The Company remains a pre-revenue entity at October 31, 2023. It did not incur any further development expenses on any project between 2020-2023.
Given the progress and momentum achieved to date with Chevron and with Romgaz, the Company believes it will have commercial orders, although there can be no assurances such purchase orders will be made or that revenues will be achieved in future. In October 2023 we received our first purchase order from Romgaz.
Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property consists of two components:
a) A series of patents and provisional patents relating to the smart oil pan plug technology (the formal reference is the "multimodal conditional sensor platform and system thereof") originally developed from the work completed on the GM/Flextronics project.
b) A series of older patents relating to the Hall sensor application for magnetic random access memory (MRAM). These patents and the market for MRAM applications have not been pursued by the Company since 2009 and all of the costs associated with these patents were written off by 2013 after unsuccessful attempts to sell or license this intellectual property to other parties.
Beginning in 2018, we began to abandon provisional patent filings in a number of international jurisdictions as a cost cutting initiative. We have not funded any additional patent related activity nor patent filings since 2018.
We believe that the U.S. patents that have been granted for MRAM have sustaining value to be realized in the future. If the Company's financial position improves, it may pursue the exploitation of its patents in this field of endeavors.
Our patent costs are summarized below for the fiscal years ending October 31, 2019-2022:
| | 2021-2023 | | | 2020 | | | 2019 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Patent expenditures: | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Patent costs capitalized: | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Amortization expense: | | - | | | 8,123 | | | 152,962 | |
Impairment Reserve: | | - | | | - | | | 223,143 | |
Share Capital
At October 31, 2023, the Company had 510,368,838 common shares outstanding (2022: 467,607,678 common shares outstanding). Additionally, the Company has 9,775,000 stock options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $0.06 per share (2022: 11,725,000 options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $0.06 per share).
Changes to Our Board of Directors and Management:
The Company held its most recent Annual General and Special Meeting of the shareholders for the fiscal years ending 2017, 2018, and 2019 on September 8, 2020. At such meeting, Joseph Fuda, Alex Dey and Oliver Nepomuceno were re-elected as directors. Joseph Fuda and Dan Amadori continue in their respective roles of CEO and CFO respectively.
We plan to schedule the next Annual General Meeting of shareholders to cover the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 fiscal years to be held prior to April 30, 2024. We will evaluate the opportunities to expand our Board of Directors at this upcoming Annual General Meeting.
Equity Financing Transactions:
In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, the Company completed the following transactions:
(a) Pursuant to prospectus and registration exemptions set forth in applicable securities law, the Company completed private placements consisting of common shares, received net proceeds of $509,939 and issued a total of 9,864,500 common shares.
(b) The Company continued its bridge loan financing activities in 2023, specifically:
(i) It issued 30,346,660 common shares for the conversion of bridge loans totaling $1,742,226.
(ii) It realized net proceeds of $645,151 from the issuance of convertible debentures.
(iii) It repaid $270,000 of bridge loans previously secured.
(iv) Certain of the bridge loans that matured in 2023 were extended at maturity date, ultimately through October 31, 2023, and thereafter.
In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Company completed the following transactions:
(c) Pursuant to prospectus and registration exemptions set forth in applicable securities law, the Company completed private placements consisting of common shares, received net proceeds of $181,997 and issued a total of 5,012,450 common shares.
(d) The Company continued its bridge loan financing activities in 2022, specifically:
(v) It issued 26,443,820 common shares for the conversion of bridge loans totaling $764,432.
(vi) It realized net proceeds of $765,671 from the issuance of convertible debentures.
(vii) It repaid $63,490 of bridge loans previously secured.
(viii) Certain of the bridge loans that matured in 2022 were extended at maturity date, ultimately through October 31, 2022, and thereafter.
Environmental Matters:
We are subject to various environmental protection regulations imposed by the government in the jurisdiction where we conduct our development work. We are not aware of any current or pending environmental protection laws or regulations that would have a material impact on our capital expenditure requirements or competitive position.
C. Organizational Structure
In November 2007, the Company incorporated MAST as a Delaware-based wholly-owned subsidiary. MAST had an office in New York City and was being managed by Steven Van Fleet, its then President and a Director of Micromem. We have utilized the services of other consultants to continue the work of MAST since the departure of Mr. Van Fleet in August 2018.
In October 2008, the Company incorporated 7070179 Canada Inc. as a wholly-owned subsidiary. On October 31, 2008, the Company assigned its rights, title, and interest in certain of its intellectual property which it previously held directly to 707179 Canada Inc. in exchange for common shares of this wholly-owned subsidiary.
We have a wholly-owned subsidiary, Pageant International, which was incorporated under the laws of the Turks & Caicos Islands and continued to Barbados on May 25, 2001. Pageant International has a wholly-owned subsidiary, Pageant Technologies (USA) Inc., a corporation incorporated in the State of Utah. Pageant Technologies USA has been inactive since 2002.
We have a wholly-owned subsidiary, Memtech International Inc., incorporated under the laws of the Bahamas, which in turn has a wholly-owned subsidiary, Memtech International (USA) Inc., a corporation incorporated in the State of Delaware. We also have a wholly-owned subsidiary Micromem Holdings (Barbados) Inc. These subsidiaries have been inactive since inception.
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
We maintain our corporate headquarters in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We occupied 2,500 square feet of commercial office space pursuant to a lease that was extended in February 2017 for five years through July 2022. In August 2022 we moved to a smaller unit in the same commercial building occupying 1,154 square feet pursuant to a lease from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2025. The Company sublets a portion of its rental space on a month to month basis and realized sublet income of $17,682 in 2023 (2022: $19,076; 2021: $24,809)
In 2022, the Company capitalized $48,408 of right of use assets under IFRS 16 pertaining to its lease for office premises and recorded an equivalent liability in its accounts. The Company recorded amortization of $16,492 in 2023; ($25,878 in 2022; 2021: $28,033).
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
This section of the Form 20-F has been prepared to provide a more substantive discussion of our business and to assist the reader in analyzing the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2023, October 31, 2022, and October 31, 2021. This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes in this Annual Report, which are prepared in accordance with IFRS and are stated in United States dollars.
Operating Results:
The following table sets forth certain selected financial information of our Company.
Selected statement of operation and deficit information
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Administration | | 148,616 | | | 185,366 | | | 155,504 | |
Professional and other fees and salaries | | 610,052 | | | 647,710 | | | 424,485 | |
Travel and entertainment | | 63,360 | | | 59,504 | | | 24,903 | |
Recovery of reserve for litigation costs/stale dated payables | | - | | | - | | | (422,982 | ) |
Stock compensation expense | | 217,965 | | | 41,484 | | | 360,044 | |
Interest expense | | 540,929 | | | 469,425 | | | 495,809 | |
Amortization expense | | 16,492 | | | 29,755 | | | 36,033 | |
Accretion expense | | 279,834 | | | 1,179,603 | | | 1,169,921 | |
(Gain) Loss on conversion of bridge loans | | 21,120 | | | 94,326 | | | (9,506 | ) |
(Gain) on revaluation of derivatives | | (658,503 | ) | | (409,607 | ) | | (2,547,192 | ) |
Loss (Gain) on extinguishment/repayment of convertible debentures | | 1,428,066 | | | 200,650 | | | 1,018,928 | |
Financing costs | | 86,352 | | | 13,233 | | | 84,478 | |
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | | (62,613 | ) | | (176,477 | ) | | 222,553 | |
(Loss) for the year | | (2,691,670 | ) | | (2,287,095 | ) | | (1,012,978 | ) |
(Loss) per share - basic and diluted | | (0.01 | ) | | (0.01 | ) | | 0.00 | |
Selected balance sheet information
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Working capital (defic iency) | | (4,818,699 | ) | | (4,722,878 | ) | | (3,452,924 | ) |
Other Assets | | 32,767 | | | 48,092 | | | 29,889 | |
Total Assets | | 168,350 | | | 99,519 | | | 225,293 | |
Long term liabilities | | 55,272 | | | (73,214 | ) | | (48,243 | ) |
Shareholders' equity (deficiency) | | (4,841,204 | ) | | (4,748,000 | ) | | (3,471,278 | ) |
Fiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022
a) Administration costs were $148,616 in 2023 versus $185,366 in 2022. These costs include rent and occupancy costs of $17,663 (2022: $50,907, the Company reported sublet income for a portion of its office space in 2022; office insurance costs of $1,930 (2022: $1,696; the Company did not renew its directors and officers' insurance coverage after 2020), investor relations, listings and filing fees of $52,756 (2022: $64,769), other general and administrative expenses of $70,584 (2022: $59,938).
b) Professional and other fees and salaries costs were $610,052 in 2023 versus $647,710 in 2022. The components of these total costs include legal and audit related expenses of $144,244 in 2023 (2022: $110,933), third party consulting fees were $67,664 in 2023 (2022: $69,563), staff salaries and benefits were $398,144 in 2023 (2022: $467,214).
The CFO has received $86,250 of management fees in 2023 (2022: $40,615). The CEO of the Company has received $190,317 of compensation in 2023 (2022: $92,902).
c) Travel and entertainment expenses were $63,360 in 2023 (2022: $59,504).
d) In 2023, the Company awarded 3,000,000 stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants. (2022: 2,025,000 stock options issued to consultants); the related expense of $217,965 was calculated using the Black Scholes option-pricing model (2022: $41,484).
e) Interest expense was $540,929 in 2023 versus $469,425 in 2022. This represents the actual interest expense obligations incurred by the Company based on the stated interest rates on the convertible debenture notes.
f) Amortization expense was $16,492 in 2023 relating to Capital Assets (2022: $29,755 consisting of $3,877 relating to patents and $25,878 relating to Capital Assets).
g) Financing costs were $86,352 in 2023 versus $13,233 in 2022. These expenses relate to costs associated with the convertible debenture financings which the Company completed in 2023 and 2022; there were fewer such financings in 2022.
h) The gain on foreign exchange reported in 2023 was $62,613 versus a gain of $176,477 in 2022. This included the exchange relating to the translation of $CDN denominated transactions during the year and to Canadian denominated assets and liabilities at fiscal quarter and year ends. It also included the foreign exchange relating to the initiation, renewal, conversion, and repayment of convertible debentures transactions during the fiscal years. The Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar was $0.7509 at October 31, 2019, $0.7596 at October 31, 2020, $0.7956 at October 31, 2021 , $0.7327 at October 31, 2022 and $0.7207 at October 31, 2023.
i) The other expenses reported relate to the convertible debentures. These expenses are all non-cash expenses and compare as follows:
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | Change | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Accretion expense | | 279,834 | | | 1,179,603 | | | (899,769 | ) |
Loss (Gain) on conversion/repayment of debentures | | 48,363 | | | 46,449 | | | 1,914 | |
Loss (Gain) on revaluation of derivative liabilities | | (658,503 | ) | | (409,607 | ) | | (248,896 | ) |
Loss (Gain) on extinguishment of convertible debentures | | 1,400,823 | | | 200,650 | | | 1,200,173 | |
Net Expense | | 1,070,517 | | | 1,017,095 | | | 53,422 | |
Fiscal 2022 Compared to Fiscal 2021
j) Administration costs were $185,366 in 2022 versus $155,504 in 2021. These costs include rent and occupancy costs of $ 50,907 (2021: $15,536, the Company reported sublet income for a portion of its office space in 2022 and 2021; in 2021 the Company also received Federal Government COVID-19 related rent subsidies); office insurance costs of $1,696 (2021: $753; the Company did not renew its directors and officers insurance coverage after 2020), investor relations, listings and filing fees of $64,769 (2021: $53,029), other general and administrative expenses of $ 59,938 (2021: $86,186).
k) Professional and other fees and salaries costs were $647,710 in 2022 versus $424,485 in 2021. The components of these total costs include legal and audit related expenses of $110,933 in 2022 (2021: $116,425), 3rd party consulting fees were $69,563 in 2022 (2021: $132,793), staff salaries and benefits were $467,214 in 2022 (2021: $184,138).
The CFO has received $40,615 of management fees in 2022 (2021: $25,376). The CEO of the Company has received $92,902 of compensation in 2022 (2021: $81,826).
l) Travel and entertainment expenses were $59,504 in 2022 (2021: $24,903). We limited travel expenses in 2021 as part of a broader effort to reduce the Company's operating expenses; corporate travel has resumed in 2022.
m) In 2022, the Company awarded 2,025,000 stock options to consultants. (2021: 9.5 million stock options issued to directors, officers and consultants); the related expense of $41,484 was calculated using the Black Scholes option-pricing model (2021: $360,044).
n) Interest expense was $469,425 in 2022 versus $495,809 in 2021. This represents the actual interest expense obligations incurred by the Company based on the stated interest rates on the convertible debenture notes.
o) Amortization expense was $29,755 in 2022 consisting of $3,877 relating to patents and $25,878 relating to Capital Assets (2021: $36,033 consisting of $8,000 relating to patents and $28,033 relating to Capital Assets).
p) Financing costs were $13,233 in 2022 versus $84,478 in 2021. These expenses relate to costs associated with the convertible debenture financings which the Company completed in 2022 and 2021; there were fewer such financings in 2022.
q) The gain on foreign exchange reported in 2022 was $176,477 versus a loss of $222,553 in 2021. This included the exchange relating to the translation of $CDN denominated transactions during the year and to Canadian denominated assets and liabilities at fiscal quarter and year ends. It also included the foreign exchange relating to the initiation, renewal, conversion, and repayment of convertible debentures transactions during the fiscal years. The Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar was $0.7509 at October 31, 2019, $0.7596 at October 31, 2020, $0.7956 at October 31, 2021 and $0.7327 at October 31, 2022.
r) The other expenses reported relate to the convertible debentures. These expenses are all non-cash expenses and compare as follows:
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | Change | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Accretion expense | | 1,179,603 | | | 1,169,921 | | | 9,682 | |
Loss (Gain) on conversion of debentures | | 46,449 | | | (9,506 | ) | | 55,955 | |
Loss (Gain) on revaluation/repayment of derivatives | | (409,607 | ) | | (2,547,192 | ) | | 2,137,585 | |
Loss (Gain) on extinguishment of debentures | | 200,650 | | | 1,018,928 | | | (818,278 | ) |
Net Expense | | 1,017,095 | | | (367,849 | ) | | 1,384,944 | |
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
Three months ended (unaudited) | | Working capital (deficiency) | | | Capital assets at Net Book Value | | | Other Assets | | | Total Assets | | | Shareholders' equity (deficit) | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
October 31, 2023 | | (4,818,699 | ) | | 32,767 | | | - | | | 168,350 | | | (4,841,204 | ) |
July 31, 2023 | | (6,148,332 | ) | | 36,331 | | | - | | | 240,608 | | | (6,174,904 | ) |
April 30, 2023 | | (6,847,503 | ) | | 39,466 | | | - | | | 309,695 | | | (6,873,535 | ) |
January 31, 2023 | | (4,786,678 | ) | | 43,779 | | | - | | | 105,556 | | | (4,813,784 | ) |
October 31, 2022 | | (4,722,878 | ) | | 48,092 | | | - | | | 99,519 | | | (4,748,000 | ) |
July 31, 2022 | | (5,421,607 | ) | | 4,445 | | | - | | | 97,504 | | | (5,463,523 | ) |
April 30, 2022 | | (3,939,361 | ) | | 11,630 | | | - | | | 93,372 | | | (3,790,399 | ) |
January 31, 2022 | | (4,341,708 | ) | | 18,816 | | | 1,877 | | | 148,789 | | | (4,368,574 | ) |
Three months ended(unaudited) | | Revenues $ | | | Expenses $ | | | Income (loss) in period $ | | | Loss per share $ | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
October 31, 2023 | | - | | | (1,271,082 | ) | | 1,271,082 | | | - | |
July 31, 2023 | | - | | | (149,612 | ) | | 149,612 | | | - | |
April 30, 2023 | | | | | 3,896,034 | | | (3,896,034 | ) | | 0.01 | |
January 31, 2023 | | - | | | 216,330 | | | (216,330 | ) | | - | |
October 31, 2022 | | - | | | (419,082 | ) | | 419,082 | | | - | |
July 31, 2022 | | - | | | 1,421,173 | | | (1,421,173 | ) | | - | |
April 30, 2022 | | - | | | (107,839 | ) | | 107,839 | | | - | |
January 31, 2022 | | - | | | 1,392,843 | | | (1,392,843 | ) | | - | |
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources:
Liquidity
We have not yet realized commercial revenues from the exploitation of our technology platforms. We currently do not have positive cash flow from operations and will not realize positive cash flow until we license or directly produce and sell products utilizing our technology platforms.
We currently have no lines of credit available. We have relied on obtaining equity financing from investors through private placements, through the exercise of common stock options by officers and directors, and through bridge loans that the Company has secured in order to meet our cash flow needs until we can generate sustainable revenues. At October 31, 2023, we had a working capital deficiency of $4,818,699 (2022: $4,722,878) including cash on hand of $31,584 (2022: $33,227). Since October 31, 2023, we have raised an additional $216,415 of bridge loan financing and $113,260 of financing from private placements. We have granted to our directors, officers, other employees and consultants a number of options to purchase shares at prices that are at or above market price on the date of grant. None of the optionees have any obligation to exercise their options and there can be no guarantee that we will realize any funds from the exercise of these options.
In 2024, we plan to continue to raise financing as required and we anticipate that we may report initial revenues from our development partners. In our opinion, despite the current working capital deficiency, in consideration of the future financing endeavours, business plan and existing cash resources, we expect the Company to have sufficient financial resources to fund the Company's planned operations through fiscal 2024.
We incurred $2,044 capital expenditures in 2023 (2022: nil).
C. Research and Development:
Under IFRS, research costs are expensed in the period incurred. Development expenses are expensed as incurred unless they meet the criteria for deferral and amortization under IFRS, which criteria is the translation of research findings or other knowledge into a plan for the technology prior to commercial production or use.
D. Trend Information:
The market applications for "smart" sensors are expanding; there are potential applications that could be utilized in virtually every industry vertical.
Our prospects for commercial revenues are dependent upon the successful completion of milestones in the development contracts that we have initiated to date and upon the customers deciding to proceed with commercial orders once these development contracts are successfully completed.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements:
We are not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements. In addition, we have no unconsolidated special purpose financing or partnership entities.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations:
A summary of our financial commitments as of October 31, 2023, is as below:
| Payments due by period ($USD) |
| Total | Less than 1 year | 1-5 years | More than 5 years |
Operating lease obligations | $31,578 | $18,822 | $12,756 | - |
| | | | |
| Payments due by period ($USD) |
| Total | Less than 30 days | 31-90 days past billing date | Over 90 days past billing date |
Trade payables | $209,285 | $209,285 | $ - | $ - |
| | | | |
| Payments due by period ($USD) |
| Total | Less than 3 months | Three to six months | Six to twelve months |
Convertible debentures | $3,923,784 | $ 2,451,614 | $ 1,038,355 | $ 433,815 |
Debenture payable | $37,509 | $37,509 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Critical Accounting Policies:
Our significant accounting policies are set forth in our consolidated financial statements, which should be read in conjunction with management's discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates set forth below.
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.
We have not yet realized commercial revenues from the exploitation of our technology. Under IFRS, research costs are expensed in the period incurred. Development expenses are expensed as incurred unless they meet the criteria for deferral and amortization under IFRS which is the translation of research findings or other knowledge into a plan for the technology prior to commercial production or use. As at October 31, 2023, the Company capitalized nil of development costs and capitalized nil as intangible assets under IFRS.
Management is required to make estimates and assumptions which can affect the reported balances. In determining estimates of net recoverable amounts and net realizable values, or whether there has been a permanent impairment in value, we rely on assumptions regarding applicable industry performance and prospects, as well as general business and economic conditions that prevail and are expected to prevail. Assumptions underlying asset valuations are limited by the availability of reliable comparable data and the uncertainty of predictions concerning future events.
Contingencies:
(1) We have agreed to indemnify our directors and officers and certain of our employees in accordance with our Bylaws. We maintain insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims.
(2) The Company may be subject to litigation, claims and governmental and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In such cases, the Company would accrue a loss contingency for these matters when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
(3) Legal matter: Litigation with Steven Van Fleet
We have previously reported on the litigation matter, which commenced in 2018, relating to Mr. Van Fleet, the former President of MAST.
In 2021, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Dutchess ultimately dismissed all of Mr. Van Fleet's claims, found that he was liable to Micromem and MAST on their counterclaims and ordered an inquest to determine damages. The inquest was held between June 3 - 7, 2021.
On June 16th, 2021, the court ordered that Micromem, and MAST had established damages of $765,579.35, the full amount that had been requested. Additionally, the court awarded costs and statutory prejudgement interest from May 9, 2017. On June 29th, 2021, the court entered a judgement ("Judgement") in favor of Micromem and MAST and against Mr. Van Fleet in the amount of $1,051,739.83.
With respect to the Company's efforts to collect on that Judgement, a settlement ("Settlement") was reached during October 2021. Pursuant to the Settlement, the Company received an initial one-time payment and is entitled to additional monthly payments over a period of up to six years. The Company will record those payments as and when they are received. The total amount to be received by the Company if Mr. Van Fleet makes all the required payments under the terms of the Settlement will be less than the amount of the Judgement obtained by the Company, but if Mr. Van Fleet does not comply with the terms of the Settlement, it also provides the Company a means of enforcing a larger judgement against Mr. Van Fleet that is substantially in line with the Judgement.
(4) Legal matter: Litigation with ex-controller
On November 1, 2023, a former employee filed a statement of claim against the Company relating to employment termination without reasonable notice. The Company filed a statement of defence and counterclaim on November 29, 2023 denying all liability to the former employee. The Company considers the claim of the former employee to be largely and likely without merit and therefore, no provision has been recorded in these consolidated financial statements.
Translation of Foreign Currencies:
Our functional and reporting currency is the United States dollar. Accounts recorded in foreign currency have been converted to United States dollars as follows: Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates at the consolidated balance sheet dates; non-monetary assets are translated using the historical rate of exchange in effect at the translation dates; revenues and expenses are translated using the average rate of exchange for the year, which rate approximates the rate of exchange prevailing at the transaction dates; and gains and losses resulting from the translation are included in the determination of net loss for the period.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and Executive Officers
The Directors and Executive Officers of Micromem as at January 31, 2024, are set forth below:
Name | Age | Position |
| | |
Joseph Fuda | 63 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Dan Amadori | 72 | Chief Financial Officer |
Oliver Nepomuceno | 56 | Director |
Alex Dey | 80 | Director |
Joseph Fuda has been President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director since February 13, 2002. Previously he served as Manager of Strategic Alliances for Micromem since February 2001. Prior thereto, he served as a consultant to Micromem since November 2000. Prior thereto he served as a Vice-President and a Director of IPO Capital Corp since April 1999. He was a director of Leader Capital Corp. until June 2007 and also served as a director of Echo Energy Canada Inc, and of Echo Power Generational Inc until June 2004.
Dan Amadori has served as Chief Financial Officer of Micromem since June 2004. From January 2018 to December 9, 2020, he served as a member of the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Audit Committee of Nerium Biotechnology Inc. He served as a Director and Chair of the Governance Committee of Invesque Inc. from 2015 through May 2019. He served as Chair of the Board of Kingsway Arms Retirement Residences Inc from August 2011 through May 2015. Prior to 2010 he served as an officer - director of other public companies including HyDrive Technologies Inc., Luxell Technologies Inc., XGen Ventures Inc., Ontex Resources Ltd and Leader Capital Corp. He is President of Lamerac Financial Corp., a financial advisory firm, and has held that position since October 1988. Mr. Amadori is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business. He received his ICD.D designation from the Rotman School of Business in 2010.
Oliver Nepomuceno has served as a director of Micromem since June 26, 2006. He is a resident of Switzerland and continues to serve as a financial advisor and is located in Switzerland. He actively assists corporations in the development of new business opportunities in new markets.
Alex Dey is a retired businessman and was elected as a director on September 24, 2010. He was the sole proprietor of Alex Dey, Chartered Accountants until July 31, 2004.
There are no arrangements or understandings between any director and any other person pursuant to which the director was selected as a director or executive officer. Each director holds office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his or her successor is elected or appointed, unless his or her office is earlier vacated according to the provisions of our By-laws or the Business Corporations Act (Ontario).
B. Compensation
| | Annual Compensation | | | | | | | | | Long-Term Compensation | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Awards | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fiscal | | | Salary | | | Bonus | | | Other Annual | | | Securities | |
Name and | | Year | | | (US$) | | | (US$) | | | Compensation | | | Under Options | |
Principal Position | | | | | | | | | | | (US$) | | | Granted (#) | |
Joseph Fuda | | 2021 | | | 81,826 | | | - | | | 86,420 | | | 1,900,000 | |
Chief Executive Officer | | 2022 | | | 92,902 | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
| | 2023 | | | 141,120 | | | - | | | 22,712 | | | 340,000 | |
Dan Amadori | | 2021 | | | 25,375 | | | - | | | 86,420 | | | 1,900,000 | |
Chief Financial Officer | | 2022 | | | 40,615 | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
| | 2023 | | | 63,769 | | | - | | | 22,712 | | | 340,000 | |
Oliver Nepomuceno | | 2021 | | | - | | | - | | | 27,330 | | | 600,000 | |
Director | | 2022 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
| | 2023 | | | - | | | - | | | 22,044 | | | 330,000 | |
Alex Dey | | 2021 | | | - | | | - | | | 27,330 | | | 600,000 | |
Director | | 2022 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
| | 2023 | | | 9,896 | | | - | | | 22,044 | | | 330,000 | |
Options are offered to directors, executive officers, and employees to purchase our common shares at an exercise price equal to or above the market price for the common shares at the date that the options are granted. These options are approved by the Compensation Committee. None of the directors have agreements that provide for benefits. In 2023 1,340,000 options were granted to directors and officers. The weighted average exercise price was $0.07 per share. No stock options were granted to directors or officers in 2022. In 2021 5,000,000 options were granted to directors and officers. The weighted average exercise price was $0.06 per share.
C. Board Practices:
All matters pertaining to our financing, contractual arrangements and Management and Director compensation are approved by the Board of Directors. The members of the Board of Directors are appointed to a one-year term at our Annual General Meeting or until such time as the next Annual General Meeting is held.
Our Board of Directors meets on an as required basis during the fiscal year. Our Board of Directors did not meet in person in 2023. The Board was convened informally as of each quarter end.
Our Audit Committee met regularly during fiscal 2023 for the purpose of approving and recommending to the Board the quarterly financial statements and our yearend financial statements. In addition, our Audit Committee receives regular periodic reports from management.
Our Compensation Committee met as part of our audit committee meetings in 2023; it receives regular reports from management. Our Compensation Committee approves management and director compensation and all stock option grants for recommendation to the Board of Directors.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee consisting of two independent directors. The members of the Audit Committee are Alex Dey (Chairman) and Oliver Nepomuceno, each of whom serves in such capacity until the Board of Directors' next annual meeting. The Audit Committee is responsible for the integrity of our internal accounting and control systems. The committee receives and reviews our financial statements and makes recommendations thereon to the Board of Directors prior to its approval by the full Board of Directors. The Audit Committee communicates directly with our external auditors in order to discuss audit and related matters whenever appropriate. The Audit Committee met formally in January, February, June and September 2023.
Compensation Committee
The Board of Directors has appointed a Compensation Committee which meets on executive compensation matters as and when required. Our Compensation Committee includes Oliver Nepomuceno and Alex Dey as outside directors. The Compensation Committee did not meet separately in 2023 as both members also serve on the Audit Committee.
Disclosure Committee
The Board of Directors has appointed a Disclosure Committee whose primary responsibility is to ensure timely and accurate disclosure of all relevant information in accordance with the various securities regulations. Our Disclosure Committee includes Joseph Fuda, the Company's CEO, and Alex Dey, an outside director.
D. Employees
We have three employees, one of which serves in a management capacity and two of which serve in an administrative capacity. This includes Mr. Fuda, the Chief Executive Officer and President, and two support staff, all of whom work from our executive offices in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Amadori, our CFO, provides services through his management company. All research and development is outsourced to third parties. We consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory. Our Controller resigned in February 2023.
E.Share Ownership
| NAME | COMMON SHARES OWNED1 | OPTIONS HELD | OPTION EXERCISE PRICE | OPTION EXPIRATION DATE | % OF TOTAL 2 |
| Joseph Fuda Chief Executive Officer and Director | 2,074,335 | 1,500,000 400,000 340,000 | $0.05 $0.07 $0.07 | 11/13/2025 10/08/2026 03/20/2028 | 0.85% (4,314,335) |
| Dan Amadori Chief Financial Officer | 1,123,8573 | 1,500,000 400,000 340,000 | $0.05 $0.07 $0.07 | 11/13/2025 10/08/2026 03/20/2028 | 0.66 % (3,363,857) |
| Oliver Nepomuceno Director | 1,078,572 | 500,000 100,000 330,000 | $0.05 $0.07 $0.07 | 11/13/2025 10/08/2026 03/20/2028 | 0.39% (2,008,572) |
| Alex Dey Director | 999,7954 | 500,000 100,000 330,000 | $0.05 $0.07 $0.07 | 11/13/2025 10/08/2026 03/20/2028 | 0.38% (1,929,795) |
1 | Common shares beneficially owned as of the date of this Annual Report. |
| |
2 | Calculated based on common shares owned plus options held as a percentage total of common shares outstanding as of the date of this Annual Report, plus options held. |
3 | 215,716 common shares are held by a corporation controlled by Mr. Amadori. |
4 | 254,863 common shares are held by a corporation wholly owned by Mr. Dey. |
We do not have any arrangements involving the employees in the capital of the Company, except for the grant of stock options pursuant to our 2020 Stock Option Plan, as amended and approved by our shareholders on September 8, 2020, at the discretion of the Board.
F. Disclosure of a Registrant's Actions to Recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders:
To our knowledge, no shareholder holds greater than 5% of the common shares outstanding of the Company. As of the date of this Annual Report, approximately 68% of the issued and outstanding common shares are held by Canadian investors; approximately 30% of the issued and outstanding shares are held by U.S. investors; and approximately 2% are held by investors outside of Canada and the U.S.
We are not aware of any arrangement, the operation of which may result in a change of control of the Company.
B. Related Party Transactions:
The Company reports the following related party transactions:
(a) Management and consulting fees:
Included in professional fees, other fees and salaries as reported are management fees and consulting fees paid or payable to individuals (or Companies controlled by such individuals) who served as officers, directors, and employees of the Company. The total compensation paid to such parties is summarized as follows:
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
Cash Compensation | $ | 214,914 | | $ | 133,517 | | $ | 107,201 | |
Stock based compensation | | 82,946 | | | - | | | 227,500 | |
| $ | 297,860 | | $ | 133,517 | | $ | 334,701 | |
The cash compensation paid in 2023 included $69,990 to our CFO, Dan Amadori (2022: $40,615) and $147,242 to our CEO, Joseph Fuda (2022: $92,902).
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Our consolidated financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.
We have never paid a dividend on our securities. We do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
B. Significant Changes
Significant Changes since October 31, 2023, are as presented in Note 22 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. See "Item 18 - Financial Statements".
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
Our common shares are quoted in the United States on the OTCQB under the symbol "MMTIF". Our common shares are traded in Canada on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "MRM".
The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for common shares in U.S. Dollars as quoted on the OTCQB for the periods specified. Our fiscal year end is October 31.
Period | High | Low |
| | |
Last six months: | | |
January 2024 | 0.09 | 0.07 |
December 2023 | 0.09 | 0.04 |
November 2023 | 0.06 | 0.04 |
October 2023 | 0.08 | 0.05 |
September 2023 | 0.08 | 0.05 |
August 2023 | 0.10 | 0.07 |
Last eight quarters: | | |
Q4 2023 | 0.10 | 0.05 |
Q3 2023 | 0.15 | 0.07 |
Q2 2023 | 0.13 | 0.03 |
Q1 2023 | 0.05 | 0.03 |
Q4 2022 | 0.06 | 0.03 |
Q3 2022 | 0.08 | 0.03 |
Q2 2022 | 0.07 | 0.04 |
Q1 2022 | 0.12 | 0.04 |
Last five years: | | |
2023: | 0.15 | 0.03 |
2022: | 0.12 | 0.03 |
2021: | 0.22 | 0.04 |
2020: | 0.13 | 0.01 |
2019 | 0.13 | 0.01 |
| | |
On January 31, 2024, the last reported sale price for our common shares on the OTCQB was $0.0784 per share.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital
Our authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares, of which 510,368,838 shares were issued and outstanding as of October 31, 2023, and 2,000,000 special, redeemable, voting preference shares, referred to herein as special shares, none of which were outstanding, as of October 31, 2023.
Additionally, the Company has 9,775,000 stock options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $0.06 per share (2022: 11,725,000 options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $0.06 per share).
B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation Details and Objects of Micromem Technologies Inc.
Micromem Technologies Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada, on October 21, 1985, as Mine Lake Minerals Inc. We subsequently changed our name to Avanti Capital Corp. by filing Articles of Incorporation of Amendment on June 23, 1988, and to AvantiCorp International Inc. on April 30, 1992 before becoming Micromem Technologies Inc. on January 14, 1999. The Articles of Incorporation of Incorporation place no restrictions on the nature of the business to be carried on by Micromem.
Summary of Directors Powers and Authorities
The rights, duties, powers, and authorities of our Board of Directors are set out in the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws and the statutory provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The following is a selected summary of the Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and applicable provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) as they relate to selected rights, duties, powers and authorities of our Board of Directors.
The Articles of Incorporation provide for a minimum of three and a maximum of 12 directors. The Business Corporations Act (Ontario) prescribes that an offering corporation must have a minimum of three directors, at least twenty five percent (25%), or if they are less than 4, at least one of whom are Canadian residents and at least one third of whom are not officers or employees of us or our affiliates. The Board of Directors may, between annual shareholders meetings, appoint one or more additional directors to serve until the next annual shareholders meeting provided that the number of directors so added may not exceed by one-third (1/3) the number of directors required to have been elected at the last annual meeting of shareholders.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors or any one director may call a meeting upon the provision of forty-eight hours notice to each director in the manner prescribed in our By-laws. Any such notice shall include the items of business to be considered at the meeting. A majority of the directors constitute a quorum provided that half of those directors present are Canadian residents. Business cannot be transacted without a quorum. A quorum of directors may vote on any matter of business properly brought before the meeting provided that where a director is a party to a material contract or proposed material contract or has a material interest in the matter to be considered, such director must disclose his or her interest at the earliest possible date, request the conflict be noted in the minutes of the meeting, and with a few limited exceptions enumerated in the By-laws, refrain from voting on the matter in which the director has a material interest. There is no limitation on the Board of Directors to vote on matters of their remuneration provided such remuneration is disclosed in the financial statements and annual shareholder proxy materials.
The Board of Directors has broad borrowing powers and may, without authorization from the shareholders:
• borrow money on the credit of Micromem:
• issue, re-issue, sell or pledge debt obligations of Micromem;
• subject to restrictions respecting financial assistance prescribed in the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), give a guarantee on behalf of Micromem to secure the performance of an obligation of any person; and
• mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any property of Micromem, owned or subsequently acquired, to secure any obligation of Micromem.
A person is qualified to be or stand for election as a director provided such person is at least 18 years of age, is not a bankrupt and is not found to be of unsound mind by a court in Canada or elsewhere. There is no requirement for a director to hold common shares.
Securities of Micromem
Holders of our common shares will be entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at all meetings of the shareholders of Micromem. Each common share carries one vote at such meetings. In the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Micromem, after payment of all outstanding debts, the remaining assets of Micromem available for distribution will be distributed to the holders of our common shares. Dividends may be declared and paid on our common shares in such amounts and at such times as the directors shall determine in their discretion in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). There are no pre-emptive rights, conversion rights, redemption provisions or sinking fund provisions attaching to the common shares. Common shares are not liable to further calls or to assessment by Micromem; provided, however, that pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), Micromem has a lien on any common share registered in the name of a shareholder or the shareholder's legal representative for a debt owed by the shareholder to Micromem.
Holders of special shares are entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at all meetings of the shareholders of Micromem. Each special share carries one vote at such meetings. In the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Micromem, after payment of all outstanding debts, the holders of the special shares shall be entitled to receive, before any distribution of any part of the assets of Micromem among the holders of any other shares, the amount paid up on the special shares. The special shares are redeemable at the option of Micromem for the amount paid up on the shares. Dividends may not be declared or paid on the special shares and transfer of the Special Shares is restricted without the approval of the Directors of Micromem and the prior written consent of the Ontario Securities Commission. The number of special shares that may be issued and outstanding at any time is limited to 500,000. There are no pre-emptive rights, conversion rights or sinking fund provisions attaching to the special shares. Special shares are not liable to further calls or to assessment by Micromem; provided, however, that pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), Micromem has a lien on any special shares registered in the name of a shareholder or the shareholder's legal representative for a debt owed by the shareholder.
Rights and Privileges of Shareholders
Only the registered holders of our common shares and special preference shares on the record date are entitled to receive notice of and vote at annual and special meetings of shareholders. Where the items of business affect the rights of shareholders other than the holders of common shares, a special majority of two-thirds of the votes cast by the affected shareholders at the meeting called for such purpose is required to approve the item of business. Beneficial holders of common shares and special shares are also entitled to receive proxy materials in respect of meetings of shareholders in accordance with Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 54-101, provided that such proxies are limited in scope to instructing the registered shareholder (usually a brokerage house) on how to vote on behalf of the beneficial shareholder. There are no restrictions on the number of shares that may be held by non-residents other than restrictions set out in the Investment Canada Act (Canada). See "Additional Information - D. Exchange Controls".
There are no provisions in the By-laws regarding public disclosure of individual shareholdings. Notwithstanding this, applicable Canadian securities legislation requires certain public disclosure of persons owning or acquiring common shares in excess of 10% of a corporation's issued and outstanding share capital.
C. Material Contracts
None.
D. Exchange Controls
As of the date hereof, we are not aware of any governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital, including, but not limited to, foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends or other payments to nonresident holders of our common shares.
We are not aware of any limitations under the laws of Canada or the Province of Ontario, or in the Articles of Incorporation or any other of our constituent documents on the right of nonresidents of Canada or persons who are not Canadian citizens to hold and/or vote common shares.
E. Taxation
Certain Canadian Income Tax Consequences
This discussion under this heading summarizes the principal Canadian federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of common shares for a shareholder who is not a resident of Canada but is a resident of the United States and who will acquire and hold a common share as capital property for the purposes of the Income Tax Canada, also referred to as the Canadian Tax Act. This summary does not apply to a shareholder who carries on business in Canada through a permanent establishment situated in Canada or performs independent personal services in Canada through a fixed base in Canada if the shareholder is effectively connected with such permanent establishment or fixed base. This summary is based on the provisions of the Canadian Tax Act and the regulations there under and on an understanding of the administrative practices of Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, and takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act or regulations made by the Minister of Finance of Canada as of the date hereof. It has been assumed that there will be no other relevant amendments of any governing law although no assurance can be given in this respect. This discussion is general only and is not a substitute for independent advice from a shareholder's own Canadian and US tax advisors.
The provisions of the Canadian Tax Act are subject to income tax treaties to which Canada is a party, including the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended.
Dividends on common shares and Other Income
Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is generally subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25 percent on dividends paid or deemed to have been paid to him or her by a corporation resident in Canada. We are responsible for the withholding of tax at the source. The Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) limits the rate to 15 percent if the shareholder is a resident of the United States and the dividends are beneficially owned by and paid to such shareholder, and to 5 percent if the shareholder is also a corporation that beneficially owns at least 10 percent of the voting stock of the payor corporation.
The amount of a stock dividend (for tax purposes) would generally be equal to the amount of our paid up or stated capital and increased by reason of the payment of such dividend. We will furnish additional tax information to shareholders in the event of such a dividend. Interest paid or deemed to be paid on our debt securities held by non-Canadian residents may also be subject to Canadian withholding tax, depending upon the terms and provisions of such securities and any applicable tax treaty.
The Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) generally exempts from Canadian income tax dividends paid to a religious, scientific, literary, educational, or charitable organization or to an organization constituted and operated exclusively to administer a pension, retirement or employee benefit fund or plan, if the organization is a resident of the United States and is exempt from income tax under the laws of the United States.
Dispositions of Common Shares
Under the Canadian Tax Act, a non-resident of Canada is subject to Canadian tax on taxable capital gains, and may deduct allowable capital losses, realized on a disposition of "taxable Canadian property". common shares will constitute taxable Canadian property of a shareholder at a particular time if the shareholder used the shares in carrying on business in Canada, or if at any time in the five years immediately preceding the disposition 25 percent or more of the issued shares of any class or series in the capital stock of Micromem belonged to one or more persons in a group comprising the shareholder and persons with whom the shareholder did not deal at "arm's length" and in certain other circumstances.
The Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) relieves United States residents from liability for Canadian tax on capital gains derived on a disposition of shares unless:
the value of the shares is derived principally from "real property" in Canada, including the right to explore for or exploit natural resources and rights to amounts computed by reference to production, the shareholder was resident in Canada for 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years preceding, and at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding, the disposition and the shares were owned by them when they ceased to be resident in Canada, or the shares formed part of the business property of a "permanent establishment" that the holder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding the disposition.
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares.
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax considerations that may apply to a U.S. Holder as a result of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder, including specific tax consequences to a U.S. Holder under an applicable tax treaty. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any particular U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of our common shares. In addition, except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares.
No opinion from legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders as discussed in this summary. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and contrary to, the positions taken in this summary. In addition, because the authorities on which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could disagree with one or more of the positions taken in this summary.
Scope of this Summary
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed) promulgated under the Code, published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), and U.S. court decisions, that are in effect and available, as of the date of this document. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied retroactively. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of our common shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders that: (a) are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) are financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) are brokers or dealers in securities or currencies or are traders in securities that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar; (e) own our common shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other integrated transaction; (f) acquired our common shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) hold our common shares other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes); (h) are subject to the alternative minimum tax; (i) are partnerships and other pass-through entities (and investors in such partnerships and entities); (j) are S corporations (and shareholders therein); (k) are subject to special tax accounting rules; (l) own, have owned or will own (directly, indirectly, or by attribution) 10% or more of the total combined voting power or value of our outstanding shares; (m) are U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.; or (n) hold our common shares in connection with a trade or business, permanent establishment, or fixed base outside the United States. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares.