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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
(X) Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1996 or
( ) Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the
transition period from ______ to ________.
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 033-27667-FW
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA NONE
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
4287-A BELTLINE RD., #195, DALLAS, TEXAS 75244
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number,
including area code: (214) 416-7123
Securities registered pursuant
to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant
to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding twelve (12) months and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past ninety (90) days. Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant as of June 25, 1996 was approximately $16,950,000. Shares of Common
Stock outstanding at June 25, 1996 was 18,733,906.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information required by Part III of this Form 10-K Annual Report is
incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement of the Registrant
relating to the 1996 Annual General Meeting of Members (Stockholders) to be
filed with the Commission not later than July 29, 1996.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
Stelax Industries Ltd. (the "Registrant"), formerly Zfax Image Corp., was
incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada in May 1987. Until
March 1992 the Registrant was engaged in the development and production of a
portable facsimile machine utilizing certain advanced facsimile technology.
Until June 1991 the Registrant also operated two retail stores selling
facsimile machines. The Registrant had conducted its prior operations through
its wholly-owned United States based subsidiary, Zfax Inc., which was sold to
the President of the Company on March 31, 1995 for net book value.
On July 11, 1995, the Registrant incorporated Stelax (U.K.) Limited ("Stelax"),
formerly Zfax (U.K.) Limited, as a wholly owned subsidiary in the United
Kingdom to establish operations in the steel manufacturing business. In
November 1995 Stelax acquired certain real property and personal property
comprising the Aberneath steel mill facilities in Wales, United Kingdom and
rights to a patented steel manufacturing process known as Nuovinox. See
"Business Acquisition", below.
The Registrant's principal executive offices are located at 4287-A Beltline
Rd., #195, Dallas, Texas 75244, and its telephone number is (214) 416-7123.
Unless otherwise required by the context, the term "Company" as used herein
shall mean the Registrant and Stelax.
BUSINESS ACQUISITION
I. Acquisition of Assets
On November 13, 1995 (the "Closing Date') the Company, through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Stelax, finalized the acquisition of certain real property and
personal property assets comprising the Aberneath steel mill facilities in
Wales, United Kingdom (the "Acquired Facilities").
On August 25, 1995 Stelax entered into two agreements as follows:
(A) An Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Assets by and between
Camborne Industries PLC (In receivership) ("Camborne") and Stelax (the
"Camborne Agreement") relating to (i) certain machinery, fixtures and equipment
comprising the operational component of the Acquired Facilities and (ii)
certain patents and trademarks and applications thereof for a patented process
for the manufacture of steel containing the properties of stainless steel at
substantially reduced cost known as the Nuovinox process; and
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(B) An Agreement relating to the land and buildings at Wern Works,
Briton Ferry, Neath by and between Maritime Transport Services Limited
("Maritime') and Stelax (the "Maritime Agreement") relating to the land and
buildings component of the Acquired Facilities.
The Camborne Agreement was modified pursuant to that certain Variation
Agreement dated November 13, 1995 by and between Camborne and Stelax (the
"Variation Agreement") principally to extend the closing date and to modify the
payment terms of the purchase price as further described below. Additionally,
the Maritime Agreement was modified pursuant to that certain Agreement dated
November 13, 1995 by and between Maritime and Stelax principally to extend the
closing date and to modify the amount and the payment terms of the purchase
price as further described below.
Stelax had previously obtained the rights to acquire the Acquired Facilities
pursuant to that certain Sale and Purchase agreement dated August 4, 1995 by
and between Shipyard Limited and Stelax (the "Shipyard Agreement"). The
Company issued 2,850,000 shares of its common stock, no par value (the "Common
Stock") to Shipyard Limited pursuant to the Shipyard Agreement.
The cash price paid pursuant to the Camborne Agreement was L.900,000
(approximately $1,377,000) plus VAT of L.157,500 paid as follows:
(A) the Company applied toward the purchase price an aggregate of
L.126,824 previously paid as deposits and extension fees;
(B) the Company paid L.500,000 on the Closing Date; and
(C) the Company agreed to pay an aggregate of L.273,716 (the
"Deferred Consideration") as follows:
(i) L.150,000 in 40 days from the Closing Date; and
(ii) L.123,716 in 90 days from the Closing Date.
The Deferred Consideration bears interest, until paid, at a rate of 4% over the
base rate charged by Barclays Bank PLC and is secured by a first lien on the
assets acquired pursuant to the Camborne Agreement.
The Company also paid L.50,000 (approximately $76,500) in patent fees on behalf
of Camborne prior to the Closing Date.
The Company, prior to the Closing Date, had deposited 300,000 shares of its
Common Stock with the receiver for Camborne to guarantee Stelax's performance
under the Camborne Agreement. Upon payment of the Deferred Consideration,
Camborne has agreed to return to the Company the 300,000 shares of Common
Stock. Upon final payment, 75,000 shares will be issued to Camborne as
additional consideration under the Camborne Agreement. Camborne
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has agreed not to resell any of such shares for 12 months after the Closing
Date and, as to fifty percent (50%) of such shares, not to resell such shares
for 18 months after the Closing Date.
The purchase price paid pursuant to the Maritime Agreement was L.860,310
(approximately $1,316,000) paid as follows:
(A) the Company applied toward the purchase price an aggregate of
L.150,000 previously paid as deposits and extension fees; and
(B) the Company agreed to pay the balance on or before five (5)
months after the Closing Date. These deferred amounts bear interest, until
paid, at a rate of 2% over the base rate charged by Barclays Bank PLC.
The prior operator of the Acquired Facilities was Camborne which went into
receivership under the appropriate laws in the United Kingdom in 1992. Since
that date the operational assets (apart from the land and building) have been
in receivership and have been maintained but not operated until acquired by
Stelax.
II. Financing
The cash consideration paid pursuant to the Camborne Agreement and the Maritime
Agreement was raised by the Company through (i) the issuance and sale of 7%
Convertible Notes due August 31, 1997 (the "Convertible Notes"); (ii) the sale
of units, each unit consisting of ten shares of Common Stock of the Company and
five warrants (the "Warrants') entitling the holder to purchase five shares of
Common Stock (the "Units"); and (iii) the issuance and sale of Common Stock
without Warrants.
Prior to the Closing Date, the Company sold an aggregate of $600,000 in
Convertible Notes. The Notes had an interest rate of seven percent (7%) per
annum and all principal and accrued interest thereunder was due and payable on
August 31, 1997. The Convertible Notes were convertible, at the option of the
holder, into shares of Common Stock. All the Notes have been so converted.
Prior to the Closing Date the Company sold 154,000 Units for a purchase price
of $10.00 per Unit or $1,540,000 in the aggregate. As noted above, each Unit
is comprised of ten shares of Common Stock plus five Warrants. Each Warrant
entitles the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock at any time prior to
the earlier of December 31, 1996 or that date ten (10) days following receipt
of notice from the Company that the Common Stock has traded for at least $3.00
per share for twenty consecutive business days. The exercise price under the
Warrants is $1.75 per share.
As part of the commission for the financing described above the Company issued
warrants to two (2) parties to purchase an aggregate of 175,000 shares of $2.00
a share. One of the parties, who received 100,000 warrants, is an affiliate of
the President of the Company.
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THE ABERNEATH FACILITIES
The steel mill rolling facility acquired by Stelax in November 1995 is located
at Briton Ferry, Neath in South Wales, United Kingdom. The facility is located
on the banks of the River Neath beside a deep water wharf and close to highway
and national rail links.
The facility encompasses approximately five (5) acres of land. The plant is
divided into three bays, each approximately 650 feet long, for a total of
approximately 130,000 square feet of production space. There is a separate
building on the premises with approximately 8,000 square feet of office and
administrative space.
The facility has an open air storage covert preparation area covering
approximately two acres of land for the purpose of storing billets and
preparing scrap metal for use in the Company's Nuovinox product. The interior
of the plant contains a modern walking beam furnace, a rolling mill, a cooling
and finishing area and a quality control process. All production areas in the
plant are serviced by overhead gantries or pedestal mounted or mobile cranes.
As of the year ended March 31, 1996 the plant was not in production on a
commercial basis. The Company believes the plant has a current capacity of
144,000 tons of stainless steel at full production capacity.
PRODUCTS
The Aberneath facility is capable of producing two product lines: traditional
hot-rolled, solid stainless steel bar and cold-rolled stainless steel tubing
and the Company's patented product, Nuovinox, a stainless steel clad product
with a carbon steel core. The Company's strategy in recommissioning the
Aberneath facility in fiscal year ending March 31, 1997 is to sell solid
stainless steel bar and tubing, for which a large international market
currently exists, while developing a market for the Nuovinox products for which
the Company anticipates greater margins and profitability.
Nuovinox is a carbon steel which is clad with stainless steel. The resultant
product, which generally consists of up to 25% of stainless steel by weight,
has corrosion resistant properties comparable to the stainless steel and
achieves superior standards of mechanical strength when compared with the most
commonly used coated steels. The Nuovinox product is fully developed and ready
for commercial sale.
The properties of the stainless steel cladding enable Nuovinox to be used for
many applications which require an upgrading of carbon steel, in particular
where corrosion resistance, hygiene and aesthetics are determining factors.
Although it has not been extensively marketed, the Company believes there is
considerable interest in Nuovinox from customers around the world who have
expressed their intention of using the product in a variety of applications.
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The Company believes Nuovinox will compete with carbon and stainless steel
based on the following properties and characteristics of Nuovinox:
o High level of corrosion resistance;
o Stronger than austenitic stainless steel (when incorporating a
high tensile carbon steel core);
o Strength and ductility superior to mild steel;
o Minimal maintenance when incorporated in structures;
o Can be formed (that is bent) through 180 degrees without the
integrity of the cladding being broken; and
o The cladding can only be removed by using considerable
deliberate physical effort such as chiseling.
Stainless steel products produced by Stelax are hot rolled from stainless steel
billets purchased from foundries. While periodic shortages exist from time to
time on a worldwide basis, the Company believes that raw material is generally
available. Nuovinox products are principally made from stainless steel and
scrap metal, both of which the Company believes are generally available. The
Company does not depend on specific suppliers as the raw materials used are
widely available.
CUSTOMER AND DISTRIBUTION
The Company anticipates that both its stainless steel and Nuovinox products
will be distributed through third-party steel distributors. The Company
anticipates establishing relationships with 4 or 5 master distributors in
stainless steel bar with whom the Company will develop preferred, long-term
relationships and through whom the Company anticipates distributing its
Nuovinox products. The Company holds letters of intent to purchase up to
approximately $30 million of the Company's products in fiscal year 1997,
although such letters should not be considered backlog.
INDUSTRY CONDITIONS AND COMPETITION
The steel industry is generally considered to be highly competitive and
cyclical with a great number of large and sophisticated producers, all of whom
have greater financial and technical resources than the Company. Additionally,
the cycles for steel products vary from one specialty steel to another. As of
the date of filing this Annual Report, stainless steel is in a situation where
both offer and demand are increasing, with prices comparatively low. A
significant evolution of nickel price could however modify prices for the
reason that stainless steel prices are to a large extent indexed on nickel
prices.
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The Company is a very small producer of stainless steel products in the world
market. However, the Company believes it has one of the most automated hot
rolling steel mill facilities which should enable the Company to effectively
compete in its markets.
Economic conditions among end-users of steel products may result in cyclical
downturns in business, even in markets expected to expand over the long term.
Until a wide range of different products used in varying sections is produced
by the Company, such down-turns may have a significant impact on the Company's
revenues. In addition, a significant reduction in stainless steel prices could
have adverse competitive effects on Nuovinox (which would lose part of its
price competitiveness compared to stainless steel) and therefore the Company's
revenues.
Nuovinox is a new product and, although the product has been extensively
tested, only a limited amount of objective information is available to indicate
the speed of product acceptance in the marketplace. Product acceptance may
also be affected by pricing; however, it is unknown whether lower pricing
strategies for Nuovinox will be successful.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
It is anticipated that the Company's expenses and sales will be denominated in
several currencies, including major European currencies, the US dollar and the
Yen. As a result the Company's operating income and cash flow will be
significantly exposed to currency fluctuations. Management intends to monitor
the Company's exposure to currency risks, and, as appropriate, use financial
forward or other instruments to minimize the effect of these fluctuations.
However, there can be no assurance that exchange rate fluctuations will not
have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial
condition.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Neither the Company nor Stelax has spent funds on research and development
during the prior three years. However, amounts may be incurred in the future
as specific customer requirements may arise in connection with the sale of
Nuovinox products.
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
The Company holds approximately 65 worldwide patents for Nuovinox. The Company
considers its patents important for the success of such product.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 31, 1996, the Company had ten employees or independent contractors
working for the Company. The Company anticipates increasing dramatically the
number of employees in the 1997 fiscal year as the Company commences expanded
production in the facility.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's principal executive offices are subleased from an affiliate of
the President of the Company on a monthly basis. The Company owns land and
buildings for a steel mill facility in Wales, United Kingdom. See Item 1.
Business - The Aberneath Facility.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET PRICES
The Company's Common Stock commenced trading in the over-the-counter market on
September 22, 1989 and until April 29, 1991 was quoted on the National
Association of Securities Dealer, Inc. Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ").
Thereafter the Common Stock has been quoted on the NASDAQ Bulletin Board
System. The Company's Common Stock trades under the symbol "STAX". The range
of the high and low bid prices as quoted on the NASDAQ Bulletin Board from
April 1, 1994 through March 31, 1996 is as follows:
FISCAL 1995 HIGH LOW
----------- ---- ---
First Quarter .18 .18
Second Quarter .18 .18
Third Quarter .18 .18
Fourth Quarter 1.12 .18
FISCAL 1996 HIGH LOW
----------- ---- ---
First Quarter .62 .18
Second Quarter 1.12 .62
Third Quarter 2.06 1.82
Fourth Quarter 1.56 1.03
HOLDERS
As of May 31, 1996, there were approximately 300 holders of record of the
Company's Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS
The future payment by the Company of dividends, if any, rests within the
discretion of its Board of Directors and will depend upon the Company's
earnings, if any, capital requirements and the Company's financial condition,
as well as other relevant factors. The Company has not declared dividends
since its inception, and has no present intention of paying cash dividends on
its Common Stock in the foreseeable future, as it intends to use earnings, if
any, to generate growth.
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FOREIGN REGULATION
The Investment Canada Act ("ICA"), which became effective on June 30, 1985,
regulates the acquisition by non-Canadians of control of a Canadian business
enterprise. In effect, the ICA required review by Investment Canada, the
agency which administers the ICA, and approval by the Canadian government in
the case of an acquisition of control of a Canadian business by a non-Canadian
where: (i) in the case of a direct acquisition (for example, through a share
purchase or asset purchase), the assets of the business are $5 million or more
in value; or (ii) in the case of an indirect acquisition (for example, the
acquisition of the foreign parent of the Canadian business) where the Canadian
business has assets of $50 million or more in value or if the Canadian business
represents more than 50% of the assets of the original group and the Canadian
business has assets of $5 million or more in value. Review and approval are
also required for the acquisition or establishment of a new business in areas
concerning Canada's cultural heritage or national identity such as book
publishing, film production and distribution, television and radio, production
and distribution of music, and the oil and natural gas industry, regardless of
the size of the investment.
In the context of the Company, in essence, three methods of acquiring control
of a Canadian business are regulated by the ICA: (i) the acquisition of all or
substantially all of the assets used in carrying on the Canadian business; (ii)
the acquisition, directly and indirectly, of voting shares of a Canadian
corporation carrying on the Canadian business; (iii) the acquisition of voting
control of an entity which controls, directly or indirectly, another entity
carrying on a Canadian business. An acquisition of a majority of the voting
interests of an entity, including a corporation, is deemed to be an acquisition
of control under the ICA. An acquisition of less than one-third of the voting
shares of a corporation is deemed not to be an acquisition of control. An
acquisition of less than a majority, but one-third or more, of the voting
shares of a corporation is presumed to be an acquisition of control unless it
can be established that on the acquisition the corporation is not, in fact,
controlled by the acquirer through the ownership of voting shares. For
partnerships, trusts, joint ventures or other unincorporated entities, an
acquisition of less than a majority of the voting interests is deemed not to be
an acquisition of control.
In 1988, the ICA was amended pursuant to the Free Trade Agreement dated January
2, 1988 between Canada and the United States to relax the restriction of the
ICA. As a result of these amendments, except where the Canadian business is in
the cultural, oil and gas, uranium, financial services or transportation
sectors, the threshold for direct acquisition of control by U.S. investors and
other foreign investors acquiring control of a Canadian business from U.S.
investors has been raised from $5 million to $150 million of gross assets, and
indirect acquisitions are not reviewable.
In addition to the foregoing, the ICA requires that all other acquisitions of
control of Canadian businesses by non- Canadians are subject to formal
notification to the Canadian government. These provisions require a foreign
investor to give notice in the required form, which notices are for
information, as opposed to review, purposes.
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The Company does not believe that it is subject to the provisions of ICA
because it does not have a place of business or employees in Canada nor assets
in Canada used to carry on the Company's business, all of which are
definitional requirements to be considered a Canadian business subject to such
act. The Company does not plan to alter its contacts with Canada and,
therefore, believes that ICA will continue not to be applicable to the Common
Stock of the Company and the acquisition thereof by a non-resident or
non-citizen of Canada. However, in the event that management of the Company
should for whatever reason decide that it be in the best interests of the
Company to hire employees in Canada, lease office space in Canada or acquire
properties in Canada, the Company would probably be deemed to be a Canadian
based enterprise and ICA would be applicable.
CERTAIN TAX MATTERS
Following is a brief summary of the United States and Canadian federal income
tax provision which the Company believes are material to an understanding of
the federal income tax matters relating to the ownership of the Company's
Common Stock. The discussion is for general information only and is not a
complete description of all potential consequences which may arise or of all
the rules that may be relevant to certain stockholders. The discussion is not
intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any
particular stockholder. It is the responsibility of each stockholder of the
Company to consult with his own tax advisors with respect to these and other
provisions which may affect his individual tax position.
The presently existing tax treaty between the United States and Canada
essentially calls for taxation of stockholders by the stockholder's country of
residence. In those instances in which a tax may be assessed by the other
country, a corresponding credit against the tax owed in the country of
residence is normally available. Stockholders of the Company should consult
with their own tax advisors, however, for full details.
A. UNITED STATES TAXES.
In general, a foreign stockholder will not be taxed by the United
States on dividends paid by the Company. However, a foreign
stockholder who does business in the United States under certain
circumstances may be subject to United States federal income tax.
Also, a foreign person may be subject to United States withholding tax
on dividends paid by the Company, however, this treatment may be
altered by a tax treaty. Please consult your tax advisor regarding
the impact of applicable tax treaties.
The gross amount of dividends received by a United States citizen or
resident will be subject to United States federal income tax generally
in the same manner as dividends received from United States
corporations. However, the stockholder generally may claim a credit
against his United States federal income tax liability for the
Canadian tax withheld from the dividend payment. The amount of the
foreign tax credit is subject to complex limitations. Stockholders
should consult their own tax advisors with respect to such
limitations. Dividends from foreign corporations such as the Company
do not
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qualify for the dividends received deduction for corporate
stockholders under Code Section 243, but may qualify for the dividends
received deduction for dividends paid by certain foreign corporations
under Code Section 245 if the holder owns at least 10% of the stock of
the Company by vote and value.
Except in the case of shares beneficially owned by a person who is or
is deemed to be a resident of the United States or has or is deemed to
have a "permanent establishment" in the United States, United States
federal income tax consequences generally will not arise upon a
disposition of the Company's Common Stock by a resident of Canada.
The United States federal income tax consequences arising for a United
States resident upon a disposition of the Company's Common Stock will
depend upon whether such shares are capital assets. Generally, if
capital assets, the entire gain or loss realized upon the disposition
would be treated as capital gain or loss. Such capital gain or loss
will be long-term if the Common Stock is held for more than one year.
However, even if the shares are considered capital assets, under
certain circumstances a portion of the gain may be recharacterized as
ordinary income under Code Section 1248. If not capital assets, the
entire gain or loss would be treated as ordinary income or loss.
Capital gains income generally is taxed at a maximum rate of 28%. An
individual's capital losses are still allowed in full against capital
gain. In addition, capital losses are allowed against up to $3,000 of
ordinary income, and the excess of net long-term capital loss over net
short-term capital gain is allowed in full for this purpose.
B. CANADIAN TAXES.
The following is a summary of the principal Canadian federal income
tax considerations generally applicable in respect of the Common
Shares. The tax consequences to any particular holder of Common
Shares will vary according to the status of that holder as an
individual, trust, corporation, or member of a partnership, the
jurisdiction in which that holder is subject to taxation, the place
where that holder is resident and, generally, according to that
holder's particular circumstances. This summary is applicable only to
holders who are resident in the United States, have never been
resident in Canada, hold their Common Shares as capital property, and
will not use or hold the Common Shares in carrying on business in
Canada.
This summary is based upon current provisions of the Income Tax Act of
Canada and the regulations thereunder (collectively, the "ITA"),
publicly-announced current proposals to amend the ITA and the current
administrative practices of Revenue Canada. This summary does not
take into account provincial income tax consequences. The summary
assumes that the publicly announced current proposals will be enacted
as proposed with effective dates set out therein; otherwise, the
summary assumes that there will be no other changes in law whether by
judicial or legislative action.
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This summary is of a general nature only and is not exhaustive of all
possible income tax consequences. It is not intended as legal or tax
advice to any particular holder of common shares and should not be so
construed. Each holder should consult his own tax advisor with
respect to the income tax consequences applicable to him in his own
particular circumstances.
DISPOSITION OF COMMON SHARES
Under the ITA, a gain from the sale of Common Shares by a non-resident will not
be subject to Canadian tax, provided the shareholder (and/or persons who do not
deal at arm's length with the shareholder) has not held a "substantial
interest" in the Company (25% or more of the shares of any class of the
Company's stock) at any time in the five years preceding the disposition.
Generally, the Canadian-United States Tax Convention (the "Tax Convention")
will exempt from Canadian taxation any capital gain realized by a resident of
the United States, provided that the value of the common stock is not derived
principally from real property situated in Canada.
If a non-resident was to dispose of Common Shares to another Canadian
corporation which deals or is deemed to deal on a non-arm's length basis with
the non-resident and which, immediately after the disposition, is connected
with the Company (i.e., controls the Company or holds shares representing more
than 10% of the voting power and more than 10% of the market value of all
issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company), the excess of the
proceeds over the paid-up capital of the Common Shares sold will be deemed to
be taxable as a dividend either immediately or eventually by means of a
deduction in computing the paid-up capital of the purchasing corporation.
DIVIDENDS
In the case of any dividends paid to non-residents, the Canadian tax is
withheld by the Company, which remits only the net amount to the shareholder.
By virtue of Article X of the Tax Convention, the rate of tax on dividends paid
to beneficial owners who are residents of the United States is generally
limited to 15% of the gross dividend (or 10%, reducing to 6% in 1996 and 5% in
1997 and thereafter, in the case of certain corporate shareholders owning at
least 10% of the Company's voting shares). In the absence of the treaty
provisions, the rate of Canadian withholding tax imposed on non-residents is
25% of the gross dividend. Stock dividends received by non-residents from the
Registrant are treated by Canada as ordinary dividends.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The table below sets forth certain financial data for the Company for its
fiscal years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, and 1992. The data for
1995, 1994, and 1993 has been restated to conform to the financial statement
presentation of the subsidiary being an unconsolidated subsidiary in those
years.
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YEARS ENDED MARCH 31
--------------------
====================================================================================
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUES --- --- --- --- 78,060
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROSS PROFIT --- --- --- --- (4,516)
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NET GAIN (2,009,273) (172,497) 241,365 (517,013) 824,053
(LOSS)
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TOTAL ASSETS 8,449,341 212,567 2,477 --- 1,485,477
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LONG-TERM --- --- --- --- ---
OBLIGATIONS
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TOTAL 1,893,039 356,280 196,193 444,531 578,106
LIABILITIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK 18,733,906 14,166,550 13,236,550 3,787,250 2,887,250
OUTSTANDING AT
YEAR-END
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GAIN (LOSS) (.12) (.01) .03 (.14) .29
PER SHARE
====================================================================================
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1996 VERSUS 1995
The Company has changed substantially during the 1996 fiscal year as the
Company completed a significant acquisition of the steel mill facility in the
United Kingdom. See Item 1. Business - Business Acquisition for details of the
acquisition. During the 1996 fiscal year, the Company has been primarily
involved in raising the funds necessary to complete the acquisition and to
recommence operations at the plant.
In fiscal year 1996, the Company had no revenues. Selling, general, and
administrative expenses increased substantially in fiscal year 1996 to
$1,960,869 from $171,665 in fiscal year 1995 primarily due to the following:
o Stock options previously issued by the Company expired on March 31, 1996.
The Company renewed all of the options for the participants still involved
in the Company's operations at the same terms as the expired options. Due
to the increase in the Company's stock price since the previous options
were granted, the Company was required to account for the difference in
stock prices as compensation expense in the year of the option renewal.
The charge to compensation expense for fiscal year 1996 was $1,561,175.
-14-
15
o Additional expenses in fiscal year 1996 over fiscal year 1995 were
consulting fees, legal expenses, and travel expenses incurred in connection
with completing the business acquisition in the United Kingdom.
Interest expense increased in fiscal year 1996 to $52,899 over fiscal year 1995
due to interest incurred on the deferred portion of the purchase price for the
steel mill facility. The Company had other income of $4,495 in fiscal year
1996 due to receipts received separate from the actual operations of the steel
mill facility. Additionally, the Company sold its United States subsidiary in
fiscal year 1995. As such, the loss from discontinued operations in fiscal
year 1995 is not applicable in fiscal year 1996.
The Company's balance sheet as of March 31, 1996 as compared to March 31, 1995
is as follows:
MARCH 31,
---------
1996 1995
---- ----
Total Assets $8,449,341 $212,567
Total Liabilities $1,893,039 $356,280
Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) $6,556,302 $(143,713)
Total assets increased in fiscal year 1996 primarily due to completion of the
acquisition of the steel mill assets and the infusion of capital through sales
of Common Stock and Units as described in Item 1. Business - Business
Acquisition. Total liabilities increased in fiscal year 1996 due to the debt
incurred upon completion of the acquisition, accrued interest on the
acquisition debt, and payables incurred in general due to the efforts in
completing the acquisition. Total stockholders' equity increased in fiscal
year 1996 due to the infusion of capital from the sale of Common Stock and
Units during the year being greater than the net loss incurred.
1995 VERSUS 1994
The Company had minimal business activity for fiscal year 1995 and fiscal year
1994. The primary activity in 1995 was the search for potential business
acquisitions and obtaining financing.
In fiscal year 1995 the Company had no revenues. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased in fiscal 1995 to $171,665 from $377 in
fiscal 1994. The increase is due to various expenditures incurred in the
Company's search for potential acquisitions.
-15-
16
LIQUIDITY & CAPITAL RESOURCES
As noted in Item 1. Business, the Company acquired a steel mill facility in
fiscal year 1996. The facility was inactive prior to its acquisition and the
Company generated no revenues from operation of the facility in fiscal year
1996.
The Company anticipates that recommissioning the acquired facility will entail
a substantial commitment of capital in order to purchase raw materials to
produce steel products, establish appropriate credit for the supply of power
and other utilities, hire new employees and for general working capital
requirements. The amount of capital required during any period of time
directly correlates to the rapidity of bringing the facility on line and,
therefore, is variable. Additionally, the Company owes $1,034,000 pursuant to
the Maritime Agreement which amount is due July 15, 1996.
The Company does not have the financial resources to meet the capital
requirements generally described above for full production and, as a result,
consider its liquidity to be poor on a short-term and long-term basis. The
Company has had extensive negotiations and preparations to raise from
$12,000,000 to $15,000,000 through a listing of the Company's Common Stock on
the Le Nouveau Marche in France and a concurrent sale of newly issued Common
Stock. The Le Nouveau Marche is a new exchange aimed at smaller capitalized
and emerging companies. The Company issued a press release regarding this
potential sale of Common Stock on May 23, 1996. The proceeds from the sale of
such Common Stock would be sufficient to meet the Company's anticipated capital
requirements for the current fiscal year. There can be no assurance that this
financing will occur or that the Company will realize the anticipated gross
proceeds.
As of the date of filing this Form 10-K Annual Report, the Company had limited
other sources of potential capital. However, since the facility is only
marginally operational, current capital requirements, other than the payment of
$1,034,000 due Maritime, are minimal.
INFLATION
The Company's operations may be impacted by the effects of inflation and
changing prices as increased prices may reduce the demand for steel products.
Additionally, the price of nickel has direct impact on the Company as nickel
is an integral component to the price of stainless steel.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See the consolidated financial statements beginning at page F-2 of this Form
10-K Annual Report.
-16-
17
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
On May 2, 1996, the Company's prior accountant, Ray, Dahl & Associates, L.L.P.,
(the "Prior Accountant") was dismissed as a result of the engagement on that
date of Ernst & Young LLP. The Prior Accountant's report on the financial
statements for the prior two years did not contain an adverse opinion nor a
disclaimer of opinion nor was such report qualified or modified as to
uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles except as follows: the Prior
Accountant's report on the financial statements for the year ended March 31,
1995 contained a qualification as to the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern due to recurring losses and a net capital deficiency as of such
date. The decision to change accountants from the Prior Accountant to Ernst &
Young LLP was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
During the Company's two most recent fiscal years and any subsequent interim
reporting period preceding the date of dismissal of the Prior Accountant, there
were no disagreements with the Prior Accountant on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statements disclosure or auditing scope or
procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of the
Prior Accountant, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter
of the disagreements in connection with its report.
The Company engaged Ernst & Young LLP effective May 2, 1996.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 of this Form 10-K Annual
Report is omitted pursuant to General Instruction G(3) and will be included in
the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission not
later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant's fiscal year covered by
this Form 10-K Annual Report.
-17-
18
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K
(a) See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements" included at F-1 of this
Form 10-K Annual Report for a listing of financial statements and schedules
filed as a part of this Form 10-K Annual Report.
(b) The following exhibits are filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form
10-K:
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit Location of Exhibit
- ------ ---------------------- -------------------
3(a) Certificate of Incorporation of the Company a
3(b) Memorandum of Association of the Company a
3(c) Articles of the Company a
3(d) Amendment to Articles of the Company a
3(e) Amendment to Articles of the Company
changing the name to "Stelax Industries Ltd." *
4(a) Form of Stock Certificate a
4(b) Form of 7% Convertible Note due August 31, 1997 *
4(c) Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant b
10(a) Sale and Purchase Agreement dated August 4, 1995 by and
between Shipyard Limited and ZX(UK) Limited
(c/k/a Stelax (U.K.) Limited) b
10(b) Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Assets by and between
Camborne Industries PLC (in receivership) and ZX(UK) Limited
(c/k/a Stelax (U.K.) Limited) b
-18-
19
10(c) Agreement relating to the land and buildings at Wern Works,
Britain Ferry Neath by and between Maritime Transport
Services Limited and ZX(UK) Limited (c/k/a Stelax (U.K.)
Limited) b
10(d) Variation Agreement dated November 13, 1995 by and between
Camborne Industries PLC and ZX(UK) Limited (c/k/a Stelax (U.K.)
Limited) b
10(e) Agreement dated November 13, 1995 by and between
Maritime Transport Services Limited and ZX(UK) Limited
(c/k/a Stelax (U.K.) Limited) b
10(f) Chattel Mortgage dated November 13, 1995 by and between
ZX(UK) Limited and Camborne Industries PLC (c/k/a Stelax
(U.K.) Limited) b
10(g) Patent Mortgage dated November 13, 1995 by and
between ZX(UK) Limited and Camborne Industries PLC (c/k/a
Stelax (U.K.) Limited) b
10(h) Trademarks Mortgage dated November 13, 1995 by and between
ZX(UK) Limited and Camborne Industries PLC (c/k/a Stelax
(U.K.) Limited) b
22(a) Subsidiaries of the Company
Stelax (U.K.) Limited, a United Kingdom subsidiary
27 Financial Data Schedule *
- ---------------
*Filed herewith
a. Incorporated by reference from the Form S-18 Registration Statement, as
amended (No. 33-27667-FW), for the Company.
b. Incorporated by reference from the Form 8-K dated November 7, 1995.
c. Reports on Form 8-K.
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last fiscal quarter of 1996.
-19-
20
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
June 27, 1996 STELAX INDUSTRIES, LTD.
/s/ Harmon S. Hardy, Jr.
-----------------------------------------
By: Harmon S. Hardy, Jr.
President and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities indicated, on June 27, 1996
NAME OFFICE
---- ------
/s/ Harmon S. Hardy, Jr.
- -----------------------------------
Harmon S. Hardy, Jr. President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive and Financial Officer)
/s/ Ruben Grubner
- -----------------------------------
Ruben Grubner Director
/s/ William D. Alexander
- -----------------------------------
William D. Alexander Director
-20-
21
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
Reports of Independent Certified Public Accountants F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets, March 31, 1996 and 1995 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(Deficit) for the years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8
F-1
22
[ERNST & YOUNG LLP LETTERHEAD]
Report of independent Auditors
The Board of Directors
Stelax Industries Ltd. (formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Stelax
Industries Ltd. (formerly Zfax Image Corp.) as of March 31, 1996, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit),
and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. The financial
statements of Stelax Industries Ltd. for the year ended March 31, 1995, were
audited by other auditors whose report dated July 12, 1995, expressed an
unqualified opinion on those statements and included an explanatory paragraph
that described the uncertainty of the Company to continue as a going concern,
discussed in Note 7 of these financial statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 1996 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of Stelax Industries Ltd. at March 31, 1996, and the consolidated results of
its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 7 to the financial statements, the Company's recurring
losses from operations and working capital deficiency raise substantial doubt
about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans as to
these matters are also described in Note 7. The 1996 financial statements do
not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
May 21, 1996
1
23
[RAY, DAHL & ASSOCIATES, L.L.P. LETTERHEAD]
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Board of Directors
ZFAX Image Corp.
14901 Quorum Drive, Suite 310
Dallas, Texas
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of ZFAX Image Corp as of March
31, 1995, and the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and
cash flows for the two years then ended. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedules listed in the index at item IV. These financial
statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of ZFAX Image Corp. at March 31,
1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the two years
then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Notes I to the financial statements, the Company sold its
Subsidiary, ZFAX, Inc. in 1995 and restated its balance sheet and its results
of operations from a consolidated basis to the equity method of accounting to
reflect the change in accounting entity.
24
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note H to the
financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations
and has a net capital deficiency that raise substantial doubt about its ability
to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters
are also described in Note J. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ RAY, DAHL & ASSOCIATES, LLP
RAY, DAHL & ASSOCIATES, LLP
July 12, 1995
25
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
Reports of Independent Certified Public Accountants F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets, March 31, 1996 and 1995 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years ended F-6
March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8
F-1
26
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
ASSETS
March 31, March 31,
1996 1995
CURRENT ASSETS: ------------- -------------
Cash $ 41,147 $ 67
Inventory 3,365 ------
Deposit (Note B) ----- 212,500
------------- -------------
Total Current Assets 44,512 212,567
PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT AT COST:
Plant & Machinery 6,785,493 -----
Building 810,410 -----
Land 270,136 -----
------------- -------------
Total Property & Equipment 7,866,039 -----
INTANGIBLE ASSETS 523,490 -----
OTHER ASSETS 15,300 -----
------------- -------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 8,449,341 $ 212,567
============= =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 264,041 $ 13,719
Payable to Maritime (Note B) 1,033,561 -----
Accrued interest 52,899 -----
------------- -------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,350,501 13,719
OTHER LIABILITIES (Note C) 542,538 342,561
------------- -------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,893,039 356,280
COMMITMENTS (Note E)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Notes B,C,E,&G):
Common stock - 50,000,000 shares
authorized, no stated par value;
issued and outstanding 18,733,906 and
14,166,550 shares at March 31, 1996
and March 31, 1995, respectively 11,291,686 2,582,398
Accumulated deficit (4,735,384) (2,726,111)
------------- -------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY (DEFICIT) $ 6,556,302 $ (143,713)
------------- --------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY (DEFICIT) $ 8,449,341 $ 212,567
============= =============
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
27
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
Year Ended
--------------------------------------------
March 31, March 31, March 31,
1996 1995 1994
-------------- ------------- ------------
Compensation expense $ 1,561,175 ----- -----
Consulting and professional fees 175,628 ----- -----
Selling, general and administrative
expenses 224,066 $ 171,665 $ 377
-------------- ------------- ------------
Loss form continuing operations 1,960,869 171,665 377
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense (52,899) ----- -----
Other 4,495
Net (loss) from discontinued operations (Notes C & I) ----- (832) (149,926)
-------------- ------------- ------------
Net loss before extraordinary item (2,009,273) (172,497) (150,303)
Gain upon debt extinguishment ----- ----- 391,668
-------------- ------------- ------------
Net (loss) income $ (2,009,273) $ (172,497) $ 241,365
============== ============= ============
Net loss per share before extraordinary item (0.12) (0.01) (0.02)
Gain for extraordinary item ----- ----- 0.05
-------------- ------------- ------------
Net (loss) income per share $ (0.12) $ (0.01) $ 0.03
============== ============= ============
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-5
28
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Presented in United States Dollars)
Common Stock
------------------------- Accumulated
Shares Amount Deficit Total
---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
BALANCE at April 1, 1993 3,787,250 $ 2,350,448 $ (2,794,979) $ (444,531)
Common stock issued
during the period:
$.10 per share 3,343,600 334,360 ----- 334,360
$.02 per share 6,105,700 122,114 ----- 122,114
Adjustment to restate to
$.001 per share (Notes C and G) ----- (447,024) ----- (447,024)
Net gain ----- ----- 241,365 241,365
---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
BALANCE at March 31, 1994 13,236,550 $ 2,359,898 $ (2,553,614) $ (193,716)
Common stock issued
during the period:
$.125 per share (Note G) 80,000 10,000 ----- 10,000
$.25 per share (Note G) 850,000 212,500 ----- 212,500
Net loss ----- ----- (172,497) (172,497)
---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
BALANCE at March 31, 1995 14,166,550 $ 2,582,398 $ (2,726,111) $ (143,713)
Common stock issued
during the period:
$1.00 to $1.50 per share (Note G) 2,256,399 2,023,113 ----- 2,023,113
$1.00 to $1.75 per share for services (Note B) 2,160,957 4,862,500 ----- 4,862,500
$1.75 per share for acquisition (Note B) 150,000 262,500 ----- 262,500
Renewal of options (Note D) ----- 1,561,175 ----- 1,561,175
Net loss ----- ----- (2,009,273) (2,009,273)
---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
BALANCE at March 31, 1996 18,733,906 $ 11,291,686 $ (4,735,384) $ 6,556,302
========== ============= ============ ============
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-6
29
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
Year Ended
----------------------------------------------
March 31, March 31, March 31,
1996 1995 1994
OPERATING ACTIVITIES -------------- ------------- -------------
Net (loss) Income $ (2,009,273) $ (172,497) $ 241,365
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income
to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Compensation upon option renewal 1,561,175 ----- -----
Disposal of subsidiary investment ----- (196,193) -----
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in investment ----- ----- (241,363)
Decrease (increase) in receivables ----- 2,475 -----
Decrease (increase) in inventory & other assets (18,665) ----- -----
Increase (decrease) in accounts
payable & accrued interest 303,221 13,719 -----
Increase in other liabilities 199,977 342,561 -----
-------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash used in operating activities 36,435 (9,935) 2
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, equipment & intangibles (3,052,029) ----- -----
-------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash used by investigating activities (3,052,029) ----- -----
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payable to Maritime 1,033,561 ----- -----
Net proceeds from common stock 2,023,113 10,000 -----
-------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 3,056,674 10,000 -----
-------------- ------------- -------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 41,080 65 2
Cash & cash equivalents at beginning
of year 67 2 0
-------------- ------------- -------------
Cash & cash equivalents at end of year $ 41,147 $ 67 $ 2
============== ============= =============
Interest paid $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
============== ============= =============
Income taxes paid $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
============== ============= =============
Non Cash Transactions:
Conversion of debt into equity $ ----- $ ----- $ 6,975
============== ============= =============
Issuance of equity for notes receivable $ ----- $ ----- $ 2,475
============== ============= =============
Option to purchase investment acquired by equity
issue $ ----- $ 212,500 $ -----
============== ============= =============
Investment acquired by equity issue $ 5,125,000 $ ----- $ -----
============== ============= =============
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-7
30
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION
Stelax Industries, Ltd. (a Canadian corporation) formerly Zfax Image Corp.,
(the "Company") was incorporated on May 5, 1987, primarily to develop and
produce portable facsimile machines. These operations were conducted through
the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Zfax, Inc. Effective March 31, 1995,
Zfax, Inc. was sold to the Company's President.
On July 11, 1995, the Company incorporated Stelax (U.K.) Limited ("Stelax") as
a wholly owned subsidiary in the United Kingdom to acquire certain assets of a
steel mill in West Glamorgan, Wales to establish operations in the stainless
steel manufacturing business. The operating loss of this subsidiary was
$200,986 and had identifiable assets of $8,415,699 at March 31, 1996. The
financial statements for the year ended March 31, 1996 include the accounts of
the Company and its U.K. subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated.
The Company's consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The computation of earnings (loss) per share is based upon the weighted average
shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The weighted average
shares for the primary earnings per share was 17,122,376, 13,331,454, and
7,676,101 at March 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the property and equipment which range up to 20 years.
F-8
31
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (CONTINUED)
No depreciation or amortization expense was recorded for the 1996 fiscal year
as operations of the steel mill had not commenced as of March 31, 1996.
START UP EXPENSES
All expenses incurred in connection with the start up of the steel mill have
been expensed as incurred.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
B. ACQUISITION
In August of 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with Shipyard Limited
("Shipyard") whereby the Company acquired the right, title and interest in two
Exclusivity Letters Shipyard had entered into with Aberneath Industries Limited
("Aberneath") and Maritime Transport Services Limited ("Maritime") to acquire
certain assets of these companies (see Note C). As consideration for the
right, title and interest in these letters, the Company issued a total of
2,900,000 shares of common stock (850,000 of which were issued in fiscal year
1995 and recorded as a deposit) to Shipyard with a value of $1.75 per share,
the fair value of the stock at the closing date.
Effective November 13, 1995, the Company completed the purchase of the
operating equipment and the patents and trademarks from Aberneath. Total
remaining consideration given for the assets was approximately $1,526,000 of
which $1,395,000 was paid in cash and the remaining $131,000 was to be given as
common stock of the Company representing 75,000 shares which will be issued in
June, 1996, to reflect the November 13, 1995 closing as payment in full for the
assets purchased. The common stock was valued at $1.75 per share.
F-9
32
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
B. ACQUISITION (CONTINUED)
Effective November 13, 1995 the Company also acquired the land and buildings
for the steel mill from Maritime. The total remaining consideration to be
given was approximately $1,310,000 in cash and $131,000 in common stock of the
Company, representing 75,000 shares valued at $1.75 per share. As of March 31,
1996, only $277,000 had been paid to Maritime. The remaining balance of the
consideration has been recorded as a liability and is accruing interest at
LIBOR plus 2% (8% at March 31, 1996) as defined in the agreement until the
balance is paid in full. The carrying value of the liability approximates fair
value based on current market rates. After full cash payment is made, the
Company will issue 75,000 shares of common stock in full satisfaction of the
transaction.
The acquisition and allocation to property and equipment and intangible assets
is comprised of:
Stock issued $ 5,337,500
Cash paid 1,671,729
Liability recorded 1,033,561
Commissioning costs capitalized 346,739
-----------
$ 8,389,529
===========
Plant and machinery * $ 6,785,493
Building * 810,410
Land * 270,136
Intangible assets * 523,490
-----------
$ 8,389,529
* Allocation is based on the assets' relative value
Shares to be issued in fiscal year 1997 in connection with the November 13,
1995 transactions have been recorded as issued and outstanding at March 31,
1996.
C. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company currently has general administrative functions handled by another
company, High Speed Technology which is owned 100% by the President of the
Company. In addition, the Company is accruing consulting fees to the President
of the Company for services performed.
F-10
33
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
C. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
As of March 31, 1996 and 1995, funds were due to the President and High Speed
Technology totalling $542,538 and $342,561 respectively. These amounts are
payable on demand and are non-interest bearing. Total expenses associated with
services provided by High Speed Technology were $18,000, $13,500, and $0.00 for
the years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. See Schedule IV
to Form 10-K.
The President of the U.K. subsidiary is also a director of Shipyard, the
company which held the original right, title and interest in the two
Exclusivity Letters with Aberneath and Maritime at the time of the acquisition
by the Company of the Exclusivity Letters (Note B).
In connection with its private placement of common stock (Note G), the Company
paid $113,653 to Austin Friars Securities Limited as commission expense. The
President of the Company is a director of Austin Friars Securities Limited.
A company, Zytec Systems Inc. (Zytec), had invested in common stock of the
Company. Additional common stock of 493,870 shares was issued to Zytec in
exchange for amounts due totalling $494, as of June 1993. At such date, there
was no active trading market for the common stock issued. The Board of
Directors valued the stock at $.001 per share. The balance of funds due was
written off per agreement between the Company and Zytec.
Effective January 1, 1991, Zfax, Inc. had signed a management agreement with
Hmanco, a company which is owned 100% by the President of the Company. The
agreement at $9,250 a month was terminated effective February 28, 1994. Hmanco
provided personnel for management, accounting, tax and administrative services
for the Company. The Company, in fiscal 1993, agreed to issue 900,000 shares
of stock to the President of the Company as of December 31, 1991 in exchange
for reducing the debt owed to Hmanco at such date by $72,000. In October,
1992, the Company sold a part of its property and equipment to Hmanco in
exchange for further reduction in the amount the Company owed. The Company
converted additional balances due Hmanco into common stock of 2,849,730 shares
of the Company totalling $2,850 as of June, 1993. During the fiscal year 1994
additional amounts accrued to Hmanco and again part of the balance accumulated
as due of $3,631 was converted into 3,630,700 shares of common stock of the
Company at $.001 a share in January 1994 and was issued to the President of the
Company and his designee in exchange for reducing the debt. Any balances still
due Hmanco at the end of fiscal 1994 were written off per agreement between the
Company and Hmanco.
F-11
34
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
C. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
Zfax, Inc. has sold the patents, regained from a previous sale, for $1,000 to
the President of the Company, and a promissory note owned by Zfax Inc. for
$100. The patent sale resulted in a loss of $12,843 and the sale of the
promissory note in a loss of $60,744 in fiscal year 1994. See Note E for
additional information.
As of March 31, 1995, the President of the Company agreed to purchase Zfax Inc.
for the book value of the subsidiary. The subsidiary investment was a deficit
of $197,025. The amount due the President is reflected in the total funds due
the President of $342,561 as stated above.
D. OPTIONS
The Company has granted stock options to certain directors, officers, and
consultants to purchase shares of the Company's common stock under an
unqualified plan. The options were originally granted on March 31, 1993 at
$.10 a share which was equal to the current market price at grant date. On
March 31, 1996, the options expired but were renewed for an additional three
years with the same terms. The option price of $.10 per share was below market
price on the renewal date which resulted in a charge to compensation expense of
approximately $1,560,000 for the year ended March 31, 1996.
The options were fully vested at the renewal date and are currently
exercisable. A summary of the stock option transactions follow:
NUMBER OF SHARES
----------------
Options outstanding March 31, 1994 1,802,000
Expired (115,000)
---------
Options outstanding March 31, 1995 1,687,000
Renewed 1,622,000
Expired (1,687,000)
----------
Options outstanding March 31, 1996 1,622,000
=========
F-12
35
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
E. COMMITMENTS
In fiscal 1993 stock was sold for $245,844 resulting in a loss of $216,656 in
Zfax Inc. The funds were erroneously wired to another account. Only $150,000
was ultimately recovered. The balance of $95,844 was pursued by the Company
from the various parties involved in the loss of funds. Zfax Inc. had received
a secured promissory note due January 1, 1994, for $60,000 of the balance due.
The note is part of an investment unit of securities consisting of the note,
240,000 shares of the Maker's common stock and warrants to purchase 240,000
shares of the Maker's common stock. Management believes the balance of the
amount due to be uncollectible and has sold the asset for $100 to the President
of the Company in fiscal 1994.
In prior years, the Company sold its developed cellular facsimile product to a
company that ultimately defaulted on its obligations. Retained earnings was
restated at March 31, 1992 to reflect the final gain recognized on the sale
based upon consideration actually paid. The Company has sold the patents for
the cellular facsimile for $1000 to the President of the Company during fiscal
year 1994.
F. INCOME TAXES
The Company, as a Canadian corporation, does not file United States income tax
returns. The UK subsidiary will file tax returns in the United Kingdom.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The only component of
deferred taxes for the Company is its net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $420,000 in Canada which begin to expire in 1996 and
approximately $141,000 in the U.K. which may be carried forward indefinitely.
Deferred tax assets at March 31, 1996, are:
1996 1995
---- ----
Deferred tax assets $ 206,130 $ 65,613
Valuation allowance (206,130) (65,613)
-------- --------
Net deferred-tax asset $ --- $ ---
========= ========
F-13
36
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
F. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The valuation allowance was increased by $140,517 and $65,613 during the fiscal
years ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
G. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On January 24, 1994, the Company issued a total of 2,475,000 shares for $2,475
of new common stock to a series of non- affiliated investors in exchange for
personal notes receivable. The stock was issued at $.001 a share. The stock
will be held as collateral for payment on notes received. In fiscal 1995, the
notes were considered paid via consultant fees owed by the Company and were
released to each shareholder.
The Company received $10,000 in cash in July 1994 in exchange for 80,000 shares
of newly issued common stock.
Subsequent to fiscal year ending March 1994, the Company realized that the
issuance of stock in June 1993 and in January 1994 had been overvalued based on
actual debt relieved. The financial statements have been restated to more
accurately reflect the value of stock issued at such dates. The restatement
impacted common stock, accounts payable, notes receivable and accumulated
deficit. The total charge to common stock was $447,024.
Shares reserved for future issuance include 1,622,000 shares for stock options
and 914,739 shares for warrants to be exercised. From time to time, the
directors may declare and authorize payments of dividends to the stockholders
of record. To date, no dividends have been declared or paid.
On March 31, 1995, in connection with the agreement with Shipyard, the Company
issued 850,000 shares of common stock as a deposit for the right to acquire the
title and interest in the Exclusivity Letters. During fiscal year 1996, the
Company issued 4,567,356 shares of its common stock in connection with the
acquisition of the steel mill.
Included in the shares issued were 2,050,000 shares issued to Shipyard (see
Note B). In addition, 2,256,339 shares were issued during the year in a series
of private placements by the Company, ranging in price from $1.00 to $1.50 per
share for total proceeds of $2,023,113.
F-14
37
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
Further, 110,957 shares were issued at $1.00 per share for services provided in
connection with the private placement.
In connection with the private placement, the purchasers of the common stock
received warrants to acquire one share of common stock for each warrant
presented. These warrants were deemed to have negligible value at the date of
issuance. The warrants may be exercised at $1.75 per share at any time prior
to the earlier of December 31, 1996 or the date ten days following receipt of
notice from the Company that the common stock has traded for at least $3.00 per
share for twenty consecutive business days. In a separate agreement, the
Company issued 175,000 warrants (100,000 to a related party) to other parties
allowing for the purchase of 175,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share.
As of March 31, 1996, all warrants are outstanding.
H. LOSSES FROM OPERATIONS AND CASH FLOW REQUIREMENTS
The Company has incurred losses from operations for the 1996 and 1995 fiscal
years. In addition, the steel mill owned by the U.K. subsidiary was still in
the commissioning process at March 31, 1996. Further, the Company's ability to
generate sufficient cash flow to meet its current obligations is uncertain.
These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to
continue as a going concern. Since March 31, 1996 additional funds of $582,542
have been received by the Company to commence operations. (See Note J).
The Company is currently seeking a listing on Le Nouveau Marche (a French
domiciled emerging company stock exchange) in order to provide approximately
$12,000,000 to $15,000,000 (gross proceeds) in financing for capital
expenditures, elimination of debt and establishment of working capital.
I. SALE OF SUBSIDIARY
The financial statements include the accounts of Stelax Industries Ltd. Its
wholly owned United States subsidiary, Zfax, Inc. was sold to the President of
the Company on March 31, 1995 for net book value which encompassed the deficit
investment account and the related subsidiary receivable. As a result, a
change in reporting entity occurred and the previously consolidated subsidiary
is accounted for using the equity method of accounting in the restated
financial statements.
F-15
38
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
Condensed financial information follows:
Zfax Inc.
Condensed Balance Sheet
MARCH 31,
1995
---------
Assets 0
Liabilities 197,025
Accumulated Deficit (197,025)
Zfax Inc.
Condensed Statement of Operations
MARCH 31, MARCH 31,
1995 1994
------------ ---------
Net Sales --- 3740
Selling, general and
administrative expense 832 153,056
Extraordinary gain item --- 391,668
Net gain (loss) (832) 241,742
J. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On April 10, 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with Maritime to
extend the due date on the remaining purchase price due to Maritime from April
10, 1996 to July 15, 1996. The balance will continue to accrue interest until
the balance is paid in full. The Company agreed to issue an additional 75,000
shares of its common stock to Maritime in consideration of the extension of
payment.
During April and May of 1996, the Company issued a series of convertible notes
for total proceeds of $582,542 for working capital. The notes bear interest at
a rate of 7% per annum and are due one year after the issuance date. The
holder of a note may convert the principal amount of the note into common stock
at any time beginning forty-one days from the issuance date of the note. The
conversion price per share is equal to a 22% discount to the 10-day average bid
price of the stock at the time notice of conversion is given.
F-16
39
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Presented in United States Dollars)
The Company is acquiring raw materials for manufacturing and production is in
process on an order-specific basis.
F-17
40
STELAX INDUSTRIES LTD.
(formerly Zfax Image Corp.)
SCHEDULE IV -- INDEBTEDNESS TO RELATED PARTIES -- NOT CURRENT
(Presented in United States Dollars)
Balance at
Beginning of Balance at
Debtor Year Additions Deductions End of Year
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, 1996
- ---------------
Registrant
Harmon Hardy, Jr. $285,318 $181,688 --- $467,006
High Speed Tech 58,031 17,501 --- 75,532
Hmanco, Inc. (788) 788 --- 0
March 31, 1995
- ---------------
Harmon Hardy, Jr. 0 285,318 --- 285,318
Note 1 0 58,031 --- 58,031
High Speed Tech 0 --- (788) (788)
Note 2
Hmanco, Inc.
March 31, 1994
- ---------------
Harmon Hardy, Jr. 0 --- --- 0
High Speed Tech 0 --- --- 0
Hmanco, Inc. 0 --- --- 0
Subsidiary
March 31, 1995
- ---------------
Hmanco, Inc. 0 --- --- 0
Zytec Computer Corp.
Aftech Leasing 0 --- --- 0
Harmon Hardy, Jr. 0 --- --- 0
8,331 --- --- 8,331
Note 1. Consulting and travel expenses incurred. Of total increase, $197,025
represents amount owed due to sale of
subsidiary. See Note C for more information.
2. General administrative charges incurred.
F-18
41
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- -------- -----------
3(e) Amendment to Articles of the Company
changing the name to "Stelax Industries Ltd."
4(b) Form of 7% Convertible Note due August 31, 1997
27 Financial Data Schedule