PUTTING FUEL CELLS TO WORK
Notice of Annual Meeting, Management Proxy Circular
and 2012 Annual Report
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
9000 Glenlyon Parkway
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5J 5J8
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
Our 2013 Annual Meeting (the "Meeting") will be held at 9000 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British
Columbia, on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) for the following purposes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
To receive our audited financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2012
and the report of our auditors thereon;
To elect our directors for the ensuing year;
To appoint our auditors for the ensuing year and to authorize our Audit Committee to fix the
remuneration of the auditors;
To consider and, if thought appropriate, to approve a resolution, on an advisory basis,
accepting the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation;
To consider and, if deemed appropriate, adopt, with or without variation, a special resolution
approving an amendment to the Corporation’s articles of incorporation to consolidate its
issued and outstanding Shares on the basis of a ratio within the range of one post-
consolidation Share for every three pre-consolidation Shares to one post-consolidation Share
for every seven pre-consolidation Shares, with the ratio to be selected and implemented by
the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, if at all, at any time prior to June 4, 2014;
to consider and, if deemed appropriate, adopt, with or without variation, an ordinary
resolution approving, ratifying and confirming By-law Number 2 of the Corporation; and
To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
A detailed description of the matters to be dealt with at the Meeting and our 2012 Annual Report 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. (Eastern
Daylight Time) on Friday, May 31, 2013.
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 10, 2013.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
"Kerry Hillier"
Kerry Hillier
Corporate Secretary
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notice of Annual Meeting........................................................................................................................................................ i
Letter from Ian A. Bourne, Chair of the Board ............................................................................................................... 3
Letter from John W. Sheridan, President and Chief Executive Officer ........................................................................... 5
Management Proxy Circular ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Matters to be Voted Upon .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Election Of Directors .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Appointment Of Auditors.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Advisory Vote on Approach to Executive Compensation ............................................................................................. 14
Proposed Share Consolidation....................................................................................................................................... 14
Adoption of By-Law Number 2 .................................................................................................................................... 17
Voting Information ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
Corporate Governance ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Executive Compensation ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Performance Graph ....................................................................................................................................................... 34
Executive Compensation Tables ................................................................................................................................... 34
Incentive Plan Awards................................................................................................................................................... 38
Pension Plan Benefits.................................................................................................................................................... 40
Termination and Change of Control Benefits................................................................................................................ 40
Director Compensation.................................................................................................................................................. 43
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans ........................................................................ 45
Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions..................................................................................................... 46
Indebtedness of Directors and Executive Officers ............................................................................................................. 46
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance ...................................................................................................................... 46
Additional Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 46
Proposals ............................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Approval by the Board ......................................................................................................................................................... 47
Defined Terms....................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Appendix "A" Resolution to Approve Share Consolidation ........................................................................................... A-1
Appendix "B" By-Law No. 2 Advance Notice By-Law.................................................................................................... B-1
Appendix "C" Board Mandate.......................................................................................................................................... C-1
Appendix "D" Description of Option Plan ....................................................................................................................... D-1
Appendix "E" Description of SDP .................................................................................................................................... E-1
Financial Information..........................................................................................................................................................F-1
This document contains forward-looking statements concerning: revenue estimates; market growth
projections; operating expenses; cost savings; adjusted EBIDTA; product cost reductions and
product shipments. These forward-looking statements 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. Any such forward-looking statements are based on
Ballard’s assumptions relating to its financial forecasts and expectations regarding its product
development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market demand.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause Ballard's actual results to be
materially different, including general economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on
third parties, successfully achieving our business plans and achieving and sustaining profitability.
For a detailed discussion of these 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:
2012 proved a challenging year for our Company. The fuel cell industry, and indeed the entire clean
technology sector, felt the continuing effects of the difficult global economy and reduced financial capacity
for governments to support clean energy technologies.
Despite the proven functional, economic and environmental benefits of fuel cell products, the rate of
market adoption continued more slowly than we had expected. To date the fuel cell industry has captured
only a small portion of the energy market.
While the ‘tipping point’ to high volume commercialization did not occur in 2012, I believe this
market will develop and that Ballard is well placed to capitalize as a leader in clean energy fuel cell products.
Your Board of Directors remains fully committed and actively engaged with Ballard’s Management in this
journey to successful fuel cell commercialization.
We continue to re-assess our strategies and further focus our resources in response to market
developments – both positive and negative. Working with Ballard Management in 2012 led to the key
decisions to monetize our Material Products division and acquire methanol-fueled backup power system
assets from IdaTech.
The Board continues to be impressed by our Ballard employees. Beyond the technical expertise,
fundamental know how and innovation leadership that has been recognized for many years, the Ballard work
force demonstrated impressive resolve and resiliency in stepping up to the challenges encountered in 2012.
As I’ve been proud to do in previous annual letters, I direct you to look at the table on page 9, showing the
employees who were the Awards of Excellence winners for last year.
2012 was a time of significant change for your Board of Directors. Carol Stephenson and Doug
Hayhurst were elected to the Board at our Annual Shareholders Meeting in June, and have both been fully
engaged and made numerous contributions since their elections. In August, we were all greatly saddened
with the passing of our colleague and friend, David Smith. David had been a long serving Director and Chair
of our Corporate Governance Committee. We continue to miss David and his experience and insights.
3
Looking forward to the 2013 Annual Shareholders Meeting, CS Park has indicated his decision to
not stand for re-election for the Ballard Board of Directors after six years of dedicated service. On behalf of
the Board and the shareholders, I would like to thank CS for his valued service as a Director and member of
several Board Committees, since 2007. We have nominated Ian Sutcliffe as a new Director. After a review of
the skills and qualities we think are necessary, we concluded he would be an excellent fit. We continue to
believe a small, committed and focused Board is the best way to combine our oversight responsibilities with
business experience and mentorship.
On behalf of the full Board, I would also like to thank shareholders – as well as dedicated Ballard
employees – for your commitment and support of Ballard as we grow this company to its full potential.
"Ian A. Bourne"
IAN A. BOURNE
Chair of the Board of Directors
4
Letter from JOHN W. SHERIDAN
President and Chief Executive Officer
2012 – Taking Action to Sharpen Our Commercial Focus
As we were reminded in 2012, the commercialization of fuel cell technology is a daunting journey,
with significant headwinds along the way. 2012 presented challenges to revenue growth, with the volatile
economy and shifting government policy decisions. More specifically, we had two major misses in the 2012
Ballard revenue plan – in the Material Products division and in Fuel Cell Buses. Material Products was
impacted by a softening in customer demand and Bus revenue was impacted by the decision of Sao Paulo
Transit to not proceed with its Letter of Intent for fuel cell bus deployments. As such, we fell short of our
revenue and EBITDA goals for 2012 – a major disappointment and frustration to the Ballard Management
Team.
As we have done in the past, we responded to these setbacks with decisive action on several key
fronts, to ensure that we keep sharpening our commercial focus, to strengthen the performance trajectory of
our Company going forward:
• We decided to reduce our resource commitment to the ‘development stage’ markets of Bus and
Distributed Generation (which both require government support);
•
In so doing, we heightened our focus on ‘commercial stage’ markets of Telecom Backup Power
and Material Handling;
• We extended our Telecom Backup Power product portfolio through the acquisition of methanol-
fueled systems and methanol fuel reforming technology from IdaTech;
• We increased our activities in Engineering Services, working with lead customers on high
margin programs to develop new fuel cell applications, with a particular focus on automotive
development opportunities with the expiration of the automotive non-compete restrictions in
January 2013;
• We implemented numerous initiatives to reduce the cash operating cost base, including
organizational streamlining and incentive compensation plan restructuring, to enable profitability
at a lower level of revenue; and
• We decided to monetize our Material Products division in order to narrow our business scope to
high growth fuel cell segments and to strengthen our balance sheet by up to $12 million. The
Material Products division had been facing softening business conditions in recent years as
indicated by the successive drop in revenue from $21 million in 2010 to $20.2 million in 2011
and $15.5 million in 2012.
Q4 2012 Turnaround
Some of the actions taken began to pay dividends in the 4th quarter of 2012. Indeed, Q4 represented a
turnaround in the year, with top line revenue improving 50% over Q3, led by the sale of our new methanol-
fueled ElectraGenTM Telecom Backup Power systems. This key extension of our Telecom Backup Power
5
system portfolio has expanded our addressable market to include geographic locations where hydrogen fuel
is relatively difficult to source, transport or store. Indeed, much of the sales growth we have been
experiencing in methanol-fueled systems is related to deployments in rural regions of Asia and South Africa.
Moreover, the outstanding performance of our ElectraGenTM systems, which kept key base stations in the
Bahamas cellular telephone network “live” when grid power went down during SuperStorm Sandy last
October, is certainly not lost on prospective customers.
In Q4 2012, following expansion of our product line, we shipped 204 ElectraGenTM systems, 75% of
which were methanol-fueled, and for the full year we shipped 399 ElectraGenTM systems. This represents a
full year increase in Telecom Backup Power system shipments of 175% over 2011. I would also note that we
shipped 2,022 fuel cell stacks for use in Material Handling systems, our other commercial stage market –
representing a 42% increase over 2011.
Engineering Services became an important growth driver in 2012, delivering more than $10 million
in revenue, up from less than $5 million in 2011. Moreover, $6.6 million of the 2012 revenue was realized in
Q4, thereby contributing to momentum in the latter portion of the year.
The progress in the key performance metrics in Q4 2012 relative to Q4 2011 are summarized below,
along with the comparable change in results for the full year of 2012 versus 2011:
• 1% growth in revenue in Q4 (with 22% reduction in revenue for the full year);
• 4 point improvement in gross margin in Q4 (and 2 points for full year);
• 10% improvement in cash operating costs in Q4 (and 18% for the full year);
• 50% improvement in Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 (and 17% for the full year);
Again, while revenue for the full year 2012 was a major disappointment, it is important to note that
total revenue associated with fuel cell products (eliminating revenue associated with Material Products and
past contract manufacturing for Daimler) has actually grown steadily over the past 3 years, increasing 65%.
We ended the year with a solid 12-month order book of $36.8 million for fuel cell products and
services, 75% of which is comprised of business in Telecom Backup Power, Material Handling and
Engineering Services. This order book, along with the broader Q4 momentum, as noted, underpins Ballard’s
expectation for strong growth in 2013.
6
Strong Prospects for Growth in 2013
With the sale of the Material Products division, our Company is now a ‘pure play’, exclusively
focused on fuel cell products and services, with momentum in Telecom Backup Power, Material Handling
and Engineering Services. We are doing business with a growing list of notable and recognizable partner and
end-customer brand-names, including: Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Toyota, Tata, Nokia Siemens
Networks, Motorola Network Services, Vodacom, Cascadiant, Inala Technologies, Azure, Walmart, Proctor
& Gamble, Sysco Foods and Plug Power. And of note, with this growing list of partners and end customers,
we are engaged in the development of fuel cell markets around the world – including North America,
Europe, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa.
We are seeing significant interest in our Telecom Backup Power solutions, evident in the ramp-up of
shipments in 2012 and purchase orders received. This is a market we are particularly focused on, given the
unique product portfolio we now possess, together with the growing need for extended duration backup
power in wireless telecom networks around the globe. As U.S. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski noted late
in 2012, Hurricane Sandy “…has revealed new challenges that will require a national dialogue around ideas
and actions to ensure the resilience of communications networks.” Fuel cell systems are one such idea.
Our new partnership with Volkswagen on a major Engineering Services contract is a very exciting
development. In January 2013 Ballard’s non-compete agreement with Daimler and Ford expired, giving us
the option of doing business with other automotive OEM’s. Our 4 year contract with Volkswagen for
Engineering Services (plus an optional 2 year extension) represents a very different relationship than the one
we had 5 years ago under the Automotive Alliance Agreement. Under this new contract, Ballard will not be
making any direct investment in automotive fuel cell development; instead, we will be providing specialized
engineering support services to Volkswagen’s fuel cell development program. In return, we are being paid
for our work, our IP and fundamental know how, generating sound margins on a very significant revenue
stream over 4 years, or even longer.
With this VW contract and the momentum that we experienced exiting 2012, we expect significant
growth in 2013. Specifically, we expect revenue growth in excess of 30% and an improvement in Adjusted
EBITDA in excess of 50%.
Also, beyond Ballard’s progress, there have been a number of public announcements in the fuel cell
sector that echo our positive view regarding the outlook for fuel cells. These have included: Cummins Inc.’s
strategic investment in ReliOn; Toyota’s collaboration with BMW on development of next-generation
‘green’ cars; Daimler, Ford and Nissan’s collaboration on fuel cell car development; and the ClearEdge
acquisition of UTC Power’s fuel cell business.
I look forward to reporting our progress as we move through 2013. Thank you for your continued
support of Ballard.
"John Sheridan"
JOHN SHERIDAN
President & CEO
Ballard Power Systems
7
8
EEmmppllooyyeeee AAwwaarrddss ooff EExxcceelllleennccee ffoorr 22001122
‘‘Above and Beyond’’ Winners
(cid:2) CUSTOMER SUCCESS
NSN SUPPLIER QUALIFICATION
•
Alan Mace
• Wade Popham
Koji Hoshi
•
Jorge Castaneda
•
•
•
•
•
Dario Garin
Alma Ramirez
Sentayehu Kebede
Steve Gabrys
(cid:2) PRODUCT LEADERSHIP
INTEGRATION OF ELECTRAGEN™ PRODUCT LINE
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kathy Schwiebert
Alan Mace
Nate MacRostie
Paul Louw
David Whyte
Jyoti Sidhu
Doug Bell
Guy McAree
Julia Grant
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
David Pauluzzi
Byron Somerville
Ryan Olnick
Chris Hill
Larry Stapleton
Candice Burgers
Chris Ekholm
Darin Luse
Jack Arnold
(cid:2) MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP
CATALYST COATED MEMBRANE PRODUCTION CAPABILITY
•
Alex Leung
• Mehrdad Rahmani
•
Brenda Chen
•
Jingping Gao
• Mary Flynn
(cid:2) FINANCIAL SUCCESS
IDATECH ASSET ACQUISITION DEAL TEAM
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kerry Hillier
David Whyte
Jay Murray
Larry Stapleton
Brendan Burns
Karim Kassam
(cid:2) BALLARD SPIRIT AWARD
IDATECH ASSET INTEGRATION TEAM
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kevin Colbow
Kerry Hillier
Larry Stapleton
Guy McAree
David Whyte
Kathy Schwiebert
Byron Somerville
•
Tony Cochrane
•
Jay Murray
•
Ai-Le Leroux
•
Anita Douglas
•
Sandra Matsuyama
• Maureen Molsberry
•
Chris Ekholm
•
Candice Burgers
•
Jyoti Sidhu
•
Doug Bell
•
Alex Housil
•
Alan Mace
• Wade Popham
9
MANAGEMENT PROXY CIRCULAR
dated as of April 10, 2013
MATTERS TO BE VOTED UPON
Registered Shareholders or their duly appointed proxyholders will be voting on:
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
the election of directors to our Board;
the re-appointment of our auditors and authorization for our Audit Committee to fix the
remuneration of the auditors;
(cid:3) on an advisory basis, the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation
(cid:3)
to consider and, if deemed appropriate, adopt, with or without variation, a special resolution
approving an amendment to the Corporation’s articles of incorporation to consolidate its issued
and outstanding Shares on the basis of a ratio within the range of one post-consolidation Share for
every three pre-consolidation Shares to one post-consolidation Share for every seven pre-
consolidation Shares, with the ratio to be selected and implemented by the Board of Directors in
its sole discretion, if at all, at any time prior to June 4, 2014 (the “Share Consolidation
Resolution”);
(cid:3)
(cid:3)
to consider and, if deemed appropriate, adopt, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution
approving, ratifying and confirming By-law Number 2 of the Corporation; and
to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
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, other than the Share Consolidation
Resolution, a simple majority of the votes (greater than 50%) cast in favour by Registered Shareholders, by
proxy or in person, will constitute approval. The Share Consolidation Resolution is a special resolution
requiring approval not less than two-thirds of the votes cast in favour by Registered Shareholders, by proxy
or in person.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Meeting you will be asked to elect seven directors. Six of our seven nominees are currently
members of the Board, one is a new nominee. 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 10, 2013. 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.
10
Mr. Bourne’s principal occupation is corporate director, and he has been the Chair of the Board of Ballard since May 2006. Mr.
Bourne was also our lead director from October 2005 to February 2006. Mr. Bourne was interim CEO of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.
from March 27, 2012 to October 1, 2012. 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. Mr. Bourne was recognized as a Fellow of the ICD in 2011.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board (Chair)
Audit (ex officio)
Corporate Governance (ex officio)
Human Resources &
Compensation (ex officio)
Attendance
Board Memberships
9
6
4
6
100%
100%
100%
100%
Current: SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.; Canadian Public
Accountability Board; Wajax Corporation (formerly
Wajax Income Fund); Canada Pension Plan Investment
Board; Canadian Oil Sands Limited; The Calgary
Foundation
Previous: TransAlta Power LP; TransAlta CoGen LP;
Glenbow Museum; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Securities Held(1)
Year
2013
2012
Shares
26,824
26,824
DSUs
153,019
77,706
Total of Shares and
DSUs
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs (C$)(2)
179,843
104,530
$172,649
$144,251
Mr. Hayhurst’s principal occupation is corporate director. Previously, Mr. Hayhurst was an executive with IBM Canada Business
Consulting Services (consulting services) and a Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers Management Consultants (consulting
services). Prior to that, Mr. Hayhurst held various senior executive management roles with Price Waterhouse including National
Deputy Managing Partner (Toronto) and Managing Partner for British Columbia (Vancouver). Mr. Hayhurst received a Fellowship
(FCA) from the Institutes of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia and of Ontario. He has completed the Directors Education
Program of the Institute of Corporate Directors and has received his ICD.D designation.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Human Resources &
Compensation
Year
2013
2012
Shares
-
-
Attendance
Board Memberships
5
4
3
100%
100%
100%
Current: Accend Capital Corporation; Canexus
Corporation; The Layfield Group Limited; Nature
Conservancy of Canada; Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants Risk Oversight and Governance Board
Previous: Catalyst Paper Corporation(4); Northgate
Minerals Corporation
Securities Held(1)
DSUs
43,036
-
Total of Shares and
DSUs
43,036
-
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs (C$) (2)
$41,315
-
Mr. Kilroy’s principal occupation is corporate director. Mr. Kilroy has been the Chief Executive Officer of MedAvail
Technologies Inc. (medication dispensing equipment and services) since November 2012. Previously, Mr. Kilroy was the Chief
Executive Officer of Symcor Inc. (business process outsourcing services), from January 2005 to November 2010. Prior to that, Mr.
Kilroy was the Chief Executive Officer of IBM Canada Ltd. (information technology) from April 2001 to January 2005.
Ian A. Bourne
Age: 65
Alberta, Canada
Director since: 2003
Independent
Douglas P. Hayhurst
Age: 66
B.C., Canada
Director since: 2012
Independent
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit (Chair)
Corporate Governance
Year
2013
2012
Shares
2,752
2,752
Edwin J. Kilroy
Age: 53
Ontario, Canada
Director since: 2002
Independent
Attendance(3)
Board Memberships
9
6
1
100%
100%
100%
Current:: not applicable
Previous: Symcor Inc.; The Conference Board of Canada
Securities Held(1)
Total of Shares and
DSUs
99,391
45,596
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs (C$) (2)
$95,415
$62,922
DSUs
96,639
42,844
11
John W. Sheridan
Age: 58
B.C., Canada
Director since: 2001
Non-Independent
Carol M. Stephenson
Age: 62
Ontario, Canada
Director since: 2012
Independent
Mr. Sheridan is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ballard, a position he has held since February 2006. Mr. Sheridan was
also Chair of our Board from June 2004 to February 2006.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Attendance
9
100%
Board Memberships
Current: Dantherm Power; Premier’s Technology
Council; Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cells Association;
Midway Gold Corporation
Previous: Aliant Inc.; Bell Canada, Bell Actimedia, Bell
Distribution, Bell Express Vu, Bell Mobility, Bell West,
Bell Sygma UK Ltd; Encom Cable TV &
Telecommunications, plc; Manitoba Telecom Services
Inc.; MTS Communications Inc.; Photowatt Technologies;
Sun Media Corp. Ltd.; NewPage Corporation(4); BC
Hydrogen Highway; AFCC
Year
2013
2012
Shares
524,522
472,430
Securities Held(1)
DSUs
57,943
57,943
Total of Shares and
DSUs
582,465
530,373
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs (C$) (2)
$559,166
$731,915
Ms. Stephenson is the Dean of the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, a position she has held
since 2003. Previously, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lucent Technologies Canada from 1999 to 2003.
Ms. Stephenson was invested as an Officer into the Order of Canada in 2010.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Corporate Governance (Chair)
Human Resources &
Compensation
Year
2013
2012
Shares
3,550
3,550
Attendance(5)
Board Memberships
4
2
2
80%
100%
66%
Current: General Motors Company; Intact Financial
Services Corporation (formerly ING Canada); Manitoba
Telecom Services Inc.; Vancouver Olympic Games
Organizing Committee (VANOC); Women on Boards;
Catalyst Advisory Board
Previous:Union Energy Waterheater Income Fund;
London Economic Development Corporation; Ontario
Research Fund Advisory Board
Securities Held(1)
DSUs
50,149
-
Total of Shares and
DSUs
53,699
3,550
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs (C$) (2)
$51,551
$4,899
Mr. Sutcliffe’s principal occupation is corporate director. Previously, Mr. Sutcliffe was the Chief Executive Officer of Sierra
Wireless, Inc. (electrical and electronic industrial products) from May 1995 to October 2005. From May 2001 to April 2005, he
was also the Chair of the Board of Sierra Wireless, Inc. He has completed the Directors Education Program of the Institute of
Corporate Directors and has received his ICD.D designation.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Human Resources &
Compensation (Chair)
Year
2013
2012
Shares
3,600
3,600
David B. Sutcliffe
Age: 53
B.C., Canada
Director since: 2005
Independent
Attendance(6)
Board Memberships
8
3
6
89%
75%
100%
Current: SMART Technologies Inc.; BC Social Ventures
Partners
Previous: Sierra Wireless, Inc.; E-Comm 911
Securities Held(1)
Total of Shares and
DSUs
82,922
29,128
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs (C$) (2)
$79,605
$40,197
DSUs
79,322
25,528
12
Mr. Sutcliffe’s principal occupation is corporate director. Mr. Sutcliffe has been a partner at Sutcliffe & Associates Management
Consultants (management consulting services) since June 1985. Previously, Mr. Sutcliffe was CEO, Chairman and independent
director of BluePoint Data (IT services) from Sept 2001 to June 2011, and Vice Chair and CEO of BCS Global (video
conferencing services) from January 2003 to March 2004. Mr. Sutcliffe was President of Mediconsult.com (public internet health
services) from June 1995 to June 1999 and President and CEO from 1999 to 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Sutcliffe was with Coopers &
Lybrand (chartered accounting and consultancy firm) in Vancouver and London, England from June 1979 to June 1985.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Attendance
-
-
Securities Held(1)
Board Memberships
Current: Vita Nova Foundation; Restore Canada
Previous: BluePoint Data Inc.(4)
Year
2013
2012
Shares
10,000
-
DSUs
-
-
Total of Shares and
DSUs
Total Value of Shares and
DSUs (C$) (2)
10,000
-
$9,600
-
Ian Sutcliffe
Age: 60
Ontario, Canada
Director nominee
Independent
(1) As of April 10, 2013 and April 10, 2012, respectively.
(2) Based on a C$0.96 and C$1.38 closing Share price on the TSX as of April 10, 2013 and April 10, 2012, respectively.
(3) Mr. Kilroy was appointed to the Corporate Governance Committee on September 20, 2012.
(4) Canadian securities legislation requires disclosure of any company that becomes insolvent while a director is a member of its board, or within
one year from ceasing to act as a director. In this regard, Mr. Hayhurst was a director of Catalyst Paper Corporation, which sought an Initial
Order under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act on January 31, 2012. NewPage Corporation filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S.
Bankruptcy Court in September 2011, 9 months after Mr. Sheridan resigned as a director of the company. Mr. Ian Sutcliffe was a director of
BluePoint Data Inc. on May 12, 2012 when the British Columbia Securities Commission issued a cease trade order against it for failure to file its
financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis related thereto for the year ended December 31, 2011. Mr. Sutcliffe resigned as a
director on June 27, 2012, subsequent to which BluePoint sold its business and distributed the proceeds to its shareholders.
(5) Ms. Stephenson was elected to the Board in June 2012. Due to previous commitments which could not be changed, she missed the board and
committee meetings held on that date. Her attendance has been 100% since that time. Ms. Stephenson was appointed Chair of the Corporate
Governance Committee on September 20, 2012.
(6) Mr. David Sutcliffe was appointed to the Audit Committee on June 5, 2012.
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 were appointed as our external auditors in 1999. Total fees paid to KPMG in 2012 and 2011 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 2016.
The following table shows the fees we incurred with KPMG LLP in 2012 and 2011:
Type of Audit Fees
Audit Fees
Audit-Related Fees
Tax Fees(1)
All Other Fees
2012
(C$)
$447,340
Nil
$3,374
Nil
2011
(C$)
$351,078
Nil
Nil
Nil
(1)
The Tax Fees for 2012 related to tax advisory and transfer pricing services.
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 "Audit Committee Matters" in our Annual
Information Form dated March 15, 2013, which section is incorporated by reference into this Management
Proxy Circular.
13
ADVISORY VOTE ON APPROACH TO EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Corporate Governance Committee continues to monitor developments and trends relating to say-
on-pay in Canada and elsewhere. In the United States, the SEC has established say-on-pay advisory
shareholder vote requirements. Although the Corporation’s shares are traded on NASDAQ, Ballard is a
“foreign private issuer” with the SEC and accordingly these requirements do not apply to it. Say-on-pay
shareholder votes have been implemented by a number of larger issuers in Canada, but such votes are still
not mandated in Canada to date. At the request of the Board, our shareholders passed resolutions on an
advisory basis accepting the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation in 2011 and 2012.
The Corporate Governance Committee recommended to the Board that Ballard shareholders again be
provided the opportunity, on an advisory basis, to vote at the Meeting in respect of the Corporation’s
approach to executive compensation. The Corporate Governance Committee also recommended that
adoption of a formal say-on-pay policy by the Board should continue to be deferred until Canadian
regulatory requirements applicable to the Corporation are known.
Accordingly, the shareholders of the Corporation are being given the opportunity to vote at this
Meeting, on an advisory and non-binding basis, “FOR” or “AGAINST” the Corporation’s approach to
executive compensation through the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, on an advisory basis and not to diminish the role and responsibilities of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation, that the shareholders accept the approach to executive compensation
disclosed in the Corporation’s management information circular delivered in advance of the
Corporation’s 2013 annual meeting of shareholders.”
The Board believes that shareholders should be well informed about and fully understand the
objectives, philosophy and principles that it has used to make executive compensation decisions. For
information regarding Ballard’s approach to executive compensation, shareholders should review the section
entitled "Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis" appearing below in this Management
Information Circular.
Approval of the above resolution will require an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on
the matter at the Meeting. As the vote on this resolution is advisory, the results will not be binding on the
Board or the Human Resources & Compensation Committee ("HRCC"). However, the Board and the
HRCC will take the results of the advisory vote into account, as appropriate, as part of their ongoing review
of executive compensation philosophy, policies and programs.
The Board recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the foregoing resolutions. The
representatives of management named in the enclosed form of proxy, if named as proxyholders, intend
to vote for the resolution, unless the shareholder has specified in the form of proxy that his or her
shares are to be voted against the resolution.
PROPOSED SHARE CONSOLIDATION
On February 20, 2013, our Board approved the submission to shareholders of a special resolution, a
copy of which is attached as Appendix A. Shareholders are being asked to consider, and if thought
appropriate, approve the special resolution approving the amendment of the Corporation’s articles of
incorporation to consolidate its issued and outstanding Shares (the “Share Consolidation”). If the special
resolution is approved, our Board will have the authority, in its sole discretion, to select the exact
consolidation ratio, provided that (a) the ratio may be no smaller than one post-consolidation Share for every
three pre-consolidation Shares and no larger than one post-consolidation Share for every seven pre-
consolidation Shares and (b) the number of pre-consolidation Shares in the ratio must be a whole number of
Shares. Subject to TSX approval, the approval of the special resolution by shareholders would give the
Board authority to implement the Share Consolidation at any time prior to June 4, 2014. In addition, even if
the proposed Share Consolidation is approved by shareholders, the Board, in its sole discretion, may revoke
the special resolution and abandon the Share Consolidation without further approval or action by or prior
notice to shareholders
14
The background to and reasons for the Share Consolidation, certain risks associated with the Share
Consolidation and related information are described below.
Background
Ballard’s Shares are listed on the TSX and NASDAQ. NASDAQ is a significant trading market for
the Shares. As of April 10, 2013, we estimate that 75% of the average daily trading volume of the
Corporation’s Shares occurs on NASDAQ.
On October 5, 2012, Ballard received a NASDAQ staff determination letter indicating that Ballard
was not in compliance with the minimum bid price of US$1.00 per Share, which is a requirement for
continued listing on NASDAQ. This notice indicated that Ballard had until April 3, 2013 to regain
compliance with NASDAQ’s minimum bid price requirement and that the Corporation may qualify for an
additional 180 day extension of the compliance period, subject to certain conditions.
On March 20, 2013, Ballard received written notification from NASDAQ indicating that Ballard has
regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. While the Corporation is currently in
compliance, there is no assurance that we will maintain compliance. Accordingly the Corporation is
proposing to request shareholder approval for a Share Consolidation in the event that it will be required to
regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement prior to the next annual meeting in June 2014.
Our Board believes that shareholder approval of a range of potential consolidation ratios (rather than
a single consolidation ratio) would provide the Board with maximum flexibility to achieve the desired results
of the Share Consolidation if it proves necessary to take consolidation action. If the special resolution is
approved, the Share Consolidation would be implemented, if at all, only upon a determination by the Board
that it is in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders at that time. In connection with any
determination to implement a consolidation, the Board will set the timing for such consolidation and select
the specific ratio from within the range of ratios set forth in the special resolution. The Board’s selection of
the specific ratio would be based primarily on the price of our Shares at the time and the expected stability of
that price level. No further action on the part of shareholders will be required in order for the Board to
implement the Share Consolidation. If the Board does not implement the Share Consolidation before June 4,
2014, the authority granted by the special resolution to implement the Share Consolidation on these terms
will lapse. The special resolution also authorizes the Board to elect not to proceed with and abandon the
Share Consolidation at any time if it determines, in its sole discretion, to do so. The Board would exercise
this right if it determined that the Share Consolidation was no longer in the best interests of the Corporation
and its shareholders. No further approval or action by or prior notice to the shareholders would be required
in order for the Board to abandon the Share Consolidation.
Certain Risks Associated with the Share Consolidation
The Corporation’s total market capitalization immediately after the Share Consolidation may be lower than
immediately before the Share Consolidation.
There are numerous factors and contingencies that could affect the Share price following the Share
Consolidation, including the status of the market for our Shares at the time, our reported results of operations
in future periods and general economic, geopolitical, stock market and industry conditions. For example, if
the Board decided to implement the Share Consolidation and select a consolidation ratio of one post-
consolidation Share for every three pre-consolidation Shares, there can be no assurance that the post-
consolidation market price of the Shares would be three times the pre-consolidation price or greater.
A decline in the market price of the Shares after the Share Consolidation may result in a greater percentage
decline than would occur in the absence of a consolidation, and the liquidity of the Shares could be adversely
affected following the Share Consolidation.
If the Share Consolidation is implemented and the market price of the Shares declines, the
percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of a consolidation. The market price of
the Shares will, however, also be based on the Corporation’s performance and other factors, which are
15
unrelated to the number of Shares outstanding. Furthermore, the liquidity of the Shares could be adversely
affected by the reduced number of Shares that would be outstanding following a consolidation.
The Share Consolidation may result in some shareholders owning “odd lots” of less than 100 Shares on a
post-consolidation basis which may be more difficult to sell or require greater transaction costs per Share to
sell.
If the Share Consolidation is implemented, it may result in some shareholders owning “odd lots” of
less than 100 Shares on a post-consolidation basis. Odd lots may be more difficult to sell, or require greater
transaction costs per Share to sell, relative to Shares in “board lots” of multiples of 100 Shares.
Other Information Regarding the Share Consolidation
No Fractional Shares to be Issued
No fractional Shares will be issued in connection with the Share Consolidation, if implemented, and
if a shareholder would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional Share upon the Share Consolidation, such
fraction will be rounded down to the nearest whole number.
Principle Effects of the Share Consolidation
If approved and implemented, the Share Consolidation will occur simultaneously for all the Shares
and the consolidation ratio would be the same for all such Shares. The consolidation would affect all
shareholders equally. Except for any variances attributable to fractional Shares, the change in the number of
issued and outstanding Shares that would result from the Share Consolidation would cause no change in the
capital attributable to the Shares and would not materially affect any shareholders’ percentage ownership in
the Corporation, even though such ownership would be represented by a smaller number of Shares.
In addition, the Share Consolidation would not affect any shareholder’s proportionate voting rights.
Each Share outstanding after the Share Consolidation would be entitled to one vote and be fully paid and
non-assessable.
The principle effects of the Share Consolidation would be that:
(cid:3) Reduction in number of Shares outstanding – the number of Shares issued and outstanding would
be reduced from approximately 99,199,633 Shares as of April 10, 2013 to between approximately
14,171,376 and 33,066,544 Shares, depending on the consolidation ratio selected by the Board;
and
(cid:3) Reduction in number of Shares reserved for issuance under our Equity-based Compensation Plans
– the number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Corporation’s Option Plan and the SDP
would be reduced proportionately based on the consolidation ratio selected by the Board
Effect on Non-registered Shareholders
Non-registered shareholders holding their Shares through a bank, broker or other nominee should
note that such banks, brokers or other nominees may have different procedures for processing the Share
Consolidation than those that will be put in place by the Corporation for registered shareholders. If you hold
your Shares with a bank, broker or other nominee and if you have any questions in this regard, you are
encouraged to contact your nominee.
Effect on Share Certificates
If the Share Consolidation is approved and implemented, registered shareholders will be required to
exchange their share certificates representing pre-consolidation Shares for new share certificates representing
post-consolidation Shares. If the Board decides to implement it, then following the announcement by the
Corporation of the selected consolidation ratio and the effective date of the Share Consolidation, registered
16
shareholders will be sent a letter of transmittal from the Corporation’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust
Company of Canada, as soon as practicable after the effective date of the Share Consolidation. The letter of
transmittal will contain instructions on how to surrender your certificate(s) representing your pre-
consolidation Shares to the transfer agent. The transfer agent will forward to each registered shareholder
who has sent the required documents a new share certificate representing the number of post-consolidation
Shares to which the shareholder is entitled. Until surrendered, each share certificate representing pre-
consolidation Shares will be deemed for all purposed to represent the number of whole post-consolidation
Shares to which the shareholder is entitled as a result of the Share Consolidation.
Shareholders should not destroy any share certificates(s) and should not submit any share
certificate(s) until requested to do so.
Procedure for Implementing the Share Consolidation
If the Share Consolidation is approved and the Board decides to implement it, the Corporation will
promptly file articles of amendment with the Director under the CBCA in the form prescribed by the CBCA
to amend the Corporation’s articles of incorporation. The Share Consolidation would then become effective
on the date shown in the certificate of amendment issued by the Director under the CBCA or such other date
indicated in the articles of amendment provided that, in any event, such date will be prior to June 4, 2014.
No Dissent Rights
Under the CBCA, shareholders do not have dissent and appraisal rights with respect to the proposed
Share Consolidation.
The text of the special resolution, which will be submitted to the shareholders at the Meeting, is set
forth in Appendix A. Approval of the resolution will require an affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds
of the votes cast on the matter at the Meeting.
For the reasons indicated above, the Board recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the
foregoing resolutions. The representatives of management named in the enclosed form of proxy, if
named as proxyholders, intend to vote for the resolution, unless the shareholder has specified in the
form of proxy that his or her shares are to be voted against the resolution.
ADOPTION OF BY-LAW NUMBER 2
The Corporation desires to adopt By-Law Number 2 (the “By-law”), a copy of which is attached as
Schedule “B”. The By-law is being presented to provide for advance notice of nominations of directors in
certain circumstances. The material changes contained in the By-law may be summarized as follows:
(cid:3) advance notice is now required to be provided to the Corporation in circumstances where
nominations of persons for election to the board of directors are made by shareholders other than
pursuant to a requisition of a meeting made pursuant to the provisions of the CBCA or a
shareholder direction or request made pursuant to the provisions of the CBCA.
The purpose of the advance notice provisions in the By-law is to foster a variety of interests of the
shareholders and the Corporation by ensuring that all shareholders - including those participating in a
meeting by proxy rather than in person - receive adequate notice of the nominations to be considered at a
meeting and can thereby exercise their voting rights in an informed manner. In addition, the By-law should
assist in facilitating an orderly and efficient meeting process. The advance notice provisions will not apply to
the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, but will apply to all subsequent meetings of
shareholders.
The foregoing summary of the material changes to the by-laws of the Company is intended to be
brief and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the By-law, which is attached as Schedule “B”.
At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to consider, and if thought appropriate, approve the
resolution substantially in the form noted below to approve the By-law. Approval of the resolution will
require an affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the votes cast on the matter at the Meeting.
17
“RESOLVED, as an ordinary resolution, that:
(a) the By-law substantially in the form attached as Schedule “B” to the Corporation’s Management
Proxy Circular dated April 10, 2013, is hereby approved, ratified and confirmed as the by-law of the
Company; and
(b) Any director or officer of the Corporation is hereby authorized to do all such acts and execute
and deliver all such documents as may be necessary to give effect to this ordinary resolution,
including, without limitation, the determination of the effective date of the consolidation and the
delivery of articles of amendment in the prescribed form to the Director appointed underthe
Canadian Business Corporations Act, the execution of any document or the doing of any such other
act or thing being conclusive evidence of such determination.”
For the reasons indicated above, the Board recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the
foregoing resolutions. The representatives of management named in the enclosed form of proxy, if
named as proxyholders, intend to vote for the resolution, unless the shareholder has specified in the
form of proxy that his or her shares are to be voted against the resolution.
VOTING INFORMATION
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
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 4, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific
Daylight Time in Burnaby, 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 April 26, 2013.
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.
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
18
(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.
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, 2012, 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.
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.
We believe that we comply with all applicable Canadian securities administrators (“CSA”) and
NASDAQ corporate governance rules and guidelines. The CSA requires that listed corporations subject to
National Instrument 58-101 - Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices ("NI 58-101") disclose their
policies respecting corporate governance. We comply with NI 58-101, which addresses matters such as the
constitution and independence of corporate boards, the functions to be performed by boards and their
committees, and the effectiveness and education of board members. We are exempt from the NASDAQ
corporate governance rule requiring that each NASDAQ quoted company has in place a minimum quorum
requirement for shareholder meetings of 33 1/3% of the outstanding shares of the company’s voting common
stock. Our by-laws currently provide that a quorum is met if holders of at least five percent of the votes
eligible to be cast at a shareholders’ meeting are present or represented by proxy at the meeting.
BOARD COMPOSITION AND NOMINATION PROCESS
All of our directors are independent except for John Sheridan, our President and Chief Executive
Officer. "Independence" is judged in accordance with the provisions of the United States Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 ("Sarbanes-Oxley"), and as determined by the CSA and the NASDAQ. We conduct an annual
review of the other corporate boards on which our directors sit, and have determined that currently there are
no board interlocks with respect to our directors. The Board has also established a guideline for the
maximum number of corporate boards on which a director should sit. This guideline has been set at five
corporate boards (not including non-profit boards).
19
Our Corporate Governance Committee 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 leave 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.
The following table identifies some of the current skills and other factors considered as part of the
competency matrix developed by the HRCC, along with identification of each nominee for election to the
Board of Directors possessing each skill:
Sales/
Marketing
Finance/
Accounting
Legal &
Regulatory
Strategy
President/
CEO
Experience
Product
Development
Power
Generation
Corporate
Governance
Ian A. Bourne
Douglas P. Hayhurst
Edwin J. Kilroy
John W. Sheridan
Carol M.
Stephenson
David B. Sutcliffe
Ian Sutcliffe
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
MAJORITY VOTING POLICY
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
The Board established director resignation guidelines, which set out the circumstances under which a
director would be compelled to offer a resignation or be asked to resign, including a majority voting policy.
This policy 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 it has accepted the resignation or provides an explanation for
why it has 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.
DIRECTOR SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
We have minimum share ownership guidelines that apply to our independent directors. The
guidelines were revised by the Board of directors effective September 21, 2011.
20
All independent directors must hold the number of Ballard common shares having a value equivalent
to three times the director’s annual retainer. Directors may apply DSUs they have received as payment for
all or part of their annual retainer towards the minimum share ownership requirements.
The value of shares held by directors will be measured on or about September 1st of each year based
on the purchase price actually paid by the director for such shares, or the value of DSUs or shares received
by the director when issued to him or her by the Corporation, as applicable.
Directors that were members of the Board at the time the guidelines were adopted in September 2011
have until September 2013 to comply with this requirement. Directors elected subsequently have five years
from the date that they are first elected to the Board to comply. The Chair of the Board has five years from
his original appointment as Chair in February 2006 to satisfy the minimum share ownership requirements for
the Chair. Any director who fails to comply with the share ownership requirement may not stand for re-
election. Currently, all directors have met or are on track to achieve these guidelines.
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
2012, in-camera sessions, chaired by the Chair of the Board, were held after each regularly scheduled Board
meeting involving all of the independent directors without the presence of management. 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.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board operates under a formal mandate (a copy of which is attached as Appendix "A" and is
posted on our website), which sets out its duties and responsibilities, including matters such as corporate
strategy, fiscal management and reporting, selection of management, legal and regulatory compliance, risk
management, external communications and performance evaluation. The Board has also established terms of
reference and corporate governance guidelines for individual directors (copies of which are also posted on
our website), which set out the directors’ individual responsibilities and duties. Terms of reference are also
established for the Board chair and the CEO. These terms of reference and guidelines serve as a code of
conduct with which each director is expected to comply, and address matters such as conflicts of interest, the
duties and standard of care of directors, the level of availability expected of directors, requirements for
maximizing the effectiveness of Board and committee meetings, and considerations that directors are to keep
in mind in order to make effective and informed decisions.
In addition, we have a Board-approved "Code of Ethics", which applies to all members of the Board,
as well as our officers and employees. A copy of the Code of Ethics can be found on our website. This
document is reviewed annually and updated or revised as necessary. Annually, all employees in Sales &
Marketing, Finance & Administration, Supply Chain, Customer Service and Quality, and all management
employees and officers, are required to formally acknowledge they have read, reviewed and comply with the
Code of Ethics. A compliance report is then presented to the Audit Committee and Board.
The Chair of the Board is responsible for ensuring the appropriate organization, content and flow of
information to the Board and that all concerns of the directors are addressed. The Chair of the Board reviews
and sets the agenda for each Board meeting. The Chair of the Board is also responsible for organizing and
setting the frequency of Board meetings and ensuring that Board meetings are conducted efficiently. The
Chair of the Board is an independent director.
Each year, the Board identifies a list of focus priorities for the Board during the year. The Corporate
Governance Committee regularly monitors the Board’s progress against these priorities throughout the year.
21
BOARD ORIENTATION AND EDUCATION
We have established a formal director orientation and ongoing education program. Upon joining our
Board, each director receives an orientation regarding our business. Such orientation consists of site visits to
all of our manufacturing facilities, presentations regarding our business, technology and products, and a
manual that contains various reference documents and information. Continuing education is offered by way
of ongoing circulation of informative materials aimed at topical subject matters and management
presentations at Board meetings, as well as guest speakers who are invited to speak to our Board on various
topics. In the past, we have invited guest speakers to speak to our Board about the fuel cell industry,
internal management
government
representatives to speak about various issues relating to our technology and business. The educational
presentations that are made by internal management provide an opportunity for Board members to meet and
interact with members of our management team.
regulation, corporate governance and
risk management, and
SHAREHOLDER FEEDBACK AND COMMUNICATION
We have set up an e-mail process for shareholders to communicate with the Board, through the Chair
of the Board. Shareholders who wish to send a message to the Chair of the Board can find the details of this
process on our website. In addition, a summary of shareholder feedback that is received by us is provided to
the Board through a semi-annual report.
BOARD AND DIRECTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS
Each year, the Board conducts an evaluation and review of its performance during the past year. The
evaluation is conducted through a process determined from time to time by the Corporate Governance
Committee which elicits responses from individual directors on a confidential basis regarding the Board and
individual directors. The process may include the completion of a questionnaire by all of the directors as well
as individual director self-evaluations and peer evaluations. The Corporate Governance Committee presents
the summary results to the full Board, which then, based on the results of the evaluation, determines
appropriate changes to improve Board effectiveness.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board has established three standing committees: (1) the Audit Committee; (2) the Human
Resources & Compensation Committee (“HRCC”); 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 addition to the standing committees of the Board, an ad hoc committee, the Financing Advisory
Committee, was established in 2012 to consider and advise management on potential financing-related
transactions.
The following chart sets out current members of our standing committees:
22
Ian A. Bourne*
Douglas P. Hayhurst
Edwin J. Kilroy
John W. Sheridan
Carol M. Stephenson
Audit Committee
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4) (Chair)
**
Corporate Governance
Committee
(cid:4)
Human Resources &
Compensation
Committee
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
(cid:4)
**
(cid:4) (Chair)
**
(cid:4)
(cid:4) (Chair)
(cid:4)
David B. Sutcliffe
* Chair of the Board and designated financial expert. Mr. Bourne is an ex officio member of each of the committees.
** Non-independent director. Mr. Sheridan attends the meetings but is not a voting member of the committees.
The information below sets out the members of each of our standing committees and indicates the
number of meetings that each committee held in 2012. After the Meeting, we will reconstitute all of the
committees to reflect the newly elected Board.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is constituted in accordance with SEC rules, applicable securities laws and
applicable NASDAQ rules, and assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities by reviewing financial
information, the systems of corporate controls and the audit process.
The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the audit process and the preparation of our
financial statements, ensuring that our financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), approving our quarterly financial statements, and
reviewing and recommending to the Board our year-end financial statements and all financial disclosure
contained in our public documents. The Audit Committee meets with our financial officers and our internal
and external auditors to review matters affecting financial reporting, the system of internal accounting and
financial disclosure controls and procedures, and the audit procedures and audit plans. The Audit Committee
reviews our significant financial risks and the appointment of senior financial executives, and annually
reviews our insurance coverage, tax loss carry forwards, pension and health care liabilities, and off-balance
sheet transactions. The Audit Committee has at least one member, Ian A. Bourne, who qualifies as an audit
committee financial expert under applicable securities regulations. All of the members of the Audit
Committee are independent directors and are financially literate.
The Audit Committee is responsible for recommending the appointment of our external auditors (for
shareholder approval at our annual general meeting), monitoring the external auditors’ qualifications and
independence, and determining the appropriate level of remuneration for the external auditors. The external
auditors report directly to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee also approves in advance, on a case-
by-case basis, any services to be provided by the external auditors that are not related to the audit.
In addition, the Audit Committee is mandated to review all financial disclosure contained in
prospectuses, annual reports, annual information forms, management proxy circulars and other similar
documents. The Audit Committee is also responsible for ensuring that the internal audit function is being
effectively carried out. The Audit Committee reviews and approves, in advance, related party transactions
on a case-by-case basis.
The Audit Committee met 6 times during the financial year ended December 31, 2012. The
members in 2012 were Ian A. Bourne (ex officio), Edwin J. Kilroy (Chair), Douglas P. Hayhurst (June –
December) and David B. Sutcliffe (June – December). Mark A. Suwyn and Douglas W.G. Whitehead, who
did not stand for re-election in 2012, were members until June, 2012. 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.
23
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 "Audit Committee Matters" in our Annual
Information Form dated March 15, 2013, which section is incorporated by reference into this Management
Proxy Circular.
Human Resources & Compensation Committee
The Human Resources & Compensation Committee is responsible for considering and authorizing
the terms of employment and compensation of executive officers and providing advice on compensation
structures in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. In addition to approving the compensation of our
executive officers, the committee also regularly reviews and sets the minimum share ownership requirement
for executive officers. The committee also provides advice on our organizational structure, reviews all
distributions under our equity-based compensation plans, and reviews and approves the design and structure
of, and any amendments to, those plans.
The committee ensures appropriate senior management succession planning, recruitment,
development, training and evaluation. In particular, the committee annually reviews the performance
objectives of our Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for conducting his annual performance
evaluation. Any compensation consultants engaged by us, at the direction of the committee, report directly
to the committee, and the committee has the authority to appoint such consultants, determine their level of
remuneration, and oversee and terminate their services.
A copy of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee’s mandate is posted on our website.
The mandate is reviewed annually and the committee’s performance is assessed annually through a process
overseen by the Corporate Governance Committee.
The HRCC met 6 times during the financial year ended December 31, 2012. The members in 2012
were Ian A. Bourne (ex officio), Douglas P. Hayhurst (June – December), Dr. C.S. Park, Carol M.
Stephenson (June – December), David B. Sutcliffe (Chair) and Mark Suwyn (January - June). All of the
members of the HRCC are independent of our management in accordance with the applicable Canadian and
United States securities laws and exchange requirements.
Corporate Governance Committee
The Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board the size of the
Board, review and approval of all director nominations to the Board, monitoring corporate governance,
including the formation and membership of committees of the Board, conducting succession planning for the
Chair of the Board and determining director compensation. The committee regularly reviews the level of
director compensation and approves the design and structure of, and any amendments to, our director
compensation plans. Any compensation consultants engaged by us, at the direction of the committee, report
directly to the committee, and the committee has the authority to appoint such consultants, determine their
level of remuneration, and oversee and terminate their services. The committee is responsible for ensuring a
formal process exists to evaluate the performance of the Board, Board committees, individual directors, and
the Chair of the Board, and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken, based on the results of the evaluation,
to improve the effectiveness of the Board.
The Corporate Governance Committee makes recommendations to the Board to enable the Board to
comply with best corporate governance practices in Canada and the United States. The committee is also
responsible for maintaining an ongoing education program for Board members.
A copy of the Corporate Governance Committee’s mandate is posted on our website. The mandate
is reviewed annually and the committee’s performance is assessed annually through a process overseen by
the Board.
The Corporate Governance Committee met 4 times during the financial year ended December 31,
2012. The members in 2012 were Ian A. Bourne (ex officio), Edwin J. Kilroy (September – December), Dr.
C.S. Park, David J. Smith (Chair, January - September) and Carol M. Stephenson (June – December,
24
appointed Chair in September). 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.
Financing Advisory Committee
The Corporation's Board and management have been active in evaluating a number of financing-
related transactions in order to provide the Corporation with access to the capital necessary to successfully
pursue its strategy. The Board has determined that any decision whether to pursue any such transaction
should be preceded by an analysis of the relevant facts and issues conducted by a committee of independent
members of the Board. The Financing Advisory Committee is a temporary committee of the Board
established in June 2012 for this purpose.
The Financing Advisory Committee mandate is to review and analyze the relevant facts and issues
concerning financing-related transactions and to make recommendations to enable the Board to determine
whether any such transaction is in the best interests of the Corporation.
The Financing Advisory Committee met 11 times during the financial year ended December 31,
2012. The members in 2012 were Ian A. Bourne, Douglas P. Hayhurst and Edwin J. Kilroy. All of the
members of the Financing Advisory Committee are independent of our management in accordance with the
applicable Canadian and United States securities laws and exchange requirements.
EXECUTIVE 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), Tony Guglielmin (Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer), Christopher J. Guzy (Vice President and Chief Technical Officer), Paul Cass
(Vice President, Operations) and William Foulds1 (Vice President and President, Ballard Material Products).
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 2012, these performance goals, and
resulting compensation awards, were largely focused on the Corporation’s key business drivers including
growing revenue and building the long term order book, Adjusted EBITDA(2) performance, cash reserves,
on-time product deliveries and the delivery of key strategic business enablers to position the Corporation for
long term success. 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.
(1) Mr. Foulds retired from full-time employment with the Corporation effective July 16, 2012.
(2) For a discussion of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, please refer to Ballard’s Management’s Discussion & Analysis.
25
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.
Compensation Risk Considerations
The HRCC and Board believe that relative to other market sectors (e.g. Financial) the risk associated with
our compensation practices is low. Given the increased emphasis being placed on ensuring that
compensation practices do not encourage behaviours that expose the corporation to greater risk, this is an
area that the HRCC and Board continue to monitor regularly.
The HRCC and Board currently consider the risks associated with the company’s compensation policies and
practices are mitigated by:
•
evaluating the impact of each compensation component on management behaviour:
o
o
o
for base pay, there is no unusual risk-taking being encouraged;
for long-term equity-based incentive programs, the potential risks are considered low, in part
due to the mix of RSU and Option awards with time and/or performance based vesting
terms, and overall generally consistent with other public company risks;
for short term cash incentives, the potential risks are low since the plan uses multiple metrics
in the Corporate Multiplier, both quantitative and qualitative (described below) and has caps
to the maximum earnings available under each component of the plan.
•
ensuring the committee and Board mandates reflect the correct accountabilities, oversight and
controls on the company’s compensation policies and practices, especially as they relate to executive
compensation; and
• working with management and/or external consultants to stress test each compensation component,
to ensure boundary conditions are reasonable and do not produce unexpected or unintended financial
windfalls.
The HRCC and Board consider that these mitigation approaches results in the Corporation’s risk profile
associated with its compensation practices being low.
How Executive Compensation is Determined
The HRCC, consisting of 4 independent directors, 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 2012, the
committee continued to retain Towers Watson on an as-needed basis, to provide independent advice 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
26
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 2012, an average of 50% of the
annual compensation earned by each of our Named Executive Officers 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).
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 late 2011, the HRCC, working with Towers Watson, updated the comparator companies contained
within the Corporation’s compensation comparator group to reflect the Corporation’s current business size
and market focus. A revised 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 same comparator group was maintained in 2012. This comparator group comprises 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 (as approved by the HRCC in December 2011) is:
Canadian Companies
EXFO Inc
Gennum Corporation
Hydrogenics Corp.
United States Companies
AeroVironment Inc
Allied Motion Technologies Inc
American Superconductor Corporation
Neo Material Technologies Inc
Ener1 Inc
New Flyer Industries Inc
Sierra Wireless Inc
Westport Innovations Inc
Energy Conversion Devices Inc
Fuel Cell Energy Inc
GrafTech International Ltd
Plug Power Inc
Towers Watson have been retained by the Committee since 2008 to provide executive compensation
benchmarking and general executive compensation, equity plan and Board compensation advisory services.
During 2012, Towers Watson provided ad-hoc consulting services for the committee, including a review of
the Corporation’s retirement treatment of Equity awards. Towers Watson provided no additional services to
management during this period. The total fees paid to Towers Watson during 2012 were $4,098.
27
Current Executive Compensation Elements
Our compensation program for our executive officers has three primary components:
(a)
(b)
(c)
annual salary;
annual incentives (bonus); and
equity-based long-term incentives comprised of awards that may be issued under our
Option Plan, Share Distribution Plan or under the Market Purchase RSU Plan.
Significant Compensation Program Changes Planned in 2013
Consistent with overall changes to the corporate bonus plan, in 2013 the Executive bonus structure will be
revised to introduce a new ‘Stretch Performance’ component to the Corporate multiplier. This ‘Stretch
Performance’ component, representing 50% of the executive’s Corporate multiplier will be subject to over
achievement of the Corporation’s annual cashflow targets. The remaining 50% of the Corporate multiplier
will be subject to quantitative and qualitative performance targets consistent with the formula used in prior
years.
In addition, in 2013 the Corporation intends to implement a further reduction in LTI award value to
executives to more closely align with the Comparator group.
Annual Salary
The HRCC approves the annual salary of our executive officers. Salary guidelines and salary
adjustments for our executive officers are considered with reference to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
comparative market assessments performed by external compensation consultants;
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 2012, there were no annual salary increases for the Named Executive Officers.
Annual Bonus for Executive Officers
The HRCC 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.
The annual target bonus for executive officers (excluding the President and Chief Executive Officer)
was set at 60% of base salary in 2012. This was a reduction from the 70% level of 2011, consistent with the
Towers Watson benchmarking study conducted in Fall 2011. 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 2012 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".
28
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 HRCC 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 HRCC and approved by the Board with reference to
achievement against the corporate goals set out in a Corporate Performance Scorecard approved by the
HRCC and the Board prior to the commencement of the 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. For 2012, the Corporate Performance
Scorecard reflected a balance of Quantitative annual goals focussed on delivery of the 2012 operating plan
(70% of the scorecard) and Qualitative goals focussed on key strategic outcomes during 2012 to position the
Corporation for longer term success (30% of the scorecard). The Quantitative portion of the scorecard had 3
financial elements (Revenue, Net Cash, and Adjusted EBITDA) and 2 operational elements (on-time product
delivery and sales order book for 2013). The Qualitative portion of the scorecard had 3 elements
(Demonstrating growth in our bus business, enabling customers to be successful with our products and a
comprehensive COGS reduction goal).
While significant progress was made on a number of these scorecard elements positioning the
business for growth and success in 2013, with over achievement in on-time product delivery goals,
achievement of COGS reduction objectives, partial achievement of 2013 year-end Order Book target and the
customer satisfaction measure, the key financial metrics were not met and the overall scorecard rating was
low. As a result the HRCC and Board supported the Management’s recommendation that the corporate
multiplier should be zero for 2012, resulting in zero annual bonus payout for all participants of the Plan
(including the CEO and Named Executive Officers).
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 did not receive individual performance multipliers for 2012 due to the decision no to pay
any annual bonus, however, a summary of their individual performance is as follows:
Mr. Guglielmin met or exceeded his overall performance goals for his CFO role, related among other
items to his strong leadership of internal fiscal management initiatives, and stewardship of key financial, IR
and strategy projects.
Mr. Guzy met his overall performance goals largely related to the delivery of key product
development programs, including cost reduction activities and delivery of new technology (e.g. 1MW
Cleargen project to Toyota) as well as the growth of the Engineering Services business.
29
Mr. Cass met his performance goals for operations and strong delivered the corporate COGS
reduction program; however, his goal to grow the Bus market segment was not met.
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 2012, the President and Chief Executive Officer recommended to the HRCC a value amount in dollars for
each Named Executive Officer: see the amounts set out under “Share-Based Awards” and “Option-Based
Awards” in our Summary Compensation Table. This value amount was reduced from prior years (to 90% of
the 2011 award value) to more directly reflect the positioning relative to the comparator group. The
recommendation for this year reflected a higher percentage of RSU awards than prior years (approximately
75% of the total value). 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. The
remaining approximately 25% 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.
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 25-50% of the long-term incentive
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 or NASDAQ 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.
Restricted Share Units
Employees and executive officers are eligible to receive new RSU awards under the Market
Purchase RSU Plan or SDP, which provide 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 HRCC.
Redemption of these RSUs is satisfied either with Shares bought under the Market Purchase RSU Plan or by
treasury based shares reserved under the SDP.
30
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".
In 2012, the performance criteria for RSUs were amended to introduce a tiered approach to vesting
based on the annual performance of the Corporation (as prescribed by the Corporate Performance Scorecard).
The new approach amends the minimum performance threshold before vesting commences to at least 50%
Corporate Scorecard achievement, but maintains an achievement threshold (75%+ Corporate Scorecard
achievement) whereby the award fully vests, thereby introducing a partial vesting component of 50% (where
the annual Corporate Scorecard achievement is between 50% and 75%).
New Issuances
On February 23, 2012, 783,411 RSUs were issued to the 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 of 50% in
each of the 3 years of the award, with 50% vesting if this threshold was achieved and 100% vesting if a
corporate multiplier achievement of greater than 75% is achieved. Failure to meet this minimum corporate
performance threshold in any one year results in that year’s award portion expiring and not being redeemed
(see the section above entitled "Methodology for Determining Annual Incentives" for a description of the
determination of the corporate multiplier). In February 2013, the Board determined, after setting the
corporate multiplier to zero for the purpose of determining annual bonus, setting a zero bonus payout and
continuing a base salary freeze for executive officers, that sufficient progress and momentum was evident in
the business throughout late 2012 and into 2013 to vest 50% of the first 1/3 of this award on a retention and
performance incentive basis.
Redemptions
As the performance criteria related to 2011 Corporate Scorecard performance was not achieved, there was no
redemption of RSUs to shares for the Named Executive Officers, including the President and Chief
Executive Officer in February and March 2012, relating to annual awards granted in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
On August 15, 2012, 25,225 RSUs reached the end of their restriction period and after statutory
withholdings, 14,201 RSUs were redeemed into Shares for Mr. Guglielmin. This award was the second 1/3
of his new hire award, granted on June 14, 2010 and subject to time vesting only.
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 $530,000 Cdn per year. The CEO base salary has been
frozen since that time, other than a 10% voluntary temporary reduction during the 2nd half of 2009. In
January 2010, Mr. Sheridan’s base salary returned to its original level of $530,000 Cdn per year and
continued at that level throughout 2012.
Mr. Sheridan is entitled to receive an RRSP contribution (CDN$11,485 in 2012). The corporate
RRSP program was changed in 2010 and this benefit was reduced by 50% relative to 2009. This benefit is
now subject to an equivalent matching contribution from Mr. Sheridan. Mr. Sheridan is also entitled to
receive company paid insurance premiums (CDN$2,128 in 2012).
Mr. Sheridan’s target bonus for 2012 was equal to 80% of his annual base salary, reduced from 90%
in 2011. This level of target bonus has been reduced from 100% in 2007. In 2012, Mr. Sheridan’s bonus for
2012 was determined by the HRCC on the basis of corporate financial and operational performance reflected
31
in the Corporate Performance Scorecard rating, plus performance relative to the CEO’s individual goals for
2012, as approved by the Board.
The HRCC determined that while Mr. Sheridan generally met his individual goals (including those
related to risk management, strategy and leadership development), the Committee accepted Mr. Sheridan’s
recommendation for a zero bonus payment for 2012, given the low Corporate Performance Scorecard rating.
On February 21, 2012, the Board approved the recommendation by the HRCC and Mr. Sheridan was
granted a long-term incentive award, equivalent at the time of grant to a total value of CDN$900,000; with
CDN$225,000 converted to options in respect of 252,808 Shares (at an exercise price of CDN$1.69 per
Share) and a RSU award of CDN$675,000 (399,408 RSUs at a price of CDN$1.69 per Share). These awards
formed Mr. Sheridan’s 2012 long-term incentive package, and the overall value and equity mix was
approved by the HRCC and the Board. Consistent with other Named Executive Officers, the RSU award has
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.
The cash portion of Mr. Sheridan’s total compensation in 2012 was CDN$559,910 (for base salary,
bonus and benefits). The non-cash compensation portion related to the theoretical value of Options and
RSUs at grant received in 2012, but to vest in later years, was CDN$900,000. The total value of Mr.
Sheridan’s nominal compensation in 2012, the sum of the cash and non-cash components, was
CDN$1,459,910. However, in 2012, Mr. Sheridan actually realized $0 for stock options given the share
price and $0 for RSUs given that the RSUs did not vest as the performance vesting requirement was not met.
As such, Mr. Sheridan’s total actual compensation realized in 2012 was $559,910 (vs. the theoretical value
of $1,459,910).
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 2012, each Canadian Named Executive Officer received an RRSP contribution from the
Corporation, equal to 50% of the maximum amount allowable under the Income Tax Act (Canada), based on
the Named Executive Officer making an equivalent personal matching contribution. In 2010, the
Corporation made changes to its overall RRSP program. Starting on January 1, 2010, each executive was
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. This is both a
reduction of 50% in value of the total benefit relative to the program prior to 2010, and also requires a
matching contribution from the executive.
In the United States, Mr. Foulds participated in a similar 401k matching program. Based on personal
contributions from Mr. Foulds, the Corporation made matching contributions up to a value of 10% of his
base salary, subject to annual personal and catch-up contribution limits. These contributions stopped at the
time of Mr. Foulds’ retirement in July 2012.
32
None of the Named Executive Officers currently participates 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. Mr. Foulds retained a frozen retirement
benefit under a previously active Defined Benefits Plan. Upon his retirement in 2012 he commenced receipt
of benefits from this plan.
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
CDN$3,551,045.
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(3) was established requiring the executive officers to acquire a number of Shares,
equal to the lesser of:
(a)
(b)
the number of Shares with a fair market value equal to the executive officer’s annual
base salary; or
35,300 Shares(4).
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:
(c)
the number of Shares that have a fair market value of three times the President and
Chief Executive Officer’s base salary; or
(d)
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.
Executives are not permitted to hedge the market value of the Company securities they hold.
(3)
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.
(4) For executives hired after December 2007 the minimum value is determined by the number of Shares equal to one times the executive’s base
salary divided by the closing share price of the Corporation’s Shares on the TSX on the trading day of the date of hire.
33
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the total cumulative return to a shareholder who invested $100 in our
Shares on December 31, 2007, assuming reinvestment of dividends, with the total cumulative return of $100
on the NASDAQ Composite Index for the last five years.
2007 (Dec 31)
($)
2008 (Dec 31)
($)
2009 (Dec 31)
($)
2010 (Dec 31)
($)
2011 (Dec 31)
($)
2012 (Dec 31)
($)
100
100
21
59
36
86
29
100
21
98
12
114
Ballard
NASDAQ
Composite
Index
Cumulative Value of a $100 Investement
$120
$100
$80
$60
$40
$20
$0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
NASDAQ Composite
Ballard (BLDP)
The trend shown by this graph does not reflect the trend in the Corporation’s compensation to its
Named Executive Officers.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES
The following table summarizes the compensation paid for the fiscal years ended on December 31,
2010, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 to our Named Executive Officers.
34
Name and Principal
Position
John W. Sheridan(1)
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Tony Guglielmin
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Paul Cass
Vice President Operations
William Foulds(2)
Vice President and President,
Ballard Material Products
Christopher J. Guzy
Chief Technical Officer
Year
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
Salary(3)
(CDN$)
530,000
530,000
530,000
310,000
310,000
169,863
265,000
258,671
226,384
141,576
257,352
224,329
310,000
310,000
310,000
Summary Compensation Table
Long-Tern Incentives
Share-Based
Awards(5)
(CDN$)
Option-Based
Awards(6)
(CDN$)
675,000
500,000
250,000
162,000
120,000
140,000
162,000
120,000
120,000
161,174
119,388
119,388
162,000
120,000
120,000
225,000
400,000
250,000
54,000
120,000
176,750
54,000
120,000
120,000
53,724
119,388
119,388
54,000
120,000
120,000
All Other
Compensation(7)
(CDN$)
29,910
Total
Compensation
(CDN$)
1,459,910
31,218
36,669
29,596
28,627
15,194
28,318
32,117
31,311
100,593
52,425
50,978
43,154
44,042
49,499
1,841,218
1,603,294
555,596
746,802
598,706
509,318
682,108
682,915
457,067
715,408
766,581
569,154
728,582
794,799
Bonus(4)
(CDN$)
0
380,000
536,625
0
168,175
96,899
0
151,320
185,220
0
166,855
252,498
0
134,540
195,300
Michael Goldstein departed the Corporation effective March 15, 2012. In 2012 he received total compensation of CDN$562,191 (USD$565,073) reflective of payment for time worked,
and residual notice obligations.
(1) Mr. Sheridan is also a director, but receives no compensation for his service as a director.
(2)
Bill Foulds retired from the Corporation effective July 16, 2012. Mr. Foulds’ compensation was paid in United States dollars. The United
States dollar amounts were converted into Canadian dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange
on December 31, 2012.
(3) Salary of each of the Named Executive Officers was paid in Canadian dollars with the exception of Mr. Foulds, who was paid in United States
dollars (US$142,301, US$258,671, and US$225,479 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively). The United States dollar amounts for 2012 were
US$532,717, US$311,589, US$266,358, and US$311,589 for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. The United States
dollar amounts for 2011 were US$532,717, US$311,589, US$259,997 and US$311,589 for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy,
respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2010 were US$532,717, US$170,734, US$227,544, and US$311,589 for Messrs. Sheridan,
Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. 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, 2012.
(4)
The bonus of each of the Named Executive Officers was paid in Canadian dollars with the exception of Mr. Foulds, who was paid in United
States dollars (US$0, US$167,710, and US$253,792 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively). The United States dollar amounts for 2012 were
US$0, US$0, US$0, and US$0 for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2011 were
US$381,948, US$169,037, US$152,096, and US$135,230 for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. The United States
dollar amounts for 2010 were US$539,376, US$97,396, US$186,170, and US$196,302, for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy,
respectively. 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, 2012.
(5) Represents the total fair market value of RSUs issued to each Named Executive Officer during the 2010, 2011and 2012 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 and NASDAQ on the
date of issuance of the award. Fair value is determined in accordance with IFRS 2 of the International Financial Reporting Standards
(accounting fair value) is recorded as compensation expense in the statement of operations 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.
As noted above, a dollar value is approved for the long term incentive awarded to each executive and approximately 75% of this amount is
awarded in the form of RSUs with the remaining 25% being awarded in the form of Share options in 2012. In 2011, 50% of this amount was
awarded in the form of RSUs with the remaining 50% being awarded in the form of Share options. In 2010, 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
and NASDAQ on the date of issuance). The number of RSUs issued to each Named Executive Officer in respect of the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2010, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:
35
Share-Based Awards
Named Executive
Officer
John W. Sheridan
Tony Guglielmin
Paul Cass
William Foulds(A)
Christopher J. Guzy
Year
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
RSUs
(#)
399,408
238,095
104,167
95,858
57,143
75,676
95,858
57,143
50,000
96,429
55,046
50,420
95,858
57,143
50,000
Fair Market Value
of a Share
(CDN$)(A)
Total
(CDN$)(B)
1.69
2.10
2.40
1.69
2.10
1.85
1.69
2.10
2.40
1.67
2.17
2.37
1.69
2.10
2.40
675,000
500,000
250,000
162,000
120,000
140,000
162,000
120,000
120,000
161,174
119,388
119,388
162,000
120,000
120,000
(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 with the exception of RSUs issued to Mr. Foulds, which have been calculated using the
United States dollar closing price of the Shares underlying the RSUs on the NASDAQ on the date of issuance (US$1.68,
US$2.18, and US$2.38 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively). The total value of share-based awards issued to Mr. Foulds in
United States dollars were US$162,000, US$120,000, and US$120,000 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The United
States dollar amounts were converted to Canadian dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon rate
of exchange on December 31, 2012.
(B) The United States dollar amounts for 2012 were US$678,460, US$162,830, US$162,830, and US$162,830 for Messrs.
Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2011 were US$502,563,
US$120,615, US$120,615, and US$120,615 for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. The United
States dollar amounts for 2010 were US$251,282, US$140,718, US$120,615, and US$120,615 for Messrs. Sheridan,
Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. 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, 2012.
(6) 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. 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 62% and risk free interest rate of 2% for
2012; expected life of 5 years, expected volatility of 64% and risk free interest rate of 3% for 2011; and expected life of 5 years, expected
volatility of 65% and risk free interest rate of 3% for 2010. Accounting fair value is recorded as compensation expense in the statement of
operations 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 IFRS 2 of the International Financial
Reporting Standards (accounting fair value).
As noted above, a dollar value is approved for the long term incentive awarded to each executive and approximately 75% of this amount is
awarded in the form of RSUs with the remaining 25% being awarded in the form of Share options. In 2011, 50% of this amount was awarded in
the form of RSUs with the remaining 50% being awarded in the form of Share options. In 2010, 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, 2010, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:
Named Executive
Officer
John W. Sheridan
Tony Guglielmin
Year
2012
2011
2010
2012
Option-Based Awards
Shares Under
Options
(#)
Black-Scholes Value of Shares
Underlying Options on Date of
Grant
(CDN$/Share)(A)
Fair Market Value
(CDN$))(B)
252,808
344,827
185,185
60,674
0.89
1.16
1.35
0.89
36
225,000
400,000
250,000
54,000
Paul Cass
William Foulds(A)
Christopher J. Guzy
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
103,448
175,000
60,674
103,448
88,888
60,674
100,000
93,750
60,674
103,448
88,888
1.16
1.01
0.89
1.16
1.35
0.89
1.19
1.27
0.89
1.16
1.35
120,000
176,750
54,000
120,000
120,000
53,724
119,388
119,388
54,000
120,000
120,000
(A) The fair market value of a Share has been calculated based on the Black-Scholes valuation model using the Canadian dollar closing
price of the Shares underlying the options on the TSX on the date of issuance, with the exception of options issued to Mr. Foulds,
which have been calculated using the United States dollar closing price of the Shares underlying the options on the NASDAQ on the
date of issuance. The United States dollar amount of the Black-Scholes value of a Share issued to Mr. Foulds’ were US$0.89,
US$1.20, and US$1.28 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, and the total option-based awards issued to Mr. Foulds were
US$54,000, US$120,000, and US$120,000 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The United States dollar amounts were converted
into Canadian dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2012.
(B) The United States dollar amounts for 2012 were US$225,000, US$54,000, US$54,000, and US$54,000 for Messrs. Sheridan,
Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2011 were US$402,050, US$120,615, US$120,615
and US$120,615 for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2010 were
US$251,281, US$177,656, US$120,615, and US$120,615 for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. 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, 2012.
(7) All Other Compensation was paid in Canadian dollars with the exception of Other Compensation for Mr. Foulds, which was paid in United
States dollars (US$101,109, US$52,694, and US$51,239 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively). The United States dollar amounts for 2012
were US$30,064, US$29,747, US$28,463, and US$43,375 for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. The United States
dollar amounts for 2011 were US$31,378, US$28,774, US$32,282 and US$44,268 for Messrs. Sheridan, Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy,
respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2010 were US$36,857, US$15,272, US$31,472, and US$49,753 for Messrs. Sheridan,
Guglielmin, Cass, and Guzy, respectively. The Canadian dollar amounts were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the table
above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2012.
The value of the items included in this amount was based on the aggregate incremental cash cost to the Corporation. All Other Compensation,
including the type and amount of each perquisite, the value of which exceeds 25% of the total value of perquisites reported for a Named
Executive Officer, includes:
Named Executive
Officer
John W. Sheridan
Tony Guglielmin
Paul Cass
William Foulds(A)
Christopher J. Guzy
Year
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
All Other Compensation
Retirement Benefits
(RRSP / 401k /
Defined Benefits)
(CDN$)
11,485
11,225
Insurance Premiums
(CDN$)
2,128
2,021
11,000
11,485
11,225
6,042
11,485
11,225
11,000
14,703
21,888
21,888
11,485
11,225
11,000
1,816
1,041
967
460
1,041
964
839
575
843
1,146
1,041
967
888
Other(B)
(CDN$)
16,297
17,972
23,853
17,070
16,435
8,692
15,792
19,928
19,472
85,315
29,694
27,944
30,628
31,850
37,611
Total
(CDN$)
29,910
31,218
36,669
29,596
28,627
15,194
28,318
32,117
31,311
100,593
52,425
50,978
43,154
44,042
49,499
(A)
The amounts in this table were paid in Canadian dollars with the exception of Mr. Foulds, who was paid in United States
dollars, which were converted into Canadian dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon rate of
exchange on December 31, 2012. The retirement benefits paid for Mr. Foulds were US$14,779, US$22,000, and US$22,000
for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. No defined benefit pension plan benefits were earned in 2012, 2011 and 2010 as the
plan was frozen on December 31, 2009.
The insurance premiums for Mr. Foulds were US$578, US$848, and US$1,152 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The
“other” compensation paid for Mr. Foulds were US$85,753, US$29,846, and US$28,087 for 2012, 2011, and 2010,
respectively. Included in “other” compensation paid for Mr. Foulds are consulting fees of US$31,002 paid after his retirement
in July 2012.
37
(B)
Includes automobile allowances, temporary living and travel allowances, financial planning services and medical and health
benefits.
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS
The following table sets forth all option-based and share-based awards granted to our Named Executive
Officers that are outstanding as of December 31, 2012.
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
(as of December 31, 2012)
Option-Based Awards
Share-Based Awards
Named Executive
Officer
John W. Sheridan
Tony Guglielmin
Paul Cass
William Foulds
Christopher J.
Guzy
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
123,762
177,295
185,185(4)
344,827(5)
252,808(6)
175,000(7)
103,448(8)
60,674(6)
14,000
50,000
88,888(9)
103,448(8)
60,674(6)
16,169
28,469
20,000
25,000
76,500
93,750(10)
100,000(11)
60,6746)
42,553
85,101
88,888(9)
103,448(8)
60,6746)
Option
Exercise
Price(1)
(CDN$)
4.17
1.34
2.40
2.10
1.69
1.80
2.10
1.69
5.08
1.34
2.40
2.10
1.69
6.62
4.97
6.17
6.07
1.00
2.37
2.17
1.67
5.08
1.34
2.40
2.10
1.69
Option
Expiration
Date
May 13, 2015
Mar. 5, 2016
Mar. 12, 2017
Mar. 9, 2018
Feb. 24, 2019
Jun. 14, 2017
Mar. 9, 2018
Feb. 24, 2019
Feb 22, 2015
Mar. 5, 2016
Mar. 12, 2017
Mar. 9, 2018
Feb. 24, 2019
Feb. 23, 2014
Feb. 22, 2015
Mar. 2, 2015
Feb. 24, 2016
Mar. 5, 2016
Mar. 12, 2017
Mar. 9, 2018
Feb. 24, 2019
Feb. 22, 2015
Mar. 5, 2016
Mar. 12, 2017
Mar. 9, 2018
Feb. 24, 2019
Value of
Unexercised
In-The-
Money
Options(2)
(CDN$)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Number of RSUs
That Have Not
Vested
(#)
Market or Payout
Value of RSUs That
Have Not Vested(3)
(CDN$)
592,861
361,645
159,180
97,100
150,620
91,878
149,934
91,142
150,620
91,878
(1) All figures are in Canadian dollars. Where options are exercisable in United States dollars, the exercise price has been converted to Canadian
dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2012.
(2)
(3)
This amount is based on the difference between the closing price of the Shares underlying the options on the TSX and NASDAQ as at December
31, 2012, and the exercise price of the option. For options with an exercise price in United States dollars, the price was converted to Canadian
dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2012. 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, 2012, with the exception of Mr. Foulds, whose unvested RSUs were multiplied by the closing price of the Shares
underlying the RSUs on the NASDAQ as at December 31, 2012 and then converted to Canadian dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using
the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2012. The United States dollar amount was US$91,609 for Mr. Foulds.
Such amounts may not represent the actual value of the RSUs which ultimately vest, as the value of the Shares underlying the RSUs may be of
greater or lesser value and/or the exchange rate may be higher or lower on vesting. However, given that it would be not be feasible for the
Corporation to estimate, with any certainty, the market value of its Shares or the exchange rate on vesting, the Corporation has used the market
value and exchange rate at the end of the most recently completed financial year for the purpose of calculating the amount disclosed.
(4) Comprising 123,456 vested and 61,729 unvested options.
(5) Comprising 114,942 vested and 229,885 unvested options.
38
(6) Unvested options.
(7)
Comprising 116,666 vested and 58,334 unvested options.
(8) Comprising 34,482 vested and 68,966 unvested options.
(9) Comprising 59,258 vested and 29,630 unvested options.
(10) Comprising 62,500 vested and 31,250 unvested options.
(11) Comprising 33,333 vested and 66,667 unvested options.
The following table sets forth the value of the incentive plan awards vested or earned during the year
ended December 31, 2012 by our Named Executive Officers.
Incentive Plan Awards – Value Vested or Earned During the Year
(2012)
Named Executive Officer
John W. Sheridan
Tony Guglielmin
Paul Cass
William Foulds
Christopher J. Guzy
Option-Based Awards –
Value Vested During the
Year(1)
(CDN$)
Share-Based Awards – Value
Vested During the Year(2)
(CDN$)
Non-equity incentive plan
compensation – Value earned
during the year
(CDN$)
1,773
0
500
9,460
851
0
25,982
0
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 TSX on the vesting date and
the exercise price of the options on the vesting date, with the exception of Mr. Foulds’ vested options, which were determined by calculating the
difference between the market price of the underlying Shares on the NASDAQ on the vesting date and the exercise price of the options on the
vesting date, which were then converted to Canadian dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange
on December 31, 2012. Where the difference is a negative number the value is deemed to be 0. The United States dollar amount was US$9,508
for Mr. Foulds.
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 TSX on the vesting date, with the exception of Mr. Foulds’ vested RSUs, which were determined by multiplying the number of
Shares by the market value of the underlying Shares on the NASDAQ on the vesting date, which were then converted to Canadian dollars for the
purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2012.
The number of options vesting to Named Executive Officers under the Option Plan during the most recently
completed financial year is 593,590.
As noted in the Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards table, as at December 31, 2012,
there were 1,203,215 RSUs awarded to Named Executive Officers that were still unvested. The performance
criteria for each of these RSUs will be determined by the Board at the appropriate time, and they are set to
vest (subject to the terms of the Consolidated Share Distribution Plan or Market Purchase RSU Plan) as
follows:
Named Executive Officer
Number of RSUs That Have Not Vested
Vesting Date
John W. Sheridan
Tony Guglielmin
Paul Cass
133,136
79,365
34,723
133,136
79,365
133,136
31,953
19,048
25,226
31,953
19,048
31,952
31,953
19,048
16,666
31,953
19,048
39
February 23, 2013
March 8, 2013
March 10, 2013
February 23, 2014
March 7, 2014
February 22, 2015
February 23, 2013
March 8, 2013
June 14, 2013
February 23, 2014
March 7, 2014
February 22, 2015
February 23, 2013
March 8, 2013
March 10, 2013
February 23, 2014
March 7, 2014
Named Executive Officer
Number of RSUs That Have Not Vested
William Foulds
Christopher J. Guzy
31,952
32,143
18,349
16,807
32,143
18,349
32,143
31,953
19,048
16,666
31,953
19,048
31,952
Vesting Date
February 22, 2015
February 23, 2013
March 8, 2013
March 10, 2013
February 23, 2014
March 7, 2014
February 22, 2015
February 23, 2013
March 8, 2013
March 10, 2013
February 23, 2014
March 7, 2014
February 22, 2015
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. Mr. Foulds retains a frozen retirement benefit under a previously active Defined Benefits Plan.
Upon his retirement Mr. Foulds commenced collecting a benefit from this plan.
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(5) to each of our Named Executive Officers under their employment agreements for
2012 was as follows: Mr. Sheridan received C$530,000, Mr. Guglielmin received C$310,000, Dr. Guzy
received C$310,000, Mr. Cass received C$265,000 and Mr. Foulds received C$141,576. Upon his
retirement, Mr Foulds stopped receipt of his executive salary, but did receive an additional C$30,844 in fees
related to a limited consulting agreement for the 2nd half of the year, which is included in “All Other
Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table.
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)
a person or persons acting in concert acquires at least one-half of Ballard’s shares;
(5)
All figures are in Canadian dollars. However, Mr. Foulds is compensated in US dollars and for the purpose of this disclosure
his amounts were converted into Canadian dollars using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2012.
40
(b)
(c)
(d)
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.
In addition, the CEO’s employment agreement includes an additional element in a Change of
Control situation, whereby the 2nd trigger can be initiated should he no longer be included on
the slate of directors in the annual Management Proxy Circular.
Equity-Based Compensation Plans
The Option Plan provides that, if a participant ceases to be an employee of Ballard or its subsidiaries
(other than by reason of death/disability or being retired), 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 on the last
day on which the participant works for Ballard or any of its subsidiaries (other than by reason of
death/disability or being retired).
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)
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
(e)
any other transaction, a consequence of which is to privatize Ballard is approved by
Ballard security holders 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
41
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, 2012, the
amount such person would have been entitled to if a change of control occurred on December 31, 2012 and
the amount such person would have been entitled to receive on the termination of his employment, without
just cause, on December 31, 2012 if that termination occurred following a change in control.
Named Executive Officer
Termination of Employment (2)
(CDN$)(1)
Change of Control (3)
(CDN$)(1)
Termination of Employment
following Change of Control
(CDN$)(1)
Triggering Event
John W. Sheridan
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Tony Guglielmin
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Christopher J. Guzy
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Paul Cass
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
$1,431,000
$68,840
$0
$1,499,840
$578,667
$50,519
$0
$629,186
$785,333
$91,769
$0
$877,102
$494,667
$91,125
$0
$585,792
$0
$0
$361,645
$361,645
$0
$0
$97,098
$97,098
$0
$0
$91,878
$91,878
$0
$0
$91,878
$91,878
$1,908,000
$116,786
$0
$2,024,786
$992,000
$111,604
$0
$1,103,604
$992,000
$142,434
$0
$1,134,434
$848,000
$181,214
$0
$1,029,214
(1) All values are in Canadian dollars.
(2) Based on accrued service to December 31, 2012.
(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, 2012 multiplied by the number of RSUs,. There is no value attributable to options.
42
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. Directors have not been issued any stock options 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
2011, the committee retained Towers Watson to provide independent compensation analysis and advice
related to director compensation. Based on Towers Watson’s report in December 2011, which utilized the
same comparator group of companies as those used for the Executive Compensation benchmarking study, the
compensation provided to directors is slightly lower than the 50% mark. In 2009, in support of the
Corporation's cost reduction initiatives, on the recommendation of the Committee, the Board decided to
reduce the retainer fees for both the Chair and other Board members. The Board Chair also voluntarily
decided to forego meeting fees for Board meetings, effectively making his annual retainer an 'all-in' fee.
Effective June 1, 2012, based on the Towers Watson report the Board raised its retainer fees to better
approximate the median of the market comparators, raising the annual Board chair retainer from $138,000 to
$140,000; the annual Board retainers for other directors from $40,000 to $65,000; and annual retainers for
Committee Chairs will be normalised at $10,000. At the same time, the use of DSUs as partial compensation
for Board and committee retainers was reinstituted.
The Board sets annual focus priorities and reviews its performance against those priorities.
In 2012, compensation was earned by the directors as follows(1):
Name
Ian A. Bourne
Douglas P. Hayhurst
Edwin J. Kilroy
Dr. C.S. Park
David J. Smith
Carol M. Stephenson
David B. Sutcliffe
Mark A. Suwyn
Douglas W.G. Whitehead
Fees Earned
(CDN$)(2)
139,167
70,917
106,133
75,646
36,900
52,834
89,783
27,725
26,517
(1) All figures are in Canadian dollars. However, the compensation paid to Dr. Park and Mr. Suwyn were actually paid in United States dollars.
The United States dollar amounts were US$76,033 and US$27,867 for Dr. Park and Mr. Suwyn, respectively. The United States dollar amounts
were converted into Canadian dollars for the purpose of the table above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2012.
(2) Represents the aggregate retainers and attendance fees paid:
Director
Ian A. Bourne
Douglas P. Hayhurst
Edwin J. Kilroy
Dr. C.S. Park
David J. Smith
Compensation
Board Retainer
(CDN$)
Committee Retainer
(CDN$)
Board and Committee
Attendance Fees
(CDN$)
Total Compensation
(CDN$)
139,167
37,917
54,583
54,305
22,083
N/A
0
11,250
1,244
2,917
43
N/A
33,000
40,300
20,097
11,900
139,167
70,917
106,133
75,646
36,900
Carol M. Stephenson
David B. Sutcliffe
Mark A. Suwyn
Douglas W.G. Whitehead
37,917
54,583
16,582
16,667
2,917
10,000
1,492
1,250
12,000
25,200
9,651
8,600
52,834
89,783
27,725
26,517
All figures are in Canadian dollars. However, the compensation paid to Dr. Park and Mr. Suwyn were actually paid in United States dollars and
converted into Canadian dollars for the purpose of the table above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 31, 2012. The
United States dollar amounts in respect of Board Retainer were US$54,583 and US$16,667 for Dr. Park and Mr. Suwyn, respectively. The
United States dollar amounts in respect of Committee Retainer were US$1,250 and US$1,500 for Dr. Park and Mr. Suwyn, respectively. The
United States dollar amounts in respect of Board and Committee Attendance Fees were US$20,200 and US$9,700 for Dr. Park and Mr. Suwyn,
respectively.
We remunerate directors who are not executive officers for services to the Board, committee
participation and special assignments. The following table describes the compensation of independent
directors effective June 1, 2012(1):
Annual Retainer (Non-Executive Chair of the Board)
Annual Retainer (Director)
Annual Retainer (Committee Chairs)
Committee Meeting Attendance Fee (per meeting)
Board Meeting Attendance Fee (per meeting)
C$(1)
$140,000
$60,000
$10,000
$1,500
$1,500
(1)
The majority of compensation is paid in Canadian dollars. However, Dr. Park’s compensation is payable in United States dollars and he
received the following amounts:
Annual Retainer (Director)
Committee Meeting Attendance Fee (per meeting)
Board Meeting Attendance Fee (per meeting)
US$60,000
US$1,500
US$1,500
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.
Commencing on June 1, 2012, the mix of cash and compensation was adjusted, such that the Chair
now receives 50% cash and 50% DSUs for his annual retainer, with the other directors receiving Committee
Chair fees 100% in DSUs and annual retainer fees in a cash/DSU mix (approx. 40%/60%).
Directors are entitled to participate in the deferred share unit section for directors (the "DSU Plan
for Directors") in the SDP. Each DSU is convertible into one Share. The number of DSUs to be credited to
a Director is determined quarterly 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
44
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 are credited to an
account maintained for each eligible person by Ballard at the time specified by the Board (DSUs are 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 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, 2012.
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
(as of December 31, 2012)
Option-Based Awards
Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#)
Option Exercise Price(1)
(CDN$)
Option Expiration Date
Value of Unexercised
In-The-Money
Options(2)
(CDN$)
0
0
0
0
0
0
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
(cid:2)
Name
Ian A. Bourne
Edwin J. Kilroy
Dr. C.S. Park
Doug Hayhurst
David B. Sutcliffe
Carol Stephenson
(1) All figures are in Canadian dollars.
(2)
This amount is based on the difference between the closing price of the Shares underlying the options on the TSX as at December 31, 2012, and
the exercise price of the option. Where the difference is a negative number the value is deemed to be 0.
No incentive plan awards vested for, or were earned by, our Directors during the year ended
December 31, 2012.
Directors are not permitted to hedge the market value of the Company securities they hold.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table sets out, as of December 31, 2012, the number of securities we are authorized to
issue under our equity-based compensation plans and the relevant exercise prices at which such securities
may be issued.
Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights (#)
(a)
Weighted -Average Exercise
Price of Outstanding
Options, Warrants and
Rights (CDN$)
(b)
Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance
Under Equity Compensation
Plans excluding securities
reflected in column (a)
(c)
8,310,038 (1)
Nil
8,310,038
2.66
N/A
2.66
870,109
N/A
870,109
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.
45
For a detailed description of our equity-based compensation plans, see Appendix "D" and "E" of this
Management Proxy Circular.
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 10, 2013, 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
insurance program was approximately US$245,000 for 2012 and US$245,000 for 2011. 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$0 to US$200,000 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:3) Annual Information Form dated March 15, 2013;
(cid:3) Audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 together with the
auditors’ report thereon; and
(cid:3) Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2012.
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 2014 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:3) must be received by us no later than January 9, 2014; and
(cid:3) must comply with the requirements of section 137 of the Canada Business Corporations Act.
46
We are not obligated to include any shareholder proposal in our proxy materials for the 2014 annual
shareholders’ meeting if the proposal is received after the January 9, 2014 deadline.
Our Board has approved the contents and the sending of this Management Proxy Circular to the
APPROVAL BY THE BOARD
shareholders of the Corporation.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
"Kerry Hillier"
Kerry Hillier
Corporate Secretary
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Dated: April 10, 2013
47
In this Management Proxy Circular:
DEFINED TERMS
"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.
“CBCA” means the Canadian Business Corporations Act.
“Equity-based Compensation Plans” means the Option Plan and the SDP.
"DSU" means deferred share unit.
"$" or "dollars" refer to United States currency unless specifically stated otherwise.
"Meeting" means the 2012 annual meeting of our Registered Shareholders and includes any adjournment
thereof, unless otherwise indicated.
"NASDAQ" means the NASDAQ Global Market.
“Option Plan” means the Corporation’s consolidated share option plan, the principal terms of which are set
out in Appendix "D".
"Record Date" means 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on April 10, 2013.
"Registered Shareholders" means registered holders of our Shares on the Record Date.
"RSU" means restricted share unit.
“SDP” means the Corporation’s consolidated share distribution plan, the principal terms of which are set out
in Appendix "E".
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
"Shares" means common shares without par value in the capital of Ballard.
"TSX" means the Toronto Stock Exchange.
"US$" refers to United States currency.
48
APPENDIX "A"
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SHARE CONSOLIDATION
RESOLVED, AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION THAT:
1.
The Corporation is hereby authorized to amend its articles of incorporation to provide that:
A. the authorized capital of the Corporation is altered by consolidating all of the issued and
outstanding common shares of the Corporation without par value on the basis of a
consolidation ratio to be selected by the Corporation’s Board of Directors, in its sole
discretion, provided that:
i. the ratio may be no smaller than one post-consolidation share for every three pre-
consolidation shares and no larger than one post-consolidation share for every seven
pre-consolidation shares, and
ii. the number of pre-consolidation shares in the ratio must be a whole number of
shares;
B. if the consolidation would otherwise result in the issuance of a fractional share, no fractional
share will be issued and such fraction will be rounded down to the nearest whole number;
and
C. the effective date of such consolidation will be the date shown in the certificate of
amendment issued by the Director under the Canadian Business Corporations Act or such
other date indicated on the articles of amendment provided that, in any event, such date will
be prior to June 4, 2014.
2.
3.
Any director or officer of the Corporation is hereby authorized to do all such acts and execute
and deliver all such documents as may be necessary to give effect to this special resolution,
including, without limitation, the determination of the effective date of the consolidation and the
delivery of articles of amendment in the prescribed form to the Director appointed underthe
Canadian Business Corporations Act, the execution of any document or the doing of any such
other act or thing being conclusive evidence of such determination.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the directors of the Corporation are hereby authorized, without
further approval of or notice to the shareholders of the Corporation, to revoke this special
resolution at any time before a certificate of amendment is issued by the Director.
A-1
(This page intentionally left blank.)
APPENDIX "B"
BY-LAW NO. 2
ADVANCE NOTICE BY-LAW
(ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON MARCH 15, 2013)
Article 1
NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS
Section 1.1 Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set out in this Section
1.1 shall be eligible for election as directors to the board of directors (the "Board") of the Corporation.
Nominations of persons for election to the Board may only be made at an annual meeting of shareholders,
or at a special meeting of shareholders called for any purpose which includes the election of directors to the
Board, as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
by or at the direction of the Board or an authorized officer of the Corporation, including
pursuant to a notice of meeting;
by or at the direction or request of one or more shareholders pursuant to a proposal made in
accordance with the provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "Act") or a
requisition of shareholders made in accordance with the provisions of the Act; or
by any person entitled to vote at such meeting (a "Nominating Shareholder"), who: (A) is,
at the close of business on the date of giving notice provided for in Section 1.3 below and
on the record date for notice of such meeting, either entered in the securities register of the
Corporation as a holder of one or more shares carrying the right to vote at such meeting or
who beneficially owns shares that are entitled to be voted at such meeting; and (B) has
given timely notice in proper written form as set forth in this Section 1.1.
Section 1.2
For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing Section 1.1 shall be the exclusive means for any
person to bring nominations for election to the Board before any annual or special meeting of shareholders
of the Corporation.
Section 1.3
For a nomination made by a Nominating Shareholder to be timely notice (a "Timely
Notice"), the Nominating Shareholder's notice must be received by the corporate secretary of the
Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation:
(a)
(b)
in the case of an annual meeting of shareholders, not later than the close of business on the
30th day and not earlier than the opening of business on the 65th day before the date of the
meeting: provided, however, if the first public announcement made by the Corporation of
the date of the annual meeting is less than 50 days prior to the meeting date, not later than
the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which the first public
announcement of the date of such annual meeting is made by the Corporation; and
in the case of a special meeting (which is not also an annual meeting) of shareholders called
for any purpose which includes the election of directors to the Board, not later than the
close of business on the 15th day following the day on which the first public announcement
of the date of the special meeting is made by the Corporation.
B-1
Section 1.4
The time periods for giving of a Timely Notice shall in all cases be determined based on the
original date of the annual meeting or the first public announcement of the annual or special meeting, as
applicable. In no event shall an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or special meeting of
shareholders or any announcement thereof commence a new time period for the giving of a Timely Notice.
Section 1.5
must comply with all the provisions of this Section 1.5 and:
To be in proper written form, a Nominating Shareholder's notice to the corporate secretary
(a)
disclose or include, as applicable, as to each person whom the Nominating Shareholder
proposes to nominate for election as a director (a "Proposed Nominee"):
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
their name, age, business and residential address, principal occupation or
employment for the past five years, status as a "resident Canadian" (as such term is
defined in the Act);
their direct or indirect beneficial ownership in, or control or direction over, any class
or series of securities of the Corporation, including the number or principal amount
and the date (s) on which such securities were acquired;
any relationships, agreements or arrangements, including financial, compensation
and indemnity related relationships, agreements or arrangements, between the
Proposed Nominee or any affiliates or associates of, or any person or entity acting
jointly or in concert with, the Proposed Nominee or the Nominating Shareholder;
any other information that would be required to be disclosed in a dissident proxy
circular or other filings required to be made in connection with the solicitation of
proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Act or applicable securities law; and
a duly completed personal information form in respect of the Proposed Nominee in
the form prescribed by the principal stock exchange on which the securities of the
Corporation are then listed for trading; and
(b)
disclose or include, as applicable, as to each Nominating Shareholder giving the notice and
each beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
their name, business and residential address, direct or indirect beneficial ownership
in, or control or direction over, any class or series of securities of the Corporation,
including the number or principal amount and the date(s) on which such securities
were acquired;
their interests in, or rights or obligations associated with, an agreement, arrangement
or understanding, the purpose or effect of which is to alter, directly or indirectly, the
person's economic interest in a security of the Corporation or the person's economic
exposure to the Corporation;
any proxy, contract, arrangement, agreement or understanding pursuant to which
such person, or any of its affiliates or associates, or any person acting jointly or in
concert with such person, has any interests, rights or obligations relating to the
voting of any securities of the Corporation or the nomination of directors to the
Board;
(iv)
any direct or indirect interest of such person in any contract with the Corporation or
with any of the Corporation's affiliates or principal competitors;
B-2
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
a representation that the Nominating Shareholder is a holder of record of securities
of the Corporation, or a beneficial owner, entitled to vote at such meeting, and
intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such nomination;
a representation as to whether such person intends to deliver a proxy circular and/or
form of proxy to any shareholder of the Corporation in connection with such
nomination or otherwise solicit proxies or votes from shareholders of the
Corporation in support of such nomination; and
any other information relating to such person that would be required to be included
in a dissident proxy circular or other filings required to be made in connection with
solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Act or as required by
applicable securities law; and
(c)
be accompanied by a written consent duly signed by each Proposed Nominee to being
named as a nominee and to serve as a director of the Corporation, if elected.
Section 1.6 Despite any other provision in the by-laws of the corporation relating to giving of notice, any
notice, or other document or information required to be given to the corporate secretary pursuant to this
Section 1.6 may only be given by personal delivery, facsimile transmission or by email (at such email
address as may be stipulated from time to time by the corporate secretary for purposes of this notice), and
shall be deemed to have been given and made only at the time it is served by personal delivery to the
corporate secretary at the address of the principal executive offices of the Corporation, email (at the address
as aforesaid) or sent by facsimile transmission (provided that receipt of confirmation of such transmission
has been received); provided that if such delivery or electronic communication is made on a day which is a
not a business day or later than 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on a day which is a business day, then such
delivery or electronic communication shall be deemed to have been made on the next following day that is a
business day.
Section 1.7 Additional Matters
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
The chair of any meeting of shareholders of the Corporation shall have the power to
determine whether any proposed nomination is made in accordance with the provisions of
this Section, and if any proposed nomination is not in compliance with such provisions, must
declare that such defective nomination shall not be considered at any meeting of
shareholders.
Despite any other provision of this Section, if the Nominating Shareholder (or a qualified
representative of the shareholder) does not appear at the meeting of shareholders of the
Corporation
the nomination, such nomination shall be disregarded,
notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nomination may have been received by the
Corporation.
to present
Nothing in this Section shall obligate the Corporation or the Board to include in any proxy
statement or other shareholder communication distributed by or on behalf of the Corporation
or Board any information with respect to any proposed nomination or any Nominating
Shareholder or Proposed Nominee.
The Board may, in its sole discretion, waive any requirement of this Section.
For the purposes of this Section "public announcement" means disclosure in a press release
disseminated by the Corporation through a national news service in Canada, or in a
document filed by the Corporation for public access under its profile on the System of
Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at www.sedar.com.
B-3
Article 2
ANNUAL OR SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Section 2.1 No business may be transacted at an annual or special meeting of shareholders other than
business that is either (i) specified in the Corporation's notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given
by or at the direction of the Board, (ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction
of the Board, or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by any shareholder of the Corporation
who complies with the proposal procedures set forth in Section 2.2 below.
Section 2.2
For business to be properly brought before a meeting by a shareholder of the Corporation,
such shareholder must submit a proposal to the Corporation for inclusion in the Corporation's management
proxy circular in accordance with the requirements of the Act; provided that any proposal that includes
nominations for the election of directors shall also comply with the requirements of Article 1.
B-4
APPENDIX "C"
BOARD MANDATE
PURPOSE
The board of directors (the "Board") is responsible for the overall corporate governance of the Corporation.
It oversees and directs the management of the Corporation’s business and affairs. In doing so, it must act
honestly, in good faith, and in the best interests of the Corporation. The Board guides the Corporation’s
strategic direction, evaluates the performance of the Corporation’s executive officers, monitors the
Corporation’s financial results, and is ultimately accountable to the Corporation’s shareholders, employees,
customers, suppliers, and regulators. Board members are kept informed of the Corporation’s operations at
meetings of the Board and its committees, and through reports and analyses by, and discussions with,
management. The Board manages the delegation of decision-making authority to management through
Board resolutions under which management is given authority to transact business, but only within specific
limits and restrictions. In this Mandate, the "Corporation" means Ballard Power Systems Inc. and a
"director" means a Board member.
COMPOSITION
A. As stated in the Articles of the Corporation, the Board will be composed of no fewer than five and no
more than fifteen directors.
B. The Board will have a majority of independent directors.
C. The Board will appoint its own Chair.
MEETINGS
D. Meetings of the Board will be held as required, but at least four times a year.
E. The Board will appoint its own Secretary, who need not be a director. The Secretary, in conjunction
with the Chair of the Board, will draw up an agenda, which will be circulated in advance to the
members of the Board along with the materials for the meeting. The Secretary will be responsible
for taking and keeping the Board’s meeting minutes.
F. As set out in the By-laws of the Corporation, meetings will be chaired by the Chair of the Board, or
if the Chair is absent, by a member chosen by the Board from among themselves.
G. If all directors consent, and proper notice has been given or waived, a director or directors may
participate in a meeting of the Board by means of such telephonic, electronic or other
communication facilities as permit all persons participating in the meeting to communicate
adequately with each other, and a director participating in such a meeting by any such means is
deemed to be present at that meeting.
H. The Board will conduct an in-camera session excluding management at the end of each Board
meeting.
I. A majority of directors constitute a quorum.
J. All decisions made by the Board may be made at a Board meeting or evidenced in writing and
signed by all Board members, which will be fully effective as if it had been made or passed at a
Board meeting.
C-1
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
K. Selection of Management
The Board is responsible for appointing the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), for monitoring and
evaluating the CEO’s performance, and approving the CEO’s compensation. Upon recommendation
of the CEO and the Human Resources & Compensation Committee, the Board is also responsible for
appointing all officers. The Board also ensures that adequate plans are in place for management
development and succession and conducts an annual review of such plans.
L. Corporate Strategy
The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the Corporation’s corporate mission statement
and corporate strategy on a yearly basis, as well as determining the goals and objectives to achieve
and implement the corporate strategy, while taking into account, among other things, the
opportunities and risks of the business. Each year, the Board meets for a strategic planning session
to set the plans for the upcoming year. In addition to the general management of the business, the
Board expects management to achieve the corporate goals set by the Board, and the Board monitors
throughout the year the progress made against these goals.
In addition, the Board approves key transactions, which have strategic impact to the Corporation,
such as acquisitions, key collaborations, key supply arrangements, and strategic alliances. Through
the delegation of signing authorities, the Board is responsible for setting out the types of transactions
that require approval of the Board before completion.
M. Fiscal Management and Reporting
The Board monitors the financial performance of the Corporation and must ensure that the financial
results are reported: (a) to shareholders and regulators on a timely and regular basis; and (b) fairly
and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Board must also ensure that
all material developments of the Corporation are disclosed to the public on a timely basis in
accordance with applicable securities regulations. In the spring of each year, the Board reviews and
approves the Annual Report, which is sent to shareholders of the Corporation and describes the
achievements and performance of the Corporation for the preceding year.
N. Legal Compliance
The Board is responsible for overseeing compliance with all relevant policies and procedures by
which the Corporation operates and ensuring that the Corporation operates at all times in compliance
with all applicable laws and regulations, and to the highest ethical and moral standards.
O. Statutory Requirements
The Board is responsible for approving all matters, which require Board approval as prescribed by
applicable statutes and regulations, such as payment of dividends and issuances of shares.
Management ensures that such matters are brought to the attention of the Board as they arise.
P. Formal Board Evaluation
The Board, through a process led by the Corporate Governance Committee, conducts an annual
evaluation and review of the performance of the Board, Board committees, and the Chair of the
Board. The Corporate Governance Committee reviews the results of such evaluation and together
with the Chair of the Board, discusses potential ways to improve Board effectiveness. The Corporate
Governance Committee discusses the results of the evaluation and the recommended improvements
C-2
with the full Board. The Board also sets annual effectiveness goals and tracks performance against
those goals. In addition, each individual director’s performance is evaluated and reviewed regularly.
Q. Risk Management
The Board is responsible for identifying the Corporation’s principal risks and ensuring the
implementation of appropriate systems to manage these risks. The Board is also responsible for the
integrity of the Corporation’s internal controls and management information systems.
R. External Communications
The Board is responsible for overseeing the establishment, maintenance and annual review of the
Corporation’s external communications policies which address how the Corporation interacts with
analysts and the public and which also contain measures for the Corporation to avoid selective
disclosure. The Board is responsible for establishing a process for receiving shareholder feedback.
This is achieved through a semi-annual presentation of an investor relations report, which contains a
summary of the feedback and common enquiries received from shareholders, as well as a Board e-
mail address, which has been set up for the public to submit messages to the Board.
C-3
(This page intentionally left blank.)
APPENDIX "D"
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 10, 2013, the total number of Shares issued and reserved and authorized for issue under
the Option Plan was 7,437,971 Shares, representing 7.5% of the issued and outstanding Shares as of April
10, 2013.
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)
the expiration date as determined by the Board, which date will not be more than 10
years from the date of grant; and
D-1
(b)
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:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
because of his or her death, for one year after the optionee dies;
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.
Similarly, if an optionee becomes "retired" (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,
D-2
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
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;
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
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.
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.
D-3
(This page intentionally left blank.)
APPENDIX "E"
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
E-1
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,
(a)
(b)
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; and
if the participant is retired, the vesting of RSUs will continue on the same terms as
they would have had the participant continued to be an officer or employee of
Ballard.
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 10, 2013, the total number of Shares issued and reserved and authorized for issue under
the SDP was 1,196,069 Shares, representing 1.2% of the issued and outstanding Shares as of April 10, 2013.
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:
E-2
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
a change in the number or percentage of Shares reserved for issuance under
the plan;
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.
E-3
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Ballard Power
Systems Inc. (“Ballard”, “the Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is prepared as at February 20,
2013 and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements
and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2012. The results reported
herein are presented in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated and have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Additional
information relating to the Company, including our Annual Information Form, are filed with
Canadian (www.sedar.com) and U.S. securities regulatory authorities (www.sec.gov) and
are also available on our website at www.ballard.com.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
At Ballard, we are building 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 (backup power and distributed generation) markets. We also
provide engineering services for a variety of fuel cell applications.
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. 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. Embedded in each Ballard PEM
fuel cell product lies a stack of unit cells designed with our proprietary esenciaTM technology
which draws on intellectual property from our patent portfolio together with our extensive
experience in key areas of fuel cell stack operation, system integration, and fuel
processing.
We provide our customers with the positive economic and environmental benefits unique to
fuel cell power. We plan to build value for our shareholders by developing, manufacturing,
selling and servicing industry-leading fuel cell products to meet the needs of our customers
in select target markets. Our focus is on leveraging the inherent reliability and durability
derived from our legacy automotive technology into non-automotive markets where
demand is near term and on our core competencies of PEM fuel cell design, development,
manufacture, sales and service.
Our business strategy is to establish a sharp focus on key growth opportunities with near-
term commercial prospects in our core fuel cell markets, enhanced by our engineering
services operating unit to leverage our expertise in fuel cell design, prototyping,
manufacturing and servicing. To support our business strategy and our capability to
execute on our clean energy growth priorities, we have also focused our efforts on both
product cost reduction and managing our operating expense base including overall expense
reductions, the pursuit of government funding for our research and product development
efforts, and the redirection of engineering resources to revenue bearing engineering service
projects.
We are based in Canada, with head office, research and development, testing and
manufacturing facilities in Burnaby, British Columbia. We also utilize a manufacturing
Page 1 of 38
facility in Tijuana, Mexico (as of January 1, 2013), research and development facilities in
Oregon and Maryland, and sales, manufacturing, and research and development facilities in
Hobro, Denmark and Lowell, Massachusetts (disposed of on January 31, 2013).
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On January 31, 2013, we completed an agreement to sell substantially all of the assets in
our Lowell, Massachusetts based Material Products division for gross cash proceeds of
$10.5 million and additional potential proceeds of up to $1.5 million. The additional
proceeds of up to $1.5 million are payable in 2014 and 2015 (through a GDL product
credit) if the former Material Products division attains certain financial results in 2013. As
we were committed to the disposition of the Material Products segment as of December 31,
2012, the Material Products segment has been classified as a discontinued operation in our
2012 consolidated financial statements. As such, the assets of the Material Products
segment have been classified as “assets held for sale” and have been measured at the
lower of (i) carrying amount and (ii) fair value less costs to sell. Furthermore, the annual
operating results of the Material Products segment for both 2012 and 2011 have been
removed from continuing operating results and are instead presented separately in the
statement of comprehensive income as income from discontinued operations.
On August 1, 2012 (announced on July 24, 2012), we completed an agreement to acquire
key assets and product lines from IdaTech LLC (“Idatech”), a customer of Ballard for the
past several years. In exchange for $7.5 million of Ballard shares issued from treasury (7.1
million Ballard shares valued at $1.05 per share based on our share price as of the
acquisition date), we acquired Idatech’s key assets including fuel cell systems inventory,
prepaid rights to inventory, product lines for backup power applications, distributor and
customer relationships, a license to intellectual property, the right to assume control of a
manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Mexico, and certain property, plant and equipment.
Acquired fuel cell systems inventory, prepaid rights to inventory, product lines and
intellectual property consist of both direct hydrogen units as well as methanol fuelled units
and are designed for deployment as emergency backup power in the networks of wireless
telecom service providers. The methanol systems incorporate a fuel reformer to extract
hydrogen from a mixture of methanol and water which is then used as feedstock for the
fuel cells.
In July 2012, we completed a 7% workforce reduction and an overall curtailment of
discretionary spending designed to have a minimal impact on key product development
initiatives and our manufacturing capabilities. Total restructuring and related costs of $1.6
million has been recorded in general and administration expense in our third quarter of
2012 financial results.
In June 2011, we obtained an $7.0 million Canadian (revised to $7.3 million Canadian in
December 2012) award agreement from Sustainable Development Technology Canada
(“SDTC”) for the period from 2011 to 2013 (extended to 2014) to be used to extend the
operating life and lower the product cost of FCgen™-1300, the fuel cell product that powers
Ballard’s CLEARgen™ distributed generation system. This award is in addition to a $4.8
million Canadian (revised to $6.9 million Canadian in June 2012) award agreement from
SDTC announced in 2010 for the period from 2010 to 2012 (extended to November 2013)
to be used to further develop fuel cell power module technology for the transit bus market.
These awards are recorded primarily as a cost offset against our research and product
development expenses as the expenses are incurred on these programs.
Page 2 of 38
In March 2011, we completed a sub-lease agreement with Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
(“MBC”) for the rental of 21,000 square feet of previously used consolidated production
space in our specialized fuel cell manufacturing facility located in Burnaby, British
Columbia. This sub-lease is effective from August 1, 2011 until July 31, 2019 and is
expected to result in annual savings of approximately $1 million in real estate and related
overhead costs.
OPERATING SEGMENTS
We report our results in the following operating segments:
1. Fuel Cell Products: fuel cell products and services for motive power (material handling
and bus markets) and stationary power (backup power and distributed generation markets)
applications, and engineering services for a variety of fuel cell applications; and
2. Contract Automotive: contract manufacturing services (consisting of light-duty
automotive FCvelocity 1100 fuel cell products) provided primarily for Daimler AG’s
(“Daimler”) Hyway 2/3 programs. With the completion of our manufacturing supply
agreement with Daimler in October 2011, this segment ceased to be an ongoing operating
segment as of the fourth quarter of 2011 and is now presented for comparative purposes
only.
3. Material Products (Discontinued Operation): carbon fiber products primarily for
automotive transmissions and gas diffusion layers (“GDLs”) for fuel cells. As a result of the
disposition of this segment on January 31, 2013, the Material Products segment has been
classified as a discontinued operation as of December 31, 2012.
Page 3 of 38
SELECTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Results of Operations
Year ended,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share
amounts and gross margin %)
From continuing operations
Revenues
Gross margin
Gross margin %
Cash Operating Costs (1)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
Normalized Net Loss (1)
Normalized Net Loss per share
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Ballard
Net loss per share attributable to Ballard, basic and diluted
From discontinued operations
Revenues
Gross margin
Gross margin %
Cash Operating Costs (1)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Total
Revenues
Gross margin
Gross margin %
Cash Operating Costs (1)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
Net loss attributable to Ballard
Net loss per share attributable to Ballard, basic and diluted
Financial Position
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Assets from continuing operations
Assets from discontinued operations
Total assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Bank operating line
2012
2011
2010
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
43,690
7,369
17%
30,301
(22,076)
(31,500)
(0.36)
(42,070)
(0.48)
15,540
4,381
28%
1,889
3,580
(65)
59,230
11,750
20%
32,190
(18,496)
(42,135)
(0.48)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
55,773
7,279
13%
36,969
(27,913)
(35,448)
$
$
$
$
$
44,055
1,670
4%
40,258
(34,011)
(45,723)
(0.42)
$ (0.54)
(37,175)
(0.44)
20,236
6,606
33%
2,333
5,618
3,755
76,009
13,885
18%
39,302
(22,295)
(33,420)
(0.40)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(37,691)
(0.45)
20,964
8,462
40%
1,820
7,848
6,159
65,019
10,132
16%
42,078
(26,163)
(31,532)
(0.37)
At December 31,
2012
2011
2010
116,749
$ 165,290
10,798
$
-
$
$
190,027
-
127,547
$ 165,290
$ 190,027
9,770
12,068
(9,358)
$
$
$
20,316
25,878
(4,587)
$
$
$
51,937
22,508
-
Net cash reserves
$
1 Cash Operating Costs, Adjusted EBITDA, Normalized Net Loss and Normalized Net Loss per share are non-GAAP measures. We use certain Non-GAAP
measures to assist in assessing our financial performance. 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. See reconciliation to GAAP in the Supplemental Non-GAAP
Measures section.
12,480
41,607
74,445
$
$
Page 4 of 38
2012 Performance compared to 2012 Revised Business Outlook
• Revenues from continuing and discontinued operations in 2012 of $59.2 million, was
consistent with our revised outlook from October 9, 2012 of revenues in 2012 of
approximately $60 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA from continuing and discontinued operations in 2012 of ($18.5)
million, was consistent with our revised outlook from October 9, 2012 of Adjusted
EBITDA in 2012 of approximately ($18) million.
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS – Fourth Quarter of 2012
Revenue and gross margin (from continuing operations)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2012
2011
$ Change
% Change
Fuel Cell Products
$
16,476
$
16,872
$
Contract Automotive
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
-
16,476
12,789
101
16,973
14,030
Gross Margin
$
3,687
$
2,943
$
Gross Margin %
22%
17%
(396)
(101)
(497)
(1,241)
744
n/a
(2%)
(100%)
(3%)
(9%)
25%
5 pts
Revenues from continuing operations of $16.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2012
declined (3%), or ($0.5) million, compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 primarily as a
result of slight declines in our Fuel Cell Products segment.
In our core Fuel Cell Products segment, fourth quarter of 2012 revenues were down slightly
as declines in Motive power and distributed generation revenues were only partially offset
by higher backup power and engineering services revenues. The decline in Motive power
revenues was driven by lower fuel cell bus revenues as new fourth quarter of 2012 heavy-
duty bus shipments to Van Hool NV and others were significantly lower than 2011
shipments to Van Hool NV and UNDP-EMTU Brazil and were also negatively impacted by the
completion of our fuel cell bus manufacturing supply agreement with a Daimler subsidiary
in October 2011 ($0.4 million impact), combined with lower material handling market
revenues as a result of a decline in shipments in support of Plug Power Inc.’s GenDrive™
systems. These declines were partially offset by significantly higher backup power market
revenues and higher engineering services revenues. The increase in backup power
revenues is as a result of new shipments of hydrogen-based and methanol-based backup
power systems due to our recent acquisition of Idatech’s key assets (impact of
approximately $3.0 million) combined with an increase in shipments of hydrogen-based
backup power stacks. The increase in engineering services revenues is a result of our
increased focus on building our engineering services business including ongoing projects
with Anglo American Platinum Limited and others.
Gross margins from continuing operations increased to $3.7 million, or 22% of revenues,
for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to $2.9 million, or 17% of revenues, for the
fourth quarter of 2011. The overall increase and improvement in gross margin was driven
primarily by increased work performed on higher margin engineering services projects at
both Ballard and Dantherm Power, by significant sales of hydrogen-based and methanol-
based backup power systems acquired from Idatech, and by our ongoing product cost
Page 5 of 38
reduction efforts across all of our platforms.
The following table provides a summary of our fourth quarter fuel cell stack and system
shipments:
Material handling
Backup power
Other
Fuel Cell Stack Shipments
Fuel Cell System Shipments
Three months ended December 31,
2011
% Change
799
124
19
942
75
(41%)
152%
(84%)
(17%)
172%
2012
468
313
3
784
204
Cash Operating Costs (from continuing operations)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2012
2011
$ Change
% Change
Research and Product
Development (operating cost)
General and Administrative
(operating cost)
Sales and Marketing expense
Operating costs
Less: Stock-based compensation
(expense) recovery
Cash Operating Costs
$
4,228
$
4,084
$
144
2,709
1,951
8,888
(1,555)
2,100
1,695
7,879
322
609
256
1,009
(1,877)
$
7,333
$
8,201
$
(868)
4%
29%
15%
13%
(583%)
(11%)
Cash Operating Costs is a non-GAAP measure. We use certain Non-GAAP measures to assist in assessing our financial performance. 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. See reconciliation to GAAP in the Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures section. Cash Operating Costs adjusts operating expenses for stock-
based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, acquisition costs and financing charges.
Cash Operating Costs (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) from continuing operations
for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $7.3 million, a decline of ($0.9) million, or (11%),
compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. The 11% reduction in the fourth quarter of 2012
was driven by lower operating costs across the business as a result of our continued cost
reduction efforts including a 7% workforce reduction initiated in July 2012, and by lower
research and product development expense due to the redirection of engineering resources
to revenue bearing engineering service projects. Labour and material costs incurred on
revenue producing engineering services projects are reallocated from research and product
development expenses to cost of goods sold.
As the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar was relatively consistent for the fourth
quarter of 2012 compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, foreign exchange impacts on our
Canadian operating cost base were relatively insignificant. A 1% increase in the Canadian
dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, negatively impacts annual Cash Operating Costs and
Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $0.3 million to $0.4 million.
While excluded from Cash Operating Costs, stock-based compensation expense declined
significantly in the fourth quarter of 2011 to a recovery position, as a result of a downward
adjustment to accrued share-based compensation expense as certain outstanding restricted
share units failed to meet the vesting criteria and were cancelled.
Adjusted EBITDA (from continuing operations)
Page 6 of 38
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2012
2011
$
Change % Change
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(3,222)
$
(4,875)
$
1,653
34%
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. We use certain Non-GAAP measures to assist in assessing our financial performance. 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. See reconciliation to GAAP in the Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures section. Adjusted EBITDA adjusts EBITDA for stock-based
compensation expense, transactional gains and losses, finance and other income, and acquisition costs.
Adjusted EBITDA (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) from continuing operations for
the fourth quarter of 2012 was ($3.2) million, an improvement of $1.7 million, or 34%,
compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.
The $1.7 million reduction in Adjusted EBITDA loss in the fourth quarter of 2012 was driven
by gross margin improvements of $0.7 million as margins improved on a percentage of
revenue basis from 17% to 22% primarily as a result of increased work performed on
higher margin engineering services projects, combined with lower Cash Operating Costs of
$0.9 million primarily as a result of the redirection of engineering resources to revenue
bearing engineering service projects and our continued cost optimization efforts across the
business.
Net loss attributable to Ballard (from continuing operations)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2012
2011
$
Change % Change
Net loss attributable to Ballard from
$
(16,809)
$
(7,969)
$
(8,840)
(111%)
continuing operations
Net loss attributable to Ballard from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2012
was ($16.8) million, or ($0.18) per share, compared to a net loss of ($8.0) million, or
($0.09) per share, in the fourth quarter of 2011. The ($8.8) million increase in net loss for
the fourth quarter of 2012 was driven by a Fuel Cell Products goodwill impairment charge
of ($10.0) million. Net loss from continuing operations in the fourth quarters of 2012 and
2011 also include impairment charges related to a write-down of manufacturing equipment
of ($0.6) million and ($1.7) million, respectively.
Excluding the impact of these impairment charges in continuing operations of ($10.6)
million in the fourth quarter of 2012 and ($1.7) million in the fourth quarter of 2011,
Normalized Net Loss (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in the fourth quarter of 2012
would have been comparable to the fourth quarter of 2011.
Page 7 of 38
Net loss attributable to Ballard from continuing operations excludes the net loss attributed
to the non-controlling interest of Dantherm A/S and Danfoss A/S in the losses of Dantherm
Power as a result of their 48% total equity interest in 2012 and 2011, and the results of
discontinued operations. Net loss attributed to non-controlling interests for the fourth
quarter of 2012 was ($0.5) million, as compared to ($0.3) million for the fourth quarter of
2011. Net loss from discontinued operations for the fourth quarter of 2012 was ($1.3)
million, as compared to net income for the fourth quarter of 2011 of $0.7 million. Net loss
from discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2012 includes a goodwill impairment
charge of ($1.8) million and a write-down of property, plant and equipment of ($0.5)
million.
Cash used in operating activities
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
Cash (used in) provided by operating
$
(535)
$
4,066
activities
2012
2011
$
$
Change % Change
(4,601)
(113%)
Cash used in operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2012 was ($0.5) million,
consisting of cash operating losses of ($2.4) million partially offset by net working capital
inflows of $1.9 million. Cash provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2011
was $4.1 million, consisting of cash operating losses of ($4.7) million and net working
capital inflows of $8.8 million.
The ($4.6) million increase in cash used by operating activities in the fourth quarter of
2012, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, was driven by reduced working capital
inflows of ($6.9) million partially offset by an decrease in cash operating losses of $2.3
million. The reduction in cash operating losses of $2.3 million is primarily a result of a $1.8
million improvement in Adjusted EBITDA loss from both continuing and discontinued
operations. In the fourth quarter of 2012, net working capital cash inflows of $1.9 million
were driven by lower inventory of $5.4 million as we consumed previously built-up or
acquired inventory in order to fulfill the higher product shipments in the fourth quarter, and
by higher deferred revenue and cost recovery of $0.9 million as we received the next
tranches of SDTC government funding for our distributed generation and bus projects in
advance of incurring the related research and product development expenditures. These
fourth quarter of 2012 working capital inflows were partially offset by higher accounts
receivable of ($2.5) million due primarily to the timing of shipment versus collection of our
fuel cell product and service revenues, and by lower accounts payable and accrued
liabilities of ($2.6) million due to increased supplier payments made for higher first three
quarter of 2012 inventory purchases.
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS – Year ended December 31, 2012
Page 8 of 38
Revenue and gross margin (from continuing operations)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Years ended December 31,
2012
2011
$ Change
% Change
Fuel Cell Products
$
43,690
$
46,468
$
Contract Automotive
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
-
43,690
36,321
9,305
55,773
48,494
Gross Margin
$
7,369
$
7,279
$
Gross Margin %
17%
13%
(2,778)
(9,305)
(12,083)
(12,173)
90
n/a
(6%)
(100%)
(22%)
(25%)
1%
4pts
Revenues from continuing operations of $43.7 million for 2012 declined (22%), or ($12.1)
million, compared to 2011. The ($12.1) million decline was driven by the absence of
Contract Automotive segment revenues ($9.3 million impact) as a result of the completion
of our light-duty automotive manufacturing supply agreement with Daimler in October
2011 and by lower revenues of $(2.8) million in our core Fuel Cell Products segment.
In our core Fuel Cell Products segment, 2012 revenues declined (6%), or ($2.8) million, to
$43.7 million compared to 2011, primarily as a result of significantly lower fuel cell bus
revenues combined with slightly lower material handling and distributed generation
revenues. The significant decline in fuel cell bus revenues was driven by the completion of
our fuel cell bus manufacturing supply agreement with a Daimler subsidiary in October
2011 ($8.7 million impact), combined with lower shipments of heavy-duty fuel cell bus
modules primarily as a result of a lack of shipments in 2012 to Brazil. This decline was
partially offset by significant increases in both our backup power and engineering services
revenues. The significant increase in backup power revenues is as a result of new
shipments of hydrogen-based and methanol-based backup power systems due to our
recent acquisition of Idatech’s key assets (impact of approximately $5.1 million), combined
with an increase in shipments of hydrogen-based backup power systems at Dantherm
Power, and by relatively stable shipments of hydrogen-based backup power stacks. The
increase in engineering services revenues is a result of our increased focus on building our
engineering services business including ongoing projects with Anglo American Platinum
Limited and others.
Gross margins from continuing operations increased to $7.4 million, or 17% of revenues,
for 2012, compared to $7.3 million, or 13% of revenues, for 2011. The overall increase and
improvement in gross margin was driven primarily by increased work performed on higher
margin engineering services projects at both Ballard and Dantherm Power, by significant
sales of hydrogen-based and methanol-based backup power systems acquired from
Idatech, and by our ongoing product cost reduction efforts across all of our platforms.
The following table provides a summary of our fuel cell stack and system shipments for the
year:
Material handling
Backup power
Other
Fuel Cell Stack Shipments
Fuel Cell System Shipments
2012
2,022
667
12
2,701
399
Years ended December 31,
2011
1,422
1,238
396
3,056
145
% Change
42%
(46%)
(97%)
(12%)
175%
Page 9 of 38
Cash Operating Costs (from continuing operations)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Years ended December 31,
2012
2011
$ Change
% Change
Research and Product
Development (operating cost)
General and Administrative
(operating cost)
Sales and Marketing expense
Operating costs
Less: Stock-based compensation
expense
Cash Operating Costs
$ 16,680
$
21,038
$
(4,358)
9,302
6,901
32,883
9,793
8,515
39,346
(491)
(1,614)
(6,463)
(2,582)
(2,377)
(205)
$ 30,301
$
36,969
$
(6,668)
(21%)
(5%)
(19%)
(16%)
(9%)
(18%)
Cash Operating Costs is a non-GAAP measure. We use certain Non-GAAP measures to assist in assessing our financial performance. 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. See reconciliation to GAAP in the Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures section. Cash Operating Costs adjusts operating expenses for stock-
based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, acquisition costs and financing charges.
Cash Operating Costs (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) from continuing operations
for 2012 were $30.3 million, a decline of $6.7 million, or 18%, compared to 2011. The 18%
reduction in 2012 was driven by lower operating costs across the business as a result of
our continued cost reduction efforts including a 7% workforce reduction initiated in July
2012, lower research and product development expense due to the redirection of
engineering resources to revenue bearing engineering service projects, the receipt of
government funding for certain of our research and product development efforts, and by
lower sales and marketing expense due to a corporate leadership restructuring initiated in
September 2011. Government research funding is reflected as a cost offset to research and
product development expenses, whereas labour and material costs incurred on revenue
producing engineering services projects are reallocated from research and product
development expenses to cost of goods sold.
As the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar was relatively consistent for 2012
compared to 2011, foreign exchange impacts on our Canadian operating cost base were
relatively insignificant. A 1% increase in the Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar,
negatively impacts annual Cash Operating Costs and Adjusted EBITDA by approximately
$0.3 million to $0.4 million.
Adjusted EBITDA (from continuing operations)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Years ended December 31,
2012
2011
$
Change % Change
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(22,076)
$
(27,913)
$
5,837
21%
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. We use certain Non-GAAP measures to assist in assessing our financial performance. 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. See reconciliation to GAAP in the Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures section. Adjusted EBITDA adjusts EBITDA for stock-based
compensation expense, transactional gains and losses, finance and other income, and acquisition costs.
Adjusted EBITDA (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) from continuing operations for
2012 was ($22.1) million, an improvement of $5.8 million, or 21%, compared to 2011. The
$5.8 million reduction in Adjusted EBITDA loss in 2012 was driven by lower Cash Operating
Costs of $6.7 million due primarily to lower operating costs across the business as a result
of our continued cost reduction efforts including a 7% workforce reduction initiated in July
2012, and by lower research and product development expense primarily due to the
redirection of engineering resources to revenue bearing engineering service projects. Total
gross margin was consistent year over year despite the 22% decline in revenues from
continuing operations as margins improved on a percentage of revenue basis from 13% to
Page 10 of 38
17% primarily as a result of increased work performed on higher margin engineering
services projects, and by our ongoing product cost reduction efforts across all of our
platforms. These improvements in Adjusted EBITDA were partially offset by an increase in
restructuring charges of ($0.5) million from ($1.4) million in 2011 to ($1.9) million in 2012.
As part of our focus on cost optimization, we have taken steps to reduce our cost base in
both 2012 and 2011. In addition to the measures taken in April 2012 to reduce our
manufacturing overhead cost pool, we completed a 7% workforce reduction in July 2012
along with other cost reduction activities. During 2011, we completed a corporate
leadership restructuring in September 2011 and a Dantherm Power leadership restructuring
in March 2011. These actions have resulted in the above noted restructuring charges of
($1.9) million in 2012 and ($1.4) million in 2011.
Net loss attributable to Ballard (from continuing operations)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Twelve months ended December 31,
2012
2011
$
Change % Change
Net loss attributable to Ballard
$
(42,070)
$
(37,175)
$
(4,985)
(13%)
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Ballard for 2012 was ($42.1) million, or
($0.48) per share, compared to net loss of ($37.2) million, or ($0.44) per share, in 2011.
The ($5.0) million increase in net loss for 2012 was driven by a Fuel Cell Products goodwill
impairment charge of ($10.0) million which more than offset improvements in Adjusted
EBITDA loss of $5.8 million. Net loss from continuing operations in 2012 and 2011 also
includes impairment charges related to a write-down of manufacturing equipment of ($0.6)
million and ($1.7) million, respectively.
Excluding the impact of these impairment charges in continuing operations of ($10.6)
million in 2012 and ($1.7) million in 2011, Normalized Net Loss (see Supplemental Non-
GAAP Measures) in 2012 would have improved by $4.0 million, or 11%, as compared to
2011.
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Ballard excludes the net loss attributed
to the non-controlling interest of Dantherm A/S and Danfoss A/S in the losses of Dantherm
Power as a result of their 48% total equity interest in 2012 and 2011, and the results of
discontinued operations. Net loss attributed to non-controlling interests for 2012 was
($1.3) million, as compared to ($2.7) million for 2011. The reduced loss in 2012 at
Dantherm Power is primarily a result of improved gross margins combined with lower
operating costs as a result of our continued cost reduction efforts. Net loss from
discontinued operations in 2012 was ($0.1) million, as compared to net income in 2011 of
$3.8 million. Net loss from discontinued operations in 2012 includes a goodwill impairment
charge of ($1.8) million and a write-down of property, plant and equipment of ($0.5)
million.
Cash used in operating activities
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Twelve months ended December 31,
Cash used in operating activities
$
(28,146)
$
(33,221)
2012
2011
$
$
Change % Change
5,075
15%
Cash used in operating activities in 2012 was ($28.1) million, consisting of cash operating
losses of ($22.2) million and working capital requirements of ($5.9) million. Cash used in
operating activities in 2011 was ($33.2) million, consisting of cash operating losses of
Page 11 of 38
($26.5) million and working capital requirements of ($6.7) million. The $5.1 million, or
15%, decline in cash used by operating activities in 2012 as compared to 2011 was driven
by reductions in cash operating losses of $4.3 million combined with lower working capital
requirements of $0.8 million.
The reduction in cash operating losses of $4.3 million is primarily a result of the 17%, or
$3.8 million, improvement in Adjusted EBITDA from both continuing and discontinued
operations. Total working capital requirements of ($5.9) million in 2012 were driven by
lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ($10.5) million due to increased supplier
payments made for higher fourth quarter of 2011 and first three quarter of 2012 inventory
purchases combined with the payment of accrued 2011 annual employee bonuses, partially
offset by lower inventory of $4.4 million as we consumed previously built-up or acquired
inventory in order to fulfill the higher product shipments in the fourth quarter of 2012.
RESULTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – Fourth Quarter of 2012
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
Revenues
$
Cost of goods sold
Gross margin
Operating expenses
Impairment charge on
property, plant and
equipment
Impairment charge on
goodwill
Income taxes
Net earnings (loss)
from discontinued
operations
2012
4,783
3,265
1,518
(495)
(500)
(1,815)
(7)
$
2011
4,023
2,824
1,199
(488)
-
-
(30)
$ Change
% Change
$
760
441
319
19%
16%
27%
(7)
(1%)
(500)
(100%)
(1,815)
(100%)
23
77%
$
(1,299)
$
681
$
(1,980)
(291%)
Revenues from the discontinued Material Products segment in the fourth quarter of 2012 of
$4.8 million increased 19%, or $0.8 million, as a result of higher shipments of fuel cell GDL
products and relatively stable shipments of carbon friction material products.
Impairment charges in 2012 were determined based on a fair value less costs to sell
assessment which compared the segment’s carrying value at December 31, 2012 to the
actual net proceeds received on disposition on January 31, 2013. As a result of this
assessment, we recorded a ($1.8) million write-off of Material Products goodwill and a
($0.5) million write-down of property, plant and equipment in the fourth quarter of 2012.
RESULTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS – Year ended December 31, 2012
Page 12 of 38
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Years ended December 31,
2012
2011
$ Change
% Change
Revenues
$
15,540
$
20,236
$
Cost of goods sold
Gross margin
Operating expenses
Impairment charge on
property, plant and
equipment
Impairment charge on
goodwill
Income taxes
Net earnings (loss)
from discontinued
operations
11,159
4,381
(2,053)
(500)
(1,815)
(78)
13,630
6,606
(2,602)
-
-
(249)
(4,696)
(2,471)
(2,225)
549
(23%)
(18%)
(34%)
21%
(500)
(100%)
(1,815)
171
(100%)
69%
$
(65)
$
3,755
$
(3,820)
(102%)
Revenues from the discontinued Material Products segment in 2012 of $15.5 million were
down (23%), or ($4.7) million as a result of lower shipments of both fuel cell GDL products
and carbon friction material products. Fuel cell GDL product shipments were negatively
impacted by ongoing technical issues experienced by a third party fuel cell customer
unrelated to our GDL products, whereas carbon friction material product shipments were
negatively impacted by the timing of customer programs and inventory levels.
Impairment charges in 2012 were determined based on a fair value less costs to sell
assessment which compared the segment’s carrying value at December 31, 2012 to the
actual net proceeds received on disposition on January 31, 2013. As a result of this
assessment, we recorded a ($1.8) million write-off of Material Products goodwill and a
($0.5) million write-down of property, plant and equipment in the fourth quarter of 2012.
OPERATING EXPENSES AND OTHER ITEMS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Research and product development expenses
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Research and product development
Research and product development expense
Less: depreciation and amortization expense
Research and product development (operating
cost)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Research and product development
Research and product development expense
Less: depreciation and amortization expense
Research and product development (operating
cost)
Three months ended December 31,
2012
4,677
(449)
4,228
2012
19,273
(2,593)
16,680
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2011
$
Change
% Change
5,041
(957)
4,084
$
$
$
(364)
508
144
(7%)
53%
4%
Years ended December 31,
2011
$
Change
% Change
24,896
(3,858)
21,038
$
$
$
(5,623)
1,265
(4,358)
(23%)
33%
(21%)
Research and product development expenses for the three months ended December
31, 2012 were $4.7 million, a decrease of ($0.4) million, or 7%, compared to the
corresponding period of 2011. Excluding depreciation and amortization expense of ($0.4)
million and ($1.0) million, respectively, research and product development expense was
effectively flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Reductions in 2012 as a result of
the redirection of engineering resources to revenue bearing engineering service projects
Page 13 of 38
were offset by higher share-based compensation expense due to a downward adjustment
to accrued share-based compensation expense for 2011 that was recorded in the fourth
quarter of 2011.
Research and product development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were
$19.3 million, a decrease of ($5.6) million, or 23%, compared to 2011. Excluding
depreciation and amortization expense of ($2.6) million and ($3.9) million, respectively,
research and product development expense declined ($4.4) million, or 21%, compared to
2011. The 21% reduction in 2012 was primarily as a result of the redirection of engineering
resources to revenue bearing engineering service projects, by the receipt of government
funding for certain of our research and product development efforts, and by lower
operating costs across the business due to our continued cost reduction efforts including a
7% workforce reduction initiated in July 2012, partially offset by higher share-based
compensation expense in 2012.
Government research funding is reflected as a cost offset to research and product
development expenses, whereas labour and material costs incurred on revenue producing
engineering services projects are reallocated from research and product development
expenses to cost of goods sold.
General and administrative expenses
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
General and administrative
General and administrative expense
Less: Depreciation and amortization expense
Less: Restructuring charges
Less: Acquisition and integration costs
Less: Financing charges
General and administrative (operating cost)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
General and administrative
General and administrative expense
Less: Depreciation and amortization expense
Less: Restructuring charges
Less: Acquisition and integration costs
Less: Financing charges
General and administrative (operating cost)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2012
3,419
(55)
-
(91)
(564)
2,709
Three months ended December 31,
2011
$
Change
% Change
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,256
(77)
(79)
-
-
2,100
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,163
22
79
(91)
(564)
609
Years ended December 31,
52%
29%
100%
n/a
n/a
29%
2012
2011
$
Change
% Change
12,306
$
11,455
(235)
(1,931)
(274)
(564)
9,302
$
$
$
$
$
(306)
(1,356)
-
-
9,793
$
$
$
$
$
$
851
71
(575)
(274)
(564)
(491)
7%
23%
(42%)
n/a
n/a
(5%)
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2012
were $3.4 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or 52%, compared to the corresponding
period of 2011. Excluding acquisition and integration costs related to the Idatech
acquisition of ($0.1) million and financing charges of ($0.6) million related to withdrawn
financing efforts, general and administrative expense was $2.7 million, an increase of $0.6
million, or 29%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. The 29% increase in the fourth
quarter of 2012 was due primarily to higher share-based compensation expense as a result
of a downward adjustment to accrued share-based compensation expense for 2011 that
was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011. General and administrative expenses also
include impairment losses on trade receivables of ($0.2) million and ($0.3) million,
respectively, in the fourth quarters of 2012 and 2011.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $12.3
million, an increase of $0.9 million, or 7%, compared to 2011. Excluding restructuring
Page 14 of 38
charges of ($1.9) million and ($1.4) million, respectively, depreciation and amortization
expense of ($0.2) million and ($0.3) million, respectively, and 2012 acquisition and
integration costs related to the Idatech acquisition of ($0.3) million and financing charges
of ($0.6) million related to withdrawn financing efforts, general and administrative
expense, general and administrative expense was $9.3 million, a decrease of ($0.5)
million, or 5%, compared to 2011. The 5% reduction in 2012 was primarily as result of our
continued cost reduction efforts including a 7% workforce reduction initiated in July 2012,
partially offset by higher share-based compensation expense in 2012. General and
administrative expenses also include impairment losses on trade receivables of ($0.2)
million and ($0.3) million, respectively, in 2012 and 2011.
Restructuring charges of ($1.9) million in 2012 relate primarily to the 7% workforce
reduction initiated in July 2012 and a minor restructuring focused on manufacturing
overhead cost reduction initiated in April 2012. Restructuring charges of ($1.4) million in
2011 relate primarily to a corporate leadership restructuring initiated in September 2011
and a Dantherm Power leadership restructuring initiated in March 2011.
Sales and marketing expenses
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expense
$
1,951
$
1,695
Three months ended December 31,
2012
2011
$
$
Change
% Change
256
15%
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Sales and marketing
Years ended December 31,
2012
2011
Sales and marketing expense
$
6,901
$
8,515
$
$
Change
% Change
(1,614)
(19%)
Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2012 were
$2.0 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 15% compared to the corresponding period of
2011. The 15% increase in the fourth quarter of 2012 is as a result of increased investment
in sales and marketing capacity in the backup power market due to our acquisition of the
Idatech assets in August 2012, combined with higher share-based compensation expense
due to a downward adjustment to accrued share-based compensation expense for 2011
that was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $6.9 million, a
decrease of $1.6 million, or 19% compared to 2011. The 19% reduction in 2012 was
primarily as a result of our continued cost reduction efforts across the business which
included a 7% workforce reduction initiated in July 2012 and a corporate leadership
restructuring initiated in September 2011, partially offset by increased investment in sales
and marketing capacity in the backup power market due to our acquisition of the Idatech
assets in August 2012.
Finance income (loss) and other for the three months and year ended December 31,
2012 was $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, compared to $0.1 million and $0.2
million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2011. The following tables provide a
breakdown of our finance and other income (loss) for the reported periods:
Page 15 of 38
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2012
2011
$ Change
% Change
Employee future benefit plan expense
$
(29)
$
(37)
$
Investment and other income
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
48
148
Finance income (loss) and other
$
167
$
77
38
78
$
8
(29)
110
89
22%
(38%)
289%
114%
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Years ended December 31,
2012
2011
$ Change
% Change
Employee future benefit plan expense
$
(29)
$
(37)
$
8
Investment and other income
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
238
(178)
303
(71)
(65)
(107)
Finance income (loss) and other
$
31
$
195
$
(164)
22%
(21%)
(151%)
(84%)
Employee future benefit plan expense for the three months and years ended December 31,
2012 and 2011 were nominal. Employee future benefit plan expense primarily represents
the excess of interest cost over the expected return on plan assets on a curtailed defined
benefit pension plan for our current and former United States employees
Foreign exchange gains and losses are attributable primarily 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 position. Foreign exchange gains and losses are also impacted
by the conversion of Dantherm Power’s assets and liabilities from the Danish Kroner to the
U.S. dollar at exchange rates in effect at each reporting date.
Investment and other income of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for the years
ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was earned primarily on our cash, cash equivalents
and short-term investments.
Finance expense for the three months and year ended December 31, 2012 was ($0.5)
million and ($1.7) million, respectively, compared to ($0.5) million and ($1.4) million,
respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2011. Finance expense relates primarily to
the sale and leaseback of our head office building in Burnaby, British Columbia which was
completed on March 9, 2010. Due to the long term nature of the lease, the leaseback of
the building qualifies as a finance (or capital) lease.
Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment for the three months and year
ended December 31, 2012 was ($0.1) million, compared to $0.7 million for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2011. The gain in 2011 relates primarily to a gain
on sale of certain property, plant and equipment to Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. in
conjunction with the sub-lease of 21,000 square feet of production space in Burnaby, B.C,
effective in August 2011.
Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment for the three months and year
ended December 31, 2012 was ($0.6) million, compared to ($1.7) million for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2011, and relate to a write-down of manufacturing
equipment never put into use.
Impairment loss on goodwill for the three months and year ended December 31, 2012
was ($10.0) million and consists of an impairment charge related to our Fuel Cell Products
segment.
Page 16 of 38
Net loss attributed to non-controlling interests for the three months and year ended
December 31, 2012 was ($0.5) million and ($1.3) million, respectively, compared to ($0.3)
million and ($2.7) million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2011. Amounts
represent the non-controlling interest of Dantherm A/S and Danfoss A/S in the losses of
Dantherm Power as a result of their 48% total equity interest during 2012 and 2011. The
improved performance in 2012 at Dantherm Power is primarily a result of improved gross
margins as a result of increased higher margin engineering services revenues and
increased shipments of backup power systems, combined with lower operating costs due to
our continued cost reduction efforts which included a leadership restructuring in the first
quarter of 2011. These benefits were partially offset by a restructuring charge recorded in
the first quarter of 2011 related to the above noted Dantherm Power leadership
restructuring.
Page 17 of 38
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
The following table provides summary financial data for our last eight quarters from
continuing operations:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts
and weighted average shares outstanding which are expressed in
thousands)
Quarter ended,
Revenues from continuing operations
Net income (loss) attributable to Ballard from
continuing operations
Net income (loss) per share attributable to
Ballard from continuing operations, basic and
diluted
Dec 31,
2012
16,476
(16,809)
$
$
Sep 30,
2012
Jun 30,
2012
$
$
10,312
(9,185)
$
$
6,824
(7,416)
$
$
Mar 31,
2012
10,078
(8,660)
$
(0.18)
$
(0.10)
$
(0.09)
$
(0.10)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
91,801
89,269
84,621
84,566
Revenues from continuing operations
Net income (loss) attributable to Ballard from
continuing operations
Net income (loss) per share attributable to
Ballard from continuing operations, basic and
diluted
Dec 31,
2011
Sep 30,
2011
$
$
16,973
(7,969)
$
$
15,071
(8,337)
$
$
Jun 30,
2011
13,595
(10,109)
$
$
Mar 31,
2011
10,134
(10,760)
$
(0.09)
$
(0.10)
$
(0.12)
$
(0.13)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
84,549
84,548
84,456
84,205
Summary of Quarterly Results: There were no significant seasonal variations in our
quarterly results from continuing operations. Variations in our net loss for the above
periods were affected primarily by the following factors:
• Revenues: Variations in fuel cell revenues reflect the demand and timing of our
customers’ fuel cell vehicle, bus and fuel cell product deployments as well as the
demand and timing of their engineering services projects. Variations in fuel cell
revenues also reflect the timing of work performed and the achievements of milestones
under long-term fixed price contracts. Revenues were positively impacted in the third
and fourth quarters of 2012 by $2.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively, as a result of
our acquisition of Idatech’s key assets and product lines as of August 1, 2012.
Revenues were positively impacted in 2011 by a manufacturing supply agreement with
Daimler and a Daimler subsidiary which was completed in October 2011. Contract
Automotive revenues of $9.3 million (Q1-11: $2.9 million, Q2-11: $4.6 million, Q3-11:
$1.8 million, and Q4-11: $0.1 million) and Fuel Cell Products revenues of $8.7 million
(Q1-11: $2.4 million, Q2-11: $3.3 million, Q3-11: $2.6 million, Q4-11: $0.4 million) in
2011 were derived from this contract manufacturing agreement.
• Operating expenditures: Operating expenses were negatively
impacted by
restructuring charges of ($1.6) million in the third quarter of 2012 as a result of a 7%
workforce reduction, restructuring charges of ($0.4) million in the third quarter of 2011
due to a corporate leadership restructuring, and by restructuring charges of ($0.9)
million in the first quarter of 2011 due to a leadership restructuring in Dantherm Power.
Restructuring charges are recognized in general and administrative expense.
Operating expenses also include the impact of changes in the value of the Canadian
dollar, versus the U.S. dollar, on our Canadian dollar denominated expenditures.
Page 18 of 38
• Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment: The net loss for the fourth
quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2011 was negatively impacted by an
impairment charge of ($0.6) million and ($1.7) million, respectively, related to the
write-down of manufacturing equipment never put into use.
• Impairment loss on goodwill: The net loss for the fourth quarter of 2012 was
negatively impacted by an impairment charge of ($10.0) million related to a write-down
of goodwill in our Fuel Cell Products segment.
CASH FLOWS
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $21.8 million (or $12.5 million net
of Operating Facility draws of $9.3 million) at December 31, 2012, compared to $46.2
million (or $41.6 million net of Operating Facility draws of $4.6 million) at December 31,
2011. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of ($24.4)
million in 2012 was driven by a net loss (excluding non-cash items) of ($22.2) million, and
by net working capital requirements of ($5.9) million. These outflows were partially offset
by net cash advances on our Operating Facility of $4.8 million and by convertible debt
financing of $0.9 million to Dantherm Power by a non-controlling partner.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, cash used by operating activities was
($0.5) million, consisting of cash operating losses of ($2.4) million partially offset by net
working capital inflows of $1.9 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2011,
cash from operating activities was $4.1 million, consisting of cash operating losses of
($4.7) million and net working capital inflows of $8.8 million. The ($4.6) million increase in
cash used by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2012, as compared to the fourth
quarter of 2011, was driven by reduced working capital inflows of ($6.9) million partially
offset by a reduction in cash operating losses of $2.3 million. The reduction in cash
operating losses of $2.3 million is primarily a result of a $1.8 million improvement in total
Adjusted EBITDA loss. In the fourth quarter of 2012, net working capital cash inflows of
$1.9 million were driven by lower inventory of $5.4 million as we consumed previously
built-up or acquired inventory in order to fulfill the higher product shipments in the fourth
quarter, and by higher deferred revenue and cost recovery of $0.9 million as we received
the next tranches of SDTC government funding for our distributed generation and bus
projects in advance of incurring the related research and product development
expenditures. These fourth quarter of 2012 working capital inflows were partially offset by
higher accounts receivable of ($2.5) million due primarily to the timing of shipment versus
collection of our fuel cell product and service revenues, and by lower accounts payable and
accrued liabilities of ($2.6) million due to increased supplier payments made for higher first
three quarter of 2012 inventory purchases. Working capital inflows of $8.8 million in the
fourth quarter of 2011 were driven by lower accounts receivable of $3.3 million due
primarily to the timing of collections of our fuel cell product and service revenues, lower
inventory of $1.9 million as we consumed previously built-up inventory in order to fulfill the
higher product shipments in the fourth quarter, and higher deferred revenue and cost
recovery of $2.0 million as we received the next tranches of SDTC government funding for
our distributed generation and bus projects in advance of incurring the related research
and product development expenditures.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, cash used by operating activities was ($28.1)
million, consisting of cash operating losses of ($22.2) million and working capital
Page 19 of 38
requirements of ($5.9) million. For the year ended December 31, 2011, cash used by
operating activities was ($33.2) million, consisting of cash operating losses of ($26.5)
million and working capital requirements of ($6.7) million. The $5.1 million, or 15%,
decline in cash used by operating activities in 2012, as compared to 2011, was driven by
reductions in cash operating losses of $4.3 million combined with lower working capital
requirements of $0.8 million. The reduction in cash operating losses of $4.3 million is
primarily a result of the 17%, or $3.8 million, improvement in Adjusted EBITDA from both
continuing and discontinued operations. In 2012, net working capital outflows of ($5.9)
million were driven by lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ($10.5) million due
to increased supplier payments made for higher fourth quarter of 2011 and first three
quarter of 2012 inventory purchases combined with the payment of accrued 2011 annual
employee bonuses, partially offset by lower inventory of $4.4 million as we consumed
previously built-up or acquired inventory in order to fulfill the higher product shipments in
the fourth quarter. Working capital outflows of ($6.7) million in 2011 were driven by higher
accounts receivable of ($4.3) million due primarily to the timing of collections of our fuel
cell product and service revenues, higher inventory of ($1.3) million due primarily to the
buildup of inventory to support expected higher product shipments 2012, and by lower
accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ($1.7) million due primarily to the timing of
supplier payments.
Investing activities resulted in cash inflows of $0.4 million and $13.0 million, respectively,
for the three months and year ended December 31, 2012, compared to cash outflows of
($15.5) million ($3.8) million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2011. Changes
in short-term investments resulted in cash inflows of $0.6 million and $13.8 million,
respectively, for the three month and year ended December 31, 2012, compared to cash
outflows of ($15.6) million and ($3.4) million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of
2011. 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.
Other investing activities in 2012 consist primarily of proceeds on sale of $0.4 million for
previously impaired manufacturing equipment, less capital expenditures of ($1.2) million.
Other investing activities in 2011 consist primarily of proceeds on sale of $1.7 million
received primarily from Daimler on the closing of the facilities sub-lease agreement,
proceeds on sale and leaseback of capital equipment of $1.9 million, and capital
expenditures of ($4.1) million primarily for manufacturing equipment in order to build
production capacity.
Financing activities resulted in cash outflows of ($0.4) million and inflows of $4.6 million,
respectively, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2012, compared to cash
outflows of ($3.2) million and inflows of $5.1 million, respectively, for the corresponding
periods of 2011. Financing activities in 2012 primarily represent advances, net of
repayments, of $4.8 million on our Operating Facility which is used to assist with the
financing of our working capital requirements. Financing activities in 2012 also include
proceeds on convertible debenture financing from the Dantherm Power non-controlling
interests to Dantherm Power of $0.9 million and finance lease payments of ($1.0) million.
Financing activities in 2011 consist primarily of net cash advances on our Operating Facility
of $4.6 million, proceeds on convertible debenture financing from the Dantherm Power
non-controlling interests to Dantherm Power of $1.7 million, less finance lease payments of
($0.8) million.
Page 20 of 38
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 2012, we had total Liquidity of $12.5 million. We measure Liquidity as our
net cash position, consisting of the sum of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments of $21.8 million, net of amounts drawn on our $10 million Canadian demand
revolving facility (“Operating Facility”) of $9.3 million. The Operating Facility is used to
assist in financing our short term working capital requirements and is secured by a
hypothecation of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.
We also have a $3.3 million Canadian capital leasing facility (“Leasing Facility”) which is
used to finance the acquisition and / or lease of operating equipment and is secured by a
hypothecation of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. At December 31,
2012, $2.5 million was outstanding on the Leasing Facility.
Our Liquidity objective is to maintain cash balances sufficient to fund at least six quarters
of forecasted cash used by operating activities at all times. Our strategy to attain this
objective is to continue our drive to attain profitable operations that are sustainable by
executing a business plan aimed at continued focus on Fuel Cell Products revenue growth,
improving overall gross margins, minimizing Cash Operating Costs, managing working
capital requirements, and securing additional financing to fund our operations as needed
until we do achieve profitable operations that are sustainable. While we believe that we
have adequate liquidity in cash, working capital and non-core asset monetization
opportunities (consisting primarily of the subsequent disposition of our Materials Product
segment for gross cash proceeds of $10.5 million on January 31, 2013) to finance our
operations, we may also choose to pursue additional liquidity through the issuance of debt
or equity in private or public market financings. To facilitate such an action, we filed a short
form base shelf prospectus (“Prospectus”) in April 2012 in each of the provinces and
territories of Canada, except Quebec, and a corresponding shelf registration statement on
Form F-10 (“Registration Statement”) with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission, which has been declared effective. These filings will enable offerings of equity
securities during the effective period of the Prospectus and Registration Statements.
However, no assurance can be given that any such additional liquidity will be available or
that, if available, it can be obtained on terms favorable to the Company.
Failure to achieve this Liquidity objective will have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operations including our ability to continue as a going concern.
There are also various risks and uncertainties affecting our ability to achieve this Liquidity
objective including, but not limited to, the market acceptance and rate of commercialization
of our products, the ability to successfully execute our business plan, and general global
economic conditions, certain of which are beyond our control. While we continue to make
significant investments in product development and market development activities
necessary to commercialize our products, and make increased investments in working
capital as we grow our business, our actual liquidity requirements will also vary and will be
impacted by 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 success in managing
our operating expense and working capital requirements, foreign exchange fluctuations,
and the progress and results of our research, development and demonstration programs.
Page 21 of 38
2013 BUSINESS OUTLOOK
On a continuing operations basis, we expect:
• Revenue growth in 2013 in excess of 30% over 2012 (or at least $56.8 million from
$43.7 million in 2012); and
• Adjusted EBITDA improvement in 2013 in excess of 50% from 2012 (or lower than
($11.1) million from ($22.1) million in 2012).
Consistent with the past couple of years, we expect a majority of our 2013 revenue to be
realized in the second half of the year. Our business revenue outlook for 2013 is based on
our internal revenue forecast which reflects an assessment of overall business conditions
and takes into account actual sales in the first month of 2013, sales orders received for
units and services to be delivered in 2013, and an estimate with respect to the generation
of new sales in each of our markets. Our 2013 business revenue outlook is also supported
by our 12-month order book of $36.8 million at December 31, 2012 ($32.0 million at
December 31, 2011). The primary risk factors that could cause us to miss our revenue
guidance for 2013 are potential disruptions in the material handling market as a result of
our reliance on a single customer in this market, and delays from forecast in terms of
closing and shipping expected sales orders primarily in our backup power and engineering
services markets.
The key drivers for the expected improvement in Adjusted EBITDA for 2013 are expected
increases in gross margins driven primarily by the above noted overall increase in expected
revenues, supported by continued operating expense optimization and a resulting reduction
in Cash Operating Costs to the mid-$20 million range from $30.3 million in 2012.
Consistent with the expectation that a majority of our 2013 revenue will fall in the last half
of the year, Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be materially improved in the last half of 2013,
as compared to the first half of 2013.
Our Adjusted EBITDA outlook for 2013 is based on our internal Adjusted EBITDA forecast
and takes into account our forecasted gross margin related to the above revenue forecast,
the costs of our current and forecasted Cash Operating Costs, and assumes an average
U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.00 in relation to the Canadian dollar. The primary risk factor
that could cause us to miss our target Adjusted EBITDA outlook for 2013 are lower than
expected gross margins due to (i) lower revenues from forecast due to potential disruptions
in the material handling market as a result of our reliance on a single customer in this
market, or unexpected delays in terms of closing and shipping expected sales orders
primarily in our backup power and engineering services markets; (ii) shifts in product sales
mix negatively impacting projected gross margin as a percentage of revenues; or (iii)
delays in the timing of our projected product cost reductions. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA
could also be negatively impacted by increases in Cash Operating Costs as a result of (i)
increased product development costs due to unexpected cost overruns or by lower than
anticipated engineering services contracts or government cost recoveries; or (ii) negative
foreign exchange impacts due to a higher than expected Canadian dollar. A 1% increase in
the Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, negatively impacts Adjusted EBITDA and
Cash Operating Costs by approximately $0.3 million to $0.4 million.
Similar to prior years and consistent with our revenue and Adjusted EBITDA performance
expectations for the year and the resulting impacts on gross margin and working capital,
we expect cash used in operating activities in 2013 to be materially higher in the first and
Page 22 of 38
second quarters of 2013, as compared to the third and fourth quarters of 2013. Cash used
in operating activities in the first two quarters of 2013 is expected to be negatively
impacted by the buildup of inventory to support higher product shipments in the third and
fourth quarters, and by the timing of revenues and the related customer collections which
are also skewed towards the last half of the year.
forecast and our expectations
Our cash flow from operations outlook for 2013 is based on our internal net cash forecast
and takes into account our actual results for the first month of 2013 and our forecasted net
cash requirements for the balance of the year as a result of the above noted Adjusted
EBITDA
for working capital requirements, capital
expenditures, and other investing, and financing activities for the year. The primary risk
factors that could cause us to miss our cash flow from operations expectations for 2013 are
lower than expected Adjusted EBITDA performance as a result of the occurrence of any or
all of the above noted risk factors, and increased working capital requirements primarily as
a result of (i) higher than anticipated accounts receivable due to delays in the timing of
revenues and the related customer collections, (ii) unexpected changes in the timing and
amount of expected government grants and the related contract payments; (iii)
unexpected changes in the timing and mix of supplier purchases and payments; and (iv)
increased inventory levels due to unexpected changes in the timing and mix of expected
product shipments.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS & CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Periodically, we use forward foreign exchange and forward platinum purchase contracts to
manage our exposure to currency rate fluctuations and 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 either (i) recorded in our statement of comprehensive income
if formally designated and qualified under hedge accounting criteria; or (ii) recorded in our
statement of operations if either not designated, or not qualified, under hedge accounting
criteria. At December 31, 2012, we did not have any outstanding foreign exchange
currency contracts or outstanding platinum forward purchase contracts.
At December 31, 2012, 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.
At December 31, 2012 we had the following contractual obligations and commercial
commitments:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Contractual Obligations
Payments due by period,
Total
Less than
1-3 years
3-5 years
After 5
one year
years
Operating leases
Capital leases
$ 21,574 $
2,520 $
5,327 $
5,499 $
8,228
20,437
1,924
4,063
3,315
11,135
Asset retirement obligations
6,366
-
-
-
6,366
Total contractual obligations
$ 48,377 $
4,444 $
9,390 $
8,814 $
25,729
In addition to the contractual purchase obligations above, we have outstanding
commitments of $0.3 million related primarily to purchases of capital assets at December
31, 2012. Capital expenditures pertain to our regular operations and are expected to be
funded through cash on hand.
As of December 31, 2012, we have also agreed to pay previous funding obligations that
Page 23 of 38
were repayable through potential 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 terms of the Utilities Development Program (Phase 1) with the
Government British Columbia, total royalties are payable to a maximum equal to the
original amount of the government contributions of CDN $5.4 million. As at December 31,
2012, 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 $38.3 million. As at December 31, 2012, a
total of CDN $5.3 million in royalty repayments have been made for Phase 2. The
Corporation has made no Phase 2 royalty repayments in 2012 and 2011. On January 15,
2013, we reached an agreement with TPC to terminate all existing and future potential
royalties payable in respect of future sales of fuel cell based stationary power products
under the Utilities Development Program (Phase 2) in exchange for a final repayment to
TPC of CDN $1.9 million.
In the ordinary course of business or as required by certain acquisition or disposition
agreements, we are periodically required to provide certain indemnities to other parties.
Our 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 $7.4 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, 2012, 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 minority
interest partners in Dantherm Power. 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 at fair value. Related party
transactions and balances are as follows:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended
December 31,
Year ended
December 31,
Transactions with related parties
2012
2011
2012
Revenues
Purchases
Finance expense on convertible
debenture payable
$
$
$
-
-
86
$
$
$
-
$
288 $
53 $
-
$
309 $
289 $
2011
-
744
151
Page 24 of 38
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Balances with related parties
Trade accounts payable
Interest payable
Convertible debenture payable
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at February 20, 2013
Common share outstanding
Options outstanding
As at December 31,
2012
100
417
$
$
$ 2,507
$
$
$
2011
260
141
1,592
91,801,477
6,595,937
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION
UNCERTAINTY
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
income and expenses. Actual result may differ from those estimates. Estimates and
underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis Revisions to accounting
estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future
periods affected.
At this time, we have concluded that there are no critical judgments that we have made in
the process of applying our accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are
detailed in note 3 to the annual consolidated financial statements.
The following are key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of
estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to
the reported amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses within the next financial
year.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues are generated primarily from product sales and services in our Fuel Cell Products,
Contract Automotive and Material Products 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 from cost-plus reimbursable
contracts and from long-term fixed price contracts.
On standard equipment and material sales contracts, revenues are recognized when (i)
significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods has been transferred to the buyer;
(ii) we retain neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated
with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold; (iii) the amount of revenue can be
measured reliably; (iv) it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the sale
will accrue to us; and (v) the costs incurred, or to be incurred, in respect of the transaction
can be measured reliably. 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.
Page 25 of 38
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 costs incurred as at the
balance sheet date by the sum of incurred and anticipated costs for completing a contract.
• 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 estimation 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 three months and year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, there was no
material adjustments to revenues relating to revenue recognized in a prior period.
ASSET IMPAIRMENT
The carrying amounts of our non-financial assets other than inventories are reviewed at
each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any
such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. For goodwill and
intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives, the recoverable amount is estimated at
least annually.
The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in
use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash
flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
In assessing fair value less costs to sell, the price that would be received on the sale of an
asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date is
estimated. For the purposes of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually
are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from
continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other groups of assets.
Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated reflects the lowest level at
Page 26 of 38
which goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes. Many of the factors used in
assessing fair value are outside the control of management and it is reasonably likely that
assumptions and estimates will change from period to period. These changes may result in
future impairments. For example, our revenue growth rate could be lower than projected
due to economic, industry or competitive factors, or the discount rate used in our value in
use model could increase due to a change in market interest rates. In addition, future
goodwill impairment charges may be necessary if our market capitalization decreased due
to a decline in the trading price of our common stock, which could negatively impact the
fair value of our operating segments.
An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating
unit exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in net
loss. Impairment losses recognized in respect of the cash-generating units are allocated
first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units, and then to
reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis.
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets,
impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any
indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed
only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount
that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment
loss had been recognized.
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. Under IFRS, the
annual review of goodwill requires a comparison of the carrying value of the asset to the
higher of (i) value in use; and (ii) fair value less costs to sell. Value in use is defined as the
present value of future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset in its current
state. Prior to our 2012 annual impairment test, our consolidated goodwill balance of $48.1
million consisted of $46.3 million in our core Fuel Cell Products segment, and $1.8 million
in our now discontinued Material Products segment. Based on the impairment test
performed as at December 31, 2012, we have recorded a goodwill impairment charge of
($11.8) million in our 2012 financial results, consisting of goodwill impairment of ($10.0)
million in our Fuel Cell Products segment and a goodwill write-off of ($1.8) million in our
Material Products segment. Details of our goodwill impairment tests are as follows:
• One of the methods used to assess the recoverable amount of the goodwill in our core
Fuel Cells Products segment is a fair value, less costs to sale, test. Our fair value test is
in effect a modified market capitalization assessment, whereby we calculate the fair
value of the Fuel Cell Products segment by first calculating the value of the Company
at December 31, 2012 based on the average closing share price in the month of
December, add a reasonable estimated control premium of 25% to determine the
Company’s enterprise value on a controlling basis after adjusting for excess cash
balances, and then deduct the fair value of our Materials Product segments from this
enterprise value to arrive at the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products segment. As a
result of this assessment, we have determined that the fair value of the Fuel Cell
Products segment was deficient to its carrying value resulting in a ($10.0) million
write-down of Fuel Cell Products goodwill from $46.3 million to $36.3 million as of
December 31, 2012.
•
In addition to this fair value test, we also performed a value in use test on our Fuel Cell
Page 27 of 38
Products segment that compared the carrying value of the segment to the present
value of future cash flows expected to be derived from the segment. The principal
factors used in this discounted cash flow analysis requiring significant estimation are
the projected results of operations, the discount rate based on the weighted average
cost of capital (“WACC”), and terminal value assumptions for each reporting unit. Our
value in use test was based on a WACC of 20%; an average estimated compound
annual growth rate of approximately 35% from 2012 to 2017; and a terminal year
EBITDA multiplied by a terminal value multiplier of 4.0. Our value in use assessment
resulted in an estimated fair value for the Fuel Cell Products segment that is consistent
with that as determined under the above fair value, less costs to sell, assessment.
• The fair value of our Material Products segment was determined based on a fair value
less costs to sell assessment which compared the segment’s carrying value at
December 31, 2012 to the actual net proceeds received on disposition on January 31,
2013. As a result of this assessment, we have determined that the fair value of the
Material Products segment was deficient to its carrying value resulting in a ($1.8)
million write-off of Material Products goodwill and a ($0.5) million write-down of
property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2012. Total 2012 impairment
charges of ($2.3) million for the Material Products segment are included in net loss
from discontinued operations.
As a result of our quarterly review of the carrying amounts of our non-financial assets
(other than inventories) to determine whether there is any indication of impairment, we
recorded an impairment charge of ($0.6) million in our Fuel Cell Products segment for the
three months and year ended December 31, 2012 related to a write-down of manufacturing
equipment never put into 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
three months and year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded provisions to accrued
warranty liabilities of $0.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for new product sales,
compared to $1.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, for the three months and year
ended December 31, 2011.
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 three months and year ended December 31, 2012
were adjusted upwards by a net amount of ($0.2) million and downwards by $0.4 million,
respectively, compared to a net adjustment downwards of $0.5 million and $1.7 million,
respectively, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2011. The adjustments to
reduce accrued warranty liabilities were primarily due to contractual expirations, changes in
estimated costs to repair, and improved lifetimes and reliability of our fuel cell products.
Page 28 of 38
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.
During the three months and year ended December 31, 2012, inventory provisions of
($0.2) million and ($0.7) million, respectively, were recorded as a charge to cost of product
and service revenues, compared to ($0.3) million and ($0.6) million, respectively, for the
three months and year ended December 31, 2011.
EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
The present value of our defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the
estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that
have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability.
Determination of benefit expense requires assumptions such as the discount rate to
measure obligations, expected plan investment performance, expected healthcare cost
trend rate, and retirement ages of employees. Actual results will differ from the recorded
amounts based on these estimates and assumptions.
INCOME TAXES
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method,
deferred income taxes are recognized for the deferred 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 deferred tax asset or liability are included in
income.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted, or substantially enacted,
tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences
are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and
liabilities, of a change in tax rates, is included in income in the period that includes the
substantive enactment date. Deferred income tax assets are reviewed at each reporting
period and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax
benefit will be realized. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we have not recorded any
deferred income tax assets on our consolidated statement of financial position.
NEW IFRS ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is an overview of accounting standard changes that we will be required to
adopt in future years. Except as otherwise noted below for IFRS 9, IAS 32 and
amendments to IFRS 7, the standards are effective for our annual periods beginning on or
after January 1, 2013, with earlier application permitted. We do not expect to adopt any of
these standards before their effective dates.
Page 29 of 38
IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments
In November 2009, the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) published IFRS
9 “Financial Instruments”. This new standard simplifies the classification and measurement
of financial assets set out in IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”.
Financial assets are to be measured at amortized cost or fair value. They are to be
measured at amortized cost if the two following conditions are met:
a) The assets are held within a business model whose objective is to collect contractual
cash flows; and
b) The contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest on the
outstanding principal.
All other financial assets are to be measured at fair value through net earnings. The entity
may, if certain conditions are met, elect to use the fair value option instead of
measurement at amortized cost. As well, the entity may choose upon initial recognition to
measure non-trading equity investments at fair value through comprehensive income. Such
a choice is irrevocable.
In October 2010, the IASB issued revisions to IFRS 9, adding the requirements for
classification and measurement of financial liabilities contained in IAS 39 and further
points. For financial liabilities measured at fair value through net earnings using the fair
value option, the amount of change in a liability’s fair value attributable to changes in its
credit risk is recognized directly in other comprehensive income.
In December 2011, the IASB deferred the mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 to fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2015. Early adoption is permitted under certain
conditions. An entity is not required to restate comparative financial periods for its first-
time application of IFRS 9, but must comply with the new disclosure requirements.
We intend to adopt IFRS 9 in our financial statements for the annual period beginning on
January 1, 2015. The extent of the impact of adoption of IFRS 9 has not yet been
determined.
IFRS 10 - Consolidated Financial Statements
In May 2011, the IASB published IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements” which is a
replacement of SIC-12 “Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities”, and certain parts of IAS
27 “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements”. IFRS 10 uses control as the single
basis for consolidation, irrespective of the nature of the investee, employing the following
factors to identify control:
a) Power over the investee;
b) Exposure or rights to variable returns from involvement with the investee;
c) The ability to use power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns.
IFRS 10 shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. We intend to
adopt IFRS 10 in our financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1,
2013. We do not expect IFRS 10 to have a material impact on our financial statements.
IFRS 11 - Joint Arrangements
In May 2011, the IASB published IFRS 11 “Joint Arrangements” which supersedes IAS 31
“Interests in Joint Ventures” and SIC-13 “Jointly Controlled Entities – Non-Monetary
Contributions by Venturers”. IFRS 11 requires that joint ventures be accounted for using
Page 30 of 38
the equity method of accounting and eliminates the need for proportionate consolidation.
IFRS 11 shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. We intend to
adopt IFRS 11 in our financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1,
2013. We do not expect IFRS 11 to have a material impact on our financial statements.
IFRS 12 - Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities
In May 2011, the IASB published IFRS 12 “Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities” which
requires that an entity disclose information on the nature of and risks associated with its
interests
joint arrangements, associates or
unconsolidated structured entities) and the effects of those interests on its financial
statements.
in other entities (i.e. subsidiaries,
IFRS 12 shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. We intend to
adopt IFRS 12 in our financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1,
2013. We do not expect IFRS 12 to have a material impact on our financial statements.
IFRS 13 - Fair Value Measurement
In May 2011, the IASB published IFRS 13 “Fair Value Measurement” to establish a single
framework for fair value measurement of financial and non-financial items. IFRS 13 defines
fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in
an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It also
requires disclosure of certain information on fair value measurements.
IFRS 13 shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. We intend to
adopt IFRS 13 in our financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1,
2013. We do not expect IFRS 13 to have a material impact on our financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 19 - Employee Benefits
In June 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. Changes in
defined benefit obligations and plan assets are to be recognized in other comprehensive
income when they occur, thus eliminating the corridor approach and accelerating
recognition of past service cost. Net interest is to be recognized in net earnings and
calculated using the discount rate by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting
period on high quality corporate bonds. The actual return on plan assets minus net interest
is to be recognized in other comprehensive income.
The amendments to IAS 19 shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,
2013. We intend to adopt the amendments to IAS 19 in our financial statements for the
annual period beginning on January 1, 2013. Our current accounting policy for employee
benefits for the presentation of pension expense and the immediate recognition of actuarial
gains and losses in other comprehensive income is consistent with the requirements of the
amended IAS 19 standard. However, additional disclosures and the computation of annual
expense based on the application of the discount rate to the net defined benefit asset or
liability will be required in relation to the revised standard.
Amendments to IAS 1 – Financial Statement Presentation
In June 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial
Statements”. Items of other comprehensive income and the corresponding tax expense are
required to be grouped into those that will and will not subsequently be reclassified through
net earnings.
Page 31 of 38
These amendments shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2012. We
intend to adopt the amendments to IAS 1 in our financial statements for the annual period
beginning on January 1, 2013. We do not expect the amendments to IAS 1 to have a
material impact on our financial statements.
Amendments to other IFRS Standards
In addition, there have been amendments to existing standards, including IFRS 7 Financial
Instruments: Disclosure, IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements, IAS 28 Investments in
Associates and Joint Ventures, and IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation. IFRS 7
amendments require disclosure about the effects of offsetting financial assets and financial
liabilities and related arrangements on an entity’s financial position. IAS 27 addresses
accounting for subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates in non-consolidated
financial statements. IAS 28 has been amended to include joint ventures in its scope and to
address the changes in IFRS 10 to 13. IAS 32 addresses inconsistencies when applying the
offsetting requirements, and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1,
2014. We do not expect these amendments to have a material impact on our financial
statements
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-GAAP MEASURES
In addition to providing measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, we present certain
supplemental non-GAAP measures. These measures are Cash Operating Costs, EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA, and Normalized Net Loss. These non-GAAP measures do not have any
standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to
similar measures presented by other companies. We believe these measures are useful in
evaluating the operating performance and liquidity of the Company’s ongoing business.
These measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, net
income, cash flows and other measures of financial performance and liquidity reported in
accordance with GAAP.
Cash Operating Costs
This supplemental non-GAAP measure is provided to assist readers in determining our
operating costs on a cash basis. We believe this measure is useful in assessing
performance and highlighting trends on an overall basis. We also believe Cash Operating
Costs is frequently used by securities analysts and investors when comparing our results
with those of other companies. Cash Operating Costs differs from the most comparable
GAAP measure, operating expenses, primarily because it does not include stock-based
compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, acquisition
costs and financing charges. The following table shows a reconciliation of operating
expenses to Cash Operating Costs from continuing operations for the three months and
years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Cash Operating Costs
2012
Three months ended December 31,
2011
8,992
$
$
Change
1,055
Operating Expense
$
10,047
$
Stock-based compensation (expense)
recovery
Acquisition and integration costs
Restructuring charges
Financing charges
Depreciation and amortization
(1,555)
(91)
-
(564)
(504)
322
-
(79)
-
(1,034)
Cash Operating Costs
$
7,333
$
8,201
$
(1,877)
(91)
79
(564)
530
(868)
Page 32 of 38
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Cash Operating Costs
Years ended December 31,
2012
2011
Operating Expense
$
38,480
$
44,866
Stock-based compensation expense
Acquisition and integration costs
Restructuring charges
Financing charges
Depreciation and amortization
(2,582)
(274)
(1,931)
(564)
(2,828)
(2,377)
-
(1,356)
-
(4,164)
$
$
Change
(6,386)
(205)
(274)
(575)
(564)
1,336
Cash Operating Costs
$
30,301
$
36,969
$
(6,668)
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
These supplemental non-GAAP measures are provided to assist readers in determining our
operating performance and ability to generate operating cash flow. We believe this
measure is useful in assessing performance and highlighting trends on an overall basis. We
also believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are frequently used by securities analysts and
investors when comparing our results with those of other companies. EBITDA differs from
the most comparable GAAP measure, net income attributable to Ballard, primarily because
it does not include finance expense, income taxes, depreciation of property, plant and
equipment, amortization of intangible assets, and goodwill impairment charges. Adjusted
EBITDA adjusts EBITDA for stock-based compensation expense, transactional gains and
losses, asset impairment charges, finance and other income, and acquisition costs.
The following table shows a reconciliation of net income attributable to Ballard to EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for the three months and year ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Net loss from continuing operations
Three months ended December 31,
2012
2011
$
Change
attributable to Ballard
$
(16,809)
$
(7,969)
$
(8,840)
Depreciation and amortization
Finance expense
Income taxes
1,016
458
-
1,157
455
134
(141)
3
(134)
EBITDA attributable to Ballard
$
(15,335)
$
(6,223)
$
(9,112)
Stock-based compensation expense
(recovery)
Acquisition and integration costs
Finance and other (income) loss
Impairment of goodwill
Loss (gain) on sale and impairment of
property, plant and equipment
1,555
91
(167)
10,000
634
(322)
-
(78)
-
1,750
1,877
91
(89)
10,000
(1,116)
Page 33 of 38
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(3,222)
$
(4,873)
$
1,651
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Net loss from continuing operations
Year ended December 31,
2012
2011
$
Change
attributable to Ballard
$
(42,070)
$
(37,175)
$
(4,895)
Depreciation and amortization
Finance expense
Income taxes
4,840
1,690
-
4,561
1,392
134
279
298
(134)
EBITDA attributable to Ballard
$
(35,540)
$
(31,088)
$
(4,452)
Stock-based compensation
Acquisition costs
Finance and other (income) loss
Impairment of goodwill
Loss (gain) on sale and impairment of
property, plant and equipment
2,582
274
(31)
10,000
639
2,377
-
(195)
-
993
205
274
164
10,000
(354)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(22,076)
$
(27,913)
$
(5,837)
Normalized Net Loss
This supplemental non-GAAP measure is provided to assist readers in determining our
financial performance. We believe this measure is useful in assessing our actual
performance by adjusting our results from continuing operations for one-time transactional
gains and losses and impairment losses. Normalized Net Loss differs from the most
comparable GAAP measure, net loss attributable to Ballard from continuing operations,
primarily because it does not include transactional gains and losses and asset impairment
charges.
The following table shows a reconciliation of net loss attributable to Ballard from continuing
operations to Normalized Net Loss for the three months and years ended December 31,
2012 and 2011.
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Normalized Net Loss
Net loss attributable to Ballard from
continuing operations
Impairment of goodwill
Impairment on property, plant and
equipment
Normalized Net Loss
Normalized Net Loss per share
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Normalized Net Loss
Net loss attributable to Ballard from
continuing operations
Impairment of goodwill
Impairment on property, plant and
equipment
Normalized Net Loss
Normalized Net Loss per share
Three months ended December 31,
2012
2011
$
Change
$
(16,809)
$
(7,969)
$
(8,840)
10,000
570
-
1,727
10,000
(1,157)
$
$
(6,239)
$
(6,242)
(0.07)
$
(0.07)
$
$
3
-
Years ended December 31,
2012
2011
$
Change
$
(42,070)
$
(37,175)
$
(4,895)
10,000
570
-
1,727
10,000
(1,157)
$
$
(31,500)
(0.36)
$
$
(35,448)
(0.42)
$
$
3,948
0.06
Page 34 of 38
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES AND
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Disclosure controls and procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that
relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief
Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), on a timely basis so that
appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosures.
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, 2012, 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, 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 IFRS.
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, 2012.
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, 2012.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
During the year ended December 31, 2012, 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. Our design of
disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting includes
controls, policies and procedures covering Dantherm Power.
Page 35 of 38
RISKS & UNCERTAINTIES
An investment in our common shares involves risk. Investors should carefully consider the
risks and uncertainties described below and in our Annual Information Form. The risks and
uncertainties described below and in our Annual Information Form 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 the risks and uncertainties which apply to our business and our
operating results (which are summarized below), please see our Annual Information Form
and other filings with Canadian (www.sedar.com) and U.S. securities regulatory authorities
(www.sec.gov).
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 our identified risks and uncertainties are as follows:
• We may not be able to achieve commercialization of our products on the timetable
we anticipate, or at all;
• We expect our cash reserves will be reduced due to future operating losses and
working capital requirements, 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;
• A mass market for our products may never develop or may take longer to develop
than we anticipate;
• We may not be able to successfully execute our business plan;
•
In our material handling market, we depend on a single customer for the majority of
our revenues;
• We have limited experience manufacturing fuel cell products on a commercial basis;
• Global economic conditions are beyond our control and may have an adverse impact
on our business or on our key suppliers and / or customers;
• Potential fluctuations in our financial and business results make forecasting difficult
and may restrict our access to funding for our commercialization plan;
• We could be adversely affected by risks associated with acquisitions;
• We are subject to risks inherent in international operations;
• Exchange rate fluctuations are beyond our control and may have a material adverse
effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and profitability;
• Commodity price fluctuations are beyond our control and may have a material
Page 36 of 38
adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and
profitability;
• We are dependent upon Original Equipment Manufacturers and Systems Integrators
to purchase certain of our products;
• We are dependent on third party suppliers for the supply of key materials and
components for our products;
• We currently face and will continue to face significant competition;
• We could lose or fail to attract the personnel necessary to run our business;
• Public Policy and regulatory changes could hurt the market for our products;
• We depend on our intellectual property, and our failure to protect that intellectual
property could adversely affect our future growth and success;
• We could be liable for environmental damages resulting from our research,
development or manufacturing operations; and
• Our products use flammable fuels, which could subject our business to product
liability claims.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS DISCLAIMER
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, liquidity, sources of capital and our outlook including our estimated
revenue and gross margins, cash flow from operations, Cash Operating Costs, EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA (see Non-GAAP Measures) contained in our “Business 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
Page 37 of 38
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 environmental
regulations; our access to funding and our ability to provide the capital required for product
development, operations and marketing efforts, and working capital requirements; 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.
Page 38 of 38
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in U.S. dollars)
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
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 International Financial Reporting
Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. 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 IFRS. 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, 2012. 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 four 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.
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, 2012. 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”
“TONY GUGLIELMIN”
JOHN SHERIDAN
President and
Chief Executive Officer
February 20, 2013
TONY GUGLIELMIN
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
February 20, 2013
KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3
Canada
Telephone (604) 691-3000
(604) 691-3031
Fax
www.kpmg.ca
Internet
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Ballard Power Systems Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Ballard Power
Systems Inc. (the “Company”) as at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the related
consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then
ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2012 and December 31,
2011, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended
in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company
will continue as a going concern. As discussed in note 2(e) to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and
commitments in the normal course of business is dependent on it having sufficient liquidity and achieving
profitable operations that are sustainable. These conditions indicate the existence of a material
uncertainty that casts substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in note 2(e). The consolidated financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this material uncertainty.
KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG
network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative
(“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity.
KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012,
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 February 20, 2013
expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
February 20, 2013
Vancouver, Canada
KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3
Canada
Telephone (604) 691-3000
(604) 691-3031
Fax
www.kpmg.ca
Internet
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.’s (“the Company”) internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The
Company’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, included 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 Company’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.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG
network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative
(“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity.
KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.
We also have audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated
statements of financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and
the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for the
years then ended, and our report dated February 20, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those
consolidated financial statements.
KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
February 20, 2013
Vancouver, Canada
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Assets classified as held for sale
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Investments
Long-term trade receivables
Other long-term assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Bank operating line
Trade and other payables
Deferred revenue
Provisions
Finance lease liability
Convertible debenture
Liabilities classified as held for sale
Total current liabilities
Finance lease liability
Deferred gain
Provisions
Convertible debenture
Employee future benefits
Total liabilities
Equity:
Share capital
Treasury shares
Contributed surplus
Accumulated deficit
Foreign currency reserve
Total equity attributable to equity holders
Dantherm Power A/S non-controlling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
Subsequent events (note 29)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Approved on behalf of the Board:
“Ed Kilroy”
Director
“Ian Bourne”
Director
Note
December 31,
2012
December 31,
2011
$
$
$
20,316
25,878
17,164
13,614
934
77,906
-
77,906
35,085
2,249
48,106
635
1,126
183
165,290
4,587
22,693
3,560
9,573
978
-
41,391
-
41,391
13,749
5,653
4,733
1,733
5,686
72,945
7
8
28
9
10
11
12
7
$
9,770
12,068
16,374
11,277
1,011
50,500
10,798
61,298
24,316
4,194
36,291
667
594
187
$ 127,547
13
14
$
9,358
12,215
3,705
9,423
1,043
2,924
38,668
1,423
40,091
13,011
5,193
5,089
-
6,161
69,545
15
13 & 16
17
28
13 & 16
15
17
18
19
19
19
845,630
(313)
291,184
(1,074,181)
92
62,412
(4,410)
58,002
$ 127,547
837,686
(515)
289,219
(1,031,279)
209
95,320
(2,975)
92,345
165,290
$
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss
For the year ended December 31
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
Revenues:
Product and service revenues
Cost of product and service revenues
Gross margin
Operating expenses:
Research and product development
General and administrative
Sales and marketing
Total operating expenses
Results from operating activities
Finance income and other
Finance expense
Net finance expense
Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment
Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment
Impairment loss on goodwill
Loss before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net loss from continuing operations
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Net loss
Foreign currency translation differences
Defined benefit plan actuarial losses
Net gain (loss) on hedge of forward contracts
Comprehensive loss
Net loss attributable to:
Note
2012
2011
(restated – note 28)
$
43,690
$
36,321
7,369
19,273
12,306
6,901
38,480
55,773
48,494
7,279
24,896
11,455
8,515
44,866
27
27
9
9
11
23
28
18
(31,111)
(37,587)
31
(1,690)
(1,659)
(69)
(570)
(10,000)
(43,409)
-
(43,409)
(65)
195
(1,392)
(1,197)
734
(1,727)
-
(39,777)
(134)
(39,911)
3,755
$
(43,474) $
(36,156)
(186)
(807)
(20)
363
(2,905)
20
$
(44,487)
$
(38,678)
Ballard Power Systems Inc. from continuing operations
$
(42,070) $
(37,175)
Ballard Power Systems Inc. from discontinued operations
Dantherm Power A/S non-controlling interest
Net loss
Comprehensive loss attributable to:
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Dantherm Power A/S non-controlling interest
Comprehensive loss
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net loss
(65)
(1,339)
3,755
(2,736)
$
(43,474) $
(36,156)
$
(43,059) $
(36,116)
(1,428)
(2,562)
$
(44,487) $
(38,678)
$
$
$
(0.48) $
(0.00) $
(0.48) $
(0.44)
0.04
(0.40)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
87,591,501
84,440,970
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except per share amounts and number of shares)
Ballard Power Systems Inc. Equity
Number of
shares
Share
capital
Treasury
shares
Contributed
surplus
Accumulated
deficit
Dantherm
Power A/S
Non-
controlling
interests
Foreign
currency
reserve
Total
equity
Balance, December 31, 2010
84,148,465 $
836,245 $
(670) $
289,444 $
(995,023)
$
-
$
(413) $ 129,583
Balance, December 31, 2011
84,550,524 $
837,686 $
(515) $
289,219 $ (1,031,279)
$
209
$
(2,975) $
92,345
Net loss
Non-dilutive financing
Purchase of treasury shares
RSUs redeemed
Options exercised
Share distribution plan
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation for
foreign operations
Defined benefit plan actuarial loss
Net gain on hedge of forward contracts
Net loss
Acquisition (note 6)
Additional investment in
Dantherm Power A/S
Purchase of treasury shares
DSUs redeemed
RSUs redeemed
Options exercised
Share distribution plan
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation for
foreign operations
Defined benefit plan actuarial loss
Net loss on hedge of forward
contracts
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(327)
(60)
-
-
(33,420)
376,225
1,393
482
(2,769)
25,834
-
-
-
-
48
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(8)
2,612
-
-
-
-
-
69
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2,736)
(36,156)
-
-
-
-
-
(60)
(327)
(825)
40
2,612
-
189
174
363
(2,905)
-
-
20
-
(2,905)
-
20
52,120
314
-
(358)
49,095
113
208
(415)
40
-
-
7,136,237
7,493
-
-
-
-
-
(6)
-
-
13,501
-
-
-
-
24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(42,135)
-
-
-
-
(7)
2,745
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,339)
(43,474)
-
7,493
(7)
-
-
-
-
(7)
(6)
(44)
(54)
17
-
2,745
-
-
-
-
(97)
(89)
(186)
(807)
-
-
(20)
-
-
(807)
(20)
Balance, December 31, 2012
91,801,477 $ 845,630 $
(313) $ 291,184 $ (1,074,181) $
92
$ (4,410) $ 58,002
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities:
Net loss for the year
Adjustments for:
Compensatory shares
Employee future benefits
Depreciation and amortization
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment
Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment
Impairment loss on goodwill
Unrealized loss (gain) on forward contracts
Changes in non-cash working capital:
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Trade and other payables
Deferred revenue
Warranty provision
Note
2012
2011
9
9
11
$
(43,474)
$
(36,156)
2,746
(331)
6,184
69
1,070
11,815
(285)
(22,206)
65
4,434
(151)
(10,459)
166
5
(5,940)
2,646
(172)
5,906
(734)
1,727
-
285
(26,498)
(4,317)
(1,293)
42
(1,691)
1,052
(516)
(6,723)
Cash used by operating activities
$
(28,146)
$
(33,221)
Investing activities:
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Net proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment and other
Net investments in associated companies
Other investment activities
Financing activities:
Non-dilutive financing
Purchase of treasury shares
Payment of finance lease liabilities
Net proceeds from bank operating line
Net proceeds on issuance of share capital
Proceeds on issuance of convertible debenture from
Dantherm Power A/S non-controlling interests
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents held
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
13,810
(1,168)
424
(32)
(9)
$
13,025
$
-
(6)
(999)
4,771
17
862
12
13
17
(3,370)
(4,107)
3,666
36
-
(3,775)
(60)
(327)
(830)
4,587
40
1,718
$
$
$
$
4,645
$
5,128
(70)
$
247
(10,546)
$
(31,621)
20,316
9,770
$
51,937
20,316
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (note 25).
Cash flows of discontinued operations (note 28).
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
1. Reporting entity:
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
and distributed generation) markets; and engineering services for a variety of fuel cell
applications. A fuel cell is an environmentally clean electrochemical device that combines
hydrogen fuel with oxygen (from the air) to produce electricity. The Corporation’s technology
is based on proton exchange membrane (“PEM”) fuel cells.
The Corporation is a company domiciled in Canada and its registered office is located at 9000
Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5J 5J8. The consolidated financial
statements of the Corporation as at and for the year ended December 31, 2012 comprise the
Corporation and its subsidiaries (note 3(a)).
2. Basis of preparation:
(a) Statement of compliance:
These consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on
February 20, 2013.
(b) Basis of measurement:
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except
for the following material items in the statement of financial position:
•
Financial instruments classified as fair value through profit or loss and available-for-
sale are measured at fair value;
• Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value; and
•
Employee future benefits liability is recognized as the net total of the present value
of the defined benefit obligation, less the fair value of plan assets.
12
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
2. Basis of preparation (cont’d):
(c) Functional and presentation currency:
These consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, which is the
Corporation’s functional currency.
(d) Use of estimates:
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the
Corporation’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of
accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.
Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to
accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in
any future periods affected.
Significant areas having estimation uncertainty include revenue recognition, asset impairment,
warranty provision, inventory provision, employee future benefits, and income taxes. These
estimates and assumptions are discussed further in note 4.
(e) Going concern:
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Corporation will
continue as a going concern. The Corporation is required to assess its ability to continue as a
going concern or whether substantial doubt exists as to the Corporation’s ability to continue as
a going concern into the foreseeable future. While the Corporation believes that it has
adequate liquidity in cash, working capital and non-core asset monetization opportunities
(notes 28 & 29) to finance its operations, there are material risks and uncertainties that cause
substantial doubt as to the Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern. The
Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern and realize its assets and discharge its
liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business is dependent upon the
Corporation having adequate liquidity and achieving profitable operations that are sustainable.
There are various risks and uncertainties affecting the Corporation including, but not limited
to, the market acceptance and rate of commercialization of the Corporation’s products, the
ability of the Corporation to successfully execute its business plan, and general global
economic conditions, certain of which are beyond the Corporation’s control.
The Corporation’s strategy to mitigate these risks and uncertainties is to execute a business
plan aimed at continued focus on Fuel Cell Products revenue growth, improving overall gross
margins, managing operating expenses and working capital requirements, and securing
additional financing to fund its operations as needed including the sale of non-core assets
(notes 28 & 29). Failure to implement this plan could have a material adverse effect on the
Corporation’s financial condition and or results of operations.
13
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
2. Basis of preparation (cont’d):
(e) Going concern (cont’d):
These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments or disclosures that
would be required if assets are not realized and liabilities and commitments are not settled in
the normal course of operations.
3. Significant accounting policies:
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented
in these consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated.
Certain prior year comparative figures have been reclassified to comply with current year
presentation.
(a) Basis of consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its principal
subsidiaries as follows:
Ballard Fuel Cell Systems Inc.
Ballard Material Products Inc.
Ballard Power Corporation
Dantherm Power A/S
Percentage ownership
2012
100%
100%
100%
52% - 57%
2011
-
100%
100%
52%
Subsidiaries are entities over which the Corporation exercises control, where control is defined
as the power to govern financial and operating policies, generally owning greater than 50% of
the voting rights. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated
financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in the consolidated financial
statements.
The Corporation acquired a 45% interest in Dantherm Power A/S on January 18, 2010. The
Corporation acquired an additional 7% interest in Dantherm Power A/S in August 2010 and a
further 5% interest in December 2012. As the Corporation obtained control over Dantherm
Power A/S as of the date of acquisition of the 45% interest, Dantherm Power A/S has been
consolidated since acquisition on January 18, 2010.
Acquisitions of non-controlling interest are accounted as transactions with equity holders in
their capacity as equity holders; therefore no goodwill is recognized as a result of such
transactions.
14
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(b) Foreign currency:
(i) Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of
the Corporation and its subsidiaries at the exchange rate in effect at the transaction date.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other than the functional currency are
translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting
exchange gains and losses are recognized in earnings. Non-monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in other than the functional currency that are measured at fair value are
translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value
was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in
other than the functional currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of
the transaction.
(ii) Foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to presentation currency at
exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are
translated to presentation currency at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
Foreign currency differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.
(c) (c) Financial instruments:
(i) Financial assets
The Corporation initially recognizes loans and receivables and deposits on the date that
they are originated and all other financial assets on the trade date at which the
Corporation becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The
Corporation derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows
from the asset expire, or when it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership of the financial asset.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets are classified at fair value through profit or loss if they are held for trading
or if the Corporation manages such investments and makes purchase and sale decisions
based on their fair value in accordance with the Corporation’s documented risk
management or investment strategy. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognized in net loss.
15
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(c) Financial instruments (cont’d):
(i) Financial assets (cont’d)
The Corporation’s short-term investments, consisting of highly liquid interest bearing
securities with maturities at the date of purchase between three months and three years,
are classified as held for trading.
The Corporation also periodically enters into platinum futures and foreign exchange
forward contracts to limit its exposure to platinum price and foreign currency rate
fluctuations. These derivatives are recognized initially at fair value and are recorded as
either assets or liabilities based on their fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, these
derivatives are measured at fair value and changes to their value are recorded through net
loss, unless these financial instruments are designated as hedges (note 3 (c)(iv)).
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are
not quoted in an active market. Such assets are recognized initially at fair value and
subsequently at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment
losses. Loans and receivables are comprised of the Corporation’s trade and other
receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit and highly liquid short-term interest-
bearing securities with original maturities of three months or less and are initially
measured at
fair value, and subsequently measured at amortized cost, which
approximates fair value due to the short-term and liquid nature of these assets.
Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are designated
as available-for-sale and that are not classified in any of the previous categories. The
Corporation’s investment in Chrysalix Energy Limited Partnership (“Chrysalix”) is classified
as available-for-sale financial assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured
at fair value and changes therein, other than impairment losses and foreign currency
differences, are recognized in other comprehensive income. When an investment is
derecognized, the cumulative gain or loss in other comprehensive income is transferred to
profit or loss.
16
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(c) Financial instruments (cont’d):
(i) Financial assets (cont’d)
Determination of fair value
The fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale
are determined by reference to their quoted closing bid price at the reporting date if they
are traded in an active market. For derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward
contracts, platinum futures contracts), fair value is estimated by Management based on
their listed market price or broker quotes that include adjustments to take account of the
credit risk of the Corporation and the counterparty when appropriate. The fair value of
loans and receivables is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at
the market rate of interest at the reporting date.
(ii) Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities comprise the Corporation’s trade and other payables. The financial
liabilities are initially recognized on the date they are originated and are derecognized
when the contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire. These financial
liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently are measured at amortized
costs using the effective interest method, when materially different from the initial
amount. Fair value is determined based on the present value of future cash flows,
discounted at the market rate of interest.
(iii) Share capital
Share capital is classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of
shares and share options are recognized as a deduction from equity. When share capital
is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable costs,
is recognized as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury
shares and are presented as a deduction from equity. When treasury shares are
subsequently reissued, the amount received is recognized as an increase in equity, and
the resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is transferred to or from retained
earnings.
17
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(c) Financial instruments (cont’d):
(iv) Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting
The Corporation periodically holds derivative financial instruments to hedge its foreign
currency risk exposures that are designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge
relationship.
On initial designation of the hedge, the Corporation formally documents the relationship
between the hedging instrument and hedged item, including the risk management
objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, together with the methods
that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship.
The Corporation makes an assessment, both at the inception of the hedge relationship as
well as on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging instruments are expected to be “highly
effective” in offsetting the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the respective hedged
items during the period for which the hedge is designated, and whether the actual results
of each hedge are within a range of 80-125 percent. For a cash flow hedge of a forecast
transaction, the transaction should be highly probable to occur and should present an
exposure to variations in cash flows that could ultimately affect reported net income.
Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value; attributable transaction costs are
recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are
measured at fair value, and changes therein are accounted for as described below.
Cash flow hedges
When a derivative is designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge of the variability in
cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or
a highly probable forecast transaction that could affect profit or loss, the effective portion
of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive income
and presented in unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges in equity. The amount
recognized in other comprehensive income is removed and included in profit or loss in the
same period as the hedged cash flows affect profit or loss under the same line item in the
statement of comprehensive income as the hedged item. Any ineffective portion of
changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
18
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(c) Financial instruments (cont’d):
(iv) Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting (cont’d)
If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is
sold, terminated, exercised, or the designation is revoked, then hedge accounting is
discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other
comprehensive income and presented in unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges in
equity remains there until the forecast transaction affects profit or loss.
If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, then the balance in other
comprehensive income is recognized immediately in profit or loss. In other cases the
amount recognized in other comprehensive income is transferred to profit or loss in the
same period that the hedged item affects profit or loss.
Other non-trading derivatives
When a derivative financial instrument is not held for trading, and is not designated in a
qualifying hedge relationship, all changes in its fair value are recognized immediately in
profit or loss.
(d) 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 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 any impairment of
inventory, management estimates the likelihood that inventory carrying values will be affected
by changes in market demand, technology and design, which would impair the value of
inventory on hand.
(e) Property, plant and equipment:
Property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and
accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the
acquisition of the asset. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials,
costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to a working condition for their intended use,
and the costs of dismantling and removing items and restoring the site on which they are
located.
19
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(e) Property, plant and equipment (cont’d):
When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are
accounted for as separate items (major components).
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated 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 less its residual value over the estimated useful lives of the assets as
follows:
Building
Building under finance lease
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under finance lease
20 years
15 years
3 to 7 years
5 to 14 years
5 years
Leasehold improvements
The shorter of initial term of the respective lease and
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment under finance lease
estimated useful life
4 to 15 years
5 years
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each financial year-end
and adjusted if appropriate.
Gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing
the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, and
are recognized net within other income in profit or loss.
(f) Leases:
Leases where the Corporation assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are
classified as finance leases. Upon initial recognition the leased asset is measured at an
amount equal to the lower of its fair value and the present value of the minimum lease
payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the
accounting policy applicable to that asset. Other leases are operating leases and not
recognized in the statement of financial position.
Minimum lease payments made under finance leases are apportioned between the finance
expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to
each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the
remaining balance of the liability.
20
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(f) Leases (cont’d):
Payments made under operating leases are recognized in income on a straight-line basis over
the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognized as a reduction to the lease
expense over the term of the lease.
(g) Goodwill and intangible assets:
Goodwill is recognized as the fair value of the consideration transferred including the
recognized amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, less the fair value of the
net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date. Subsequent
to initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to groups of cash generating units
that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.
Intangible assets consist of fuel cell technology acquired from third parties and are recorded at
cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. Intangible assets less their
residual values are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 5 years using the straight-
line method from the date that they are available for use. Amortization methods, useful lives
and residual values are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate. Costs incurred in
establishing and maintaining patents and license agreements are expensed in the period
incurred.
Research costs are expensed as they are incurred. Product development costs are expensed
as incurred except when they meet specific criteria for capitalization. Development activities
involve a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and
processes. Development costs are capitalized only if costs can be measured reliably, the
product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are
probable and the Corporation intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development
to use or sell the asset. Capitalized development costs are measured at cost less accumulated
amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Capitalized development costs, if any, are
amortized when commercial production begins, using the straight-line method over a period of
5 years.
21
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(h) Impairment:
(i) Financial assets
Financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss are assessed for impairment
at each reporting date by determining whether there is objective evidence that indicates
that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss
event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset that can be
estimated reliably.
Impairment
losses on available-for-sale
investment securities are recognized by
transferring the cumulative loss that has been recognized in other comprehensive income,
and presented in accumulated other comprehensive loss in equity, to net loss. The
cumulative loss that is removed from other comprehensive income and recognized in net
loss is the difference between the acquisition cost, net of any principal repayment and
amortization, and the current fair value less any impairment loss previously recognized in
net loss. If subsequently the fair value of an impaired available-for-sale security
increases, then the impairment loss is reversed, with the amount of the reversal
recognized in net loss. However, any subsequent recovery in the fair value of an impaired
available for sale equity security is recognized in other comprehensive income.
(ii) Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of the Corporation’s non-financial assets other than inventories are
reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of
impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is
estimated. For goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives, the
recoverable amount is estimated annually.
The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in
use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future
cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
Fair value less costs to sell is defined as the estimated price that would be received on the
sale of the asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date. For the purposes of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested
individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash
inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other
groups of assets. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated reflects the
lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes.
22
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(h) Impairment (cont’d):
(ii) Non-financial assets (cont’d)
An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating
unit exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in net
loss. Impairment losses recognized in respect of the cash-generating units are allocated
first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units, and then to
reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis.
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets,
impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any
indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed
only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount
that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment
loss had been recognized.
(i) Provisions:
A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Corporation has a present legal or
constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by
discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the liability. The unwinding of
the discount is recognized as a finance cost.
Warranty provision
A provision for warranty costs is recorded on product sales at the time the sale is recognized.
In establishing the warranty provision, 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.
Decommissioning liabilities
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.
23
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(j) Revenue recognition:
The Corporation generates revenues primarily from product sales and 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
On standard equipment and material sales contracts, revenues are recognized when (i)
significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods has been transferred to the buyer; (ii)
the Corporation retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually
associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold; (iii) the amount of
revenue can be measured reliably; (iv) it is probable that the economic benefits associated
with the sale will accrue to the Corporation; and (v) the costs incurred, or to be incurred, in
respect of the transaction can be measured reliably. 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 service 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.
(k) Finance income and costs:
Finance income comprises of interest income on funds invested, gains on the disposal of
available-for-sale financial assets and changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss. Interest income is recognized as it accrues in income, using the
effective interest method.
Finance costs comprise interest expense on capital leases, unwinding of the discount on
provisions, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and
impairment losses recognized on financial assets.
Foreign currency gains and losses are reported on a net basis.
24
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(l) Income taxes:
The Corporation follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under
this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the deferred 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 deferred tax asset or liability are included in
income.
Deferred 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 deferred income tax assets and liabilities,
of a change in tax rates, is included in income in the period that includes the substantive
enactment date. Deferred income tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
(m) Employee benefits:
Defined contribution plans
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed
contributions into a separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay
further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are
recognized as an employee benefit expense in profit or loss in the periods during which
services are rendered by employees. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset to the
extent that a cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available. Contributions to a
defined contribution plan that are due more than 12 months after the end of the period in
which the employees render the service are discounted to their present value.
Defined benefit plans
A defined benefit plan is a post-employment benefit plan other than a defined contribution
plan. The Corporation’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated
separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have
earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to
determine its present value. Any unrecognized past service costs and the fair value of any
plan assets are deducted. The discount rate is the yield at the reporting date on AA credit-
rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Corporation’s obligations
and that are denominated in the same currency in which the benefits are expected to be paid.
The calculation is performed annually by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit
method.
25
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(m) Employee benefits (cont’d):
Defined benefit plans (cont’d)
When the calculation results in a benefit to the Corporation, the recognized asset is limited to
the total of any unrecognized past service costs and the present value of economic benefits
available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions
to the plan. In order to calculate the present value of economic benefits, consideration is given
to any minimum funding requirements that apply to any plan in the Corporation. An economic
benefit is available to the Corporation if it is realizable during the life of the plan, or on
settlement of the plan liabilities.
As a result of the curtailment of the pension plan in 2009, there is no current service cost
associated with the plan.
The Corporation recognizes all actuarial gains and losses arising from defined benefit plans
immediately in other comprehensive income, and reports them in retained earnings.
Other long-term employee benefits
The Corporation’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee benefits other than pension
plans is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in
the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value, and
the fair value of any related assets is deducted. The discount rate is the yield at the reporting
date on AA credit-rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the
Corporation’s obligations. The calculation is performed using the projected unit credit method.
Any actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss in the
period in which they arise.
Termination benefits
Termination benefits are recognized as an expense when the Corporation is committed
demonstrably, without realistic possibility of withdrawal, to a formal detailed plan to either
terminate employment before the normal retirement date, or to provide termination benefits
as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Termination benefits for
voluntary redundancies are recognized as an expense if the Corporation has made an offer of
voluntary redundancy, it is probable that the offer will be accepted, and the number of
acceptances can be estimated reliably. If benefits are payable more than 12 months after the
reporting period, then they are discounted to their present value.
26
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(m) Employee benefits (cont’d):
Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are
expensed as the related service is provided.
A liability is recognized for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or
profit sharing plans if the Corporation has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this
amount as a result of past service provided by the employee, and the obligation can be
estimated reliably.
(n) Share-based compensation plans:
The Corporation uses the
fair-value based method of accounting
for share-based
compensation for all awards of shares and share options granted. The resulting compensation
expense, based on the fair value of the awards granted, excluding the impact of any non-
market service and performance vesting conditions, is charged to income over the period that
the employees unconditionally become entitled to the award, with a corresponding increase to
contributed surplus. Fair values of share options are calculated using the Black-Scholes
valuation method as of the grant date and adjusted for estimated forfeitures. For awards with
graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is calculated separately and recognized over its
respective vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are considered in making
assumptions about the number of awards that are expected to vest. At each reporting date,
the Corporation reassesses its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to vest
and recognizes the impact of any revision in the income statement with a corresponding
adjustment to contributed surplus.
The Corporation issues shares and share options under its share-based compensation plans as
described in note 19. 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.
(o) Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for treasury shares. 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. When the effects of outstanding stock-based
compensation arrangements would be anti-dilutive, diluted loss per share is not calculated.
27
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
3. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(p) 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 comprehensive loss, 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.
(q) Segment reporting:
An operating segment is a component of the Corporation that engages in business activities
from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that
relate to transactions with any of the Corporation’s other components. Segment results
include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a
reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly corporate assets, head office expenses,
and income tax assets and liabilities.
4. Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation
uncertainty:
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the
Corporation’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of
accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.
Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to
accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in
any future periods affected.
Critical judgments in applying accounting policies:
At this time, the Corporation’s management has concluded that there are no critical judgments
that management has made in the process of applying the Corporation’s accounting policies.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty:
The following are key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation
uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the reported
amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses within the next fiscal year.
28
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation
uncertainty (cont’d):
(a) Revenue recognition:
Revenues under certain contracts for product and engineering development services, provide
for receipt of payment based on achieving defined milestones or on the performance of work
under product development programs. Revenues are recognized under these contracts based
on management’s estimate of progress achieved against these milestones or on the
proportionate performance method of accounting. Changes in management’s estimated costs
to complete a contract may result in an adjustment to previously recognized revenues.
(b) Asset impairment:
The carrying amounts of the Corporation’s non-financial assets, other than inventories, are
reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment.
If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.
The Corporation’s most significant estimates and assumptions involve values associated with
goodwill and intangible assets. These estimates and assumptions include those with respect
to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives, and the determination of cash
generating units. At least annually, the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets is
reviewed for potential impairment. Among other things, this review considers the fair value of
the cash-generating units based on discounted estimated future cash flows. This review
involves significant estimation uncertainty, which could affect the Corporation’s future results
if the current estimates of future performance and fair values change.
(c) Warranty provision:
In establishing the warranty provision, management estimates the likelihood that products
sold will experience warranty claims and the cost to resolve claims received. In making such
determinations, the Corporation uses estimates based on the nature of the contract and past
and projected experience with the products. Should these estimates prove to be incorrect, the
Corporation may incur costs different from those provided for in the warranty provision.
Management reviews warranty assumptions and makes adjustments to the provision at each
reporting date based on the latest information available, including the expiry of contractual
obligations. Adjustments to the warranty provision are recorded in cost of product and service
revenues.
29
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation
uncertainty (cont’d):
(d) Inventory provision:
In determining the lower of cost and net realizable value of inventory and in establishing the
appropriate impairment amount for inventory obsolescence, management estimates the
likelihood that inventory carrying values will be affected by changes in market pricing or
demand for the products and by changes in technology or design which could make inventory
on hand obsolete or recoverable at less than the recorded value. Management performs
regular reviews to assess the impact of changes in technology and design, sales trends and
other changes on the carrying value of inventory. Where it is determined that such changes
have occurred and will have an impact on the value of inventory on hand, appropriate
adjustments 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.
(e) Employee future benefits:
The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated
future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that have terms to
maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability.
Determination of benefit expense requires assumptions such as the discount rate to measure
obligations, expected plan investment performance, expected healthcare cost trend rate, and
retirement ages of employees. Actual results will differ from the recorded amounts based on
these estimates and assumptions.
(f) Income taxes:
Deferred 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 deferred income tax assets and liabilities,
of a change in tax rates, is included in income in the period that includes the substantive
enactment date. Management reviews the deferred income tax assets at each reporting
period and records adjustments to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax
benefit will be realized.
30
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
5. Recent accounting pronouncements:
The following is an overview of accounting standard changes that the Corporation will be
required to adopt in future years. Except as otherwise noted below for IFRS 9, IAS 32 and
amendments to IFRS 7, the standards are effective for the annual periods beginning on or
after January 1, 2013, with earlier application permitted. The Corporation does not expect to
adopt any of these standards before their effective dates.
(a) IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments:
In November 2009, the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) published IFRS 9
Financial Instruments. This new standard simplifies the classification and measurement of
financial assets set out in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.
Financial assets are to be measured at amortized cost or fair value. They are to be measured
at amortized cost if the two following conditions are met:
a) the assets are held within a business model whose objective is to collect contractual
cash flows; and
b) the contractual cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest on the
outstanding principal.
All other financial assets are to be measured at fair value through net earnings. The entity
may, if certain conditions are met, elect to use the fair value option instead of measurement
at amortized cost. As well, the entity may choose upon initial recognition to measure non-
trading equity investments at fair value through comprehensive income. Such a choice is
irrevocable.
In October 2010, the IASB issued revisions to IFRS 9, adding the requirements for
classification and measurement of financial liabilities contained in IAS 39 and further points.
For financial liabilities measured at fair value through net earnings using the fair value option,
the amount of change in a liability’s fair value attributable to changes in its credit risk is
recognized directly in other comprehensive income.
In December 2011, the IASB deferred the mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 to fiscal years
beginning on or after January 1, 2015. Early adoption is permitted under certain conditions.
An entity is not required to restate comparative financial periods for its first-time application of
IFRS 9, but must comply with the new disclosure requirements.
The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 9 in its financial statements for the fiscal year
beginning on January 1, 2015. The extent of the impact of adoption has not yet been
determined.
31
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
5. Recent accounting pronouncements (cont’d):
(b) IFRS 10 – Consolidated Financial Statements:
In May 2011, the IASB published IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements which is a
replacement of SIC-12 Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities, and certain parts of IAS 27
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements. IFRS 10 uses control as the single basis for
consolidation, irrespective of the nature of the investee, employing the following factors to
identify control:
a) power over the investee;
b) exposure or rights to variable returns from involvement with the investee;
c) the ability to use power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s
returns.
IFRS 10 shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 10 for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2013.
The Corporation does not expect IFRS 10 to have a material impact on its financial
statements.
(c) IFRS 11 – Joint Arrangements:
In May 2011, the IASB published IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements which supersedes IAS 31
Interests in Joint Ventures and SIC-13 Jointly Controlled Entities – Non-Monetary
Contributions by Venturers. IFRS 11 requires that joint ventures be accounted for using the
equity method of accounting and eliminates the need for proportionate consolidation. This new
standard shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 11 for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2013.
The Corporation does not expect IFRS 11 to have a material impact on its financial
statements.
(d) IFRS 12 – Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities:
In May 2011, the IASB published IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities which
requires that an entity disclose information on the nature of and risks associated with its
interests in other entities (i.e. subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates or unconsolidated
structured entities) and the effects of those interests on its financial statements. IFRS 12 shall
be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 12 for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2013.
The Corporation does not expect IFRS 12 to have a material impact on its financial
statements.
32
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
5. Recent accounting pronouncements (cont’d):
(e) IFRS 13 – Fair Value Measurement:
In May 2011, the IASB published IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement to establish a single
framework for fair value measurement of financial and non-financial items. IFRS 13 defines
fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It also requires
disclosure of certain information on fair value measurements. IFRS 13 shall be applied to fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 13 for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2013.
The Corporation does not expect IFRS 13 to have a material impact on its financial
statements.
(f) Amendments to IAS 19 – Employee Benefits:
In June 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefits. The amendments
to IAS 19 make significant changes to the recognition and measurement of defined benefit
pension expense and termination benefits, and to enhance the disclosures for all employee
benefits. Actuarial gains and losses are renamed “remeasurements” and will be recognized
immediately in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).
Remeasurements recognized in OCI will not be recycled through profit or loss in subsequent
periods. The amendments also accelerate the recognition of past service costs whereby they
are recognized in the period of a plan amendment. The annual expense for a funded benefit
plan will be computed based on the application of the discount rate to the net defined benefit
asset or liability. The amendments to IAS 19 will also impact the presentation of pension
expense as benefit cost will be split between (i) the cost of benefits accrued in the current
period (service cost) and benefit changes (past-service cost, settlements and curtailments);
and (ii) finance expense or income.
A number of other amendments have been made to recognition, measurement and
classification, including those re-defining short-term and other long-term benefits guidance on
the treatment of taxes related to benefit plans, guidance on risk/cost sharing factors and
expanded disclosures.
The amendments to IAS 19 shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,
2013. The Corporation intends to adopt the amendments in its financial statements for the
fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2013. The Corporation’s current accounting policy for
employee benefits for the presentation of pension expense and the immediate recognition of
actuarial gains and losses in OCI is consistent with the requirements in the standard.
However, additional disclosures and the computation of annual expense based on the
application of the discount rate to the net defined benefit asset or liability will be required in
relation to the revised standard.
33
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
5. Recent accounting pronouncements (cont’d):
(g) Amendments to IAS 1 – Financial Statement Presentation:
In June 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.
Items of other comprehensive income and the corresponding tax expense are required to be
grouped into those that will and will not subsequently be reclassified through net earnings.
These amendments shall be applied to fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2012.
The Corporation intends to adopt the amendments to IAS 1 for the fiscal year beginning on
January 1, 2013. The Corporation does not expect the amendments to IAS 1 to have a
material impact on its financial statements.
(h) Amendments to other standards:
In addition, there have been amendments to existing standards, including IFRS 7 Financial
Instruments: Disclosure, IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements, IAS 28 Investments in
Associates and Joint Ventures, and IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation. IFRS 7
amendments require disclosure about the effects of offsetting financial assets and financial
liabilities and related arrangements on an entity’s financial position. IAS 27 addresses
accounting for subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates in non-consolidated
financial statements. IAS 28 has been amended to include joint ventures in its scope and to
address the changes in IFRS 10 to 13. IAS 32 addresses inconsistencies when applying the
offsetting requirements, and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1,
2014. The Corporation does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on its
financial statements.
6. Acquisition:
On August 1, 2012 (“acquisition date”), the Corporation completed an agreement to acquire
key assets and product lines from IdaTech, LLC (“IdaTech”). In exchange for 7,136,237 of the
Corporation’s common shares valued at $7,493,000 based on the Corporation’s share price at
the acquisition date, the Corporation acquired IdaTech’s key assets including fuel cell systems
inventory, prepaid right to inventory, and product lines for backup power applications,
distributor and customer relationships, a license to intellectual property, the right to assume
control of a manufacturing facility, and certain property, plant and equipment.
The prepaid right to inventory and other current assets of approximately $2,728,000 relates to
a contract manufacturing agreement including a supply commitment whereby IdaTech will
provide additional units of finished goods inventory to the Corporation prior to January 1,
2013. An additional payment of approximately $500,000 for the additional units will be made
to IdaTech when the Corporation receives payment from its customers as the units are sold.
34
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
6. Acquisition (cont’d):
The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and,
accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities have been included in the consolidated financial
statements since the date of acquisition, and revenues since the acquisition date totaling
$5,087,000 are reported in the Fuel Cell Products segment. The intangible assets arising from
this acquisition are amortized over their estimated useful life of 5 years. Pro forma revenue
and net loss attributable to the Corporation as if the assets were acquired on January 1, 2012
cannot be determined, as reliable information is not available.
Acquisition costs of $274,000 were incurred in 2012 as a result of the transaction, and are
recognized in general and administrative expenses.
The following is the fair value of the identified assets acquired, and liabilities assumed at the
date of acquisition:
Net assets acquired:
Inventories
Prepaid right to inventory and other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Trade and other payables
Warranty provision
Total purchase consideration
7. Trade and other receivables:
Trade receivables
Other
Less: Non-current trade receivables
8. Inventories:
Raw materials and consumables
Work-in-progress
Finished goods
$
1,895
2,728
861
2,886
(431)
(446)
$
7,493
December 31,
December 31,
2012
2011
$
16,709
$
16,343
259
16,968
(594)
1,947
18,290
(1,126)
$
16,374
$
17,164
December 31,
December 31,
2012
$
4,702
$
1,646
4,929
2011
8,353
1,820
3,441
$
11,277
$
13,614
35
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
8. Inventories (cont’d):
In 2012, changes in raw materials and consumables, finished goods and work-in-progress
recognized as cost of product and service revenues amounted to $19,218,000 (2011 -
$37,227,000).
In 2012, the write-down of inventories to net realizable value amounted to $717,000 (2011 -
$486,000). There were no reversals of previously recorded write-downs in 2012 or 2011.
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.
9. Property, plant and equipment:
Cost
Land
Building
Building under finance lease
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under finance lease
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment under
finance lease
Total
Balance at
December 31,
Reclassified
Balance at
as held for
December 31,
2011
Additions
Disposals
sale
2012
$
1,220
3,666
12,180
6,423
834
317
10,086
45,091
3,667
$
- $
-
-
276
1
-
125
1,670
-
- $
-
-
(54)
(23)
-
-
(1,220) $
(3,666)
-
-
-
12,180
(701)
5,944
(57)
-
755
317
(1,032)
9,179
(1,493)
(13,161)
32,107
-
-
3,667
$
83,484
$
2,072 $
(1,570) $ (19,837) $
64,149
Depreciation and impairment
December
Impairment
as held for
December
Balance at
Reclassified
Balance at
loss
Land
Building
Building under finance lease
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under
finance lease
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment
under finance lease
31, 2011 Depreciation
loss
Disposals
sale
31, 2012
$
- $
-
$
- $
2,199
1,488
5,676
788
37
4,963
32,806
442
154
813
241
12
63
694
3,003
458
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,070
-
- $
-
-
(54)
(23)
-
- $
(2,353)
-
(493)
(57)
-
-
-
2,301
5,370
720
100
-
(767)
4,890
(975)
(10,352)
25,552
-
-
900
Total
$
48,399 $
5,438
$
1,070 $
(1,052) $
(14,022) $
39,833
36
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
9. Property, plant and equipment (cont’d):
Cost
Land
Building
Building under finance lease
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under finance lease
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment under finance lease
Balance at
December
Balance at
December
31, 2010
Additions
Disposals
31, 2011
$
1,220 $
- $
3,666
12,180
6,339
741
-
7,518
45,382
2,078
-
-
403
93
317
2,568
2,785
1,589
$
-
-
-
1,220
3,666
12,180
(319)
6,423
-
-
-
834
317
10,086
(3,076)
45,091
-
3,667
Total
$
79,124 $
7,755 $
(3,395) $
83,484
Depreciation and impairment loss
31, 2010 Depreciation
loss
Disposals
31, 2011
Balance at
December
Impairment
Balance at
December
Land
Building
Building under finance lease
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under finance lease
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment under finance
lease
Total
$
- $
-
$
- $
2,044
652
5,347
682
-
4,442
28,889
123
155
836
345
106
37
521
3,292
319
-
-
-
-
-
-
- $
-
-
(16)
-
-
-
-
2,199
1,488
5,676
788
37
4,963
1,727
(1,102)
32,806
-
-
442
$
42,179 $
5,611
$
1,727 $
(1,118) $
48,399
Carrying amounts
Land
Building
Building under finance lease
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under finance lease
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment under finance lease
Balance at
Balance at
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2011
$
-
-
9,879
574
35
217
4,289
6,555
2,767
$
1,220
1,467
10,692
747
46
280
5,123
12,285
3,225
Total
$
24,316
$
35,085
37
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
9. Property, plant and equipment (cont’d):
Leased assets
The Corporation leases certain assets under finance lease agreements including the
Corporation’s head office building in Burnaby, British Columbia and certain production and test
equipment.
Disposals
The total loss on sale of property, plant and equipment was $69,000 in 2012. In 2011, a gain
on sale of property, plant and equipment of $734,000 was recognized.
Impairment loss
During the year ended December 31, 2012, impairment losses of $1,070,000 (2011 -
$1,727,000) were recognized, of which $570,000 related to the obsolescence of production
and test equipment. The remaining $500,000 related to the impairment of assets held for sale
(note 28). No impairment losses were reversed in 2012 or 2011.
10. Intangible assets:
Fuel cell technology
Balance
At January 1, 2011
Amortization
At December 31, 2011
Acquisition through business combination
Amortization
At December 31, 2012
Accumulated
Net carrying
Cost
amortization
amount
$
43,443
$
40,468
$
-
43,443
2,886
-
726
41,194
-
941
$
46,329
$
42,135
$
2,975
(726)
2,249
2,886
(941)
4,194
Amortization and impairment losses of fuel cell technology and development costs are
allocated to research and product development expense. There were no impairment losses
recorded in 2012 and 2011.
11. Goodwill:
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the Corporation’s cash-
generating units which represent the lowest level within the Corporation at which the goodwill
is monitored for internal management purposes, which is not higher than the Corporation’s
operating segments (note 26).
38
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
11. Goodwill (cont’d):
The aggregate carrying amount of goodwill allocated to each cash-generating unit is as
follows:
Fuel cell products
Contract automotive
Material products
December 31,
December 31,
2012
2011
$
36,291
$
46,291
-
-
-
1,815
$
36,291
$
48,106
The impairment testing for the above cash-generating units requires a comparison of the
carrying value of the asset to the higher of (i) value in use; and (ii) fair value less costs to sell.
Value in use is defined as the present value of future cash flows expected to be derived from
the asset in its current state.
Fuel Cell Products
The Corporation’s fair value test is in effect a modified market capitalization assessment,
whereby the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products segment is calculated by first calculating the
value of the Corporation at December 31, 2012 based on the average closing share price in
the month of December, adding a reasonable estimated control premium of 25% to determine
the Corporation’s enterprise value on a controlling basis after adjusting for excess cash
balances, and deducting the fair value of the Materials Product segment from this enterprise
value, arriving at the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products segment. Based on the fair value
test, the Corporation has determined that the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products segment was
deficient compared to its carrying value, resulting in a $10,000,000 impairment loss
recognized against goodwill. The $46,291,000 of goodwill associated with the Fuel Cell
Products segment as of December 31, 2011 was written down to $36,291,000 as of December
31, 2012.
In addition to the fair value test, the Corporation also performed a value in use test on the
Fuel Cell Products segment, comparing the carrying value of the segment to the present value
of future cash flows expected to be derived from the segment. The principal factors used in
the discounted cash flow analysis requiring judgment are the projected results of operations,
the discount rate based on the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), and terminal value
assumptions for each reporting unit. The Corporation’s value in use test was based on a
WACC of 20%; an average estimated compound annual growth rate of approximately 35%
from 2012 to 2017; and a terminal year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization (“EBITDA”) multiplied by a terminal value multiplier of 4.0. The value in use
assessment resulted in an estimated fair value for the Fuel Cell Products segment that is
consistent with that determined under the fair value, less costs to sell, assessment.
39
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
11. Goodwill (cont’d):
Material Products
The Material Products segment was disposed of on January 31, 2013 (note 29). As a result,
the fair value of the Material Products segment, determined based on a fair value less costs to
sell assessment, compared the segment’s carrying value as of December 31, 2012 against the
actual net proceeds received on disposition on January 31, 2013. As a result of the
assessment, the Corporation determined that the fair value of the Material Products segment
was deficient to its carrying value, resulting in a $1,815,000 write-off of goodwill and
$500,000 write-down of property, plant and equipment associated with the Material Products
segment. The impairment losses relating to the Material Products segment are included in net
loss from discontinued operations (note 28).
12. Investments:
Investments are comprised of the following:
Chrysalix Energy Limited Partnership
Other
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2011
Percentage
Amount
ownership
Amount
$
$
659
8
667
15.0%
$
$
627
8
635
Percentage
ownership
15.0%
Chrysalix Energy Limited Partnership (“Chrysalix”) is accounted for as an available-for-sale
financial asset and recorded at fair value. During 2012, the Corporation made additional
capital contributions of $44,000 (2011 - $103,000) in Chrysalix, which was offset by cash
distributions received from Chrysalix of $12,000 (2011 - $139,000).
The Corporation maintains a 19.9% interest in AFCC Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation Corp.
(“AFCC”), which is accounted for as an available-for-sale financial asset and recorded at fair
value of $1. The Corporation has no obligation to fund any of AFCC’s operating expenses.
13. Bank facilities:
The Corporation has a demand revolving facility (“Bank Operating Line”) in which an
operating line of credit of up to CDN $10,000,000 is made available to be drawn upon by the
Corporation. The Bank Operating Line is utilized to assist in financing the day-to-day
operating activities and short-term working capital requirements of the business.
Outstanding amounts are charged interest at the bank’s prime rate minus 0.50% per annum
and are repayable on demand by the bank. During 2012, the Corporation was advanced
$17,331,000 (2011 - $14,265,000) under the bank operating line of which $12,560,000
(2011 - $9,678,000) was repaid during the year. At December 31, 2012, $9,358,000 (2011 -
$4,587,000) was outstanding on the Bank Operating Line.
40
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
13. Bank facilities (cont’d):
The Corporation also has a CDN $3,323,000 capital leasing facility (“Leasing Facility”) which
can be utilized to finance the acquisition and lease of operating equipment (notes 9 & 16).
Interest is charged on outstanding amounts at the bank’s prime rate per annum and is
repayable at the option of the bank, if there has been, in the opinion of the bank, a material
adverse change in the financial condition of the Corporation. At December 31, 2012,
$2,546,000 was outstanding on the Leasing Facility which is included in the finance lease
liability. The remaining $11,508,000 finance lease liability relates to the lease of the
Corporation’s head office building.
Both the Bank Operating Line and Leasing Facility are secured by a hypothecation of the
Corporation’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.
14. Trade and other payables:
Trade accounts payable
Compensation payable
Other liabilities
Taxes payable
15. Provisions:
December 31,
December 31,
2012
2011
$
5,256
$
10,195
2,046
4,669
244
6,615
5,427
456
$
12,215
$
22,693
Warranty
Decommissioning
Balance
Legal
Restructuring
provision
liabilities
Total
At January 1, 2011
$
1,371
$
78
$
8,570
$
3,102
$
13,121
Provisions made during the year
Provisions used during the year
Provisions reversed during the year
Effect of movements in exchange rates
50
(897)
-
(4)
1,356
(401)
-
(29)
2,097
(716)
(1,721)
(181)
1,706
-
-
(75)
5,209
(2,014)
(1,721)
(289)
At December 31, 2011
$
520
$
1,004
$
8,049
$
4,733
$
14,306
Assumed through business combination
Provisions made during the year
Provisions used during the year
Provisions reversed during the year
Effect of movements in exchange rates
At December 31, 2012
Current
Non-current
-
-
(528)
-
8
-
-
-
-
$
$
$
-
1,937
(2,060)
-
41
447
1,514
(1,309)
(373)
173
-
250
-
-
106
447
3,701
(3,897)
(373)
328
$
922
$
8,501
$
5,089
$
14,512
$
922
$
8,501
$
-
$
9,423
-
-
5,089
5,089
$
922
$
8,501
$
5,089
$
14,512
41
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
15. Provisions (cont’d):
Restructuring
During 2012, the Corporation incurred $1,931,000 of restructuring charges due primarily to a
7% workforce reduction and a minor restructuring focused on overhead cost reduction. The
estimated restructuring costs primarily include employee termination benefits and are
expected to be paid in 2013. Restructuring charges are recognized in general and
administrative expenses.
Warranty provision
During the year, the warranty provision increased by $452,000, due in part to the assumption
of warranty provisions as part of the acquisition of key assets and product lines from IdaTech
(note 6).
Decommissioning liabilities
Provisions for decommissioning liabilities have been recorded for the Corporation’s two leased
locations in Burnaby, British Columbia, comprising the Corporation’s head office building and
manufacturing facilities, and are related to site restoration obligations at the end of their
respective lease terms. Due to the long-term nature of the liability, the most significant
uncertainty in estimating the provision is the costs that will be incurred. The Corporation has
determined a range of reasonable possible outcomes of the total costs for the head office
building and manufacturing facility. In determining the fair value of the decommissioning
liabilities, the estimated future cash flows have been discounted at 2% per annum.
The Corporation performed an assessment of the estimated cash flows required to settle the
obligations for the two buildings as of December 31, 2012, resulting in an additional provision
of $100,000 recorded against decommissioning liabilities. The remaining provision increase
during 2012 was due to accretion costs. The total undiscounted amount of the estimated cash
flows required to settle the obligation for one of the buildings is $2,372,000, which is expected
to be settled at the end of the lease term in 2025. The total undiscounted amount of the
estimated cash flows required to settle the obligation for the second building is $3,994,000,
which is expected to be settled at the end of the operating lease term of 2019.
42
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
16. Finance lease liability
The Corporation leases certain assets under finance lease agreements (note 9). The finance
leases have imputed interest rates ranging between 2.25% to 7.35% per annum and expire
between December 2014 and February 2025.
The future minimum lease payments for the Corporation’s finance leases are as follows:
Year ending December 31
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
Less: Imputed interest
Total finance lease liability
Less: Current portion of finance lease liability
Non-current portion of finance lease liability
$
$
1,924
2,329
1,734
1,914
1,401
11,135
20,437
(6,383)
14,054
(1,043)
13,011
At December 31, 2012, $2,546,000 was outstanding on the Leasing Facility which is included
in the finance lease liability. The remaining $11,508,000 finance lease liability relates to the
lease of the Corporation’s head office building.
17. Convertible debenture
The convertible debenture relates to financing to Dantherm Power A/S by the non-controlling
partner and is redeemable at the option of Dantherm Power A/S subject to approval by all
convertible debenture holders on or after January 1, 2013 including interest which is accrued
at 12%. Prior to December 31, 2013 (the “Maturity Date”), the convertible debenture holders
may elect to convert all or part of the debenture into shares of Dantherm Power A/S. The
conversion price for convertible debenture notes entered into prior to January 1, 2012, of
approximately DKK 9,120,000, is DKK 3.40 per share. Convertible debenture notes of
approximately DKK 5,066,000 entered into since January 1, 2012 have a conversion price of
DKK 0.14 per share. This conversion feature was determined to have a nominal value. The
Maturity Date may be extended to December 31, 2014 with approval of the subscribers (note
29). During 2012, an additional $862,000, of convertible debt financing was advanced to
Dantherm Power A/S by a non-controlling partner. At December 31, 2012, the convertible
debt outstanding was $2,924,000, which includes $417,000 of interest payable.
43
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
18. Employee future benefits:
Plan assets
Plan obligations
$
9,344 $
- $
8,223 $
(14,652)
(853)
(13,329)
Employee future benefit plans deficit
$
(5,308) $
(853) $
(5,106) $
-
(580)
(580)
2012
2011
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
The Corporation maintains a defined benefit pension plan covering existing and former
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. Certain employees in
the United States are also eligible for post-retirement healthcare, life insurance and other
benefits.
The Corporation accrues the present value of its obligations under employee future benefit
plans and the related costs, net of the present value of plan assets.
The measurement date used to determine pension and other post-retirement benefit
obligations and expense 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, 2012. The next
actuarial valuation of the employee future benefit plans for funding purposes is expected to be
performed as of January 1, 2013.
The Corporation expects contributions of approximately $210,000 to be paid to its defined
benefit plans in 2013. Information about the Corporation’s employee future benefit plans, in
aggregate, is as follows:
Movement in the present value of the defined benefit plan obligations:
2012
2011
Pension
Plan
Other
benefit plan
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
Defined benefit plan obligations at January 1
$
13,329 $
580 $
10,819 $
Current service cost
Interest cost
Benefits paid
Benefits payable
Actuarial losses in other comprehensive income
-
565
(318)
46
1,030
20
31
(60)
-
282
-
587
(251)
48
2,126
Defined benefit plan obligations at December 31
$
14,652 $
853 $
13,329 $
491
6
25
(44)
-
102
580
44
-
-
44
(44)
-
-
2011
3%
70%
27%
100%
2012
3%
70%
27%
100%
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
18. Employee future benefits (cont’d):
Movement in the present value of plan assets:
2012
2011
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
$
8,223 $
- $
8,360 $
Expected return on plan assets
Employer’s contributions
Benefits paid
Actuarial (losses) gains in other comprehensive income
574
360
(318)
505
-
60
(60)
-
582
210
(252)
(677)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
$
9,344 $
- $
8,223 $
Pension plan assets comprise:
Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities
Debt securities
Total
Expense recognized in net income:
Current service cost
Interest on obligations
Expected (return) on plan assets
Benefits payable
Expense recognized in net income
2012
2011
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
$
- $
565
(574)
47
38
20 $
31
-
-
51
- $
587
(582)
48
53
6
25
-
-
31
Actuarial (gain) loss on plan assets and plan obligations
recognized in other comprehensive income
525
282
2,803
102
Total expense (income) recognized in net income and
other comprehensive income
$
563 $
333 $
2,856 $
133
The expense recognized in net income is recorded in Finance expense.
45
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
18. Employee future benefits (cont’d):
Expense (income) recognized in other comprehensive income:
2012
2011
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
Actuarial loss on defined benefit plan obligations
$
1,030 $
282 $
2,126 $
102
Expected return on plan assets
Actual (return) loss on plan assets
Plan expenses
Actuarial (gain) loss recognized in other comprehensive
574
(1,126)
47
-
-
-
582
68
27
-
-
-
income
$
525 $
282 $
2,803 $
102
Cumulative actuarial gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income:
Cumulative amount at January 1
Recognized during the period
Cumulative amount at December 31
$
3,348 $
252 $
2,823 $
2012
2011
Pension
Plan
Other
benefit plan
Pension
plan
Other
benefit plan
$
2,823 $
(30) $
20 $
(132)
525
282
2,803
102
(30)
The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the fair value of benefit obligations
at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
2012
2011
Pension
Other
Pension
Other
plan
benefit plan
plan
benefit plan
3.87%
3.02%
n/a
n/a
4.3%
n/a
4.3%
n/a
The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in determining net expense for the years ended
December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase
2012
2011
Pension
Other
Pension
Other
plan
benefit plan
plan
benefit plan
4.3%
7.0%
n/a
4.3%
n/a
n/a
5.5%
7.0%
n/a
5.5%
n/a
n/a
46
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
18. Employee future benefits (cont’d):
The assumed health care cost trend rates applicable to the other benefit plans at December
31, 2012 and 2011 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
2012
8.0%
5.0%
5.0%
2018
2012
2011
8.0%
5.0%
5.0%
2017
2011
A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would not have a
material impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
19. Equity:
(a) Authorized and issued:
Unlimited number of common shares, voting, without par value.
Unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series.
At December 31, 2012, 91,801,477 (2011 – 84,550,524) common shares are issued and
outstanding.
(b) Share option plan:
The Corporation has options outstanding under a consolidated share option plan. All directors,
officers and employees of the Corporation, and its subsidiaries, are eligible to participate in the
share option plans 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.
47
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
19. Equity (cont’d):
(b) Share option plan (cont’d):
As at December 31, 2012, options outstanding from the consolidated share option plan was as
follows:
Balance
At January 1, 2011
Options granted
Options exercised
Options forfeited
Options expired
At December 31, 2011
Options granted
Options exercised
Options forfeited
Options expired
At December 31, 2012
Options for
common shares
Weighted average
exercise price
6,682,589
$
10.84
1,874,369
(25,834)
(260,016)
(655,139)
7,615,969
$
1,009,640
(13,501)
(1,271,663)
(435,394)
6,905,051
$
1.99
1.27
7.62
46.52
5.54
1.51
1.22
5.33
35.75
3.22
The following table summarizes information about the Corporation’s share options outstanding
as at December 31, 2012:
Options outstanding
Options exercisable
Weighted
average
Weighted
remaining
average
Range of exercise price
outstanding
(years)
price
exercisable
Number
contractual life
exercise
Number
$0.81 – $1.96
2,621,207
4.8 $
$2.11 – $2.41
2,635,131
$3.12 – $5.11
$5.82 – $7.99
$10.00 – $14.76
533,034
880,619
235,060
4.8
2.2
2.2
0.5
1.54
2.24
4.81
7.28
14.07
1,422,290 $
1,257,197
533,034
880,619
235,060
6,905,051
4.1 $
3.22
4,328,200 $
Weighted
average
exercise
price
1.57
2.29
4.81
7.28
14.07
4.02
During 2012, compensation expense of $1,274,000 (2011 - $1,743,000) 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 $0.80 (2011 - $1.14) and
vesting periods of three years.
48
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
19. Equity (cont’d):
(b) Share option plan (cont’d):
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:
2012
5 years
Nil
62%
2%
2011
5 years
Nil
63%
3%
The Corporation has a consolidated share distribution plan that 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,
2012, there were 873,441 (2011 – 440,268) shares available to be issued under this plan.
No compensation expense was recorded against income during the years ended December 31,
2012 and 2011 for shares distributed, and to be distributed, under the plan.
(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.
Balance
At January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011
DSUs granted
DSUs exercised
At December 31, 2012
DSUs for common shares
290,797
249,785
(90,337)
450,245
During 2012, compensation expense of $176,000 was recorded in net income. No
compensation expense was recorded against income during the year ended December 31,
2011.
49
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
19. Equity (cont’d):
(e) Restricted share units:
Restricted share units (“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.
The Corporation has two plans under which RSUs may be granted, the consolidated share
distribution plan and the market purchase RSU plan. Awards under the consolidated share
distribution plan (note 19 (c)) are satisfied by the issuance of treasury shares on maturity.
Awards granted under the market purchase RSU Plan are satisfied by shares purchased on the
open market by a trust established for that purpose. No common shares were repurchased in
2012. During 2011, the Corporation repurchased 230,211 common shares through the trust
for cash consideration of $327,000 for the purpose of funding future grants under the Market
Purchase RSU Plan. As at December 31, 2012 the Corporation held 183,629 shares as
treasury shares.
Balance
At January 1, 2011
RSUs granted
RSUs exercised
RSUs forfeited
At December 31, 2011
RSUs granted
RSUs exercised
RSUs forfeited
RSUs transferred
At December 31, 2012
RSUs for common shares
Share
Market
Distribution Plan
Purchase Plan
Total RSUs
851,970
-
(660,522)
(4,975)
186,473
1,352,784
(84,530)
(122,044)
652,625
1,985,308
1,059,098
1,351,516
(371,626)
(52,084)
1,986,904
245,897
(124,884)
(602,893)
(652,625)
852,399
1,911,068
1,351,516
(1,032,148)
(57,059)
2,173,377
1,598,681
(209,414)
(724,937)
-
2,837,707
In December 2012, 652,625 unvested RSUs previously granted under the Market Purchase
Plan were cancelled and new RSUs were reissued from the Share Distribution Plan with
identical terms.
The fair value of RSU grants is measured based on the stock price of the shares underlying
the RSU on the date of grant. During 2012, compensation expense of $1,296,000 (2011 -
$870,000) was recorded against income.
50
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
20. Operating leases:
The Corporation leases a facility at its Burnaby, Canada location, which has been assessed as
an operating lease. The facility has a lease term expiring in 2019, with renewal options after
that date. Lease payments of $2,434,000 were expensed in 2012.
At December 31, 2012, the Corporation is committed to payments under operating leases as
follows:
Less than 1 year
1-3 years
4-5 years
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
21. Commitments and contingencies:
$
$
2,520
5,327
5,499
8,228
21,574
As of December 31, 2012, 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 terms of the Utilities Development Program (Phase 1)
with the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, total royalties are payable to a
maximum equal to the original amount of the government contributions of CDN$5,351,000. As
of December 31, 2012, 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 of December 31, 2012, a total of
CDN $5,320,000 in royalty repayments have been made for Phase 2. The Corporation has
made no Phase 2 royalty repayments in 2012 and 2011. On January 15, 2013, the Corporation
reached a settlement agreement with TPC to terminate all existing and future potential
royalties payable under the Utilities Development Program (Phase 2) in exchange for a final
repayment of CDN $1,930,000 (note 29).
At December 31, 2012, the Corporation has outstanding commitments aggregating up to a
maximum of $329,000 (2011 - $867,000) relating primarily to purchases of property, plant
and equipment.
The Corporation is also committed to make future investments totaling $56,000 in Chrysalix
(note 12).
51
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
21. Commitments and contingencies (cont’d):
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
deferred sales of such products for commercial transit application to a maximum of
$2,211,000 (CDN$ 2,200,000). No royalties have been paid to date.
On December 31, 2008, the Corporation completed a restructuring transaction with Superior
Plus Income Fund (“Superior Plus”), which included an indemnification agreement (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 $7,388,000 (CDN $7,350,000) with a threshold amount of $503,000 (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. At
December 31, 2012, no amount payable or receivable has been accrued as a result of the
Indemnity Agreement.
22. Personnel expenses:
Personnel expenses are included in cost of product and services revenues, research and
product development expense, general and administrative expense, and sales and marketing
expense.
Salaries and employee benefits
Share-based compensation (note 19)
December 31,
December 31,
2012
45,836
$
2,582
48,418
$
2011
51,662
2,377
54,039
$
$
52
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
23. Income taxes:
(a) Current tax expense:
The components of income tax benefit / (expense) included in the determination of the profit
(loss) from continuing operations comprise of:
Current tax expense
Current period income tax
Withholding tax
Adjustment for prior periods
Total current tax expense
Deferred tax expense
2012
2011
$
$
-
$
-
-
-
$
-
134
-
134
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
$
14,967
$
Adjustments for prior periods
Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences
Total deferred tax expense
Total income tax expense
$
$
2,146
(17,113)
-
$
(8,044)
(1,037)
9,081
-
-
$
134
The Corporation’s effective income tax rate differs from the combined Canadian federal and
provincial statutory income tax rate for companies. The principal factors causing the
difference are as follows:
Net loss before income taxes
Expected tax expense (recovery) at 25.0% (2011 – 26.5%)
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
Non-deductible portion of capital gain (loss)
Non-deductible expenses (non-taxable income)
Expiry of losses and investment tax credits
Investment tax credits earned
Foreign tax rate differences
Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences
2012
2011
$
$
(43,409)
(10,852)
$
$
(39,777)
(10,541)
-
3,512
27,539
(3,848)
(6)
(16,345)
2,839
840
-
(4,352)
11
11,337
Income taxes
$
-
$
134
(b) Unrecognized deferred tax liabilities:
At December 31, 2012, the Corporation did not recognize any deferred tax liabilities resulting
from taxable temporary differences for financial statement and income tax purposes.
53
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
23. Income taxes (cont’d):
(c) Unrecognized deferred tax asset:
At December 31, 2012, the Corporation did not have any deferred tax assets resulting from
the following deductible temporary differences for financial statement and income tax
purposes.
Scientific research expenditures
Investment in associated companies
Accrued warranty liabilities
Losses from operations carried forward
Capital losses carried forward
U.S. investment tax credits
Investment tax credits
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
2012
57,285 $
$
18,364
30,359
75,290
9,423
626
22,451
206,860
2011
46,587
17,965
31,370
66,095
90,238
835
17,984
197,744
$
420,658 $
468,818
Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of these deductible temporary
differences because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which
the Corporation can utilize the benefits.
The Corporation has available to carry forward the following as at December 31:
Canadian scientific research expenditures
Canadian losses from operations
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
Denmark losses from operations
2012
$
57,285 $
29,710
22,451
241
13,543
1,702
626
9,423
30,094
2011
46,587
23,075
17,984
227
13,287
1,972
825
90,237
27,534
The Canadian scientific research expenditures may be carried forward indefinitely. The
Canadian losses from operations may be used to offset future Canadian taxable income and
expire over the period from 2029 to 2032.
54
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
23. Income taxes (cont’d):
(c) Unrecognized deferred tax assets (cont’d):
The German and Denmark losses from operations may be used to offset future taxable income
in Germany and Denmark 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 2013 to 2032. The U.S. states losses from operations arising in
California may be used to offset future state taxable income and may be carried forward for
ten years. The U.S. federal and state research and development and investment tax credits
are available to reduce future U.S. taxable income and expire over the period from 2013 to
2031. The U.S. capital losses are available to reduce U.S. capital gains and expire in 2013.
The Canadian investment tax credits may be used to offset future Canadian income taxes
otherwise payable and expire as follows:
2013
2014
2016
2017
2019
2020
2021
2022
2029
2030
2031
2032
$
121
107
96
105
2,643
1,925
1,814
1,637
4,763
3,261
3,032
2,947
$
22,451
24. 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 key management personnel.
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. Transactions between the Corporation and its subsidiaries are
eliminated on consolidation.
Balances with related parties:
Trade receivables
Trade payables
Interest payable
Convertible debenture payable
$
$
$
$
2012
- $
100 $
417 $
2011
-
260
141
2,507 $
1,592
55
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
24. Related party transactions (cont’d):
Transactions during the year with related parties:
Revenues
Purchases
Finance expense
$
$
$
2012
- $
309 $
289 $
2011
-
744
151
The Corporation provides key management personnel, being board directors and executive
officers, certain benefits, in addition to their salaries. Key management personnel also
participate in the Corporation’s share-based compensation plans (note 19).
In addition to cash and equity compensation, the Corporation provides the executive officers
with certain personal benefits, including car allowance, medical benefit program, long and
short-term disability coverage, life insurance and an annual medical and financial planning
allowance.
In accordance with the employment agreements of the executive officers, the Corporation is
required to provide notice of 12 months plus one month for every year of employment
completed with the Corporation, 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. If there is a change of control, and if the executive officer’s employment is
terminated, including a constructive dismissal, within 2 years following the date of a change of
control, the executive officer is entitled to a payment equivalent to payment in lieu of a 24
month notice period.
Key management personnel compensation is comprised of:
Salaries and employee benefits
Post-employment retirement benefits
Termination benefits
Share-based compensation (note 19)
25. Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
Compensatory shares
Shares issued for acquisition (note 6)
Assets acquired under finance lease
2012
2011
$
2,412
$
3,744
63
-
1,396
$
3,871
$
79
425
1,136
5,384
2012
427 $
7,493 $
2011
2,046
-
- $
1,906
$
$
$
56
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
26. Operating segments:
The Corporation’s business has three market segments:
• Fuel Cell Products: fuel cell products and services for motive power (material handling
and bus markets) and stationary power (backup power and distributed generation
markets) applications; and engineering services for a variety of fuel cell applications;
• Contract Automotive: contract manufacturing services provided primarily for Daimler
AG;
• Material Products (Discontinued Operation): carbon fiber products primarily for
automotive transmissions and gas diffusion layers (“GDL”) for fuel cells.
In 2012, the Corporation decided to dispose of its Material Products segment, which was
subsequently sold on January 31, 2013 (note 29). As a result, the Material Products segment
has been classified and accounted for as a discontinued operation (note 28) at December 31,
2012 and has not been included in the segment disclosures.
In 2011, the Corporation completed its manufacturing services contract for the supply of
automotive fuel cell modules to Daimler AG. As a result, the Contract Automotive segment
ceased to be an operating segment as of December 31, 2011.
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
attributable 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 that are not attributable to individual segments, 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 resource allocations are done on a company-wide basis.
57
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
26. Operating segments (cont’d):
Total revenues
Fuel Cell Products
Contract Automotive
Segment income (loss) for the year (1)
Fuel Cell Products
Contract Automotive
Total
Corporate amounts
Research and product development
General and administrative
Sales and marketing
Net finance loss
Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment
Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment
Impairment loss on goodwill
2012
2011
$
43,690
$
-
$
43,690
$
$
850
$
-
850
(12,754)
(12,306)
(6,901)
(1,659)
(69)
(570)
(10,000)
46,468
9,305
55,773
(1,475)
1,803
328
(17,945)
(11,455)
(8,515)
(1,197)
734
(1,727)
-
Loss before income tax and discontinued operations
$
(43,409) $
(39,777)
(1)
Research and product development costs directly related to segments are included in segment income (loss) for the
year.
In 2012, revenues from the Fuel Cell Products segment included sales to two customers of
$6,152,000 and $5,500,000, respectively, which exceeded 10% of total revenue.
In 2011, sales to a single customer of $18,119,000 exceeded 10% of total revenue, of which
$9,899,000 were included in revenues from the Fuel Cell Products segment and $8,220,000
were included in revenues from the Contract Automotive segment.
Revenues from continuing operations by geographic area, which are attributed to countries
based on customer location for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
Revenues
Canada
U.S.
Germany
Denmark
Belgium
South Africa
Brazil
Other countries
2012
$
9,669 $
11,346
2,664
1,716
4,119
6,887
-
7,289
2011
9,300
13,284
19,086
2,631
4,992
-
2,810
3,670
$
43,690 $
55,773
58
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
26. Operating segments (cont’d):
Non-current assets by geographic area is as follows:
Non-current assets
Canada
U.S.
Denmark
Germany
Mexico
27. Financial instruments:
(a)
Fair value:
December 31,
December 31,
2012
2011
$
63,935 $
76,728
251
1,318
59
686
8,635
1,962
59
-
$
66,249 $
87,384
The Corporation’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term
investments, accounts receivables, long-term investments, accounts payable and accrued
liabilities, and obligations under capital lease. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents,
accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate carrying value
because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The Corporation’s investments (note
12) are not actively traded, therefore management estimates fair value using valuation
techniques that require inputs that are unobservable, including inputs made available by its
investees (i.e. Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy). The interest rates applied to the obligations
under capital lease are not considered to be materially different from market rates, thus the
carrying value of obligations under capital lease approximate fair value. The carrying value of
short-term investments equal their fair values as they are classified as held for trading.
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 short-term investments in Level
1 as they are primarily derived directly from reference to quoted (unadjusted) prices in active
markets.
59
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
27. Financial instruments (cont’d):
(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 Canadian dollar
denominated cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments
(1) U.S. dollar equivalent
2012
Canadia
5.
n dollar
portfolio(1)
9.
5,419
13.
12,068
17.
17,487
6. U.S. dollar
7.
portfolio
$
$
10.
3,591
14.
-
18.
3,591
$
$
8.
Other (1)
11.
760
15.
-
19.
760
2011
21. Canadia
n dollar
portfolio(1)
25.
9,421
29.
25,878
33.
35,299
$
$
22. U.S. dollar
23. portfolio
26.
10,284
30.
-
34.
10,284
$
$
24.
Other (1)
27.
611
31.
-
35.
611
$
$
$
$
Total
$
12.
9,770
16.
12,068
20.
21,838
Total
$
28.
20,316
32.
25,878
36.
46,194
$
$
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. Reported finance income and expenses and other income are as follows:
Investment income
Other income
Pension costs
Foreign exchange loss
Finance income (loss) and other
Finance expense
37. 2012
38. 2011
$
249
$
(11)
(29)
(178)
31
$
303
-
(37)
(71)
195
$
$
(1,690) $
(1,392)
The Corporation did not realize any material gains or losses on its accounts receivable or its
financial liabilities measured at amortized cost.
60
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
27. Financial instruments (cont’d):
(b) Financial risk management (cont’d):
Foreign currency exchange rate risk (cont’d)
Foreign currency exchange rate risk is the risk that the fair value of deferred 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, 2012, the Corporation had Canadian dollar cash, cash equivalents
and short-term investments of CDN $17,398,000.
The following exchange rates applied during the year ended December 31, 2012:
January 1, 2012 Opening rate
December 31, 2012 Closing rate
Fiscal 2012 Average rate
$U.S. to $1.00 CDN
$CDN to $1.00 $U.S.
$ 0.983
$ 1.005
$ 1.001
$ 1.017
$ 0.995
$ 0.999
Based on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments held at December 31, 2012, 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 $1,742,000
recorded against net income.
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.
61
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
27. Financial instruments (cont’d):
(b) Financial risk management (cont’d):
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of deferred 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.
Based on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31, 2012, a 0.25%
decline in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would result in a decrease in
investment income $55,000, 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.
Credit risk
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.
62
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
28. Assets held for sale and discontinued operations:
In 2012, the Corporation decided to dispose of its Material Products segment, which was
subsequently sold on January 31, 2013 (note 29). Due to the Corporation’s commitment to
the disposition of the segment as of December 31, 2012, the Material Products segment has
been classified and accounted for as discontinued operations and the assets and liabilities of
the Material Products segment have been classified as held for sale. Impairment losses of
$1,815,000 and $500,000 relating to goodwill and property, plant and equipment,
respectively, were recognized based on a fair value less costs to sell assessment, which
compared the segment’s carrying value as of December 31, 2012 to the actual net proceeds
received on disposition on January 31, 2013 (note 11).
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are comprised of the following:
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Assets classified as held for sale
Trade and other payables
Deferred revenue
Liabilities classified as held for sale
December 31,
$
2012
2,367
2,555
61
5,815
$
10,798
$
$
1,398
25
1,423
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations is comprised of the following:
Product and service revenues
Cost of product and service revenues
Gross margin
Total operating expenses
Impairment on property, plant and equipment
Impairment loss on goodwill
Earnings before income taxes
Income tax expense
2012
$
15,540
$
11,159
4,381
(2,053)
(500)
(1,815)
13
(78)
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
$
(65) $
2011
20,236
13,630
6,606
(2,602)
-
-
4,004
(249)
3,755
63
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2012, and 2011
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
28. Assets held for sale and discontinued operations (cont’d):
Net cash flows from discontinued operations is as follows:
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
2,303
$
Cash used in investing activities
Cash used in financing activities
(476)
-
2012
2011
3,587
(282)
-
Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) discontinued
operations
$
1,827
$
3,305
29. Subsequent events:
On January 15, 2013, a Canadian government agency agreed to terminate previous funding
obligations that were repayable through potential royalties in respect of future sales of fuel cell
based stationary power products under the Utilities Development Program (Phase 2) (note 21)
in exchange for a final repayment by the Corporation of CDN $1,930,000.
On January 31, 2013, the Corporation completed an agreement to sell substantially all of the
assets of its Material Products division for up to $12,000,000. Of this amount, $10,500,000
was paid to the Corporation in cash on closing, with the remainder payable dependent on the
Material Products division achieving certain financial results in 2013. The Material Products
division has been classified and accounted for as assets held for sale and discontinued
operations (note 28) at December 31, 2012.
On February 18, 2013, the maturity date of the convertible debenture related to financing to
Dantherm Power A/S by the non-controlling partner (note 17) was extended from December
31, 2013 to December 31, 2014.
64
PUTTING FUEL CELLS TO WORK
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
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 information,
please contact:
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
Tony Guglielmin
Vice President & Chief
Financial Officer
Paul Cass
Vice President, Operations
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
Douglas P. Hayhurst
Corporate Director
British Columbia, Canada
Edwin J. Kilroy
Corporate Director
Ontario, Canada
John W. Sheridan
President & Chief Executive
Officer
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
British Columbia, Canada
Carol M. Stephenson
Corporate Director
Ontario, Canada
David B. Sutcliffe
Corporate Director
British Columbia, Canada
Ian Sutcliffe
Corporate Director
Ontario, Canada
PUTTING FUEL CELLS TO WORK
www.ballard.com