs.
RISK FACTORS
The Corporations performance may be affected by a number of risk factors. BEIs senior
management monitors, manages and mitigates key risks. The following is an update to key risks
identified.
Competition and Cyclical Nature of the business
The success of any of the Corporations remediation facilities is dependent upon there being an
adequate supply of contaminated soil available. An adequate supply may not be available for the
Corporations facilities. Without soil to treat, the Corporations facilities will not operate and
accordingly the Corporations financial performance will be impacted. The Corporation is subject
to shipment schedules that are not always under its control. Shipments can be delayed for long
periods by customers for a variety of reasons and may result in facilities not having adequate
supplies of contaminated soil for treatment.
In addition, customers may cancel or not deliver soil quantities specified on their purchase
orders, contracts or through discussions potentially resulting in a reduction of the Corporations
financial performance and stock price. During 2004, the Company expanded its sales force in the
United States and Canada and changed the sales focus from few large contracts to multiple smaller
contracts so that the Company is not too dependent on few sources for in-feed.
During the year the Company had approximately 20 weeks of unplanned shutdown time because of a lack
of in-feed material.
The Corporation competes against other established companies in North America, some of which have
greater financial, marketing and other resources than those of the Corporation. In addition, new
companies with greater financial resources than the Corporation may enter the Corporations market.
Competition will be significantly increased if permits to operate PCB contaminated soil
remediation facilities for chlorinated organics are granted to the Corporations Canadian
competitors.
The Corporation also faces competition from other alternative treatment and disposal methods
currently allowed under applicable regulations. Other innovative solutions may be developed that
provide a more attractive solution to potential customers, which could reduce the Corporations
market share. To the extent that the Corporations competitors are able to compete successfully
with the Corporation and its services, the Corporations potential profitability may be reduced and
shareholder value may be affected.
Commodities and transportation
The Companys operating results are significantly affected by the costs of energy and other raw
materials. Approximately 20% of the Companys direct costs are related to energy and in particular
propane and butane. Historically the Company has procured these commodities on short-term contracts
with prices based on spot pricing and as such volatility in the pricing of these commodities could
cause material fluctuations in the Companys operating results.
In addition approximately 10% to 50% of the Companys direct operating costs relate to the
transportation of material in and out of its plants. Increases in fuel costs to the freight
industry which cannot be passed on to the customer can adversely affect the Companys
profitability.
18
Operating permits and environmental legislation
The Company requires operating permits to run its plants. Changes imposed on these permits through
regulation or changes to environmental legislation could adversely affect profitability if new
technology could not be employed to meet the new standards.
In addition, the Company needs to obtain a final operating permit for the Belledune facility. When
the Company obtained a construction permit, it was issued a draft operating permit. In order to
obtain a final operating permit, the Company must conduct a test burn to ensure the actual
emission levels are below the draft permitted levels. The Company plans to conduct this test burn
in early 2005 and expects to receive a final permit by the end of the second quarter 2006 (See
Recent Developments above).
The Company uses estimates
The Company prepares financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, amounts reported as contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the amounts of reported revenue and expenses in the accounting
period. Actual results could differ from the estimates made by management. Significant differences
between actual results and estimates could have a material adverse effect on the Companys
financial results and results of operations.
Foreign exchange risk
A significant portion of the Corporations consolidated revenues are earned in U.S. dollars while
the majority of the Corporations costs are incurred in Canadian dollars. As a result, the
Corporations operations are subject to the risks normally attributable to fluctuations in foreign
currency values. In general, fluctuations in the value of the Canadian dollar may impact the
Corporation by decreasing profit margins when the value of the Canadian dollar strengthens against
the U.S. dollar. Decreased profit margins will negatively impact profit and stock price. In
addition, since the Corporation competes with U.S. companies for sales of services and equipment,
any increases in the Canadian dollar as compared to the U.S. dollar, makes the Corporations
products and services less attractive to U.S. customers from a cost perspective.
Employee relations
Certain of the Corporations operations are unionized. Strikes, lockouts or other labour
disruptions could restrict the Corporations ability to provide remediation services to its
customers, and consequently materially adversely affect its results of operations.
The employees of the Corporation may be exposed to contaminated materials. While the Corporation
believes that it takes all required actions to protect its employees from such exposure, including
ongoing education of its employees concerning the handling of contaminated materials and yearly
physical examinations of employees to detect exposure to PCBs, exposure to contaminated materials
may impose liability on the Corporation and such liability could have a material adverse effect on
the Corporations financial position, results of operations or cash flows. To date no instances of
employee exposure to contaminants have been detected and to the knowledge of management, no
employee-related liability currently exists.
19
Other Risks
Other risks to our business operations and financial results include: potential delays, cost
overruns or defects in the design and construction of our facilities, including the proposed
facility in Belledune, New Brunswick; costs and liabilities associated with current and prospective
environmental regulations; and, potential delays resulting from public opposition to our existing
operations or proposed facilities.
Saint Ambroise, Québec
It is possible that an order may be issued under the notice previously issued by the Quebec
Ministry of the Environment regarding allegations of increased levels of dioxins and furans in the
soil in the area of the Saint Ambroise facility. If such an order is issued, it may result in the
facility being required to limit its emissions of dioxins and furans, to install equipment to
further monitor the emissions and to transmit the collected data to the Ministry. Such
restrictions, if issued, could result in increased capital expenditures required for compliance as
well as a disruption in output.
Belledune, New Brunswick
Should the Companys results from compliance testing at the Belledune facility not meet the
requirements of the draft operating permit, there may be a delay in the commencement of commercial
operations
Manville, New Jersey (Federal Creosote Contracts)
The determination by officials in the United States of the volume of soil requiring treatment from
the FC Site in Manville, New Jersey has now been delayed into the future. Additional delays in
completion of this determination may adversely impact the volume and schedule of soil to be
processed by the Company. The Companys contract for 100,000 tons with a 1,000 minimum ended
December 15, 2005. The next phase of the contract has been put out for tender bid and there is no
assurance the Company will be successful in obtaining a contract for the next phase of this
contract.
DIVIDEND POLICY
For the foreseeable future, BEI intends to retain all earnings, if any, for general corporate
purposes. The payment of dividends in the future will depend on the earnings and financial
conditions of the Corporation and on such other factors as the Board of Directors of BEI may
consider relevant.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
BEIs authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited
number of preferred shares issuable in series of which Series I Non-Voting Redeemable Preference
Shares have been designated. As at March 31, 2006, 21,614,940 common shares and no preferred
shares were issued and outstanding. As of March 31, 2006, options to acquire 1,056,500 common
shares were outstanding.
The holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share with respect to each matter
presented to BEI shareholders on which the holders of common shares are entitled to vote. The
holders of common shares are entitled to receive rateably any dividends declared by BEIs board of
directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. In the event of BEIs liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, the holders of common shares are entitled to share rateably in all
assets remaining after payment of liabilities. The holders of common shares have no pre-emptive,
subscription or conversion rights.
20
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
The Corporations common shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol
BEV and on the AMEX under the symbol BEL.
Trading Price and Volume
The following chart sets forth the high and low sales price and volume for the common shares
of the Corporation on the TSX for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month |
|
High |
|
|
Low |
|
|
Volume |
|
January 2005 |
|
|
4.51 |
|
|
|
3.86 |
|
|
|
44,390 |
|
February 2005 |
|
|
5.54 |
|
|
|
4.22 |
|
|
|
42,155 |
|
March 2005 |
|
|
4.46 |
|
|
|
3.21 |
|
|
|
42,155 |
|
April 2005 |
|
|
3.76 |
|
|
|
2.96 |
|
|
|
39,650 |
|
May 2005 |
|
|
4.15 |
|
|
|
2.61 |
|
|
|
47,952 |
|
June 2005 |
|
|
3.84 |
|
|
|
3.43 |
|
|
|
40,819 |
|
July 2005 |
|
|
3.89 |
|
|
|
3.15 |
|
|
|
22,877 |
|
August 2005 |
|
|
4.15 |
|
|
|
3.24 |
|
|
|
23,070 |
|
September 2005 |
|
|
3.61 |
|
|
|
3.26 |
|
|
|
15,722 |
|
October 2005 |
|
|
3.36 |
|
|
|
2.96 |
|
|
|
36,485 |
|
November 2005 |
|
|
3.93 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
|
|
22,520 |
|
December 2005 |
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
3.46 |
|
|
|
20,085 |
|
Prior Sales
No common shares of the Corporation were sold during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Name, Occupation and Security Holding
The following table and the notes thereto state the names of all executive officers of the
Corporation, all other positions or offices with the Corporation and its subsidiaries now held by
them, their principal occupations or employment and the number of common shares and options of the
Corporation beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by each of them, or over which they exert
control or direction as of March 31, 2006. The same information relating to the directors of the
Corporation is contained in the Election of Directors section of the Management Information
Circular of the Corporation with respect to the Companys 2006 annual and special meeting to be
held in early August 2006 which is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
beneficially owned, directly |
|
|
Municipality of |
|
|
|
or indirectly, or controlled |
|
Number of |
Resident |
|
Position at the Corporation |
|
or directed |
|
Options Held |
Allan Bulckaert |
|
President and Chief Executive |
|
10,000 |
|
340,000 |
Oakville, Ontario |
|
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew Boulanger |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
Nil |
|
170,000 |
Mississauga, Ontario |
|
|
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
beneficially owned, directly |
|
|
|
|
Municipality of |
|
|
|
or indirectly, or controlled |
|
|
Number of |
|
Resident |
|
Position at the Corporation |
|
or directed |
|
|
Options Held |
|
Michael McSweeney |
|
Vice President, Government |
|
Nil |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
Ottawa, Ontario |
|
Relations and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Environmental Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Danny Ponn(1) |
|
Vice President, |
|
|
54,600 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
Oakville, Ontario |
|
Engineering and Business |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Development |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bryan Maskell |
|
Vice President, North |
|
Nil |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
Hamilton, Ontario |
|
American Sales and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Ponn resigned from his position with the Company effective December 28, 2005. |
As of March 31, 2006, the directors and officers of the Company, as a group, beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over approximately 1.5% of the outstanding
common shares.
The following summarizes the principal occupations of the executive officers of the Corporation
during the last five years. The same information relating to the directors of the Corporation and
for Mr. Bulckaert is contained in the Election of Directors section of the Management Information
Circular of the Corporation for the Companys annual and special meeting to be held in early August
expected to be filed in July 2006, which segment is incorporated herein by reference.
Andrew Boulanger
Mr. Boulanger was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company in September 2004. Prior to
joining BEI he was the Chief Financial Officer of a privately held company in the financial
services industry. From 1995 to 2002 Mr. Boulanger held several positions with Co-Steel Inc., a
publicly traded company in the steel manufacturing industry, including Chief Financial Officer from
1999 to 2002.
Michael McSweeney
Mr. McSweeney was appointed Vice President, Government Relations and Environmental Affairs of the
Company in October 2004. Prior to this he was Vice President, Business Development for McNamara
and Associates, now A.E. Holden and Associates, a corporate management consulting firm in the
agri-food industry. From 2000 to 2002 Mr. McSweeney was the Vice President, Business Development
for Archer Daniels Midland, a company in the agri-food and food processing industry.
Danny Ponn
Mr. Ponn has spent the last 14 years with BEI in various positions including Chief Operating
Officer and more recently Vice President, Engineering and Business Development. Mr. Ponn was
directly responsible for developing the Companys thermal treatment process. Danny Ponn resigned
from the Company effective December 28, 2005.
Bryan Maskell
Mr. Maskell has been involved with the Company for the last eight years and has held several
positions in the sales and marketing area. In July 2004 Mr. Maskell was appointed Vice President
North American
Sales and Marketing.
22
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions
Except as disclosed below, to the knowledge of the Company, no director or executive officer
of the Company:
(a) |
|
is, as at the date of this Annual Information Form or has been, in the last 10 years, a
director or executive officer of any company that, while that person was acting in that
capacity, |
|
i. |
|
was the subject of a cease trade order or similar order or an order that denied
the issuer access to any exemptions under Canadian securities legislation, for a period
of more than 30 consecutive days; or |
|
|
ii. |
|
was subject to an event that resulted, after that person ceased to be a
director or executive officer, in the company being the subject of a cease trade or
similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption
under Canadian securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days;
or |
|
|
iii. |
|
or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became
bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or
was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangements or compromise with creditors
or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or |
(b) |
|
has, or within 10 years before the date of this Annual Information Form, become bankrupt,
made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject
to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver,
receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets. |
Mr. George Ploder, a director of the Corporation, is the President and Chief Executive Officer and
a director of Vital Retirement Living Inc., a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta and
Ontario. On June 20, 2003, a cease trade order was issued against that company for failing to file
its financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 and the three-month period
ended March 31, 2003.
To the knowledge of the Company, none of the directors or executive officers of the Company has
been subject to (a) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to Canadian securities
legislation or by a Canadian securities regulatory authority or have entered into a settlement
agreement with a Canadian securities regulatory authority; or (b) any other penalties or sanctions
imposed by a court or a regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable
investor in making an investment decision.
Conflicts of Interest
In connection with the regulatory investigations discussed under General Development of the
Business-Recent Developments of this Annual Information Form, the Corporation and Messrs. Allan
Bulckaert have retained U.S. and Canadian counsel. Messrs. Zul Tejpar (former Vice President of
Sales and Business Development), Rick Stern (former Chief Financial Officer) and Danny Ponn (former
Vice President, Engineering and Business Development) have retained separate U.S. and Canadian
counsel. Mr. John Bennett (former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman) has also retained separate
U.S. and
Canadian counsel. During the course of these investigations, the interests of these parties may
become divergent and may conflict with the interests of one or more other parties.
23
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is currently involved in certain legal and regulatory proceedings. Please see
Recent Developments of this Annual Information Form for details. In addition, the Company is
normally involved in claims and litigation arising in the normal course of its business which are
considered immaterial.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL
TRANSACTIONS
The Audit Committee reviewed all related party transactions between the Corporation and its
subsidiaries and the officers and directors of the Corporation. The Audit Committee determined
that there were no related party transactions in the last three years that required disclosure
under any securities laws other than with Mr. John Bennett, Mr. Pierre Meunier and Mr. James
Blanchard, all of which were disclosed in the Management Discussion and Analysis of the Corporation
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 under the heading Related Party Transaction, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION
Composition of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of BEI is composed of the following three members: David Williams, George
Ploder and Adam Lapointe. The responsibilities and duties of the Audit Committee are set out in
the Audit Committees charter, the text of which is set forth in Appendix I to this Annual
Information Form.
The Board of Directors believe that the composition of the Audit Committee reflects a high level of
financial literacy and expertise. Each member of the Audit Committee has been determined by the
Board of Directors to be independent and financially literate as such terms are defined under
Canadian and United States securities laws and the AMEX rules. In addition, the Board has
determined that Mr. Ploder is an Audit Committee Financial Expert as such term is defined under
United States securities laws. The Board has made these determinations based on the education and
breadth and depth of experience of each member of the Committee. The following is a description of
the education and experience of each member of the Committee that is relevant to the performance of
his responsibilities as a member of the Audit Committee:
|
|
|
Name |
|
Education and Relevant Experience |
George Ploder
|
|
Chartered Accountant
-Former Chief Executive Officer and Director, Bracknell Corporation
-Former Chief Financial Officer, Cavendish Investing Ltd.
-Former President, Jannock Tube Limited |
|
|
|
David Williams
|
|
MBA Queens University, DCL Bishops University
-President, Roxborough Holdings Limited
-Former Chairman, Beutel Goodman |
|
|
|
Adam Lapointe
|
|
BA/MSc (Economics), Laval University
-President, Pluri Capital Inc.
-President, PCI Industries Inc.
-Past Professor of Economics, Université du Quebec
-Past Member of the Economic Council of Canada |
24
Auditors Service Fees
Aggregate fees paid to the Auditors during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees in thousand of dollars |
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
|
503.0 |
|
|
|
305.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit-related Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
136.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
97.80 |
|
|
|
102.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
600.80 |
|
|
|
544.0 |
|
TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS
BEIs transfer agent and registrar is Computershare Trust Company of Canada at its principal
office in Toronto, Ontario.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Except as otherwise described in this Annual Information Form, there are no material contracts
other then those entered into in the ordinary course of business.
INTEREST OF EXPERTS
Names of Experts
KPMG LLP prepared a report in regard to the consolidated financial statements of BEI for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants gives
authority to the report.
Interests of Experts
KPMG LLP is the auditors of the Company and is independent within the meaning of the Rules of
Professional Conduct/Code of Ethics of the various Canadian provincial institutes/order of
chartered accountants and has complied with the SECs rules and regulations on auditor
independence.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Financial information about the Corporation is contained in its consolidated comparative
financial statements and Managements Discussion and Analysis for fiscal year ended December 31,
2005, and additional information relating to the Corporation is on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Additional information, including directors and officers remuneration and indebtedness, the
principal holders of the Corporations securities and securities authorized for issuance under
equity compensation plans, where applicable, is contained in the Corporations Proxy Circular
expected to be filed in July 2006 in connection with its annual and special meeting of Shareholders
to be held in early August 2006.
25
Copies of this Annual Information Form, as well as copies of the 2005 Annual Report of the
Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2005 and Proxy Circular in connection with its annual
and special meeting of Shareholders to be held in early August 2006, when available, may be
obtained from:
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Suite 208, 1540 Cornwall Road
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7W5
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Phone: 905-339-1540
Fax: 905-339-0016
26
APPENDIX I
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
(as amended and restated on March 2, 2005)
OVERALL PURPOSE / OBJECTIVES
There shall be a Committee of the Board of Directors (the Board) of Bennett Environmental Inc.
(the Corporation), to be known as the Audit Committee (the Committee) whose membership,
authority and responsibilities shall be as set out in this amended and restated audit Committee
charter. The Committee will provide independent review and oversight of the Corporations
financial reporting process, the system of internal control and management of financial risks, and
the audit process, including the selection, oversight and compensation of the Corporations
external auditors. The Committee will also assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities in
reviewing the Corporations process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations and its own
code of business conduct. In performing its duties, the Committee will maintain effective working
relationships with the Board of directors, management, and the external auditors and monitor the
independence of those auditors. The Committee will also be responsible for reviewing the
Corporations financial strategies, its financing plans and its use of the equity and debt markets.
To perform his or her role effectively, each Committee member will obtain an understanding of the
responsibilities of Committee membership as well as the Corporations business, operations and
risks.
AUTHORITY
The Board authorizes the Committee, within the scope of its responsibilities, to seek any
information it requires from any employee and from external parties, to retain outside legal or
professional counsel and other experts and to ensure the attendance of the Corporations officers
at meetings as appropriate. The Corporation shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined
by the Committee in its sole discretion, for payment of: (i) compensation to any registered public
accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other
audit, review or attest services for the Corporation; (ii) compensation to independent counsel and
other advisers, as the Committee determines is necessary to carry out its duties; and (iii)
ordinary administrative expenses of the Committee that the Committee determines are necessary or
appropriate in carrying out its duties.
MEMBERSHIP
1. The Committee shall have at least three (3) members at all times, each of whom must be a
member of the Board and must be independent as required by applicable law and applicable stock
exchange listing rules (the Listing Rules). A member of the Committee shall be considered
independent if:
1
|
(a) |
|
he or she, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the Committee,
Board or any other committee of the Board, does not accept, directly or indirectly, any
consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from the Corporation. The indirect
acceptance of a consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee shall include acceptance
of the fee by a spouse, minor child or stepchild, or child or stepchild sharing a home
with the Committee member, or by an entity in which such member is a partner, member or
principal or occupies a similar position and which provides accounting, consulting,
legal, investment banking, financial or other advisory services or any similar services
to the Corporation; |
|
|
(b) |
|
is not currently employed, and has not been employed in the past three years,
by the Corporation or any of its affiliates; |
|
|
(c) |
|
is not an affiliated person of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries as
defined by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including rules
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act),
and listing rules of the exchange(s) on which the Corporations securities are listed
(the Listing Rules); and |
|
|
(d) |
|
he or she meets all other requirements for independence imposed by law and the
Listing Rules from time to time and any requirements imposed by any U.S. or Canadian
body having jurisdiction over the Corporation. |
2. No director qualifies as independent unless the Board affirmatively determines that the
director does not have a material relationship with the Corporation that would interfere with the
exercise of independent judgment.
3. All members of the Committee shall have a practical knowledge of finance and accounting and
be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements from the time of their respective
appointments to the Committee. In addition, members may be required to participate in continuing
education if required by applicable law or the Listing Rules.
4. At least one member of the Committee shall be a financial expert as defined by Item
401(h) of Regulation S-K, unless otherwise determined by the Board, and at least one member shall
meet the financial sophistication standards under the Listing Rules.
5. Each member of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board and shall serve until the
earlier to occur of the date on which he or she shall be replaced by the Board, resigns from the
Committee, or resigns from the Board.
MEETINGS
1. The Committee shall meet as frequently as required, but no less than four times annually
and at least quarterly. The Board shall name a chairperson of the Committee, who shall prepare
and/or approve an agenda in advance of each meeting and shall preside over meetings of the
Committee. In the absence of the chairperson, the Committee shall select a chairperson for
2
that
meeting. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and the act
of a majority of the members present at a meeting where a quorum is present shall be the act
of the Committee. The Committee may also act by unanimous written consent of its members. The
Committee shall maintain minutes or other records of meetings and activities of the Committee.
2. The Committee shall, through its chairperson, report regularly to the Board following the
meetings of the Committee, addressing such matters as the quality of the Corporations financial
statements, the Corporations compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, the performance and
independence of the outside auditors, the performance of any internal audit function and other
matters related to the Committees functions and responsibilities.
3. The Committee shall at least annually meet separately with each of the Corporations
management, the Corporations chief financial officer and the Corporations outside auditors in
separate executive sessions to discuss any matters that the Committee or each of these groups
believes should be discussed privately.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Committees principal responsibility is one of oversight. The Corporations management
is responsible for preparing the Corporations financial statements, and the Corporations outside
auditors are responsible for auditing and/or reviewing those financial statements. In carrying out
these oversight responsibilities, the Committee is not providing any expert or special assurance as
to the Corporations financial statements or any professional certification as to the outside
auditors work.
2. The Committees specific responsibilities and powers are as set forth below.
General Duties and Responsibilities
|
|
|
Periodically review with management and the outside auditors the applicable law
and the Listing Rules relating to the qualifications, activities, responsibilities
and duties of audit committees and compliance therewith, and also take, or
recommend that the Board take, appropriate action to comply with such law and
rules. |
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|
Review and evaluate, at least annually, the adequacy of this charter and make
recommendations for changes to the Board. |
|
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|
Establish procedures for: (a) the receipt, retention and treatment of
complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting
controls or auditing matters; and (b) the confidential, anonymous submission by
employees of the Corporation of concerns regarding questionable accounting or
auditing matters. |
3
|
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|
Retain, at the Corporations expense, independent counsel, accountants or others
for such purposes as the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines to be
appropriate to carry out its responsibilities. |
|
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|
Prepare annual reports of the Committee for inclusion in the proxy statements
for the Corporations annual meetings. |
|
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|
Investigate any matter brought to its attention related to financial, accounting
and audit matters and have full access to all books, records, facilities and
personnel of the Corporation. |
|
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|
Undertake such additional responsibilities as from time to time may be delegated
to it by the Board, required by the Corporations articles or bylaws or required by
law or the Listing Rules. |
Auditor Independence
|
|
|
Be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention,
termination, and oversight, subject to the requirements of Canadian law, of the
work of any outside auditor engaged by the Corporation for the purpose of preparing
or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services.
The outside auditors shall report directly to the Committee. |
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|
Be vested with all responsibilities and authority required by Rule 10A-3 under
the Exchange Act. |
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|
Pre-approve all engagement letters and fees for all auditing services (including
providing comfort letters in connection with securities underwritings) and
non-audit services performed by the outside auditors, subject to any exception
under Section 10A of the Exchange Act and any rules promulgated thereunder.
Pre-approval authority may be delegated to a Committee member or a subcommittee,
and any such member or subcommittee shall report any decisions to the full
Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Committee shall not approve an
engagement of outside auditors to render non-audit services that are prohibited by
law or the Listing Rules. |
|
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|
Obtain from the outside auditors assurance that they have complied with Section
10A, as amended, of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. |
|
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|
Review with the outside auditors, at least annually, the auditors internal
quality control procedures and any material issues raised by the most recent
internal quality peer review of the outside auditors. |
4
Internal Control
|
|
|
Review annually the adequacy and quality of the Corporations financial and
accounting staffing, the need for and scope of internal audit reviews, and the
plan, budget and the designations of responsibilities for any internal audit. |
|
|
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|
Review the performance and material findings of internal audit reviews. |
|
|
|
|
Review annually with the outside auditors any significant matters regarding the
Corporations internal controls and procedures over financial reporting (internal
controls) that have come to their attention during the conduct of their annual
audit, and review whether internal controls recommendations made by the auditors
have been implemented by management. |
|
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|
Review major risk exposures (whether financial, operating or otherwise) and the
guidelines and policies that management has put in place to govern the process of
monitoring, controlling and reporting such exposures. |
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|
Review and evaluate at least annually the Corporations policies and procedures
for maintaining and investing cash funds and for hedging (foreign currency, etc.) |
|
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Review annually managements report on internal controls and the auditors
attestation regarding managements assessment of internal controls, when and as
required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and regulations promulgated
thereunder. |
Review disclosures made to the Committee by the Corporations CEO and CFO during their
certification process for the Form 40F or 20F annual report, as applicable, about any significant
deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the Corporations ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial information, and any fraud involving management or other employees who have a
significant role in the Corporations internal controls.
|
|
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Evaluate whether management is setting the appropriate tone at the top by
communicating the importance of internal controls and ensuring that all supervisory
and accounting employees understand their roles and responsibilities with respect
to internal controls. |
Annual and Interim Financial Statements
|
|
|
Review, evaluate and discuss with the outside auditors and management the
Corporations audited annual financial statements and other information that is to
be filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and to be included in the
Corporations annual report on Form 40F or 20F, as applicable, |
5
|
|
|
including the
disclosures under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations, and the results of the outside auditors audit of the
Corporations annual financial statements, including the accompanying footnotes and
the outside auditors opinion, and determine whether to recommend to the Board that
the financial statements be included in the Corporations annual report on Form 40F
or 20F, as applicable for filing with the SEC. |
|
|
|
|
Review, evaluate and discuss the nature and extent of any significant changes in
Canadian and U.S. accounting principles or the application of accounting
principles. |
|
|
|
|
Require the outside auditors to review the Corporations interim financial
statements, and review and discuss with the outside auditors and management the
Corporations interim financial statements and other information to be included in
the Corporations quarterly reports, including the disclosures under Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, prior to
filing such reports with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities. |
|
|
|
|
Review and discuss with the Corporations management and outside auditors
significant accounting and reporting principles, practices and procedures applied
in preparing the financial statements and any major changes to the Corporations
accounting or reporting principles, practices or procedures, including those
required or proposed by professional or regulatory pronouncements and actions, as
brought to its attention by management and/or the outside auditors. |
|
|
|
|
Review and discuss all critical accounting policies identified to the Committee
by management and the outside auditors. |
|
|
|
|
Review significant accounting and reporting issues, including recent regulatory
announcements and rule changes and Canadian and U.S. GAAP matters and understand
their impact on the financial statements. |
|
|
|
|
Discuss alternative treatments of financial information under generally accepted
accounting principles, the ramifications of each treatment and the method preferred
by the Corporations outside auditors. |
|
|
|
|
Review the results of any material difficulties, differences or disputes with
management encountered by the outside auditors during the course of the audit or
reviews and be responsible for overseeing the resolution of such difficulties,
differences and disputes. |
6
|
|
|
Review the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards
No. 61, as amended (Communications with Audit Committees), relating to the conduct
of the audit. |
|
|
|
|
Receive from the outside auditors, review and discuss a formal written statement
delineating all relationships between the outside auditors and the Corporation,
consistent with the Independence Standards Board, Standard No. 1, regarding
relationships and services, which may impact the objectivity and independence of
the outside auditors, and other applicable standards. The statement shall include
a description of all services provided by the outside
auditors and the related fees. The Committee shall actively discuss any
disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and
independence of the outside auditors. |
|
|
|
|
Review the scope, plan and procedures to be used on the annual audit and receive
confirmation from the outside auditors that no limitations have been placed on the
scope or nature of their audit scope, plan or procedures. |
Related Party Transactions
|
|
|
Review any transaction involving the Corporation and a related party at least
once a year or upon any significant change in the transaction or relationship. For
these purposes, a related party transaction includes any transaction required to
be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K. |
Earnings Press Releases
|
|
|
Review and discuss with management and the outside auditors prior to release all
earnings press releases of the Corporation, as well as financial information and
earnings guidance, if any, provided by the Corporation to analysts and rating
agencies. |
Compliance With Law And Regulations
|
|
|
Meet at least annually with management to review compliance with laws and
regulations (including insider reporting) in all operating jurisdictions, the
effectiveness of the Corporations systems for monitoring compliance with laws and
regulations and the results of the investigation and follow-up (including
disciplinary action) on any fraudulent acts or accounting regularities. |
|
|
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|
Periodically obtain updates from management regarding compliance matters. |
7
|
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|
Ensure that management has the proper review system in place so that the
Corporations financial statements, financial reports and other financial
information satisfy all legal and regulatory requirements. |
|
|
|
|
Review with the Corporations counsel, management and the independent auditors
any legal or regulatory matter, including reports or correspondence, that could
have a material impact on the Corporations financial statements or compliance
policies. |
|
|
|
|
Report regularly to the Board with respect to any issues that arise with respect
to the quality or integrity of the Corporations financial statements, the
performance and independence of the Corporations independent auditors and internal
audit function issues. |
Compliance With Corporate Business Conduct or Ethics Policies
|
|
|
Review with management, the outside auditors and legal counsel, as the Committee
deems appropriate, actions taken to ensure compliance with any code of ethics or
conduct for the Corporation established by the Board. |
|
|
|
|
Review at least annually the Corporations Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
and any other code of ethics adopted to comply with Section 406 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
|
|
|
|
Evaluate whether management is setting the appropriate tone at the top by
communicating the importance of the Corporations ethics and conduct codes. |
Administering Whistleblower Policy
|
|
|
Review at least annually the Corporations Audit Committee Whistleblower Policy
to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. |
|
|
|
|
Deal with complaints made by employees and others in accordance with the
Whistleblower Policy. |
8
Managements Discussion and Analysis
May 31, 2006
The following is managements discussion in respect of the results operations of Bennett
Environmental Inc. (Bennett or the Company) for the year ended December 31, 2005 and
comparative statements for December 31, 2004 and should be read in conjunction with the audited
annual consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2004.
The financial statements of the Company are presented in Canadian dollars and in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in Canada. The following discussion of the financial
condition is current as of May 31, 2006. Additional information related to the Company, including
its Annual Information Form and Management Information Circular and Proxy form is available on
SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
CORPORATE OVERVIEW
Bennett Environmental Inc. is a North American leader in soil remediation services, targeting
Canada and the North eastern United States. Our high temperature thermal oxidation process is the
industrys leading technology for rehabilitating contaminated soil.
Our decontamination process heats contaminants to over 1,000 degrees Celsius, which destroys
contaminants and allows soil to be safely returned to the environment. Bennett recently received
approval to process dioxins and furans as part of its treatment process.
Bennett sets itself apart from its competitors by its commitment to the environment and maintaining
high emission standards that meet and exceed government-approved levels.
The foundation of our success lies in our highly skilled workforce and our commitment to customer
service. We believe in operating a transparent company with strong social corporate responsibility
policies and good governance.
STRATEGY
Bennett is embarking on a new long-term strategy focused on building sustainable growth and
shareholder value. Our objective is to transform the Company into a full-service environmental
solutions firm that focuses on more than high temperature soil remediation. We plan to build
shareholder value by expanding into new markets and services. In addition to soil remediation, the
opportunities we may pursue include:
|
|
|
Project management |
|
|
|
|
Brownfield developments |
|
|
|
|
Landfill, transfer and broker services |
1
STRATEGY (CONTINUED)
|
|
|
Low thermal remediation |
|
|
|
|
Metals remediation |
|
|
|
|
Bioremediation |
|
|
|
|
Waste water treatment |
|
|
|
|
Mobile services |
CORE BUSINESS
Bennetts key market segments, described below, include soil remediation and debris
decontamination.
SOIL REMEDIATION
Récupère Sol Inc. (RSI): This is our primary soil remediation facility located in Saint Ambroise,
Quebec. RSI is an ISO 14001-certified facility. It treats soils contaminated with hydrocarbons,
such as PCBs and its compliance certificate was recently expanded in 2005 to include dioxins and
furans. The plant has an annual processing capacity of 100,000 tonnes and could vary depending on
the nature of material being processed. In 2005, RSI processed 43,351 tonnes of contaminated soil
and the plant accounts for 81% of Bennetts revenues. Last year, RSI committed more than $231,000
to local various community-based activities.
Belledune: This is our latest state-of-the-art facility, which is nearing start up, and is located
in the Renviro Park near the Village of Belledune, New Brunswick. The Belledune facility is
situated on 20 acres of land and will operate a Mark IV Thermal Oxidizer. The facility has applied
for a permit to treat 100,000 metric tonnes per year of hydrocarbons and creosote
impacted soil and will undergo test burns in 2006 as part of its compliance procedure. Belledune
will not begin operations until adequate volumes of soil are received for processing.
CONTAMINATED GOODS
Material Resource Recovery (MRR): MRR specializes in the thermal destruction of PCB-contaminated
debris, including construction material such as wood, concrete and metal. The Cornwall,
Ontario-based plant also processes contaminated plastics and has the equipment and required permits
to treat contaminated water.
The plant processed 1,183,000 kgs of materials and accounted for 13% of revenues.
MRRs Turn Key service program provides clients with a complete and integrated package of
services for treating environmentally sensitive materials. Services include any necessary
regulatory notifications and on site, analytical, transportation and destruction services. MRRs
Turn Key service is tailored to meet the specialized needs of individual customers and provides
them with a cost-effective decontamination program for any size of job.
2
SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION
The following sets forth selected financial data for each of the three most recently completed
financial years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cdn $) |
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 (*1) |
|
|
2003 |
|
Revenue |
|
|
29,250,249 |
|
|
|
30,642,052 |
|
|
|
64,487,677 |
|
Net Earnings (loss) |
|
|
(25,044,823 |
) |
|
|
(13,955,024 |
) |
|
|
13,593,244 |
|
Earnings per Share basic |
|
|
(1.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.76 |
) |
|
|
0.81 |
|
Earnings per Share diluted |
|
|
(1.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.76 |
) |
|
|
0.78 |
|
Return of Sales (defined as net
earnings (loss) divided by
sales) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
21 |
% |
Working Capital |
|
|
20,102,384 |
|
|
|
25,919,525 |
|
|
|
24,777,605 |
|
Long-term liabilities |
|
|
808,996 |
|
|
|
1,483,045 |
|
|
|
993,593 |
|
Shareholders Equity |
|
|
56,361,667 |
|
|
|
80,003,390 |
|
|
|
54,317,774 |
|
Total Assets |
|
|
65,525,072 |
|
|
|
90,012,402 |
|
|
|
70,168,207 |
|
|
|
|
*1. |
|
The Company restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003. Please refer to note 3 to the restated consolidated financial statements as at and
for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 for further explanation. |
SUMMARY OF 2005 PERFORMANCE
Bennetts financial results for the year ended December 31, 2005 showed a slow and steady
improvement over 2004. We reduced our operating costs, improved our EBITDA (defined as Earnings
before interest, taxes, and amortization) and cut our operating loss over the prior year. This
indicates that our emphasis on sales, improving order flow, managing costs and increasing
productivity is positively impacting our bottom line.
In the year ended December 31, 2005 our sales grew to $29.3 million. We recorded a net loss of
$25.0 million or $1.16 per share compared to a loss of
$14.0 million or $0.76 per share for the same period in 2004. A significant portion of the loss related to a non-cash impairment of its
processing facility in New Brunswick. The Company recorded a non-cash impairment of $15.4 million
for its facility in Belledune, New Brunswick.
In 2005 the Company settled a shareholder class action lawsuit that was commenced in the third
quarter of 2004. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $0.9 million ($0.75 million USD)
for its portion of the settlement of the shareholder class action. The total settlement amount was
$11.7 million ($9.75 million USD), with the Companys insurer contributing $10.8 million ($9.0
million USD). The settlement agreement was approved by the courts in the first quarter of 2006.
3
SUMMARY OF 2005 PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)
The Company also reached an agreement with the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development and Parks
(the Ministry), respecting their Prior-Notice that was filed over one year ago. The Company has
agreed to incorporate new standards of dioxins and furans and a new testing protocol into its
operating permit in exchange for the Ministry to withdraw its prior-notice that was issued
September 16, 2004.
In total, 43,351 tonnes of soil were processed at the Quebec facility during 2005 and the Quebec
facility shut down for 20 weeks because of a lack of soil in-feed and to conduct maintenance work.
The Companys MRR facility in Cornwall processed approximately 1,183,000 kg of material in 2005.
Processing volumes increased over the previous year by 260,000 kg.
The Company is pleased to announce that it has completed the environmental Compliance Test at its
facility in Belledune, New Brunswick. The Compliance Test was completed on April 19, 2006 and the
samples that were taken by an independent third party environmental consulting firm, during the
testing period, were sent to a laboratory for analysis. BEI believes that it will take the
laboratory up to eight (8) weeks to complete the analysis of the test samples. Once the analysis
is complete, those results will be sent to the Government of New Brunswick for review against the
draft operating permit.
The Company recorded a non-cash impairment of $15.4 million for its facility in Belledune, New
Brunswick. The new facility in Belledune was completed in 2004 and during 2005, the Company had
anticipated that the site would be able to conduct test burns in order to receive its final
operating permit to begin commercial operations. However, the Company has not been able to conduct
any test burns in 2005 and does not expect to obtain the final operating permit until mid-2006.
The company performed an impairment test on the recoverability of the assets at Belledune and wrote
them down accordingly.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS
The consolidated net loss for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $25.0 million or a net loss
of $1.16 per share compared to a loss of $14.0 million or $0.76 per share for the same
period in 2004.
OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
SALES
Sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $29.3 million compared to $30.6 million in 2004.
The Companys Quebec facility processed about 43,351 tonnes and about 1,183,000 kilograms were
processed at the Cornwall facility. Our Belledune, New Brunswick facility was not operating during
2004 and 2005. As well, Bennett shipped about 11,539 tonnes of non-hazardous material to
non-Company owned landfill sites.
4
OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005 (CONTINUED)
SALES
The following table summarizes revenue by facility for 2005 compared to the same period in the
prior year (expressed in Cdn $ millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004(restated *1,2) |
|
Saint Ambroise, Quebec |
|
$ |
23.7 |
|
|
$ |
15.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saglek (restated 1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cornwall, Ontario |
|
$ |
3.8 |
|
|
$ |
3.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land filling |
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
$ |
4.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Sales |
|
$ |
29.3 |
|
|
$ |
30.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*1. |
|
The Company restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December
31, 2004 and 2003. Please refer to note 3 to the restated consolidated financial statements as at
and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 for further explanation. |
|
*2. |
|
The Company adopted the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation
effective January 1, 2004 retroactive with restatement of prior years to January 1, 2002. Refer to
note 2(a)(i) of the restated consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003 for further explanation. |
For the year ended December 31, 2005, average revenue per tonne for soil processing was
approximately $548 per tonne compared to $638 per tonne in 2004.
CONTRIBUTION MARGINS
For the year ended December 31, 2005 contribution margins (defined as sales less operating
expenses) were $9.8 million compared to a contribution margin of $5.1 million a year earlier.
On a per tonne basis, gross contribution margins improved to approximately $175 per tonne from a
gross margin of $63 per tonne in the same period last year. Contribution margins improved for
a number of reasons, most significantly, most new contracts being negotiated excluded
transportation costs. These costs are being incurred by the customer.. This diminishes the risk
associated with transportation expense as fuel costs continue to increase.
5
OPERATING COSTS
Operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $19.5 million compared to $25.6 million
for the same period a year ago. The table below summarizes operating costs for each operating
facility in millions of dollars (expressed in Cdn $ millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004(restated *1,2) |
|
Saint Ambroise, Quebec |
|
$ |
13.3 |
|
|
$ |
8.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saglek |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cornwall, Ontario |
|
$ |
3.6 |
|
|
$ |
3.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land filling |
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
$ |
4.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Belledune, New Brunswick |
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
|
$ |
0.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Costs |
|
$ |
19.5 |
|
|
$ |
25.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*1. |
|
The Company restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December
31, 2004 and 2003. Please refer to note 3 to the restated consolidated financial statements as at
and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 for further explanation. |
|
*2. |
|
The Company adopted the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation
effective January 1, 2004 retroactive with restatement of prior years to January 1, 2002. Refer to
note 2(a)(i) of the restated consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003 for further explanation. |
Cost per tonne year ended December 31, 2005 at the Companys Quebec facilities decreased to
$307 per tonne from $333 per tonne over last year. The decrease in costs per tonne occurred,
because current year results do not include any costs relating to the Saglek contract which was
completed in 2004. 28,000 tonnes from the Saglek site were processed in St. Ambroise in 2004. The
balance of the Saglek operating costs represent site costs for excavating, packaging and washing
contaminated material on site and transportation costs for material moved from Saglek to St.
Ambroise, Quebec. These costs do not include any allocation of indirect or fixed overhead costs.
During the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, the Companys Quebec facility ran at approximately 7.7 tonnes
per hour compared to 10.2 tonnes per hour in 2004. The slower production rates were due to the
nature of the material being processed.
Operating costs at the Companys Cornwall facility were $3.6 million compared to $3.3 million for
the prior year.
6
OTHER INCOME STATEMENT ITEMS
ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Administration and business development costs were $14.1 million for the year ended December 31,
2005. The annual costs for 2005 reflect a charge of approximately $0.9 million ($0.75 million USD)
related to the settlement of the shareholder class action. In the absence of this charge,
administration and development costs would have been $13.2 million. In addition, insurance costs
and permitting costs were approximately $0.92 million higher than in the prior year and these
increases were offset by lower marketing and wage costs. Legal fees were down over 2004 as
increased costs were incurred in 2004 related to the class action lawsuit.
This compares to administration and development costs of $15.8 million in 2004. The 2004 figures
include severance charges of approximately $2.8 million and legal fees related to the shareholder
class action of approximately $0.9 million.
Expressed in Cdn $ (millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Insurance |
|
$ |
2.1 |
|
|
$ |
1.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing and public relations |
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office supplies and miscellaneous |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wages, salaries and management fees |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class action lawsuit |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
NIL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Professional fees |
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severence and termination |
|
NIL
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14.1 |
|
|
$ |
15.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
AMORTIZATION
Amortization for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $4.3 million compared to $3.8 million a year
ago. The increase relates to the accelerated amortization of certain assets and licenses including
those purchased from Eli-Ecologic, which were being amortized on a straight-time basis over two
years. These assets were fully amortized by December 2005.
INCOME TAXES
For the year ended December 31, 2005, recoverable taxes were $0.2 million on pre-tax loss of $24.9
million. This expense does not approximate statutory tax rates because certain expenses in the
year are not deductible for tax purposes as well as a valuation allowance being set-up against the
losses incurred asset impairment valuation of the Belledune facility of $8.7 million. It is
uncertain whether the Company will be able to utilize these losses in the future. Other permanent
differences, including the Company stock-based compensation and the settlement of the class action
lawsuit, have contributed to lowering the tax recovery rate from the statutory rate of
approximately 36.12%. These permanent differences are not deductible for tax purposes. Please
refer to note 11 to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the years ended December
31, 2005 and 2004 for further explanation.
CASH FROM OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 2005, cash used for operating activities before changes in
operating working capital amounted to $4.2 million. Cash used for operating working capital was
approximately $0.8 million for a net usage by operations of approximately $5.0 million for the
year.
8
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following table discloses certain financial data for the eight most recently completed
quarters, expressed in Canadian dollars (millions) (excepts per share data basic and fully
diluted):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004(Restated *1,2) |
|
|
|
Q4 |
|
|
Q3 |
|
|
Q2 |
|
|
Q1 |
|
|
Q4 |
|
|
Q3 |
|
|
Q2 |
|
|
Q1 |
|
Net Sales |
|
$ |
8.8 |
|
|
|
10.4 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
12.5 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
Net Income/(Loss) |
|
|
(20.2 |
) |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
|
|
(5.6 |
) |
|
|
(5.9 |
) |
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
(.07 |
) |
Earnings Per Share Basic |
|
|
(0.94 |
) |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
(0.17 |
) |
|
|
(0.32 |
) |
|
|
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
Earnings Per Share Diluted |
|
|
(0.94 |
) |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
(0.17 |
) |
|
|
(0.32 |
) |
|
|
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
|
|
|
*1. |
|
The Company restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December
31, 2004 and 2003. Please refer to note 3 to the restated consolidated financial statements as at
and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 for further explanation. |
|
*2. |
|
The Company adopted the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation
effective January 1, 2004 retroactive with restatement of prior years to January 1, 2002. Refer to
note 2(a)(i) of the restated consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003 for further explanation. |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
LIQUIDITY
At year end December 31, 2005, the Company had cash and equivalents of $7.8 million and working
capital amounted to $20.1 million. The Company believes it has sufficient cash to meet working
capital requirements and expects to generate sufficient cash over the next twelve months. These
activities include, but are not limited to, the collection of its trade accounts receivable,
recoveries of insurance claims for defence costs and recoveries of income taxes. Included in
amounts receivable are amounts outstanding from one customer of approximately $4.8 million relating
to claims for additional work performed pursuant to the contract which are in dispute with the
customer. The Company believes it has sufficient external evidence to support collection of the
claims amount of at least $4.8 million.
9
EXPENDITURE
For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company invested approximately $1.6 million in capital
assets, permits and other assets, compared to $28.3 million a year earlier. The primary investments
were related to the construction of Belledune, soil-cooling system at RSI and building extension at
MRR.
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES AND OTHER LONG-TERMS COMMITMENTS
The Company has approximately $2 million in long-term liabilities outstanding at year-end December
31, 2005. Most of these amounts relate to long-term termination and severance payments to former
executives of the Company and will be paid out over the next 24 months in the case of the
termination payments and the next 15 years in the case of pension payments. Note 7 of the annual
financial statements describes the allocation of long-term liabilities to these various components.
In addition to this amount, the Company has certain operating lease obligations that go beyond
2005. The table below summarizes these commitments.
|
|
|
|
|
Year ending December 31: |
|
Commitment Amount |
|
2006 |
|
$ |
196,192 |
2007 |
|
|
174,239 |
2008 |
|
|
166,936 |
2009 |
|
|
161,536 |
2010 |
|
|
161,536 |
|
|
|
Total: |
|
$ |
860,439 |
|
|
|
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has pledged approximately $1.3 million to collateralize a letter of credit issued to
the Ministry of Environment (Ontario). The Ministry of Environment requires financial assurance in
the form of a letter of credit for storage capacity at the Companys Cornwall facility. The 1.3
million is disclosed as restricted cash on the balance sheet. When the Company obtains its final
operating permit for Belledune, it will need to provide a letter of credit to the government of New
Brunswick of between $2.5 million and $5.0 million depending on the final permitted level of
storage capacity.
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
The Company has on occasion used short-term foreign exchange futures contracts to help reduce
foreign exchange risk. Management assesses the future foreign exchange risk and if appropriate
enters into a hedge arrangement. As of December 31, 2005 the Company had no foreign exchange
contracts in place.
10
PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS
The Company currently does not have any proposed transactions.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
In the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company expensed legal fees of $1,712,459 (2004
$1,733,668) to two legal firms, of which two directors are associated.
In the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company expensed management fees of $104,167 (2004
$336,642) to a company owned by a former director and officer of the Company.
During the year, the Company sold its 50% investment in a company to a related party for $250,000
including cash of $175,000 and land of $75,000. The land has not yet been recorded, as title has
not yet been legally transferred.
The above transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange
amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS
The consolidated net loss for the fourth quarter was $20.2 million or a net loss of $0.94 per share
compared to a loss of $9.7 million or a loss of $0.53 per share in the fourth quarter of 2004.
During the quarter the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment of $15.4 million for its Belledune
assets. Construction of the new facility was completed in 2004 and during 2005, the Company
anticipated that the site would be able to conduct test burns in order to receive its final
operating permit. However, the Company did not conduct any test burns in 2005 and does not expect
to obtain the final operating permit until mid-2006. The Company performed an impairment test on
the recoverability of the assets at Belledune and wrote down the assets and permits related to this
facility during the fourth quarter of 2005.
SALES
Sales for the fourth quarter of 2005 were $8.8 million compared to $4.9 million in the same period
a year earlier. About 15,400 tonnes were processed at the Companys Quebec facility and about
333,000 kilograms were processed at the Cornwall facility. As well, Bennett shipped about 2,039
tonnes of non-hazardous material to non-Company owned landfill sites. In the fourth quarter of
2005, the Company processed approximately 17,723 tonnes compared to 24,969 tonnes in 2004.
Approximately 15,400 tonnes of soil was processed at the Quebec facility, while 333,000 kilograms
of material was processed in Cornwall and the Company land filled
11
FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS (CONTINUED)
SALES
approximately 2,039 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2005. The following table summarizes revenue by
facility for the fourth quarter of 2005 compared to the same period in the prior year:
Expressed in Cdn $(millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 (restated 1) |
|
Saint Ambroise, Quebec |
|
$ |
7.5 |
|
|
$ |
2.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cornwall, Ontario |
|
$ |
1.1 |
|
|
$ |
1.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land filling |
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
$ |
1.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Sales |
|
$ |
8.8 |
|
|
$ |
4.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. |
|
The Company restated its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003. Please refer to note 3 to the restated consolidated financial statements as at and
for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 for further explanation |
In the fourth quarter of 2005, average revenue per tonne for soil processing was approximately
$490 compared to $277 per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2004. Overall, the average revenue per
tonne increased in 2005 because of the type of material remediated including the completion of the
Saglek contract in 2004.
CONTRIBUTION MARGINS
For the quarter ended December 31, 2005, contribution margins (defined as sales less operating
expenses) were $3.4 million compared to a negative contribution margin of $3.8 million in the same
period a year earlier. On a per tonne basis, contribution margins improved to approximately $195
per tonne from a contribution margin of $15 per tonne in the same period last year.
While contribution margins were $3.4 million in the quarter, they were negatively impacted by high
transportation costs and other energy-related costs. However, higher volumes offset these costs
because fixed costs were absorbed over more tonnes, lowering overall unit costs. Production rates
were approximately 10.4 tonnes per hour in the quarter, compared to 11.2 tonnes per hour in the
fourth quarter of 2004.
12
OPERATING COSTS
Operating costs in the fourth quarter of 2005 were $5.3 million compared to $8.7 million for the
same period a year ago. The table below summarizes operating costs for each operating facility in
millions of dollars:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004(restated 2) |
|
Saint Ambroise, Quebec |
|
$ |
3.8 |
|
|
$ |
6.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cornwall, Ontario |
|
$ |
1.1 |
|
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land filling |
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
$ |
1.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Belledune, New Brunswick |
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
$ |
0.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Costs |
|
$ |
5.3 |
|
|
$ |
8.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
|
The Company adopted the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation
effective January 1, 2004 retroactive with restatement of prior years to January 1, 2002. Refer to
note 2(a)(i) of the restated consolidated financial statement for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2003 for further explanation. |
Cost per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2005 at the Companys Quebec facilities decreased to
$255 per tonne from $709 per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2004. The decrease in costs was the
result of costs related to the Saglek contract incurred in 2004.
During the quarter, the Companys Quebec facility ran at approximately 10.4 tonnes per hour in 2005
compared to 11.2 tonnes per hour in the fourth quarter of 2004. The production rate for the fourth
quarter of 2005 is consistent with the same quarter of 2004.
Operating costs at the Companys Cornwall facility were $1.1 million and increased from the prior
year as a result of reserves for remediation of debris on hand at December 31, 2005.
OTHER INCOME STATEMENTS ITEMS
ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Administration and business development costs were $4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.
This compares to administration and development costs of $4.5 million in the fourth quarter of
2004. The 2005 quarterly figures include additional professional fees for the SEC and OSC
investigations, audit and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance work of approximately $0.5 million. The 2004
quarterly figures include severance charges of approximately $2.0 million and legal fees related to
the shareholder class action of approximately $0.9 million.
13
AMORTIZATION
Amortization for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $0.8 million compared to $1.6 million a year ago.
The decrease relates to the accelerated amortization of certain assets and licenses including those
purchased Eli-Ecologic, which are being amortized on a straight-time basis over two years. These
assets were fully amortized by December 2005.
INCOME TAXES
For the fourth quarter year ended December 31, 2005, income taxes were $3.0 million on a pre-tax
loss of $17.2 million. This expense does not approximate the statutory tax rate of approximately
36.12%. A valuation allowance, as a result of the asset impairment of the Belledune facility, has
been established for $8.7 million. Certain permanent differences, including stock-based
compensation and the attainment of the class action lawsuit, have reduced the effective tax
recovery rate from the statutory rate. These permanent differences are not deductible for tax
purposes.
CASH FROM OPERATIONS
For the quarter ended December 31, 2005, cash used for operating activities before changes in
operating working capital amounted to $0.9 million. Cash generated by operating working capital was
approximately $3.4 million for a net generation from operations of approximately $2.5 million for
the quarter. The principal generation of cash from operating working capital in the quarter was the
collection of income tax recoveries.
CONTINGENCIES
(a) Judicial Review of Minister Decision:
On May 20, 2004 the Company received a report from the federal Canadian Environment Assessment
Agency (the CEAA) which confirmed that there was no reason to conclude that the Companys
facility at Belledune, New Brunswick would likely cause significant adverse transboundary
environmental effects. The study team was comprised of experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Environment Canada, Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the CEAA.
Despite the findings of this report, the former federal Minister of the Environment, the Hon. David
Anderson, referred the project to a CEAA federal review panel to assess the potential transboundary
environmental effects of the Belledune facility. The Company applied to the Federal Court of
Canada for a judicial review of the legality of the Ministers decision to refer this project to a
review panel.
14
CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
(a) Judicial Review of Minister Decision:
On August 19, 2004, the Federal Court of Canada granted the Companys application and overruled the
decision by the former federal Minister of Environment to refer the project to a review panel. The
federal Minister of Environment has appealed the Federal Court of Canada decision to the Federal
Court of Appeal.
On July 19, 2005, the Federal Court of Appeal upheld the Federal Court Judge Harringtons order to
overrule the decision by the former Environment Minister, the Hon. David Anderson, to form a panel
to review the Companys thermal oxidizer in Belledune, New Brunswick.
On September 16, 2005, the Minister of the Environment, The Hon. Stephane Dionne, accepted the July
19, 2005 Federal Court of Appeal decision, and will not be seeking leave to appeal the Supreme
Court of Canada. As a result of the decision, there are no further matters impacting the Company.
(b) Manville, New Jersey (Federal Creosote Contracts):
In June 2003, the Company announced that it had been awarded a subcontract (the 2003 Phase III
Contract) to treat 300,000 tons (plus or minus 15%) of soil contaminated with wood treatment
chemicals such as creosote, from the Federal Creosote Superfund Site (the FC Site) in Manville,
New Jersey. The 2003 Phase III contract is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ)
contract.
Shortly after the award of the 2003 Phase III Contract, an unsuccessful bidder lodged a protest of
the award with United States Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps), which supervises the
contractors on the FC Site and is responsible for the remediation process and consents to the award
of subcontracts under U.S. government procurement regulations.
The Corps alleges, and the Company disputes, that the Corps withdrew its consent to the award of
the 2003 Phase III Contract to the Company, although it consented to ship up to 10,000 tons of soil
to the Company for treatment under the 2003 Phase III Contract. The principal contractor on the FC
Site did not take any action to cancel the 2003 Phase III Contract, or otherwise notify the Company
of the Corps actions. The Company began receiving shipments against the 2003 Phase III Contract
in August 2003.
After the unsuccessful bidders protest of the 2003 Phase III Contract, the principal contractor
issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) in November 2003 for an ID/IQ contract for thermal
remediation. The IFB provided for a guaranteed minimum of 1,000 tons and a maximum of 100,000
tons. The company bid on the IFB in December 2003, and was notified in early 2004 that it was the
low bidder. During and after the bidding process, the Company repeatedly asked
the principal contractor to state whether the IFB supplemented or replaced the 2003 Phase III
Contract. The principal contractor did not respond to these queries. To benefit from deliveries
from the FC site, the Company elected to participate in the contract process, while continuing to
seek clarification from the principal contractor and the Corps regarding the IFB. Without
15
CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
(b) Manville, New Jersey (Federal Creosote Contracts):
waiving any of its rights under the 2003 Phase III Contract, on June 3, 2004 the Company entered
into an ID/IQ subcontract (the 2004 Phase III Contract) with a guaranteed minimum of 1,000 tons
and a maximum of 100,000 tons for the same type of services as were covered by the 2003 Phase III
Contract. The 2004 Phase III Contract is on less favourable economic terms than the 2003 Phase II
Contract but is consistent with pricing under FC Site contracts concluded before the 2003 Phase III
Contract. On July 22, 2004, the Company announced that, based on correspondence received from the
Corps, all future shipments from the FC Site will be delivered under the 2004 Phase III Contract.
Currently, a number of agencies ranging from municipal to federal and including the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) are conducting studies to determine the extent of
excavation required at the FC Site in order to remove soil contaminants including creosote. The
extent of the excavation is ultimately expected to be dependent upon a number of factors including
a decision by municipal authorities as to the future use of the land and United States federal
government funding restrictions imposed on the EPA. The Company is awaiting a definitive design
plan from the EPA to better evaluate the prospects for additional contracts for the FC Site. The
extent of the excavation will be factored into the definitive design plan for the FC Site and will
be a primary factor in determining the tonnage of soil to be treated by the Company.
There is no financial statement impact as a result of this matter.
(c) Class Action:
On July 30, 2004, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States against the Company and
certain officers. A total of 12 similar actions have been filed to this date. Plaintiffs filed a
Consolidated Amended Complaint on December 23, 2004. That complaint asserts claims under sections
10(b) and 20(a) of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934. as amended, and Securities
and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-5 based on the Companys public statements concerning the
Companys subcontract for Phase III of the Manville, New Jersey federal creosote soil remediation
project.
The consolidated complaint names as defendants the Company, its former Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer John Bennett, its current Chief Executive Officer Allan Bulckaert, its former Vice
President of Engineering and Business Development Danny Ponn, its former Chief
Financial Officer Richard Stern and its former Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the United
States Robert Griffiths.
Plaintiffs purport to assert their claims on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Companys
securities from June 2, 2003 to July 22, 2004, inclusive, and on behalf of a subclass of
purchasers
of the Companys securities in a private placement that closed on January 24, 2004. All defendants
have filed motions to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint.
16
CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
(c) Class Action:
Before argument of the motions to dismiss, the Company, its insurance companies and counsel for
plaintiffs entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding the proposed settlement of the
action. A stipulation of settlement was entered into among all of the parties to the consolidated
action as of October 25, 2005. Under the settlement, the action would be dismissed with prejudice
and the defendants and other released parties would receive a release of claims that were or could
have been asserted by members of the class in exchange for a cash payment of U.S. $9,750,000, to be
paid by the Company and its insurers, of which U.S. $9,000,000 was paid by the Companys insurance
providers. The full amount of the settlement payment was paid into an escrow account in September
2005, by the Company and its insurers. Following notice to class members, at a hearing on January
13, 2006, the Court stated that the settlement would be approved on the terms agreed among the
parties. The Court entered its order and final judgment to this effect on February 21, 2006.
Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the time to file a notice of appeal from the order and
final judgment expired on March 23, 2006 without any further issue.
(d) Regulatory Investigations:
(i) On January 29, 2004, the Company announced that it was in discussions with Ontario
Securities Commission (the OSC) concerning a disclosure issue raised by the OSC staff
arising from information disclosed in response to questions posed in a telephone call with a
research analyst after the release of the Companys 1999 annual results in March 2000. OSC
staff suggested that some of the information conveyed in response to the analysts questions
had not been publicly disclosed and might have been material. The Company has not received
any further queries from the OSC staff on this matter since September 30, 2004.
(ii) On July 30, 2004, the Company was informed by the OSC that it was
investigating the trading of shares of the Company prior to (i) the disclosure on March 29,
2004 relating to delays in shipments of soil from the two largest customers of the Company
which caused an unscheduled shut down of the Companys plant in Saint Ambroise, Quebec, and
(ii) the disclosure on July 22, 2004 regarding the status of the Phase III contracts to
treat contaminated soil from the FC Site. The OSC requested a detailed written chronology
of the events which resulted in the announcements on March 29, 2004 and July 22, 2004.
On August 26, 2004, the OSC requested further information and documents relating to (i) the
Saglek Labrador project for the Department of National Defense, (ii) the timely disclosure
of the Federal Court of Canada decision to quash the decision of the former federal Minister
of Environment to refer the Companys project in Belledune, New
Brunswick to a federal
review panel, and (iii) the Companys customer contract backlog status, projected soil
volume to be processed in the third quarter of 2004 and the plans for the Belledune
facility.
17
CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
(d) Regulatory Investigations:
On August 19, 2004, the Company was advised by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) that the
TSX was also investigating the Companys July 22, 2004 announcement regarding the status of
the Phase III contracts to treat contaminated soil from the FC Site. The TSX requested
certain information in connection with its investigation.
The Company provided the requested information and documents in respect to each of the above
requests to the OSC and the TSX on September 30, 2004. The Company has not received any
further queries from OSC or the TSX on these matters.
(iii) In a letter dated August 23, 2004, the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC) advised the Company that the SEC is conducting an informal inquiry of
the Company. The SEC requested that the Company voluntarily produce certain records and
oral testimony, and the Company is cooperating with the request. According to the notice,
[t]his request is confidential and should not be construed as an indication by the
Commission or its staff that any violation of the Federal Securities laws has occurred, nor
should it be construed as a reflection upon any security, person or entity. The SEC
subsequently obtained a judicial order opening a formal investigation and authorizing it to
depose witnesses. This matter is ongoing and the Company is continuing to co-operate with
the SEC in this matter.
(iv) In a letter dated September 3, 2004, the Company received notice from the NASD
Regulatory Division (the NASD), on behalf of the American Stock Exchange (the AMEX),
that it is conducting a review of certain transactions in the Companys common shares which
occurred prior to the Companys announcement on July 22, 2004 of the loss in its second
quarter of 2004. According to the notice, this is a routine review and should not be
construed as an indication that any violations of Federal Securities laws or Exchange rules
have occurred, on an adverse reflection on the Company, its securities or any individual who
effected transactions in such securities. On December 22, 2004, the Company received a
request for additional information to which the Company responded on February 11, 2005. The
Company has not received any further queries with respect to this matter.
(v) The Company and certain of the current officers and former officers received a letter
dated February 11, 2005 from the OSC giving such officers and directors the opportunity to
provide written submissions to the OSC before the OSC determines to commence
enforcement proceedings. The OSC stated in the letter to the Company that it was of the
view that the Company failed to disclose the change in status of the contract that the
Federal Creosote Site, and made allegations of illegal insider trading. Submissions were
submitted to the OSC by March 17, 2005. This matter is ongoing and the Company is
continuing to co-operate with the OSC on this matter.
(vi) On March 16, 2005, the Company received a letter from the TSX alleging that the
Company had breached the TSXs timely disclosure policy by failing to promptly disclose the
change of the status of the 2003 Phase III Contract in August 2003 after the
18
CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
(d) Regulatory Investigations:
Companys original press release of the award of the 2003 Phase III Contract on June 2,
2003. The TSX also alleged in the letter that the Company did not provide balanced
disclosure by failing to disclose the removal of the Company from certain indices. The
Companys disclosure committee along with key management attended a timely disclosure
education session on May 13, 2005.
(vii) On December 22, 2005, the Company received a letter from the OSC inquiring about the
revenue recognition of the Company. Specific questions were raised in regards to the
compensation program in place at the Cornwall facility. A letter of response was sent dated
January 5, 2006. On January 19, 2006, the Company received a response to their January 5,
2006 letter, stating that their review was complete and they had no further comments on the
issues discussed.
(viii) In September 2005, the Company received a letter from the SEC as part of their
continuous disclosure review. The Company has responded to this initial letter and has
received subsequent follow-up letters that latest being in January 2006. The Company has
responded to the latest letter and is awaiting the response from the SEC.
(ix) In April 2006, the Company received a letter form the OSC as part of their continuous
disclosure review. The Company is in the process of preparing its response to this letter.
(e) Quebec Order
On September 17, 2004, RSI received a Preliminary Notice to the issuance of an Order from the
Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development and Parks (formerly the Quebec Ministry of the
Environment) concerning the RSI plant in Saint-Ambroise. The Preliminary Notice alleges that
increases in levels of dioxins and furans measured in soils near the RSI plant are attributable to
RSI. If issued, the Order seeks to require RSI to limit its emissions of dioxins and furans, to
install equipment to further monitor the emissions and to transmit the collected data to the
Ministry.
On November 1, 2004, RSI filed its observations with respect to the allegations contained in the
Preliminary Notice, The Company disputes allegations contained in the Preliminary Notice. In
support of its positions, the Company commissioned several qualified third-party experts to review
the allegations contained in the Preliminary Notice. The experts retained support of the Companys
position that other sources may have contributed to increase in levels of dioxins and furans in the
soil around the RSI plant.
Since the filing of its observations, RSI has exchanged correspondence and has had several
discussions with the Ministry. Recently, at a meeting held on February 9, 2005, the Company met
with Ministry officials where they asked the Company to develop an action plan to address the
concerns raised in the Preliminary Notice. The Company developed an action plan that it
19
CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
(e) Quebec Order
believes addresses the Ministrys concerns, while at the same time allows it to remain commercially
competitive. The action plan was submitted to the Ministry on February 21, 2005. Subsequently,
there was a submission of an amended action plan on March 21, 2005.
On December 5, 2005, the Quebec ministry of Sustainable Development (MSDEP), Environment and
Parks issued a new amended Certificate of Authorization to Recupere Sol Inc. for the operations of
it facility located in St. Ambroise, Quebec. Bennett Environmental Inc. has been notified by the
MSDEP that it will not take further action with respect to the Prior Notice issued on September 16,
2004 and that it will not issue an order against Recupere Sol Inc.
(f) Other
(i)In the ordinary course of business, lawsuits have been filed against and by the Company.
In the opinion of management, the outcome of the lawsuits now pending, will involve amounts
that would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated position of the Company.
However, should any loss result from the resolution of these claims, such loss would be
charged against income in the year the claim is resolved.
(ii)During a routine audit, the Ministry of Revenu Quebec (MRQ) identified in a letter, that
our subsidiary in Quebec has incorrectly deducted input tax credits for QST related to
utilities. QST legislation denies such input tax credits for service-type businesses. A
proposed adjustment letter was received by the Company dated December 8, 2005 for
$1,086,900.
A letter dated February 7, 2006 has been filed with the Interpretation Department of
the Commodity tax services of the Ministry of Revenue of Quebec. The Company believes that
it is entitled to input tax credits on electricity, gas, fuel and steam used for soil
decontamination. The Company continues to work with its tax consultants and the MRQ to
resolve the issues. The Company has accrued $113,054 of the proposed adjustment for amounts
where management believes the MRQ is correct in their assessment.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in Canada and makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reporting amounts
of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent
liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and judgements, including
those related to revenue recognition, adequacy of allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred
permitting costs, and future income taxes. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent
degree of uncertainty. Actual results may differ from the Companys estimates. Senior management
has discussed, with the Companys audit committee, the development, selection,
20
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES (CONTINUED)
and disclosure of accounting estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial
statements.
The following critical accounting policies affect our more significant estimates and assumptions
used in preparing our consolidated financial statements:
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The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may
arise if any of its customers are unable to make required payments. The Company considers
factors such as a customers creditworthiness, past transaction history, current economic
industry trends and changes in customer payment terms when determining if collection is
reasonably assured. If these factors indicate collection is not reasonably assured, revenue
is deferred until collection is reasonably assured or the Company may increase its
allowance for doubtful accounts. |
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The Company capitalizes deferred permitting costs during the application process and
amortizes these costs over the expected life of the permit. The Company evaluates the
carrying costs of these permits on a regular basis to determine whether a change in the
carrying value of the deferred permitting costs has occurred. The Company considers factors
such as the likelihood of obtaining a final operating permit, market conditions, and
changes in environmental legislation to determine if the carrying costs can reasonably be
recovered. If these factors indicate that an impairment in the carrying costs of the
permitting costs has occurred, the Company may increase the amortization of the deferred
permitting costs. |
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Revenues from the Saglek Labrador long-term, fixed price contract was recognized on the
percentage of completion method, based on the ratio of costs incurred to date over total
estimated total costs. Estimates of the total costs of significant projects were reviewed
on an ongoing basis and adjustments to the revenue recognition ratio were made as required.
The Company currently has no contracts accounted for under the percentage of completion
method. |
21
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES (CONTINUED)
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The Company evaluates its future income tax assets to assess whether their
realization is more likely than not. If their realization is not considered more
likely than not, the Company will provide for a valuation allowance. The
ultimate realization of our future tax assets is dependent upon the generation
of future taxable income during the periods in which the temporary differences
or loss carry-forward amounts can be utilized. The Company considers future
taxable income and tax planning strategies in making its assessment. If this
assessment indicates that the Companys ability to realize future tax assets
changes, it could make an adjustment to these assets that would be charged to
income. |
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The company uses an estimate of the related undiscounted cash flows,
excluding interest, over the remaining life of the property and equipment and
long-lived assets in assessing their recoverability. The company measures
impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset(s)
exceeds the fair value of the asset(s). |
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as to the
effectiveness, design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the Exchange Act)) as of December 31, 2005. The evaluation considered the procedures
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we
file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in
the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission and communicate to our management as appropriate to allow discussions
regarding required disclosure. Upon such review, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective
as of December 31, 2005.
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our
internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. In late 2004 and subsequent to the periods covered by this
report, during 2005, under new management, the Company took certain steps to improve its
internal control over financial reporting. These improvements included:
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strengthening the accounting and auditing department, including appointing new
Chief Financial Officer in September 2004, hiring new corporate controller with
external audit |
22
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES (CONTINUED)
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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and public company experience in January 2005 and adding three new positions to accounting department: accounting
manager (2005), financial analyst (2006) and accounts payable clerk (2005); |
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engaging outside independent consultants to assist in the evaluation, design and implementation of improved internal
controls; |
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adopting a revised/formal policy on revenue recognition; |
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improving segregation of duties of accounting staff; |
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providing training sessions to accounting staff on applicable accounting guidance; |
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moving the accounting department from Vancouver, British Columbia to the Companys head office in Oakville, Ontario
and centralizing accounting and payroll functions; |
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providing formal review and analysis of quarterly accounting issues and related literature to Audit Committee members; |
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including a formal agenda item on Audit Committee and Board of Director meeting agendas to report on the progress of
projects and a summary of variance items on both revenues and costs; |
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implementing new accounting software systems; |
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adopting a monthly budget reporting system for each location and a system of providing monthly financial reporting
package per site for review by senior management; and |
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adopting accounting review systems including review and approval of payroll registers, conducting daily bank
reconciliations and using a month-end closing checklist. |
Other than as discussed above, there was no change in the Companys internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the periods covered by this report that has materially affected, or
is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
SHARE CAPITAL
The number of common shares outstanding year at May 31, 2006 was 21,573,440, compared to 21,427,440
in 2004. In addition, there were 1,023,001 stock options outstanding at May 31, 2005 exercisable at
prices ranging between $2.67 to $22.05 a share.
23
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted Accounting Guideline 15, Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities (VIEs), issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. VIEs are
entities that have insufficient equity and/or their equity investors lack one or more specified
essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The guideline provides specific
guidance for determining when an entity is a VIE and who, if anyone, should consolidate the VIE.
The adoption of this standard did not have any impact on the consolidated interim financial
statements.
OUTLOOK
The Company has not provided financial guidance for the 2006 year.
RISK FACTORS
Information on Risk Factors can be found in the Companys Annual Information Form for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this managements discussion and analysis may constitute
forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be
materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this managements discussion
and analysis such statements are such words as may, will, expect, believe,
plan, and other similar terminology. These statements reflect managements current
expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the
date of this managements discussion and analysis. These forward-looking statements
involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The following are some factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or underlying such
forward-looking statements: competition; changes in national and local business and
economic conditions; legislation and governmental regulation; accounting policies and
practices; and the results of operations and financial condition of the Company. The
foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The Company undertakes no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
24
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
MANAGEMENTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
The consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report have been prepared by
management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and have been
approved by the Board of Directors. The integrity and objectivity of these financial statements are
the responsibility of management. In addition, management is responsible for all other information
in this annual report and for ensuring that this information is consistent, where appropriate with
the information contained in the financial statements.
In support of this responsibility, management maintains a system of internal controls to provide
reasonable assurance as to the reliability of financial information and the safeguarding of assets.
The financial statements include amounts, which are based on the best estimates and judgments of
management. The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its
responsibility for financial reporting and internal control and exercises this responsibility
principally through the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee consists of three directors not
involved in the daily operations of the Company. The Audit Committee meets with management and the
external auditors to satisfy itself that managements responsibilities are properly discharged and
to review the financial statements prior to their presentation to the Board of Directors for
approval.
The shareholders auditors, KPMG LLP, have conducted an independent examination of the financial
statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.
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Allan Bulckaert
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Andrew Boulanger |
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Allan Bulckaert
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Andrew Boulanger |
Chief Executive Officer
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Chief Financial Officer |
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May 30, 2006 |
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KPMG LLP
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Telephone |
(416) 228-7000 |
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Chartered Accountants
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Fax |
(416) 228-7123 |
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Yonge Corporate Centre
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Internet |
www.kpmg.ca |
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4100 Yonge Street Suite 200 |
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Toronto ON M2P 2H3 |
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Canada |
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AUDITORS REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Bennett Environmental Inc. as at December
31, 2005 and 2004 and the consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings (deficit) and
cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those
standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles.
Chartered Accountants
Toronto, Canada
May 30, 2006
KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership is the Canadian
member firm of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
December 31, 2005 and 2004
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2005 |
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2004 |
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Assets |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
7,844,521 |
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$ |
13,830,570 |
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Restricted cash (note 14) |
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|
1,349,316 |
|
|
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1,349,490 |
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Amounts receivable (note 3) |
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16,817,042 |
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14,316,648 |
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Income taxes receivable |
|
|
959,417 |
|
|
|
3,417,204 |
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Deferred transportation costs |
|
|
625,506 |
|
|
|
331,709 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other |
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|
860,991 |
|
|
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1,199,871 |
|
|
|
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28,456,793 |
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|
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34,445,492 |
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Future income tax asset (note 11) |
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595,091 |
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891,826 |
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Note receivable (note 4) |
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173,250 |
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315,000 |
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Property, plant and equipment (note 5) |
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33,166,627 |
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48,920,377 |
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Other assets (note 6) |
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2,486,673 |
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4,793,069 |
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Goodwill |
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646,638 |
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646,638 |
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$ |
65,525,072 |
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$ |
90,012,402 |
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Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
$ |
5,820,376 |
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$ |
6,646,005 |
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Deferred revenue |
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1,416,286 |
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661,557 |
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Current portion of long-term liabilities (note 7) |
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1,117,747 |
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1,218,405 |
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|
|
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|
8,354,409 |
|
|
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8,525,967 |
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Long-term liabilities (note 7) |
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|
808,996 |
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1,483,045 |
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Shareholders equity: |
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|
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Share capital (note 8) |
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67,997,683 |
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67,644,681 |
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Contributed surplus (note 8(g)) |
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2,645,303 |
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1,595,205 |
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Retained earnings (deficit) |
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|
(14,281,319 |
) |
|
|
10,763,504 |
|
|
|
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|
56,361,667 |
|
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80,003,390 |
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Contingencies (notes 3 and 16) |
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Related party transactions (note 12) |
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Commitments (note 14) |
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Subsequent events (notes 7 and 17) |
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|
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$ |
65,525,072 |
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|
$ |
90,012,402 |
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
On behalf of the Board:
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David Williams
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Director
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George Ploder
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Director |
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1
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings
(Deficit)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
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|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Sales |
|
$ |
29,250,249 |
|
|
$ |
30,642,052 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs |
|
|
19,456,611 |
|
|
|
25,568,125 |
|
Administration and business development (note 9) |
|
|
14,089,405 |
|
|
|
15,780,332 |
|
Amortization |
|
|
4,307,568 |
|
|
|
3,771,371 |
|
Foreign exchange |
|
|
325,611 |
|
|
|
273,626 |
|
Settlement of litigation (note 16(c)) |
|
|
878,025 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from asset impairment (notes 5 and 6) |
|
|
15,376,475 |
|
|
|
4,343,979 |
|
Interest |
|
|
50,675 |
|
|
|
305,313 |
|
|
|
|
|
54,484,370 |
|
|
|
50,042,746 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before the undernoted |
|
|
(25,234,121 |
) |
|
|
(19,400,694 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss on investments (note 10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(818,193 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income, including interest |
|
|
381,752 |
|
|
|
580,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes |
|
|
(24,852,369 |
) |
|
|
(19,638,607 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes (recovery) (note 11): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
(104,281 |
) |
|
|
(2,937,047 |
) |
Future |
|
|
296,735 |
|
|
|
(2,746,536 |
) |
|
|
|
|
192,454 |
|
|
|
(5,683,583 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
(25,044,823 |
) |
|
|
(13,955,024 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings, beginning of year |
|
|
10,763,504 |
|
|
|
24,718,528 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings (deficit), end of year |
|
$ |
(14,281,319 |
) |
|
$ |
10,763,504 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per share (note 13): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(1.16 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.76 |
) |
Diluted |
|
|
(1.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.76 |
) |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Cash provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
|
$ |
(25,044,823 |
) |
|
$ |
(13,955,024 |
) |
Items not involving cash: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
4,307,568 |
|
|
|
3,771,371 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
1,050,098 |
|
|
|
675,176 |
|
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
4,330 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss (gain) on investments |
|
|
(175,000 |
) |
|
|
818,193 |
|
Loss from asset impairment (notes 5 and 6) |
|
|
15,376,475 |
|
|
|
4,343,979 |
|
Future income taxes |
|
|
296,735 |
|
|
|
(2,746,536 |
) |
Increase in cash surrender value of
life insurance policy |
|
|
(79,242 |
) |
|
|
(30,375 |
) |
Accretion charge |
|
|
95,171 |
|
|
|
165,000 |
|
Change in non-cash operating working capital: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts receivable |
|
|
(2,500,394 |
) |
|
|
7,807,707 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other |
|
|
338,880 |
|
|
|
955,112 |
|
Deferred transportation costs |
|
|
(293,797 |
) |
|
|
(179,816 |
) |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
(825,629 |
) |
|
|
(3,928,117 |
) |
Income taxes receivable |
|
|
2,457,787 |
|
|
|
(4,513,449 |
) |
Deferred revenue |
|
|
754,729 |
|
|
|
(152,852 |
) |
Severance payable (note 7) |
|
|
(800,378 |
) |
|
|
1,660,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
(5,037,490 |
) |
|
|
(5,309,631 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments of long-term liabilities |
|
|
(69,500 |
) |
|
|
(121,744 |
) |
Issuance of share capital net of share issue costs |
|
|
353,002 |
|
|
|
37,838,129 |
|
Shares repurchased and held in treasury |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(71,879 |
) |
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash |
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
(316,080 |
) |
|
|
|
|
283,676 |
|
|
|
37,328,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease (increase) in note receivable |
|
|
141,750 |
|
|
|
(142,500 |
) |
Proceeds on disposal of investments |
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
108,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
(1,572,465 |
) |
|
|
(28,304,635 |
) |
Increase in other assets |
|
|
(84,690 |
) |
|
|
(1,294,033 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1,232,235 |
) |
|
|
(29,741,168 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(5,986,049 |
) |
|
|
2,277,627 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
|
|
13,830,570 |
|
|
|
11,552,943 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year |
|
$ |
7,844,521 |
|
|
$ |
13,830,570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid |
|
$ |
42,358 |
|
|
$ |
20,800 |
|
Income tax refund |
|
|
2,829,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
7,865 |
|
|
|
385,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options granted for services rendered |
|
|
|
|
|
|
436,461 |
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
1. |
|
Operations: |
|
|
|
The Company was incorporated on July 29, 1992 under the Canada Business Corporation Act and
primarily carries on the business of remediating chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminated soil.
The treatment of contaminated soil is performed using the Companys thermal oxidation
technology. In 1997, the Company commenced operations of its remediation site located in
St. Ambroise, Quebec. |
|
|
|
In 2002, the Company acquired Material Resource Recovery Inc. (MRR) located in Cornwall,
Ontario which carries on the business of remediating hazardous and non-hazardous
contaminated electrical equipment, construction material, and natural gas storage units. |
|
|
|
In 2004, the Company completed the construction of a new facility in Belledune, New
Brunswick. The Company is in the process of performing compliance tests with the Department
of Environment in order to obtain the final operating permit. The Company completed the
compliance tests in April 2006 and is awaiting results. The Company expects the Belledune
facility to be operational in mid-2006. |
|
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies: |
|
(a) |
|
Basis of consolidation: |
|
|
|
|
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Companys wholly-
owned subsidiaries, Bennett Remediation Services Ltd. (BRS), Bennett RemTech Ltd.
(BRT), Bennett Environmental U.S., Inc. (BEIUS), Récupère Sol Inc. (RSI), MRR
and Bennett Environmental New Brunswick Inc. (BEINB). All material intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents: |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments having an original
term to maturity of three months or less when acquired. |
4
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
|
(c) |
|
Deferred transportation costs: |
|
|
|
|
Deferred transportation costs relate to costs incurred to ship contaminated soil to
the treatment facility and other treatment costs for soil, for which treatment is
not complete.
These amounts will be expensed when the treatment of the related soil is complete. |
|
|
(d) |
|
Investments: |
|
|
|
|
Investments where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence are
recorded on the equity basis of accounting and the Companys share of earnings
(loss) is included in the computation of earnings. |
|
|
|
|
Investments where the Company does not exercise significant influence are accounted
for under the cost method and income is reflected only to the extent of dividends
received. |
|
|
|
|
The Companys management reviews the estimated realizable value of the investments
on a regular basis based on established criteria including trading value,
anticipated cash flows and profitability of the investees. If an other than
temporary impairment in value is determined, a provision is recorded. |
|
|
(e) |
|
Property, plant and equipment: |
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Amortization commences on
property, plant and equipment once construction has been completed and the asset is
in use. |
5
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
|
|
|
Amortization is provided for using the following methods and annual rates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset |
|
Basis |
|
Rate |
|
|
Automobiles |
|
Declining balance |
|
|
30 |
% |
Computer equipment |
|
Declining balance |
|
|
30 |
% |
Equipment ELI Ecologic Inc. (ELI) |
|
Straight line |
|
2 years |
Furniture and equipment
and treatment equipment |
|
Declining balance |
|
|
20 |
% |
Kiln RSI facility |
|
Straight line |
|
10 years |
Land improvements |
|
Declining balance |
|
|
8 to 20 |
% |
Leasehold improvements |
|
Straight line |
|
Over term of lease |
Storage building and pads |
|
Straight line |
|
20 years |
Software |
|
Declining balance |
|
|
100 |
% |
Treatment building |
|
Declining balance |
|
|
20 |
% |
|
(f) |
|
Other assets: |
|
|
|
|
The Company defers costs incurred related to securing permits to operate their kilns.
Deferred permitting costs are amortized over ten years, commencing in the year the permit
is secured. Costs related to unsuccessful permitting efforts are expensed in the period
that this determination is made. |
|
|
|
|
Operating licenses and other assets related to ELI are amortized over two years, being the
estimated useful lives of the assets and the expected term of the licenses. |
|
|
(g) |
|
Long-lived assets: |
|
|
|
|
Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted The Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 3063, Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (HB 3063)
which requires an entity to evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that
may warrant revision of the estimated useful life of long-lived assets or whether the
remaining balance of long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment. |
|
|
|
|
The Company determines whether there is an impairment, when the carrying amount of the asset
to be held and used exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected from its use and
disposal. If there is an impairment, the impairment amount is measured as the amount by
which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, calculated using discounted
cash flows when quoted market prices are not available. |
6
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
|
(h) |
|
Stock-based compensation: |
|
|
|
|
Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted the requirements for accounting for
stock-based compensation to employees on a retroactive basis with restatement of
prior periods.
The requirements require that a fair value-based method of accounting be applied to
employee stock-based awards. |
|
|
|
|
The restatement at January 1, 2004 resulted in an increase to share capital at
December 31, 2003 of $493,601, to contributed surplus of $1,201,776 and a decrease
to retained earnings of $1,695,377. The adjustments represent the total
compensation expense which would have been recorded had a fair value based method
been used for stock options granted to employees after January 1, 2002, as
adjusted, and adjustments for exercised options. |
|
|
|
|
The Company accounts for all stock-based payments to non-employees using the fair
value-based method of accounting. Under the fair value-based method, stock-based
payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments
issued. |
|
|
|
|
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value
of the options. The stock-based compensation cost of the options is amortized over
the relevant vesting period of the options. |
|
|
(i) |
|
Goodwill and other intangible assets: |
|
|
|
|
The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets under the provisions of CICA
Handbook Section 3062 (HB 3062), Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under HB 3062,
goodwill is not amortized but instead is tested for impairment annually or more frequently
if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. The Company has identified one reporting unit. Impairment is assessed by
comparing the reporting units carrying amount to its fair value. Fair value of the
reporting unit is estimated using future expected cash flows. If the carrying amount of the
reporting unit exceeds its fair value, there is impairment of goodwill. Any impairment in
goodwill is measured by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar
to a purchase price allocation and comparing the notional goodwill from the fair value
allocation to the carrying value of goodwill. In the fourth quarter of 2005 and 2004, the
Company completed its annual impairment test for goodwill and determined that there is no
impairment of goodwill. |
7
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
|
(j) |
|
Revenue recognition: |
|
|
|
|
The Company provides high-temperature, highly specialized treatment services of
contaminated materials. In some cases, the Company is also engaged to remove and
transport the contaminated materials to its facilities for processing and disposal.
The Company recognizes revenue for these activities using the proportional
performance method when all of the following criteria are met: |
|
(i) |
|
remediation activities are completed for each batch
of material or waste stream being treated; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the Company has confirmed that the contaminants have
been destroyed in accordance with the contract terms; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
collection is reasonably assured. |
For those contracts whereby the Company is engaged to transport the contaminated
material from the customers site to its facilities, the transportation costs
incurred are deferred until the materials have been treated and the Company has
determined that the contaminants have been destroyed in accordance with the
contract terms. All other processing costs are expensed as incurred.
Revenue from long-term fixed price soil remediation contracts is recognized using
the percentage of completion method, based on the ratio of costs incurred to date
over estimated total costs. This method is used because management considers costs
to be the best available measure of performance on these contracts. Contract costs
include all direct material and wages and related benefits. Revenue related to
unpriced change orders under the percentage of completion method is recognized to
the extent of the costs incurred, if the amount is probable of collection. If it is
probable that the contract will be adjusted by an amount that exceeds the costs
attributable to the change order and the amount of the excess can be reliably
estimated, revenue in excess of the costs attributable to unpriced change orders is
recorded when realization is assured beyond a reasonable doubt.
8
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
The Company records revenue relating to claims to the extent of costs incurred and only
when it is probable that the claim will result in additional contract revenue and the
amount can be reasonably estimated. Claims are amounts in excess of the agreed upon
contract price that the Company seeks to collect from its customers for customer-caused
delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, change orders in
dispute or unapproved as to both scope and price, or other causes of unanticipated
additional costs.
|
(k) |
|
Use of estimates: |
|
|
|
|
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant areas requiring the use of
estimates include the determination of percentage of completion and estimated project costs
and revenues for contract revenue recognition, recoverability of accounts receivable, the
recoverability of deferred permitting costs, property, plant and equipment, goodwill, and
other assets, the determination of stock-based compensation, the assessment of realization
on future income tax balances, estimates of future obligations related to asset retirement
obligations and environmental obligations and amounts accrued for litigation.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
|
|
(l) |
|
Translation of foreign currency: |
|
|
|
|
Monetary items denominated in foreign currency are translated into Canadian dollars at
exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and non-monetary items are translated
at rates of exchange in effect when the assets were acquired or obligations incurred.
Revenue and expenses are translated at rates in effect at the time of the transactions.
Foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statement of operations. |
|
|
|
|
The Companys foreign subsidiary, BEIUS, is an integral part of the Companys operations
and has, therefore, been translated using the temporal method. Under the temporal method,
revenue and expenses are translated using the average exchange rate during the year,
monetary assets and liabilities at the year end exchange rates and non-monetary assets and
liabilities at their historical exchange rates. Differences arising from currency
translation are adjusted through the consolidated statement of operations. |
9
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
|
(m) |
|
Financial instruments: |
|
|
|
|
The estimated fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the
instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties,
other than a forced or liquidation sale. These estimates, although based on the
relevant market information about the financial instrument, are subjective in
nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and,
therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could
significantly affect the estimates. |
|
(i) |
|
Fair values: |
|
|
|
|
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, amounts
receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and promissory note
payable approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of
these instruments. |
|
|
|
|
The carrying value of note receivable approximates its fair value due to
the interest rate on the note receivable being comparable to market rates. |
|
|
|
|
The carrying values of long-term liabilities approximate fair values since
the interest rates are based on market rates of interest for similar debt
securities. |
|
|
|
|
Other financial instruments held or issued by the Company include the cash
surrender value of life insurance. The carrying value approximates the
fair value. |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Foreign currency risk management: |
|
|
|
|
A substantial amount of the Companys revenue is transacted in United
States dollars.
Fluctuations in the exchange rates between the United States dollar and
the Canadian dollar could have a material effect on the Companys
business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company
attempts to mitigate some of this risk by denominating many of its payment
obligations in United States dollars, and, to a lesser extent, through the
use of currency derivative contracts. There were no such derivative
contracts in place at December 31, 2005 and 2004. |
10
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
|
(iii) |
|
Concentration of credit risk: |
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of
credit risk are primarily amounts receivable. As at December 31, 2005, two
customers represented 28% and 27%, respectively, of accounts receivable (2004 84%
and 7%, respectively). |
|
|
|
|
Management is of the opinion that any risk of loss due to bad debts is significantly
reduced due to the financial strength of its customers. The Company performs ongoing
credit evaluations of its customers financial condition and requires letters of credit
or other guarantees whenever deemed necessary. |
|
(n) |
|
Income taxes: |
|
|
|
|
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this
method, future income taxes are recognized for the future income tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying values of assets and
liabilities and their respective income tax bases (temporary differences). Changes in the
net future tax asset or liability are included in earnings. Future tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted or substantially enacted tax rates expected to apply
to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered
or settled. The effect on future income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates
is included in income in the period that includes the date of enactment or substantive
enactment. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce future tax assets to an amount that
is anticipated to be realized on a more likely than not basis. |
|
|
(o) |
|
Earnings (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated
using the weighted average number of common and potential common shares outstanding during
the year. Potential common shares consist of the incremental number of common shares
issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants and are calculated using the
treasury stock method. |
11
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
|
(p) |
|
Asset retirement obligations: |
|
|
|
|
Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted CICA Handbook Section 3110, Asset
Retirement Obligations (HB 3110). HB 3110 requires an entity to record the fair
value of an asset retirement obligation (ARO) as a liability in the period in
which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible
long-lived assets that results from the acquisition, construction, development
and/or normal use of the assets. The liability is increased by the passage of time
and changes in the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows needed to
settle the obligation. The cost is amortized into income subsequently on the same
basis as the related asset. |
|
|
|
|
There was no significant impact on the consolidated financial statements as a
result of adopting this accounting policy. |
|
|
(q) |
|
Termination benefits: |
|
|
|
|
Effective January 1, 2004, the Company adopted the Emerging Issues Committee
(EIC) Abstract 134, Accounting for Severance and Termination Benefits. This
abstract addresses the different accounting treatments of the various types of
severance and termination benefits related to the termination of employees
services prior to normal retirement. Severance benefits that do not accumulate or
vest are accrued and expensed when the benefit is probable and the amount can be
reasonably estimated, which is generally when the decision to terminate the
employee is made by management of sufficient authority. A liability and expense for
contractual termination benefits is recorded based on their fair value when it is
probable that employees will be entitled to the benefits, and the amount can be
reasonably estimated. This occurs when management approves and commits the Company
to the obligation. Managements termination plan specifically identifies all
significant actions to be taken. Actions required to fulfill managements plan are
expected to begin as soon as proceeded. Significant changes to the plan are not
likely.
A liability and expense is recorded for special termination benefits based on their
fair value when management approves and commits the Company to the obligation,
managements termination plan specifically identifies the target level of reduction
in number of employees, job classifications and their locations, the benefit
arrangement has been communicated to employees in sufficient detail to enable them
to determine the type and amount of benefits they will receive upon termination,
and the period of time to complete the plan of termination indicates that
significant changes to the plan are not likely. |
12
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
|
(r) |
|
Employee future benefits: |
|
|
|
|
The Company accounts for the tenure agreement with the founder of the Company under
CICA HB 3461, Employee Future Benefits, which requires that a liability be recorded
at the present value of the benefits expected to be paid under the agreement. The
discount rate used is based on the market interest rates at the measurement date on
high quality debt instruments. |
|
|
(s) |
|
Recently issued pronouncements |
|
(i) |
|
Financial Instruments: |
|
|
|
|
In January 2005, CICA issued Handbook Sections 3855, Financial Instruments
Recognition and Measurement, Section 1530, Comprehensive Income, and
Section 3865, Hedges. The new standards will be effective for interim and
annual financial statements commencing in 2007. Earlier adoption is
permitted. The adoption of these standards is not expected to have a
significant impact on the Company. |
|
|
(ii) |
|
CICA Handbook Section 3831, Non-Monetary
Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
In June 2005, CICA released this section effective for interim or annual
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2006. This standard requires all
non-monetary transactions to be measured at fair value unless they meet
one of four very specific criteria. Commercial substance replaces
culmination of the earnings process as the test for fair value
measurement. A transaction has commercial substance if it causes an
identifiable and measurable change in the economic circumstances of the
entity.
The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact
on the Company. |
13
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
2. |
|
Significant accounting policies (continued): |
|
(iii) |
|
EIC-159, Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations: |
|
|
|
|
This abstract clarifies that the term conditional asset retirement obligation as
used in HB 3110 refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement
activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a
future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. The
obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though
uncertainty exists about the timing and/or method of settlement. Uncertainty about
the timing and/or method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation
should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient
information exists. This abstract also clarifies when an entity would have
sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an ARO. This
abstract should be applied retroactively, to interim and annual financial
statements for fiscal years ending after March 31, 2006. The adoption of this
standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company. |
|
|
(t) |
|
Comparative figures: |
|
|
|
|
Certain 2004 figures have been reclassified to conform with the financial statement
presentation adopted in 2005. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Billed |
|
$ |
10,728,035 |
|
|
$ |
8,139,690 |
|
Claims |
|
|
4,775,256 |
|
|
|
4,900,000 |
|
Unbilled |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,276,958 |
|
Insurance refund |
|
|
1,313,751 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16,817,042 |
|
|
$ |
14,316,648 |
|
|
Included
in amounts receivable are amounts outstanding from one customer of
$4,775,256 (2004 $11,996,838) relating to claims for additional work performed pursuant to the contract which are
in dispute with the customer.
The ultimate settlement of the claims is expected in 2006 and may result in a change in the
estimated amounts of revenues and receivable recorded on this project.
14
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
4. |
|
Note receivable: |
|
|
|
In July 2004, the Company loaned $300,000 to 4003926 Canada Inc., a company operating under the
name Eco-Bois. The shares of Eco-Bois are owned by a member of the Board of Directors of the
Company at December 31, 2005. The Company sold its equity investment in Eco-Bois during 2005
(note 12). The note receivable bears interest at 5% annually on the outstanding balance and is
repayable in full on July 7, 2007. The note receivable is secured by the investment tax credits
receivable by Eco-Bois. In July 2005, the Company received $141,750 in cash as a reduction of
the note receivable. As at December 31, 2005, $173,250 (2004 $315,000) is receivable from
Eco-Bois. |
|
5. |
|
Property, plant and equipment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Net book |
|
2005 |
|
Cost |
|
|
amortization |
|
|
value |
|
|
Automobiles |
|
$ |
108,598 |
|
|
$ |
28,128 |
|
|
$ |
80,470 |
|
Computer equipment |
|
|
582,267 |
|
|
|
321,360 |
|
|
|
260,907 |
|
Equipment ELI |
|
|
534,000 |
|
|
|
534,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
1,166,636 |
|
|
|
631,876 |
|
|
|
534,760 |
|
Treatment equipment |
|
|
21,586,305 |
|
|
|
4,855,470 |
|
|
|
16,730,835 |
|
Kiln RSI facility |
|
|
12,839,576 |
|
|
|
5,449,680 |
|
|
|
7,389,896 |
|
Land |
|
|
88,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
88,228 |
|
Land improvements |
|
|
139,577 |
|
|
|
52,227 |
|
|
|
87,350 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
58,322 |
|
|
|
58,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
Software |
|
|
292,802 |
|
|
|
271,958 |
|
|
|
20,844 |
|
Storage building and pads |
|
|
5,984,051 |
|
|
|
1,485,707 |
|
|
|
4,498,344 |
|
Treatment building |
|
|
3,883,378 |
|
|
|
408,385 |
|
|
|
3,474,993 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
47,263,740 |
|
|
$ |
14,097,113 |
|
|
$ |
33,166,627 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Net book |
|
2004 |
|
Cost |
|
|
amortization |
|
|
value |
|
|
Automobiles |
|
$ |
180,358 |
|
|
$ |
95,450 |
|
|
$ |
84,908 |
|
Computer equipment |
|
|
599,862 |
|
|
|
308,052 |
|
|
|
291,810 |
|
Equipment ELI |
|
|
534,000 |
|
|
|
267,000 |
|
|
|
267,000 |
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
1,077,448 |
|
|
|
519,698 |
|
|
|
557,750 |
|
Treatment equipment |
|
|
31,076,295 |
|
|
|
3,181,752 |
|
|
|
27,894,543 |
|
Kiln RSI facility |
|
|
16,312,361 |
|
|
|
4,704,540 |
|
|
|
11,607,821 |
|
Land |
|
|
88,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
88,228 |
|
Land improvements |
|
|
139,577 |
|
|
|
41,773 |
|
|
|
97,804 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
58,322 |
|
|
|
58,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
Software |
|
|
301,008 |
|
|
|
244,753 |
|
|
|
56,255 |
|
Storage building and pads |
|
|
5,981,467 |
|
|
|
1,171,468 |
|
|
|
4,809,999 |
|
Treatment building |
|
|
3,437,471 |
|
|
|
273,212 |
|
|
|
3,164,259 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
59,786,397 |
|
|
$ |
10,866,020 |
|
|
$ |
48,920,377 |
|
|
15
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
5. |
|
Property, plant and equipment (continued): |
|
|
|
The Company had completed the construction of the new facility in Belledune, New Brunswick
in 2004. During 2005, the Company had anticipated that the site would be able to conduct
test burns in order to receive its final operating permit to begin commercial operations.
However, the Company has not been able to conduct any test burns in 2005 and does not
expect to obtain the final operating permit until mid-2006. The Company performed an
impairment test on the recoverability of the assets at Belledune and wrote down primarily
the treatment equipment by $13,805,583, resulting in a net book value of $16,084,335 at
December 31, 2005 (2004 $29,335,313). No amortization has been recorded on these assets
as they are not yet available for productive use. |
|
|
|
During 2004, property, plant and equipment related to the Kirkland Lake project were
written- off. The application for permitting of this site was postponed indefinitely and,
therefore, the related equipment was transferred to other facilities and is being used for
alternative purposes.
An impairment charge of $921,212 was recorded on this equipment. |
|
6. |
|
Other assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Deferred permitting costs (net of accumulated
amortization of nil for 2005 and 2004) |
|
$ |
1,800,606 |
|
|
$ |
3,286,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating permits, licenses and other assets (net of
accumulated amortization of $1,798,872 ; 2004
$899,436)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
899,436 |
|
Cash surrender value of life insurance policy (note 7) |
|
|
686,067 |
|
|
|
606,825 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,486,673 |
|
|
$ |
4,793,069 |
|
|
Deferred permitting costs included costs of obtaining an operating permit for the New Brunswick
facility. As a result of the impairment test performed on the assets of Belledune during 2005
(note 5), the Company wrote down the deferred permitting costs by $1,570,892, resulting in a
balance of $1,800,606 at December 31, 2005.
In 2004, the Company wrote-off permitting costs of $3,422,767 related to its bid to acquire a
permit in Kirkland Lake as the Kirkland Lake project has been postponed indefinitely.
16
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
7. |
|
Long-term liabilities: |
|
|
|
Long-term liabilities comprise the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Promissory note, unsecured non-interest bearing,
due December 31, 2005 |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
Tenure agreement |
|
|
645,844 |
|
|
|
741,450 |
|
Severance payable |
|
|
980,899 |
|
|
|
1,660,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,926,743 |
|
|
|
2,701,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less current portion |
|
|
1,117,747 |
|
|
|
1,218,405 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
808,996 |
|
|
$ |
1,483,045 |
|
|
The Company entered into a tenure agreement with the founder of the Company, Mr. John Bennett,
which provides for an annual allowance of $69,500 until age 85. The fair value of this liability
at December 31, 2005 is $645,844 (2004 $741,450). The Company also has cash surrender value of
a life insurance policy that it holds on Mr. Bennett. The cash surrender value of this life
insurance policy is valued at $686,067 at December 31, 2005
(2004 $606,825) (note 6). An
accretion charge of $26,106 (2004 $165,000) is included in administration and business
development with respect to this tenure allowance.
Subsequent to year end, the Company repaid the promissory note in full.
17
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
7. |
|
Long-term liabilities (continued): |
|
|
|
During 2004, certain executive employment agreements were terminated resulting in severance
payments over periods ending December 31, 2007. In 2004, the Company accrued and expensed
administration and business development severance costs of $1,660,000 of which none was paid
during 2004. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Promissory |
|
|
Tenure |
|
|
Severance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
note |
|
|
agreement |
|
|
payable |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Balance, December 31,
2003 |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
576,450 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
876,450 |
|
Addition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,660,000 |
|
|
|
1,660,000 |
|
Accretion charge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
165,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
165,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2004 |
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
741,450 |
|
|
|
1,660,000 |
|
|
|
2,701,450 |
|
Paid during 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(69,500 |
) |
|
|
(800,378 |
) |
|
|
(869,878 |
) |
Accretion charge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26,106 |
) |
|
|
121,277 |
|
|
|
95,171 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2005 |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
645,844 |
|
|
$ |
980,899 |
|
|
$ |
1,926,743 |
|
|
Principal payments on long-term liabilities as at December 31, 2005 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
$ |
1,117,747 |
|
2007 |
|
|
294,593 |
|
2008 |
|
|
65,721 |
|
2009 |
|
|
65,721 |
|
2010 |
|
|
65,721 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
317,240 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,926,743 |
|
|
18
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
|
(a) |
|
The authorized share capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited number of Series I non-voting redeemable preferred shares.
There are no Series I, non-voting redeemable preferred shares issued. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The issued share capital of the Company is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2003 |
|
|
17,145,789 |
|
|
$ |
28,397,470 |
|
Issued during the year ended December 31, 2004 for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of options |
|
|
281,651 |
|
|
|
2,833,364 |
|
Private placement (c) |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
26,000,000 |
|
Bought deal (d) |
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
12,000,000 |
|
Share issue costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,277,027 |
) |
Tax benefits related to share issue costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
762,753 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total issued shares, December 31, 2004 |
|
|
21,427,440 |
|
|
|
67,716,560 |
|
Shares repurchased in 2004 and held in treasury (e) |
|
|
(11,500 |
) |
|
|
(71,879 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004 |
|
|
21,415,940 |
|
|
$ |
67,644,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total issued shares, December 31, 2004 |
|
|
21,427,440 |
|
|
$ |
67,716,560 |
|
Issued during the year ended December 31, 2005 for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of options |
|
|
157,500 |
|
|
|
360,675 |
|
Share issue costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,673 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total issued shares, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
21,584,940 |
|
|
|
68,069,562 |
|
Shares repurchased in 2004 and held in treasury (e) |
|
|
(11,500 |
) |
|
|
(71,879 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2005 |
|
|
21,573,440 |
|
|
$ |
67,997,683 |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
On February 3, 2004, the Company completed a financing arrangement with an
Underwriter whereby the Underwriter agreed to purchase 1,000,000 Units, each Unit
consisting of one common share and one half common share purchase warrant at $26 per Unit
for gross proceeds of $26,000,000. Each whole share purchase warrant entitles the holder
to purchase one common share of the Company at $30 per share for a period of 18 months
following the closing date of February 3, 2004. Net proceeds from this financing
transaction were $24,700,000. Additional share issue costs incurred related to this
financing agreement were $96,477. As at December 31, 2005, there are nil (2004 -500,000)
warrants outstanding. |
19
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
8. |
|
Share capital (continued): |
|
(d) |
|
On December 30, 2004, the Company completed another financing arrangement with an
Underwriter whereby the Underwriter agreed to purchase 3,000,000 common shares at $4 per
common share for gross proceeds of $12,000,000. Net proceeds from this financing transaction
were $11,329,450. Additional share issue costs incurred related to this financing
arrangement were $210,000. |
|
|
(e) |
|
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company, pursuant to a Normal Course Issuer
Bid, acquired 11,500 of its common shares for consideration totalling $71,879.
These shares have not been cancelled and as a result, are reflected as treasury stock in
share capital as at December 31, 2005 and 2004. |
|
|
(f) |
|
Stock option plan: |
|
|
|
|
The Company has reserved 5,096,325 common shares for issuance under its Stock Option Plan
(Plan). The Plan provides for the granting of options for the purchase of common shares
of the Company at the fair market value of the Companys stock. Stock options are granted
to both employees and non-employees. The Companys Board of Directors has discretion as
to the number of stock options granted, as well as determining the vesting period and
expiry dates. |
|
|
|
|
The weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted for the year was $2.23 per
share (2004 $4.55 per share). |
|
|
|
|
Stock option activity for 2005 and 2004 is presented below: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
|
exercise |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
price |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
price |
|
|
Outstanding,
beginning of year |
|
|
1,031,451 |
|
|
$ |
8.07 |
|
|
|
1,120,602 |
|
|
$ |
9.21 |
|
Granted |
|
|
470,000 |
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
210,000 |
|
|
|
5.19 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(157,500 |
) |
|
|
2.29 |
|
|
|
(281,651 |
) |
|
|
7.51 |
|
Cancelled |
|
|
(320,950 |
) |
|
|
16.97 |
|
|
|
(17,500 |
) |
|
|
14.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, end of year |
|
|
1,023,001 |
|
|
|
5.67 |
|
|
|
1,031,451 |
|
|
|
8.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable, end of year |
|
|
549,668 |
|
|
$ |
7.24 |
|
|
|
711,951 |
|
|
$ |
8.65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
8. |
|
Share capital (continued): |
|
|
|
The following table summarizes information relating to outstanding and exercisable options
at December 31, 2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding |
|
|
Options exercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining |
|
|
average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
contractual |
|
|
exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
|
exercise |
|
Range of |
|
Number |
|
|
life |
|
|
price |
|
|
Number |
|
|
price |
|
exercise prices |
|
of options |
|
|
(years) |
|
|
per share |
|
|
exercisable |
|
|
per share |
|
|
$ 2.67
$ 3.55 |
|
|
549,001 |
|
|
|
3.71 |
|
|
$ |
3.13 |
|
|
|
275,668 |
|
|
$ |
3.21 |
|
$ 4.11
$ 7.10 |
|
|
243,000 |
|
|
|
3.45 |
|
|
|
4.65 |
|
|
|
89,667 |
|
|
|
5.28 |
|
$ 7.20
$ 9.10 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
2.53 |
|
|
|
7.77 |
|
|
|
53,333 |
|
|
|
8.27 |
|
$14.29 $22.05 |
|
|
131,000 |
|
|
|
2.52 |
|
|
|
16.66 |
|
|
|
131,000 |
|
|
|
16.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,023,001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.67 |
|
|
|
549,668 |
|
|
|
7.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of the grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
3.9% |
|
|
|
2.7% |
|
Dividend yield |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected option lives |
| |
5 years |
|
|
|
5 years |
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
79% |
|
|
|
135.7% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation expense related to employee stock options for the year ended December 31, 2005
is $1,050,098 (2004 $675,176). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Balance, beginning of year |
|
$ |
1,595,205 |
|
|
$ |
1,201,776 |
|
Stock-based compensation charge to earnings |
|
|
1,050,098 |
|
|
|
675,176 |
|
Stock-based compensation to non-employees
included in deferred permitting costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
436,461 |
|
Stock-based compensation related to options
exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(718,208 |
) |
|
|
|
$ |
2,645,303 |
|
|
$ |
1,595,205 |
|
|
21
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
9. |
|
Administration and business development: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Insurance |
|
$ |
2,147,018 |
|
|
$ |
1,222,389 |
|
Marketing and public relations |
|
|
1,835,772 |
|
|
|
2,059,459 |
|
Office supplies and miscellaneous |
|
|
1,430,139 |
|
|
|
1,563,602 |
|
Wages, salaries and fees |
|
|
4,216,999 |
|
|
|
2,788,158 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
1,050,098 |
|
|
|
675,176 |
|
Professional fees |
|
|
3,409,379 |
|
|
|
4,711,548 |
|
Severance and termination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,760,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14,089,405 |
|
|
$ |
15,780,332 |
|
|
10. |
|
Loss on investments: |
|
|
|
During 2004, the Company determined that there was an impairment that was other than
temporary of an investment accounted for under the cost basis, which resulted in a
write-off of the investment in the amount of $540,000. |
|
|
|
In addition, during 2004, the Company determined that there was an impairment that was other
than temporary of its equity investment in Eco-Bois, which resulted in a write off of the
investment in the amount of $278,193. |
11. |
|
Income taxes: |
|
|
|
Income tax expense varies from the amount that would be computed by applying the
Canadian federal and provincial statutory tax rate of 36.12% (2004 35.60%) to loss
before income taxes as shown in the following table: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Loss before income taxes |
|
$ |
(24,852,369 |
) |
|
$ |
(19,638,607 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined Canadian federal and provincial
income taxes at expected rate |
|
$ |
(8,976,675 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,991,344 |
) |
Provincial tax rate difference |
|
|
|
|
|
|
786,305 |
|
Permanent and other differences |
|
|
441,380 |
|
|
|
521,456 |
|
Change in valuation allowance |
|
|
8,727,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
192,454 |
|
|
$ |
(5,683,583 |
) |
|
22
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
11. |
|
Income taxes (continued): |
|
|
|
The Company has non-capital losses carried forward of approximately $12,007,000,
which are available to reduce future years income for income tax purposes. |
|
|
|
Non-capital loss carry forwards expire as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
$ |
48,000 |
|
2009 |
|
|
1,046,000 |
|
2010 |
|
|
8,000 |
|
2011 |
|
|
3,269,000 |
|
2015 |
|
|
7,636,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
12,007,000 |
|
|
|
|
The composition of the future tax assets at December 31 is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Future tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss carryforwards |
|
$ |
4,319,454 |
|
|
$ |
1,458,032 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
4,578,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
Share issue costs |
|
|
493,204 |
|
|
|
657,605 |
|
Tenure/severance |
|
|
612,066 |
|
|
|
866,923 |
|
Capital loss carry forward |
|
|
122,089 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
11,756 |
|
|
|
174,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
10,136,657 |
|
|
|
3,156,613 |
|
Less valuation allowance |
|
|
8,727,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total future tax assets |
|
|
1,408,908 |
|
|
|
3,156,613 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
133,725 |
|
|
|
710,921 |
|
Deferred permitting costs |
|
|
650,019 |
|
|
|
1,028,975 |
|
Other |
|
|
30,073 |
|
|
|
524,891 |
|
|
Total future tax liabilities |
|
|
813,817 |
|
|
|
2,264,787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net future income tax assets |
|
$ |
595,091 |
|
|
$ |
891,826 |
|
|
23
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
11. |
|
Income taxes (continued): |
|
|
|
Management believes that realization of the net future tax assets is more likely than not.
The ultimate realization of future tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future
taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible.
Management considered projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making
their assessment. |
12. |
|
Related party transactions: |
|
|
|
During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company paid and expensed management fees of
$104,167 (2004 $336,642) to a company owned by a director and officer of the Company. |
|
|
|
During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company paid and expensed legal fees of $1,712,459
(2004 $1,733,668) to two legal firms, of which three directors are associated. |
|
|
|
The above transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange
amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties. |
|
|
|
During the year, the Company sold its 50% investment in Eco-Bois to a related party for $250,000
comprising of cash of $175,000 and land of $75,000. The land portion has not yet been recorded
as title has not yet been legally transferred. The gain on sale was $175,000. |
24
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
13. |
|
Loss per share: |
|
|
|
The reconciliation of the loss for the year and weighted average number of common shares used to calculate basic and diluted loss per share is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Loss for |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Loss for |
|
|
|
shares |
|
|
the year |
|
|
shares |
|
|
the year |
|
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
21,503,690 |
|
|
$ |
(25,044,823 |
) |
|
|
18,272,090 |
|
|
$ |
(13,955,024 |
) |
Dilutive effect of stock
options and warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted loss per common share |
|
|
21,503,690 |
|
|
$ |
(25,044,823 |
) |
|
|
18,272,090 |
|
|
$ |
(13,955,024 |
) |
|
|
|
Options aggregating 1,023,001 (2004 1,031,451) and common share purchase warrants totalling
nil (2004 500,000) (note 8(c)) have not been included in the computation of diluted loss per
share as they are considered anti-dilutive. |
14. |
|
Commitments: |
|
|
|
Future minimum annual rental payments for operating leases for premises are payable
over the next five years and thereafter as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
Year ending December 31: |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
$ |
196,192 |
|
2007 |
|
|
174,239 |
|
2008 |
|
|
166,936 |
|
2009 |
|
|
161,536 |
|
2010 |
|
|
161,536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
860,439 |
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash includes the amounts on deposit plus accrued interest relating to letters of
credit outstanding at December 31, 2005 of $1,292,400 (2004 $1,141,170), which are held as
security for the MRR facility site for the Ministry of the Environment. |
25
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
15. |
|
Segmented information: |
|
(a) |
|
Geographic information: |
|
|
|
|
The Company operates in one reportable operating segment, which involves the business of
remediating contaminated soil and other waste materials. All significant capital assets
and goodwill are located in Canada. Sales during the year to customers domiciled in the
United States amounted to $13,582,269 (2004 $10,214,976) and in Canada amounted to
$15,667,980 (2004 $20,427,076). |
|
(b) |
|
Major customers: |
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2005, revenues from two customers represented
approximately 34% and 19%, respectively of total revenues (2004 two customers
represented 24% and 27%, respectively). |
|
(a) |
|
Judicial Review of Minister Decision: |
|
|
|
|
On May 20, 2004, the Company received a report from the federal Canadian Environment
Assessment Agency (the CEAA) which confirmed that there was no reason to conclude that
the Companys facility at Belledune, New Brunswick would likely cause significant adverse
transboundary environmental effects. The study team was comprised of experts from
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, Health Canada, Indian and Northern
Affairs Canada and the CEAA. |
|
|
|
|
Despite the findings of this report, the former federal Minister of the Environment, the
Hon. David Anderson, referred the project to a CEAA federal review panel to assess the
potential transboundary environmental effects of the Belledune facility. The Company applied
to the Federal Court of Canada for a judicial review of the legality of the Ministers
decision to refer this project to a review panel. |
26
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
16. |
|
Contingencies (continued): |
|
|
|
On August 19, 2004, the Federal Court of Canada granted the Companys application and
overruled the decision by the former federal Minister of Environment to refer the project
to a review panel. The federal Minister of Environment has appealed the Federal Court of
Canada decision to the Federal Court of Appeal. |
|
|
|
|
On July 19, 2005, the Federal Court of Appeal upheld the Federal Court Judge Harringtons
order to overrule the decision by the former Environment Minister, the Hon. David Anderson,
to form a panel to review the Companys thermal oxidizer in Belledune, New Brunswick. |
|
|
|
|
On September 16, 2005, the Minister of the Environment, The Hon. Stéphane Dion, accepted the
July 19, 2005 Federal Court of Appeal decision, and will not be seeking leave to appeal the
Supreme Court of Canada. As a result of this decision, there are no further matters
impacting the Company. |
|
|
|
|
There is no impact on the consolidated financial statements relating to this matter. |
|
(b) |
|
Manville, New Jersey (Federal Creosote Contracts): |
|
|
|
|
In June 2003, the Company announced that it had been awarded a subcontract (the 2003
Phase III Contract) to treat 300,000 tons (plus or minus 15%) of soil contaminated with
wood treatment chemicals such as creosote, from the Federal Creosote Superfund Site (the
FC Site) in Manville, New Jersey. The 2003 Phase III contract is an indefinite
delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract. |
|
|
|
|
Shortly after the award of the 2003 Phase III Contract, an unsuccessful bidder lodged a
protest of the award with United States Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps), which
supervises the contractors on the FC Site and is responsible for the remediation process and
consents to the award of subcontracts under U.S. government procurement regulations. |
27
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
16. |
|
Contingencies (continued): |
|
|
|
The Corps alleges, and the Company disputes, that the Corps withdrew its consent to
the award of the 2003 Phase III Contract to the Company, although the Corps consented to
ship up to 10,000 tons of soil to the Company for treatment under the 2003 Phase III
Contract. The principal contractor on the FC Site did not take any action to cancel the
2003 Phase III Contract, or otherwise notify the Company of the Corps actions. The
Company began receiving shipments against the 2003 Phase III Contract in August 2003. |
|
|
|
|
After the unsuccessful bidders protest of the 2003 Phase III Contract, the principal
contractor issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) in November 2003 for an lD/IQ contract for
thermal remediation. The IFB provided for a guaranteed minimum of 1,000 tons and a maximum
of 100,000 tons. The Company bid on the IFB in December 2003, and was notified in early
2004 that it was the low bidder. During and after the bidding process, the Company
repeatedly asked the principal contractor to state whether the IFB supplemented or replaced
the 2003 Phase III Contract. The principal contractor did not respond to these queries. To
benefit from deliveries from the FC site, the Company elected to participate in the contract
process, while continuing to seek clarification from the principal contractor and the Corps
regarding the IFB. Without waiving any of its rights under the 2003 Phase III Contract, on
June 3, 2004 the Company entered into an lD/IQ subcontract (the 2004 Phase III Contract)
with a guaranteed minimum of 1,000 tons and a maximum of 100,000 tons for the same type of
services as were covered by the 2003 Phase III Contract. The 2004 Phase III Contract is on
less favourable economic terms than the 2003 Phase III Contract but is consistent with
pricing under FC Site contracts concluded before the 2003 Phase III Contract. On July 22,
2004, the Company announced that, based on correspondence received from the Corps, all
future shipments from the FC Site will be delivered under the 2004 Phase III Contract. |
|
|
|
|
Currently, a number of agencies ranging from municipal to federal and including the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) are conducting studies to determine the
extent of excavation required at the FC Site in order to remove soil contaminants including
creosote. The extent of the excavation is ultimately expected to be dependent upon a number
of factors including a decision by municipal authorities as to the future use of the land
and United States federal government funding restrictions imposed on the EPA. The Company
is awaiting a definitive design plan from the EPA to better evaluate the prospects for
additional contracts for the FC Site. The extent of the excavation will be factored into
the definitive design plan for the FC Site and will be a primary factor in determining the
tonnage of soil to be treated by the Company. |
28
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
16. |
|
Contingencies (continued): |
|
(c) |
|
Class actions: |
|
|
|
|
On July 30, 2004, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States against the
Company and certain officers. A total of 12 similar actions have been filed to this date.
Plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint on December 23, 2004. That complaint
asserts claims under sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the United States Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-5 based on the
Companys public statements concerning the Companys subcontract for Phase III of the
Manville, New Jersey federal creosote soil remediation project (note 16(b)). |
|
|
|
|
The consolidated complaint names as defendants the Company, its former Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, John Bennett, its current Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bulckaert, its
former Vice President of Engineering and Business Development, Danny Ponn, its former Chief
Financial Officer, Richard Stern, and its former Vice President of Sales and Marketing for
the United States, Robert Griffiths. |
|
|
|
|
Plaintiffs purport to assert their claims on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Companys
securities from June 2, 2003 to July 22, 2004, inclusive, and on behalf of a subclass of
purchasers of the Companys securities in a private placement that closed on January 24,
2004. All defendants have filed motions to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. |
|
|
|
|
Before argument of the motions to dismiss, the Company, its insurance companies and counsel
for plaintiffs entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding the proposed settlement
of the actions. A stipulation of settlement was entered into among all of the parties to the
consolidated action as of October 25, 2005. Under the settlement, the actions would be
dismissed with prejudice and the defendants and other released parties would receive a
release of claims that were or could have been asserted by members of the class in exchange
for a cash payment of U.S. $9,750,000, to be paid by the Company and its insurers, of which
U.S. $9,000,000 was paid by the Companys insurance providers. The full amount of the
settlement payment was paid into an escrow account in September 2005, by the Company and its
insurers. Following notice to class members, at a hearing on January 13, 2006, the Court
stated that the settlement would be approved on the terms agreed among the parties. The Court
entered its order and final judgment to this effect on February 21, 2006. Under the Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure, the time to file a notice of appeal from the order and final
judgment expired on March 23, 2006 without any further appeal or impact on the 2005
consolidated financial statements, other than the settlement totalling $878,025. |
29
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
16. |
|
Contingencies (continued): |
|
(d) |
|
Regulatory investigations: |
|
|
|
|
The following regulatory investigations are either ongoing or undergoing investigation.
In the opinion of management, the outcome of the various regulatory matters will not have
a material adverse financial effect on the consolidated position of the Company. Ongoing
legal fees related to these matters are expensed as incurred. |
|
(i) |
|
On January 29, 2004, the Company announced that it was in discussions with Ontario
Securities Commission (the OSC) concerning a disclosure issue raised by the OSC staff
arising from information disclosed in response to questions posed in a telephone call
with a research analyst after the release of the Companys 1999 annual results in March
2000. OSC staff suggested that some of the information conveyed in response to the
analysts questions had not been publicly disclosed and might have been material. The
Company has not received any further queries from the OSC staff on this matter since
September 30, 2004. |
|
|
(ii) |
|
On July 30, 2004, the Company was informed by the OSC that it was investigating the
trading of shares of the Company prior to (i) the disclosure on March 29, 2004 relating
to delays in shipments of soil from the two largest customers of the Company which caused
an unscheduled shut down of the Companys plant in Saint Ambroise, Québec, and (ii) the
disclosure on July 22, 2004 regarding the status of the Phase III contracts to treat
contaminated soil from the FC Site. The OSC requested a detailed written chronology of
the events which resulted in the announcements on March 29, 2004 and July 22, 2004. |
|
|
|
|
On August 26, 2004, the OSC requested further information and documents relating to (i)
the Saglek Labrador project for the Department of National Defense, (ii) the timely
disclosure of the Federal Court of Canada decision to quash the decision of the former
federal Minister of Environment to refer the Companys project in Belledune, New
Brunswick to a federal review panel, and (iii) the Companys customer contract backlog
status, projected soil volume to be processed in the third quarter of 2004 and the plans
for the Belledune facility. |
|
|
|
|
On August 19, 2004, the Company was advised by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) that
the TSX was also investigating the Companys July 22, 2004 announcement regarding the
status of the Phase III contracts to treat contaminated soil from the FC Site. The TSX
requested certain information in connection with its investigation. |
30
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
16. |
|
Contingencies (continued): |
|
|
|
The Company provided the requested information and documents in respect of each of
the above requests to the OSC and the TSX on September 30, 2004. The Company has not
received any further queries from the OSC or the TSX on these matters. |
|
(iii) |
|
In a letter dated August 23, 2004, the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC) advised the Company that the SEC is conducting an informal inquiry
of the Company. The SEC requested that the Company voluntarily produce certain records
and oral testimony, and the Company is cooperating with the request. According to the
notice, [t]his request is confidential and should not be construed as an indication by
the Commission or its staff that any violation of the Federal Securities laws has
occurred, nor should it be construed as a reflection upon any security, person or
entity. The SEC subsequently obtained a judicial order opening a formal investigation
and authorizing it to depose witnesses. This matter is ongoing and the Company is
continuing to co-operate with the SEC in this matter. |
|
|
(iv) |
|
In a letter dated September 3, 2004, the Company received notice from the NASD
Regulatory Division (the NASD), on behalf of the American Stock Exchange (the
AMEX), that it is conducting a review of certain transactions in the Companys
common shares which occurred prior to the Companys announcement on July 22, 2004 of
the loss in its second quarter of 2004. According to the notice, this is a routine
review and should not be construed as an indication that any violations of Federal
Securities laws or Exchange rules have occurred, on an adverse reflection on the
Company, its securities or any individual who effected transactions in such
securities. On December 22, 2004, the Company received a request for additional
information to which the Company responded on February 11, 2005. The Company has not
received any further queries with respect to this matter. |
|
|
(v) |
|
The Company and certain of the current officers and former officers received a letter
dated February 11, 2005 from the OSC giving such officers and directors the opportunity
to provide written submissions to the OSC before the OSC determines to commence
enforcement proceedings. The OSC stated in the letter to the Company that it was of the
view that the Company failed to disclose the change in status of the contract at the
Federal Creosote Site, and made allegations of illegal insider trading.
Submissions were submitted to the OSC by March 17, 2005. This matter is ongoing and
the Company is continuing to co-operate with the OSC on this matter. |
31
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
16. |
|
Contingencies (continued): |
|
(vi) |
|
On March 16, 2005, the Company received a letter from the TSX alleging
that the Company had breached the TSXs timely disclosure policy by failing to
promptly disclose the change of the status of the 2003 Phase III Contract in August
2003 after the Companys original press release of the award of the 2003 Phase III
Contract on June 2, 2003. The TSX also alleged in the letter that the Company did
not provide balanced disclosure by failing to disclose the removal of the Company
from certain indices. The Companys disclosure committee along with key management
attended a timely disclosure education session on May 13, 2005. |
|
|
(vii) |
|
On December 22, 2005, the Company received a letter from the OSC
inquiring about the revenue recognition of the Company. Specific questions were
raised in regards to the compensation program in place at the Cornwall facility. A
letter of response was sent dated January 5, 2006. On January 19, 2006, the Company
received a response to their January 5, 2006 letter, stating that their review was
complete and they had no further comments on the issues discussed. |
|
|
(viii) |
|
In September 2005, the Company received a letter from the SEC as part of their
continuous disclosure review. The Company has responded to this initial letter and has
received subsequent follow-up letters the latest being in January 2006. The Company has
responded to the latest letter and is awaiting the response from the SEC. |
|
|
(ix) |
|
In April 2006, the Company received a letter from the OSC as part of their continuous
disclosure review. The Company is in the process of preparing its response to this letter. |
|
(e) |
|
Quebec Order: |
|
|
|
|
On September 17, 2004, RSI received a Preliminary Notice to the issuance of an Order from
the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development and Parks (formerly the Quebec Ministry of
the Environment) concerning the RSI plant in Saint-Ambroise. The Preliminary Notice alleges
that increases in levels of dioxins and furans measured in soils near the RSI plant are
attributable to RSI. If issued, the Order seeks to require RSI to limit its emissions of
dioxins and furans, to install equipment to further monitor the emissions and to transmit
the collected data to the Ministry. |
32
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
16. |
|
Contingencies (continued): |
|
|
|
On November I, 2004, RSI filed its observations with respect to the allegations
contained in the Preliminary Notice. The Company disputes allegations contained in the
Preliminary Notice. In support of its position, the Company commissioned several qualified
third-party experts to review the allegations contained in the Preliminary Notice. The
experts retained support of the Companys position that other sources may have contributed
to increases in levels of dioxins and furans in the soil around the RSI plant. |
|
|
|
|
Since the filing of its observations, RSI has exchanged correspondence and has had several
discussions with the Ministry. Recently, at a meeting held on February 9, 2005, the Company
met with Ministry officials where they asked the Company to develop an action plan to
address the concerns raised in the Preliminary Notice. The Company developed an action plan
that it believes addresses the Ministrys concerns, while at the same time allows it to
remain commercially competitive. The action plan was submitted to the Ministry on February
21, 2005. Subsequently, there was a submission of an amended action plan on March 21, 2005. |
|
|
|
|
On December 5, 2005, the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks
(MSDEP) issued a new amended Certificate of Authorization to Recupere Sol Inc. for the
operations of its facility located in St. Ambroise, Quebec. Bennett Environmental Inc. has
been notified by the MSDEP that it will not take further action with respect to the Prior
Notice issued on September 16, 2004 and that it will not issue an order against RSI. |
|
(i) |
|
During the year, the Company was served with a claim by a supplier claiming breach of
contract. The matter has gone to arbitration. As of March 31, 2006, the Company was required
to pay $45,000 to settle part of the claim. This amount has been accrued in the 2005
financial statements. |
|
|
|
|
The Company has accrued an additional $100,000 in its financial statements in respect of
bonus and commission entitlements under the claim, as its best estimate of potential
loss. The claimant has claimed an amount of $5,000,000. Management will vigorously
defend the claim. |
33
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
16. |
|
Contingencies (continued): |
|
|
|
During 2005 a former employee filed a wrongful dismissal suit against the Company
claiming damages in the amount of $270,000. The Company has offered an amount of
$46,000 to settle the claim. The Companys offer has not yet been accepted. The
Company has accrued the settlement offer in its 2005 consolidated financial
statements as managements best estimate of the potential loss. Management will
vigorously defend the claim. |
|
(ii) |
|
In the ordinary course of business, lawsuits have been filed against and by the
Company. In the opinion of management, the outcome of the lawsuits now pending, will
involve amounts that would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated
position of the Company. However, should any loss result from the resolution of these
claims, such loss would be charged against income in the year the claim is resolved. |
|
|
(iii) |
|
During a routine audit, the Ministry of Quebec identified in a letter, that our
subsidiary in Quebec has incorrectly deducted input tax credits for Quebec sales tax
(QST) related to utilities. QST legislation denies such input tax credits for
service-type businesses. A proposed adjustment letter was received by the Company dated
December 8, 2005 for $1,086,900. |
|
|
|
|
A letter dated February 7, 2006 has been filed with the Interpretation Department of the
Commodity tax services of the Ministry of Revenue of Quebec. The Company believes that
they are entitled to input tax credits on electricity, gas, fuel and steam used for soil
decontamination. No provision has been made at December 31, 2005, and the Company
continues to record input tax credits related to QST. |
17. |
|
Subsequent event: |
|
|
|
On April 13, 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to sell certain assets
associated with its odorant business in Midland, Texas, U.S.A. for $322,000 to a former
employee. The assets are comprised of a number of miscellaneous items including
containers, a fork lift, truck and trailer, tanks, drums and a generator. As
consideration, the Company received a three-year promissory note in the amount of
$322,000, bearing interest at 5-1/2% per annum, payable in equal, semi-annual payments on
January 1 and July 1 of each year, with all accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
such payment provided that the first payment of $70,000 was made immediately. |
34
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
18. |
|
United States generally accepted accounting principles reconciliation: |
|
|
|
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in Canada (Canadian GAAP) which differ in certain respects
from those principles and practices that the Company would have followed had its consolidated
financial statements been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) as summarized below: |
|
(a) |
|
Loss for the year and loss per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Loss for the year in accordance with Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
(25,044,823 |
) |
|
$ |
(13,955,024 |
) |
Compensation expense (d) |
|
|
1,013,667 |
|
|
|
621,029 |
|
Deferred permitting costs (e) |
|
|
(84,690 |
) |
|
|
(1,730,494 |
) |
Write-down of deferred permitting costs (e) |
|
|
1,570,892 |
|
|
|
3,422,767 |
|
Loss on investments (f) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
81,050 |
|
Future income tax recovery on U.S. GAAP adjustments (g) |
|
|
(536,816 |
) |
|
|
(610,911 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year in accordance with U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
(23,081,770 |
) |
|
$ |
(12,171,583 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic loss per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
(1.07 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.67 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted loss per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
(1.07 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.67 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding (note 13): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
21,503,690 |
|
|
|
18,272,090 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
21,503,690 |
|
|
|
18,272,090 |
|
35
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
18. |
|
United States generally accepted accounting principles reconciliation (continued): |
|
(b) |
|
Consolidated balance sheets: |
|
|
|
|
The amounts in the consolidated balance sheets that differ significantly from those
reported under Canadian GAAP are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
All other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Assets in accordance with
Canadian GAAP as at
December 31, 2005 |
|
$ |
2,486,673 |
|
|
$ |
63,038,399 |
|
|
$ |
65,525,072 |
|
Deferred permitting costs (e) |
|
|
(1,800,606 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,800,606 |
) |
Future income tax recovery on
U.S. GAAP adjustments (g) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
525,240 |
|
|
|
525,240 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets in accordance with
U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
686,067 |
|
|
$ |
63,563,639 |
|
|
$ |
64,249,706 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
All other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Assets in accordance with
Canadian GAAP as at
December 31, 2004 |
|
$ |
4,793,069 |
|
|
$ |
85,219,333 |
|
|
$ |
90,012,402 |
|
Deferred permitting costs (e) |
|
|
(3,286,808 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,286,808 |
) |
Future income tax recovery on
U.S. GAAP adjustments (g) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,062,057 |
|
|
|
1,062,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets in accordance with
U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
1,506,261 |
|
|
$ |
86,281,390 |
|
|
$ |
87,787,651 |
|
|
36
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
18. United States generally accepted accounting principles reconciliation (continued):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Liabilities in accordance with
Canadian and U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
9,163,405 |
|
|
$ |
10,009,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity in accordance with
Canadian GAAP |
|
$ |
56,361,667 |
|
|
$ |
80,003,390 |
|
Deferred permitting costs (e) |
|
|
(1,800,606 |
) |
|
|
(3,286,808 |
) |
Future income tax recovery on
U.S. GAAP adjustments (g) |
|
|
525,240 |
|
|
|
1,062,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity in accordance with
U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
55,086,301 |
|
|
$ |
77,778,639 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity in accordance with
U.S. GAAP is comprised of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
$ |
70,998,025 |
|
|
$ |
70,645,023 |
|
Additional paid-in capital (d) |
|
|
193,425 |
|
|
|
193,425 |
|
Deferred compensation expense (d) |
|
|
(18,560 |
) |
|
|
(54,990 |
) |
Retained earnings (deficit) |
|
|
(16,086,589 |
) |
|
|
6,995,181 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity in accordance with
U.S. GAAP |
|
$ |
55,086,301 |
|
|
$ |
77,778,639 |
|
|
37
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
18. |
|
United States generally accepted accounting principles reconciliation (continued): |
|
(c) |
|
Consolidated statements of cash flows: |
|
|
|
|
Under U.S. GAAP, cash provided by operations would decrease by $84,690 (2004 decreased
by $1,294,033) and cash used in investments would increase by $84,690 (2004 increased
by $1,294,033) for the costs of deferred permitting, which would be expensed as incurred
and classified as a component of operating cash flows under U.S. GAAP. |
|
(d) |
|
Stock-based compensation: |
|
(i) |
|
For Canadian GAAP purposes, the Company has accounted for employee stock-based
compensation using the fair value method and thus has recorded compensation expense
related to the employee options. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company accounts for its
employee stock-based compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees and related interpretations (APB 25). As such, compensation expense under
fixed plans is recorded on the grant date only if the market price of the Companys stock
at that date exceeds the exercise price. The Company has reversed the stock-based
compensation recorded under Canadian GAAP and recorded stock-based compensation under APB
25. |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Accounting for employee stock options under U.S. GAAP would result in a reclass to
increase share capital and a corresponding decrease in additional paid-in capital of nil
(2004 $9,448 both to additional compensation expense and a corresponding increase to
paid-in capital) for those options that have been exercised during the year for which
stock-based compensation was recorded under APB 25. There were no such stock options
exercised in 2005 (2004 14,101). |
|
(e) |
|
Deferred permitting costs: |
|
|
|
|
Under Canadian GAAP the expenditures relating to the acquisition of operating permits may be
deferred and amortized to expense in a rational and systematic manner. Under U.S. GAAP these
expenditures are charged to expense when incurred. |
38
BENNETT ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
18. |
|
United States generally accepted accounting principles reconciliation (continued): |
|
(f) |
|
Loss on investments: |
|
|
|
|
Under Canadian GAAP, certain investments were written off during 2004 and for U.S. GAAP
purposes, these investments were written down in prior years. For U.S. GAAP purposes,
2004 write-offs totalling $81,050 have been reduced since they were previously recorded
for U.S. GAAP purposes. |
|
(g) |
|
Income taxes: |
|
|
|
|
Under Canadian GAAP, future tax assets and liabilities are recorded at substantially
enacted tax rates. Under U.S. GAAP, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded at
enacted tax rates. Recording Canadian future income tax assets and liabilities at enacted
tax rates would not change recorded (loss) for the year or shareholders equity under
U.S. GAAP. The deferred income tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments has been recorded at
the enacted tax rate in the period of adjustment. |
|
(h) |
|
Comprehensive loss: |
|
|
|
|
Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income,
all changes in shareholders equity other than transactions with shareholders are
included in comprehensive income regardless of whether they are considered to be results
of operations of the period. There are no transactions to be reported in comprehensive
loss. |
39