Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Notice of Annual Meeting,
Management Proxy Circular and
2009 Annual Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
LETTER FROM IAN A. BOURNE CHAIR OF THE BOARD..................................................................................... 1
LETTER FROM JOHN W. SHERIDAN PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ................................... 3
BALLARD EMPLOYEE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE FOR 2009............................................................................ 8
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING ......................................................................................................................................... 9
MANAGEMENT PROXY CIRCULAR ................................................................................................................................ 10
DEFINED TERMS ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
MATTERS TO BE VOTED UPON.............................................................................................................................. 10
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS ...................................................................................................................................... 11
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS................................................................................................................................ 14
VOTING ....................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Solicitation of Proxies............................................................................................................................................. 14
How to Vote............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Execution and Revocation of Proxies ..................................................................................................................... 15
Voting of Shares and Exercise of Discretion by Proxies......................................................................................... 15
Voting Shares and Principal Shareholders .............................................................................................................. 15
Interest of Certain Persons or Companies in Matters to be Acted Upon ................................................................. 16
BOARD AND COMMITTEES .................................................................................................................................... 16
Board Composition and Nomination Process.......................................................................................................... 16
Majority Voting Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Board Meetings....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Committees of the Board ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Audit Committee ................................................................................................................................................. 17
Management Development, Nominating & Compensation Committee............................................................... 17
Corporate Governance Committee ...................................................................................................................... 17
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE................................................................................................................................... 18
EQUITY BASED COMPENSATION PLANS ...................................................................................................................... 18
COMPENSATION........................................................................................................................................................ 18
Compensation Discussion and Analysis.................................................................................................................. 18
Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Program ......................................................................................... 19
Philosophy and Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 19
How Executive Compensation is Determined ..................................................................................................... 19
Executive Pay Mix and the Emphasis on "At Risk" Pay ..................................................................................... 19
The Use of Benchmarking ................................................................................................................................... 20
Current Executive Compensation Elements ........................................................................................................ 20
Annual Salary ...................................................................................................................................................... 20
Annual Bonus for Executive Officers.................................................................................................................. 21
Long Term Incentives.......................................................................................................................................... 23
Chief Executive Officer Compensation ............................................................................................................... 25
Termination and Change of Control Benefits ...................................................................................................... 26
Perquisites ........................................................................................................................................................... 26
Retirement Benefits ............................................................................................................................................. 26
Total Executive Officer Compensation ............................................................................................................... 26
Minimum Share Ownership Guidelines .............................................................................................................. 27
Performance Graph ................................................................................................................................................. 28
Executive Compensation......................................................................................................................................... 29
Incentive Plan Awards ............................................................................................................................................ 31
Pension Plan Benefits.............................................................................................................................................. 34
Termination and Change of Control Benefits ......................................................................................................... 34
Employment Contracts ........................................................................................................................................ 34
Equity-Based Compensation Plans...................................................................................................................... 35
Director Compensation ........................................................................................................................................... 36
Incentive Plan Awards ............................................................................................................................................ 39
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans .................................................................. 39
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT .................................................... 40
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS ............................................................ 40
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS ........................................................................ 40
DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE..................................................................................... 40
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................. 41
PROPOSALS ................................................................................................................................................................ 41
APPROVAL BY BOARD ............................................................................................................................................ 41
i
APPENDIX "A" DESCRIPTION OF OPTION PLAN............................................................................................................ A-1
APPENDIX "B" DESCRIPTION OF SDP............................................................................................................................... B-1
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................ F-1
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS .................................................................................................. F-1
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ......................................................................................................... F-2
Corporate Information .............................................................................................................................................................. F-3
This document contains forward-looking statements, including our estimated revenue and cash
flow from operations for 2010, which are provided to enable external stakeholders to understand
Ballard's outlook as at the date of this circular and may not be appropriate for other purposes.
These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of Ballard's
management and reflect Ballard's current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. Such assumptions relate to Ballard's financial forecasts and expectations regarding its
product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market demand, and include matters
such as generating new sales, producing and delivering the expected number of units, and
controlling its costs.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause Ballard's actual results to be
materially different, including, without limitation, the rate of mass adoption of its products,
product development delays, changing environmental regulations, its ability to attract and retain
business partners and customers, its access to funding, increased competition, its ability to protect
its intellectual property, changes in its customers' requirements, foreign exchange impacts on its net
monetary assets and its ability to provide the capital required for product development, operations
and marketing. For a detailed discussion of these risk factors and other risk factors that could
affect Ballard's future performance, please refer to Ballard's most recent Annual Information
Form. Readers should not place undue reliance on Ballard's forward-looking statements and
Ballard assumes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking
statements, other than as required under applicable legislation.
ii
Letter from IAN A. BOURNE
Chair of the Board
Fellow Shareholders:
Decisive Actions in a Difficult Economic Environment
The macroeconomic events of 2009 and the ensuing global recession presented serious challenges to
most companies last year, and that was certainly the case for Ballard given the early stage of market
development for fuel cell products. In a volatile environment, Boards must be attentive and responsive to
changes in business risks and opportunities. That is just what your Board of Directors did in 2009, working
very closely with our Ballard Management Team.
We re-assessed the strategic direction and confirmed that we were focused on the right market
priorities for clean energy, fuel cell products. We agreed with the Management Team’s view that the
business environment would constrain short-term growth in revenue and margin. Therefore, given our
commitment to drive to near term profitability, action was required to reduce the cost base. These actions are
always difficult given the impact on employees, but we supported the tough decisions by Management as the
right course to pursue.
We also believed that given the increased volatility in the capital markets it was appropriate to take
action to augment the Company’s cash reserves. Liquidity is even more critical in uncertain economic times.
Your Board of Directors endorsed monetizing the Ford share purchase agreement and the Burnaby head
office sale/leaseback. Management executed well on both these transactions, thereby providing the resources
we feel will allow us to achieve the next phase of our strategy.
But difficult times often bring new growth opportunities as well. Management identified an
opportunity to acquire control of Dantherm Power, a fuel cell system integrator based in Denmark. This
transaction closed successfully in January 2010 and as a result Ballard acquired key systems capability in
fuel cell back-up power and extended our product portfolio and growth capabilities.
Your Board of Directors was very actively engaged in 2009, working with Management in areas
related to financial reporting due to the new IFRS standards, changes to equity compensation plans, and
1
ongoing strategy assessments. As well, the Board and the Audit Committee were fully engaged with
Management when approving the transactions to (1) monetize the Ford share purchase agreement, (2) acquire
control of Dantherm Power, (3) exit the Ebara Ballard joint venture, and (4) execute the head office
sale/leaseback. The Board chose to reduce its cost structure in recognition of the economic situation and to
be more consistent with the current stage of the Company’s evolution. We reduced both director
compensation and ancillary expenses.
Strong Board Governance Focus in 2009
The Board is comprised of directors who combine extensive executive and governance experience
with a strong commitment to Ballard. As such, we are well positioned to provide strong board governance.
We believe strong governance combines approval of strategy and resource allocation with oversight of
management and business risks.
Effective execution by a board requires clear policies that are regularly updated, focused work by the
appropriate committee (their mandates are outlined in the following report) and the leadership and active
engagement of skilled and experienced directors. Business performance improves as a result of strong
governance.
Our Passionate Ballard Employees
As I noted in my Letter to Shareholders last year, I continue to be impressed by the passion,
dedication, and enthusiasm shown by the employees of Ballard. While the economic backdrop in 2009 and
related cost-cutting initiatives posed difficult impacts, our employees continued to demonstrate their
resilience and commitment. So I am especially proud this year to recognize the employees who went ‘Above
and Beyond’ with their 2009 achievements. This year’s winners can be found in the following table.
Also, along with my fellow Directors, I congratulate the Ballard Management Team for their strong
leadership in a very difficult and volatile economic environment. While our progress in product shipments
and revenue growth fell short of the original goals for 2009, we drove significant progress on our broader
market positioning, our path to profitability and in strengthening our balance sheet.
In closing I would like to acknowledge Gerri Sinclair who has decided to retire from the Board due
to other business commitments. I want to recognize her contribution to Ballard as a director for the past 5
years and wish her well.
Finally, I would like to thank you, our shareholders, for your continued support of Ballard as we
continue to drive progress in building a leading fuel cell products company and a profitable clean energy
growth company. I look forward to reporting next year on our 2010 progress.
"Ian A. Bourne"
IAN A. BOURNE
Chair of the Board of Directors
2
Letter from JOHN W. SHERIDAN
President and Chief Executive Officer
2009—A Very Challenging Year for Energy Technology Companies
2009 was a very difficult year for the economy, with crises in credit and equity markets, upheaval in
the automotive and energy sectors and a pervasive global recession. Needless to say, this presented
challenges to most sectors, but particularly to energy technology companies in the early stages of market
development.
Market development for new, clean power solutions requires ongoing investments by system
integrators, channel partners and end-customers – to replace cheap, incumbent power solutions that have
been in-place for decades, including internal combustion engines, diesel generators and lead acid batteries.
And, while Ballard did see progress in 2009, there is no doubt that difficult circumstances in the economy
constrained our progress, since our partners and customers were themselves impacted by depressed demand
in end-markets, credit and financing constraints and liquidity concerns.
Maintaining Strategic Focus while Adjusting Priorities
However, we continued to see evidence that Ballard is focused on the right markets -
(cid:2) Backup and supplemental power;
(cid:2) Distributed generation; and
(cid:2) Motive power.
We see growing demand for new, clean power solutions to provide extended backup power in
telecommunications networks around the world. We are moving forward with First Energy in the megawatt
distributed power generation space. In material handling, our partner Plug Power continues to forge progress
with leading customers. Interest in fuel cell public transit programs is heightening. So as the various
economic crises unfolded last year, we did not shift our strategic direction or our market priorities.
However, the pace of market development and revenue growth was clearly impacted by the
economic conditions in 2009. With this reality, and given our commitment to profitability in the near-term,
we heightened our focus on the cost base and balance sheet.
3
On the cost front, we took aggressive, comprehensive actions, including simplification of our
organization structure, cutting discretionary costs, downsizing our employee base and securing increased
government funding to offset our research costs. The net result was a reduction of 30% in our annual
operating expenses, on an annual ‘run rate’ basis.
On the balance sheet front, we took action to augment cash reserves, ensuring that our Company
would not be confronted by any real or perceived financing issues as we move forward to execute our growth
plan. On December 21st, we closed the transaction monetizing our equity position in Automotive Fuel Cell
Cooperation Corp. This transaction secured gross proceeds of $44.5 million, with $37 million received
upfront and an additional contingent payment of $7.5 million due in 2013. As well, we executed a sale-
leaseback transaction for our Burnaby head office building, which closed in March 2010, with gross proceeds
of $20.4 million.
Operating Results for 2009
Our revenues for 2009 were $46.7 million, down 22% over 2008. Operating cash consumption was
$27.5 million for the year, which reflects an improvement of 6% over 2008. Cash reserves increased
significantly, to approximately $82 million, which were further augmented by the cash proceeds from the
head office sale-leaseback transaction in March.
While 2009 was a difficult year for growth, we ended the year with some important momentum.
Progress in market penetration was evidenced by a number of key developments -
(cid:2) Supply agreement with Daimler for FCvelocity™ fuel cell stacks for use in cars and buses, with
an estimated minimum value of $24 million over 2010-11;
(cid:2) Motorola deployed Dantherm Power’s backup power system, incorporating our FCgen™-
1020ACS fuel cell stacks;
(cid:2) Continued development of a supplemental power system for the wireless telecom market in India,
with IdaTech LLC;
(cid:2) Supply agreement with First Energy Corporation for a 1-megawatt distributed generation
system for utility load management in Ohio;
(cid:2) Order from Advanced Public Transportation Systems bv (APTS) for five FCvelocity™-HD6
modules for buses in the Netherlands;
(cid:2) Plug Power announced commercial orders for its GenDrive material handling system from such
customers as Central Grocers, Wegmans, Whole Foods and Coca-Cola; and
(cid:2) Award from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for up to C$4.8 million for
fuel cell buses in British Columbia.
Also, in January of this year, we announced a controlling equity position in Dantherm Power, a
Danish fuel cell system integration company. The Dantherm Power acquisition is important strategically, as
it increases Ballard’s business scope, so that in addition to providing fuel cell stacks to leading fuel cell
companies like Plug Power, IdaTech and Baxi and power modules to customers like ISE and APTS, now
through Dantherm Power we can provide complete backup power systems.
4
It’s also worth noting that our share price performance was positive in the year. Our stock price
ended 2009 about 67% higher on NASDAQ and 49% higher on the TSX compared to December 31st, 2008,
and out-performed most fuel cell company comparators.
To summarize 2009, while it was a very difficult year we feel positive that we exited ’09 with
important progress on three fronts -
(cid:2) Re-setting our cost base…
(cid:2) Strengthening our liquidity position…and
(cid:2) Building key momentum for growth.
Looking Forward – Our Business Outlook for 2010 and Beyond
Continuing weaknesses and uncertainties in the economy notwithstanding, we feel that we have
positioned our Company for strong growth in 2010.
We expect revenue growth this year in excess of 35%, with fuel cell product growth expected to be
driven by:
(cid:2) Supplemental power applications, using IdaTech reformate-based systems;
(cid:2) Backup power, using Dantherm Power direct hydrogen systems in Europe;
(cid:2) Distributed generation, with the First Energy project – we are also anticipating our first distributed
generation order using ‘by-product’ hydrogen fuel;
(cid:2) Material handling stack shipments to Plug Power, with Plug forging clear progress with their
customers…and
(cid:2) Fuel Cell buses, with the Whistler Transit fleet of 20 fuel cell buses increasing interest among
other sales prospects.
Beyond this strong outlook for revenue growth, with the changes that we made in our cost structure
last year, we expect that cash flow from operations will improve by 30% in 2010. And, with our revenue and
cost trajectory in 2010, we expect Ballard to be positioned for positive EBITDA performance during 2011.
Beyond this ‘high-level’ guidance on our path to profitability, we have provided six specific growth
milestones for 2010, that will be used to ‘gauge’ our progress -
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Begin shipments of stacks for IdaTech’s reformate-based supplemental power systems in the
Indian telecoms market;
Deploy Dantherm Power hydrogen-based backup power systems in one major, new telecom
network;
Commission the 1-megawatt ‘distributed generation’ system for First Energy in Ohio;
Book our first ‘distributed generation’ system sale, utilizing by-product hydrogen;
More than double volume of stack shipments in material handling, ‘in line’ with Plug
Power’s 2010 shipment target of 1,100 ‘GenDrive’ systems….and
Book new fuel cell bus contracts, to support the deployment of more than 25 buses.
5
These specific milestones underpin our outlook for strong revenue growth in excess of 35% for
2010.
Building a Clean Energy Growth Company
As we continue to build a leading clean energy growth company, we are conscious of the need to
maintain Ballard’s market leadership in creating compelling fuel cell products. As a result, we continue to
work diligently on enhancing our product capabilities and partnering with strong players in the clean energy
industry. But, we are also aware that our corporate brand is made up of more than just the best products, it is
supported by our delivery of the best ‘solutions’. The Ballard brand reflects our ability to harness the passion
of our employees to deliver a superior overall experience to customers in all our markets – solutions they will
be delighted with.
In conclusion, I would like to recognize you, our shareholders, for your support of Ballard and to
thank you for your continuing belief in our company and its future.
"John Sheridan"
JOHN SHERIDAN
President & CEO
Ballard Power Systems
6
2009 ACHIEVEMENTS
Composting of organic office waste
Replaced remaining CRT monitors
with energy-efficient LCD monitors
Facility waste audit performed to
set a baseline and identify
opportunities to further reduce
and recyle
Switched to use of recycled toner
cartridges
Employee initiated recycling drive
with proceeds donated to the
United Way
Formally incorporated end-of-life
product recycling and disposal
planning into Technology and
Product Portfolio Management
Employee education campaign for
power conservation in our daily
operations
BALLARD’S VISION is what continues to drive the passionate employees at Ballard
who have dedicated their careers to the commercialization of fuel cell products. We are
already seeing deployments of our products helping to tackle the global environmental and
climate change challenges we all face. Ballard also recognizes that it is important to lead by
example, and as such we have an active internal Green Team that is focused on making Ballard
a more sustainable business, helping employees make informed choices in their own lives.
As examples, in our daily operations we use recycled paper and default to double-sided
printing, we have an active recycling program in place, and we use high efficiency lighting
in our offices, manufacturing plant and laboratory.
THE PILLARS OF BALLARD’S GREEN INITIATIVE
PRODUCTS
OUR PRODUCTS
We will maximize the environmental benefits of our fuel cell
products over incumbent technologies
• Optimize products from a cradle to grave perspective
OPERATIONS
P E O P L E
• Leverage key environmental advantages: high efficiency, zero
emissions, low noise pollution
OUR OPERATIONS
We will improve the way we operate our business to minimize our environmental impacts
• Reduce our: waste, power & natural gas consumption, hydrogen consumption, carbon
footprint
OUR PEOPLE
We will promote participation in events, and provide access to information about green
choices we can make in our daily lives
• Encourage participation in events like Earth Day, and Bike to Work month, etc.
• Provide forums for employees to share ideas and suggestions
OUR PRODUCTS IN ACTION
Commercialization of our clean energy fuel cell products is where
Ballard can make the biggest positive impact on the environment. For
example, our customer, BC Transit, deployed 20 fuel cell hybrid buses
in Whistler, BC. These buses commenced operation prior to the 2010
Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and will continue to operate in
revenue service for a period of 5 years. This is the largest fleet of fuel
cell buses in the world. Each bus will reduce CO2 emissions by 62%
compared to a conventional diesel bus reducing GHG emissions by 90
tonnes per bus per year. For the one BC Transit fleet, that equates to a
savings of 1800 tonnes per year. About 950 cars would have to switch
from conventional combustion engines to hybrids to achieve the same
impact. And once a local fuel supply solution is in place the CO2
emissions will be reduced by more than 90% when compared to
a conventional diesel bus.
7
Ballard Employee Awards of Excellence for 2009
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“Above and Beyond” Winners
(cid:3) BALLARD SPIRIT AWARD
FIRSTENERGY IMPLEMENTATION TEAM
(cid:2) Mario Casol
(cid:2)
Brian Dickson
(cid:2) Monte Jensen
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Buz McCain
Nicolae Mosoiu
Paul Paterson
Leo Tardioli
(cid:2) Martin Chow
(cid:2) Mike Grieve
(cid:2)
Chetan Lad
(cid:2)
Dan Pellichero
(cid:2)
Bruce Muehlchen
(cid:2)
Darren Richardson
(cid:2)
Joe Vosburgh
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Jason Cox
Rob Holland
Don Lines
Scott McFarlane
Ian Milne
Keith Rowley
David Wardrop
(cid:2)
Jake De Vaal
(cid:2)
Rod Howat
(cid:2)
Alan Loke
(cid:2)
Jaegen Milley
(cid:2) Mike Padmore
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Byron Somerville
Frank Wilms
BC TRANSIT OLYMPIC BUS IMPLEMENTATION TEAM
Bruce Bailey
Karl Inglehart
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2) Mark Lee
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Campbell Perry
Eddy Tran
Peter Wunder
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Jake De Vaal
Zoltan Kollar
Paul Mann
Jens Schiffner
Christian Tuazon
(cid:2)
Perry Ho
(cid:2)
TJ Lawy
(cid:2) Mike Padmore
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Byron Somerville
Emil Urmaza
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Kevin Hutton
Karm Layegh
Paul Paterson
Alex Tielker
Hung Vuong
(cid:3) PRODUCT LEADERSHIP
FcgenTM-1300 COST REDUCTION TEAM
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Denise Abassi
Lionel Bravard
Brenda Chen
Neal Fink
Ian Gilchrist
Doug Keller
Alex Leung
Nicolae Mosoiu
David Pauluzzi
Nicola Simon
David Whyte
(cid:2)
Caroline Andrewes
(cid:2)
Bruno Bate
(cid:2)
Sonia Cheung
(cid:2)
Steve Gabrys
(cid:2)
Edith Hicks
(cid:2)
John Kenna
(cid:2)
Ron Mah
(cid:2)
Colm Murphy
(cid:2)
Kathy Rutter
(cid:2)
Alex Tielker
(cid:2) William Yoshihara
Plug F2 PRODUCT INTRODUCTION TEAM
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Peter Bach
Sheilah Galati
Bevan Moss
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Brenda Chen
Seungsoo Jung
Gary Schubak
(cid:3) MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP
Fcvelocity™-1100 MANUFACTURING READINESS TEAM
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Eugene Baker
Doug Bell
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Alexei Bobyrev
Michael Hainke
(cid:3) FINANCIAL SUCCESS
EXTERNAL FUNDING FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
Samira Barakat
Brian Breiddal
Ian Eldergill
Emerson Gallagher
Rob Holland
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2) Matthew Klippenstein
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2) Mani Schneiter
(cid:2) Mark Watson
(cid:2)
Ian Milne
Peter Murphy
Gina Zhang
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Derek Cheng
Alex Leung
Mani Schneiter
Evelyn Lai
Scott McFarlane
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Paul Beattie
Ethan Brown
Shanna Knights
Silvia Wessel
(cid:2)
Kevin Colbow
(cid:2)
Vesna Colbow
(cid:2)
Catharine Reid
(cid:2) Warren Williams
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Monica Dutta
Chris Gibson
George Skinner
Siyu Ye
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Carloyn Baraniuk
Donald Connors
Christina Estey
Chris Gibson
David Howell
Chetan Lad
Jason Morgan
Ryan Paddon
Jyoti Sidhu
Kelly Whitehead
Simon Fearnley
Ron Mah
Nicola Simon
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Jyoti Sidhu
David Whyte
David Harvey
Greg James
David Tai
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:3) GREEN AWARD
RECYCLING CENTRE & DISPOSAL TEAM
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Caroline Andrewes
Mitchel Chuakay
Don Johnson
(cid:3) CUSTOMER SUCCESS
DAIMLER Fcvelocity™-1100 ESA
(cid:2)
Chris Ekholm
8
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
9000 Glenlyon Parkway
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5J 5J8
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
Our 2010 Annual Meeting (the "Meeting") will be held at 9000 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British
Columbia, on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) for the following purposes:
1.
2.
3.
To receive our audited financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2009
and the report of our auditors thereon;
To elect our directors for the ensuing year; and
To appoint our auditors for the ensuing year and to authorize our Audit Committee to fix the
remuneration of the auditors.
In addition, shareholders will be asked to consider any amendment to or variation of a matter identified in
this Notice and to transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
A detailed description of the matters to be dealt with at the Meeting, our 2009 Annual Report, our
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the report of our auditors
thereon, and our 2009 Management’s Discussion and Analysis, are included with this Notice.
If you are unable to attend the Meeting in person and wish to ensure that your shares will be voted at the
Meeting, you must complete, date and execute the enclosed form of proxy and deliver it in accordance with
the instructions set out in the form of proxy and in the Management Proxy Circular accompanying this
Notice, so that it is received by Computershare Investor Services Inc. no later than 1:00 p.m. (Pacific
Daylight Time) on Friday, May 28, 2010.
If you plan to attend the Meeting you must follow the instructions set out in the form of proxy and in the
Management Proxy Circular to ensure that your shares will be voted at the Meeting.
DATED at Burnaby, British Columbia, April 13, 2010.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
"Kerry Hillier"
Kerry Hillier
Corporate Secretary
Ballard Power Systems
9
MANAGEMENT PROXY CIRCULAR
dated as of April 13, 2010
DEFINED TERMS
In this Management Proxy Circular:
"Ballard", "Corporation", "we", "us" and "our" refer to Ballard Power Systems Inc.
"Beneficial Shareholders" means holders of our Shares that do not hold our Shares in their own name, but
instead, whose Shares are held on the Record Date by a bank, trust company, securities broker or other
nominee.
"Board" means the board of directors of Ballard.
"C$" refers to Canadian currency.
"DSU" means deferred share unit.
"$" or "dollars" refer to United States currency unless specifically stated otherwise.
"Meeting" means the 2010 annual meeting of our Registered Shareholders and includes any adjournment
thereof, unless otherwise indicated.
"NASDAQ" means the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.
"Record Date" means 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on April 13, 2010.
"Registered Shareholders" means registered holders of our Shares on the Record Date.
"RSU" means restricted share unit.
"Shares" means common shares without par value in the capital of Ballard.
"TSX" means the Toronto Stock Exchange.
"US$" refers to United States currency.
MATTERS TO BE VOTED UPON
Registered Shareholders or their duly appointed proxyholders will be voting on:
(cid:2) the election of directors to our Board; and
(cid:2) the re-appointment of our auditors and authorization for our Audit Committee to fix the
remuneration of the auditors.
As of the date of this Management Proxy Circular, we know of no amendment, variation or other
matter that may come before the Meeting other than the matters referred to in the Notice of Annual Meeting.
If any other matter is properly brought before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the
enclosed proxy to vote the proxy on that matter in accordance with their best judgment.
With respect to resolutions to be voted on at the Meeting, a simple majority of the votes (greater than
50%) cast in favour by Registered Shareholders, by proxy or in person, will constitute approval.
10
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
With Dr. Sinclair’s decision to retire from the Board, consistent with our efforts to reduce the Board
cost structure, we have reduced the size of the Board by one director. Accordingly, at the Meeting you will
be asked to elect eight directors. All of our eight nominees are currently members of the Board. Each
elected director will hold office until the end of our next annual shareholders’ meeting (or if no director is
then elected, until a successor is elected) unless the director resigns or is otherwise removed from office
earlier. If any nominee for election as a director advises us that he or she is unable to serve as a director, the
persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote to elect a substitute director at their discretion.
The following information pertains to our nominees for election as directors at the Meeting, as of
April 13, 2010. The number of Shares shown as being held by each nominee constitute the number
beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by that nominee and such information has
been provided to us by that nominee.
Mr. Bourne’s principal occupation is corporate director, and he has been the Chair of the Board of Ballard since February 2006.
Mr. Bourne was also our lead director from October 2005 to February 2006. Previously, Mr. Bourne was the Executive Vice
President and the Chief Financial Officer of TransAlta Corporation (electricity generation and marketing) from January 1998 to
December 2006 and from January 1998 to December 2005, respectively. He has completed the Directors Education Program of the
Institute of Corporate Directors and has received his ICD.D designation.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board (Chair)
Audit
Corporate Governance
Management Development,
Nominating & Compensation
Attendance
Board Memberships(1)
7
8
5
6
100%
100%
100%
100%
Current: SNC-Lavalin Group; Canadian Public
Accountability Board; Wajax Income Fund; Wajax
Limited; Canada Pension Plan Investment Board;
Canadian Oil Sands Trust; The Calgary Foundation
Previous: Purolator Courier Ltd.; TransAlta Power LP;
TransAlta CoGen LP; Wajax Limited; Glenbow Museum;
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Securities Held(2)
Year
2010
2009
Shares
26,824
26,824
DSUs
77,706
77,706
Total of Shares and
DSUs
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs(3)
104,530
104,530
$265,807
$265,807
Mr. Kilroy is the Chief Executive Officer of Symcor Inc. (business process outsourcing services), a position he has held since
January 2005. Mr. Kilroy was the Chief Executive Officer of IBM Canada Ltd. (information technology) from April 2001 to
January 2005.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit (Chair)
Corporate Governance(4)
Attendance
Board Memberships(1)
7
8
3
100%
100%
100%
Current: Symcor Inc.; The Conference Board of Canada
Previous: Canadian Council of Chief Executives
Securities Held(2)
Year
2010
2009
Shares
2,424
2,424
DSUs
42,844
42,844
Total of Shares and
DSUs
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs(3)
45,268
45,268
$115,111
$115,111
Ian A. Bourne
Age: 62
Alberta, Canada
Director since: 2003
Independent
Edwin J. Kilroy
Age: 50
Ontario, Canada
Director since: 2002
Independent
11
Dr. Chong Sup
(C.S.) Park
Age: 62
California, U.S.A.
Director since: 2007
Independent
John W. Sheridan
Age: 55
B.C., Canada
Director since: 2001
Non-Independent
Dr. Park’s principal occupation is corporate director. Previously, Dr. Park was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board of Maxtor Corporation (storage solutions and hard disk drives) from November 2004 to May 2006. Dr. Park was also the
Managing Director, Investment Partner and Senior Advisor of H&Q Asia Pacific (private equity investment) from November 2002
to September 2004.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Corporate Governance(4)
Management Development,
Nominating & Compensation
Attendance
Board Memberships(1)
7
3
6
100%
100%
100%
Current: Brooks Automation, Inc.; Seagate Technology;
Smart Modular Technologies, Inc.; Computer Sciences
Corp.; Sand Force Inc.; American Leadership Forum
(Silicon Valley); Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Securities Held(2)
Year
2010
2009
Shares
17,091
17,091
DSUs
0
0
Total of Shares and
DSUs
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs(3)
17,091
17,091
$43,460
$43,460
Mr. Sheridan is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ballard. Previously, Mr. Sheridan was our interim President and Chief
Executive Officer from October 2005 to February 2006 at which time he was appointed our President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Sheridan was also Chair of our Board from June 2004 to February 2006.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Attendance
7
100%
Board Memberships(1)
Current: NewPage Corporation; AFCC Automotive Fuel
Cell Cooperation Corp.; Dantherm Power, Premier's
Technology Council; BC Hydrogen Highway
Previous: Aliant Inc.; Bell Canada, Bell Actimedia, Bell
Distribution, Bell Express Vu, Bell Mobility, Bell West,
Bell Sygma UK Ltd; Encom Cable TV &
Telecommunications, plc; Manitoba Telecom Services
Inc.; MTS Communications Inc.; Photowatt Technologies;
Sun Media Corp. Ltd.
Securities Held(2)
Year
2010
2009
Shares
261,710
336,840
DSUs
57,943
57,943
Total of Shares and
DSUs
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs(3)
319,653
394,783
$812,839
$1,003,886
Mr. Smith is a part-time Commissioner of the British Columbia Securities Commission (provincial securities regulator), a position
he has held since July 2006. Mr. Smith was counsel with Lawson Lundell LLP (law firm) from May 2005 until April 2006, and
prior to that, he was a partner at Lawson Lundell LLP and predecessor firms practicing corporate, commercial and securities law.
He has completed the Directors Education Program of the Institute of Corporate Directors and has received his ICD.D designation.
David J. Smith
Age: 75
B.C., Canada
Director since: 2006
Independent
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Corporate Governance (Chair)
Management Development,
Nominating & Compensation(4)
Year
2010
2009
Shares
7,911
7,911
Attendance
Board Memberships(1)
7
5
3
100%
100%
100%
Current: Member of Executive Committee, British
Columbia Chapter, Institute of Corporate Directors
Previous: Scott Paper Limited; Pacific Forest Products
Limited
Securities Held(2)
Total of Shares and
DSUs
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs(3)
22,752
22,752
$57,856
$57,856
DSUs
14,841
14,841
12
Mr. Sutcliffe’s principal occupation is corporate director. Previously, Mr. Sutcliffe was the Chief Executive Officer of Sierra
Wireless, Inc. (electrical and electronic industrial products) from May 1995 to October 2005. From May 2001 to April 2005, he
was also the Chair of the Board of Sierra Wireless, Inc. He has completed the Directors Education Program of the Institute of
Corporate Directors and has received his ICD.D designation.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit(4)
Management Development,
Nominating & Compensation
(Chair)
Attendance
Board Memberships(1)
7
2
6
100%
100%
100%
Current: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
Previous: Cellular Telecommunications and Internet
Association; BC Technology Social Venture Partners;
Premier’s Technology Council, British Columbia; E-
Comm 911
Securities Held(2)
Year
2010
2009
Shares
3,600
3,600
DSUs
25,528
25,528
Total of Shares and
DSUs
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs(3)
29,128
29,128
$74,069
$74,069
Mr. Suwyn is Executive Chairman of the Board of NewPage Corporation (coated papers), a position he has held since March
2009. Previously, Mr. Suwyn was Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of NewPage Corporation from
March 2009 to January 2010; and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, positions he held from April 2006 and
May 2005, respectively. Mr. Suwyn was the President of MARSUW LLC (consulting) from November 2004 to April 2005. He
was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (building products) from January
1996 to October 2004.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Attendance
4
7
57%
88%
Board Memberships(1)
Current: NewPage Corporation; BlueLinx Corporation
Previous: Hope College Board of Trustees; Louisiana
Pacific Corporation; International Paper Company; Junior
Achievement Inc.; Junior Achievement International;
Kelly Cabinets; The Nature Conservancy of Oregon;
United Rentals Inc.
Securities Held(2)
Year
2010
2009
Shares
7,237
7,237
DSUs
35,019
35,019
Total of Shares and
DSUs
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs(3)
42,256
42,256
$107,452
$107,452
Mr. Whitehead is the Chairman of Finning International Inc. (heavy equipment reseller). Previously, Mr. Whitehead was the
President and Chief Executive Officer of Finning International Inc. from 1999 to May 2008.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Attendance
7
7
100%
88%
Board Memberships(1)
Current: International Forest Products Inc.; INMET
Mining Corporation; Belkorp Industries Inc.; Finning
International Inc.; Vancouver General
Hospital/University of British Columbia Hospital
Foundation
Previous: Terasen Inc.
Securities Held(2)
Year
2010
2009
Shares
4,383
4,383
DSUs
36,916
36,916
Total of Shares and
DSUs
41,299
41,299
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs(3)
$105,018
$105,018
David B. Sutcliffe
Age: 50
B.C., Canada
Director since: 2005
Independent
Mark A. Suwyn
Age: 67
Florida, U.S.A.
Director since: 2003
Independent
Douglas W.G.
Whitehead
Age: 63
B.C., Canada
Director since: 1998
Independent
Previous board memberships are shown for the past five years.
(1)
(2) As of April 14, 2009 and April 13, 2010, respectively.
13
(3) Based on a C$2.55 closing Share price on the TSX as of April 13, 2010, converted into United States dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate
of exchange on April 13, 2010. The corresponding values in Canadian dollars are C$266,552, C$115,433, C$43,582, C$58,018, C$74,276,
C$107,753, and C$105,312 for Mr. Bourne, Mr. Kilroy, Dr. Park, and Messrs. Smith, Sutcliffe, Suwyn and Whitehead, respectively; and
C$1,006,697 and C$815,115 in 2009 and 2010, respectively, for Mr. Sheridan.
(4) Board committee membership changed during 2009. These directors attended 100% of the meetings held during the time they were members of
the indicated committee. For a full discussion of the changes made to committee membership, see the section entitled “Committees of the
Board”.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
Our Audit Committee has recommended that KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, of 777 Dunsmuir
Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, be nominated at the Meeting for re-appointment as our external
auditors. Our Audit Committee will fix the remuneration of our external auditors if authorized to do so by
shareholders at the Meeting. It is expected that representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the Meeting.
KPMG LLP was appointed as our external auditors in 1999. Total fees paid to KPMG in 2009 and 2008 are
set forth in the table below. We comply with the requirement regarding the rotation of our audit engagement
partner every five years. The current audit engagement partner at KPMG LLP may continue in his role until
the end of 2010.
The following table shows the fees we incurred with KPMG LLP in 2009 and 2008:
Type of Audit Fees
Audit Fees
Audit-Related Fees(2)
Tax Fees(3)
All Other Fees
2009
(C$)
$340,089
$9,587
$6,115
Nil
2008
(C$)
$415,187(1)
$13,995
$37,864
Nil
(1)
(2)
(3)
The Audit Fees for 2008 includes services as a result of the AFCC Transaction and the Superior Plus Transaction.
The Audit-Related Fees relate primarily to accounting advice for International Financial Reporting Standards.
The Tax Fees for 2009 and 2008 related to tax advisory services and the filing of our 2008 Canadian and United States corporate tax returns.
For a more detailed description of the Audit Committee or to see the Audit Committee’s mandate, a
copy of which is posted on our website, see the section entitled "Board Committees – Audit Committee" in
our Annual Information Form dated March 15, 2010, which section is incorporated by reference into this
Management Proxy Circular.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
VOTING
This Management Proxy Circular is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our
management in connection with the Meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific
Daylight Time in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, or the date and place of any adjournment thereof.
We are soliciting proxies primarily by mail, but our directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies
personally, by telephone, by facsimile transmission or by other means of electronic communication. The
cost of the solicitation will be borne by us. The approximate date on which this Management Proxy Circular
and the related materials are first being sent to Registered Shareholders is May 7, 2010.
HOW TO VOTE
Only Registered Shareholders or their duly appointed proxyholders are permitted to vote at the
Meeting. Beneficial Shareholders are not permitted to vote at the Meeting as only proxies from Registered
Shareholders can be recognized and voted at the Meeting. You may vote as follows:
Registered Shareholders: If you are a Registered Shareholder you may vote by attending the
Meeting in person, or if you do not plan to attend the Meeting, by completing the proxy and delivering it
according to the instructions contained in the form of proxy and this Management Proxy Circular.
14
Beneficial Shareholders: If you are a Beneficial Shareholder you may only vote by carefully
following the instructions on the voting instruction form or proxy form provided to you by your stockbroker
or financial intermediary. If you do not follow the special procedures described by your stockbroker or
financial intermediary, you will not be entitled to vote.
EXECUTION AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
A Registered Shareholder or the Registered Shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing or, where
the Registered Shareholder is a company, a duly authorized officer or attorney of that company, must execute
the proxy. In order to be effective, completed proxies must be deposited at the office of the registrar and
transfer agent for the Shares, being Computershare Investor Services Inc. ("Computershare"), Proxy Dept.,
100 University Avenue, 9th Floor, Toronto Ontario, M5J 2Y1 (Fax: within North America: 1-866-249-7775;
outside North America: 1-416-263-9524), not less than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays and holidays) before
the time of the Meeting. The individuals named as proxyholders in the accompanying form of proxy are
directors and officers of Ballard. A Registered Shareholder desiring to appoint a person or company
(who need not be a shareholder) to represent him or her at the Meeting, other than the persons or
companies named in the enclosed proxy, may do so by inserting the name of such other person or
company in the blank space provided in the proxy.
A proxy may be revoked by written notice executed by the Registered Shareholder or by his or her
attorney authorized in writing or, where the Registered Shareholder is a company, by a duly authorized
officer or attorney of that company, and delivered to:
(cid:2) Computershare, at the address or fax number set out above, at any time up to and including the last
business day preceding the day of the Meeting at which the proxy is to be used;
(cid:2) the registered office of the Corporation at any time up to and including the last business day
preceding the day of the Meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or
(cid:2) the chair of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting and before any vote in respect of which the
proxy is to be used is taken.
A proxy may also be revoked in any other manner provided by law. Any revocation of a proxy will
not affect a matter on which a vote is taken before such revocation.
VOTING OF SHARES AND EXERCISE OF DISCRETION BY PROXIES
If you complete and deposit your proxy properly, then the proxyholder named in the accompanying
form of proxy will vote or withhold from voting the Shares represented by the proxy in accordance with your
instructions. If you do not specify a choice on any given matter to be voted upon, your Shares will be
voted in favour of such matter. The proxy grants the proxyholder the discretion to vote on
amendments to or variations of matters identified in the Notice of Annual Meeting and with respect to
other matters that may properly come before the Meeting.
VOTING SHARES AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
As of the Record Date of April 13, 2010 we had 84,127,616 Shares issued and outstanding, each
carrying the right to one vote. On a show of hands, every individual who is present as a Registered
Shareholder or as a representative of one or more corporate Registered Shareholders, or who is holding a
proxy on behalf of a Registered Shareholder who is not present at the Meeting, will have one vote, and on a
poll, every Registered Shareholder present in person or represented by proxy and every person who is a
representative of one or more corporate Registered Shareholders, will have one vote for each Share recorded
in the Registered Shareholder’s name on the register of shareholders, which is available for inspection during
normal business hours at Computershare and will be available at the Meeting.
As of the Record Date, to the knowledge of our directors and executive officers, no person
beneficially owns, controls or directs, directly or indirectly, Shares carrying more than 10% of the voting
rights attached to all issued and outstanding Shares carrying the right to vote in all circumstances.
15
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS OR COMPANIES IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
No one who has been a director or executive officer of ours at any time since January 1, 2009, or any
of his or her associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial
ownership of Shares or otherwise, in any matter to be acted on at the Meeting other than the election of
directors.
BOARD AND COMMITTEES
BOARD COMPOSITION AND NOMINATION PROCESS
Our Management Development, Nominating & Compensation Committee ("MDNCC") conducts an
annual process under which an assessment is made of the skills, expertise and competencies of the directors
and is compared to our needs and the needs of the Board. This process culminates in a recommendation to
the Board of individual nominee directors for election at our annual shareholders’ meeting.
Directors are elected yearly at our annual shareholders’ meeting and serve on the Board until the
following annual shareholders’ meeting, at which time they either stand for re-election or resign from the
Board. If no meeting is held, each director serves until his or her successor is elected or appointed, unless the
director resigns earlier. The Board has established director resignation guidelines, which set out the
circumstances under which a director would be compelled to submit a resignation or be asked to resign.
MAJORITY VOTING POLICY
The Board has adopted a policy which requires that any nominee for director who receives a greater
number of votes "withheld" than "for" his or her election shall tender his or her resignation to the Board
following our annual shareholders’ meeting, to take effect immediately upon acceptance by the Board. Upon
receipt of such conditional resignation, the Corporate Governance Committee will consider the matter and, as
soon as possible, make a recommendation to the full Board regarding whether or not such resignation should
be accepted. After considering the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Board will
decide whether or not to accept the tendered resignation and will, not later than 90 days after the annual
shareholders’ meeting, issue a press release which either confirms that they have accepted the resignation or
provides an explanation for why they have refused to accept the resignation. The director tendering his or
her resignation will not participate in any meeting of the Board or the Corporate Governance Committee at
which the resignation is considered. Subject to any restrictions or requirements contained in applicable
corporate law or Ballard’s constating documents, the Board may: (a) leave a resulting vacancy unfilled until
the next annual shareholders’ meeting; (b) appoint a replacement director whom the Board considers merits
the confidence of the shareholders; or (c) call a special meeting of shareholders to elect a replacement
director who may be a person nominated by management. The policy does not apply in respect of any
contested shareholders’ meeting, which is any meeting of shareholders where the number of nominees for
director is greater than the number of directors to be elected.
BOARD MEETINGS
The Board meets on a regularly scheduled basis and directors are kept informed of our operations at
meetings of the Board and its committees, and through reports by and discussions with management. In
2009, in-camera sessions were held after each regularly scheduled Board meeting. The in-camera sessions
consisted of all of the independent directors without the presence of management. The Chair of the Board
chairs the in-camera session. In 2009, there were 5 regularly scheduled meetings of the Board and 2
extraordinary meetings scheduled on short notice in connection with changes to director remuneration and
committee membership; and the acquisition by the Corporation of a controlling interest in Dantherm Power
A/S. In addition, communications between the directors and management occur apart from regularly
scheduled Board and committee meetings. The Board has set a minimum meeting attendance guideline of
70%. Non-compliance with this guideline by a director is one of the factors considered in his or her
individual performance evaluation at the end of the year.
16
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board has established three standing committees: (1) the Audit Committee; (2) the MDNCC;
and (3) the Corporate Governance Committee. Each committee has been delegated certain responsibilities,
performs certain advisory functions and either makes certain decisions or makes recommendations to the
Board. Each committee chair reports on the activities of the committee to the Board following each
committee meeting. None of the members of these committees are current or former officers or employees
of ours, or any of our subsidiaries.
In July 2009, in support of the Corporation's cost reduction initiatives, the Board decided to reduce
the size of the standing committees. This was accomplished by providing that committee chairs no longer
maintain membership on multiple committees. In order to maintain an adequate quorum on the Corporate
Governance Committee following the departure of Mr. Kilroy from that Committee, Dr. Park joined the
Committee at that time.
The information below sets out the members of each of our standing committees and indicates the
number of meetings that each committee held in 2009. After the Meeting, we will reconstitute all of the
committees to reflect the newly elected Board.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee met 8 times during the financial year ended December 31, 2009. The
members in 2009 were Ian A. Bourne, Edwin J. Kilroy (Chair), David B. Sutcliffe (ceased as of July 13,
2009), Mark A. Suwyn and Douglas W.G. Whitehead. All of the members of the Audit Committee are
independent of our management in accordance with the applicable Canadian and United States securities
laws and exchange requirements.
For a more detailed description of the Audit Committee or to see the Audit Committee’s mandate, a
copy of which is posted on our website, see the section entitled "Board Committees – Audit Committee" in
our Annual Information Form dated March 15, 2010, which section is incorporated by reference into this
Management Proxy Circular.
Management Development, Nominating & Compensation Committee
The MDNCC met 6 times during the financial year ended December 31, 2009. The members in
2009 were Ian A. Bourne, Dr. C.S. Park, Dr. Geraldine B. Sinclair, David J. Smith (ceased as of July 13,
2009) and David B. Sutcliffe (Chair). All of the members of the MDNCC are independent of our
management in accordance with the applicable Canadian and United States securities laws and exchange
requirements.
For a more detailed description of the MDNCC or to see the MDNCC’s mandate, a copy of which is
posted on our website, see the section entitled "Board Committees – Management Development, Nominating
& Compensation Committee" in our Annual Information Form dated March 15, 2010, which section is
incorporated by reference into this Management Proxy Circular.
Corporate Governance Committee
The Corporate Governance Committee met 5 times during the financial year ended December 31,
2009. The members in 2009 were Ian A. Bourne, Dr. C.S. Park (joined as of July 13, 2009), Edwin J. Kilroy
(ceased as of July 13, 2009), Dr. Geraldine B. Sinclair and David J. Smith (Chair). All of the members of the
Corporate Governance Committee are independent of our management in accordance with the applicable
Canadian and United States securities laws and exchange requirements.
For a more detailed description of the Corporate Governance Committee or to see the Corporate
Governance Committee’s mandate, a copy of which is posted on our website, see the section entitled "Board
Committees – Corporate Governance Committee" in our Annual Information Form dated March 15, 2010,
which section is incorporated by reference into this Management Proxy Circular.
17
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our Board and senior management consider good corporate governance to be central to our effective
and efficient operation. We monitor corporate governance initiatives as they develop and benchmark
industry practices to ensure that we are in compliance with corporate governance rules.
Our corporate governance practices are reflected in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which
provide for director qualification standards, director responsibilities, the form and amount of director
compensation, director orientation and continuing education, management succession planning and
performance evaluation of the Board. A copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines can be found on our
website. We have also reviewed our internal control and disclosure procedures, and are satisfied that they
are sufficient to enable our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to certify our interim and
annual reports filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, and to certify our annual reports filed
with or submitted to the SEC.
In addition, we have set up a process for shareholders to communicate to the Board, the details of
which can be found on our website. A summary of shareholder feedback is provided to the Board through a
semi-annual report.
For a more detailed description of our corporate governance policies and practices, see the section
entitled "Corporate Governance" in our Annual Information Form dated March 15, 2010, which section is
incorporated by reference into this Management Proxy Circular.
EQUITY BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
In 2009, the Corporation adopted two equity-based compensation plans approved by our
shareholders at the 2009 Annual Meeting to supersede and replace the prior nine equity compensation plans
as follows:
(a)
(b)
a consolidated share option plan (the "Option Plan") to supersede and replace four
prior option plans; and
a consolidated share distribution plan (the "SDP") to supersede and replace five
prior SDPs.
Set out in Appendix "A" is a discussion of the principal terms of the Option Plan. Set out in
Appendix "B" is a discussion of the principal terms of the SDP.
The Corporation also adopted a plan, administered by an independent trustee, for the purchase of
Ballard Shares on the open market for the redemption of RSU awards (the “Market Purchase RSU Plan”).
The independent trustee makes these open market purchases through the facilities of the TSX, and holds the
purchased Shares in escrow until the restriction period is complete and any performance criteria have been
satisfied. This plan is consistent with the overall move away from the historical practice of using treasury
shares for this purpose.
COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This section of this Management Proxy Circular contains a discussion of the elements of
compensation earned by our "Named Executive Officers", who are listed in the Summary Compensation
Table below: John W. Sheridan (President and Chief Executive Officer), Dave S. Smith(1) (former Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer), Bruce Cousins(2) (Vice President and Chief Financial Officer),
Noordin Nanji (former Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Development), Christopher J. Guzy (Vice
President and Chief Technical Officer) and Michael Goldstein(3) (Vice President and Chief Commercial
Officer).
(1)
(2)
(3)
Mr. Smith resigned as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on January 30, 2009.
Mr. Cousins was appointed Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on April 6, 2009.
Mr. Goldstein was appointed Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer on April 27, 2009.
18
Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Program
The structure of our executive compensation program is designed to compensate and reward
executives appropriately for driving superior performance. For our Named Executive Officers, a significant
portion of their total direct compensation is "at risk" and tied closely to the success of the Corporation’s short
and long-term objectives. "At risk" means that the executive will not realize value unless specified goals,
many of which are directly tied to the Corporation’s performance, are achieved or the price at which our
common shares are traded on the TSX or NASDAQ appreciates. In 2009, these performance goals, and
resulting compensation awards, were largely focused on the Corporation’s key business drivers including
growing revenue, increasing product shipments, reducing product costs, development of the FCgen™-1300
product and reducing annual operating cash consumption. This compensation philosophy puts a strong
emphasis on pay for performance, and uses equity awards as a significant component in order to correlate the
long-term growth of shareholder value with management’s most significant compensation opportunities. The
strategic goals of the Corporation are reflected in the incentive-based executive compensation programs so
that executives’ interests are aligned with shareholders interests.
Philosophy and Objectives
Our philosophy and objectives regarding compensation are to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
attract and retain experienced, qualified, capable executive officers by paying
salaries which are competitive in the markets in which we compete for executive
talent;
motivate short and long-term performance by directly linking annual bonuses to
performance; and
link our executive officers' interests with those of our shareholders by providing our
executive officers with equity-based compensation, requiring them to comply with
minimum share ownership guidelines and build a sustained ownership position.
How Executive Compensation is Determined
The MDNCC is charged, on behalf of our Board, with reviewing and approving executive officers’
benefit policies and compensation plans, including our annual bonus plan and our long-term equity-based
compensation plans. As part of its mandate, the committee approves and recommends to the Board the
appointment of our executive officers. The committee also reviews and approves the amount and form of
their compensation, their development and succession plans, and any significant organizational or
management changes. The committee retains independent compensation consultants for professional advice
and as a source of competitive market information. In 2009, the committee directly retained Towers Perrin
to provide independent compensation analysis and advice specifically related to Ballard executive
compensation items. The committee also seeks the advice and recommendations of our President and Chief
Executive Officer with respect to the compensation of our other executive officers. The President and Chief
Executive Officer does not participate in the portions of the committee discussions that relate directly to his
personal compensation.
Executive Pay Mix and the Emphasis on "At Risk" Pay
We place emphasis on performance by having a significant proportion of our executive officers’ total
annual compensation linked to corporate and individual performance. For 2009, an average of 55% of the
annual compensation earned by each of our Named Executive Officers(1) came from "at risk", variable,
performance-related compensation containing inherent market performance risk, where annual compensation
includes base salary, annual bonus and equity-based long-term incentives (including share options and
RSUs).
(1) Mr. Smith was not included as a Named Executive Officer for the purposes of calculating “at risk” compensation, as he resigned as Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer on January 30, 2009 and did not receive any variable, performance-related compensation.
19
The Use of Benchmarking
Our overall compensation objective is to pay executives on average at the 50th percentile of the
comparator group for full achievement of performance goals. Over-achievement or under-achievement will
result in being over or under the average.
In 2008, the MDNCC, working with Towers Perrin, updated the comparator companies contained
within the Corporation’s compensation comparator group to better reflect the Corporation’s business size and
market focus following the divestment of the automotive business in January 2008. A new list of comparator
companies was reviewed and accepted by the committee, which selected the group of comparators ensuring a
suitable mix of Canadian and United States companies exhibiting a growth oriented mix of revenues,
employee base, asset base, market capitalization and market focus. This comparator group comprised the
primary source of compensation data for review of the Corporation’s market competitiveness. The committee
reviews the composition of the comparator company list on an annual basis.
The committee compares each executive officer’s annual salary, target annual incentive bonus and
long-term incentive compensation value, both separately and in the aggregate, to amounts paid for similar
positions at comparator group companies. As noted above, the committee’s practice is to target annual total
direct compensation for each executive at approximately the 50th percentile among the comparator group
companies.
The Corporation’s current comparator group is:
Canadian Companies(2)
Gennum Corporation
MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.
QLT Inc.
Sierra Wireless Inc.
Westport Innovations Inc.
United States Companies
American Superconductor Corp.
Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
Comverge Inc.
Energy Conversion Devices Inc.
Evergreen Solar Inc.
FuelCell Energy Inc.
Maxwell Technologies Inc.
PMC-Sierra Inc.
Plug Power Inc.
Power Integrations Inc.
Current Executive Compensation Elements
Our compensation program for our executive officers has three primary components:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Annual Salary
annual salary;
annual incentives (bonus); and
equity-based long-term incentives comprised of awards that may be issued under our
Option Plan or under the Market Purchase RSU Plan.
The MDNCC approves the annual salary of our executive officers. Salary guidelines and salary
adjustments for our executive officers are considered with reference to:
(a)
comparative market assessments performed by external compensation consultants;
(2) Xantrex Technology was removed from the Canadian comparator group in 2009 following its acquisition by Schneider Electric.
20
(b)
(c)
(d)
the experience and qualifications of each executive officer;
the individual performance of each executive officer; and
the roles and responsibilities of each executive officer.
The Corporation chooses to pay this element of compensation, because the Corporation’s view is that
a competitive base salary is a necessary element for attracting and retaining qualified and experienced
executive talent.
The Corporation’s decisions about this element of compensation and its annual level impacts
decisions about the level of target annual incentive an executive might receive, but only in the sense that the
incentive bonus target is set as a percentage of annual salary.
In 2009, there were no annual salary increases for the Named Executive Officers. As an austerity
measure, in August 2009, the full-time Named Executive Officers voluntarily accepted a temporary 10%
reduction in base salary, consistent with the Corporation's overall cost reduction efforts.
Annual Bonus for Executive Officers
The MDNCC reviews and approves the annual bonus for each executive officer based on the
recommendations of our President and Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the factors described in
the foregoing section. Ballard has historically paid the annual bonus in Shares or in DSUs. Starting with
2009 performance awards, the Corporation commenced the payment of annual bonuses for our Named
Executive Officers in cash. This change is consistent with the overall move away from the use of treasury
shares for compensation purposes and the changes approved by shareholders in 2009 related to the
consolidation and funding of the Corporation's share and option based plans.
The annual target bonus for executive officers (excluding the President and Chief Executive Officer)
was set at 70% of base salary in 2009. This bonus target had been reduced in 2008 to 70% from 75% in
2007 (this reduction followed a similar reduction in the target bonus level of 5% from 2006 levels to better
align annual incentive levels to market levels relative to the Corporation’s comparator group). Each
executive officer’s actual 2009 bonus was based on a combination of his individual performance and our
corporate performance relative to goals, as discussed below under the section entitled "Methodology for
Determining Annual Incentives".
The Corporation maintains an annual bonus program in order to motivate short and long-term
performance by directly linking annual bonuses to the performance and progress of the Corporation.
The Corporation’s decisions about this element of compensation do not directly affect decisions
about any other element of the Corporation’s compensation program.
For a full discussion of annual incentive compensation for our President and Chief Executive
Officer, see the section entitled "Chief Executive Officer Compensation". The section below entitled
"Methodology for Determining Annual Incentives" applies equally to the President and Chief Executive
Officer as it does to the other executives.
Methodology for Determining Annual Incentives
The actual annual bonus for each executive officer is determined by the MDNCC on the basis of the
following formula:
annual base salary x target bonus percentage x individual performance multiplier x corporate multiplier
The corporate multiplier is determined by the MDNCC and approved by the Board with reference to
achievement against the corporate goals set out in a Corporate Performance Scorecard approved by the
MDNCC and the Board prior to the commencement of the year (in December 2008 for the 2009 fiscal year).
Each corporate performance goal on the scorecard is assigned a relative weighting in terms of importance to
annual performance and growth of the Corporation, as well as a range of targeted outcomes, such that below
a certain performance level the contribution of that goal to the overall corporate multiplier is zero. One of
the goals set at the start of the year related to Unit Shipments of FCgen™-1030 cogeneration stacks to Ebara
Ballard Corporation in Japan. Following the Corporation's strategic decision in mid-year to exit the Ebara
21
Ballard Corporation joint venture, the Board decided to refine the performance criteria replacing the unit
shipment goal with a qualitative assessment of corporate performance based on preparing for and
implementing the Corporation's subsequent strategic decision to exit the Ebara Ballard Corporation joint
venture.
The 2009 Corporate Performance Scorecard had 15 key elements. Goals related to the successful
implementation of the Ebara Ballard Joint Venture exit, Fuel Cell Cost Targets associated with the FCgen™-
1020ACS product, On-Time delivery of Manufacturing Orders, the EBITDA target for our Carbon Fibre
Materials division and Working Capital Targets were all exceeded and received between 100% to 150%
scoring in the overall corporate multiplier.
Targets related to FCgen™-1300 product development goals and Fuel Cell Cost Targets associated
with the FCvelocity™-9SSL product were met and received between 90% to 100% scoring in the overall
corporate multiplier.
Targets related to total Revenue, overall EBITDA, Fuel Cell Shipments to the Back-Up Power and
Material Handling markets, Revenue and EBTIDA targets for the bus market segment, EBITDA target for
the supporting Automotive business segment, and Operation Cash Consumption were not met and received
0% scoring in the overall corporate multiplier.
The overall corporate multiplier for 2009, as reviewed and agreed to by the MDNCC and the Board,
based on achievement relative to these corporate goals, was 53%.
Given the nature of the corporate performance multiplier, for any particular year the corporate
performance multiplier is not determined until our annual financial statements for that particular financial
year are complete. However, notwithstanding that the corporate performance multiplier is not determined,
and the annual bonus based thereon is not paid until the first quarter following each particular financial year,
in our summary compensation table we report the annual bonus for each particular financial year as if it had
been determined and paid in the particular financial year.
A discussion of the annual base salary, target bonus percentage and corporate multiplier components
of this annual incentive formula for each executive officer is set out above. The individual performance
multiplier is determined with reference to achievement against the individual goals set for each executive
officer, with an individual performance multiplier greater than 100% being awarded for superior
performance against these goals, and an individual performance multiplier of less than 100% being awarded
for substandard performance against these goals. Individual goals are set for individual executive officers by
the Chief Executive Officer and are based on agreed-upon objective/identifiable measures relative to their
respective functional accountabilities, which are aligned to the corporate performance goals. Our Named
Executive Officers’ individual performance multipliers for 2009 ranged from 80% to 130%.
Mr. Cousins was appointed Chief Financial Officer on April 6, 2009. Mr. Cousins has met his
overall performance goals for his CFO role, related to financial operations, administration, investor relations
and information technology since the date of his appointment. In addition he provided strong leadership on
key initiatives including the re-setting of the cost base and two key transactions to augment the Company’s
cash reserves (the Ford Share Purchase Agreement monetization and the head office building sale-
leaseback).
Mr. Nanji’s role changed from the Chief Customer Officer role that he held in 2008, with
responsibilities for Sales, Marketing and Business Development responsibilities, to a part-time, one year
transitional role that completed on December 31, 2009. This transitional role was part of Mr. Nanji’s plan to
leave Ballard after over 10 years of service, to pursue new career opportunities. In his transitional role, he
assisted the CEO and the new Chief Commercial Officer on a number of projects, with a primary focus on
strategic matters, including the exit from the Ebara Ballard joint venture business in Japan. He left the
Company as planned on December 31, 2009.
Mr. Guzy’s primary responsibilities for 2009, in his role of Vice President and Chief Technology
Officer, were in research programs, product development and project implementation. Research programs
met all key goals, including securing a significant increase in external funding from government sources.
While the major development programs, including FCgen™-1300 product development and the BC Transit
22
and First Energy implementation activities were effectively executed, several milestones were missed,
largely related to external factors.
Mr. Goldstein was appointed Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer on April 27, 2009. Mr.
Goldstein initiated key programs in 2009 to build strong organizational capabilities, enhanced sales training
and funnel management processes and heightened the business focus on distributed generation business
opportunities. Other than revenue results, which fell short of the goals due to the external environment, key
goals were delivered in 2009. In addition, Mr. Goldstein played a key role in the architecture and negotiation
of the Dantherm Power acquisition.
Mr. Smith resigned as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on January 30, 2009 and did not
receive an annual bonus for 2009.
Long Term Incentives
We provide our executive officers with equity-based long-term incentives through the Option Plan,
Market Purchase RSU Plan and the SDP. These plans are designed to reinforce the connection between
executive officer remuneration and our performance by motivating and rewarding participants for improving
our long-term financial strength and enhancing shareholder value, and also providing retention value to
executives. With respect to equity-based long-term compensation awards for our executive officers,
individual performance and future contribution expectations are taken into account in determining the award.
In 2009, the President and Chief Executive Officer recommended to the MDNCC a value amount in dollars
for each Named Executive Officer which considered the previous comparator company study by Towers
Perrin, and the current share price and total options and shares available for issuance under the Option Plan
and SDP, which was approved for each executive: see the amounts set out under “Share-Based Awards” and
“Option-Based Awards” in our Summary Compensation Table. Approximately 55% of this value amount
was then converted to RSUs at the then current market price by dividing the dollar value by the closing share
price on either the TSX or NASDAQ on the award date. Approximately 45% of this value amount was
converted to options by dividing the dollar value by the Black-Scholes value of a Ballard option on the award
date. These options were then priced at the closing share price on the day prior to the award date.
A new hire Long Term Incentive award consisting of both options and RSUs was given to each Mr.
Cousins and Mr. Goldstein upon their appointment as executives to the Corporation in April 2009.
This element of compensation and the Corporation’s decisions about this element fit into the
Corporation’s overall compensation objectives in that they link our shareholders’ interests with those of our
executive officers by providing our executive officers with equity-based compensation, and requiring them to
comply with minimum share ownership guidelines.
The Corporation’s decisions about this element of compensation do not affect decisions about any
other element of the Corporation’s compensation.
Share Options
Share options are granted annually in respect of approximately 50% of the long-term compensation
to be provided to an executive. As a result, previous grants of Share options are not generally taken into
account when making new grants. The actual number of Share options granted is determined by dividing the
dollar value of the portion of the long-term incentive to be satisfied though an option grant by the Black-
Scholes value of a Ballard option on the award date.
Under our Option Plan:
(a)
(b)
the exercise price of each option is determined by the Board, but must not be less
than the closing price per Share on the TSX on the last trading day before the date
the option is granted; and
each option may be exercised by the holder in respect of up to one-third of the
Shares subject to the option on or after the first, second and third anniversary of the
effective date of the option on a cumulative basis.
Share options are typically granted for a term of seven years.
23
As an austerity measure, reflecting the economic climate and lower share price levels, the target
dollar value of 2009 Share Options was reduced by approximately 30% from 2008 levels.
Restricted Share Units
Employees and executive officers are eligible to receive new RSU awards under the Market
Purchase RSU Plan, which provides for vesting over periods of up to three years and awards may be subject
to certain performance criteria, as determined by the Board upon the recommendation of the MDNCC.
Redemption of these RSUs is satisfied with Shares bought under the Market Purchase RSU Plan.
The amount of the long-term incentive that is awarded to each executive officer is typically
determined in the first quarter of each financial year, in conjunction with the determination of that executive
officer’s annual bonus for the prior financial year. Since the long-term incentive is tied to future (as opposed
to past) corporate performance, in our summary compensation table we report the grant of the long-term
incentive in the “Share-Based Awards” column and the “Option-Based Awards” column for the particular
year in which they were actually granted. The year-end values of unexercised or unvested Share options and
RSUs, and the vesting during the year of Share options and RSUs are reported in the tables under the heading
“Incentive Plan Awards”.
New Issuances
As an austerity measure, reflecting the economic climate and lower share price levels, the target
dollar value of 2009 RSU awards was reduced by approximately 30% from 2008 levels.
On March 23, 2009, 203,500 RSUs were issued to all then full-time Named Executive Officers,
including the President and Chief Executive Officer. For all our executive officers who received an award
on that date, the RSU awards included a performance criteria achievement goal of a minimum corporate
multiplier in 2009 of 75% (see the section above entitled "Methodology for Determining Annual Incentives"
for a description of the determination of the 2009 corporate multiplier).
During 2009, to better align executive compensation with long-term performance and shareholder
interests, the MDNCC and Board decided to move from awarding RSU grants with first-year performance
criteria to RSU grants with multi-year performance criteria. RSU performance criteria now apply across all 3
years of the award, with partial vesting of awards in each year subject to meeting the required performance
criteria. This new methodology was applied to these 2009 awards and the Corporation intends to apply this
methodology to future awards. As the 2009 performance criteria (minimum corporate multiplier in 2009 of
75%) was not achieved, the first third of these awards expired and will not be redeemed.
Mr. Cousins and Mr. Goldstein each received a grant of RSUs as part of their new hire award. These
RSU awards were subject to time vesting only over 3 years. Mr. Cousins received 57,142 RSUs on April 30,
2009 and Mr. Goldstein received 59,829 RSUs on May 5, 2009.
Redemptions
On March 4, 2009, 35,730 RSUs reached the end of their restriction period and after statutory
withholdings, 20,116 RSUs were redeemed into Shares, representing one-third of the 2008 annual RSU long-
term incentive award granted to Mr. Sheridan on May 12, 2008 and to Mr. Guzy, and Mr. Nanji on February
21, 2008. These RSUs were redeemed into Shares following the Board’s confirmation that the performance
criteria (>75% achievement of the corporate multiplier in 2008) was met. The remaining two-thirds of the
RSU award will be issued to each executive officer in 2010 and 2011, provided they remain employed by the
Corporation on the respective redemption dates. Also on March 4, 2009, 24, 286 RSUs reached the end of
their restriction period and after statutory withholdings, 13,673 RSUs were redeemed into Shares,
representing one-third of the 2007 annual RSU long-term incentive award to Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Guzy and
Mr. Nanji, the performance criteria already having been met.
On March 9, 2009, 183,553 RSUs reached the end of their restriction period and after statutory
withholdings,103,340 RSUs were redeemed into Shares to Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Guzy and Mr. Nanji upon
completion of the time period and satisfactory completion of the performance criteria related to RSUs
awarded to these executives in March 2006. The awards were three-year cliff vesting awards that required
24
satisfaction of Operating Cash Consumption targets in each of 2006, 2007 and 2008. The MDNCC and the
Board evaluated achievement against the established target and authorized the redemption of the RSUs into
Shares.
As approved by the Board, as part of his transition plan, Mr. Nanji had the remaining 20,235 RSUs
issued to him in 2007 and 2008 redeemed into 11,392 Shares (net of statutory withholdings) on August 27,
2009, the performance criteria already having been met.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
Mr. Sheridan was appointed President and CEO by the Board on February 22, 2006. When
appointed, his base salary at that time was fixed at US$506,402(3) per year. The CEO base salary has been
frozen since that time, other than a 10% voluntary temporary reduction in August, 2009. This base salary
reduction from August until year end 2009, was volunteered as an austerity measure in support of cost
reduction initiatives that were being implemented across the Company.
Mr. Sheridan is entitled to receive an RRSP contribution (US$20,065(4) in 2009), but changes to the
corporate RRSP program will mean a relative reduction by 50% of this benefit in 2010 and require a
matching contribution from Mr. Sheridan). Mr. Sheridan is also entitled to receive company paid insurance
premiums (US$1,931(5) in 2009).
Mr. Sheridan’s target bonus for 2009, as detailed below was equal to 90% of his annual base salary.
This level of target bonus has been reduced from 100% in 2007. Mr. Sheridan’s bonus for 2009 was
determined by the MDNCC on the basis of corporate financial and operational performance reflected in the
Corporate Performance Scorecard rating, plus performance relative to the CEO’s individual goals for 2009,
as approved by the Board. The goals and the respective performance achievement are outlined below.
(cid:2) Development of comprehensive strategic plan, with trajectory & enabling key performance
indicators for EBITDA break-even in near term & strong EBITDA growth in the medium term.
This goal was met, as reflected in the 2009 Strategic Plan and 2010 Annual Operating Plan, approved by
the Board.
(cid:2) Resolution of Ebara Ballard joint venture strategic issues, with respect to investment, customer
and partner alignment. This goal was met, with the smooth exit from the problematic Ebara Ballard
joint venture, with no financial encumbrances and the retention of key business relationships.
(cid:2)
Strengthen leadership through recruitment of Chief Commercial Officer & Chief Financial
Officer, targeted development & succession planning initiatives. This goal was met with successful
transitions with respect to key executive departures, new executive appointments and the refinement of
succession plans and other initiatives.
(cid:2) Navigation of macroeconomic crises, through mitigation & exploitation plans, for unfolding risks
& opportunities. This goal was exceeded, through the identification and delivery of key new initiatives
that strengthened Ballard’s balance sheet and the Company’s growth capabilities. This included
achievements relative to re-setting the Company’s cost base, monetization of the Ford Share Purchase
Agreement, the sale-leaseback transaction, and the Dantherm Power acquisition.
These individual goals were purposely not weighted in advance so that the Board could retain the
flexibility to assess the overall individual performance of Mr. Sheridan after reviewing all aspects of
performance for the full year, without the constraint of a pre-set weighting on any particular goal.
After assessing the above achievements relative to the goals, the Board approved an individual
performance multiplier of 140%. Applying this individual multiplier and the corporate multiplier of 53%
(3) Mr. Sheridan’s salary is payable in Canadian dollars (C$530,000) and was converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the disclosure
above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(4) RRSP contribution was paid in Canadian dollars (C$21,000) and was converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the disclosure
(5)
above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
Insurance premiums were paid in Canadian dollars (C$2,021) and were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the disclosure
above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
25
(determined in accordance with the corporate multiplier methodology set forth in the section entitled
"Methodology for Determining Annual Incentives"), to Mr. Sheridan’s target bonus for 2009 of 90% of base
salary, resulted in a bonus payment to Mr. Sheridan of US$338,175(6) for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2009.
The total value of Mr. Sheridan's compensation in 2009 was US$1,169,163.
On March 4, 2009, the Board approved the recommendation by the MDNCC and Mr. Sheridan was
granted a long-term incentive award, equivalent at the time of grant to a total value of US$299,492. On
March 5, 2009 a total of US$115,242 was converted to options in respect of 177,295 Shares (at an exercise
price of CDN$1.34 per Share). On March 23, 2009, following the establishment of the Market Purchase RSU
Plan, Mr. Sheridan received a RSU award of US$184,250 (137,500 RSUs at a price of CDN$1.40 per Share).
These awards formed Mr. Sheridan’s 2009 long-term incentive package, and the overall value and equity mix
was approved by the MDNCC and the Board following consultations with Towers Perrin. Consistent with
other Named Executive Officers, the RSU award had performance criteria and time vesting as described
above in the Restricted Share Units – New Issuances section, and the share options were granted with a 7-
year term, with one-third of the options vesting at the end of each of the first three years.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
For a description of the termination and change of control benefits under Ballard's employee
contracts and equity compensation plans for the President & CEO and other Named Executive Officers, see
the section entitled "Termination and Change of Control Benefits" below.
Perquisites
In addition to cash and equity compensation, the Corporation provides Named Executive Officers
with certain personal benefits, consistent with similar benefits coverage within the comparator group. These
benefits include a car allowance, medical benefits program, long and short-term disability coverage, life
insurance, an annual medical and a financial planning allowance.
Retirement Benefits
In 2009, each Named Executive Officer received an RRSP contribution from the Corporation, equal
to the maximum amount allowable under the Income Tax Act (Canada). In 2009, this amount was
US$20,065(7), pro-rated for Mr. Cousins, Mr. Smith and Mr. Goldstein based on the portion of the full year
they were employed by the Corporation. None of the Named Executive Officers participate in a Corporation-
sponsored Defined Benefits Plan, Defined Contribution Plan, or Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan,
nor do they receive contributions to any such plan on their behalf from the Corporation. In 2009, the
Corporation made changes to its overall RRSP program for 2010 and beyond. Moving forward, each
executive will be required to make a matching contribution to receive an RRSP benefit. As a result of these
changes, the maximum benefit each executive can receive is up to 50% of the maximum amount allowable
under the Income Tax Act (Canada), based on the executive making an equal matching contribution.
Total Executive Officer Compensation
The total value of the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer together with all of the other
Named Executive Officers (as defined below in the section entitled "Executive Compensation") was
US$3,842,113(8).
(6) Mr. Sheridan’s bonus was paid in Canadian dollars (C$353,934) and was converted into United States dollars for the purpose of this disclosure
using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(7) RRSP contributions were paid in Canadian dollars (C$21,000) and were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the disclosure
above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(8) The majority of compensation was paid in Canadian dollars and the aggregate amount paid was converted into United States dollars for the
purpose of the disclosure above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
26
Minimum Share Ownership Guidelines
We established executive officer minimum share ownership guidelines in 2003, which obligate each
executive officer to own a minimum number of our Shares. Those guidelines were modified by our Board in
December 2007 to increase the minimum share ownership requirements for our executive officers.
For current executive officers other than the President and Chief Executive Officer, a new minimum
share ownership guideline(9) was established requiring the executive officers to acquire a number of Shares,
equal to the lesser of:
(a)
the number of Shares with a fair market value equal to the executive officer’s annual
base salary; or
(b)
35,300 Shares.
In 2006, the policy for the President and Chief Executive Officer was reviewed and the equity
ownership requirement for the President and Chief Executive Officer was increased such that the minimum
share ownership guideline is equal to the lesser of:
(a)
the number of Shares that have a fair market value of three times the President and
Chief Executive Officer’s base salary; or
(b)
181,903 Shares.
For the purposes of this section, the "fair market value" is defined as the closing price of our Shares
as listed on the TSX on the date of review of the guideline. All executive officers have met or are on track to
achieve the applicable guidelines.
(9)
For executive officers other than the President and Chief Executive Officer who were employed as at December 2007, the time for acquiring the
new minimum share ownership level has been extended by three years for a total of eight years. For executive officers hired after December,
2007, the minimum number of Shares must be acquired over a five-year period. For the President and Chief Executive Officer, the share
acquisition period is five years from the date of hire.
27
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the total cumulative return to a shareholder who invested $100 in our
Shares on December 31, 2004, assuming reinvestment of dividends, with the total cumulative return of $100
on the NASDAQ Composite Index for the last five years.
Cumulative Value of a $100 Investment
$
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Ballard (BLDP)
NASDAQ Composite
2004 (Dec 31)
($)
2005 (Dec 31)
($)
2006 (Dec 31)
($)
2007 (Dec 31)
($)
2008 (Dec 31)
($)
2009 (Dec 31)
($)
100
100
62
101
84
111
78
122
17
72
28
104
Ballard
NASDAQ
Composite
Index
The trend shown by this graph does not reflect the trend in the Corporation’s compensation to its
Named Executive Officers.
28
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the compensation paid for the fiscal years ended on December 31,
2008 and December 31, 2009 to our Named Executive Officers(1). The 2008 compensation figures have been
restated using the same foreign exchange rate as the 2009 figures to provide a meaningful year-on-year
comparison.
Summary Compensation Table
Long-Tern Incentives
Salary(4)
(US$)
488,872
506,402
Bonus(5)
(US$)
338,175
650,827
184,250
1,670,264 (9)
115,242
238,861
Share-Based
Awards(6)
(US$)
Option-Based
Awards(7)
(US$)
All Other
Compensation(8)
(US$)
Total
Compensation
(US$)
Name and Principal
Position
John W. Sheridan(2)
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Bruce Cousins(3)
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Dave S. Smith(3)
Former Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Noordin Nanji
Former Vice President,
Corporate Strategy and
Development
Christopher J. Guzy
Chief Technical Officer
Michael Goldstein
Vice President and Chief
Commercial Officer
Year
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
194,807
107,142
133,714
206,500
0
39,873
296,197
245,880
284,437
285,945
296,197
217,848
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
211,485
114,567
114,468
132,007
200,456
87,911
274,931
116,742
0
0
0
114,567
114,468
88,440
114,567
134,017
0
55,316
114,468
211,750
0
42,624
45,910
57,365
0
33,767
49,229
88,504
39.009
40,981
57,553
194,441
0
1,169,163
3,112,264
699,528
0
73,640
785,946
466,391
752,937
558,593
857,716
874,798
0
(1) Glenn Kumoi departed as Vice President, Human Resources, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary effective August 14, 2009. His total
compensation for 2009, including his lump sum severance payment was $630,235 converted into United States dollars using the Bank of Canada
noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(2) Mr. Sheridan is also a director, but receives no compensation for his service as a director.
(3) Mr. Smith resigned as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective January 30, 2009. Jay Murray was appointed Acting Chief Financial
Officer effective January 30, 2009 following Mr. Smith’s resignation. Bruce Cousins was appointed Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
effective April 6, 2009.
(4)
(5)
Salary of each of the Named Executive Officers was paid in Canadian dollars. The Canadian dollar amounts for 2009 were C$511,654,
C$203,885, C$41,731, C$257,337, C$299,270 and C$228,000 for Messrs. Sheridan, Cousins, Smith, Nanji, Guzy and Goldstein, respectively.
Note that each full-time Named Executive Officer voluntarily accepted a temporary 10% base salary cut starting in August 2009. The Canadian
dollar amounts for 2008 were C$530,000, C$310,000, C$297,692, C$310,000 for Messrs. Sheridan, Smith, Nanji and Guzy, respectively. The
Canadian dollar amounts were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the table above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of
exchange on December 31, 2009.
The bonus of each of the Named Executive Officers was paid in Canadian dollars. The Canadian dollar amounts for 2009 were C$353,934,
C$112,135, C$0, C$138,159, C$92,008 and C$122,183 for Messrs. Sheridan, Cousins, Smith, Nanji, Guzy and Goldstein, respectively. The
Canadian dollar amounts for 2008 were C$681,156, C$221,340, C$209,797 and C$287,743 for Messrs. Sheridan, Smith, Nanji and Guzy,
respectively. The Canadian dollar amounts were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the table above using the Bank of
Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(6) Represents the total fair market value of RSUs issued to each Named Executive Officer during the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years. This amount is
based on the grant date fair market value of the award, which equals the closing price of the Shares on the TSX on the date of issuance of the
award. Fair value is determined in accordance with Section 3870 of the CICA Handbook (accounting fair value) is recorded as compensation
expense in the statement of operations on a straight-line basis over vesting periods of one to three years. There is no difference in Canadian
dollars between the grant date fair market value of the award and the accounting fair value. The Canadian dollar amounts were converted into
United States dollars for the purpose of the table above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
As noted above, a dollar value is approved for the long term incentive awarded to each executive and 55% of this amount is awarded in the form
of RSUs with the remaining 45% being awarded in the form of Share options in 2009. In 2008, 50% of this amount was awarded in the form of
RSUs with the remaining 50% being awarded in the form of Share options. The number of RSUs awarded is equal to the dollar amount of the
award divided by the fair market value of the Shares at the time of issuance (based on the closing price of the Shares on the TSX on the date of
issuance). The number of RSUs issued to each Named Executive Officer in respect of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and December
31, 2009 is as follows:
29
Named Executive
Officer
John W. Sheridan
Bruce Cousins
Dave S. Smith
Noordin Nanji
Christopher J. Guzy
Michael Goldstein
Year
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
RSUs
(#)
137,500
419,664
57,143
0
0
23,622
0
23,622
66,000
23,622
59,829
0
Fair Market Value
of a Share
(US$)(A)
1.34
3.98
2.34
0
0
4.85
0
4.85
1.34
4.85
2.24
0
Total
(US$)
184,250
1,670,264
133,714
0
0
114,567
0
114,567
88,440
114,567
134,017
0
(A) The fair market value of a Share has been calculated using the Canadian dollar closing price of the Shares underlying the RSUs
on the TSX on the date of issuance. The Canadian dollar amounts were converted to United States dollars for the purpose of
this disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(7) Represents the total of the fair market value of options to purchase our Shares issued under the Option Plan granted to each Named Executive
Officer during each fiscal year. There were no options that were amended or modified during 2008 or 2009. This amount is based on the grant
date fair market value of the award determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model using the following key assumptions: expected life of 5
years, expected volatility of 60% and risk free interest rate of 2% for 2009 and expected life of 7 years, expected volatility of 46% and risk free
interest rate of 4% for 2008. Accounting fair value is recorded as compensation expense in the statement of operations on a straight-line basis
over the vesting period. There is no difference in Canadian dollars between the grant date fair market value of the award determined using the
Black-Scholes valuation model and accounting fair value determined in accordance with s.3870 of the CICA Handbook (accounting fair value).
The Canadian dollar amounts were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the table above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of
exchange on December 31, 2009.
As noted above, a dollar value is approved for the long term incentive awarded to each executive and 55% of this amount is awarded in the form
of RSUs with the remaining 45% being awarded in the form of Share options. In 2008, 50% of this amount was awarded in the form of RSUs
with the remaining 50% being awarded in the form of Share options. The number of Share options awarded is equal to the dollar amount of the
award divided by the fair market value of the Shares at the time of issuance (based on the closing trading price of the Shares on the TSX on the
day prior to issuance). The number of Share options issued to each Named Executive Officer in respect of the fiscal years ended December 31,
2008 and December 31, 2009 is as follows:
Named Executive
Officer
John W. Sheridan
Bruce Cousins
Dave S. Smith
Noordin Nanji
Christopher J. Guzy
Michael Goldstein
Year
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
Option-Based Awards
Shares Under
Options
(#)
Black-Scholes Value of Shares
Underlying Options on Date of
Grant
(US$/Share)(A)
Fair Market Value
(US$)
177,295
123,762
175,000
0
0
42,553
0
42,553
85,101
42,553
175,000
0
0.65
1.93
1.18
0
0
2.69
0
2.69
0.65
2.69
1.21
0
115,242
238,861
206,500
0
0
114,468
0
114,468
55,316
114,468
211,750
0
(A) The fair market value of a Share has been calculated using the Canadian dollar closing price of the Shares underlying the options on
the TSX on the date of issuance. The Canadian dollar amounts were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of this
disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(8) All Other Compensation was actually paid in Canadian dollars. The Canadian dollar amounts for 2009 were C$44,610, C$60,038, C$35,341,
C$92,628, C$42,890 and C$203,501 for Messrs. Sheridan, Cousins, Smith, Nanji, Guzy and Goldstein, respectively. The Canadian dollar
amounts for 2008 were C$48,051, C$51,524, C$40,828 and C$60,235 for Messrs. Sheridan, Smith, Nanji and Guzy, respectively. The Canadian
dollar amounts were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the table above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on
December 31, 2009.
30
The value of the items included in this amount was based on the aggregate incremental cash cost to the Corporation. All Other Compensation,
including the type and amount of each perquisite, the value of which exceeds 25% of the total value of perquisites reported for a Named
Executive Officer, includes:
Named Executive
Officer
John W. Sheridan
Bruce Cousins
Dave S. Smith
Noordin Nanji
Christopher J. Guzy
Michael Goldstein
Year
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
2009
2008
All Other Compensation
RRSP Contribution
(US$)(A)
Insurance Premiums
(US$)(A)
Other(B)
(US$)
20,065
19,109
15,049
0
1,672
19,109
20,065
19,109
20,065
19,109
13,544
0
1,931
1,819
681
0
193
1,092
819
772
819
772
546
0
20,628
24,982
41,635
0
31,902
29,028
67,620
19,128
20,097
37,672
180,351
0
Total
(US$)
42,624
45,910
57,365
0
33,767
49,229
88,504
39,009
40,981
57,553
194,441
0
(A)
The amounts in this table were paid in Canadian dollars and have been converted into United States dollars using the Bank of
Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009. The Canadian dollar amounts of the RRSP Contribution paid in 2009 in
respect of each of the Named Executive Officers was C$21,000, pro-rated for Mr. Cousins, Mr. Smith and Mr. Goldstein
based on the portion of the full year they were employed by the Corporation. The Canadian dollar amounts of the RRSP
Contribution paid in 2008 in respect of each of the Named Executive Officers was C$20,000.
The Canadian dollar amounts of insurance premiums paid in 2009 were C$2,021, C$713, C$202, C$857, C$857 and C$571
for Messrs. Sheridan, Cousins, Smith, Nanji, Guzy and Goldstein, respectively. The Canadian dollar amounts of insurance
premiums paid in 2008 were C$1,904, C$1,143, C$808 and C$808 for Messrs. Sheridan, Smith, Nanji and Guzy, respectively.
The Canadian dollar amounts of “other” compensation paid in 2009 were C$21,589, C$43,575, C$33,389, C$70,771,
C$21,033 and C$188,755 for Messrs. Sheridan, Cousins, Smith, Nanji, Guzy and Goldstein, respectively. The Canadian dollar
amounts of “other” compensation paid in 2008 were C$26,147, C$30,381, C$20,020 and C$39,427 for Messrs. Sheridan,
Smith, Nanji and Guzy, respectively.
(B)
Includes automobile allowances, temporary living and travel allowances, financial planning services and medical and health
benefits. Mr. Goldstein’s amount in 2009 includes a one-time signing bonus of C$150,000. Mr. Nanji’s amount in 2009
includes a special one-time cash payment of C$46,400 which was an incentive connected with the 18 month transition period of
his employment.
(9)
In addition to the grant of 59,952 RSUs awarded to Mr. Sheridan in accordance with the Corporation’s usual practices for annual long-term
incentives awards, the Board approved a recommendation by the MDNCC to award Mr. Sheridan a special, one-time three-year RSU
award designed to retain and provide incentive to Mr. Sheridan through mid-2011. This three-year award, issued on May 12, 2008 had an
award value at grant of US$1,431,655 (359,712 RSUs at a price of US$3.98 per share) with a three-year cliff vesting provision that
requires Mr. Sheridan to continue to be employed by Ballard until that date in order to receive the full award. The special RSU award was
based on a Canadian dollar amount (C$1.5 million) which has been converted into United States dollars using the Bank of Canada noon
rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS
The following table sets forth all option-based and share-based awards granted to our Named
Executive Officers that are outstanding as of December 31, 2009.
31
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
(as of December 31, 2009)
Option-Based Awards
Share-Based Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
6,000
2,500
6,000
76,713(4)
123,762(5)
177,295(6)
175,000
0
Named Executive
Officer
John W. Sheridan
Dave S. Smith(7)
Bruce Cousins
175,000(6)
Noordin Nanji(8)
Christopher J.
Guzy
60,000
22,484
42,553
22,484(9)
40,000
42,553(10)
35,000
85,101(6)
60,000
Option
Exercise
Price(1)
(US$)
84.56
41.85
37.02
7.45
3.98
1.28
6.86
N/A
2.18
6.86
7.45
4.85
7.45
7.60
4.85
7.23
1.28
6.86
Michael Goldstein
175,000(6)
2.24
Value of
Unexercised
In-The-
Money
Options(2)
(US$)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Option
Expiration
Date
May 17, 2011
Nov. 30, 2011
May 16, 2012
Feb. 23, 2014
May 13, 2015
Mar. 5, 2016
Mar. 8, 2016
N/A
N/A
Apr. 30, 2016
Jan. 30, 2010
Jan. 30, 2010
Jan. 30, 2010
Feb. 23, 2014
Feb. 1, 2015
Feb. 22, 2015
Mar. 2, 2015
Mar. 5, 2016
Mar. 8, 2016
May 5, 2016
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Number of RSUs
That Have Not
Vested
(#)
Market or Payout
Value of RSUs That
Have Not Vested(3)
(US$)
552,491
1,050,503
0
57,143
0
N/A
108,651
N/A
86,236
163,968
59,829
113,759
(1) All figures are in United States dollars. Where options are exercisable in Canadian dollars, the exercise price has been converted to United
States dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(2)
(3)
This amount is based on the difference between the closing price of the Shares underlying the options on the TSX as at December 31, 2009, and
the exercise price of the option converted to United States dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
Where the difference is a negative number the value is deemed to be 0.
This amount is calculated by multiplying the number of RSUs that have not vested by the closing price of the Shares underlying the RSUs on the
TSX as at December 31, 2009. It has then been converted to United States dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of Canada
noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009. The Canadian dollar amounts were C$1,099,457, C$113,714, C$0, C$0, C$171,609 and
C$119,060 for Messrs. Sheridan, Cousins, Smith, Nanji, Guzy and Goldstein, respectively.
Such amounts may not represent the actual value of the RSUs which ultimately vest, as the value of the Shares underlying the RSUs may be of
greater or lesser value and/or the exchange rate may be higher or lower on vesting. However, given that it would be not be feasible for the
Corporation to estimate, with any certainty, the market value of its Shares or the exchange rate on vesting, the Corporation has used the market
value and exchange rate at the end of the most recently completed financial year for the purpose of calculating the amount disclosed.
(4) Comprising 51,142 vested and 25,571 unvested options.
(5) Comprising 41,254 vested and 82,508 unvested options.
(6) Unvested options.
(7) Mr. Smith’s unvested options and RSUs lapsed on January 30, 2009, the effective date of his resignation from Ballard.
(8) Mr. Nanji's unvested options lapsed on December 31, 2009, the effective date of his resignation from Ballard.
(9)
Comprising 14,989 vested and 7,495 unvested options.
(10) Comprising 14,184 vested and 28,369 unvested options.
The following table sets forth the value of the incentive plan awards vested or earned during the year
ended December 31, 2009 by our Named Executive Officers.
32
Incentive Plan Awards – Value Vested or Earned During the Year
(2009)
Named Executive Officer
Option-Based Awards –
Value Vested During the
Year(1)
(US$)
Share-Based Awards – Value
Vested During the Year(2)
(US$)
Non-equity incentive plan
compensation – Value earned
during the year
(US$)
John W. Sheridan
Bruce Cousins
Dave S. Smith
Noordin Nanji
Christopher J. Guzy
Michael Goldstein
0
0
0
0
0
0
166,201
0
31,353
93,093
56,164
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
(1)
(2)
This value was determined by calculating the difference between the market price of the underlying Shares on the vesting date and the exercise
price of the options on the vesting date. It has then been converted to United States dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of
Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009. Where the difference is a negative number the value is deemed to be 0.
This value was determined by calculating the dollar value realized by multiplying the number of Shares by the market value of the underlying
Shares on the vesting date. It has then been converted to United States dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon
rate of exchange on December 31, 2009. The Canadian dollar amounts were C$173,946, C$0, C$32,814, C$97,431, C$58,781and C$0 for
Messrs. Sheridan, Cousins, Smith, Nanji, Guzy and Goldstein, respectively.
The number of options vesting to Named Executive Officers under the Option Plan during the most
recently completed financial year is 244,381, none of which were exercised by Named Executive Officers
during 2009.
As noted in the Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards table, as at December
31, 2009, there were 755,699 RSUs awarded to Named Executive Officers that were still unvested. The
performance criteria for each of these RSUs has been met and they are set to vest (subject to the terms of the
Market Purchase RSU Plan) as follows:
Named Executive Officer
Number of RSUs That Have Not Vested
John W. Sheridan
Bruce Cousins
Dave S. Smith(2)
Noordin Nanji(3)
Christopher J. Guzy
45,833
19,984
15,310
19,985
45,833
359,712
45,834
19,048
19,048
19,047
0
0
22,000
7,875
4,487
7,874
22,000
22,000
33
Vesting Date
None(1)
February 20, 2010
February 21, 2010
February 20, 2011
March 3, 2011
May 11, 2011
March 3, 2012
April 29, 2010
April 29, 2011
April 29, 2012
N/A
N/A
None(1)
February 20, 2010
February 21, 2010
February 20, 2011
March 3, 2011
March 3, 2012
Named Executive Officer
Number of RSUs That Have Not Vested
Michael Goldstein
19,943
19,943
19,943
Vesting Date
May 4, 2010
May 4, 2011
May 4, 2012
(1) As the 2009 performance criteria (minimum corporate multiplier in 2009 of 75%) was not achieved, these RSUs expired and will not be
redeemed.
(2) Mr. Smith’s unvested RSUs lapsed on January 30, 2009, the effective date of his resignation from Ballard.
(3) Mr. Nanji's unvested RSUs lapsed on December 31, 2009, the effective date of his resignation from Ballard.
PENSION PLAN BENEFITS
None of the Named Executive Officers participate in a Corporation-sponsored Defined Benefits Plan
or Defined Contribution Plan, nor do they receive contributions to any such plan on their behalf from the
Corporation.
TERMINATION AND CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFITS
Employment Contracts
Ballard employs a standard-form executive employment agreement which all of our Named
Executive Officers have executed. These agreements have indefinite terms, provide for payments to be made
on termination and otherwise include standard industry terms and conditions, including intellectual property,
confidentiality, and non-competition and non-solicitation provisions in favour of Ballard.
The annual salary paid(10) to each of our Named Executive Officers under their employment
agreements for 2009 was as follows: Mr. Sheridan received US$488,872, Mr. Cousins received US$194,807,
, Mr. Guzy received US$285,945 and Mr.
Mr. Smith received US$39,873, Mr. Nanji received US$245,880
Goldstein received US$217,848. Note that each full-time Named Executive Officer voluntarily accepted a
temporary 10% base salary cut starting in August 2009.
Pursuant to these employment agreements, we can terminate a Named Executive Officer’s
employment immediately, without any required period of notice or payment in lieu thereof, for just cause,
upon the death of the executive, or if the executive does not renew any required work permits. In every other
circumstance, other than one following a change of control, we are required to provide notice of 12 months
plus one month for every year of employment completed with us, to a maximum of 24 months, or payment in
lieu of such notice, consisting of the salary, bonus and other benefits that would have been earned during
such notice period.
All of the employment contracts for the Named Executive Officers include a “double-trigger” in
relation to a change of control – if the executive’s employment is terminated (including a constructive
dismissal) within 2 years following the date of a change of control, the executive is entitled to a payment
equivalent to payment in lieu of a 24 month notice period. For these purposes, a "change of control" under
the employment agreements is defined as occurring when:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
a person or persons acting in concert acquires at least one-half of Ballard’s shares;
the persons who comprise the Board of Ballard do not consist of a majority of
persons who were previously directors of Ballard, or who were recommended to the
shareholders for election to the Board by a majority of the Directors;
there is a disposition of all or substantially all of Ballard’s assets to an entity in
which Ballard does not have a majority interest; or
Ballard is involved in any business combination that results in Ballard’s
shareholders owning less than one-half of the voting shares of the combined entity.
(10) All figures are in United States dollars. However, as the majority of compensation is paid in Canadian dollars, the amounts
paid were converted into United States dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
34
Equity-Based Compensation Plans
The Option Plan provides that, if a participant ceases to be an employee of Ballard or its subsidiaries,
he or she will have up to 90 days, in the event of termination other than for just cause, or 30 days, in the
event of voluntary resignation, in which to exercise his or her vested options (in each case subject to
extension if the option would otherwise expire during, or within 9 business days after the end of, a blackout
period). In the event of termination other than for just cause, the CEO has the discretion to extend the
exercise period to up to one year after the optionee ceases to work for Ballard and to accelerate the vesting of
unvested options that would have otherwise vested during that period in the next year (in effect, enabling the
continuance of the options during a notice period).
All Ballard RSUs awarded under either the SDP or the Market Purchase RSU Plan expire (no longer
be capable of being converted into Shares) on the last day on which the participant works for Ballard or any
of its subsidiaries.
DSUs will be redeemed for Shares under the SDP by no later than December 31 of the first calendar
year commencing after the holder’s employment with Ballard and its subsidiaries is terminated, except in the
case of US holders, whose DSUs will be redeemed for Shares approximately 6 months after termination of
employment.
The Option Plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of options upon a change of control, which
is defined as:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
a person making a take-over bid that could result in that person or persons acting in
concert acquiring at least two-thirds of Ballard’s shares and in respect of which the
Board approves the acceleration of options;
any person or persons acting in concert acquiring at least two-thirds of the
outstanding Shares;
there is a disposition of all or substantially all of Ballard’s assets to an entity in
which Ballard does not have a majority interest;
Ballard joins in any business combination that results in Ballard’s shareholders
owning one-third or less of the voting shares of the combined entity and Ballard is
privatized (or the parties to the business combination have publicly expressed an
intention to privatize Ballard); or
any other transaction, a consequence of which is to privatize Ballard is approved by
Ballard securityholders or, if such approval is not required, is approved by Ballard.
If an accelerated vesting event occurs, any outstanding option may be exercised at any time before the 60th
day after such event.
Under the SDP and the Market Purchase RSU Plan, the occurrence of any of the accelerated vesting
events described above triggers (subject to Board approval in the case of a take-over bid) the termination of
the restriction period applicable to RSUs such that holders will become immediately entitled to receive
Shares in respect of their RSUs (subject to satisfaction of any performance criteria or other conditions
specified in the award).
The following table shows, for each Named Executive Officer, the amount such person would have
been entitled to receive on the termination of his employment, without just cause, on December 31, 2009, the
amount such person would have been entitled to if a change of control occurred on December 31, 2009 and
the amount such person would have been entitled to receive on the termination of his employment, without
just cause, on December 31, 2009 if that termination occurred following a change in control:
35
Named Executive Officer
Termination of Employment (2)
(US$)(1)
Change of Control (3)
(US$)(1)
Termination of Employment
following Change of Control
(US$)(1)
Triggering Event
John W. Sheridan
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Bruce Cousins
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Christopher J. Guzy
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Michael Goldstein
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
$1,202,704
$51,080
$0
$1,253,784
$503,535
$43,531
$0
$547,067
$671,380
$52,255
$0
$723,635
$617,237
$35,359
$0
$652,596
$0
$0
$1,160,612
$1,160,612
$0
$0
$108,650
$108,650
$0
$0
$216,820
$216,820
$0
$0
$113,759
$113,759
$1,924,326
$121,047
$0
$2,045,374
$1,007,071
$130,283
$0
$1,137,353
$1,007,071
$150,015
$0
$1,157,086
$1,234,474
$99,318
$0
$1,333,791
(1) All values are in United States dollars. However, as the majority of payments are payable in Canadian dollars, the amounts disclosed above
were converted into United States dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(2) Based on accrued service to December 31, 2009.
(3) All options and RSUs vest immediately upon a change of control. Value shown equals, in the case of RSUs, the price of the underlying Shares
on December 31, 2009 multiplied by the number of RSUs, and in the case of options, for Mr. Sheridan and Mr. Guzy, where the exercise price
of the relevant options exceeded the market price of the underlying Shares on December 31, 2009, for the grant they received in March 2009, the
value calculates the differential in share price between the December 31, 2009 close price and the original strike price, multiplied by the number
of options awarded. For Messrs. Cousins and Goldstein no value is attributable to options.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Our Corporate Governance Committee has the responsibility for determining compensation for our
Directors. The committee has determined that the principal method of compensating Directors should be
through an annual retainer and meeting fees. The retainer has historically been paid in DSUs or Shares, at
the election of the individual directors, but with the current shift in focus on limiting shareholder dilution, it
is expected that the great proportion of director retainers will be paid in cash. Directors have not been issued
any stock options or similar equity-based compensation in the last 5 years, and there is no current intention to
do so in the future.
The objective of the committee is to ensure that the annual retainer and meeting fees paid to
Directors is commensurate with the high quality of candidates Ballard has enjoyed in the past and expects in
the future. As a result, the committee seeks to provide compensation for directors at approximately the 50%
mark for the comparator group of North American companies. The committee retains independent
compensation consultants for professional advice and as a source of competitive market information. In
2008, the committee retained Towers Perrin to provide independent compensation analysis and advice
related to director compensation. Based on Towers Perrin’s report in November 2008, the compensation
provided to directors is slightly lower than the 50% mark. In 2009, in support of the Corporation's cost
36
reduction initiatives, on the recommendation of the Committee, the Board decided to reduce the retainer fees
for both the Chair and other Board members. To further reduce expenses, Committee sizes were reduced,
such that Committee Chairs no longer sit on multiple Committees. The Board Chair also voluntarily decided
to forego meeting fees for board meetings, effectively making his annual retainer an 'all-in' fee.
The Board sets annual effectiveness goals and tracks performance against those goals.
In 2009, compensation was earned by the directors as follows(1):
Name
Ian A. Bourne
Edwin J. Kilroy
Dr. C.S. Park
Dr. Geraldine B. Sinclair
David J. Smith
David B. Sutcliffe
Mark A. Suwyn
Douglas W.G. Whitehead
Fees Earned
(US$)(2)
152,399
78,206
67,075
62,201
66,549
72,139
60,600
62,201
(1) All figures are in United States dollars. However, the compensation paid to directors (other than Dr. C.S. Park and Mr. Suwyn) was actually
paid in Canadian dollars. The Canadian dollar amounts were C$159,500, C$81,850, C$65,100, C$69,650, C$75,500 and C$65,100 for Mr.
Bourne, Mr. Kilroy, Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Smith, Mr. Sutcliffe and Mr. Whitehead, respectively. The Canadian dollar amounts were converted into
United States dollars for the purpose of the table above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(2) Represents the aggregate retainers and attendance fees paid:
Director
Ian A. Bourne
Edwin J. Kilroy
Dr. C.S. Park
Dr. Geraldine B. Sinclair
David J. Smith
David B. Sutcliffe
Mark A. Suwyn
Douglas W.G. Whitehead
Board Retainer
(US$)
148,099
40,608
42,500
40,608
40,608
40,608
42,500
40,608
Compensation
Committee Retainer
(US$)
N/A
13,138
2,375
2,866
5,494
10,988
3,000
2,866
Board and Committee
Attendance Fees
(US$)
4,300
24,460
22,200
18,727
20,447
20,543
15,100
18,727
Total Compensation
(US$)
152,399
78,206
67,075
62,201
66,549
72,139
60,600
62,201
All figures are in United States dollars. However, the compensation paid to directors (other than Dr. C.S. Park and Mr. Suwyn) was actually
paid in Canadian dollars. The Canadian dollar amounts in respect of Board Retainer were C$155,000 for Mr. Bourne and C$42,500 for each of
Mr. Kilroy, Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Smith, Mr. Sutcliffe and Mr. Whitehead. The Canadian dollar amounts in respect of Committee Retainer were
C$13,750, C$3,000, C$5,750, C$11,500, and C$3,000 for Mr. Kilroy, Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Smith, Mr. Sutcliffe and Mr. Whitehead, respectively.
The Canadian dollar amounts in respect of Board and Committee Attendance Fees were C$4,500, C$25,600, C$19,600, C$21,400, C$21,500
and C$19,600 for Mr. Bourne, Mr. Kilroy, Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Smith, Mr. Sutcliffe and Mr. Whitehead, respectively. The Canadian dollar
amounts were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the table above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on
December 31, 2009.
We remunerate directors who are not executive officers for services to the Board, committee
participation and special assignments. The following table describes the compensation of independent
directors in 2009(1):
37
Annual Retainer (Non-Executive Chair of the Board)
Annual Retainer (Director)
Annual Retainer (Committee Chairs)
- Audit Committee
-Management Development, Nominating & Compensation Committee
- Corporate Governance Committee
Annual Retainer for Committee Members
-Audit Committee
-All other Committees
Committee Meeting Attendance Fee (per meeting)
- Committee Chair
- Committee Member
Board Meeting Attendance Fee (per meeting)
C$(1)
$138,000
$40,000
$13,000
$10,000
$5,000
$3,000
$1,500
$1,400
$1,300
$1,500
(1) Compensation effective as of July 13, 2009. Prior to that, the annual retainer for the Chair of the Board was $172,000 and the annual retainer for
Directors was $45,000. The majority of compensation is paid in Canadian dollars. However, Dr. Park’s and Mr. Suwyn’s compensation was
payable in United States dollars and they received the following amounts:
Annual Retainer (Director)
Annual Retainer (Committee Chairs)
- Audit Committee
- All other Committees
Committee Meeting Attendance Fee (per meeting)
- Committee Member
Board Meeting Attendance Fee (per meeting)
US$40,000
US$3,000
US$1,500
US$1,300
US$1,500
(2) As of July 13, 2009, the Chair of the Board does not receive additional retainers or meeting attendance fees. Prior to that, the Chair of the Board
received a Board Meeting Attendance Fee.
At the discretion of the Chair, a meeting fee may be paid to independent directors for meetings that
the director is requested or required to attend that are not official meetings of the Board or committees.
Directors are also reimbursed for travel and other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with
fulfilling their duties. If a meeting or group of meetings is held on a continent other than the continent on
which an independent director is resident, that director will receive an additional fee of U.S.$2,250 (or
C$2,250 in the case of a non-United States resident), in recognition of the additional time required to travel
to and from the meeting or meetings.
Historically, we have satisfied our Chair’s annual retainer by utilizing up to 1/3 cash and the
remainder in equity-based compensation, and our Directors’ annual retainers by utilizing 100% in equity-
based compensation. In 2003, we ceased the practice of annual grants of share options to our independent
Directors. Starting in 2009, cash compensation for all elements of the Directors compensation is the norm.
The Corporation does not plan in the near future to issue further DSUs to Directors as compensation.
Previously, Directors were entitled to elect to participate in the deferred share unit section for
directors (the "DSU Plan for Directors") in the SDP. Under this plan, each independent outside director
was able to elect annually the proportion (0% to 100%) of his or her annual retainer that he or she wished to
receive in DSUs. Each DSU was convertible into one Share. The number of DSUs to be credited to a
Director was determined on the relevant date by dividing the amount of the eligible remuneration to be
deferred into DSUs by the fair market value per Share, being a price not less than the closing sale price at
which the Shares are traded on the TSX (in respect of a DSU issued or to be issued to a person who is
resident in any country other than the U.S.) or NASDAQ (in respect of a DSU issued or to be issued to a
person who is resident in the U.S.) on the trading day before the relevant date. For the Directors, DSUs were
credited to an account maintained for each eligible person by Ballard at the time specified by the Board
(historically, DSUs were granted in equal instalments over the course of a year, at the end of each quarter).
However, a DSU is not redeemed until the Director leaves the Board, and its value on redemption will be
38
based on the value of our Shares at that time. The SDP or any successor plans will be used to satisfy the
redemption of DSUs issued pursuant to the DSU Plan for Directors.
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS
The following table sets forth all option-based and share-based awards granted to our non-executive
directors that are outstanding as of December 31, 2009.
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
(as of December 31, 2009)
Option-Based Awards
Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#)
Option Exercise Price(1)
(US$)
Option Expiration Date
Value of Unexercised
In-The-Money
Options(2)
(US$)
0
6,000
0
0
0
0
0
6,000
6,000
2,500
6,000
(cid:2)
37.02
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
112.98
84.56
41.85
37.02
(cid:2)
May 16, 2012
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Jun. 13, 2010
May 17, 2011
Nov. 30, 2011
May 16, 2012
(cid:2)
0
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
0
0
0
0
Name
Ian A. Bourne
Edwin J. Kilroy
Dr. C.S. Park
Dr. Geraldine B. Sinclair
David J. Smith
David B. Sutcliffe
Mark A. Suwyn
Douglas W.G. Whitehead
(1) All figures are in United States dollars. Where options are exercisable in Canadian dollars, the exercise price has been converted to United
States dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
(2)
This amount is based on the difference between the closing price of the Shares underlying the options on the TSX as at December 31, 2009, and
the exercise price of the option converted to United States dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2009.
Where the difference is a negative number the value is deemed to be 0.
No incentive plan awards vested for, or were earned by, our Directors during the year ended
December 31, 2009.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table sets out, as of December 31, 2009, the number of securities we are authorized to
issue under our equity-based compensation plans and the relevant exercise prices at which such securities
may be issued.
Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights (#)
(a)
6,925,019 (1)
Weighted -Average Exercise
Price of Outstanding
Options, Warrants and
Rights (US$)
(b)
16.25
Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance
Under Equity Compensation
Plans excluding securities
reflected in column (a)
(c)
1,472,380
Nil
6,925,019
N/A
16.25
N/A
1,472,380
Plan Category
Equity-based compensation plans
approved by security holders
Equity-based compensation plans
not approved by security holders
Total
(1)
Shares issuable under the DSU Plan for Directors and the DSU Plan for Executive Officers (together, the "DSU Plans") will be satisfied
with Shares reserved under the SDP or any successor plan.
For a detailed description of our equity-based compensation plans, see Appendix "A" and "B" of this
Management Proxy Circular.
39
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table shows securities beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or
indirectly, by all directors and nominees and each of the Named Executive Officers as of April 13, 2010.
Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership
Percent of Class
(1)
Name of Beneficial Owner
Christopher J. Guzy
Bruce Cousins
John W. Sheridan
Michael Goldstein
Ian A. Bourne
Edwin J. Kilroy
Dr. C.S. Park
Dr. Geraldine B. Sinclair
David J. Smith
David B. Sutcliffe
Mark A. Suwyn
Douglas W.G. Whitehead
All Directors and
Named Executive Officers
Shares
95,976
0
261,710
0
26,824
2,424
17,091
176
7,911
3,600
7,237
4,383
DSUs
0
0
57,943
0
77,706
42,844
0
25,355
14,841
25,528
35,019
36,916
427,332
316,152
(%)
0.1137
0
0.3785
0
0.1238
0.0536
0.0202
0.0302
0.0269
0.0345
0.0500
0.0489
0.8804
Value (2)
(US$)
244,055
0
812,839
0
265,807
115,111
43,460
64,922
57,856
74,069
107,452
105,018
1,890,589
(1)
For the purpose of this table, Shares and DSUs are treated as a single class. Based on 84,127,616 Shares and 316,152 DSUs issued and
outstanding as of April 13, 2010.
(2) Calculated on basis of C$2.55 closing Share price on the TSX as of April 13, 2010 and converted into United States dollars using the Bank of
Canada noon rate of exchange on April 13, 2010. The corresponding values in Canadian dollars are C$244,739, C$0, C$815,115 and C$0 for
Messrs. Guzy, Cousins, Sheridan and Goldstein, respectively; C$266,552, C$115,433, C$43,582, C$65,104, C$58,018, C$74,276, C$107,753,
and C$105,312 for Mr. Bourne, Mr. Kilroy, Drs. Park and Sinclair, and Messrs. Smith, Sutcliffe, Suwyn and Whitehead, respectively; for a total
of C$1,895,844.
(3) Mr. Nanji’s shareholdings are not included in the table as he resigned from Ballard effective December 31, 2009. As of that date, Mr. Nanji
owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, 14,319 Shares and 0 DSUs, representing 0.0170 percent of the class (83, 973,988 Shares
and 316,152 DSUs issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009) with a value of C$28,495 (or US$27,226), calculated on basis of C$1.99
closing Share price on the TSX as of December 31, 2009 (and converted into United States dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of
exchange on December 31, 2009).
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
To the best of our knowledge, no informed person, proposed director or person who has been a
director or executive officer of the Corporation (or any associate of affiliate of such persons) had any interest
in any material transactions during the past year or has any interest in any material transaction to be
considered at the Meeting, except as disclosed in this Management Proxy Circular.
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
In compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley, we do not make or arrange personal loans to directors or
executive officers. As of April 13, 2010, our current or former directors, officers and employees have no
outstanding indebtedness to the Corporation, its subsidiaries or to any other entity and which is guaranteed
by the Corporation or its subsidiaries.
DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE
We purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of our directors and officers for losses arising
from claims against them for certain actual or alleged wrongful acts they may undertake while performing
their director or officer function. The total annual premium in respect of our directors’ and officers’ liability
40
insurance program was approximately US$276,000 for 2009 and US$700,000 for 2008. The aggregate
maximum coverage provided by the policy for all claims, for both directors and officers, in any single policy
year is US$30 million. In addition to the payment of the premiums, we are accountable for the payment of
the policy deductible of US$200,000 to US$500,000 per claim. We have also agreed to indemnify each of
our directors and officers against all expenses, liability and loss, reasonably incurred or suffered, arising from
the performance of his or her duties as an officer or director of Ballard.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to us is included in the following public filings, which are
incorporated by reference (the "Incorporated Documents") into, and form an integral part of, this
Management Proxy Circular:
(cid:2) Annual Information Form dated March 15, 2010;
(cid:2) Audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 together with the
auditors’ report thereon; and
(cid:2) Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Copies of the Incorporated Documents and all our other public filings providing additional
information relating to us may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov, or upon request and without
further charge from either our Corporate Secretary, at 9000 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British Columbia,
Canada V5J 5J8, or by calling our Investor Relations Department at (604) 454-0900.
PROPOSALS
Any shareholder who intends to present a proposal at our 2011 annual shareholders’ meeting must
send the proposal to our Corporate Secretary at 9000 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
V5J 5J8. In order for the proposal to be included in the proxy materials we send to shareholders for that
meeting, the proposal:
(cid:2) must be received by us no later than January 14, 2011; and
(cid:2) must comply with the requirements of section 137 of the Canada Business Corporations Act.
We are not obligated to include any shareholder proposal in our proxy materials for the 2011 annual
shareholders’ meeting if the proposal is received after the January 14, 2011 deadline.
Our Board has approved the contents and the sending of this Management Proxy Circular to the
APPROVAL BY BOARD
shareholders of the Corporation.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
"Kerry Hillier"
Kerry Hillier
Corporate Secretary
Ballard Power Systems
Dated: April 13, 2010
41
APPENDIX "A"
DESCRIPTION OF OPTION PLAN
All directors, officers and employees of Ballard and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the
Option Plan. Former Ballard employees who were transferred to AFCC Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation
Corp. ("AFCC") on January 31, 2008 (the "Transferred Employees") are also permitted to participate in the
Option Plan for so long as they remain employees of AFCC. New Ballard options may not be granted to
Transferred Employees under either the Option Plan or the prior option plans.
As at April 13, 2010, the total number of Shares issued and reserved and authorized for issue under
the Option Plan was 6,742,452 Shares, representing 8.0% of the issued and outstanding Shares as of April
13, 2010.
The number of options granted under the Option Plan may adjust if any share reorganization, stock
dividend or corporate reorganization occurs.
The Option Plan limits insider participation such that the number of Shares issued to insiders, within
any one-year period, and issuable to insiders, at any time, under the plan and any other Ballard equity-based
compensation arrangements, cannot exceed 10% of Ballard’s issued and outstanding Shares.
In any year, a non-executive Director’s participation in all Ballard equity-based compensation
arrangements is limited to that number of shares (or that number of securities in respect of underlying shares)
having a value of not more than C$100,000 on the date of grant, excluding any securities issued in respect of
the non-executive Director’s annual retainer.
Apart from the limits on Shares issued or issuable to insiders and to non-executive Directors,
described above, the Option Plan does not restrict the number of Shares that can be issued to any one person
or to Directors.
The exercise price of a Ballard option will be determined by the Board and is to be no less than the
closing price per Share on the TSX on the last trading day before the date the option is granted.
Ballard options may have a term of up to 10 years from the date of grant, and unless otherwise
determined by the Board, will vest in equal amounts on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of
grant.
If an "accelerated vesting event" occurs, any outstanding option may be exercised at any time before
the 60th day after such event. An accelerated vesting event occurs when: (a) a person makes a take-over bid
that could result in that person or persons acting in concert acquiring at least two-thirds of Shares; (b) any
person or persons acting in concert acquire at least two-thirds of Shares; (c) there is a disposition of all or
substantially all of Ballard’s assets; (d) Ballard joins in any business combination that results in Ballard’s
shareholders owning one-third or less of the voting shares of the combined entity and Ballard is privatized
(or the parties to the business combination have publicly expressed an intention to privatize Ballard); or (e)
any other transaction is approved, a consequence of which is to privatize Ballard.
The Option Plan also contains a “double trigger” in the event of a take-over. Accordingly, vesting
will only be accelerated if the Board approves the acceleration. In such circumstances, the Board will also
have the ability to make such changes as it considers fair and appropriate, including accelerating vesting,
otherwise modifying the terms of options to assist the holder to tender into the take-over bid or terminating
options which have not been exercised prior to the successful completion of the accelerated vesting event.
Under the Option Plan each option will expire (or no longer be capable of being exercised) on the
earlier of:
(a)
(b)
the expiration date as determined by the Board, which date will not be more than 10
years from the date of grant; and
if the optionee is a director, officer or employee, the optionee ceases to hold such
position, except that, an option will be capable of exercise, if the optionee ceases to
be a director, officer or employee:
A-1
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
because of his or her death, for one year after the optionee dies;
because of his or her retirement, for three years after the optionee retires (or,
if the optionee dies after retirement, one year after his or her death, if
earlier);
as a result of voluntary resignation, for 30 days after the last day on which
the optionee ceases to be a director, or the officer or employee ceases to
work for Ballard; or
other than as a result of voluntary resignation (in the case of a director) or
termination other than for just cause (in the case of an officer or employee),
for 90 days after the last day on which the optionee ceases to be a director,
or the officer or employee ceases to work for Ballard (although in these
circumstances, the Chief Executive Officer has discretion to extend the
exercise period to up to one year after the optionee ceases to work for
Ballard).
In the event that the optionee dies, all previously unvested options vest and, in the circumstances
described in (b)(iv) above, the Chief Executive Officer has discretion to accelerate the vesting of unvested
options that would have otherwise vested in the next year. In the other circumstances described above, an
option is only capable of being exercised in respect of options that were vested at the time the optionee
ceased to be a director or ceased to work for Ballard.
In the event that an optionee becomes "totally disabled" (as defined in the Option Plan), his or her
options will continue to vest and be exercisable as they would have had the optionee continued to be a
director, officer or employee of Ballard.
If an option would otherwise expire or cease to be exercisable during a blackout period or within
nine business days after the end of a blackout period (that is, a period during which employees and/or
directors cannot trade in securities of the Corporation because they may be in possession of insider
information), the expiry date of the option is extended to the date which is 10 business days after the end of
the blackout period.
The Board is entitled to make, at any time, and from time to time, and without obtaining shareholder
approval, any of the following amendments
(a)
(b)
amendments to the definitions and other amendments of a clerical nature;
amendments to any provisions relating to the granting or exercise of options,
including but not limited to provisions relating to the term, termination, amount and
payment of the subscription price, vesting period, expiry or adjustment of options,
provided that, without shareholder approval, such amendment does not entail:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
a change in the number or percentage of Shares reserved for issuance under
the plan;
a reduction in the exercise price of an option or the cancellation and
reissuance of options;
an extension of the expiry date of an outstanding option;
an increase to the maximum number of Shares that may be:
(A)
(B)
issued to insiders within a one-year period; or
issuable to insiders at any time,
under all of Ballard’s equity-based compensation arrangements, which could exceed
10% of the issued and outstanding Shares at that time;
(v)
an increase in the maximum number of securities that can be granted to
directors (other than directors who are also officers) under all of Ballard’s
A-2
equity-based compensation arrangements, which could exceed such number
of securities in respect of which the underlying Shares have a Fair Market
Value (as defined in the plan) on the date of grant of such securities of
C$100,000;
(vi)
permitting options to be transferable or assignable other than for normal
course estate settlement purposes; or
(vii)
a change to the amendment provisions of the plan;
the addition or amendment of terms relating to the provision of financial assistance
to optionees or resulting in optionees receiving any Ballard securities, including
pursuant to a cashless exercise feature;
any amendment in respect of the persons eligible to participate in the plan, provided
that, without shareholder approval, such amendment does not permit non-employee
directors to re-gain participation rights under the plan at the discretion of the Board
if their eligibility to participate had previously been removed or increase limits
previously imposed on non-employee director participation;
such amendments as are necessary for the purpose of complying with any changes in
any relevant law, rule, regulation, regulatory requirement or requirement of any
applicable stock exchange or regulatory authority; or
amendments to correct or rectify any ambiguity, defective provision, error or
omission in the plan or in any agreement to purchase options.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Options are not assignable except as permitted by applicable regulatory authorities in connection
with a transfer to an optionee’s registered retirement savings plan or registered retirement income fund or to
the personal representative of an optionee who has died.
A-3
APPENDIX "B"
DESCRIPTION OF SDP
The SDP is a single plan divided into the following three principal sections:
(a)
(b)
A deferred share unit section for senior executives (the "DSU Plan for Executive
Officers"). Under the SDP, DSUs are granted at the election of each executive
officer of Ballard who is eligible (as determined by the Board) in partial or full
payment of his or her annual bonus, which otherwise is paid in Shares.
A deferred share unit section for directors (the "DSU Plan for Directors"). Under
the DSU Plan for Directors, each independent outside director elects annually the
proportion (0% to 100%) of his or her annual retainer that he or she wishes to
receive in DSUs.
Under the SDP, DSUs are credited to an account maintained for each eligible person by
Ballard. Each DSU is convertible into one Share. The number of DSUs to be credited to an
eligible person is determined on the relevant date by dividing the amount of the eligible
remuneration to be deferred into DSUs by the fair market value per Share, being a price not
less than the closing sale price at which the Shares are traded on the TSX (in respect of a
DSU issued or to be issued to a person who is resident in any country other than the U.S.) or
NASDAQ (in respect of a DSU issued or to be issued to a person who is resident in the U.S.)
on the trading day before the relevant date. In the case of the executive officers, the relevant
date is set by the Board but if such date occurs during a trading blackout, the number of
DSUs will be determined on the first trading day after the day on which the blackout is
lifted. For directors, DSUs are credited at the time specified by the Board (currently DSUs
are granted in equal instalments over the course of a year, at the end of each quarter).
On any date on which a dividend is paid on the Shares, an eligible person's account will be
credited with the number of DSUs calculated by: (i) multiplying the amount of the dividend
per Share by the aggregate number of DSUs that were credited to that account as of the
record date for payment of the dividend; and (ii) dividing the amount obtained in (i) by the
fair market value (determined as set out above) of Shares on the date on which the dividend
is paid.
A departing director or executive officer may receive Shares in respect of the DSUs credited
to that person's account (at the ratio of one Share per DSU, subject to the deduction of any
applicable withholding tax in the case of an eligible person who is a United States citizen or
resident for the purpose of United States tax). A DSU, however, cannot be redeemed until
such time as the director leaves the Board or the executive officer ceases to work for Ballard,
and its value on redemption will be based on the value of Shares at that time. All DSUs vest
immediately as they are issued in respect of remuneration that would have otherwise been
paid in Shares or cash. DSUs do not expire. Except in the case of death, DSUs can only be
assigned with consent.
(c)
A restricted share unit section (the "RSU Plan"). All employees (excluding non-
executive directors) are eligible to participate in the RSU Plan.
The vesting of RSUs issued under the SDP occurs up to three years from the date of
issuance, subject to the achievement of any performance criteria which may be set by the
Board and to earlier vesting upon the occurrence of any accelerated vesting event (as defined
in the SDP). Each RSU is convertible into one Share, which will be issued under the SDP.
A “double trigger” is included in the event of a take-over. Accordingly, in the event of a
take-over the accelerated vesting of an RSU (technically, the shortening of the restriction
period) will only occur if the Board so determines. In such circumstances, the Board will
also have the ability to make such changes as it considers fair and appropriate in the
1 B-
circumstances, including the date on which the restriction period ends or otherwise
modifying the terms of RSUs to assist the holder to tender into the take-over bid.
In addition, the Board has the discretion to deem performance criteria or other conditions to
have been met on the occurrence of an accelerated vesting event.
If any performance criteria or other conditions specified in an award of RSUs is not met on
or before the last day of the restriction period applicable to the relevant grant (usually three
years less one day from the date of grant), the RSUs will expire and the participant will no
longer be entitled to receive any Shares upon conversion of those RSUs.
All RSUs awarded to a participant under the SDP will also expire on the last day on which
the participant works for Ballard or any of its subsidiaries (or, in the case of a Transferred
Employee, AFCC or its subsidiaries) except that, in the event of the participant's death or
total disability, the performance criteria and conditions specified in the participant's award of
RSUs will, unless otherwise specified in the award, be deemed satisfied and the RSUs will
be converted into Shares.
RSUs awarded to Transferred Employees prior to their transfer to AFCC will vest according
to the terms of the award, subject to performance criteria or other conditions specified in the
award and for so long as they remain employees of AFCC. New RSUs may not be granted
to Transferred Employees under either the prior RSU Plan or the RSU Plan.
RSUs cannot be assigned other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Under the SDP, the Board can elect to satisfy the conversion of RSUs through Ballard
Shares purchased on the open market.
As of April 13, 2010, the total number of Shares issued and reserved and authorized for issue under
the SDP was 673,122 Shares, representing 0.8% of the issued and outstanding Shares as of April 13, 2010.
The SDP limits insider participation such that the number of Shares issued to insiders, within any
one-year period, and issuable to insiders, at any time, under the plan and any other Ballard equity-based
compensation arrangements, cannot exceed 10% of Ballard’s issued and outstanding Shares.
Under the SDP, in any year, a non-executive Director’s participation in all Ballard equity-based
compensation arrangements is limited to that number of shares (or that number of securities in respect of
underlying shares) having a value of not more than C$100,000 on the date of grant, excluding any securities
issued in respect of the non-executive Director’s annual retainer.
The SDP does not limit the number of DSUs that can be issued to executive officers.
The SDP does not limit the number of RSUs that can be issued to any one participant.
Apart from the limits on Shares issued or issuable to insiders and non-executive Directors described
above, the SDP does not restrict the number of Shares that can be issued to any one person, to executive
officers or to Directors.
The SDP permits the Board, without obtaining shareholder approval, to amend any provision of the
SDP and/or any RSU and/or DSU governed by it (whether outstanding or otherwise) (subject to any stock
exchange or regulatory requirement at the time of any such amendment) including, without limitation, any of
the following amendments:
(a)
(b)
amendments to the definitions and other amendments of a clerical nature;
amendments to any provisions relating to the issuance of Shares, granting or
conversion of DSUs or RSUs, including but not limited to provisions relating to the
term, termination, and number of DSUs or RSUs to be awarded, provided that,
without shareholder approval, such amendment does not entail:
(i)
a change in the number or percentage of Shares reserved for issuance under
the plan;
B-2
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
a reduction of the issue price of the Shares issued under the plan or the
cancellation and reissue of Shares;
a reduction to the fair market value used to calculate the number of DSUs to
be awarded;
an extension of time for redemption of a DSU or an extension beyond the
original restriction period of a RSU;
(v)
an increase to the maximum number of Shares that may be:
(A)
(B)
issued to insiders within a one-year period; or
issuable to insiders at any time,
under all of Ballard’s equity-based compensation arrangements, which could exceed
10% of the issued and outstanding Shares at that time;
(vi)
an increase in the maximum number of securities that can be granted to
directors (other than directors who are also officers) under all of Ballard’s
equity-based compensation arrangements, which could exceed such number
of securities in respect of which the underlying Shares have a Fair Market
Value (as defined in the plan) on the date of grant of such securities of
C$100,000;
(vii)
permitting DSUs or RSUs to be transferable or assignable other than for
normal course estate settlement purposes; or
(viii)
a change to the amendment provisions of the plan;
(c)
any amendment in respect of the persons eligible to participate in the plan (or any
part of it), provided that, without shareholder approval, such amendment does not
permit non-employee directors to:
(i)
(ii)
participate as holders of RSUs at the discretion of the Board;
re-gain participation rights under any section of the plan at the discretion of
the Board if their eligibility (as a class) to participate had previously been
removed; or
(iii)
increase limits previously imposed on non-employee director participation;
(d)
(e)
such amendments as are necessary for the purpose of complying with any changes in
any relevant law, rule, regulation, regulatory requirement or requirement of any
applicable stock exchange or regulatory authority; or
amendments to correct or rectify any ambiguity, defective provision, error or
omission in the plan or in any option agreement, notice to redeem DSUs or RSU
agreement.
B-3
Financial Information
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Consolidated Financial Statements
1 F-
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The information below should be read in conjunction with the Audited Consolidated
Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2009. Our Consolidated
Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The effect of significant differences
between Canadian and U.S. GAAP has been disclosed in note 22 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2009. Unless the context
otherwise requires, all references to “Ballard”, “the Company”, “we”, “us” and “our”
refer to Ballard Power Systems Inc. and its subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis
is dated March 9, 2010.
All amounts in this report are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of
management and reflect our current expectations as contemplated under the safe
harbor provisions of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements with
respect to our objectives, goals and outlook including our estimated revenue, cash
flow from operations and operating cash consumption (see Non-GAAP Measures)
contained in our “Outlook”, as well as statements with respect to our beliefs, plans,
objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. Words such as
"estimate", "project", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict",
"may", "should", "will", the negatives of these words or other variations thereof and
comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These
statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks
and uncertainties that are difficult to predict.
In particular, these forward-looking statements are based on certain factors and
assumptions disclosed in our “Outlook” as well as specific assumptions relating to our
expectations with respect to the generation of new sales, producing, delivering and
selling the expected product volumes at the expected prices, and controlling our
costs. They are also based on a variety of general factors and assumptions including,
but not limited to, our expectations regarding product development efforts,
manufacturing capacity, product pricing, market demand, and the availability and
prices of raw materials, labour and supplies. These assumptions have been derived
from information available to the Company including information obtained by the
Company from third parties. These assumptions may prove to be incorrect in whole
or in part. In addition, actual results may differ materially from those expressed,
implied, or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause
our actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed,
implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited
to: the condition of the global economy; the rate of mass adoption of our products;
changes in product pricing; changes in our customers' requirements, the competitive
environment and related market conditions; product development delays; changes in
the availability or price of raw materials, labour and supplies; our ability to attract
and retain business partners, suppliers, employees and customers; changing
Page 1 of 30
environmental regulations; our access to funding and our ability to provide the
capital required for product development, operations and marketing efforts; our
ability to protect our intellectual property; the magnitude of the rate of change of the
Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar; and the general assumption that none of the
risks identified in the Risks and Uncertainties section of this report or in our most
recent Annual Information Form will materialize. Readers should not place undue
reliance on Ballard's forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date
of this Management Discussion and Analysis. Except as required by applicable
legislation, Ballard does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any
revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances
after the date of this Management Discussion and Analysis, including the occurrence
of unanticipated events.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Ballard is a clean energy growth company. We are recognized as a world leader in
proton exchange membrane (“PEM”) fuel cell development and commercialization.
Our principal business is the design, development, manufacture, sale and service of
fuel cell products for a variety of applications, focusing on motive power (material
handling and buses) and stationary power (back-up power, supplemental power, and
distributed generation).
A fuel cell is an environmentally clean electrochemical device that combines
hydrogen fuel with oxygen (from the air) to produce electricity. The hydrogen fuel
can be obtained from natural gas, kerosene, methanol or other hydrocarbon fuels, or
from water through electrolysis. As long as fuel is supplied, the fuel cell produces
electricity efficiently and continuously without combustion, with water and heat as
the main by-products when hydrogen is used as the fuel source.
Ballard® fuel cell products feature high fuel efficiency, low operating temperature,
low noise and vibration, compact size, quick response to changes in electrical
demand, modular design and environmental cleanliness.
Over the past five years, we have refined the Company’s business strategy to
establish a sharp focus on what we believe to be key growth opportunities with near-
term commercial prospects in our core fuel cell markets. We sold our automotive fuel
cell systems operations to DaimlerChrysler AG (“Daimler”) and Ford Motor Company
(“Ford”) on August 31, 2005. We subsequently sold our electric drive operations to
Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation ("Siemens VDO") on February 15, 2007.
We completed our exit from the fuel cell car business in 2008 by selling our
automotive fuel cell research and development assets to Daimler, Ford and a newly
created private corporation, AFCC Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation Corp. (“AFCC”).
We completed this transaction (the “AFCC Transaction”) on January 31, 2008 and
recorded a gain of $96.8 million (see note 3 to our consolidated financial
statements). Under the terms of the AFCC Transaction, we retained a 19.9% interest
in AFCC, which is subject to a Share Purchase Agreement under which Ford, either at
our option or Ford’s election, could purchase our interest in AFCC at any time on or
Page 2 of 30
after January 31, 2013 for $65 million plus interest accruing at LIBOR from January
31, 2008.
Finally, we decided to discontinue operations in EBARA Ballard Corporation (“EBARA
BALLARD”) on May 24, 2009. EBARA BALLARD was a joint venture with EBARA
Corporation (“Ebara”) that was focused on the development, manufacture, sale, and
servicing of stationary power systems for the residential cogeneration market in
Japan. EBARA BALLARD was formally dissolved in October 2009.
Following the completion of these strategic dispositions, we have focused on
bolstering our cash reserves to strengthen our capability to execute on our clean
energy growth priorities.
In 2008, we executed a transaction to extract value from our tax attributes through
a restructuring agreement (“Arrangement”) with Superior Plus Income Fund
("Superior Plus") resulting in a non-dilutive financing with net cash proceeds of $33.8
million (Canadian $41.2 million). The Arrangement, which closed on December 31,
2008, is described more fully in our Management Information Circular dated
November 14, 2008 (see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements).
In December 2009, we announced an agreement with a financial institution to
monetize our rights under the above noted Share Purchase Agreement with Ford
relating to our 19.9% equity investment in AFCC for expected gross proceeds of
$44.5 million, comprising of an immediate cash payment of $37 million and a
contingent payment of $7.5 million. The contingent payment of $7.5 million is due
upon maturation of the Share Purchase Agreement on or before January 31, 2013
and is contingent only on the financial institution’s rights in the transaction remaining
unsubordinated. On the closing of this transaction (the “AFCC Monetization”) on
December 21, 2009, we recorded a gain of $34.3 million (see note 8 to our
consolidated financial statements).
In February 2010, we announced a sale and leaseback agreement with Madison
Pacific Properties Inc. (“Madison”) to further bolster our cash reserves. On the
closing of this transaction on March 9, 2010, we sold our head office building in
Burnaby, British Columbia in return for gross cash proceeds of $20.0 million
(Canadian $20.8 million). We then leased this property back from Madison for an
initial 15-year term plus two renewal options.
In January 2010, we announced an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in
Denmark-based Dantherm Power, partnering with co-investors Danfoss A/S and
Dantherm A/S. In exchange for a controlling interest, we will be investing $6.0
million in Dantherm Power through two tranches, $3.0 million payable on closing on
January 18, 2010, and $3.0 million payable after November 2010. Dantherm Power
is a 40-person company focused on development and production of commercially
viable fuel cell-based back-up power systems for use in IT and telecom network base
stations. Dantherm Power’s financial results for 2010 will be 100% consolidated into
Ballard’s.
We are based in Canada, with head office, research and development, testing and
manufacturing facilities in Burnaby, British Columbia. In addition, we have sales,
Page 3 of 30
research and development and manufacturing facilities in Lowell, Massachusetts. We
report our results in the following reporting units:
1. Fuel Cell Products (core segment): fuel cell products and services for motive
power (material handling and bus markets) and stationary power (back-up power,
supplemental power, and distributed generation markets);
2. Contract Automotive (supporting segment): contract manufacturing of light-duty
automotive fuel cell products and testing and engineering services provided primarily
for AFCC, Daimler and Ford.
3. Material Products (supporting segment): carbon friction material products
primarily for automotive applications and gas diffusion layer (“GDL”) material for fuel
cell products.
SELECTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Years ended December 31 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
2009
2008 (1)
2007 (1)
Product and service revenues
$
46,722 $
52,726
$ 43,352
Engineering development revenue
-
6,854
22,180
Total revenues
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per share
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
$
$
$
46,722 $
59,580
$ 65,532
(3,258) $
31,456
$ (55,633)
(0.04) $
0.37
$
(0.49)
(3,258) $
31,456
$ (56,418)
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations $
(0.04) $
0.37
$
(0.49)
Normalized net loss (2)
Normalized net loss per share (2)
Operating cash consumption (2)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
$
$
$
$
(39,283) $
(53,928) $ (40,278)
(0.47) $
(0.64) $
(0.35)
(27,542) $
(29,275) $ (36,691)
82,231 $
85,399
$ 145,574
Total assets
(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:1) (cid:52)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:73)(cid:58)(cid:75)(cid:58)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:63)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:1)(cid:65)(cid:58)(cid:79)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:59)(cid:62)(cid:62)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:61)(cid:67)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:77)(cid:62)(cid:61)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:63)(cid:69)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:1)(cid:60)(cid:65)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:60)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:1)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:66)(cid:60)(cid:82)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:69)(cid:66)(cid:62)(cid:61)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:1)
195,348 $ 208,443
$
$ 298,691
(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:77)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:58)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:59)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:51)(cid:62)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:77)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:18)(cid:9)(cid:60)(cid:10)(cid:9)(cid:66)(cid:66)(cid:10)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:1)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:66)(cid:61)(cid:58)(cid:77)(cid:62)(cid:61)(cid:1)(cid:63)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:58)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:76)(cid:77)(cid:58)(cid:77)(cid:62)(cid:70)(cid:62)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:76)(cid:15)(cid:1)
(cid:19) (cid:46)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:70)(cid:58)(cid:69)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:62)(cid:61)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:62)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:61)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:75)(cid:58)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:1)(cid:60)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:1)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:73)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:33)(cid:33)(cid:48)(cid:1)(cid:70)(cid:62)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:55)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:60)(cid:62)(cid:75)(cid:77)(cid:58)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:14)
(cid:39)(cid:33)(cid:33)(cid:48)(cid:1)(cid:70)(cid:62)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:1)(cid:63)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:58)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:75)(cid:63)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:70)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:62)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:33)(cid:33)(cid:48)(cid:1)(cid:70)(cid:62)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:1)(cid:61)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:65)(cid:58)(cid:79)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:1)
(cid:76)(cid:77)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:61)(cid:58)(cid:75)(cid:61)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:62)(cid:61)(cid:1)(cid:70)(cid:62)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:1)(cid:73)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:60)(cid:75)(cid:66)(cid:59)(cid:62)(cid:61)(cid:1)(cid:59)(cid:82)(cid:1)(cid:39)(cid:33)(cid:33)(cid:48)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:61)(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:63)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:69)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:62)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:59)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:73)(cid:58)(cid:75)(cid:58)(cid:59)(cid:69)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:76)(cid:66)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:69)(cid:58)(cid:75)(cid:1)
(cid:70)(cid:62)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:1)(cid:73)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:62)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:62)(cid:61)(cid:1)(cid:59)(cid:82)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:77)(cid:65)(cid:62)(cid:75)(cid:1)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:73)(cid:58)(cid:71)(cid:66)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:51)(cid:62)(cid:62)(cid:1)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:69)(cid:66)(cid:58)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:39)(cid:33)(cid:33)(cid:48)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:14)(cid:39)(cid:33)(cid:33)(cid:48)(cid:1)(cid:45)(cid:62)(cid:58)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:1)(cid:76)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:15)(cid:1)
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW – Quarter ended December 31, 2009
Revenue
Our revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 decreased 13%, to $16.5 million,
compared to $18.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. Increases in our supporting
Contract Automotive and Material Products business segments of $1.5 million were
more than offset by declines in our core Fuel Cell Products business segment of $3.9
million. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 represent 35% of our total year
revenues and reflect an increase of 83%, or $7.5 million, compared to the third
quarter of 2009.
Page 4 of 30
In our core Fuel Cell Products business segment, fourth quarter 2009 revenues
decreased 34%, or $3.9 million, to $7.7 million compared to the fourth quarter of
2008. The decline in 2009 was due primarily to lower fuel cell bus revenues as the
fourth quarter of 2008 benefited from the commencement of shipments of fuel cell
bus modules related to the B.C. Transit 2010 Olympic fuel cell bus program (which
contributed $6.0 million to revenue in December 2008). Fourth quarter of 2009
revenues were also impacted by a deferral from 2009 to 2010 on the FirstEnergy
Corp. (“First Energy”) distributed power generator project related to delays in testing
and customer acceptance.
In our supporting Contract Automotive and Material Products business segments,
fourth quarter of 2009 revenues increased 21%, or $1.5 million, to $8.8 million
compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. Improvements in our Material Products
segment of $0.8 million represents increased volumes at higher prices of carbon
friction material products related to the recovery in the U.S. automotive sector
during the quarter. Improvements in our Contract Automotive segment of $0.7
million related to increased shipments of light duty automotive products in support of
Daimler’s Highway 2/3 programs, partially offset by lower automotive testing and
engineering services provided to AFCC.
Net income (loss)
Our net income for the fourth quarter of 2009 increased to $25.6 million, or $0.31
per share, compared with a net loss of $19.2 million, or ($0.23) per share, in the
fourth quarter of 2008. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2009 includes a gain on
sale of assets of $34.3 million resulting from the AFCC Monetization, partially offset
by an acceleration of amortization expense of $2.5 million for patents that were no
longer in use. Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2008 includes a write-down of non-
core investments of $3.0 million primarily related to our investment in Chrysalix
Energy Limited Partnership (“Chrysalix”).
Normalized net loss
Our normalized net loss (see Non-GAAP Measures) for the fourth quarter of 2009
decreased $6.8 million, or 44%, to $8.6 million, or ($0.10) per share, compared with
a normalized net loss of $15.4 million, or ($0.19) per share, for 2008. The
improvement in normalized net loss was driven by increases in investment and other
income of $6.1 million primarily as a result of increases in foreign exchange gains
combined with a curtailment gain and improved investment returns related to our
employee future benefit plans.
Our fourth quarter of 2009 operating expenses (excluding depreciation and
amortization, restructuring, acquisition and related expenses) decreased $2.0
million, or 17%, to $10.2 million, compared with operating expenses of $12.2 million
for the fourth quarter of 2008. The decline was primarily as a result of our workforce
reduction and cost optimization initiatives, which were partially offset by a one-time
commodity tax assessment combined with the negative effects of a stronger
Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, quarter over quarter.
Page 5 of 30
Operating cash consumption (contribution)
Operating cash consumption (contribution) (see Non-GAAP Measures) for the fourth
quarter of 2009 decreased $12.8 million to positive ($4.5) million, compared to $8.3
million for the fourth quarter of 2008. The $12.8 million improvement in operating
cash consumption (contribution) was driven by improvements in cash flow from
operating activities (net of restructuring and related payments) of $10.1 million
related to our 2009 workforce reduction and cost optimization initiatives, combined
with improvements in working capital requirements, including customer collections
on our B.C. Transit 2010 Olympic fuel cell bus program and light-duty automotive
shipments. Operating cash consumption (contribution) in the fourth quarter of 2009
also benefited from lower capital expenditures (net of proceeds on sale) of $2.7
million as we financed the acquisition of certain manufacturing assets through capital
leases versus outright purchase.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW – Year ended December 31, 2009
We generated revenues of $46.7 million in 2009, a decline of 22%, or $12.9 million
from 2008. Revenues were slightly lower than our revised guidance target of $50.0
million due to the delay of expected 2009 fuel cell bus shipments and First Energy
distributed power generator project milestones to 2010.
We reduced operating cash consumption in 2009 (see non-GAAP measures section)
by 6% to $27.5 million, down from $29.3 million in 2008, essentially meeting our
guidance target of $27 million. The improvement was due primarily to a reset of our
operating cost base through restructuring activities in March and August, which
offset margin declines as a result of the decline in revenues.
We ended 2009 with cash reserves of $82.2 million. Cash reserves were augmented
in December 2009 through the monetization of our rights under the Share Purchase
Agreement with Ford relating to our 19.9% equity investment in AFCC.
Revenue
Our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased to $46.7 million, or
22%, compared to $59.6 million for 2008 due primarily to declines in our supporting
Contract Automotive business segment of $10.0 million.
Fuel Cell Products revenues declined $3.5 million, or 13%, from 2008 as increases in
product and service revenues of $1.7 million were offset by declines in engineering
development revenues of $5.2 million primarily as a result of our decision to
discontinue operations in EBARA BALLARD in May 2009. Fuel Cell Products product
and service revenues increased 8% to $24.1 million driven by an increase in fuel cell
bus shipments as a result of the B.C. Transit 2010 Olympic, Transport of London,
and Advanced Public Transportation System BV (“APTS”) fuel cell bus programs. In
addition, increases in back-up power market revenues driven by work completed on
the First Energy distributed power generator project and increased unit shipments as
a result of the successful completion of the hydrogen unit product acceptance
milestone with ACME supported overall revenue growth of Fuel Cell Products product
and service revenue. These increases were partially offset by lower shipments in the
Page 6 of 30
material handing market and by lower residential cogeneration market revenues.
Contract Automotive revenues decreased 52% to $9.2 million due to lower
shipments of light-duty automotive fuel cell modules to AFCC, Daimler and Ford,
combined with lower testing and engineering services provided to AFCC. In addition,
the absence of engineering development revenues as a result of the elimination of
light-duty automotive fuel cell program work subsequent to the closing of the AFCC
Transaction on January 31, 2008 (the “AFCC Transaction”) contributed to the overall
decline in Contract Automotive revenue.
Material Products revenues increased 5% to $13.4 million due to increased volumes
of fuel cell GDL shipments combined with the maintenance of carbon friction material
product revenues as price increases offset the impact of lower volumes as a result of
the slowdown in the U.S. automotive sector during the first half of 2009.
Net income (loss)
Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased to $3.3 million, or
($0.04) per share, compared with net income of $31.5 million, or $0.37 per share, in
2008. The net loss for 2009 includes a gain on sale of assets resulting from the AFCC
Monetization of $34.3 million, restructuring and related expenses of $6.2 million
relating to a 20% workforce reduction initiated in August 2009 and a 7% workforce
reduction initiated in March 2009, and a non-cash gain (net of equity losses prior to
dissolution) of $8.4 million related to our decision to discontinue operations in EBARA
Ballard Corporation (“EBARA BALLARD”) on May 24, 2009. The net income for 2008
includes a gain on sale of assets of $96.8 million related to the AFCC Transaction,
partially offset by a write-down of a non-core investment in Chrysalix of $3.0 million.
Normalized net loss
Our normalized net loss (see Non-GAAP Measures) for 2009 decreased $14.6 million,
or 27%, to $39.3 million, or ($0.47) per share, compared with a normalized net loss
of $53.9 million, or ($0.64) per share, for 2008. Reductions in operating expenses
(excluding restructuring, acquisition and related expenses) of $12.5 million primarily
as a result of our workforce reduction and cost optimization initiatives, combined
with increases in investment and other income of $8.9 million primarily as a result of
increases in foreign exchange gains and a curtailment gain and improved investment
returns related to our employee future benefit plans, more than offset the decline in
revenues (including engineering development revenue) and the related gross margin
impacts of $6.2 million.
Operating cash consumption
Operating cash consumption (see Non-GAAP Measures) for 2009 decreased 6% to
$27.5 million, compared to $29.3 million for 2008. The $1.7 million improvement in
operating cash consumption was driven by improvements in cash flow from
operating activities (net of restructuring and related payments) of $3.3 million
partially offset by increased investment (net of proceeds on sale) in building
manufacturing capacity. The improvement in cash flow from operations was primarily
a result of our workforce reduction and cost optimization initiatives in 2009, which
Page 7 of 30
more than offset the impacts of the decline in revenue and related gross margin and
the decline in working capital improvements. The decline in working capital
improvements of $0.4 million were driven primarily by a drawdown of deferred
revenue on our First Energy distributed power generator project combined with
reduced
inventory requirements, which more than offset
improvements in accounts receivable due primarily to increased customer collections
on our B.C. Transit 2010 Olympic fuel cell bus program and light-duty automotive
shipments.
improvements
in
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENT APPLIED
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian
GAAP, which require us to apply judgment when making estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses of the reporting period,
as well as disclosures made in the accompanying notes to the financial statements.
The estimates and associated assumptions are based on past experience and other
factors that are considered relevant. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
The following are our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that require
management’s most challenging, subjective and complex judgments, requiring the
need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and
may change in subsequent periods. The application of these and other accounting
policies are described more fully in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues are generated primarily from product sales and services in our core Fuel
Cell Products and supporting Contract Automotive and Material Products segments.
We have also historically earned revenues by providing engineering development
services in our core Fuel Cell Products and supporting Contract Automotive
segments. Product revenues are derived primarily from standard equipment and
material sales contracts and from long-term fixed price contracts. Service revenues
are derived primarily
reimbursable contracts. Engineering
development revenues are derived primarily from long-term fixed price contracts.
from cost-plus
On standard equipment and material sales contracts, revenues are recorded when
the product is shipped to the customer, the risks of ownership are transferred to the
customer, the price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.
Provisions are made at the time of sale for warranties. Revenue recognition for
standard equipment and material sales contracts does not usually involve significant
estimates.
On cost-plus reimbursable contracts, revenues are recognized as costs are incurred,
and include applicable fees earned as services are provided. Revenue recognition for
cost-plus reimbursable contracts does not usually involve significant estimates.
On long-term fixed price contracts, revenues are recorded on the percentage-of-
completion basis over the duration of the contract, which consists of recognizing
revenue on a given contract proportionately with its percentage of completion at any
given time. The percentage of completion is determined by dividing the cumulative
Page 8 of 30
costs incurred as at the balance sheet date by the sum of incurred and anticipated
costs for completing a contract.
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
The determination of anticipated costs for completing a contract is based on
estimates that can be affected by a variety of factors such as variances in the
timeline to completion, the cost of materials, the availability and cost of
labour, as well as productivity.
The determination of potential revenues includes the contractually agreed
amount and may be adjusted based on the estimate of our attainment on
achieving certain defined contractual milestones. Management’s judgment is
required in determining the probability that the revenue will be received and
in determining the measurement of that amount.
Estimates used to determine revenues and costs of long-term fixed price contracts
involve uncertainties that ultimately depend on the outcome of future events and are
periodically revised as projects progress. There is a risk that a customer may
ultimately disagree with our assessment of the progress achieved against milestones
or that our estimates of the work required to complete a contract may change. The
cumulative effect of changes to anticipated revenues and anticipated costs for
completing a contract are recognized in the period in which the revisions are
identified. In the event that the anticipated costs exceed the anticipated revenues on
a contract, such loss is recognized in its entirety in the period it becomes known.
During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were no material
adjustments to revenues relating to revenue recognized in a prior period.
ASSET IMPAIRMENT
Asset impairment incorporates an evaluation of our goodwill as well as our long-lived
assets for impairment.
Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment of impairment by applying a fair
value based test at the reporting unit level. An impairment loss is recognized to the
extent that the carrying amount of goodwill for each reporting unit exceeds its
estimated fair market value. The fair market values of the reporting units are derived
from certain valuation models, which may consider various factors such as
normalized and estimated future earnings, price earnings multiples, terminal values
and discount rates. All factors used in the valuation models are based on
management’s estimates and are subject to uncertainties and judgments. Changes in
any of these estimates could affect the fair value of the reporting units and,
consequently, the value of the reported goodwill. We perform the annual review of
goodwill as at December 31 of each year, more often if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. Based on the impairment test
performed as at December 31, 2009 and 2008, we have concluded that no goodwill
impairment loss was required.
In addition, we review our long-lived assets, which include intangible assets, and
property, plant and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be
Page 9 of 30
recoverable. To determine whether impairment exists, we compare the estimated
undiscounted future cash flows that are projected to be generated by those assets to
their respective carrying value. If the undiscounted future cash flows are lower than
the carrying value, then the assets are written down to fair market value and an
impairment
flows reflect
management’s estimates, and changes in those estimates could affect the carrying
amount of the long-lived assets. During the years ended December 31, 2009 and
2008, we have concluded that no impairment charge was required for our long-lived
assets.
is recognized. Estimated undiscounted cash
loss
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded an acceleration of
amortization expense of $2.5 million for patents that were no longer in use
WARRANTY PROVISION
A provision for warranty costs is recorded on product sales at the time of shipment.
In establishing the accrued warranty liabilities, we estimate the likelihood that
products sold will experience warranty claims and the cost to resolve claims
received. In making such determinations, we use estimates based on the nature of
the contract and past and projected experience with the products. Should these
estimates prove to be incorrect, we may incur costs different from those provided for
in our warranty provisions. During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 we
recorded provisions to accrued warranty liabilities of $3.7 million and $4.4 million,
respectively, for new product sales.
We review our warranty assumptions and make adjustments to accrued warranty
liabilities quarterly based on the latest information available and to reflect the expiry
of contractual obligations. Adjustments to accrued warranty liabilities are recorded in
cost of product and service revenues. As a result of these reviews and the resulting
adjustments, our warranty provision and cost of revenues for the years ended
December 31, 2009 and 2008 were adjusted downwards by a net amount of $0.5
million and $0.4 million, respectively. The adjustments to reduce accrued warranty
liabilities were primarily due to contractual expirations and improved lifetimes of our
fuel cell products.
INVENTORY PROVISION
In determining the lower of cost and net realizable value of our inventory and
establishing the appropriate provision for inventory obsolescence, we estimate the
likelihood that inventory carrying values will be affected by changes in market pricing
or demand for our products and by changes in technology or design which could
make inventory on hand obsolete or recoverable at less than cost. We perform
regular reviews to assess the impact of changes in technology and design, sales
trends and other changes on the carrying value of inventory. Where we determine
that such changes have occurred and will have a negative impact on the value of
inventory on hand, appropriate provisions are made. If there is a subsequent
increase in the value of inventory on hand, reversals of previous write-downs to net
realizable value are made. Unforeseen changes in these factors could result in
additional inventory provisions, or reversals of previous provisions, being required.
Page 10 of 30
During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, inventory provisions of $0.9
million and $0.7 million, respectively, were recorded as a charge to cost of product
and service revenues.
INVESTMENTS
We have made strategic investments in other companies or partnerships that are
developing technology with potential fuel cell applications. Each of these investments
is either accounted for by the equity method or carried at cost, depending on
whether or not we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the company
or partnership. We regularly review such investments and should circumstances
indicate that an impairment of value has occurred that is other than temporary, we
would record this impairment in the earnings of the current period. Given that these
entities are in the development stage, there is significant judgment required in
determining whether impairment has occurred in the value of these investments.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded a gain of $10.8 million
representing the reversal of historic equity losses (including $2.4 million of equity
losses recorded in 2009 prior to the wind-up) in excess of our net investment in
EBARA BALLARD as a result of the announcement of our intentions to discontinue
operations in EBARA BALLARD. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we
recorded a $3.0 million write-down of our non-core investment in Chrysalix.
INCOME TAXES
We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method,
future income tax assets and liabilities arise from temporary differences between the
tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts reported in the financial
statements. Future income tax assets also reflect the benefit of unutilized tax losses
than can be carried forward to reduce income taxes in future years. Such method
requires the exercise of significant judgment in determining whether or not our
future tax assets are “more likely than not” to be recovered from future taxable
income and therefore, can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
Also estimates are required to determine the expected timing upon which tax assets
will be realized and upon which tax liabilities will be settled, and the enacted or
substantially enacted tax rates that will apply at such time.
ACCOUNTING POLICY CHANGES
Business Combinations, Consolidated Financial Statements and Non-Controlling
Interest
On December 31, 2009, we elected to early adopt the new recommendations of the
Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA”) for Business Combinations
(CICA Handbook Section 1582), Consolidations (CICA Handbook Section 1601) and
Non-Controlling Interests (CICA Handbook Section 1602). Section 1582, which
replaces the former Section 1581, requires all business combinations to be
accounted for by applying the acquisition method. Under this method, assets
acquired and liabilities assumed are measured at their full fair value at the date of
acquisition unless another standard requires otherwise. Section 1582 provides the
option of accounting for non-controlling interest at either fair value, or at the non-
Page 11 of 30
controlling interest’s proportionate share of the identifiable net assets acquired.
Acquisition costs associated with a business combination are to be expensed in the
period in which they are incurred. Section 1601 carries forward the standards for the
preparation of consolidated financial statements of former Section 1600, while
Section 1602 requires non-controlling interests to be reported as a separate
component of equity, with net income calculated without deduction for non-
controlling interests. Consolidated net income is to be allocated between controlling
and non-controlling interest. These three new sections, which are effectively
harmonized with International Financial Reporting Standards and U.S. GAAP, were
implemented effective January 1, 2009 and apply prospectively to all business
combinations. There was no impact on our 2009 financial statements as a result of
adopting these new standards other than the expensing of acquisition costs of $0.5
million incurred for our subsequent acquisition of Dantherm Power.
Employee Future Benefit Plans
In 2009, we have changed our accounting policy for accounting for actuarial gains
and losses for employee future benefit plans from the corridor method to the fair
value method of accounting. This change in accounting policy applies to a defined
benefit pension plan and other post-retirement benefits for our current and former
employees in the United States. We have made this accounting policy change, as we
believe it is the preferred policy to better reflect the costs and liability of these
employee future benefits to us as it better reflects the current estimated cost to
terminate these plans. This change in accounting policy was made concurrent with a
December 31, 2009 curtailment of future benefits in the defined benefit pension
plan. As a result of this change, employee future benefit plan assets and accrued
benefit obligations have been recorded at their fair values on each balance sheet
date with the actual return on plan assets and any net actuarial gains or losses
recognized immediately in the statement of operations. This change in accounting
policy has been applied on a retroactive basis and has resulted in a $0.2 million
increase in accumulated deficit as at December 31, 2007, an $2.6 million decrease in
net income for 2008, and a $2.2 million increase in net income for 2009. The
offsetting adjustment as a result of the retroactive application has been recorded to
long-term liabilities (see note 1(c)(ii) to the consolidated financial statements).
Certain comparative figures on the consolidated statement of cash flows have been
reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Financial Instruments – Presentation and Disclosure
In 2009, we adopted the amendments to CICA Handbook Section 3862 for Financial
Instruments – Presentation and Disclosure. The adoption of these amendments
resulted in enhanced disclosures regarding the fair value measurement of financial
instruments (see note 20 to the consolidated financial statements) but had no impact
on our results, financial position or cash flows.
Page 12 of 30
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards
In February 2008, Canada’s Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) confirmed that
Canadian GAAP, as used by publicly accountable companies, would be fully
converged to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). For our 2011 interim and annual
financial statements, we will be required to report under IFRS and to provide IFRS
comparative information for the 2010 financial year.
IFRS uses a conceptual framework similar to Canadian GAAP, but there are
significant differences on recognition, measurement and disclosures. As part of the
IFRS conversion project, we have established an implementation team, which
includes a project manager, management from all relevant departments and a
steering committee to oversee the project. We have also engaged an external
advisor to assist in the conversion to IFRS.
The conversion project consists of three phases.
Scoping Phase – This phase involves a detailed review and initial scoping of
accounting differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS, a preliminary evaluation of
IFRS 1 exemptions for first-time IFRS adopters and a high-level assessment of
potential consequences for financial reporting, business processes, internal controls,
and information systems.
Design Phase – This phase involves prioritizing accounting treatment issues and
preparing a conversion plan, quantifying the impact of conversion to IFRS, reviewing
and approving accounting policy choices, performing a detailed impact assessment
and designing changes to systems and business processes, developing IFRS training
material and drafting IFRS financial statement content.
Implementation Phase – This phase involves embedding changes to systems
business processes and internal controls; determining the opening IFRS transition
balances sheet and tax impacts; parallel accounting under Canadian GAAP and IFRS;
and preparing detailed reconciliations of Canadian GAAP to IFRS financial
statements. This phase also
involves conversion assessment, evaluating
improvements for a sustainable operational IFRS model, and testing the internal
controls environment.
We have completed the scoping phase and are continuing with the project design
phase and continue to develop solutions to execute the project implementation
phase. Initial training has been given to key employees, and further investments in
training and resources will be made throughout the transition to facilitate a timely
and efficient changeover to IFRS.
We have performed an initial assessment of the exemptions from full retrospective
application available under IFRS 1, “First-Time Adoption of International Financial
Reporting Standards,” and their potential impacts on our financial position.
On adoption of IFRS, the exemptions being considered by us that could result in
material impacts are as follows:
Page 13 of 30
Exemptions
Application of exemption
Business combinations
The Company expects to elect not the restate any business
combinations that occurred prior to January 1, 2010.
Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries,
associates and joint ventures
(entities in the same group may
adopt IFRS at different dates)
Cumulative transaction differences
(IAS 21, “The Effects of Changes in
Foreign Exchange Rates”)
The Company may elect different IFRS accounting policies than its
subsidiaries (but the subsidiaries would need to align those policies
when preparing consolidated IFRS financial statements).
The Company has elected to reset all cumulative translation gains
and losses to zero in opening earnings at January 1, 2010.
We are in the process of quantifying the expected material differences between IFRS
and the current accounting treatment under Canadian GAAP. Differences with respect
to recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial information are
expected to be in the following key account areas:
Key Accounting Area
Differences with Potential Impact to the Company
Presentation of Financial
Statements (IAS 1)
Property and Equipment (IAS 16)
Impairment of Assets (IAS 36)
Income Taxes (IAS 12)
(Subject to adoption at transition of
a revised IAS 12 standard)
Share-based Payments (IFRS 2)
Provisions and Contingencies
(IAS 37)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
Additional disclosures in the notes to the financial statements.
Statement of Operations expected to be presented by
functional category versus by type of expenditure.
Evaluating impact of componentization on accounting policy
All significant components of furniture and fixtures, office
equipment and computer hardware will be amortized
accordingly to their useful lives determined in accordance with
IFRS.
Grouping of assets in cash-generating units (CGUs) on the
basis of independent cash inflows for impairment testing
purposes, using a Fair Value or Value-in-Use (i.e. discounted
cash-flow method (DCF)) approach.
Goodwill allocated to, and tested in, conjunction with its
related CGU or group of CGUs.
Under certain circumstances, previous impairment taken
(other than goodwill) is required to be reversed.
The Company is currently in the process of defining a CGU.
Recognition and measurement criteria for deferred tax assets
and liabilities may differ.
Each installment accounted for as a separate arrangement.
Compensation expense for a share-based payment award that
vests over a three-year period will be calculated and
recognized as three separate awards (graded vesting) instead
of as a single award recognized on a straight-line basis.
Different threshold used for recognition of a contingent
liability, which could have an impact on timing of when a
provision may be recorded.
The above is not an exhaustive list of all the significant impacts that could occur
during the conversion to IFRS. We continue to monitor and assess the impact of
evolving differences between Canadian GAAP and IFRS, since the IASB is expected to
continue to issue new accounting standards during the transition period. As a result,
the final impact of IFRS on our consolidated financial statements can only be
measured once all the applicable IFRS at the conversion date are known.
Our IFRS conversion project is progressing according to schedule. As the project
advances, the Company could alter its intentions and the milestones communicated
at the time of reporting as a result of changes to international standards currently in
development, or in light of new information or other external factors that could arise
between now and when the changeover has been completed.
Page 14 of 30
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $46.7 million, a decrease of
$12.9 million, or 22%, from 2008 due primarily to declines in our supporting
Contract Automotive segment of $10.0 million.
The following table provides a breakdown of our revenues for the reported periods:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
2009
Product and
Service
Engineering
Development
Total
Product and
Service
2008
Engineering
Develop-
ment
Total
Fuel Cell Products
$
24,142
$
Contract Automotive
Material Products
9,170
13,410
$
46,722
$
-
-
-
-
$ 24,142 $
22,405
$
5,236 $
27,641
9,170
13,410
17,598
12,723
1,618
19,216
-
12,723
$ 46,722 $
52,726
$
6,854 $
59,580
Fuel Cell Products product and service revenues for the year ended December 31,
2009 increased $1.7 million, or 8%, compared to 2008. Increased fuel cell bus
revenues as a result of the shipment of the remaining ten fuel cell bus modules for
the B.C. Transit 2010 Olympic fuel cell bus program in the second quarter of 2009
($6.0 million) combined with fuel cell bus module shipments for the Transport of
London and the Advanced Public Transportation System by (“APTS”) fuel cell bus
programs drove the increase. Increases in back-up power market revenues as a
result of work completed on the First Energy distributed power generator project
combined with increased unit shipments as a result of the successful completion of
the hydrogen unit product acceptance milestone with ACME in the second quarter of
2009 were more than offset by lower shipments in the material handling and
residential cogeneration markets. Fuel Cell Products shipments in our back-up power
and materials handling markets totaled 988 units and 182 units, respectively, for the
year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to 720 units and 508 units,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Fuel Cell Products engineering development revenues were nil for the year ended
December 31, 2009, a $5.2 million reduction compared to 2008. The absence of Fuel
Cell Products engineering development revenues in 2009 was expected due primarily
to the completion of our 1kW residential cogeneration fuel cell program and the
completion of pre-production work related to the B.C. Transit 2010 Olympic fuel cell
bus program in the third quarter of 2008. The costs associated with these
engineering development revenues are included in research and development
expenses.
Contract Automotive product and service revenues for the year ended December 31,
2009 decreased $8.4 million, or 48%, compared to 2008 due to lower contract
manufacturing of light-duty automotive fuel cell products at lower prices to AFCC,
Daimler and Ford, combined with lower automotive service revenues derived
primarily from testing and engineering services to AFCC. Contract Automotive
engineering development revenues were nil for the year ended December 31, 2009,
a $1.6 million reduction compared to 2008. The absence of Contract Automotive
Page 15 of 30
engineering development revenues in 2009 was expected due to the closing of the
AFCC Transaction on January 31, 2008. The costs associated with these engineering
development revenues are included in research and development expenses.
(cid:1)
Material Products revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased $0.7
million, or 5%, compared to 2008 due primarily to increased volumes of fuel cell GDL
shipments combined with the maintenance of carbon friction material product
revenues as price increases offset the impact of lower volumes as a result of the
slowdown in the U.S. automotive sector during the first half of 2009.
Cost of product and service revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009
were $40.8 million, a decrease of $6.6 million, or 14%, compared to 2008. The 14%
decrease year over year is reflective of the 11% decrease in product and service
revenues for the respective periods.
Gross margins on product and service revenues increased to $5.9 million, or to 12%
of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $5.3 million, or
10% of product and service revenues for 2008. Increased gross margins 2009 as a
result of increased shipments fuel cell buses and carbon fiber products combined
with work performed on the First Energy distributed power generator program more
than offset the decline in gross margin as a result of lower automotive shipments
and service revenues. Gross margins in 2009 were also negatively impacted by more
aggressive product pricing on our back-up power products in order to encourage
market adoption whereas gross margins in 2008 were negatively impacted by more
aggressive product pricing and enhanced warranty coverage on our materials
handling products in order to encourage market adoption.
Research and product development expenses for the year ended December 31,
2009 were $26.6 million, a decrease of $10.6 million, or 28%, compared to 2008.
The decline in expenditures is due primarily to the 20% workforce reduction initiated
in August 2009 and the 7% workforce reduction initiated in March 2009 combined
with the disposition of our automotive fuel cell development programs on the closing
of the AFCC Transaction on January 31, 2008, the completion of our 1kW residential
cogeneration fuel cell program in the third quarter of 2008, and the positive effects
of a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. In addition, as part of our
restructuring events we have significantly narrowed our research efforts in the
business and have begun to aggressively pursue government funding for our
programs. Government research funding is reflected as a cost offset to research and
product development expenses.
Included in research and product development expenses for 2008 were costs of $5.9
million related to our achievement of predefined milestones for our customers under
the development programs for which we earned engineering development revenue.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 were
$10.8 million, a decrease of 1.7 million, or 14%, compared to 2008. This decline in
expenditures is due primarily to the 20% workforce reduction initiated in August
2009 and the 7% workforce reduction initiated in March 2009 combined with the
positive effects of a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, which more
Page 16 of 30
(cid:1)
than offset the negative impacts of a one-time commodity tax assessment.
Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $7.2
million, a decrease of 0.3 million, or 3%, compared to 2008. Increased investment in
sales and marketing capacity in 2009 in support of commercial efforts was more than
offset by cost optimization efforts and the positive effects of a weaker Canadian
dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar.
Restructuring and related expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 were
$6.2 million and relate to the 20% workforce reduction initiated in August 2009 and
the 7% workforce reduction initiated in March 2009.
Acquisition charges for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $0.5 million and
relate to costs incurred on the acquisition of a controlling interest in Dantherm
Power, completed on January 18, 2010.
Depreciation and amortization was $6.6 million for the year ended December 31,
2009, an increase of $0.5 million, or 9%, compared to 2008. Depreciation and
amortization increased in 2009 due primarily to an acceleration of amortization
expense of $2.5 million for patents that were no longer in use. This increase was
only partially offset by declines in depreciation and amortization expense as some
assets became fully depreciated or amortized during 2008.
Investment and other income (loss) was $6.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2009, compared to a loss of ($2.9) million for 2008. The following
table provides a breakdown of our investment and other income and foreign
exchange gain for the reported periods:
Curtailment gain on employee future benefit plans
$
1,055
$
2009
Investment return (loss) less interest cost on
employee future benefit plans
Investment income
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
Other income
741
387
3,187
625
Investment and other income (loss)
$
5,995
$
2008
-
(2,686)
2,012
(3,653)
1,456
(2,871)
Curtailment gain on employee future benefit plans was $1.1 million for the year
ended December 31, 2009 and resulted from a freeze in future benefits of a defined
benefit pension plan applicable for our current and former employees in the United
States. As a result of the curtailment, there will be no further current service cost
related to this defined benefit pension plan.
Investment return (loss) less interest cost on employee future benefit plans was $0.7
million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to a loss of ($2.7)
million during 2008. The improvement in 2009, as compared to 2008, was primarily
a result of a recovery in the capital markets in 2009 which resulted in increased
returns on plan assets related to the above defined benefit pension plan. We account
for future employee benefits using the fair value method of accounting. As a result,
employee future benefit plan assets and accrued benefit obligations are recorded at
their fair values on each balance sheet date with the actual return on plan assets and
Page 17 of 30
any net actuarial gains or losses recognized immediately in the statement of
operations. The fair values are determined directly by reference to quoted market
prices.
Investment income was $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a
decrease of $1.6 million, or 81%, compared to 2008. The decrease was a result of
declining interest rates combined with lower average cash balances in 2009
compared to 2008. We classify our cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments as held-for-trading and measure these assets at fair value with changes
in fair value recognized in income. The fair values are determined directly by
reference to quoted market prices. During 2008 and into 2009, the investment
market was negatively impacted by liquidity and credit market concerns along with
increased concerns about a global economic slowdown. We continue to review our
exposure to these issues and have determined that there are no material impacts on
our investment portfolio.
Foreign exchange gains and losses are attributable to the effect of the changes in the
value of the Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, on our Canadian dollar-
denominated net monetary assets and on outstanding foreign exchange contracts to
buy or sell Canadian dollars over the respective periods. The foreign exchange gains
in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2009 of $2.3 million, $1.0 million, and
$1.2 million, respectively, resulted primarily from the strengthening of the Canadian
dollar during the quarters and more than offset the first quarter of 2009 foreign
exchange loss of $1.4 million, which had resulted primarily from the weakening of
the Canadian dollar during that quarter. Compared to the U.S. dollar, the Canadian
dollar has strengthened to 1.05 at December 31, 2009, as compared to 1.07 at
September 30, 2009, 1.16 at June 30, 2009, 1.26 at March 31, 2009 and 1.22 at
December 31, 2008. The foreign exchange loss of $3.7 million for 2008 resulted from
the weakening of the Canadian dollar in 2008. Compared to the U.S. dollar, the
Canadian dollar weakened in 2008 from 0.99 at December 31, 2007 to 1.22 at
December 31, 2008. In addition to foreign exchange contracts, we hold Canadian
dollar cash and short-term investments to reduce the foreign currency risk inherent
in expenditures denominated in Canadian dollars. Our foreign denominated cash and
short-term investments do not qualify for hedge accounting and therefore foreign
exchange gains and losses are recognized when they occur.
See note 20 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about
the significance of financial instruments to our financial position and performance,
the nature and extent of risks arising from those financial instruments to which we
are exposed, and how we manage those risks.
Page 18 of 30
Other income was $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of
$0.8 million, or 57%, compared to 2008. The decline was expected due to fewer
administrative support services provided to AFCC in 2009.
Gain on assets held for sale was $34.3 million for the year ended December 31,
2009 compared to $96.8 million for 2008. The 2009 gain was primarily a result of
the AFCC Monetization whereas the 2008 gain reflects the disposition of automotive
assets pursuant to the AFCC Transaction.
Loss on disposal and write-down of long-lived assets were $2.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 2008 primarily as a result of a $3.0 million write-down in
our investment in Chrysalix to $0.5 million, representing estimated net realizable
value.
Equity income (loss) of associated companies was income of $8.4 million for
the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to a loss of ($8.6) million, for 2008
and related to our share of the losses of EBARA BALLARD. On the announcement of
our decision in May 2009 to discontinue operations in EBARA BALLARD, the $10.8
million of historic recorded equity losses in EBARA BALLARD (including $2.4 million of
equity losses recorded in 2009 prior to the wind-up) in excess of our net investment
in EBARA BALLARD, was reversed to net income as (i) Ebara was solely responsible
for the liquidation obligations of EBARA BALLARD; and (ii) we are not committed to
provide, nor do we intend to provide, any further financial support to EBARA
BALLARD. EBARA BALLARD was formally dissolved in October 2009.
CASH FLOWS, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CASH FLOWS
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $82.2 million as at
December 31, 2009, compared to $85.4 million at the end of 2008. The decrease of
$3.2 million in 2009 was driven by a net loss (excluding non-cash items) of $35.5
million, an advance to EBARA BALLARD of $5.0 million, capital expenditures (net of
proceeds on sale of capital assets) of $4.6 million and payment of non-dilutive
financing costs of $3.2 million. These outflows were partially offset by proceeds on
the AFCC Monetization of $37.0 million and working capital inflows of $8.5 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, working capital requirements resulted in
cash inflows of $8.5 million compared to cash inflows of $8.9 million for 2008. In
2009, working capital inflows were driven by lower accounts receivable of $6.1
million due primarily to collections of our fuel cell bus and contract automotive
product and service revenues, higher accrued warranty liabilities of $4.0 million due
primarily to product shipments for the B.C. Transit 2010 Olympic and APTS fuel cell
bus programs, lower inventory expenditures of $1.4 million and higher accounts
payable and accrued liabilities of $1.6 million. These working capital inflows in 2009
were partially offset by cash outflows from the draw down of deferred revenue of
$3.7 million due primarily to amounts earned under the First Energy distributed
power generator program. Working capital inflows of $8.9 million for 2008 were
driven by lower inventory of $4.5 million due to higher fourth quarter shipments of
fuel cell bus, materials handing and back-up power products combined with
Page 19 of 30
improved inventory management and increased platinum recoveries, higher accrued
warranty liabilities of $3.1 million as a result of the above noted fourth quarter
product shipments, and higher deferred revenue of $0.8 million due to the timing of
payments on pre-funded contracts.
Investing activities resulted in cash inflows of $19.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2009, compared to cash outflows of $6.0 million in 2008. Investing
activities in 2009 include gross proceeds received on the closing of the AFCC
Monetization of $37.0 million. The AFCC Monetization closing costs of $1.4 million
were accrued at December 31, 2009 and paid during 2010. Changes in short-term
investments resulted in cash outflows of $7.6 million in 2009 as compared to inflows
of $64.9 million in 2008. Balances changed between cash equivalents and short-term
investments as we make investment decisions with regards to the term of
investments and our future cash requirements. Capital spending (net of proceeds on
sale) of $4.6 million in 2009, and $3.1 million in 2008, was primarily for
manufacturing equipment in order to build production capacity. The cash flows used
for other investing activities in 2009 of $5.1 million include an investment in EBARA
BALLARD of $5.0 million and an investment in Chrysalix Energy Limited Partnership
of $0.2 million. The cash flows used for other investing activities in 2008 of $6.2
million represent a net investment in EBARA BALLARD of $5.9 million, comprising of
an additional investment of $11.2 million offset by licensing cash receipts of $5.3
million, combined with an investment in Chrysalix of $0.3 million.
Financing activities resulted in cash outflows of $3.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2009, compared to cash inflows of $36.9 million for 2008. Financing
activities in 2009 represent the payment of the remaining closing costs of $3.2
million which were accrued at December 31, 2008 on the closing of the Arrangement
with Superior, and the purchase of treasury stock under our market purchase
restricted share unit plan of $0.2 million. Financing activities in 2008 represent gross
proceeds received on the closing of the Arrangement with Superior of $38.0 million
less initial closing costs paid in 2008 of $1.1 million.
As at March 9, 2010, we had 84,059,291 common shares issued and outstanding
and stock options to purchase 5,410,838 of our common shares outstanding.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As at December 31, 2009, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments totaling $82.2 million. We will use our funds to meet net funding
requirements for the development and commercialization of products in our target
markets. This includes research and product development for fuel cells and material
products, the purchase of equipment for our manufacturing and testing facilities, the
further development of business systems and low-cost manufacturing processes and
the further development of our sales and marketing, product distribution and service
capabilities.
At this stage of our development, we expect to record losses for at least the next few
years as we continue to make significant investments in research and product and
market development activities necessary to commercialize our products. Our actual
Page 20 of 30
funding requirements will vary based on the factors noted above, our relationships
with our lead customers and strategic partners, our success in developing new
channels to market and relationships with customers, our success in generating
revenue growth from near-term product opportunities, our working capital
requirements, foreign exchange fluctuations, and the progress and results of our
research, development and demonstration programs.
Our financial strategy is to manage our cash resources with strong fiscal discipline,
focus on markets with high product and service revenue growth potential, license
technology in cases where it is advantageous to us, and access available government
funding for research and development projects. Our current financing principle is to
maintain cash balances sufficient to fund at least six quarters of operating cash
consumption at all times. We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investments, combined with our subsequent monetization of our head
office building in Burnaby, British Columbia through a sale and leaseback transaction,
are sufficient to meet our planned growth and development activities for the
foreseeable future without the need to access public market financing. However,
circumstances could change which would make it advantageous for us to access
additional capital.
2010 OUTLOOK
We expect revenues for 2010 to be in excess of 35% over our 2009 revenues of
$46.7 million. Our revenue outlook for 2010 is based on our internal revenue
forecast which reflects an assessment of overall business conditions and takes into
account actual sales in the first two months of 2010, sales orders received for units
and services to be delivered in 2010, and an estimate with respect to the generation
of new sales in each of our markets. Our 2010 revenue outlook is supported by
committed orders for products and services of $22.7 million at December 31, 2009
(consisting of $12.5 million for Fuel Cell Products, $5.8 million for Contract
Automotive, and $4.5 million for Material Products); and by the following expected
growth milestones:
(cid:1) Commencement of shipments of back-up power fuel cell stacks for deployment to
Idatech, LLC’s reformate-based supplemental power systems for the Indian
telecom market.
(cid:1) Deployment of Dantherm Power hydrogen-based back-up power systems in one
major new network;
(cid:1) Commissioning of the 1 MW distributed generation system for FirstEnergy Corp.;
(cid:1) Recording our first distributed generation system sale utilizing by-product
hydrogen;
(cid:1) More than doubling volumes of material handling fuel cell stack shipments, in line
with Plug Power Inc.’s 2010 shipment target of 1,100 GenDrive ™ systems; and
(cid:1) Recording new fuel cell bus contracts to support the deployment of more than 25
buses.
We expect to improve our cash flow from operations in 2010 by 30% over our 2009
Page 21 of 30
(cid:1)
cash used by operations of ($26.9) million. A primary driver for this expected
reduction in cash flow from operations for 2010 are expected increases in gross
margins as a result of the above 35% expected increase in revenues, combined with
the full year benefit of our streamlined operating expense base as a result of the
20% workforce reduction initiated in August 2009 and the 7% workforce reduction
initiated in March 2009. Our cash flow from operations outlook for 2010 is based on
our internal cash flow from operations forecast and takes into account our forecasted
gross margin and working capital impacts related to the above revenue forecast, the
costs of our current operating expense base, and assumes an average U.S. dollar
exchange rate of 1.10 in relation to the Canadian dollar.
Cash used by operations is expected to be materially higher in the first quarter of
2010, as compared to the last three quarters of the year, due primarily to working
capital impacts related to the payment of accrued severance, accrued AFCC
Monetization expenses and accrued acquisition costs related to the subsequent
purchase of Dantherm Power; the buildup of inventory to support automotive fuel
cell shipments to Daimler expected to commence in the second quarter of 2010; and
the expected timing of revenues and the related customer collections.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS & CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
In 2009, we completed the AFCC Monetization with a financial institution to monetize
our rights under a Share Purchase Agreement with Ford relating to our 19.9% equity
investment in AFCC. On the closing of the AFCC Monetization in 2009, we received a
cash payment of $37 million and a contingent payment of $7.5 million. The
contingent payment of $7.5 million is due upon maturation of the Share Purchase
Agreement on or before January 31, 2013, and is contingent on the financial
institution’s rights in the transaction remaining unsubordinated. Due to the
contingent nature of the $7.5 million receipt in 2013, this receipt has not been
accrued in our consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2009.
Periodically, we use foreign exchange contracts to manage our exposure to currency
rate fluctuations and platinum forward purchase contracts to manage our exposure
to platinum price fluctuations. We record these contracts at their fair value as either
assets or liabilities on our balance sheet. Any changes in fair value are recorded in
our consolidated statements of operations.
As at December 31, 2009, we did not have any other material obligations under
guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interests in transferred assets,
outstanding derivative instruments or non-consolidated variable interests.
During 2009, a Canadian governmental agency agreed to terminate potential
royalties payable of Canadian $5.4 million in respect of future sales of fuel cell-based
stationary power products under a historic development program. As a result, total
royalties payable in respect of future sales of fuel cell-based stationary power
products under two development programs with certain Canadian government
agencies have been reduced from up to a maximum of Canadian $49.0 million at
December 31, 2008 to a maximum of Canadian $43.7 million at December 31, 2009.
As at December 31, 2009, we have made total royalty payments of Canadian $5.3
Page 22 of 30
million against this potential obligation, including royalty payments of Canadian $0.1
million in 2009. The conditions under which these royalties become payable are
described in more detail in note 15 to our consolidated financial statements.
We have committed to make future capital contributions of $0.3 million (Canadian
$0.3 million) in Chrysalix, in which we have a limited partnership interest.
As at December 31, 2009 we had the following contractual obligations and
commercial commitments:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Contractual Obligations
Total
Less than
1-3 years
4-5 years
Payments due by period,
one year
After 5
years
Operating leases
$
18,522 $
1,789 $
3,577 $
3,631 $
9,525
Asset retirement obligations
3,988
-
-
-
3,988
Total contractual obligations
$
22,510 $
1,789 $
3,577 $
3,631 $
13,513
In addition to the contractual purchase obligations above, we have commitments to
purchase $1.4 million of capital assets as at December 31, 2009. Capital
expenditures pertain to our regular operations and will be funded through either
capital leases or cash on hand.
The Arrangement with Superior Plus includes an indemnification agreement dated
December 31, 2008 (the "Indemnity Agreement"), which sets out the parties’
continuing obligations to the other. The Indemnity Agreement has two basic
elements: it provides for the indemnification by each of the parties to the other for
breaches of representations and warranties or covenants as well as, in our case, any
liability relating to our business which is suffered by Superior Plus. Our indemnity to
Superior Plus with respect to our representation relating to the existence of our tax
pools immediately prior to the completion of the Arrangement is limited to an
aggregate of $7.0 million (Canadian $7.4 million) with a threshold amount of $0.5
million (Canadian $0.5 million) before there is an obligation to make a payment.
Second, the Indemnity Agreement provides for adjustments to be paid by us, or to
us, depending on the final determination of the amount of our Canadian non-capital
losses, scientific research and development expenditures and investment tax credits
generated to December 31, 2008, to the extent that such amounts are more or less
than the amounts estimated at the time the Arrangement was executed. At
December 31, 2009, we have not accrued any amount owing, or receivable, as a
result of the Indemnity Agreement.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related parties include shareholders with a significant ownership interest in us,
together with their subsidiaries and affiliates, our key management personnel and
our equity-accounted investees. Revenues and costs recognized from such
transactions reflect the prices and terms of sale and purchase transactions with
related parties, which are in accordance with normal trade practices. Related parties
include EBARA BALLARD and EBARA Corporation prior to the discontinuance of our
operations in EBARA BALLARD in May 2009; and Daimler and Ford prior to the
closing of the AFCC Transaction on January 31, 2008. AFCC is not considered to be a
Page 23 of 30
related party as we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over
AFCC’s strategic operating, investing or financing policies.
We have earned revenues from related parties from the sale of products and services
and from engineering development revenues. We have provided funding to related
parties for the purposes of conducting research and development on our behalf. We
have also purchased intellectual property and obtained licenses from, and granted
licenses to, related parties. As a result of the AFCC Transaction and the
discontinuance of operations in EBARA BALLARD, related party transactions have
been reduced.
Related party transactions and balances are as follows:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Transactions with related parties(cid:3)
Years Ended December 31,
2009
2008
Revenues from products, engineering services and other
$
380
$ 7,906
Purchases
Net investments and advances
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Balances with related parties(cid:3)
Accounts receivable
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
78
5,000
188
5,939
As at December 31,
2009
$
$
-
-
$
$
2008
4,500
31
The AFCC Transaction, which closed on January 31, 2008, is also a related party
transaction.
For 2010, the operating results of Dantherm Power will be consolidated with
Ballard’s. As such, all transactions between Dantherm Power and Ballard will be
eliminated. Transactions between Ballard and Dantherm Power’s non-controlling
partners, Danfoss A/S and Dantherm A/S, will be considered to be related party
transactions.
Page 24 of 30
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following table provides summary financial data for our last eight quarters:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
Quarter ended,
Dec 31,
2009
Sep 30,
2009
Jun 30,
2009
Mar 31,
2009
Product and service revenue
$
16,516
$
9,047
$
13,075
$
8,084
Engineering development revenue
-
-
-
-
Total revenue
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding
(000’s)
$
16,516
$
9,047
$
13,075
$
8,084
$
$
25,634
$ (11,352)
0.31
$
(0.14)
$
$
1,583
$ (19,123)
0.02
$
(0.23)
83,974
83,955
83,941
82,662
Dec 31,
2008
Sep 30,
2008
Jun 30,
2008
Mar 31,
2008
Product and service revenue
$
18,605
$
10,879
$
11,131
$
12,111
Engineering development revenue
296
1,406
1,220
3,932
Total revenue
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding
(000’s)
$
18,901
$
12,285
$
12,351
$
16,043
$
$
(19,161)
$ (16,186)
(0.23)
$
(0.20)
$
$
(13,638)
(0.17)
$
$
80,440
0.86
82,116
82,102
82,086
93,447
Summary of Quarterly Results: There were no significant seasonal variations in
our quarterly results. Variations in our net income (loss) for the above periods were
affected primarily by the following factors:
(cid:1) Product and service revenues: Variations in fuel cell product revenues reflect
the timing of our customers’ fuel cell vehicle, bus and field cell product
deployments. Product revenues in the second quarter of 2009 and the fourth
quarter of 2008 were positively impacted by the shipments of fuel cell bus
modules related to the B.C. Transit 2010 Olympic fuel cell bus program totaling
$6.0 million in each of those quarters. Revenue from testing and engineering
services to AFCC commenced in the first quarter of 2008. Variations in fuel cell
service revenues reflect the timing of work performed and the achievements of
milestones under the First Energy distributed power generator program which
commenced in the second quarter of 2009 and from government contracts in the
material handling and back-up power markets.
(cid:1) Engineering development revenue: Variations in engineering development
revenue reflect the timing of work performed and the achievements of milestones
under the 1kW residential cogeneration fuel cell development program and from
light duty automotive and fuel cell bus programs. As a result of the AFCC
Transaction, there were no light duty automotive fuel program engineering
development revenues subsequent to January 2008. In addition, the 1kW
residential cogeneration fuel cell development program was completed in the
third quarter of 2008.
Page 25 of 30
(cid:1) Operating expenditures: Operating expenses have declined in the last three
quarters of 2009 as a result of the 20% workforce reduction initiated in August
2009 and the 7% workforce reduction initiated in March 2009. Operating
expenses also include restructuring and related expenses of $4.8 million in the
third quarter of 2009 and $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2009 as a result of
the above workforce reduction initiatives. Operating expenses also reflect
changes in the value of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar.
(cid:1) Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization has declined
for the first three quarters of 2009 and the four quarters of 2008 as several
assets became fully depreciated or amortized during 2007 and certain intangible
assets were disposed of in the AFCC Transaction. Depreciation and amortization
expense increased in the fourth quarter of 2009 due an acceleration of
amortization expense of $2.5 million for patents that were no longer in use.
(cid:1)
Investment and other income: Investment and other income include foreign
exchange gains (losses), investment income, curtailment and mark to market
gains (losses) on our employee future benefit plans, and other income. Foreign
exchange gains (losses) have varied in each quarter due to fluctuations in the
Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, on our Canadian dollar-denominated
cash and short-term investments, and on our outstanding foreign exchange
contracts to buy or sell Canadian dollars. Investment income has continually
declined for the last eight quarters due to declines in our cash equivalents and
short-term investment portfolios and declines in interest rates. Investment and
other income in the fourth quarter of 2009 was positively impacted by a $1.1
curtailment gain resulting from a freeze in future benefits of a defined benefit
pension plan applicable for our current and former employees in the United
States.
(cid:1)
Loss on disposal and write-down of long-lived assets: The net loss for the
fourth quarter of 2008 was negatively impacted by a $3.0 million write-down of
our investment in Chrysalix.
(cid:1) Gain on sale of assets: The net income for the fourth quarter of 2009 was
significantly impacted by a $34.3 million gain on the AFCC Monetization. The net
income for the first quarter of 2008 was significantly impacted by a $96.8 million
gain on the sale of assets pursuant to the AFCC Transaction.
(cid:1) Equity income (loss) of associated companies: The net income for the
second quarter of 2009 was significantly impacted by a $10.8 million gain
recorded on the discontinuance of operations in EBARA BALLARD, representing
the reversal of our historic recorded equity losses in EBARA BALLARD in excess of
our net investment in EBARA BALLARD at that time. Net income (loss) for the
first quarter of 2009 and the four quarters of 2008, was impacted by equity
losses in EBARA BALLARD ranging from approximately $1.0 million to $3.0
million, respectively, per quarter.
RISKS & UNCERTAINTIES
An investment in our common shares involves risk. Investors should carefully
Page 26 of 30
consider the risks described below and the other information contained in, and
incorporated into, this Management Discussion and Analysis, our financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2009, and our Annual Information Form. The risks
and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and
uncertainties, including those that we do not know about now or that we currently
deem immaterial, may also adversely affect our business. For a more complete
discussion of risks and uncertainties summarized below which apply to our business
and our operating results, please see our Annual Information Form and other filings
with Canadian (www.sedar.com) and U.S. securities regulatory authorities
(www.sec.gov). These documents are also available on our website at
www.ballard.com.
Our business entails risks and uncertainties that affect our outlook and eventual
results of our business and commercialization plans. The primary risks relate to
meeting our product development and commercialization milestones, which require
that our products exhibit the functionality, cost, durability and performance required
in a commercial product and that we have sufficient access to capital to fund these
activities. To be commercially useful, most of our products must be integrated into
products manufactured by system integrators or OEMs. There is no guarantee that
system integrators or OEMs will provide products that use our products as
components. There is also a risk that mass markets for certain of our products may
never develop, or that market acceptance might take longer to develop than
anticipated.
A summary of these identified risks and uncertainties are as follows:
(cid:1) We may not be able to achieve commercialization of our products on the
timetable we anticipate, or at all;
(cid:1) We expect our cash reserves will be reduced due to future operating losses, and
we cannot provide certainty as to how long our cash reserves will last or that we
will be able to access additional capital when necessary;
(cid:1) We may not be able to successfully execute our business plan;
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
Potential fluctuations in our financial and business results make forecasting
difficult and may restrict our access to funding for our commercialization plan;
Exchange rate fluctuations are beyond our control and may have a material
adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition or
profitability;
(cid:1) Commodity price fluctuations are beyond our control and may have a material
adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and
profitability;
(cid:1) A mass market for our products may never develop or may take longer to
develop than we anticipate;
(cid:1) We have limited experience manufacturing fuel cell products on a commercial
basis;
Page 27 of 30
(cid:1) We are dependent on third party suppliers for the supply of key materials and
components for our products;
(cid:1) We are dependent upon Original Equipment Manufacturers and Systems
Integrators to purchase certain of our products;
(cid:1) Global economic conditions are beyond our control and may have an adverse
impact on our business or on our key suppliers and / or customers;
(cid:1)
Public Policy and regulatory changes could hurt the market for our products;
(cid:1) We depend on our intellectual property and our failure to protect that intellectual
property could adversely affect our future growth and success;
(cid:1) We may be involved in intellectual property litigation that causes us to incur
significant expenses or prevents us from selling our products;
(cid:1) We currently face and will continue to face significant competition;
(cid:1) We could lose or fail to attract the personnel necessary to run our business;
(cid:1) We could be liable for environmental damages resulting from our research,
development or manufacturing operations;
(cid:1) Our products use flammable fuels, which could subject our business to product
liability claims;
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
AND INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Disclosure controls and procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance
that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management,
including the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial
Officer (“CFO”), on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made
regarding public disclosure.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we evaluated, under the
supervision and with the participation of management, including the CEO and the
CFO, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and
procedures, as defined in Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). The CEO and CFO have concluded that as of December
31, 2009, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that
information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange
Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified therein, and accumulated and reported to management to allow timely
discussions regarding required disclosure.
Internal control over financial reporting
The CEO and CFO, together with other members of management, are responsible for
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company’s financial
reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is designed under our supervision,
Page 28 of 30
and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management, and other
personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada and the
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States, as
applicable.
There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, including the possibility that misstatements may not be prevented or
detected. Accordingly, even effective internal controls over financial reporting can
provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of internal controls can change with circumstances.
Management, including the CEO and CFO, have evaluated the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a–15(f) of the
Exchange Act, in relation to criteria described in Internal Control–Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, Management has determined that
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009.
KPMG LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our
consolidated financial statements and expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
KPMG has also expressed an unqualified opinion on the effective operation of our
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
During the year ended December 31, 2009, there were no material changes in
internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
We use certain non-GAAP measures to assist in assessing our financial performance
and liquidity. Non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed
by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented
by other companies. A description of non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to
financial statement line items for the periods indicated are as follows:
Normalized net loss measures our net loss after excluding items that are unusual
in nature or do not reflect the normal continued operating activity of the business.
Gains on sale of assets, write-downs of investments, restructuring and related
expenses, equity income (loss) in associated companies, and acquisition and related
costs are either not considered part of our core activities, or are expected to occur
infrequently. Therefore we have removed these items in our calculation of
normalized net loss. We believe normalized net loss assists investors in assessing our
actual and future performance.
Page 29 of 30
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per
share amounts)
Three months ended
Year ended December 31,
December 31,
Normalized net loss
2009
2008
2009
2008
Reported net income (loss)
$ 25,634
$ (19,161)
$ (3,258)
$ 31,456
Restructuring and related expenses
36
Gain loss on sale of assets
(34,297)
-
-
6,229
-
(34,297)
(96,845)
Equity (income) loss in associated
companies
(421)
942
(8,364)
8,649
Write-down (gain on sale) of investments
(71)
2,812
(122)
2,812
Acquisition charges
Normalized net loss
Normalized net loss per share
Weighted average common shares
529
-
529
-
$
$
(8,590) $ (15,407) $ (39,283) $ (53,928)
(0.10)
$
(0.19) $
(0.47)
$
(0.64)
outstanding (000’s)
83,974
82,116
83,637
84,922
Operating cash consumption measures the amount of cash required to fund the
operating activities of our business (net of restructuring and related costs) and
excludes financing and investing activities except for capital lease payments and
additions, net of proceeds on sale, of property, plant and equipment. We believe
operating cash consumption assists investors in assessing our requirements to fund
future operations.
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended
Year ended December 31,
December 31,
Operating cash (consumption)
2009
2008
2009
2008
contribution
Cash from (used by) operations
$
1,578 $
(7,305) $ (26,962) $ (26,190)
Restructuring and related expenses
(cash paid component)
Additions to property, plant and
1,190
-
4,067
-
equipment
(402)
(1,460)
(6,778)
(3,560)
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and
equipment
(net of capital lease payments)
2,127
466
2,131
475
Operating cash (consumption)
$
4,493 $
(8,299) $ (27,542) $ (29,275)
contribution
Page 30 of 30
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in U.S. dollars)
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
F-2
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements and
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report have been
prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles (“GAAP”). The integrity and objectivity of the data in these
consolidated financial statements are management’s responsibility. Management is
also responsible for all other information in the Annual Report and for ensuring that
this information is consistent, where appropriate, with the information and data
contained in the consolidated financial statements.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external
reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial
reporting may not prevent or detect fraud or misstatements because of limitations
inherent in any system of internal control. Management has assessed the
effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on
the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and concluded that the
Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December
31, 2009. In addition, management maintains disclosure controls and procedures to
provide reasonable assurance that material information is communicated to
management and appropriately disclosed. Some of the assets and liabilities include
amounts, which are based on estimates and judgments, as their final determination
is dependent on future events.
The Board of Directors oversees management’s responsibilities for financial reporting
through the Audit Committee, which consists of five directors who are independent
and not involved in the daily operations of the Corporation. The Audit Committee
meets on a regular basis with management and the external and internal auditors to
discuss internal controls over the financial reporting process, auditing matters and
financial reporting issues. The Audit Committee is responsible for appointing the
external auditors (subject to shareholder approval), and reviewing and approving all
financial disclosure contained in our public documents and related party transactions.
2
The external auditors, KPMG LLP, have audited the financial statements and
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. KPMG has also expressed an unqualified
opinion on the effective operation of the internal controls over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2009. The external auditors have full access to management and
the Audit Committee with respect to their findings concerning the fairness of financial
reporting and the adequacy of internal controls.
“JOHN SHERIDAN”
“BRUCE COUSINS”
JOHN SHERIDAN
President and
Chief Executive Officer
March 9, 2010
BRUCE COUSINS
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
March 9, 2010
3
AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders of Ballard Power Systems Inc.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Ballard Power Systems Inc. (the
“Corporation") as at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the consolidated statements
of operations and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows
for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2009. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing
standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Corporation as at December 31, 2009 and 2008
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two
year period ended December 31, 2009 in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Corporation's internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in
Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 9,
2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s
internal control over financial reporting.
“KPMG LLP”
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 9, 2010
4
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Ballard Power Systems Inc.
We have audited Ballard Power Systems Inc. (the “Corporation")’s internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in
Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Corporation’s management
is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and
for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
presented in the section entitled “Management’s Report on Disclosure Controls and
Procedures and Internal Controls over Financial Reporting” under the heading
“Internal control over financial reporting” included in Management Discussion and
Analysis. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Corporation’s internal
control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our
audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the
design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.
Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial
reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations
of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness
to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies
or procedures may deteriorate.
5
In our opinion, the Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We also have conducted our audits on the consolidated financial statements in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards
of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our report
dated March 9, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial
statements.
“KPMG LLP”
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 9, 2010
6
2009
2008
(revised – note 1(c)(ii))
$
43,299
38,932
12,903
9,168
2,114
106,416
39,320
824
48,106
632
50
$ 195,348
20,321
1,607
7,813
316
30,057
4,632
1,739
36,428
$
$
$
54,086
31,313
18,856
10,402
1,434
116,091
38,755
3,726
48,106
1,765
-
208,443
21,819
947
3,841
-
26,607
23,349
-
49,956
835,358
284,510
(960,712)
(236)
158,920
$ 195,348
$
832,711
283,466
(957,454)
(236)
158,487
208,443
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable (notes 4 & 17)
Inventories (note 5)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Property, plant and equipment (note 6)
Intangible assets (note 7)
Goodwill
Investments (note 8)
Other long-term assets
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (notes 9 & 17)
Deferred revenue
Accrued warranty liabilities
Current portion of obligation under capital lease (note 10)
$
Long-term liabilities (notes 11 & 12)
Obligation under capital lease (note 10)
Shareholders’ equity:
Share capital (note 13)
Contributed surplus (notes 2 & 13)
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Commitments, guarantees and contingencies (notes 10 & 15)
Subsequent events (note 23)
Approved on behalf of the Board:
“Ed Kilroy”
Director
“Ian Bourne”
Director
7
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
Revenues:
Product and service revenues
Engineering development revenue
Total revenues
Cost of revenues and expenses:
Cost of product and service revenues
Research and product development
General and administrative
Sales and marketing
Restructuring and related charges (note 9)
Acquisition charges (note 23)
Depreciation and amortization
Total cost of revenues and expenses
Loss before undernoted
Investment and other income (loss) (note 14)
Gain (loss) on disposal and write-down of long-lived assets
(note 8)
Gain on sale of assets (notes 3 & 8)
Equity gain (loss) in associated companies (note 11)
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income taxes (recovery) (note 16)
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding - basic
Impact of dilutive options
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding – diluted
$
2009
2008
(revised – note 1(c)(ii))
$
46,722
-
46,722
40,795
26,628
10,801
7,203
6,229
529
6,580
98,765
(52,043)
5,995
122
34,297
8,364
(3,265)
(7)
(3,258)
52,726
6,854
59,580
47,432
37,179
12,515
7,461
-
-
6,034
110,621
(51,041)
(2,871)
(2,812)
96,845
(8,649)
31,472
16
31,456
$
$
(0.04)
(0.04)
$
$
0.37
0.37
83,637,315
84,922,364
-
83,637,315
840,843
85,763,207
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
8
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
December 31,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except per share amounts and number of shares)
Number of
shares
Share
capital
Contributed
surplus
Accumulated
deficit
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Total
shareholders’
equity
Balance, December 31, 2007,
115,099,142
$1,174,821
$
72,290
$
(988,686) $
(236) $
258,189
as reported
Change in accounting policy (note 1 (c)(ii)):
-
-
-
(224)
-
(224)
Balance, December 31, 2007, as revised
115,099,142
$1,174,821
$
72,290
$
(988,910) $
(236) $
257,965
Net income
Non-dilutive financing (note 2)
-
-
-
-
Cancellation of common shares upon
(34,261,300)
(349,438)
33,812
175,538
-
31,456
disposition of assets held for sale
(note 3)
RSUs and DSUs redeemed
Share distribution plan
321,576
962,717
2,557
4,771
(2,557)
4,383
Net loss
Non-dilutive financing (note 2)
Purchase of treasury shares
(note 13)
RSUs and DSUs redeemed
Options exercised
Share distribution plan
-
-
-
-
-
(207)
-
(3,258)
(719)
-
219,232
5,000
1,126
(1,283)
7
-
1,627,621
1,721
3,046
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
31,456
33,812
(173,900)
-
9,154
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,258)
(719)
(207)
(157)
7
4,767
Balance, December 31, 2008
82,122,135
832,711
283,466
(957,454)
(236)
158,487
Balance, December 31, 2009
83,973,988
$ 835,358 $ 284,510 $ (960,712) $
(236) $ 158,920
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
9
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities:
Net income (loss) for the year
Items not affecting cash:
Compensatory shares
Employee future benefits
Depreciation and amortization
Unrealized loss (gain) on forward contracts
Loss (gain) on disposal and write-down of long-lived assets
Gain on sale of assets (notes 3 & 8)
Equity loss (gain) in associated companies
Other
Changes in non-cash working capital:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue
Accrued warranty liabilities
Net current assets and liabilities held for sale (note 3)
Cash used by operations
Investing activities:
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment and other
Proceeds on monetization of other long-term assets (note 8)
Disposition of assets held for sale (note 3)
Investments (notes 8 & 11)
Long-term liabilities
Financing activities:
Non-dilutive financing (note 2)
Purchase of treasury shares (note 13)
Repayment of capital lease obligation (note 10)
Net proceeds on issuance of share capital
2009
2008
(revised – note 1(c)(ii))
$
(3,258)
$
31,456
3,033
(1,524)
9,504
(408)
(142)
(34,297)
(8,364)
-
(35,456)
6,084
1,356
(884)
1,623
(3,656)
3,971
-
8,494
(26,962)
(7,619)
(6,778)
2,182
37,000
-
(5,135)
-
19,650
(3,243)
(207)
(30)
5
(3,475)
7,267
2,642
8,021
408
2,812
(96,845)
8,649
490
(35,100)
107
4,457
510
5
778
3,089
(36)
8,910
(26,190)
64,921
(3,560)
475
-
(61,285)
(6,212)
(323)
(5,984)
36,920
-
-
-
36,920
4,746
49,340
54,086
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
(10,787)
54,086
43,299
$
$
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (note 18)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
10
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies:
(a) Nature of business:
The principal business of Ballard Power Systems Inc. (the “Corporation”) is the
design, development, manufacture, sale and service of fuel cell products for a variety
of applications, focusing on motive power (material handling and buses) and
stationary power (back-up power, supplemental power, and distributed generation).
A fuel cell is an environmentally clean electrochemical device that combines
hydrogen fuel with oxygen (from the air) to produce electricity. Our technology is
based on proton exchange membrane (“PEM”) fuel cells.
(b) Basis of presentation, critical accounting estimates and judgment applied:
The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared in
accordance with Canadian GAAP. All amounts are in United States dollars, unless
otherwise noted. Material measurement differences to United States GAAP are
disclosed in note 22.
The preparation of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements in accordance
with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires
management to apply judgment when making estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements,
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses of the reporting period, as well as
disclosures made in the accompanying notes to the financial statements. The
estimates and associated assumptions are based on past experience and other
factors that are considered relevant. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.
The Corporation’s critical accounting estimates include, among others, estimates
related to revenue recognition on long-term contracts, the assessment of the net
realizable value of goodwill and intangible assets, inventory and investments, the
adequacy of warranty provisions on sales, and the recoverability of future tax assets.
(c) Changes in accounting policy and future changes to accounting standards:
(i) Business combinations, consolidated financial statements, and non-controlling
interest:
the Corporation early adopted
the
Effective December 31, 2009,
recommendations of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA”)
for Business Combinations (CICA Handbook Section 1582), Consolidations (CICA
Handbook Section 1601), and Non-Controlling Interests (CICA Handbook Section
1602). Section 1582, which replaces the former Section 1581, requires all
business combinations to be accounted for by applying the acquisition method,
whereby assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured at their fair value
at the date of acquisition.
11
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(c) Changes in accounting policy and future changes to accounting standards (cont’d):
(i) Business combinations, consolidated financial statements, and non-controlling
interest (cont’d):
Acquisition costs associated with a business combination are expensed in the
period incurred. Section 1601 carries forward the standards for the preparation
of consolidated financial statements of former Section 1600. Section 1602
requires non-controlling interests to be reported as a separate component of
equity, with net income calculated without deduction for non-controlling
interests; instead consolidated net income is allocated between controlling and
non-controlling interests. There was no impact of adopting these standards on
the Corporation’s 2009 consolidated financial statements other than the
expensing of acquisition costs incurred of $529,000 related to the subsequent
acquisition of Dantherm Power (note 23).
(ii) Employee future benefit plans:
CICA Handbook Section 3461 Employee Future Benefits allows the selection of
either the immediate recognition approach, or the defer and amortization
approach, for accounting for employee future benefits. In 2009, the Corporation
changed its accounting policy from the defer and amortization approach to the
immediate recognition approach. The Corporation believes the change in
accounting policy more appropriately reflects the costs and liability of the
employee future benefits as it better reflects the current estimated cost to
terminate these plans.
The change in accounting policy was applied retroactively and prior period
financial statements have been restated, as follows:
(cid:2) Accumulated deficit at December 31, 2007 was increased by $224,000, with a
corresponding increase in long-term liabilities.
(cid:2) Net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 declined by $2,623,000
(representing a $0.03 decline in earnings and diluted earnings per share),
with a corresponding increase in long-term liabilities.
(cid:2) Net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased by $2,215,000
(representing a $0.03 increase in earnings and diluted earnings per share),
with a corresponding decrease in long-term liabilities.
12
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(c) Changes in accounting policy and future changes to accounting standards (cont’d):
(iii) Financial instruments – presentation and disclosures:
In 2009, the Corporation adopted the amendments to CICA Section 3862
Financial Instruments – Disclosures. The amendments resulted in enhanced
disclosures regarding the fair value measurement of financial instruments and are
included in note 20. The adoption of these amendments had no impact on the
Corporation’s results, financial position or cash flows.
(iv) Convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards:
In February 2008, Canada’s Accounting Standards Board (“AcSB”) confirmed that
Canadian GAAP, as used by publicly accountable enterprises, will be fully
converged to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
Canadian publicly accountable enterprises must adopt IFRS for their interim and
annual financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January
1, 2011 and must be accompanied by IFRS comparative information for the 2010
financial year.
IFRS uses a conceptual framework similar to Canadian GAAP, but there are
significant differences on recognition, measurement and disclosures. At this
time, the comprehensive impact of the changeover from Canadian GAAP to IFRS
on the Corporation’s future financial position and results of operations is not yet
determinable.
(d) Principles of consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its
principal subsidiaries as follows:
7076932 Canada Inc.
Ballard Advanced Materials Corporation
Ballard GmbH
Ballard Material Products Inc.
Ballard Power Corporation
Percentage ownership
2009
100.0%
77.5%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
2008
100.0%
77.5%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on
consolidation.
13
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(e) Translation of foreign currencies:
The measurement currency of the Corporation is the U.S. dollar. Transactions in
foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the transaction
date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other than the measurement
currency are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date.
The resulting exchange gains and losses are recognized in earnings.
(f) Revenue recognition:
The Corporation generates revenues primarily from product sales and services.
Revenues are also earned by providing engineering development services. Product
revenues are derived primarily from standard equipment and material sales contracts
and from long-term fixed price contracts. Service revenues are derived primarily
from cost-plus reimbursable contracts. Engineering development revenues are
derived primarily from long-term fixed price contracts.
On standard equipment and material sales contracts, revenues are recorded when
the product is shipped to the customer and the risks of ownership are transferred to
the customer, when the price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably
assured. Provisions are made at the time of sale for warranties.
On cost-plus reimbursable contracts, revenues are recognized as costs are incurred,
and include applicable fees earned as services are provided.
On long-term fixed price contracts, revenues are recognized on the percentage-of-
completion basis over the duration of the contract, which consists of recognizing
revenue on a given contract proportionately with its percentage of completion at any
given time. The percentage of completion is determined by dividing the cumulative
costs incurred as at the balance sheet date by the sum of incurred and anticipated
costs for completing a contract.
The cumulative effect of changes to anticipated revenues and anticipated costs for
completing a contract are recognized in the period in which the revisions are
identified. In the event that the anticipated costs exceed the anticipated revenues
on a contract, such loss is recognized in its entirety in the period it becomes known.
Deferred revenue represents cash received from customers in excess of revenue
recognized on uncompleted contracts.
(g) Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments:
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit and highly liquid short-term
interest-bearing securities with maturities at the date of purchase of three months or
less.
Short-term investments consist of highly liquid interest bearing securities with
maturities at the date of purchase between three months and three years.
14
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(h) Financial instruments:
The Corporation measures its financial assets in the balance sheet at fair value,
except for loans and receivables, which are measured at amortized cost. Financial
liabilities classified as held for trading, including derivatives, are measured in the
balance sheet at fair value; all other financial liabilities are measured at amortized
cost. Long-term investments are measured at cost as they are privately held
entities.
Measurement in subsequent periods depends on whether the financial instrument
has been classified as held for trading, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, loans and
receivables, or other liabilities. The Corporation classifies its accounts receivables as
loans and receivables and its accounts payable and warranty liabilities as other
financial liabilities.
Periodically, the Corporation enters into forward exchange contracts to limit its
exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations and to platinum price fluctuations.
These derivative contracts are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the
consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Any changes in fair value are recognized in
net income. The Corporation does not designate its financial instruments as hedges.
(i) Inventories:
Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of
inventories is based on the first-in first-out principle, and includes expenditures
incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs, and other costs
incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of
manufactured inventories and work in progress, cost includes materials, labor and
the appropriate share of production overhead based on normal operating capacity.
Costs of materials are determined on an average per unit basis. Net realizable value
is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated
costs of completion and selling expenses.
In establishing the appropriate inventory
obsolescence provision, management estimates the likelihood that inventory carrying
values will be affected by changes in market demand, technology and design, which
could make inventory on hand recoverable at less than its cost or even obsolete.
15
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(j) Property, plant and equipment:
Property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost and are amortized from
the date of acquisition or, in respect of internally constructed assets, from the time
an asset is completed and ready for use, using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Buildings
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment under
capital lease
(k) Intangible assets:
30 to 39 years
3 to 7 years
5 to 14 years
The shorter of initial term of the respective
lease and estimated useful life
4 to 15 years
5 years
Intangible assets consist of fuel cell technology acquired from third parties and are
recorded at cost. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives of
5 to 15 years using the straight-line method.
Costs incurred in establishing and maintaining patents and license agreements are
expensed in the period incurred.
(l) Impairment of long-lived assets:
Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, investments, and
intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be
recoverable. An impairment loss, if any, is recognized when the carrying amount of
a long-lived asset exceeds its fair value based on its estimated undiscounted future
cash flows.
(m) Goodwill:
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired enterprise over
the fair value assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
16
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(m) Goodwill (cont’d):
Goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the goodwill might be impaired. The
assessment of impairment is based on estimated fair market values derived from
certain valuation models, which may consider various factors such as normalized and
estimated future earnings, price earnings multiples, terminal values and discount
rates. An impairment loss, if any, is recognized to the extent that the carrying
amount of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair market value.
The Corporation has designated December 31 as the date for the annual impairment
test. As at December 31, 2009, date of the last impairment test, goodwill was not
considered to be impaired.
(n) Investments:
Investments in shares of companies over which the Corporation has the ability to
exercise significant influence are accounted for by the equity method. Investments
in companies where significant influence does not exist are carried at cost.
(o) Accrued warranty liabilities:
A provision for warranty costs is recorded on product sales at the time of shipment.
In establishing the accrued warranty liability, management estimates the likelihood
that products sold will experience warranty claims and the estimated cost to resolve
claims received, taking into account the nature of the contract and past and
projected experience with the products.
(p) Leases:
Leases are classified as capital or operating depending upon the terms and
conditions of the contracts. Leases, which transfer substantially all the benefits and
risks incident to ownership of the leased property to the Corporation, are accounted
for as capital leases. The cost of assets under capital leases represent the present
value of minimum lease payments and are amortized on a straight-line basis over
the lease term. Assets under capital leases are presented in property, plant and
equipment in the consolidated balance sheet.
Leases that do not transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to
ownership of the property are accounted for as operating leases.
17
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(q) Asset retirement obligations:
Legal obligations to retire tangible long-lived assets are recorded at fair value at
acquisition with a corresponding increase in asset value. These include assets leased
under operating leases. The liability is accreted over the life of the asset to fair value
and the increase in asset value is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the
asset.
(r) Research and product development costs:
Research costs are expensed as they are incurred. Product development costs are
expensed as incurred except if the costs are related to the development and setup of
new products, processes and systems and satisfy certain conditions for capitalization,
including reasonable assurance that they will be recovered. All capitalized
development costs, if any, are amortized when commercial production begins, using
the straight-line method over a period of five years. An impairment loss, if any, is
recognized in the period it occurs.
As at December 31, 2009, the Corporation has not capitalized any development
costs.
(s) Income taxes:
The Corporation follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income
taxes. Under this method, future income taxes are recognized for the future income
tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases
(temporary differences) and for loss carry-forwards. The resulting changes in the
net future tax asset or liability are included in income. Future tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted, or substantively enacted, tax rates expected
to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected
to be recovered or settled.
The effect on future income tax assets and liabilities, of a change in tax rates, is
included in income in the period that includes the substantive enactment date.
Future income tax assets are evaluated, and if realization is not considered to be
“more likely than not,” a valuation allowance is provided.
18
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(t) Employee future benefits:
The Corporation accounts for employee future benefit plan assets and obligations and
related costs of defined benefit pension plans, and other post-retirement benefits,
under the following accounting policies:
(cid:2) Accrued benefit obligations and the cost of pension and other post-retirement
benefits earned by participants are determined from actuarial calculations
according to the projected benefit method prorated on services. The accrued
benefit obligations under the post-employment benefit plans are determined
from actuarial calculations according to the accumulated benefit method. The
calculations are based on management’s best estimate assumptions relating to
salary escalations, retirement age of participants and estimated health-care
costs. Pension obligations are discounted using current market interest rates.
Changes in accrued benefit obligations are recognized immediately.
(cid:2)
Plan assets are measured at fair value, determined directly by reference to
quoted market prices. Changes in fair value on plan assets are recognized
immediately.
(cid:2) Actuarial gains or losses arise from changes in actuarial assumptions used to
determine accrued benefit obligations and from emerging experience different
from the selected assumptions. Actuarial gains or losses are recognized
immediately.
(cid:2) Current service costs are recognized immediately.
(cid:2) Curtailment gains and losses arising from plan amendments are recognized
immediately.
The cost of defined contribution pension plans, which cover our employees in Canada
and the United States, are expensed, as contributions are due.
(u) Share-based compensation:
The Corporation used the fair-value based method of accounting for share-based
compensation for all awards of shares and share options granted. The fair value at
the grant date of share options (“options”) is calculated using the Black-Scholes
valuation method. The fair value of restricted share units (“RSUs”) and deferred
share units (“DSUs”) are measured based on the fair value of the underlying shares
on the grant date. Compensation expense is charged to net income over the vesting
period and is recognized when services are received with a corresponding increase to
contributed surplus. The Corporation estimates forfeitures at the grant date and
revises the estimate as necessary if subsequent information indicates that actual
forfeitures differ significantly from the original estimate.
19
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Nature of business and summary of significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(u) Share-based compensation (cont’d):
The Corporation issues shares and share options under its share-based compensation
plans as described in note 13. Any consideration paid by employees on exercise of
share options or purchase of shares, together with the amount initially recorded in
contributed surplus, is credited to share capital.
(v) Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is
calculated using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the
dilution is calculated based upon the number of common shares issued should
deferred share units (“DSUs”), restricted share units (“RSUs”), and “in the money”
options, if any, be exercised. For the year ended December 31, 2009, diluted loss
per share has not been calculated, as the effects of outstanding stock-based
compensation arrangements would be anti-dilutive.
(w) Comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive income (loss) represents changes in shareholders’ equity and
includes items such as unrealized gains and losses on financial assets classified as
available-for-sale, and cumulative translation adjustments. The Corporation has
included a reconciliation of comprehensive
income and accumulated other
comprehensive income, which is presented as a separate category of shareholders’
equity, on the consolidated balance sheet and the consolidated statement of
shareholders’ equity.
(x) Government assistance and investment tax credits:
Government assistance and investment tax credits are recorded as either a reduction
of the cost of the applicable assets, or credited against the related expense incurred
in the statement of operations, as determined by the terms and conditions of the
agreements under which the assistance is provided to the Corporation or the nature
of the expenditures which gave rise to the credits. Government assistance and
investment tax credit receivables are recorded when their receipt is reasonably
assured.
(y) Comparative figures:
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the presentation
adopted for the current year.
20
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
2. Non-dilutive financing:
On December 31, 2008, the Corporation completed a restructuring transaction with
Superior Plus Income Fund (“Superior Plus”) to reorganize the Corporation’s business
under a Plan of Arrangement (the “Arrangement”). Pursuant to the Arrangement,
Superior Plus transferred $38,029,000 (CDN $46,319,000) to the Corporation’s
parent company (“Old Ballard”). Old Ballard subsequently transferred all of its
assets and liabilities (including the net cash proceeds, but excluding Old Ballard’s
historic Canadian income tax carry forward attributes), to a new wholly owned
company, (“the Corporation”). Old Ballard’s shareholders exchanged their shares, on
a one-for-one basis, for shares of the Corporation. The Corporation is carrying on
the full scope of Old Ballard’s business operations, and holds all rights to intellectual
property, as held by Old Ballard before the completion of the Arrangement.
As such, all references to the Corporation in these Consolidated Financial Statements
include Old Ballard for matters occurring before the Arrangement.
As the transfer of the business assets, liabilities and operations from Old Ballard to
the Corporation represented a transaction with no change in shareholder ownership,
the transaction was accounted for using continuity of interest accounting.
Pursuant to continuity of interest accounting, the assets transferred and liabilities
assumed were recorded at their carrying values as reported by Old Ballard
immediately prior to the completion of the Arrangement. As a result, the net cash
proceeds were recorded as a credit to shareholders’ equity.
In addition, as the future income tax benefits of Old Ballard’s Canadian non-capital
losses, capital losses, scientific research and development expenditures and
investment tax credits generated through to the date of the completion of the
Arrangement are not available to the Corporation after the completion of the
Arrangement on December 31, 2008. The gross future income tax assets related to
these Canadian tax pools as of December 31, 2008 was reduced to nil, with a
corresponding reduction of the related valuation allowance (note 16).
Proceeds of Arrangement on December 31, 2008
Disposal costs paid to December 31, 2008
Net cash proceeds at December 31, 2008
Disposal costs paid in 2009
Disposal costs accrued at December 31, 2009
Net proceeds of Arrangement
$
$
38,029
(1,109)
36,920
(3,243)
(584)
33,093
21
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Disposition of certain automotive fuel cell assets:
On January 31, 2008, the Corporation completed the sale of its automotive fuel cell
research and development assets (the “AFCC Transaction”) to Daimler AG
(“Daimler”), Ford Motor Company (“Ford”) and a newly created private corporation,
AFCC Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation Corp. (“AFCC”). AFCC was created to carry
on the development of automotive fuel cells for Daimler and Ford. Under the terms of
the AFCC Transaction, the Corporation transferred to Daimler, Ford and AFCC its
automotive patents, automotive fuel cell test equipment, automotive fuel cell
inventory, $60,000,000 in cash, the automotive fuel cell warranty liabilities, all
automotive fuel cell development contracts between Ballard, Daimler and Ford,
80.1% of the outstanding shares of AFCC (note 8), 112 personnel and related office
equipment and a royalty free, sub-licensable license to the remaining Ballard
intellectual property for use in automotive applications. In exchange, Daimler and
Ford returned to the Corporation an aggregate of 34,261,298 of its common shares
valued at $173,900,000, one Class A share and one Class B share, collectively
representing Daimler and Ford’s entire direct and indirect equity interest in the
Corporation. These shares were then cancelled.
The Corporation recorded a gain of $96,845,000 on the closing of the AFCC
transaction on January 31, 2008.
Proceeds on disposal on January 31, 2008
Cash transferred to Daimler and Ford
Disposal costs
Net proceeds on disposal
Cash transferred to AFCC
Net investment in remaining automotive assets as of January 31, 2008
Net gain on disposal
$
$
173,900
(58,000)
(3,823)
112,077
(2,000)
(13,232)
96,845
As the Corporation has significant continuing involvement with AFCC, the historic
results of the operations transferred are reported in results from continuing
operations.
4. Accounts receivable:
Trade receivables
Other
2009
12,847
56
12,903
$
$
2008
18,601
255
18,856
$
$
22
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
5. Inventories:
Raw materials and consumables
Work-in-progress
Finished goods
2009
5,928
2,018
1,222
9,168
2008
6,632
1,891
1,879
10,402
$
$
$
$
In 2009, changes in raw materials and consumables, finished goods and work-in-
progress recognized as cost of product and service revenues amounted to
$20,677,000 (2008 - $25,948,000). In 2009, the write-down of inventories to net
realizable value amounted to $874,000 (2008 - $745,000). There were no reversals
of write-downs in 2009 or 2008. Write-downs and reversals are included in either
cost of product and service revenues, or research and product development expense,
depending on the nature of inventory.
6. Property, plant and equipment:
2009
Land
Building
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment under
capital lease (note 10)
2008
Land
Building
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Cost
Accumulated
depreciation
Net book
value
$
4,803 $
13,596
11,421
4,692
8,669
67,651
2,078
$
-
5,661
10,319
4,629
5,489
47,492
-
4,803
7,935
1,102
63
3,180
20,159
2,078
$
112,910 $
73,590
$
39,320
Cost
Accumulated
depreciation
Net book
value
$
4,803 $
13,574
17,874
5,342
10,659
65,877
$
118,129 $
-
5,140
14,905
4,830
6,108
48,391
79,374
$
$
4,803
8,434
2,969
512
4,551
17,486
38,755
23
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
7. Intangible assets:
2009
Cost
Accumulated
amortization
Net book
value
Fuel cell technology
$
40,567 $
39,743 $
824
2008
Cost
Accumulated
amortization
Net book
value
Fuel cell technology
$
49,801 $
46,075 $
3,726
During 2009, the Corporation recorded a $2,520,000 charge to depreciation and
amortization expense for patents that were no longer in use.
8. Investments:
Investments are comprised of the following:
2009
2008
Chrysalix Energy Limited Partnership
AFCC and Share Purchase Agreement
Other
$
$
632
-
-
632
15.0% $
19.9%
500
1,262
3
$ 1,765
Amount
Percentage
ownership
Amount Percentage
ownership
15.0%
19.9%
Chrysalix Energy Limited Partnership (“Chrysalix”) is recorded at the lower of cost
and estimated net realizable value. During 2009, the Corporation made additional
investments of $200,000 (2008 - $273,000) in Chrysalix, which was offset by a cash
distribution received from Chrysalix of $68,000 (2008 - $nil). In 2008, an
impairment charge of $3,020,000 was recorded to adjust the carrying value of
Chrysalix to its estimated net realizable value.
The Corporation maintains a 19.9% interest in AFCC, which is accounted for using
the cost method and is subject to a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) under which
Ford, either at the option of the Corporation or Ford’s election, may purchase the
Corporation’s interest in AFCC at any time after January 31, 2013 for $65,000,000
plus interest accruing at LIBOR form January 31, 2008. The Corporation has no
obligation to fund any of AFCC’s operating expenses. On the disposition of
automotive fuel cell assets on the closing of the AFCC Transaction (note 3), the SPA
was considered to be a derivative instrument and was recorded at its fair value of
$1.
24
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
8. Investments (cont’d):
In December 2009, the Corporation completed an agreement to monetize its rights
under the SPA. On the monetization of the SPA, the Corporation effectively sold its
rights and obligations under the SPA to a third party for initial fixed proceeds of
$37,000,000 and a contingent payment of $7,500,000, due in January 2013. The
contingent payment is subject to the third party’s rights in the transaction remaining
unsubordinated.
The Corporation recorded a gain of $34,297,000 on the closing of the SPA
monetization in 2009 reflecting the initial proceeds received net of disposal costs and
a write-down of its investment in AFCC to a nominal value.
Initial proceeds on disposal in 2009
Net book value of AFCC and Share Purchase Agreement
Disposal costs accrued at December 31, 2009
Gain on sale of assets
$
$
37,000
(1,262)
(1,441)
34,297
The calculation of the 2009 gain does not include the contingent payment of
$7,500,000 as it is considered to be a contingent gain and will not be recognized
until the contingency is resolved in January 2013 on the ultimate exercise of the
SPA.
9. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Trade accounts payable
Other liabilities
Accrued non-dilutive financing costs (note 2)
Compensation payable
Taxes payable
Accrued restructuring and related costs
Accrued SPA disposal costs (note 8)
$
2009
6,670 $
3,952
584
5,235
302
2,137
1,441
$
20,321 $
2008
6,274
3,663
3,108
8,657
117
-
-
21,819
In August 2009, the Corporation completed an organizational restructuring resulting
in restructuring and related charges of $4,866,000 primarily for severance expense
on the elimination of 85 positions. This action was in addition to an organizational
restructuring completed in March 2009 that resulted in restructuring and related
charges of $1,363,000 primarily for severance expense on the elimination of 32
positions. As at December 31, 2009, $2,137,000 of restructuring and related costs
were payable.
25
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
10. Obligations under capital lease:
The Corporation leases certain production and test equipment under a capital lease
expiring in December 2014. Under the terms of the lease, the Corporation must
either (i) purchase the equipment in December 2014 for its residual value equal to
20% of the initial cost, or (ii) enter into a new lease agreement for the residual
value. Minimum future lease payments are as follows:
Year ending December 31
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total minimum lease payments
Less imputed interest at 2.25%
Total obligation under capital lease
Current portion of obligation under capital lease
Long-term portion of obligation under capital lease
$
$
359
359
359
359
759
2,195
(140)
2,055
316
1,739
The obligation under capital lease is secured by a hypothecation of the Corporation’s
cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, no interest was paid on capital lease
obligations.
11. Long-term liabilities:
Defined benefit pension plan
Other benefit plan
Employee future benefit plans (note 12)
Asset retirement obligation
Deferred revenue
EBARA BALLARD Corporation
2009
2,695
616
3,311
1,321
-
-
4,632
2008
(revised – note 1(c)(ii))
4,220
$
616
4,836
1,018
4,250
13,245
23,349
$
$
$
In determining the fair value of the asset retirement obligations, the estimated
future cash flows have been discounted at 12% per annum. The total undiscounted
amount of the estimated cash flows required to settle this obligation is $3,988,000.
The obligation will be settled at the end of the term of the operating lease, which
extends to 2019.
26
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
11. Long-term liabilities (cont’d):
In March 2009, the Corporation made a net investment of $5,000,000 (2008 -
$5,939,000), in EBARA BALLARD Corporation (“EBARA BALLARD”). In May 2009, the
Corporation announced intentions to discontinue operations in EBARA BALLARD, a
joint venture with EBARA Corporation (“Ebara”) that was focused on the
development, manufacture, sale, and servicing of stationary power systems for the
residential cogeneration market in Japan. EBARA BALLARD was accounted for using
the equity method and was considered a related party. On the announcement of the
intention to discontinue operations, the $10,838,000 of historic recorded equity
losses in EBARA BALLARD in excess of the net investment of EBARA BALLARD
(including $2,474,000 of equity losses recorded in 2009 prior to the wind-up), was
reversed to net income as (i) Ebara was solely responsible for the liquidation
obligations of EBARA BALLARD; and (ii) the Corporation was not committed to
provide, nor did it intend to provide, any further financial support to EBARA
BALLARD. EBARA BALLARD was formally dissolved in October 2009. As a result, the
Corporation recorded equity income of $8,364,000 in 2009 and an equity loss of
$8,649,000 in 2008.
12. Employee future benefit plans:
Fair value of plan assets
Accrued benefit obligation
Accrued benefit liability
2009
Pension
plan
7,105 $
(9,800)
(2,695) $
Other benefit
plan
-
$
(616)
(616) $
$
$
Pension
plan
5,761 $
(9,981)
(4,220) $
2008
Other benefit
plan
-
(616)
(616)
The Corporation maintains a defined benefit pension plan covering employees in the
United States. The benefits under the pension plan are based on years of service
and salary levels accrued as of December 31, 2009. In 2009, amendments were
made to the defined benefit pension plan to freeze benefits accruing to employees at
their respective years of service and salary levels obtained as of December 31, 2009.
This hard freeze of pension plan benefits resulted in the recognition of curtailment
gains of $1,055,000 in 2009. Certain employees in the United States are also
eligible for post-retirement healthcare, life insurance and other benefits. The
Corporation accrues its obligations under employee future benefit plans and the
related costs, net of the fair value of plan assets.
27
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
12. Employee future benefit plans (cont’d):
The measurement date used to determine pension and other post-retirement benefit
measures is December 31 of each year. The most recent actuarial valuation of the
employee future benefit plans for funding purposes was as of January 1, 2009. The
next actuarial valuation of the employee future benefit plans for funding purposes is
expected to be as of January 1, 2010.
Information about the Corporation’s employee future benefit plans, in aggregate, is
as follows:
Defined benefit plan obligations:
Balance, beginning of year
Current service cost
Interest cost
Benefits paid
Actuarial (gains) losses
Curtailment gain
Balance, end of year
Defined benefit plan assets:
2009
2008
Pension
plan
9,981 $
366
594
(200)
114
(1,055)
9,800 $
Other benefit
plan
616 $
3
35
(31)
(7)
-
616 $
Pension
plan
9,430 $
348
562
(116)
(243)
-
9,981 $
Other benefit
plan
614
3
35
(31)
(5)
-
616
$
$
2009
2008
Balance, beginning of year
Actual return (loss) on
plan assets
Employer’s contributions
Plan expenses
Benefits paid
Balance, end of year
Pension
plan
$
5,761 $
1,477
Other benefit
plan
-
-
100
(33)
(200)
7,105 $
$
31
-
(31)
-
$
$
The plan assets for the funded pension plan consists of:
Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities
Debt securities
Total
28
Pension
plan
7,849 $
(2,337)
Other benefit
plan
-
-
396
(32)
(115)
5,761 $
31
-
(31)
-
2009
1%
72%
27%
100%
2008
3%
71%
26%
100%
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
12. Employee future benefit plans (cont’d):
The elements of the employee future benefit plan expenses recognized for the years
ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
2009
Pension plan Other benefit
plan
2008
Pension plan
Other benefit
plan
Current service cost
$
Interest cost
Actual (return) loss on plan
assets
Actuarial (gains) losses
Plan expenses
Curtailment gain
Employee future benefit plan
expense (gain)
366 $
594
(1,477)
114
33
(1,055)
3 $
348
$
35
-
562
2,337
(7)
(243)
-
-
32
-
$
(1,425) $
31 $
3,036
$
3
35
-
(5)
-
-
33
The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring benefit obligations at
December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
2009
2008
Pension
plan
Other benefit
plan
Pension
plan
Other benefit
plan
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
6.0%
n/a
6.0%
n/a
6.0%
3.3%
6.0%
n/a
The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in determining net expense for the
years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
2009
2008
Pension
plan
Other benefit
plan
Pension
plan
Other benefit
plan
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
6.0%
3.3%
6.0%
n/a
6.0%
3.3%
6.0%
n/a
The assumed health care cost trend rates applicable to the other benefit plans at
December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
Initial medical health care cost trend rate
Initial dental health care cost trend rate
Cost trend rate declines to medical and dental
Year that the medical rate reaches the rate it is
assumed to remain at
Year that the dental rate reaches the rate it is
assumed to remain at
29
2009
9.0%
5.0%
5.0%
2017
2008
9.0%
5.0%
5.0%
2017
2009
2009
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
12. Employee future benefit plans (cont’d):
A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would not
have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
13. Share capital:
(a) Authorized and issued:
Unlimited number of common shares, voting, without par value.
Unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series.
At December 31, 2009, 83,973,988 (2008 – 82,122,135) common shares are
issued and outstanding.
(b) Share option plan:
In 2009, the Corporation adopted a consolidated share option plan to supersede
and replace four previous share option plans. All directors, officers and
employees of the Corporation, and its subsidiaries, are eligible to participate in
the share option plan although as a matter of policy, options are currently not
issued to directors. Option exercise prices are denominated in both Canadian and
U.S. dollars, depending on the residency of the recipient. Canadian dollar
denominated options have been converted to U.S. dollars using the year-end
exchange rate for presentation purposes. All options have a term of seven to ten
years from the date of grant unless otherwise determined by the board of
directors. One-third of the options vest and may be exercised, at the beginning
of each of the second, third and fourth years after granting.
As at December 31, 2009, options outstanding from the consolidated share
option plan was as follows:
Options for common shares
Weighted average
Balance, December 31, 2007
Options granted
Options cancelled
Balance, December 31, 2008
Options granted
Options exercised
Options cancelled
Balance, December 31, 2009
5,585,076
829,374
(938,068)
5,476,382
1,944,997
(5,000)
(1,548,528)
5,867,851
exercise price
$
34.15
4.11
29.05
24.65
1.60
1.01
33.13
$
19.18
30
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
13. Share capital (cont’d):
(b) Share option plans (cont’d):
The following table summarizes information about the Corporation’s share options
outstanding as at December 31, 2009:
Options outstanding
Options exercisable
Number
Weighted
Weighted
Number
Weighted
Range of exercise price
at December
remaining
exercise
at December
outstanding
average
average
exercisable
31, 2009
contractual life
price
31, 2009
$1.01 – $5.00
2,472,315
6.1 $
(years)
$5.51 – $7.56
1,737,137
$10.00 – $17.41
$24.91 – $41.67
$62.80 – 84.21
$109.90 – $182.68
426,305
708,794
285,500
237,800
5.3
3.5
2.3
1.2
0.2
2.42
6.97
13.55
37.10
68.00
180.70
219,390 $
1,545,608
426,305
708,794
285,500
237,800
average
exercise
price
4.63
6.93
13.55
37.10
68.00
180.70
5,867,851
4.7 $ 19.18
3,423,397 $
31.02
The Corporation uses the fair-value method for recording employee and director
share option grants. During 2009, compensation expense of $1,760,000 (2008 -
$2,763,000) was recorded in net income as a result of fair value accounting for
share options granted. The share options granted during the year had a weighted
average fair value of $0.76 (2008 - $2.65) and vesting periods of three years.
The fair values of the options granted were determined using the Black-Scholes
valuation model under the following weighted average assumptions:
Expected life
Expected dividends
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
(c) Share distribution plan:
2009
5 years
Nil
60%
3%
2008
7 years
Nil
48%
4%
In 2009, the Corporation adopted a consolidated share distribution plan to
supersede and replace five previous share distribution plans. The consolidated
share distribution plan permits the issuance of common shares for no cash
consideration to employees of the Corporation to recognize their past contribution
and to encourage future contribution to the Corporation. At December 31, 2009,
there were 1,472,380 shares available to be issued under these plans.
No compensation expense was charged against income during the year ended
December 31, 2009 (2008 - $5,446,000) for shares distributed, and to be
distributed, under the plans.
31
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
13. Share capital (cont’d):
(d) Deferred Share Units:
Deferred share units (“DSUs”) are granted to the board of directors and
executives. Eligible directors may elect to receive all or part of their annual
retainers and executives may elect to receive all or part of their annual bonuses
in DSUs. Each DSU is redeemable for one common share in the capital of the
Corporation after the director or executive ceases to provide services to the
Corporation. Shares will be issued from the Corporation’s share distribution plan.
As at December 31, 2009, 316,152 DSUs (2008 – 333,066) were issued and
outstanding.
In 2009, the Corporation determined that 169,276 DSUs had been issued to
directors in excess of a limitation set out in its share distribution plan. The
Corporation’s shareholders ratified the DSU overgrant. Accordingly the
previously recorded compensation expense relating to the overgrant was
reversed from contributed surplus and the revised compensation expense for the
approved DSUs was recorded based on the market price of the shares on the
date of approval, resulting in a net decrease to contributed surplus of $451,000.
In 2008, $202,000 of compensation expense was recorded for the year then
ended.
(e) Restricted Share Units:
The Corporation has two plans under which restricted share units (“RSUs”) may
be granted. The awards under the consolidated share distribution plan (note 13
(c)) are satisfied by the issuance of treasury shares on maturity. The awards
granted under the Market Purchase RSU Plan are satisfied by shares to be
purchased on the open market by a trust established for that purpose. During
2009, the Corporation repurchased 87,729 common shares through the trust for
cash consideration of $207,000 for the purpose of funding future grants under
the Market Purchase RSU Plan.
RSUs are granted to employees and executives. Each RSU is convertible into one
common share. The RSUs vest after a specified number of years from the date of
issuance, and under certain circumstances, are contingent on achieving specified
performance criteria. As at December 31, 2009, 1,621,749 RSUs (2008 –
1,092,813) were issued and outstanding, and $1,736,000 (2008 - $1,388,000) of
compensation expense was recorded for the year then ended.
32
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
14. Investment and other income (loss):
Investment return (loss) less interest cost on employee future
benefit plans
Curtailment gain on employee future benefit plans
Employee future benefits gain (loss) (note 12)
Investment income
Other income
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
2009
$
741 $
2008
(2,686)
1,055
-
1,796
(2,686)
387
625
2,012
1,456
3,187
(3,653)
Investment and other income (loss)
$
5,995 $
(2,871)
15. Commitments, guarantees and contingencies:
At December 31, 2009, the Corporation is committed to payments under operating
leases as follows:
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
1,789
1,789
1,789
1,789
1,842
9,524
$
18,522
The Corporation has agreed to pay royalties in respect of sales of certain fuel cell-
based stationary power products under two development programs with Canadian
government agencies. The total combined royalty is limited in any year to 4% of
revenue from such products. Under the original terms of the Utilities Development
Program (Phase 1) with the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, total
royalties were payable to a maximum equal to the original amount of the
government contributions of CDN $10,702,000. During 2009, a Canadian
government agency agreed to terminate potential royalties payable of CDN
$5,351,000 in respect of future sales of fuel cell based stationary power products
under the Utilities Development Program (Phase 1). As at December 31, 2009, no
royalties have been incurred for Phase 1. Under the terms of the Utilities
Development Program (Phase 2) with Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) total
royalties are payable to a maximum of CDN $38,329,000. As at December 31, 2009,
a total of CDN $5,320,000 in royalty repayments have been made for Phase 2
including payments of CDN $115,000 in 2009 and CDN $184,000 in 2008.
33
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
15. Commitments, guarantees and contingencies (cont’d):
Original maximum recoverable amount under Phase 1 and 2
Prior year payments applied
Maximum recoverable amount, December 31, 2007
2008 payments
Maximum recoverable amount, December 31, 2008
Termination of potential royalties payable
2009 payments
Maximum recoverable amount, December 31, 2009
CDN$
49,031
(5,022)
44,009
(184)
43,825
(5,351)
(115)
38,359
CDN$
Maximum recoverable amount, December 31, 2009
US$
36,498
The Corporation has issued letter of credits in the amount of $293,000 (2008 - $nil)
related to inventory purchases and customer guarantees as at December 31, 2009.
At December 31, 2009, the Corporation has outstanding commitments aggregating
up to a maximum of $1,691,000 (2008 - $164,000) relating primarily to purchases
of property, plant and equipment.
The Corporation is also committed to make future investments totaling $255,000 in
Chrysalix (note 8).
The Corporation has agreed to pay royalties in respect of sales of Ballard fuel cells or
fuel cell systems under a July 31, 1996 Fuel Cell Bus Program Agreement (“FC Bus
Agreement”), with Province of British Columbia, BC Transit, and BC Transportation
Financing Authority (“BCTFA”). Under the terms of FC Bus Agreement, the royalty
payable is at a rate of 2% on future sales of such products for commercial transit
application to a maximum of $2,093,000 (CDN$ 2,200,000). No royalties have been
paid, or accrued, as of December 31, 2009.
The Arrangement with Superior Plus (note 2) includes an indemnification agreement
dated December 31, 2008 (the “Indemnity Agreement”), which sets out the parties’
continuing obligations to the other. The Indemnity Agreement provides for the
indemnification by each of the parties to the other for breaches of representations
and warranties or covenants, as well as, in the Corporation’s case, any liability
relating to the business, which is suffered by Superior Plus. The Corporation’s
indemnity to Superior Plus with respect to representation relating to the existence of
the Corporation’s tax pools immediately prior to the completion of the Arrangement
is limited to an aggregate of $6,993,000 (CDN $7,350,000) with a threshold amount
of $476,000 (CDN $500,000) before there is an obligation to make a payment. The
Indemnity Agreement also provides for adjustments to be paid by the Corporation,
or to the Corporation, depending on the final determination of the amount of 2008
Canadian non-capital losses, scientific research and development expenditures and
investment tax credits, to the extent that such amounts are more or less than the
amounts estimated at the time the Arrangement was executed.
34
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
15. Commitments, guarantees and contingencies (cont’d):
At December 31, 2009, no amount payable or receivable has been accrued as a
result of the Indemnity Agreement.
16. Income taxes:
The Corporation’s effective income tax rate differs from the combined Canadian
federal and provincial statutory income tax rate for manufacturing and processing
companies.
The principal factors causing the difference are as follows:
Net income (loss) before income taxes
Expected tax expense (recovery) at 30.00%
(2008–31.00%)
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
Gain on sale of assets
Income transferred on Arrangement
Non-deductible expenses (non-taxable income)
Non-taxable equity gain in associated companies
Investment tax credits earned
Foreign tax rate differences
Losses and other deductions for which no benefit
has been recorded
Income tax expense
Branch tax
Income taxes (recovery)
2009
(3,265)
(980)
2008
$ 31,472
9,756
$
$
$
(5,966)
-
320
(2,509)
(6,681)
249
15,567
-
(10,807)
(483)
-
-
(35)
1,569
-
(7)
(7)
$
-
16
16
$
The Corporation has available to carry forward the following as at December 31:
Canadian scientific research expenditures
Canadian investment tax credits
German losses from operations for corporate tax purposes
U.S. federal losses from operations
U.S. state losses from operations
U.S. research and development and investment tax credits
U.S. capital losses
2009
$
24,880 $
8,746
204
18,440
3,333
783
180,761
2008
4,555
810
130
28,158
19,072
2,162
171,338
The Canadian scientific research expenditures may be carried forward indefinitely.
The German losses from operations may be used to offset future taxable income in
Germany for corporate tax and trade tax purposes and may be carried forward
indefinitely. The U.S. federal losses from operations may be used to offset future
U.S. taxable income and expire over the period from 2010 to 2029.
35
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
16. Income taxes (cont’d):
The U.S. states losses from operations arising in California and Massachusetts may
be used to offset future state taxable income and may be carried forward for ten and
five years respectively.
The U.S. research and development and investment tax credits are available to
reduce future U.S. taxable income and expire over the period from 2010 to 2028.
The U.S. capital losses are available to reduce U.S. capital gains and expire over the
period from 2010 to 2012.
The Canadian investment tax credits may be used to offset future Canadian income
taxes otherwise payable and expire as follows:
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2029
$
$
168
306
58
115
101
-
90
100
7,808
8,746
The following sets forth the tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to
future income tax assets and liabilities:
Future income tax assets:
Scientific research expenditures
Investment in associated companies
Accrued warranty and pension liabilities
Losses from operations carried forward
Capital losses
Investment tax credits
Property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets
Total future income tax assets
Less valuation allowance:
- Canada
- U.S.
- Germany
Net future income taxes
2009
2008
$
6,220
2,173
3,747
6,526
61,459
8,274
28,111
1,184
2,511
3,198
10,705
58,255
2,976
17,109
116,510
95,938
(47,346)
(69,110)
(54)
-
$
(23,515)
(72,389)
(34)
-
$
$
36
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
17. Related party transactions:
Related parties include shareholders with a significant ownership interest in the
Corporation, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, and the Corporation’s equity
accounted investee. The revenue and costs recognized from transactions with such
parties reflect the prices and terms of sales and purchase transactions with related
parties, which are in accordance with normal trade practices.
Balances with related parties:
Accounts receivable
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Transactions during the year with related parties:
Revenues
Purchases
Net investments and advances (note 11)
2009
2008
$
- $ 4,500
31
-
2009
2008
$
380 $ 7,906
188
78
$ 5,000 $ 5,939
In addition, the AFCC Transaction is a related party transaction (note 3).
18. Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
Compensatory shares
Accrued costs related to Arrangement (note 2)
Shares cancelled on AFCC transaction (note 3)
Assets acquired under capital lease (note 6)
19. Segmented financial information:
2009
2008
$ 2,847 $ 7,299
$
$
584 $ 3,108
- $173,900
$ 2,078 $
-
The Corporation’s business operates in three market segments:
(cid:2)
Fuel Cell Products: Fuel cell products and services for motive power (consisting
of the material handling and bus markets) and stationary power (consisting of
the back-up power, supplemental power, and distributed generation markets)
applications;
(cid:2) Contract Automotive: Contract manufacturing of light-duty automotive fuel
cell products and testing and engineering services provided primarily to AFCC,
Daimler and Ford; and
(cid:2) Material Products: Carbon fiber material products primarily for automotive
applications and gas diffusion layer (“GDL”) material for fuel cell products.
37
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
19. Segmented financial information (cont’d):
Segment revenues and segment income (loss) represent the primary financial
measures used by senior management in assessing performance and allocating
resources, and include the revenues, cost of product and service revenues and
expenses for which management is held accountable. Segment expenses include
research and product development costs directly related to individual segments.
Costs associated with shared services and other shared costs are allocated based on
headcount and square footage. Corporate amounts include expenses for research
and product development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative,
which apply generally across all segments and are reviewed separately by senior
management.
A significant portion of the Corporation’s production, testing and lab equipment, and
facilities, as well as intellectual property, are common across the segments.
Therefore, management does not classify asset information on a segmented basis.
Instead, performance assessments of these assets and related resources allocations
are done on a company-wide basis.
Revenues
Fuel Cell Products
Contract Automotive
Material Products
Segment income (loss) for the year (1)
Fuel Cell Products
Contract Automotive
Material Products
Total
2009
2008
$
$
24,142
9,170
13,410
46,722
$
$
27,641
19,217
12,722
59,580
$
(11,553) $
1,236
2,315
(8,002)
(3,780)
2,648
(94)
(1,226)
Corporate amounts
Research and product development
General and administrative
Sales and marketing
Restructuring charges
Acquisition and related charges
Depreciation and amortization
Investment and other income (loss)
Gain (loss) on disposal and write-down of long-lived
assets
Gain on sale of assets
Equity gain (loss) in associated companies
Income (loss) before income taxes
(1) Research and product development costs directly related to segments are included in segment income
(loss) for the year.
(12,699)
(10,801)
(7,203)
(6,229)
(529)
(6,580)
5,995
122
34,297
8,364
(3,265) $
(23,805)
(12,515)
(7,461)
96,845
(8,649)
31,472
(6,034)
(2,871)
(2,812)
$
-
-
38
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
19. Segmented financial information (cont’d):
As at December 31, 2009 and 2008, total goodwill of $48,106,000 was allocated
$46,291,000 to the Fuel Cell Products segment, and $1,815,000 to the Material
Products segment.
In 2009, revenues from the Fuel Cell Products segment included sales to one
customer that exceeds 10% of total revenue in the amount of $8,093,000.
Revenues from the Contract Automotive segment included sales to one customer
that exceeds 10% of total revenue in the amount of $6,244,000.
In 2008, revenues from the Fuel Cell Products segment included sales to one
customer that exceeds 10% of total revenue in the amount of $8,256,000.
Revenues from the Contract Automotive segment included sales of two customers
that each exceeds 10% of total revenue in the amount of $9,343,000 and
$8,053,000, respectively.
Revenues and capital asset information by geographic area, as at and for the years
ended December 31, is as follows:
2009
Property, plant and
equipment and
Revenues
goodwill
Revenues
Canada
U.S.
Japan
Germany
Other countries
$
6,246
30,347
485
4,879
4,765
$
76,746 $
10,621
-
59
-
$
46,722
$
87,426 $
9,991
29,713
5,138
11,822
2,916
59,580
Revenues are attributed to countries based on customer location.
2008
Property, plant and
equipment and
$
goodwill
77,570
9,232
-
59
-
$
86,861
20. Financial instruments:
(a) Fair Value;
The Corporation’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-
term investments, accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities,
and obligations under capital lease. The fair values of cash, accounts receivable,
accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate carrying value because of the
short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of long-term investments
accounted for on the cost basis is not practical to determine because none of the
investments are publicly traded. The fair value of obligations under capital lease
approximates carrying value as the leases were entered into near the end of the
reporting period. The carrying value of cash equivalents and short-term investments
equal their fair values as they are classified as held for trading.
39
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
20. Financial instruments (cont’d):
(a) Fair Value (cont’d);
Fair value measurements recognized in the balance sheet must be categorized in
accordance with the following levels:
(i) Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities;
(ii) Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are
observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly
(i.e., derived from prices);
(iii) Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable
market data (unobservable inputs).
The Corporation categorized the fair value measurement of its cash, cash equivalents
and short-term investments in Level 1 as they are primarily derived directly from
reference to quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets.
(b) Financial risk management:
The Corporation primarily has exposure to currency exchange rate risk, interest rate
risk and credit risk. These risks arise primarily from the Corporation’s holdings of
U.S. and Canadian dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents and short-term
investments.
2009
Canadian
dollar
portfolio(1)
U.S. dollar
portfolio
Total
Canadian
dollar
portfolio(1)
2008
U.S. dollar
portfolio
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$
9,191 $ 34,108 $ 43,299 $ 43,343 $ 10,743 $ 54,086
Short-term investments
11,059 27,873
38,932
15,289
16,024
31,313
Total cash, cash
equivalents and short-
term investments
(1) U.S. dollar equivalent
$ 20,250 $ 61,981 $ 82,231 $ 58,632 $ 26,767
$85,399
Changes arising from these risks could impact the Corporation’s reported investment
and other income through either changes to investment income or foreign exchange
gains or losses (note 14).
The Corporation did not realize any material gains or losses on its accounts
receivable or its financial liabilities measured at amortized cost.
40
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
20. Financial instruments (cont’d):
(i) Foreign currency exchange rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash
flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign
exchange rates. The Corporation is exposed to currency risks primarily due to its
holdings of Canadian dollar denominated cash equivalents and short-term
investments and its Canadian dollar denominated purchases and accounts
payable. Substantially all receivables are denominated in U.S. dollars.
The Corporation limits its exposure to foreign currency risk by holding Canadian
denominated cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in amounts up
to 100% of forecasted twelve month Canadian dollar net expenditures and up to
50% of the following twelve months of forecasted Canadian dollar net
expenditures, thereby creating a natural hedge. Periodically, the Corporation
also enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to further limit its exposure.
At December 31, 2009, the Corporation had Canadian dollar cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments of CDN $21,283,000, and no outstanding
forward foreign exchange contracts.
The following exchange rates applied during the year ended December 31, 2009:
$U.S. to $1.00 CDN
$CDN to $1.00 $U.S.
January 1, 2009 Opening rate
$
December 31, 2009 Close rate
Fiscal 2009 Average rate
Fiscal 2009 Year high
Fiscal 2009 Year low
$
0.821
0.951
0.876
0.952
0.786
1.218
1.051
1.142
1.051
1.272
Based on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and outstanding
forward foreign exchange contracts held at December 31, 2009, a 10% increase
in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, with all other variables held
constant, would result in an increase in foreign exchange gains of approximately
$2,024,000. If the Canadian dollar weakened 10% against the U.S. dollar, there
would be an equal, and opposite impact, on net income. This sensitivity analysis
includes foreign currency denominated monetary items, and adjusts their
translation at year-end, for a 10% change in foreign currency rates.
(ii) Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial
instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The
Corporation is exposed to interest rate risk arising primarily from fluctuations in
interest rates on its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The
Corporation limits its exposure to interest rate risk by continually monitoring and
adjusting portfolio duration to align to forecasted cash requirements and
anticipated changes in interest rates.
41
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
20. Financial instruments (cont’d):
Based on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31,
2009, a 0.25% decline in interest rates, with all other variables held constant,
would result in a decrease in investment income $206,000, arising mainly as a
result of an increase in the fair value of fixed rate financial assets classified as
held-for-trading. If interest rates had been 0.25% higher, there would be an
equal and opposite impact on net income.
(iii) Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Corporation if a counterparty to a
financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally
from the Corporation’s cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and
accounts receivable. The Corporation limits its exposure to credit risk on cash,
cash equivalents and short-term investments by only investing in liquid,
investment grade securities. The Corporation manages its exposure to credit risk
on accounts receivable by assessing the ability of counterparties to fulfill their
obligations under the related contracts prior to entering into such contracts, and
continuously monitors these exposures.
21. Capital disclosures:
As at December 31, 2009, the Corporation considers its cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investments as its capital. The Corporation does not have any bank debt
or externally imposed capital requirements to which it is subject other than its
obligation under capital lease. The Corporation’s objectives when managing capital
are to manage its capital with strong fiscal discipline; focus on markets with high
product and service revenue growth potential; license technology in cases where it is
advantageous to the Corporation; and access available government funding for
research and development projects. The Corporation’s current financing principle is
to maintain cash balances sufficient to fund at least six quarters of operating cash
consumption at all times.
22. Differences between Canadian and United States accounting principles and
practices:
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
Canadian GAAP which differ in certain respects from those principles and practices
that the Corporation would have followed had its consolidated financial statements
been prepared in accordance with accounting principles and practices generally
accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).
42
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
22. Differences between Canadian and United States accounting principles and
practices (cont’d):
(a) Under Canadian GAAP, the adoption of the U.S. dollar in 2001 as the presentation
and measurement currency was implemented by translating all prior year
financial statement amounts at the foreign exchange rate on December 31, 2001.
Under U.S. GAAP, a change in presentation and measurement currency is
implemented retroactively, such that prior period financial statements are
translated under the current rate method using foreign exchange rates in effect
on those dates. As a result, there is a difference in the share capital, additional
paid-in capital, accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive
income amounts under U.S. GAAP as compared to Canadian GAAP.
(b) Under Canadian GAAP, the Corporation has accounted for funding received in
prior years under the TPC agreement in accordance with specific pronouncements
on accounting for government assistance by reducing research and product
development expenses, cost of revenues, inventory and capital assets by the
amount of the funding received.
Under U.S. GAAP, there are no authoritative accounting standards addressing the
various types of government assistance programs. Since the TPC funding
combines the characteristics of a grant with some characteristics of a debt
instrument, the Corporation has recorded the entire funding as long-term debt
under U.S. GAAP. In addition, the U.S. GAAP liability is a Canadian dollar
denominated liability and, as a result, foreign exchange gains and losses are
incurred.
(c) Under Canadian GAAP, the Corporation is required to account for gains and losses
on the issuance of shares by a subsidiary or other entity which the Corporation
accounts for on an equity basis, as a component of income. Under U.S. GAAP,
the effect of such dilution gains are recorded in equity, as an increase in paid-in
capital rather than as income.
(d) Prior to 2002, under Canadian GAAP, no compensation expense was recorded for
employee share option plans under the intrinsic value method. A previous option
exchange plan was accounted for as a variable option plan under U.S. GAAP.
Prior to the Corporation’s 100% acquisition of BGS in 2003, minority interest
interest’s percentage share of
under U.S. GAAP
compensation expense under variable plan accounting. The balance of the
purchase price allocated to goodwill from the acquisition of the minority interest
in BGS reflects this difference under U.S. GAAP.
included the minority
43
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
22. Differences between Canadian and United States accounting principles and
practices (cont’d):
(e) Under Canadian GAAP, short-term investments are classified as held for trading
and carried at fair market value with changes in fair market value recognized in
net income. Under U.S. GAAP, the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities (FAS 159)”, effective January 1, 2008 and elected to classify
short-term investments as held for trading, making the treatment consistent with
Canadian GAAP. Prior to that, the short-term investments were classified as
available-for-sale and are carried at fair market value. As a result of the
adoption of FAS 159 in 2008, gains of $4,733,000 recognized prior to the
adoption have been reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to
accumulated deficit. Previously, unrealized holding gains and losses related to the
short-term instruments were reflected as a separate component of shareholders’
equity under accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
(f) Under Canadian GAAP, investments where no significant influence exists are
accounted for using the cost method. Under U.S. GAAP, investments in limited
partnerships such as Chrysalix are accounted for using the equity method. In
2008, Chrysalix was written down to its estimated net realizable value and there
is no difference in the carrying value of such investment as of December 31,
2009 and 2008 between Canadian and U.S. GAAP.
(g) Under U.S. GAAP, the Corporation changed its accounting policy in 2009 for
accounting for defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans
from the defer and amortization approach to the immediate recognition approach.
The Corporation believes the change in accounting policy more appropriately
reflects the costs and liability of the employee future benefits as it better reflects
the current estimated cost to terminate these plans. As a result of this change in
accounting policy, applied on a retroactive basis, the Corporation has recognized
in its balance sheet the net funded (deficiency) status of its employee future
benefit plans. This results in no balance sheet difference to Canadian GAAP for
the reported periods.
44
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
22. Differences between Canadian and United States accounting principles and
practices (cont’d):
U.S. GAAP also requires an entity to recognize changes in the funded status of a
defined benefit pension and post-retirement plan within accumulated other
comprehensive income, net of tax, to the extent such changes are not recognized in
earnings as components of periodic net benefit cost. As a result of the change in
accounting policy, the changes to the funded status in each of the reporting periods,
has been recognized in earnings, resulting in no income statement difference to
Canadian GAAP.
The change in accounting policy under U.S. GAAP was applied retroactively and prior
period financial statements have been restated, as follows:
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Accumulated deficit at December 31, 2007 was increased by $224,000.
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 declined by $2,623,000
(representing a $0.03 decline in earnings and diluted earnings per share), with
a corresponding increase in Accumulated other comprehensive income.
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased by $2,215,000
(representing a $0.03 increase in earnings and diluted earnings per share), with
a corresponding decrease in Accumulated other comprehensive income.
(h) Under U.S. GAAP, no sub-total would be provided in the operating section of the
consolidated statement of cash flows. There are no other differences in
operating, investing and financing cash flows.
45
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
22. Differences between Canadian and United States accounting principles and
practices (cont’d):
Under U.S. GAAP, these differences would have been reported in the consolidated
balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
(loss), and consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity as follows:
Consolidated condensed balance sheets:
2009
2008
Canadian
GAAP
Difference
U.S.
GAAP
Canadian
GAAP
Difference
U.S.
GAAP
(revised – note
22(g))
Current assets
$ 106,416
$
- $ 106,416
$ 116,091 $
- $ 116,091
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill (d)
Investments (f)
Other long-term assets
39,320
824
48,106
632
50
-
-
39,320
824
490
48,596
-
-
632
50
38,755
3,726
48,106
1,765
-
-
-
38,755
3,726
490
48,596
-
-
1,765
-
$
195,348 $
490 $ 195,838
$ 208,443 $
490 $ 208,933
Current liabilities
$
30,057 $
- $
30,057
$
26,607 $
- $
26,607
Long-term liabilities (b) (g)
Obligation under capital lease
4,632
1,739
36,404
41,036
23,349
35,889
59,238
-
1,739
-
-
-
36,428
36,404
72,832
49,956
35,889
85,845
Shareholders' equity:
Share capital (a)
835,358
119,583
954,941
832,711
119,583
952,294
Additional paid-in capital (a)(c)
284,510
86,929
371,439
283,466
86,929
370,395
Accumulated deficit
(960,712) (166,785) (1,127,497)
(957,454)
(166,270)
(1,123,724)
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (a)(e) (g)
(236)
(75,641)
(75,877)
(236)
(75,641)
(75,877)
Shareholders' equity
158,920
(35,914) 123,006
158,487
(35,399) 123,088
$
195,348 $
490 $ 195,838
$ 208,443 $
490 $ 208,933
46
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
22. Differences between Canadian and United States accounting principles and
practices (cont’d):
Income (loss) under Canadian GAAP
$
Research and development (b)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) (b)
Equity in loss in associated companies (f)
2009
(3,258)
4,293
(4,808)
-
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) in
$
(3,773)
accordance with U.S. GAAP
Basic earnings (loss) per share, U.S. GAAP
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, U.S. GAAP
$
$
(0.05)
(0.05)
$
$
$
Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity:
2008
(revised – note 22(g))
$
31,456
94
8,373
1,325
41,248
0.49
0.48
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
deficit
Share capital
$ 1,294,404 $ 159,219 $ (1,169,481) $
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
(71,286) $
Total
shareholders’
equity
212,856
-
-
(224)
142
(82)
1,294,404
159,219
(1,169,705)
(71,144)
212,774
-
-
-
-
41,248
4,733
-
(4,733)
41,248
-
(349,438)
175,538
-
-
(173,900)
-
33,812
2,557
(2,557)
4,771
4,383
-
-
-
952,294
-
-
(207)
1,126
7
1,721
370,395
-
(719)
-
(1,283)
-
3,046
(1,123,724)
(3,773)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(75,877)
-
-
-
-
-
-
$ 954,941 $ 371,439 $ (1,127,497) $
(75,877) $
33,812
-
9,154
123,088
(3,773)
(719)
(207)
(157)
7
4,767
123,006
Balance, December 31, 2007,
as reported
Change in accounting policy
(note 22(g))
Balance, December 31, 2007
as revised
Net Income
Cumulative effect of adoption
of FAS 159 (e)
Cancellation of common shares
upon disposition of assets held
for sale
Non-dilutive financing
RSUs and DSUs redeemed
Share distribution plan
Balance, December 31, 2008
Net Loss
Non-dilutive financing
Purchase of treasury shares
RSUs and DSUs redeemed
Options exercised
Share distribution plan
Balance, December 31, 2009
23. Subsequent events:
On January 18, 2010, the Corporation announced it had acquired a controlling
interest in Denmark-based Dantherm Power, partnering with co-investors Danfoss
A/S and Dantherm A/S. In exchange for the controlling interest, the Corporation
will invest $6,000,000 in Dantherm Power through two tranches; $3,000,000 on
January 18, 2010, and $3,000,000 after November 18, 2010.
47
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
23. Subsequent events (cont’d):
On February 8, 2010, the Corporation announced that it had entered into a sale-
and-leaseback agreement with Madison Pacific Properties Inc. The Corporation will
sell its head office-building site in return for gross cash proceeds of approximately
$20,000,000 (Canadian $20.8 million). The Corporation will concurrently enter into
an initial fifteen-year capital lease agreement for the same property. This
transaction closed on March 9, 2010.
48
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CORPORATE INFORMATION
Corporate Offices
Executive Management
Board of Directors
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Corporate Headquarters
9000 Glenlyon Parkway
Burnaby, BC Canada V5J 5J8
T: 604.454.0900
F: 604.412.4700
Ballard Material Products Inc.
Two Industrial Avenue
Lowell, MA USA 01851-5191
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company
of Canada
Shareholder Services Department
510 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 3B9
T: 1.800.564.6253
F: 1.866.249.7775
Stock Listing
Ballard’s common shares are listed on
the Toronto Stock Exchange under
the trading symbol BLD and on the
NASDAQ Global Market under the
trading symbol BLDP.
Investor Relations
To obtain additional
please contact:
information
Ballard Power Systems
Investor Relations
9000 Glenlyon Parkway
Burnaby, BC Canada V5J 5J8
T: 604.412.3195
F: 604.412.3100
E: investors@ballard.com
W: www.ballard.com
John W. Sheridan
President & Chief Executive Officer
Bruce Cousins
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Paul Cass
Vice President, Operations
William T. Foulds
President, Ballard Material Products Inc.
Michael Goldstein
Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer
Christopher J. Guzy
Vice President & Chief Technical Officer
Independent Auditors
KPMG LLP
Vancouver, BC Canada
Legal Counsel
Canada:
Stikeman Elliott, LLP
Vancouver, BC Canada
United States:
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Seattle, WA USA
Intellectual Property:
Seed Intellectual Property Law Group,
LLC
Seattle, WA USA
Ian A. Bourne
Corporate Director Alberta,
Canada
Edwin J. Kilroy
Chief Executive Officer
Symcor Inc.
Ontario, Canada
Dr. C.S. Park
Corporate Director
California, USA
John W. Sheridan
President & Chief Executive
Officer
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
British Columbia, Canada
David J. Smith
Member
British Columbia Securities
Commission
British Columbia, Canada
David B. Sutcliffe
Corporate Director
British Columbia, Canada
Mark A. Suwyn
Chair & Chief Executive Officer
NewPage Corporation
Florida, USA
Douglas W.G. Whitehead
President & Chief Executive
Officer
Finning International Inc.
British Columbia, Canada
F-3
Visit us at www.ballard.com.