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Prophecy DeFi Inc. — Management Reports 2020
May 1, 2020
44827_rns_2020-04-30_893796c3-5df7-48ed-aa9d-7a14f79e7f1a.pdf
Management Reports
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BUCEPHALUS CAPITAL CORP. (Formerly Bradstone Capital Corp.)
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
DATE OF MD&A
This MD&A was prepared on April 30, 2020.
Basis of Presentation
The following discussion and analysis of Bucephalus Capital Corp.’s (Formerly Bradstone Capital Corp.) (the “Corporation’s” or “Bucephalus Capital’s”) financial condition as at December 31, 2019 should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s audited financial statements as at December 31, 2019 and 2018. These financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“ IFRS ”). All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of the risks inherent in the business of the Corporation, which may also affect its continuing financial condition, cash flows and operating results.
Bucephalus Capital’s principal business is providing a range of merchant banking services to micro and small-cap companies in North America in both the public and private markets.
Overall Performance
Overview of the Business
Bucephalus Capital has its principal and registered offices located at B2- 125 The Queensway Suite 217, Toronto, Ontario, M8Y 1H6.
Effective December 31, 2015, Bucephalus Capital completed a reverse takeover transaction with Bucephalus Financial Corp. (“Bucephalus Financial”). The composition of the Board of Directors became Chris Carmichael, Jason Ewart, Michael Allen and Alec Regis and Chris Carmichael was appointed as Chief Executive Officer.
In March 2016, Bucephalus Capital listed its 20,215,887 Subordinate Voting Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) under the symbol BCA. The Bucephalus Capital Multiple Voting Shares will not be listed on an exchange but they are convertible into Bucephalus Capital SV Shares on a one for one basis.
Bucephalus’s principal business is providing a range of merchant banking services to micro and small-cap companies in North America in both the public and private markets. Using a disciplined and systematic investment strategy, Bucephalus provides private and public companies with working capital in the form of common equity, preferred shares, convertible debt and bridge loans (asset backed/collateralized financing) ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 to companies across many industries such as oil and gas, mining, real estate, manufacturing, retail, financial services, technology and biotechnology.
On February 23, 2018, Lucas Ewart was appointed the Chief Executive Officer and as a Director of the Company. Lucas Ewart is has extensive experience in finance, senior management and corporate development of public and private companies. He has served as Chairman, CEO as well as Chief Restructuring Officer of numerous companies on an international scale having worked in Canada, USA, Australia, Mexico, and South East Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines and China). In addition he served as a Principal to GCGlobal Capital Corp. for 10 years which specialized in securitized bridge loans.
On April 22, 2019, the Company announced that it had changed its name to Bucephalus Capital Corp. after receiving shareholder approval at its Annual and Special Meeting held on June 12, 2018.
As of December 31, 2019, Bucephalus had cash of $54,583 (2018 - $195,034), bridge loans of $86,615 (2018 - $106,496) with associated accrued interest receivable of $31,058 (2018 - $25,158), accounts receivable of $20,971 (2018 - $107,555) and portfolio investments of $258,247 (2018 - $1,147,609).
Bucephalus Capital's philosophy and strategy is to follow a disciplined and systematic approach to investment and be guided by four core principles which will be applied consistently across all industries:
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Capital Preservation;
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Secure Generation of Income;
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• Risk Management; and
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Shareholder Value.
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(1) Capital Preservation: This principle is at the core of Bucephalus Capital’s investment guidelines. Bucephalus Capital secures its bridge loans through a variety of instruments, including by taking a first charge on company assets and marketable securities and/or guarantees, which generally provide Bucephalus Capital with two to three times asset coverage.
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(2) Secure Generation of Income: Investments that provide cash flows in the form of dividends, interest payments and/or distributions will be a factor in each of Bucephalus Capital’s investment requirements. Bucephalus Capital’s goal is to have the ability to payout a dividend to its shareholders on an annual basis.
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(3) Risk Management: Bucephalus Capital’s management will take on an active role in each of its investments by requiring Bucephalus Capital Board representation as well as weekly reporting of an investee company’s operations.
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(4) Shareholder Value: The principal driver of Bucephalus Capital’s corporate initiatives and investment decisions is the objective of creating and enhancing long-term value for its shareholders.
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The Corporation supplements its active investment business by making investments with its unallocated cash in a diversified portfolio of high-yielding marketable securities such as bonds, preferred shares and royalty and income trusts, thus increasing its overall yield. Bucephalus Capital seeks to maximize income and preserve capital with these investments. Investment of Bucephalus Capital’s funds are chosen on a fundamental basis with emphasis on the track record of management and quality of assets as well as competitive and sustainable business advantages.
Bucephalus Capital works with management of operating companies in order to create and enhance value for businesses in which Bucephalus Capital assumes a position. These activities include equity financings, developing mergers and acquisitions, providing operational management support and structuring and negotiating debt and equity placements. Bucephalus Capital may also acquire positions in private companies at valuations that incorporate conservative earnings multiples and stable cash flows.
Loan Porfolio
As at December 31, 2019, Bucephalus Capital has three (2018 – three) bridge loans outstanding for a total of $86,615 (2018 - $106,496) with accumulated interest and fees of $31,058 (2018 - $25,158). The interest rate for the loans provided in 2019 is 12% (2018 – prime rate to 12%). All of the bridge loans provided in 2019 are short term in nature (due in 2019 or 2020) and are secured by either personal guarantees, equipment or marketable securities.
Investment Portfolio
As at December 31, 2019, Bucephalus Capital owned common shares of companies with a value of $258,247 (December 31, 2018 - $1,147,609).
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company incurred change in the value of portfolio investments of ($819,176) (2018 – ($256,405)). Given the volatility of the market during the year, the Company has reduced its investment in exchange traded funds.
Operating Results for the year ended December 31, 2019
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2019, Bucephalus Capital had interest income on its bridge loans of $29,359 (2018 - $17,730), change in value of portfolio investment of ($819,176) (2018 – ($256,405)), a foreign exchange loss of $7,334 (2018 – gain of $9,157), credit losses of ($87,218) (2018 – ($32,055) and dividend income of $1,615 (2018 - $1,132) for total revenue ($882,754) (2018 – ($260,441)).
Expenses
Bucephalus Capital incurred $36,242 (2018 - $16,000) for audit, legal and regulatory costs, $24,580 (2018 - $23,234) in filing fees and listing fees, $276,000 in consulting fees (2018 - $295,255) for fees to the Company’s CEO, CFO and consultants and $20,470 (2018 - $17,904)
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in office expenses. The Company anticipates similar fees, filing fees, legal fees and office expenditures in 2019.
Net loss for the period was $1,255,511 (2018 –$639,167) or $0.04 per share (2018 - $0.02).
Summary of Annual Results
| Summary of Annual Results | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended | Dec 31/19 | Dec 31/18 | Dec 31/17 | |
| Total revenue | $ | (882,754) | $ (260,441) $ | 75,540 |
| Net income (loss) for the period | (1,255,511) | (639,167) | (149,632) | |
| Net income (loss) per share(1) | (0.04) | (0.02) |
(0.01) | |
| Total assets | 452,124 | 1,585,499 | 2,177,826 | |
| Long term financial liabilities | - | - | - | |
| Dividends paid | - | - | - |
Operating Results for the quarter ended December 31, 2019
Revenues
For the quarter ended December 31, 2019, Bucephalus Capital had interest income on its bridge loans of $4,281 (2018 - $1,994), change in value of portfolio investment of ($782,751) (2018 – ($50,004)), a foreign exchange loss of $2,460 (2018 – $5,077), credit losses of ($82,871) (2018 – ($4,574) and dividend income of $402 (2018 - $614) for total revenue ($863,400) (2018 – ($57,048)).
Expenses
Bucephalus Capital incurred $24,242 (2018 - $4,000) for audit, legal and regulatory costs, $5,321 (2018 - $5,240) in filing fees and listing fees, $69,000 in consulting fees (2018 - $85,255) for fees to the Company’s CEO, CFO and consultants and $6,374 (2018 - $5,081) in office expenses. The Company anticipates similar fees, filing fees, legal fees and office expenditures in 2019.
Net loss for the period was $968,025 (2018 –$164,959) or $0.03 per share (2018 - $0.01).
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Summary of Quarterly Results
| For the quarters ended | Dec 31/19 | Sept 30/19 | Jun 30/19 | Mar 31/19 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total revenue | $ | (867,747) | $ | (56,300) |
$ | (35,426) | $ | 76,719 |
| Net income (loss) for the period | (972,372) | (139,678) | (129,679) | (13,782) | ||||
| Net income (loss) per share(1) | $ | (0.04) | $ | (0.005) | $ | (0.005) | $ | (0.00) |
| For the quarters ended | Dec 31/18 | Sept 30/18 | Jun 30/18 | Mar 31/18 | ||||
| Total revenue | $ | (84,529) |
$ | (181,050) |
$ | 17,658 | $ | (12,520) |
| Net income (loss) for the period | (164,958) | (295,959) | (77,078) | (101,172) | ||||
| Net income (loss) per share(1) | $ | (0.01) | $ | (0.01) | $ | (0.00) | $ | (0.00) |
- (1) Net income (loss) per share has been calculated using the weighted average number of common shares during each period. Diluted income (loss) per share was not calculated as it would be anti-dilutive.
Liquidity
As at December 31, 2019, Bucephalus had $54,583 (2018 - $195,034) in cash and short-term investments. The Corporation had working capital of $201,493 (2018 – $1,457,004).
Management is not aware of any trends or expected fluctuations that would create any liquidity deficiencies. The Corporation believes that cash flow from continuing operations and existing cash resources will be sufficient to meet the Bucephalus’s short-term requirements, as well as ongoing operations, and will be able to generate sufficient capital to support the Corporation’s operations in the long-term. However, Bucephalus may procure debt or equity financing from time to time to fund its operations.
Capital Resources
Management is not aware of any significant commitments or expected fluctuations with respect to its capital resources at the date of its financial statements.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent to year-end, there was a global outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), which had a significant impact on businesses through restrictions put in place by the Canadian federal,
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provincial, and municipal governments regarding travel, business operations, and isolations/quarantine orders. At this time, it is unknown the extent of the impact the COVID-19 outbreak may have on the Company as this will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and that cannot be predicted with confidence. These uncertainties arise from the inability to predict the ultimate geographic spread of the disease and the duration of the outbreak, including the duration of travel restrictions, business closures or disruptions and quarantine/isolation measures that are currently, or may be put, in place by Canada and other countries to fight the virus. While the extent of the impact is unknown, we anticipate that this outbreak may cause reduced customer demand, supply chain disruptions, staff shortages and increased government regulations, all of which may negatively impact the Company’s business and financial condition.
Transactions with Related Parties
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company loaned funds to a company who has a common director with the Company. The loan is based in US dollars and the principal amount of the loan is US$129,029 or C$167,479 (December 31, 2018 - $210,126). US$105,000 or C$136,290 (December 31, 2018 - $177,346) was syndicated to other lenders and therefore the net amount of the loan to the company is US$24,029 or C$31,189 (December 31, 2018 - $32,780). As at December 31, 2019 a net amount of $15,494 (December 31, 2018 - $12,964) in interest has been accrued. Expected credit losses were estimated at $4,575 at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $4,575).
Compensation of key management personnel
The remuneration expense of directors and other members of key management personnel during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 as follows:
| Salaries and benefits Share based compensation |
Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 $ 96,000 100,000 - - |
|---|---|
| 96,000 100,000 |
Proposed Transactions
There were no proposed transactions as at the date of the Corporation’s financial statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the year. Financial statement items subject to significant management judgment include:
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Credit losses – Management exercises judgement to determine the expected credit losses on loans (note 3 (B)).
Valuation of portfolio investments – Where investments are not traded in an active market, management exercises judgement to determine the fair value of these assets. These assumptions include observation of recent private sales on the underlying securities (if available) and estimating the inputs to the the Black-Scholes option pricing model (note 3 (B)).
The Black-Scholes option pricing model is used to determine the fair value of the share-based payments and utilizes subjective assumptions such as expected price volatility and expected life of the option. Discrepancies in these input assumptions can significantly affect the fair value estimate (note 3 (H)).
While management believes that the estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those estimates.
Changes in Accounting Policies
IFRS 16, Leases
IFRS 16 – Leases introduces a single lessee accounting model and requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than twelve months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. The adoption of this standard effective January 1, 2019 did not materially impact the financial statements.
Risks and Uncertainties
Risk Management
The success of Bucephalus is dependent upon its ability to assess and manage all forms of risk that affect its operations. Like other financial institutions, Bucephalus is exposed to many factors that could adversely affect its business, financial conditions or operating results. Developing policies and procedures to identify risk and the implementation of appropriate risk management policies and procedures is the responsibility of senior management and the Bucephalus. The Bucephalus Board directly, or through its committees, reviews and approves these policies and procedures, and monitors their compliance with them through ongoing reporting requirements. A description of the Bucephalus’s most prominent risks follows.
Market Risk
Bucephalus is exposed to certain market risk that the value of, or future cash flows from, Bucephalus’s financial assets will significantly fluctuate due to changes in market prices. The value of the financial assets can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and equity and commodity prices. Bucephalus is exposed to market risk in trading its
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investments, and unfavourable market conditions could result in dispositions of investments at less than favourable prices. Additionally, Bucephalus is required to mark to market its fair value through profit or loss investments at the end of each reporting period. This process could result in significant write-downs of Bucephalus’s investments over one or more reporting periods, particularly during periods of overall market instability, which would have a significant unfavourable effect on Bucephalus’s financial position. Bucephalus manages market risk by having a portfolio which is not singularly exposed to any one issuer or class of issuers. The Bucephalus Board monitors changes in the market on an ongoing basis and adjusts Bucephalus’s lending practices and policies when necessary to reduce the impact of the above risks.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that Bucephalus will not have sufficient cash to meet its obligations as they become due. This risk arises from fluctuations in cash flows from making loan advances and receiving loan repayments. The goal of liquidity management is to ensure that adequate cash is available to honour all future investments. As well, effective liquidity management involves determining the timing of such commitments to ensure cash resources are optimally utilized.
As at December 31, 2019, Bucephalus had $54,583 (2018 - $195,034) in cash and short-term investments. The Corporation had working capital of $201,493 (2018 – $1,457,004).
Bucephalus Capital does not have any bank indebtedness. In managements’ opinion, Bucephalus Capital has sufficient resources to meet its current cash flow requirements.
Management is not aware of any trends or expected fluctuations that would create any liquidity deficiencies. Bucephalus believes that cash flow from continuing operations and existing cash resources will be sufficient to meet Bucephalus Capital’s short-term requirements, as well as ongoing operations, and will be able to generate sufficient capital to support Bucephalus Capital’s operations in the long-term. However, Bucephalus Capital may procure debt or equity financing from time to time to fund its operations.
Currency Risk
Bucephalus Capital is exposed to certain currency risks that the value of certain financial instruments will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. At times Bucephalus Capital intends to take advantage of foreign exchange contracts to manage the risk of currency fluctuations. As of December 31, 2019, Bucephalus Capital did not hold any such contracts.
Other Risks
Dependence on Key Personnel
Bucephalus Capital is dependent upon the personal efforts, performance and commitment of its senior officers and directors, who are responsible for the development of Bucephalus Capital’s business. Investors will be relying upon the business judgment, expertise and integrity of Bucephalus Capital's senior officers and directors. To the extent that the services of any of the
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senior officers or directors would be unavailable for any reason, a disruption to the operations of Bucephalus Capital could result, and other persons would be required to manage and operate Bucephalus Capital. Bucephalus Capital’s future success will also depend in large part upon its ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel. There can be no assurance that Bucephalus Capital will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel.
Possible Volatility of Stock Price
The market price of the Subordinate Shares could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors such as actual or anticipated variations in Bucephalus Capital’s results of operations, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, general market conditions and other factors. Market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions, interest rate changes or international currency fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Subordinate Shares.
Competition
Bucephalus Capital operates in an increasingly competitive environment. Both large and small competitors compete with Bucephalus Capital. Some of these competitors may have longer operating histories, greater name recognition and greater financial and marketing resources than Bucephalus Capital. Bucephalus Capital believes that its ability to compete effectively is dependent upon the quality of its product and client service. There can be no assurance that Bucephalus Capital will be able to compete effectively and retain its existing clients or attract and retain new clients. Bucephalus Capital’s current and potential competitors may develop and market new products or services that render Bucephalus Capital’s existing and future products and services less marketable or competitive.
Maintenance of Client Relationships
The ability of Bucephalus Capital to attract and maintain clients requires that it provide a competitive offering of products and services that meet the needs and expectations of its clients. Bucephalus Capital’s ability to satisfy the needs or demands of its clients may be adversely affected by factors such as the inability or failure to identify changing client needs or expectations or the inability to adapt in a timely and cost-effective manner to innovative products and services offered by competitors.
Strategic Relationships
Bucephalus Capital anticipates that, from time to time, it will enter into strategic relationships to syndicate certain bridge loans where appropriate, as part of its strategy to diversify and manage risks associated with its bridge loan portfolio. Syndication will afford Bucephalus Capital the opportunity to participate in much larger transactions. There can be no assurance that Bucephalus Capital will be able to enter into such relationships in the future, and its inability to do so may adversely affect its ability to continue to service its existing and prospective clients.
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Share Data
Bucephalus Capital’s issued and outstanding share capital is as follows:
Outstanding Shares
| Apr30, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | Dec 31, 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subordinate Shares | 23,752,062 | 23,752,062 | 23,638,717 |
| Multiple Shares | 5,762,179 | 5,762,179 | 5,875,524 |
| Total Shares Outstanding | 29,514,241 | 29,514,241 | 29,514,241 |
Outstanding Options
| Type | Amount OutstandingExercise | Price (blended) | Expiry Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock option | 1,900,000 | $0.07 | May 27, 2021 |
Forward-Looking Information
These materials include certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Other than statement of historical fact, all statements in this material, including, without limitation, statements regarding disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement items subject to significant management judgment include revenue recognition; loan impairment and losses; the valuation of accounts receivable, the valuation of bridge loans and development and rental properties, future income tax assets, estimated asset retirement obligations, and future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward–looking statements that involve various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date of these materials. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include, without limitation, the level of bridge loans completed, the nature and credit quality of the collateral security, estimated asset retirement obligations, as well as those factors discussed in the Company’s documents filed from time to time with the Canadian Securities Exchange, Canadian securities regulators and other regulatory authorities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice.
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