CLEAN ENERGY
PRODUCTS + SERVICES
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, MANAGEMENT PROXY CIRCULAR
& 2016 ANNUAL REPORT
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS
PUTTING
FUEL CELLS
TO WORK
The Power of
Fuel Cells,
Simply Delivered
WWW.BALLARD.COM
CONTENTS
Notice of Annual Meeting ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
Management Proxy Circular ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Matters to be Voted Upon ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Voting Information ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Corporate Governance ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Executive Compensation ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
Additional Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 47
Defined Terms ....................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Appendix "A" Board Mandate .......................................................................................................................................... A-1
Appendix "B" Description of Option Plan ....................................................................................................................... B-1
Appendix"C" Description of SDP ..................................................................................................................................... C-1
Financial Information......................................................................................................................................................... D-1
ABOUT BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS
Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP)(TSX: BLD) provides innovative clean energy products and services that
reduce customer costs and risks, and helps customers solve difficult technical and business challenges in their
fuel cell programs. Our business is based on two key growth platforms: Power Products and Technology
Solutions. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
contains
document
forward-looking
shipments.These
This
statements
concerning: revenue estimates; market growth projections;
operating expenses; cost savings; adjusted EBITDA; product cost
reductions and product
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
its product development efforts, manufacturing
regarding
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.
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
9000 Glenlyon Parkway
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5J 5J8
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
Our 2017 Annual Meeting (the "Meeting") will be held at our corporate head office facilities at 9000
Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British Columbia, on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight
Time) for the following purposes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To receive our audited financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2016
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; 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 2016 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. (Pacific
Daylight Time) on Monday, June 5, 2017.
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 18, 2017.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
"Kerry Hillier"
Kerry Hillier
Corporate Secretary
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
1
Letter from IAN A. BOURNE
Chair of the Board
Fellow Shareholders:
On behalf of the directors, I am pleased to provide an assessment of the Company and a report on your
board’s activities.
Your company made solid progress in 2016, including improved strategic positioning and financial
performance. On the strategic front, we secured transactions in China laying the foundation for the local
manufacture and sale of fuel cell engines and stacks into China’s large mass transportation sector. We
reduced annualized operating expenses through a repositioning of our exposure to the Backup Power market.
We increased our Technology Solutions business, underpinned by solid progress under the long-term
program with Volkswagen Group. We also fortified our balance sheet, including a strategic investment by
Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Company Limited (“Broad-Ocean”).
As a result, your company is well positioned at a time when the macroeconomic trends support our long-term
business prospects. The landmark Paris Agreement on climate change entered into force in October 2016.
There is a growing call for action to address air quality issues in major cities around the globe. Indeed,
certain jurisdictions are now considering banning diesel vehicles. There is a clear trend on the electrification
of propulsion systems. Fuel cells are increasingly being viewed as a complementary technology to address
the limitation of batteries, including range and recharge time.
As a board we have continued to concentrate on strategy, oversight of operating activities and Ballard’s
future.
Over the past year, we continued our work on board renewal and increased diversity. In February and April
2017, we announced the appointments of Duy-Loan Le and Janet Woodruff, respectively, to our board as
independent directors. Duy-Loan and Janet bring exceptional strengths and important attributes that will
complement and deepen the board’s existing capabilities and experience, including technology, financial and
international business expertise. At our upcoming shareholders’ meeting in June, Carol Stephenson will retire
from the board after having served for the past five years. We thank Carol for her valued contributions and
sound judgment during a dynamic period, including as Chair of the Corporate Governance and
Compensation Committee. She has added tremendous value and has been an outstanding colleague.
On behalf of my board colleagues, I wish to extend our appreciation to all Ballard employees for their
continued integrity, customer focus, innovation and commitment to doing the right things in our business,
every day. We draw your attention to a subset of employees identified on page 6, who received special
recognition as 2016 Ballard Impact Award winners.
On behalf of the board of directors, we thank you, our shareholders, for your continued support.
"Ian A. Bourne"
IAN A. BOURNE
Chair of the Board of Directors
2
Letter from R. RANDALL MACEWEN
President and Chief Executive Officer
Fellow Shareholders,
2016 was an important and exciting year for Ballard. We had two main objectives: (1) to improve our
strategic positioning to support long-term sustainability and profitability; and (2) to improve our financial
performance and position, including revenue growth, gross margin expansion, cost discipline and balance
sheet strength. We delivered measured progress against each of these objectives.
Our strategy is based on a portfolio of market opportunities, enabled by substantially the same core
competencies, technology, products and intellectual property. Our customer-centric business model features
two cross-leveraging growth platforms – Power Products and Technology Solutions. These platforms provide
opportunity for near-term commercialization, revenue and profitability, while also embedding opportunity
for future value in longer-term market opportunities.
In 2016 we pruned Power Products to focus on strategic markets that offer relatively high growth and high
gross margins. We invested in our Heavy-Duty Motive business, completed our first full year with our
Portable Power business (Protonex), and divested our methanol Backup Power business – a market
opportunity that had not evolved at the pace originally envisioned.
In 2016 we made important progress on our China strategy. China is the largest global market for buses and
commercial vehicles. Key themes include a mandate to address climate change, serious air quality issues,
continued urbanization, continued build-out of mass urban transportation, the rapid adoption of electric
vehicles, and strong government subsidies supporting the adoption of fuel cell vehicles.
Our China strategy is risk adjusted, capital light and intellectual property protected. Our business model
includes the development of a local fuel cell supply chain and related ecosystem to address the fast-growing
clean energy bus and commercial vehicle markets. Key highlights in 2016 included:
• Our strategic collaboration with Broad-Ocean, a leading global manufacturer of motors for electric
vehicles, for the manufacture of Ballard-designed fuel cell engines in China. Broad-Ocean also
became Ballard’s largest shareholder. This represents a strong vote of confidence in the market
opportunity for fuel cells in China and Ballard’s technology and products. Broad-Ocean also intends
to be a leading purchaser of fuel cell buses and commercial trucks in China, already ordering
unprecedented volumes for delivery over the coming years.
• The creation of a joint venture (“JV”) with our partner Guangdong Nation Synergy Hydrogen Power
Technology Co. Ltd. (“Synergy”) to localize the manufacture of fuel cell stacks for use in engines to
power buses and commercial vehicles in China. We also secured a $150 million contract to be the
exclusive supplier to the JV of membrane electrode assemblies - the core technology component
used in those stacks. We expect the JV operation to be commissioned during 2017.
• Synergy made good progress on its 300 fuel cell bus program in the cities of Foshan and Yunfu,
marked by the initial deployment of 24 fuel cell buses in 2016. We expect scaling in 2017 and 2018.
3
• Solid progress under two fuel cell development programs for light rail train applications in China
with partners CRRC Sifang and CRRC Tangshan.
• We continued to build out our China platform including account management, application
engineering, after-sales service, quality, supply chain and oversight of our JV. We increased our
supply chain activities in China and established our first office in Guangzhou.
We also made important progress in our other key geographic markets. We are now well positioned for
future deployments of fuel cell buses in Europe and the U.S. We took important steps in the Japanese market
in 2016 with key partners, including with Toyota Tsusho Corporation, a member company of the Toyota
Group.
In our Portable Power business, Protonex received the largest order in its history, valued at $5.8 million, to
supply Squad Power Managers (“SPM”) to the U.S. Special Operations Command. Complex procurement
processes in the U.S. military delayed the expected achievement of Milestone C in the Program of Record for
our SPM products from 2016 into 2017. We also supplied prototype fuel cell propulsion modules to two
global aerospace players for flight testing in their unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”).
Our Technology Solutions platform grew by 31% in 2016. In addition to excellent progress under our long-
term HyMotion program with Volkswagen Group, we are also collaborating with other global automotive
partners to support their programs and the launch of next generation fuel cell passenger vehicles. We see
growth opportunities in train, UAV, military and material handling applications.
Overall, we delivered significantly improved financial performance in 2016, including revenue growth of
51% and a 10-point increase in gross margin. We were particularly pleased with our adjusted EBITDA
performance of positive $1.8 million in Q4. We ended 2016 with $72.6 million of cash, up 81%.
We started 2017 with a strong set-up for continued progress. In early-2017 we had committed orders
expected for 2017 delivery of $87 million, already exceeding last year’s revenue. In addition to continued
revenue growth, we expect gross margin expansion and improved bottom line financial performance in 2017.
Our strong balance sheet enables us to continue to invest in long-term competitiveness, including talent and
next generation technology and products. We continue to make critical progress on improved product
performance and product cost reduction.
While 2016 was highlighted by measured progress, we know there remains much to do to. We believe in our
business, including the merits of our customer-focused strategy, the strength and depth of our talent, our
market and technology leadership, the enduring power of the Ballard brand and the relative strength of our
financial position. We believe we are taking the right steps to continue to win in selected markets and
position Ballard for future profitability. Our plan is to grow our business, deliver on our customer promises,
create rewarding opportunities for our team, and provide extraordinary value to our shareholders.
We express deep appreciation to our customers and partners for their trust and their business. We also thank
our extraordinary team at Ballard for their passion, commitment, innovation and professionalism.
Finally, we thank our shareholders for your confidence. We intend to continue earning your trust by
delivering against our strategy, growing our business, improving performance, effectively managing risk, and
driving to sustainable profitability. We look forward to reporting our progress over the coming year.
"R. Randall MacEwen"
R. RANDALL MACEWEN
President & CEO
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
4
Sustainability Report
2016
We publicly acknowledge our DEDICATION TO SUSTAINABILITY each year through our Sustainability Report and
continually support this objective in our daily operations.
Ballard’s GREEN INITIATIVE is focused on three pillars:
PRODU CTS
OUR PRODUCTS
We will maximize the
environmental benefits
of our products compared
to incumbent
technologies.
About Ballard Power Systems
Employees - Approximately 500
2016 Revenue – US $85.3 million
Offices – 5 worldwide
Investment Thesis
Ballard Heavy Duty Motive fuel cell engines
FCveloCity®-HD 85-kilowatt (kW) and FCveloCity®-MD 30kW modules.
OPERATIONS
P E OP L E
1) Global leader in fuel cells
OUR OPERATIONS
Reduce, reuse, recycle.
We will
improve the
way we
operate our
business to
minimize
environmental
impact.
We share access to information
about green choices.
OUR PEOPLE
We will promote
participation in
relevant events,
and provide
information about
green choices for
our daily lives.
OUR PRODUCTS IN ACTION
Clean urban transportation is a high priority in China and Ballard has been actively working with
leading Chinese companies to make this a reality. Many cities around the world – including those
in China – are looking seriously at banning diesel vehicles in the next several years. China’s growing
urban populations, expanding urban center car use, and increasing number of ‘Red Alerts’ due to
poor air quality are important trends underlying this move. Fuel cells will play a role, in addition
to battery power, in the electrification of propulsion systems for buses, trams and other
commercial vehicles in China, as well as in Europe and the U.S.
2) Positioned to leverage macro trends, including
electrification of propulsion systems
3) Diversified business model, in terms of growth
platforms, applications and geographic reach
4) High growth trajectory – 51% revenue growth in 2016;
record $87M in committed orders for 2017 delivery
5) Capital efficiency, supporting gross margin
expansion and strong liquidity
6) Embedded optionality, through long-term exposure
to automotive, UAV and military applications
Ballard Power Systems is the global leader in fuel cells.
Ours is the most recognized fuel cell brand and we have
unrivalled field experience in both development and
deployment of fuel cell solutions.
As we deploy an expanding volume of fuel cell solutions
into zero-emission applications around the globe, Ballard
is building an important legacy through our contribution
to sustainability.
Ballard-powered Tangshan Railway Vehicle tram during
its demonstration in Hebei Province, China
During 2016 Ballard worked to implement an effective supply chain and related
ecosystem in China to begin meeting the growing demand for fuel cell engines
to power Heavy Duty Motive applications. Localizing production capability is a
key to meeting the needs of a bus market that is 50-times the size of the
North American bus market! We have established a joint venture that will
manufacture fuel cell stacks for vehicles in China, using MEAs produced at
our British Columbia HQ facility. We have also licensed a number of Chinese
firms to assemble engines using those stacks. At the same time, we have seen
tremendous growth in demand and related commitments to use fuel cells for
buses in the cities of Beijing, Foshan and Yunfu. And, our strategic partner
– Broad-Ocean – has committed to deploy an initial 10,000 fuel cell vehicles,
such as delivery vans, in its China-based vehicle leasing business.
We have also been working with two partners, both part of CRRC – the largest
train OEM in the world – on using fuel cells to power trams in urban centers.
This has included a successful demonstration of the world’s first hydrogen fuel
cell powered fixed rail electric tram at the production and testing facility of CSR
Qingdao Sifang Company (CSR Sifang), a Chinese rolling stock manufacturer
based in Qingdao, Shandong province.
2016 Ballard Impact Awards
Recipients
Innovation Award
HyMotion Carbon Plate Development Team
Brian Dickson, Sebastian Voigt, Andrew Desouza, Millie Kwan, Katie Green
Safety Award
Nanomaterial & Chemical Safety Best Practices
Erin Rogers
China Fire Suppression Standards Team
Max Schwager, Tim Lennox, Mark Moran, Scott Richardson, Don Lines, Mitchell Pozar,
Jake Devaal, Brian Breiddal
Listen & Deliver Award
China Bus Commissioning
Donald Guan
Quality. Always Award
Financial Reporting
Sindy Mundy
Inspire Excellence Award
Product Quality Dashboard
Jeff Glandt
Own it Award
Continuous Improvement
Emil Cretu
Row Together Award
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Team
Jinsong Zhang, Bruce Leavitt, Sandra Matsuyama, Dayna Sandher, Renee Kuchynski,
Sindy Mundy, Jesse Chahal, Joel Orum, Janet Lee, Brendan Burns, Zakia Ghani, Lotus Huang,
Sarah Stevens, Karm Layegh, Segun Farinu, Phong Tang, Candice Burgers
Stack Efficiency Team
Sonia Cheung, Mary Flynn, Brenda Chen, Laura, Stolar, Ron Mah, Milena Cabral, Michael Liou,
Kailyn Domican, Warren Williams, Esmaeil Alvar
THE POWER OF FUEL CELLS, SIMPLY DELIVERED
6
MANAGEMENT PROXY CIRCULAR
dated as of April 18, 2017
MATTERS TO BE VOTED UPON
Registered Shareholders or their duly appointed proxyholders will be voting on:
•
•
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;
• on an advisory basis, the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation; 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.
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 Wednesday, June 7, 2017 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 May 1, 2017.
OBTAINING A PAPER COPY OF MANAGFMENT PROXY CIRCULAR AND FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
In lieu of mailing the Notice of Meeting, Management Proxy Circular and our audited financial statements
and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016, the Corporation is using
notice-and-access to provide an electronic copy of these documents to registered shareholders and beneficial
shareholders of the Corporation's Common Shares by posting them on www.ballard.com and on the
Corporation's profile on www.SEDAR.com. For more information regarding notice-and-access, you may
call toll free at 1-855-887-2243, from Canada or the United States.
If you wish to obtain a paper copy of these documents, you may call toll free at 1-877-907-7643, from
Canada or the United States. You must call to request a paper copy by May 19, 2017 in order to receive a
paper copy prior to the deadline for submission of your voting instructions or form of proxy. If your request
is received on or after the date of the Meeting, then the documents will be sent to you within ten calendar
days of your request. Ballard will provide a paper copy of the documents to any registered or beneficial
shareholder upon request for a period of one year following the date of the filing of this Management Proxy
Circular on www.SEDAR.com.
If you have standing instructions to receive paper copies of these documents and would like to revoke
them, you may call toll free at 1-877-907-7643, from Canada or the United States.
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:
7
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.
Should a Beneficial Shareholder who receives a VIF wish to attend the Meeting or have someone else attend
on his or her behalf, the beneficial shareholder may request a legal proxy as set forth in the VIF, which will
grant the beneficial shareholder or his/her nominee the right to attend and vote at the Meeting.
Distribution of Meeting Materials to Beneficial Shareholders
The Corporation has distributed copies of the notice-and-access notice and VIF to the depositories and
intermediaries for onward distribution to beneficial shareholders. Beneficial shareholders who have
previously provided standing instructions will receive a paper copy of the Notice of Meeting, Management
Proxy Circular, financial statements and related management discussion and analysis. If you are a beneficial
shareholder and the Corporation or its agent has sent these materials directly to you, your name and address
and information about your holdings and securities have been obtained in accordance with securities
regulatory requirements from the intermediary holding on your behalf. All costs of deliveries to beneficial
shareholders will be borne by Ballard.
EXECUTION AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
A Registered Shareholder or the Registered Shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing or, where the
Registered Shareholder is a company, a duly authorized officer or attorney of that company, must execute the
proxy. In order to be effective, completed proxies must be deposited at the office of the registrar and transfer
agent for the Shares, being Computershare Investor Services Inc. ("Computershare"), Proxy Dept., 100
University Avenue, 9th Floor, Toronto Ontario, M5J 2Y1 (Fax: within North America: 1-866-249-7775;
outside North America: 1-416-263-9524), not less than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays and holidays) before
the time of the Meeting. The individuals named as proxyholders in the accompanying form of proxy are
directors and officers of Ballard. A Registered Shareholder desiring to appoint a person or company
(who need not be a shareholder) to represent him or her at the Meeting, other than the persons or
companies named in the enclosed proxy, may do so by inserting the name of such other person or
company in the blank space provided in the proxy.
A proxy may be revoked by written notice executed by the Registered Shareholder or by his or her attorney
authorized in writing or, where the Registered Shareholder is a company, by a duly authorized officer or
attorney of that company, and delivered to:
• Computershare, at the address or fax number set out above, at any time up to and including the last
•
•
business day preceding the day of the Meeting;
the registered office of the Corporation at any time up to and including the last business day
preceding the day of the Meeting; or
the chair of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting and before any vote in respect of which the
proxy is to be used is taken.
A proxy may also be revoked in any other manner provided by law. Any revocation of a proxy will not
affect a matter on which a vote is taken before such revocation.
8
VOTING OF SHARES AND EXERCISE OF DISCRETION BY PROXIES
If you complete and deposit your proxy properly, then the proxyholder named in the accompanying form of
proxy will vote or withhold from voting the Shares represented by the proxy in accordance with your
instructions.
If you do not specify a choice on any given matter to be voted upon, your Shares will be voted in
favour of such matter. The proxy grants the proxyholder the discretion to vote on amendments to or
variations of matters identified in the Notice of Annual Meeting and with respect to other matters that
may properly come before the Meeting.
VOTING SHARES AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
As of the Record Date of April 18, 2017, we had 175,400,559 Shares issued and outstanding, each carrying
the right to one vote. On a show of hands, every individual who is present as a Registered Shareholder or as
a representative of one or more corporate Registered Shareholders, or who is holding a proxy on behalf of a
Registered Shareholder who is not present at the Meeting, will have one vote, and on a poll, every Registered
Shareholder present in person or represented by proxy and every person who is a representative of one or
more corporate Registered Shareholders, will have one vote for each Share recorded in the Registered
Shareholder’s name on the register of shareholders, which is available for inspection during normal business
hours at Computershare and will be available at the Meeting.
As of the Record Date, to the knowledge of our directors and executive officers, no person beneficially owns,
controls or directs, directly or indirectly, Shares carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all
issued and outstanding Shares carrying the right to vote in all circumstances.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS OR COMPANIES IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
No one who has been a director, director nominee or executive officer of ours at any time since January 1,
2017, 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.
9
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Meeting you will be asked to elect eight directors. All of our nominees are currently members of the
Board; two nominees were appointed in early 2017 and are standing for election for the first time. 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 18,
2017.
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.
Ian A. Bourne
Age: 69
Alberta, Canada
Director since: 2003
Independent
Douglas P. Hayhurst
Age: 70
B.C., Canada
Director since: 2012
Independent
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. (engineering services) in 2012. Previously, Mr. Bourne was the Executive Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of
TransAlta Corporation (electricity generation and marketing) from 1998 to 2006 and from 1998 to 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(1)
Board (Chair)
Audit
Corporate Governance &
Compensation
Attendance
10
5
4
100%
100%
100%
Other Public Board Memberships
Current: Wajax Corporation;; Hydro One Inc.
Previous: SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.; Canadian Oil Sands Limited;
TransAlta Power LP; TransAlta CoGen LP
Securities Held(2)
Year
2017
2016
Shares
DSUs
Total of Shares and DSUs
Value of Shares
and DSUs
(CDN$)(3)
Director Share
Ownership
Guidelines
26,824
278,274
26,824
245,297
305,098
272,121
$1,177,678
$478,933
Met
Met
Mr. Hayhurst’s principal occupation is corporate director. Previously, Mr. Hayhurst was an executive with IBM Canada Business
Consulting Services (consulting services) and a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers Management Consultants (consulting
services). Prior to that, Mr. Hayhurst held various senior executive management roles with Pricewaterhouse including National
Deputy Managing Partner (Toronto) and Managing Partner for British Columbia (Vancouver). Mr. Hayhurst received a
Fellowship (FCA) from the Institutes of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia and of Ontario. He has completed the
Directors Education Program of the Institute of Corporate Directors and has received his ICD.D designation.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Corporate Governance &
Compensation
Attendance
Other Public Board Memberships
10
5
4
100%
100%
100%
Current: Accend Capital Corporation; Canexus Corporation;
Previous: Catalyst Paper Corporation(5); Northgate Minerals
Corporation
Securities Held(2)
Year
2017
2016
Shares
5,000
5,000
DSUs
173,960
129,343
Total of Shares and DSUs
178,960
134,343
Value of Shares
and DSUs
(CDN$)(3)
Director Share
Ownership
Guidelines
$690,786
$236,444
On track
On track
10
Ms. Le is President of DLE Management Consulting LLC (management consulting services), a position she has held since 2016.
Previously, Ms. Le was a Senior Fellow at Texas Instruments Incorporated (semiconductor design and manufacturing) from 2002
to 2015; Program Manager and Fellow from 1998 to 2002; and Design Engineer and Manager from 1982 to 1998.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Corporate Governance &
Compensation
Attendance(4)
Other Public Board Memberships
-
-
-
n/a
n/a
n/a
Current: National Instruments Inc.
Previous: none
Duy-Loan Le
Age: 54
Texas, USA
Director since: 2017
Independent
Securities Held(2)
Year
2017
2016
Shares
20,000
-
DSUs
3,378
-
Total of Shares and DSUs
23,378
-
Value of Shares
and DSUs
(CDN$)(3)
Director Share
Ownership
Guidelines
$90,239
On track
-
-
Mr. MacEwen is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ballard, a position he has held since October 2014. Previously, Mr.
MacEwen was the founder and Managing Partner at NextCleanTech LLC (consulting services) from 2010 to 2014; and President
& CEO and Executive Vice President, Corporate Development at Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc. (solar) from 2006 to 2009
and 2005 to 2006, respectively. Prior to that, Mr. MacEwen was Executive Vice President, Corporate Development at Stuart
Energy Systems Corporation (onsite hydrogen generation systems) from 2001 to 2005; and an associate at Torys LLP (law firm)
from 1997 to 2001.
Board and Committee
Membership
Attendance
10
100%
Other Public Board Memberships
Current: none
Previous: Solar Integrated Technologies Corp.
R. Randall MacEwen
Board
Age: 48
B.C., Canada
Director since: 2014
Non-Independent
Securities Held(2)
Year
2017
2016
Shares
96,063
30,312
DSUs
116,667
116,667
Total of Shares and DSUs
212,730
146,979
Value of Shares
and DSUs
(CDN$)(3)
Director Share
Ownership
Guidelines
$821,138
$258,683
On track
On track
Mr. Neese is Chief Operating Officer of Velodyne LiDAR, Inc. (autonomous vehicles). Previously, he was Chief Operating
Officer of SunPower Corporation (solar power equipment and services) from 2008 to 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Neese was
responsible for Global Operations at Flextronics (electronics manufacturing services) from 2007 to 2008 following its acquisition
of Solectron Corporation (electronics manufacturing services) where he was Executive Vice President from 2004 to 2007.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Corporate Governance &
Compensation
Attendance
Other Public Board Memberships
9
5
4
90%
n/a
n/a
Current: none
Previous: none
Securities Held(2)
Year
2017
2016
Shares
DSUs
Total of Shares and DSUs
0
0
34,010
8,035
34,010
8,035
Value of Shares
and DSUs
(CDN$)(3)
Director Share
Ownership
Guidelines
$131,279
$14,142
On track
On track
Marty Neese
Age: 54
California, USA
Director since: 2015
Independent
11
Mr. Roche is founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stratford Managers Corporation (management consulting
services), a position he has held since 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Roche was co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Tundra Semiconductor (semiconductor component manufacturer) from 1995 to 2006 and founding member and executive at
Newbridge Networks Corporation (communications equipment manufacturer) from 1986 to 1995.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Corporate Governance &
Compensation
Attendance
Other Public Board Memberships
10
5
4
100%
100%
100%
Current: none
Previous: Wi-LAN Inc.; Tundra Semiconductor Corporation; Aztech
Innovations Inc..
Securities Held(2)
Year
2017
2016
Shares
DSUs
Total of Shares and DSUs
50,000
0
40,638
18,330
90,638
18,330
Value of Shares
and DSUs
(CDN$)(3)
Director Share
Ownership
Guidelines
$349,863
$32,261
On track
On track
Mr. Sutcliffe’s principal occupation is corporate director. Mr. Sutcliffe has been a partner at Sutcliffe & Associates Management
Consultants (management consulting services) since June 1985. Previously, Mr. Sutcliffe was Executive Chair of PureFacts
Financial Solutions (financial software services) from May 2013 to November 2016. Prior to that, he was co-CEO of PHeMI,
Inc. (medical software and IT infrastructure) form July 2010 to November 2012; CEO, Chairman and independent director of
BluePoint Data (IT services) from Sept 2001 to June 2011; and Vice Chair and CEO of BCS Global (video conferencing services)
from January 2003 to March 2004. Mr. Sutcliffe was President of Mediconsult.com (public internet health services) from June
1995 to June 1999 and President and CEO from 1999 to 2001.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Corporate Governance &
Compensation
Attendance
Other Public Board Memberships
10
4
4
100%
80%
100%
Current: none
Previous: BluePoint Data Inc.(5)
Securities Held(2)
Year
2017
2016
Shares
DSUs
Total of Shares and DSUs
Value of Shares
and DSUs
(CDN$)(3)
Director Share
Ownership
Guidelines
10,000
69,061
10,000
47,762
79,061
57,762
$305,175
$101,661
On track
On track
Ms. Woodruff’s principal occupation is corporate director. Previously, Ms. Woodruff served as acting CEO to the Transport
Investment Corporation (transportation infrastructure management) from 2014 to 2105, advisor to the Board (2013-2014) and
interim Chief Financial Officer (2012-2013). Prior to that, she was Vice President and Special Advisor to BC Hydro (public
utility) from 2010 to 2011; Interim President (2009-2010) and Vice President, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer
(207-2008) of BC Transmission Corporation (electricity transmission infrastructure); and Chief Financial Officer and Vice
President, Systems Development and Performance of Vancouver Coastal Health from 2003 to 2007.
Board and Committee
Membership
Board
Audit
Corporate Governance &
Compensation
Attendance(4)
Other Public Board Memberships
-
-
-
n/a
n/a
n/a
Current(6): Keyera Corporation; Altus Group Limited; Capstone
Infrastructure Corporation; FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Inc.;
Transportation Investment Corporation
Previous: Mutual Funds Dealers Association of Canada; Nordion Inc.
(formerly MDS Inc.); Pacific Northern Gas
Securities Held(2)
Total of Shares and DSUs
0
-
Value of Shares
and DSUs
(CDN$)(3)
Director Share
Ownership
Guidelines
$0
-
On track
On track
Year
2017
2016
Shares
0
-
DSUs
0
-
12
James Roche
Age: 54
Ontario, Canada
Director since: 2015
Independent
Ian Sutcliffe
Age: 64
Ontario, Canada
Director since: 2013
Independent
Janet Woodruff
Age: 60
B.C., Canada
Director since: 2017
Independent
(1) Mr. Bourne is an ex officio member of each of the committees and is entitled to vote at meetings.
(2) As of April 18, 2017 and April 15, 2016, respectively.
(3) Based on a CDN$3.86 and CDN$1.76 closing Share price on the TSX as of April 18, 2017 and April 15, 2016, respectively.
(4) Ms. Le and Ms. Woodruff were appointed to the board as of February 1, 2017 and April 1, 2017, respectively, and have attended all board and
committee meetings from those dates.
(5) 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. 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.
(6)
Fortis BC Inc. and Fortis BC Energy Inc. are both wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc., but which have public debt securities outstanding.
Capstone Infrastructure Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Irving Infrastructure Corp., but which has preferred shares which are
publicly traded on the TSX.
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 2016 and 2015 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 2016 and 2015:
Type of Audit Fees
Audit Fees
Audit-Related Fees
Tax Fees
All Other Fees(1)
2016
(CDN$)
$448,000
Nil
Nil
$20,000
2015
(CDN$)
$534,000
$7,500
Nil
Nil
(1) All Other Fees related to valuation advisory 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 (www.ballard.com), see the section entitled "Audit Committee Matters" in
our Annual Information Form dated March 1, 2017, which section is incorporated by reference into this
Management Proxy Circular.
ADVISORY VOTE ON APPROACH TO EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee ("CGCC") monitors developments and trends
relating to best practices on corporate governance and executive compensation, including relating to “say-on-
pay” in Canada and in the United States. In the United States, the SEC has established “say-on-pay”
advisory shareholder vote requirements for certain issuers. Although the Corporation’s shares are traded on
NASDAQ, Ballard is a “foreign private issuer” under applicable SEC rules and, accordingly, these
requirements do not apply to the Corporation. Although “say-on-pay” shareholder votes have yet to be
mandated in Canada, a number of larger issuers in Canada have voluntarily implemented such advisory
votes. Ballard has also voluntarily implemented “say on pay” advisory votes. At the request of the Board,
our Shareholders have passed resolutions, on an advisory basis, accepting the Corporation’s approach to
executive compensation since 2011.
The CGCC 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.
13
The CGCC also recommended that adoption by the Board of a formal “say-on-pay” policy should continue
to be deferred until applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities have set out the regulatory
requirements applicable to the Corporation.
Accordingly, the Shareholders of the Corporation are able to vote at this Meeting, on an advisory and non-
binding basis, “FOR” or “AGAINST” the Corporation’s current 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 proxy circular delivered in advance of the Corporation’s
2017 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
"Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis" appearing below in this Management
Proxy Circular.
Approval of the above resolution will require an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter
at the Meeting. Abstentions will have no effect and will not be counted as votes cast on the resolution. As
the vote on this resolution is advisory, the results will not be binding on the Board or the CGCC. However,
the Board and the CGCC will take the results of the advisory vote into account, as appropriate, as part of
their ongoing review of the Corporation’s executive compensation objectives, philosophy, principles,
policies and programs.
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 Policy, which provides for
board composition and director qualification standards, tenure and term limits, 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 Policy
can be found on our website at www.ballard.com. 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 financial reports filed with Canadian securities regulatory
authorities, and to certify our annual financial 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 25% of the votes eligible to
be cast at a Shareholders’ meeting are present or represented by proxy at the meeting.
14
BOARD COMPOSITION AND NOMINATION PROCESS
All of our directors are independent except for Randall MacEwen, 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) for independent directors and one corporate board for the CEO. Currently all of
our board members comply with this guideline.
The Board believes that its membership should be composed of highly qualified directors with diverse
backgrounds, skills sets and experience bases and who demonstrate integrity and suitability for overseeing
management. The CGCC and the Board have determined that the criteria to be considered when selecting
directors and recommending their election by the Shareholders include the following:
a) Direct experience in leading a business as a CEO or other senior executive
b) Strategy development experience
c) Sales/Marketing experience
d) Finance/Accounting experience & education
e) Product development experience
f) Corporate governance experience & education
g) Early-Stage business commercialization experience
h) CleanTech sector knowledge
i) Asian market experience
In addition to these criteria, we also take into consideration other industry and business factors in
determining the composition of our Board.
Our CGCC 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. To this end, the CGCC will, when identifying candidates to recommend for
appointment or election to the Board:
a) consider only candidates who are highly qualified based on their relevant experience, expertise,
perspectives, and personal skills and qualities, and cultural fit;
b) consider diversity criteria including gender, age, ethnicity and geographic background; and
c)
in addition to its own search, as and when appropriate from time to time, engage qualified
independent external advisors to conduct a search for candidates who meet the Board’s expertise,
skills and diversity criteria.
Currently, we have two women serving on our board, a representation of 25%. As part of its approach to
Board diversity, the Board has not established specific targets for any diversity criteria at this time. The
CGCC will assess the effectiveness of this approach annually and recommend amendments to the Board,
including the possible adoption of measurable objectives for achieving Board diversity, as appropriate.
The following table identifies some of the current skills and other factors considered as part of the
competency matrix developed by the CGCC. Each director was asked to indicate the top three competencies
which he/she believes they possess.
15
Ian A.
Bourne
Douglas P.
Hayhurst
Duy-Loan
Le
R. Randall
MacEwen
Marty
Neese
James
Roche
Ian Sutcliffe
Janet
Woodruff
President/CEO
Experience
Strategy
Sales/ Marketing
Finance/ Accounting
Product
Development
Corporate
Governance
Early Stage Business
Commercialization
Clean Technology
Asian Markets
MAJORITY VOTING POLICY
Our director voting policy complies with the applicable TSX corporate governance rules and guidelines. At
any meeting of Ballard’s Shareholders where directors are to be elected, Shareholders will be able to either:
(a) vote in favor; or (b) withhold their Shares from being voted in respect of each nominee separately. If,
with respect to any nominee, the total number of Shares withheld exceeds the total number of Shares voted in
favor, then the nominee will immediately submit his or her resignation to the Board to take effect
immediately upon acceptance by the Board. Upon receipt of such conditional resignation, the CGCC 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 CGCC, 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 CGCC 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.
In addition to the majority voting policy, the Board has established additional guidelines that set out the
circumstances under which a director would be compelled to submit a resignation or be asked to resign.
TENURE AND TERM LIMITS
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.
Independent directors are expected to serve on at least one Committee of the Board. The CGCC and Audit
Committee are tasked with ensuring a rotation of Committee members and Chairs to broaden the experience
and skills of each member of the Board, and ensure an appropriate mix of experience and expertise in respect
of the various roles of the Board and its committees. Currently, each independent director serves as a
16
member of the Audit Committee and the CGCC. A director may only serve on the Board for a maximum of
15 consecutive years. These provisions do not apply to the President & Chief Executive Officer in his/her
role as a Board member.
DIRECTOR SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
We have minimum share ownership guidelines that apply to our independent directors. The guidelines were
revised by the Board effective October 27, 2015.
All independent directors are required to hold at least the number of Ballard Shares that has a value
equivalent to three times the director’s annual retainer. Directors have six years from the date that they are
first elected to the Board to comply with this minimum share ownership guideline. In determining whether a
director is in compliance with the minimum share ownership guidelines, any DSUs that a director receives as
payment for all or part of their annual retainer will be credited towards calculating achievement of the
minimum share ownership requirements.
The value of Shares held by directors will be measured on or about December 31st 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.
Any director who fails to comply with the share ownership guideline will not be eligible to stand for re-
election. Currently, all of our 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 2016, 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 at www.ballard.com), 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
(www.ballard.com). 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
17
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 CGCC regularly
monitors the Board’s progress against these priorities throughout the year.
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 includes site visits to 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, material industry developments, 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, government regulation, capital markets, corporate governance and risk management, and internal
management representatives to speak about various issues, including relating to our industry, business,
strategy, markets, customers, projects, technology, products, services, operations, employee relations,
investor relations and risks. The orientation and ongoing educational presentations that are made by internal
management provide an opportunity for Board members to meet and interact with members of our
management team.
SHAREHOLDER FEEDBACK AND COMMUNICATION
We have 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 at www.ballard.com. 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 CGCC which elicits
responses from individual directors on a confidential basis regarding performance of 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 CGCC presents the summary results to
the full Board, which then, based on the results of the evaluation, determines appropriate actions and changes
to improve Board effectiveness.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board has established two standing committees: (1) the Audit Committee; and (2) the Corporate
Governance & Compensation Committee (“CGCC”).
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. The members of these
committees are all independent. Given a number of considerations, including the past and planned size of the
Board, the composition of the Board, considerations relating to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Board
and these two committees, and the flat retainer fee structure used for compensating the Board, these two
committees are represented by all directors other than the CEO.
18
The following chart sets out current members of our standing committees:
Ian A. Bourne
Douglas P. Hayhurst
Duy-Loan Le2
Marty Neese
James Roche
Carol M. Stephenson
Ian Sutcliffe
Janet Woodruff 3
Audit Committee
1
(Chair)
Corporate Governance &
Compensation
Committee
1
(Chair)
1 As Chair of the Board Mr. Bourne is an ex officio member of each of the committees and is entitled to vote at meetings.
2 Ms. Le joined the board on February 1, 2017.
3 Ms. Woodruff joined the board on April 1, 2017.
After the Meeting, we will reconstitute all of the standing committees to reflect the newly elected Board.
In addition to the standing committees of the Board, the Director Search Committee, an ad hoc committee
first established in 2014, met in 2016.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities
regarding the integrity of the Corporation’s accounting and financial reporting, the Corporation’s systems of
internal controls over financial reporting, the independence and performance of the Corporation’s external
and internal auditors, the identification and management of the Corporation’s risks, the Corporation’s
whistleblower reporting processes, the Corporation’s financial policies and the review and approval of
related party transactions.
The Audit Committee met five (5) times during 2016. The Audit Committee is constituted in accordance
with SEC rules, applicable Canadian 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 has at least three members, Douglas P. Hayhurst, Ian A. Bourne and
Janet Woodruff, who qualify as audit committee financial experts under applicable securities regulations.
All of the members of the Audit Committee are independent directors in accordance with the applicable
Canadian and United States securities laws and exchange requirements 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. The Audit
Committee is also responsible for the appointment of our internal auditors (or persons responsible for the
function), and directing, monitoring and providing guidance to the internal audit function and review the
performance of the internal auditor at least annually.
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 (including
19
transactions and agreements in respect of which a director or executive officer has a material interest) on a
case-by-case basis.
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 1, 2017, which section is incorporated by reference into this Management
Proxy Circular.
Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee
The CGCC met four (4) times during 2016. Collectively, the CCGC members have extensive compensation-
related experience as senior executives (past and present) and members of the board of directors and
committees of other public and private corporations. The Board is confident that the CCGC collectively has
the knowledge, experience and background to carry out the Committee’s mandate effectively and to make
executive compensation decisions in the best interests of the Corporation and its Shareholders.
The CGCC is responsible for the following:
• recommending the size of the Board and the formation and membership of committees of the
Board;
• review and approval of all director nominations to the Board;
• determining director compensation;
• maintaining an ongoing education program for Board members;
• 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;
• conducting succession planning for the Chair of the Board; and
• monitoring corporate governance and making recommendations to enable the Board to comply
with best corporate governance practices in Canada and the United States;
The CGCC is also responsible for:
• considering and authorizing the terms of employment and compensation of executive officers and
providing advice on organizational and compensation structures in the various jurisdictions in
which we operate;
• reviewing and setting the minimum share ownership requirement for executive officers;
• reviewing all distributions under our equity-based compensation plans, and reviewing and
approving the design and structure of, and any amendments to, those plans;
• ensuring appropriate CEO and senior management succession planning, recruitment, development,
training and evaluation; and
• annually reviewing the performance objectives of our CEO and conducting his annual
performance evaluation.
Any compensation consultants engaged by us, at the direction of the CGCC, report directly to the CGCC,
which has the authority to appoint such consultants, determine their level of remuneration, and oversee and
terminate their services.
The CGCC does not have a written policy regarding succession planning or recruitment of executive officers.
However, the CGCC takes the same approach when identifying candidates for executive officers that it takes
in respect of director candidates. The CGCC will, when identifying executive officer candidates:
a) consider only candidates who are highly qualified based on their experience, expertise,
perspectives, and personal skills and qualities; and
b) consider diversity criteria including gender, age, ethnicity and geographic background.
20
The CGCC has not established targets for any diversity criteria for executive officers at this time. The
CGCC and Board annually review executive succession plans and emerging leadership candidates, including
a review of demographic information to ensure the correct focus on diversity. Individual development plans
are established by management, including those for female leaders, and the Corporation has sponsored and
supported participation in activities including the Minerva “Women in” annual luncheon series and Board-
led career discussions. As of the Record Date, there are no women executive officers of the Corporation.
A copy of the CGCC’s mandate is posted on our website (www.ballard.com). The mandate is reviewed
annually and the CGCC’s performance is assessed annually through a process overseen by the Board.
Director Search Committee
The Director Search Committee is a temporary sub-committee of the CGCC established in 2016 for the
purpose of establishing and leading a search and selection process of potential director nominees for
consideration by the Board.
The Director Search Committee met twice during 2016. The members are James Roche, Ian A. Bourne and
Douglas P. Hayhurst. The committee engaged Korn Ferry to provide services in support of the director
nominee candidate selection and interview process.
During 2017, there were two new directors – Duy-Loan Le and Janet Woodruff – that joined the Board as a
result of the work of the Director Search Committee.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This section discusses the elements of compensation earned by our "Named Executive Officers" as of
December 31, 2016:
Randall MacEwen
Tony Guglielmin
Kevin Colbow
Karim Kassam
Paul Osenar
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Vice President and
Chief Financial
Officer
Vice President,
Technology &
Product Development
Vice President
Commercial
President, Protonex
Technology Corporation
INTRODUCTION
Setting executive compensation in an early-stage high technology business – such as our hydrogen fuel cell
enterprise – in a way that balances ‘motivation and incentive’ with ‘creation of shareholder value’ is a
challenging task. As a result, the Company puts a considerable amount of effort into the development, and
ongoing monitoring and management of our executive compensation plan. This includes the involvement of
expert third parties to provide independent advice, monitoring of industry best-practices, and benchmarking
against relevant comparators inside and outside the fuel cell industry sector.
Executive Compensation Program Highlights
Ballard’s executive compensation program is designed to attract the skillsets and experience needed to lead
the development and execution of the Company’s strategy and to reward executives appropriately for high
performance. Our executive compensation program is comprised of the following elements:
• Annual Base Salary – set to reflect the size and scope of the role, as well as individual experience
and performance, and market competitiveness;
• Annual Performance Bonus – expressed as a percentage of annual base salary and typically paid in
cash, annual performance bonus is determined based on achievement levels against a weighted mix
of annual corporate performance goals and individual performance goals that support the overall
corporate goals, both quantitative and qualitative – at the Board’s discretion;
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• Long-Term Incentive
o Performance Share Units (PSUs) – performance-based PSUs are awarded annually as a
percentage of annual base salary and typically vest over three years, subject to the
achievement of corporate performance objectives; PSUs are aligned with shareholder
interests as vesting is dependent on corporate performance and the realizable value of PSUs
partly depends on our share price after vesting. For awards made in 2016 and after, we
determined that PSU grants will vest after three years;
o Stock Options – stock options are awarded annually, vest over three years and have a seven
year term; stock options are aligned with shareholder interests as their realizable value
depends on growth in our share price;
o Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) – stock RSUs are only issued for limited purposes, such as
at the time of hire, and typically vest over three years; RSUs are aligned with shareholder
interests as the realizable value depends on our share price after vesting.
With these compensation elements, a significant proportion of compensation is put “at risk” (for NEOs, from
38% to 70% of total compensation), since it depends on successful performance and growth in Ballard’s
share price – both of which effectively align executive compensation with shareholder interests.
To further align with the shareholder experience, our executive officers are required to hold between 1.0X to
3.0X of their individual salary in Common Shares or Deferred Share Units, depending on their level within
the Company. They have 5 years in which to meet this requirement.
In setting, monitoring and managing executive compensation the Company ensures careful consideration of
the relevant factors impacting each element of the plan through a rigorous process, with appropriate
oversight designed to pay appropriate short- and long-term incentive amounts that are strongly aligned with
the creation of long-term value for shareholders.
In recruiting our new CEO in October 2014, we were mindful to adopt best practices, including clawbacks,
and state-of-the-art provisions dealing with termination and change of control, as well as to align the total
compensation package at a level appropriate for the Corporation’s size and stage of development
Significant Program Changes in 2016
Commitment to improve ‘Advisory Say on Pay’ approval
• We solicit investor feedback on our executive compensation approach by providing an advisory “Say
on Pay” vote, which we introduced in 2011.
• The CGCC has committed to better understand the relatively modest ‘For’ vote on Say on Pay
(72.5%), analyze this information and engage where possible with shareholders on Executive Pay
issues. The large proportion of retail Shareholders and the relatively low number of votes cast for
this matter (10.5% of outstanding shares voted, with 2.9% votes against) have made it difficult to
solicit feedback from Shareholders. Nonetheless, the re-shaping of this CD&A into a clearer, more
communicative format is one example of our commitment to improve our compensation disclosure
for Shareholders.
Executive Claw-Back Provisions
During 2016, all Named Executive Officers agreed to the following clawback provision:
• Where there is a restatement of the financial results of the Corporation for any reason other than a
restatement caused by a change in applicable accounting rules or interpretations, and, in connection
with such restatement a senior officer engaged in gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct, the
Board may: (a) require that a senior officer return or repay to the Corporation, or reimburse the
Corporation for, all or part of the after-tax portion of any excess compensation; and/or (b) cause all
or part of any awarded and unpaid or unexercised performance-based compensation (whether vested
or unvested) that constitutes excess compensation for a senior officer to be cancelled.
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Enhancements to our Executive LTIP program – specifically re-visiting and revising the
Performance Share Unit Program to better align to market trends and best practice
During 2015 the CGCC engaged with Towers Watson (now Willis Towers Watson) and management to
re-evaluate and update our overall LTI approach for executives, to ensure that our compensation
principles and program is closely aligned with our corporate strategy and long-term shareholder interests.
The re-evaluation:
• Confirmed the importance of stock options in allowing us to compete for talent in our high
technology industry while aligning executives with the interests of Shareholders over the longer-
term, and
• Re-designed the PSU element of Executive Compensation to:
1. Introduce clearly measurable performance metrics that are closely aligned with our corporate
strategy and achieving long-term success; and
2. Continue to measure performance and determine vesting for a third of the award annually,
but pay out the vested portion of the award at the end of the three year performance period
(rather than paying the vested portion annually during the 3-year period) so that executives
continue to be aligned with shareholder experience through the entire three-year term of
PSUs.
This new approach became effective January 1, 2016. PSUs awarded in February 2016, have a two-
stage vesting condition: the first provides for vesting of one third of the grant each year over a period of
three years, subject to achievement of certain performance criteria in each year (the PSU Scorecard,
discussed below); and a 3-year time vesting requirement. In conjunction with the introduction of these
performance metrics, the level of potential vesting was increased from a maximum of 100% to a
maximum of 150%. The Board also amended the vesting criteria for outstanding awards made in 2014
and 2015 to make them subject to the PSU Scorecard and increased the maximum level of vesting from
100% to 150%.
Context of Our Executive Compensation Practices
There are a number of industry and business factors that present challenges to creating and implementing an
effective executive compensation program, including the following:
• Despite our lengthy history, we are a pre-profit, publicly-listed company developing and
commercializing new technology, products and services that are highly disruptive in our markets and
disruptive to incumbent markets.
• Our business is complex and volatile:
o We have a relatively complex business model for a company with our revenue base. Our
business activities include technology and product development, commercialization of new
products in global markets, manufacturing operations, engineering services, sales and
marketing for various market applications, and after-sales service support. We have
operations and offices in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Denmark, with an
international sales and service team. Many of our customers and markets are outside North
America creating a degree of complexity, and requiring us to recruit executives with wider
skills and international experience than may be the case for many companies our size
o Setting longer-term performance targets in an early-stage business with significant volatility
and market risks is particularly challenging; the CGCC seeks to balance setting concrete,
challenging performance targets that reflect genuine progress in the business consistent with
our strategy, which are also reasonably achievable and capable of dealing with the volatility
of our business.
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• While we may be considered an industrial products company, we also compete for talent in the
technology industry, where there is a higher emphasis on equity to compensate staff than general
industry.
• We use equity incentives as a way to compete for talent with larger companies while conserving our
shareholders’ cash for investment in our business.
• Many of our competitors are headquartered in the United States and are subject to different market
conditions relating to executive compensation than typical Canadian-headquartered companies.
The CGCC seeks to balance these factors, the expectations of our shareholders and the highest standards of
governance. As our business becomes more robust and predictable through the execution of our strategy, the
CGCC intends to continue to align compensation more predictably to performance, for example, through the
use of performance metrics that demonstrate and measure our performance relative to peer group companies.
Highlights of our Executive Compensation Philosophy
Our compensation philosophy focuses on creating shareholder value, paying for performance and effective
risk management; our objective is to pay competitively in the markets in which we compete for talent, while
also aligning compensation with value created for shareholders
We target our compensation at the 50th percentile of the market, with actual compensation varying above and
below based on performance.
Objectives
How We Achieve It
Attract and retain
• Paying compensation, including salaries, which are competitive in
the markets in which we compete for executive talent
Motivate
Align
• Directly linking bonuses to annual performance measures that are
tied to our corporate strategy to motivate short term performance
• Delivering a majority of long-term incentives contingent on
achieving sustained performance consistent with our corporate
strategy
• Delivering a significant portion of total compensation in long-
term incentives that are tied to our creation of shareholder value,
including share price performance
• Requiring executive officers to maintain a meaningful equity
ownership in Ballard
The Use of Benchmarking
Our overall compensation objective is to pay executives, on average, around the 50th percentile of our
comparator group for achieving performance goals at the levels targeted by the Board. Over-achievement or
under-achievement will result in actual payments for performance-based compensation being over or under
the targeted amounts.
Benchmarking for a company of Ballard’s size and stage of business is particularly challenging as our
industry is nascent and there are few direct comparables. Many of the direct competitors in our industry are
smaller, niche fuel cell companies. By contrast, companies in broader comparator groups, such as industrials
and technology companies, are often significantly larger companies that provide similarly inappropriate
24
benchmarks. In determining the appropriate comparator group, the CGCC considers several factors detailed
below, including the labor markets in which we compete for executive talent.
In 2011, the CGCC, working with Willis Towers Watson, updated the comparator companies comprising the
Corporation’s compensation comparator group to better reflect the Corporation’s current business size and
market focus. A revised list of comparator companies was reviewed and accepted by the CGCC, which
selected the group of comparators ensuring a suitable mix of Canadian and United States companies
exhibiting a growth oriented mix of revenues, employee base, asset base, market capitalization and market
focus. This comparator group provides the primary source of compensation data used to review the
competitiveness of our executive compensation. The CGCC reviews and updates the composition of the
comparator group annually.
Our current comparator group is:
Canada (5)
EXFO Inc.
United States (6)
AeroVironment Inc.
Hydrogenics Corp.
Allied Motion Technologies Inc.
New Flyer Industries Inc.
American Superconductor Corporation
Sierra Wireless Inc.
Fuel Cell Energy Inc.
Westport Innovations Inc.
(now Westport Fuel Systems)
Plug Power Inc.
Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
Sunpower Corporation
Ultralife Corporation
The CGCC 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.
Compensation Framework for 2016
The compensation program for our executive officers has five primary components that deliver pay over the
short- and long-term:
Element
Features
Performance Measures
Base Salary
• Set to reflect market conditions and the size
and scope of the role, as well as individual
experience and performance
N/A
25
Element
Features
Performance Measures
Annual Bonus
Long-Term
Incentive:
Performance Share
Units (PSUs)
• Paid annually in cash or DSUs
• Each executive has a specified target bonus
expressed as a percentage of his or her base
salary
• Actual bonuses based on Corporate and
Individual performance multipliers that
range from 0% - 150% of target based on
Corporate and Individual performance
• Outcomes are formula-driven subject to the
Board’s overarching discretion
• Each executive has a specified target long-
term incentive expressed as a percentage of
base salary
• 75% of each executive’s target long-term
incentive is awarded in the form of PSUs
• Annual grants with three year term
• Awards vest over three years based on
annual achievement of Corporate objectives
• Payout can range from 0% - 150% of target
award
Corporate
Quantitative (60%)
• Gross margin
• Revenue
• Cash flow from
operations
Qualitative (40%)
• Achieving HD Motive
Milestones in China
• Building a sustainable
business platform
• Annual Revenue
• Gross Margin
Long-Term
Incentive: Stock
Options
• Annual grants
• Exercise price equal to market price at grant
• Awards vest in equal amounts annually over
• Option value
contingent on share
price growth
three years
• Seven-year term
Long-Term
Incentive:
Restricted Share
Units (RSUs)
• For special purposes (e.g. on-hire award)
• Typically vests in equal thirds over three
• Value based on share
price at time of vesting
year period
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Executive Pay Mix and the Emphasis on "At Risk" Pay
We emphasise performance by linking a significant proportion of our executive officers’ total annual
compensation to corporate and individual performance. For 2016, an average of 51% of the target annual
compensation earned by each of our Named Executive Officers was "at risk", in the form of variable and / or
performance-related compensation as shown below (including annual bonus, stock options and PSUs). As
such, executives will only receive value from those elements to the extent that the relevant performance
conditions are met, with long-term incentive (LTI) values also tied to share price performance.
Total Target Direct
Compensation Mix - CEO
Total Target Direct
Compensation Mix - Other
Executives
LTI
41%
Base
Salary
33%
Annual
Bonus
26%
LTI
23%
Annual
Bonus
28%
Base
Salary
49%
Pay for Performance and Incentive Awards aligned with Shareholders Interests
The alignment between pay for performance for Executive Officers and Shareholder interests is clearly
demonstrated as follows:
Annual Bonus Plan – Performance measures are substantially and directly linked to the Annual
Operating Plan and achievement against those measures determines the size of the annual executive
bonus award. When corporate performance is below the minimum level expected by the Board this
amount could be zero. Equally, over achievement against the measures may result in payment of
bonus greater than the targeted amount, up to a capped amount.
Long Term Incentive Plan – Stock Options align pay with share price performance as the
compensation realised is based solely on share price appreciation. PSUs deliver compensation value
to executives by tying the vesting of PSUs (i.e. ability to receive value from units) to the extent that
performance measures related to key business objectives are met, while the value of each vested unit
changes in line with movements in the Corporation’s share price.
How Executive Compensation is Determined
The CGCC reviews and approves 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 CGCC:
• Approves and recommends to the Board the appointment of our executive officers;
• Reviews and approves the amount and form of their compensation, their development and succession
plans, and any significant organizational or executive management changes;
• Retains independent compensation consultants for professional advice and as a source of competitive
market information as required. ;
• Determines the annual compensation, sets the performance conditions relating to the annual bonus
and long-term incentives, and determines the actual bonus payments in relation to our President and
CEO. The President and CEO is not a member of the CGCC and does not participate in the portions
of the CGCC discussions that relate directly to his personal compensation;
27
• Seeks the advice and recommendations of our President and CEO with respect to the compensation
of our other executive officers including setting annual compensation, approving performance
conditions and targets for short- and long-term incentive awards, and proposed long-term incentive
awards and actual bonus payments; and
• Ensures 100% of CGCC (Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee) meetings include an
in-camera session, and our CGCC is advised by independent compensation counsel.
Annual Salary
The CGCC approves the annual salary of our executive officers. Salary guidelines and adjustments for our
executive officers are considered with reference to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
compensation benchmarking as set out above;
the experience and qualifications of each executive officer;
the individual performance of each executive officer; and
the scope of responsibilities of each executive officer.
In 2016, a salary increase was awarded to Dr. Colbow; no other Named Executive Officers received a salary
increase. A retention bonus of $30,000 was paid to Karim Kassam in December 2016 in connection with his
appointment to his new position as Vice President, Commercial.
Annual Bonus for Executive Officers
In 2016, the annual target bonus for was set at 80% of base salary for Mr. MacEwen and 60% of salary for
Mr. Guglielmin, and 55% of base salary for Dr. Colbow, Mr. Kassam and Dr. Osenar.
Payments relative to the annual bonus target are determined by performance against Corporate Scorecard
goals and the achievement of individual objectives. The Corporate Scorecard typically includes financial
objectives which contain a ‘”stretch” achievement component whereby 100% achievement of annual plan
goals equates to 50% payout of Corporate Scorecard goals. This means that in order to achieve 100% payout
against the financial targets, performance needs to be higher than the annual operating plan.
For a full discussion of annual incentive compensation for our President and CEO, see the section entitled
"CEO Compensation".
Methodology for Determining Annual Incentives
The actual annual bonus for each executive officer is determined by the CGCC on the basis of the following
formula:
= x x x x x x x
Actual
Bonus
Annual
Base Salary
Target Bonus
Percentage
Corporate
Scorecard
Multiplier
Individual
Performance
Multiplier
Corporate Scorecard Multiplier
The corporate scorecard multiplier is determined on completion of each fiscal year by the CGCC and
approved by the Board with reference to achievement against the corporate goals set out in a Corporate
Performance Scorecard approved by the CGCC and the Board at the commencement of the year. Each
corporate performance goal on the scorecard is assigned a relative weighting in terms of importance to
annual performance of the Corporation. The corporate scorecard typically includes a mix of quantitative
financial metrics and qualitative goals. The quantitative financial metrics typically include a threshold level
of performance below which the contribution of that goal to the overall corporate scorecard multiplier is
zero, and a maximum beyond which no further contribution to the corporate scorecard multiplier accrues.
For 2016, the Corporate Performance Scorecard reflected a balance of Quantitative annual goals focused on
delivery of the 2016 operating plan (60% of the scorecard) and Qualitative goals focused on key strategic
28
outcomes to be achieved during 2016 to better position the Corporation for longer term success (40% of the
scorecard).
Component
Weight
Quantitative
(60%)
Qualitative
(40%)
Performance Areas
Performance Highlights
Annual gross margin
dollar contribution
Over achieved
Annual revenue
Over achieved
Annual cash flow from
operations
Achieve HD milestones in
China
Building a sustainable
business platform
Over achieved
Substantially achieved
Over achieved
In aggregate, the Corporate Scorecard Multiplier achievement for 2016 was 110%.
Individual Performance Multiplier
The individual performance multiplier is determined with reference to achievement against the individual
goals set for each executive officer. Individual goals are set for individual executive officers by the CEO and
reviewed by the CGCC, and are based on agreed, objective and identifiable measures related to their roles,
and aligned to the corporate performance goals. An individual performance multiplier greater than 100%
may be awarded for superior performance against these goals, with an individual performance multiplier of
less than 100% being awarded for performance that does not achieve the goals.
In 2016, individual multipliers for each Executive Officer ranged from 70% to 132.5%. A summary of the
Executive Officers’ annual bonus payments for 2016 is as follows:
Name
CEO
Target Bonus
(% of salary)
Corporate
Score/Multiplier
Individual
Score/Multiplier
Bonus paid as a
% of Salary
80%
110%
110%
120.5%
132.5%
70 to 150%
38.5% to 165%
Other NEOs
55% - 60%
Long Term Incentives
We provide our Executive Officers with equity-based long-term incentives through the Consolidated Share
Option Plan, Market Purchase RSU Plan and the SDP (Consolidated Share Distribution Plan). Our equity-
based long-term incentives typically take the form of Stock Options or PSUs (that vest after a specified time
but normally only in the event that performance conditions are satisfied). These plans are designed to align
Executive Officer remuneration with performance and long-term shareholder value. They serve a vital role
in retaining executives as value under the plans is only received over time.
29
The target value of long-term incentives granted to Named Executive Officers in 2016, and the composition
of long-term incentives is set out in the table below.
Total LTI Mix (%)
Name
Target LTI
($)
PSUs2
Stock
Options1
Mr. MacEwen
625,000
Mr. Guglielmin
192,000
Dr. Colbow
100,000
Mr. Kassam
100,000
Dr. Osenar
US $100,000
75%
75%
75%
75%
75%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
1 Converted to a number of options by dividing the dollar value by the Black-Scholes value of the option on the award
date. The exercise price of these options was determined based on the closing Share price on the day prior to the award
date. .
2 Converted to a number of PSUs dividing the dollar value by the closing Share price on either the TSX or NASDAQ on
the award date.
This element of compensation supports the Corporation’s overall compensation objectives by linking our
Shareholders’ interests with those of our Executive Officers, by providing our Executive Officers with
compensation that is driven by the experience of our Shareholders in terms of our share price performance,
and in the case of PSUs is further tied to the achievement of performance measures. In addition, we require
our Executive Officers to comply with minimum share ownership guidelines that further align them with the
Shareholders’ experience.
For 2016 the awards to our Named Executive Officers were as follows:
Name
Total LTI Granted ($)
PSUs
Stock Options
Number Granted
Mr. MacEwen
625,000
260,417
154,702
Mr. Guglielmin
Dr. Colbow
Mr. Kassam
192,000
100,000
100,000
Dr. Osenar
US$100,000
80,000
41,667
41,667
56,391
47,524
24,752
24,752
33,333
Performance Share Units
Performance Share Units (PSUs) comprise the other 75% of the long-term incentive compensation provided
to an executive. The PSUs provide for vesting of one third of the grant each year over a period of three
years, subject to achievement of certain performance criteria in each year. The number of PSUs 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. Vesting of PSUs may
be satisfied either with Shares bought under the Market Purchase RSU Plan or by treasury shares reserved
under the SDP.
30
In 2016, the performance criteria for PSUs were based on a linear approach to vesting related to two annual
financial metrics contained in the Corporate Performance Scorecard, which were (1) Annual Revenue, and
(2) Gross Margin, which collectively formed a PSU Scorecard. Each element was equally weighted.
PSU Scorecard
PSU Vesting
< 25%
≥25% and <50%
≥50% and ≤100%
0%
50%
100%
>100%
Up to 150%
The PSU Scorecard achievement for 2016 was 133%.
Stock Options
Stock options are an integral part of each executive’s annual compensation package and are granted annually
in respect of approximately 25% of the long-term incentive compensation to be provided to an executive.
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.
Vested stock options may normally be exercised for a period of seven years from the grant date (the option
“term”).
Units Granted
On February 25, 2016, 480,142 PSUs were issued to the Named Executive Officers, including the President
and CEO using the methodology described above.
Vesting Awards
In 2016, there was no vesting of PSUs to Shares for the Named Executive Officers, based on zero vesting of
annual awards granted in 2013, 2014 and 2015, given that performance goals were not met.
In March 2017, the Board determined, based on the 2016 PSU Scorecard achievement, that 133% of PSU
awards granted in 2016 met the performance vesting requirement. However, these awards are subject to a 3-
year vesting period, per the terms of the PSU awards.
Restricted Share Units
The Corporation also operates a Restricted Share Unit (RSU) Plan which is ordinarily used to provide new
employees and executive officers with one-time RSU awards, for example, as new hire awards. RSUs
provide for vesting over periods of up to three years. Vesting of these share units may be satisfied either
with Shares bought under the Market Purchase RSU Plan or by treasury based shares reserved under the
SDP.
CEO Compensation
Mr. MacEwen was appointed President & CEO on October 6, 2014 with a base salary set at CDN$500,000
per year. Mr. MacEwen has not received an increase since his appointment.
Mr. MacEwen’s target bonus for 2016 was CDN$400,000 based on an amount equal to 80% of his annual
base salary. His actual bonus for 2016 was determined by the CGCC on the basis of corporate financial and
31
operational performance reflected in the Corporate Performance Scorecard rating, plus performance relative
to his individual goals for 2016, as approved by the Board.
Annual Bonus
Performance
Areas
Corporate
Outcome
Specific corporate quantitative and qualitative results are described in detail under
“Corporate Scorecard Multiplier”
In 2016, the corporate score was 110% of target
Individual
Mr. MacEwen’s individual objectives for 2016 were based on:
• Building a sustainable Business Platform – Over Achieved
• Building Ballard’s China Strategy – Over Achieved
• Achieve Protonex results consistent with economic case supporting the
acquisition – Under achieved
In 2016, Mr. MacEwen’s individual performance multiplier was 120.5% of
target.
Overall
Outcome
Mr. MacEwen’s annual bonus award was CDN$530,000 representing 132.5% of
his target bonus, based on a corporate multiplier of 110% and an individual
performance multiplier of 120.5%.
Long-term
Incentives
Type
Value
Features
Annual Award
Stock Option
$156,250
($625,000)
7-year term, with one-third of the
options vesting at the end of each of the
first three years
PSU
$468,750
3-year vesting with performance criteria
For the CEO, 67% of his target compensation is ‘at-risk’ (via the annual bonus plan and long term incentive
awards). 57% of his target compensation is linked directly to performance goals (via annual bonus plan and
PSUs). 41% of his target compensation is linked to the performance of the Ballard common shares (via
PSUs and Stock Option grants).
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Total Target Direct
Compensation Mix - CEO
2016 Actual Direct
Compensation Elements - CEO
LTI
41%
Base
Salary
33%
Annual
Bonus
26%
Annual
Bonus
32%
PSUs
28%%
Base
Salary
30%%
Options
10%
CEO Realized Pay
In 2016, actual CEO realized pay, as defined by the sum of base salary earned, annual bonus achieved plus
the value of vested equity during the year equalled CDN$1,201,375 in total.
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
Executives are eligible to receive a matching contribution by the Corporation to their RRSP, up to 50% of the
maximum amount allowable under the Income Tax Act (Canada).
In 2016, Mr. MacEwen, Mr. Guglielmin, Dr. Colbow and Mr. Kassam each received an RRSP contribution
from the Corporation, equal to 50% of the maximum amount allowable under the Income Tax Act (Canada),
as each of them made an equivalent personal matching contribution.
None of the Named Executive Officers currently participates in any 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.
Share Ownership Guidelines and Share Trading Policy
Our Executive Officer minimum share ownership guidelines oblige each executive officer to own a
minimum number of our Shares expressed as a multiple of Base Salary as set out below.
Position
Multiple of Base Salary
President and CEO
Other Executives
3.0x
1.0x
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 that the Executive Officer acquired the Common Shares, or DSUs were allocated to
them. All executive officers have met or are on track to meet the applicable guidelines. Executives have 5
years in which to meet these requirements.
Executives and directors are not permitted to hedge the market value of the Corporation securities granted to
them as compensation or otherwise held, directly or indirectly, by them.
33
Compensation Risk Considerations
The CGCC and Board believe that the risk associated with our compensation practices is relatively
low. Given the increased emphasis placed on ensuring that compensation practices do not encourage
behaviours that expose the corporation to greater risk, the CGCC and Board continue to monitor this issue
closely.
The CGCC and Board consider the risks associated with the Corporation’s compensation policies and
practices are mitigated by:
•
its evaluation of the impact of each compensation component on management behaviour:
o
total compensation levels are set relative to median of a peer group of companies that are
broadly comparable to the Corporation
o base salary is set relative to median and at levels which the CGCC considers unlikely to
create inappropriate risks;
o
o
o
for short term cash incentives, the potential risks are evaluated as low as the plan uses
multiple metrics in the Corporate Multiplier, both quantitative and qualitative (described
above) and maximum earnings available under each component of the plan are capped;
the use of long-term incentives themselves minimizes short-term or inappropriate risk-taking
by linking value to long-term share price performance, and
the long-term equity-based incentive programs are evaluated as low risk in structure, in part
due to the mix of PSU and Option awards with overlapping terms and vesting / performance
periods, and / or performance based vesting conditions that are generally consistent with
public company risks;
•
ensuring the CGCC and Board mandates reflect appropriate accountabilities, oversight and controls
on the Corporation’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 CGCC and Board have not identified any risks arising from the compensation policies and practices that
are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation.
Advisors to the Corporate Governance & Compensation Committee
Willis Towers Watson has been retained by the CGCC since 2008 to provide executive compensation
benchmarking and general executive compensation, equity plan and Board compensation advisory services.
In 2015, Willis Towers Watson provided significant input into the review of the new LTI approach,
including the new PSU principles outlined earlier.
The following table sets out the fees paid to Willis Towers Watson during each of the two most recently
completed financial years:
Compensation-Related
Fees
All Other Fees
2016
2015
Nil
$56,062
Nil
Nil
34
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the total cumulative return to a Shareholder who invested $100 in our Shares
on December 31, 2010, assuming reinvestment of dividends, with the total cumulative return of $100 on the
NASDAQ Composite Index for the last five years. NASDAQ data was selected because the majority of
trading of Ballard’s shares (typically >75%) occurs on this exchange.
(Dec 31)
Ballard
NASDAQ
Composite Index
2011
($)
100
100
2012
($)
56
116
2013
($)
141
160
2014
($)
183
182
2015
($)
144
192
2016
($)
153
207
Cumulative Value of a $100 Investment
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Ballard (BLDP on Nasdaq)
NASDAQ Composite Index
The trend shown by this graph does not reflect the trend in the Corporation’s compensation to its Named
Executive Officers.
35
Executive Compensation Tables
The following table summarizes the compensation paid for the fiscal years ended on December 31, 2014,
December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016 to our Named Executive Officers.
Summary Compensation Table
Long-Tern Incentives
Name and Principal
Position
Year
Salary(3)
(CDN$)
Bonus(4)(5)
(CDN$)
Share-Based
Awards(6)
(CDN$)
Option-Based
Awards(7)
(CDN$)
All Other
Compensation(8)
(CDN$)
Total
Compensation
(CDN$)
R. Randall MacEwen(1)
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Tony Guglielmin
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Kevin Colbow
Vice President,
Technology and Product
Development
Karim Kassam
Vice President,
Commercial
Paul Osenar(2)
Vice President and
President, Protonex
Technology Corporation
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
500,000
500,000
117,808
318,000
318,000
316,663
194,118
162,696
160,224
220,000
220,000
220,000
362,529
80,891
0
530,000
210,000
0
314,820
104,177
43,909
146,801
39,462
19,869
196,375
68,607
25,293
90,724
130,972
0
468,750
968,750
0
144,000
144,000
222,500
75,000
50,000
50,000
75,000
50,000
50,000
100,703
100,703
0
156,250
490,250
0
48,000
48,000
57,500
25,000
66,800
76,800
25,000
66,800
76,800
33,567
71,499
0
58,971
98,069
108,958
37,159
33,326
36,010
19,278
17,540
17,321
20,723
20,572
20,300
17,974
5,107
0
1,713,971
2,267,069
226,766
861,979
647,503
676,582
460,197
336,498
324,214
537,098
425,979
392,393
605,497
389,172
0
(1) Mr. MacEwen was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer as of October 6, 2014. He is also a director, but receives no compensation
for his service as a director.
(2) Dr. Osenar’s 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 30, 2016.
(3)
Salary of each of the Named Executive Officers was paid in Canadian dollars, with the exception of Dr. Osenar, who was paid in United States
dollars (US$270,000, US$60,245, and US$0 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively). The United States dollar amounts for 2016 were
US$372,384, US$236,836, US$144,573, and US$163,849 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam, respectively. The United
States dollar amounts for 2015 were US$372,384, US $236,836, US$121,171, and US$163,849 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and
Kassam, respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2014 were US$87,740, US$235,840, US$119,330, and US$163,849 for Messrs.
MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam, 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 30, 2016. In 2016 Messrs. Cass, Guzy and Karaffa
departed their respective positions. In connection with the departure, the total of salary, salary continuance, lump sum and accrual for benefits
and employment counselling for each of Messrs, Cass, Guzy and Karaffa was $853,895, $1,089,274 and $684,501 respectively.
(4) Bonus of each of the Named Executive Officers was paid in Canadian dollars with the exception of Dr. Osenar, who was paid in United States
dollars (US$67,568, US$97,544, and US$0 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively), and the exception of Messrs. MacEwen and Guglielmin,
whose bonuses were issued as DSUs in 2015 (see footnote 5 below). The United States dollar amounts for 2016 were US$394,727,
US$234,468, US$109,333, and US$146,254 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam, respectively. A transition bonus of
$30,000 (US$22,343) was awarded to Mr. Kassam upon his appointment to the Executive Team and is included in his bonus amount for 2016.
The United States dollar amounts for 2015 were US$29,390 and US$51,096 for Messrs. Colbow and Kassam, respectively. The United States
dollar amounts for 2014 were US$0, US$32,702, US$14,798, and US$18,837 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam,
respectively. The Canadian dollar amounts were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of
Canada noon rate of exchange on December 30, 2016.
(5)
In 2015, the bonus for Messrs. MacEwen and Guglielmin was issued as DSUs. The DSU amount is based on the grant date fair market value of
the award, which equals the closing price of the Shares on the TSX on the date of issuance of the award. The number of DSUs awarded is equal
to the dollar amount of the award divided by the fair market value of the Shares at the time of issuance (based on the closing price of the Shares
on the TSX on the date of issuance). The number of DSUs issued to Messrs. MacEwen and Guglielmin for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2015 is as follows:
Named Executive Officer
R. Randall MacEwen
Tony Guglielmin
Year
2015
2015
Bonus
DSUs
(#)
116,667
57,876
36
Fair Market Value of a
Share (CDN$)(A)
1.80
1.80
Total
(CDN$)(B)
210,000
104,177
(A) The fair market value of a Share has been calculated using the Canadian dollar closing price of the Shares underlying the DSUs
on the TSX on the date of issuance.
(B) The United States dollar amounts for 2015 were US$156,401 and US$77,588 for Messrs. MacEwen and Guglielmin,
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 30, 2016.
(6) Represents the total fair market value of PSUs/RSUs issued to each Named Executive Officer during the 2016, 2015, and 2014 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 PSUs with the remaining 25% being awarded in the form of stock options in 2016. In 2015, approximately 43-75% of
this amount is awarded in the form of PSUs with the remaining 25-57% being awarded in the form of stock options. In 2014, approximately 39-
80% of this amount is awarded in the form of PSUs with the remaining 20-61% being awarded in the form of stock options. The number of
PSUs 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 PSUs/RSUs issued to each Named Executive
Officer in respect of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
Named Executive
Officer
R. Randall MacEwen
Tony Guglielmin
Kevin Colbow
Karim Kassam
Paul Osenar(C)
Year
2016
2015(A)
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015(B)
2014
Share-Based Awards
PSUs/RSUs
(#)
Fair Market Value
of a Share
(CDN$)(C)
260,417
325,084
0
80,000
48,322
59,651
41,667
16,779
13,405
41,667
16,779
13,405
56,391
60,976
0
1.80
2.98
0
1.80
2.98
3.73
1.80
2.98
3.73
1.80
2.98
3.73
1.79
1.65
0
Total
(CDN$)(D)
468,750
968,750
0
144,000
144,000
222,500
75,000
50,000
50,000
75,000
50,000
50,000
100,703
100,703
0
(A)
Included in the PSUs/RSUs issued to Mr. MacEwen in 2015 was a $500,000 grant of 167,785 RSUs (time vested only), which
represented a new hire grant upon his appointment in October 2014. Mr. MacEwen was subject to a trading blackout at the
time of this award and therefore the RSUs were not issued until February 26, 2015.
(B) The PSUs/RSUs issued to Dr. Osenar in 2015 was a $100,703 grant of 60,976 RSUs (time vested only), which represented a
new hire grant upon the acquisition of Protonex Technology Corporation on October 1, 2015.
(C) The fair market value of a Share has been calculated using the Canadian dollar closing price of the Shares underlying the
PSUs/RSUs on the TSX on the date of issuance with the exception of PSUs/RSUs issued to Dr. Osenar, which have been
calculated using the United States dollar closing price of the Shares underlying the PSUs/RSUs on the NASDAQ on the date of
issuance (US$1.33, US$1.23, and US$0 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively). The total value of PSUs/RSUs issued to Dr.
Osenar in United States dollars were US$75,000, US$75,000, and US$0 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, 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 30, 2016.
(D) The United States dollar amounts for 2016 were US$349,110, US$107,247, US$55,858, and US$55,858 for Messrs. MacEwen,
Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam, respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2015 were US$721,494, US$107,247,
US$37,238, and US$37,238 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam, respectively. The United States dollar
amounts for 2014 were US$0, US$165,711, US$37,238, and US$37,238 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and
Kassam, 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 30, 2016.
(7) Represents the total of the fair market value of options to purchase our Shares issued under the Option Plan granted to each Named Executive
Officer during each fiscal year. 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 4 years, expected volatility of 77% and risk free interest rate of 1% for
2016; expected life of 4 years, expected volatility of 78% and risk free interest rate of 1% for 2015; and expected life of 4 years, expected
volatility of 68% and risk free interest rate of 1% for 2014. 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).
37
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 PSUs with the remaining 25% being awarded in the form of stock options in 2016. In 2015, approximately 43-75% of
this amount is awarded in the form of PSUs with the remaining 25-57% being awarded in the form of stock options. In 2013, approximately 39-
80% of this amount is awarded in the form of PSUs with the remaining 20-61% being awarded in the form of stock options. The number of
stock 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 stock options issued to each Named Executive
Officer in respect of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
Named Executive Officer
Year
Option-Based Awards
Shares Under
Options
(#)
Black-Scholes Value of
Shares Underlying Options
on Date of Grant
(CDN$/Share)(B)
Fair Market Value
(CDN$))(C)
R. Randall MacEwen
Tony Guglielmin
Kevin Colbow
Karim Kassam
Paul Osenar(B)
2016
2015(A)
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
154,702
293,563
0
47,524
28,743
29,947
24,752
40,000
40,000
24,752
40,000
40,000
33,333
75,000
0
1.01
1.67
0
1.01
1.67
1.92
1.01
1.67
1.92
1.01
1.67
1.92
1.01
0.95
0
156,250
490,250
0
48,000
48,000
57,500
25,000
66,800
76,800
25,000
66,800
76,800
33,567
71,499
0
(A)
Included in the stock options issued to Mr. MacEwen in 2015 was a grant of 200,000 stock options, which represented a new hire
grant upon his appointment in October 2014. Mr. MacEwen was subject to a trading blackout at the time of this award and therefore
the stock options were not issued until February 27, 2015.
(B) 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 Dr. Osenar,
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 Dr. Osenar were US$0.75,
US$0.71, and US$0 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and the total option-based awards issued to Dr. Osenar were US$25,000,
US$53,250, and US$0 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, 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 30, 2016.
(C) The United States dollar amounts for 2016 were US$116,370, US$35,748, US$18,619, and US$18,619 for Messrs. MacEwen,
Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam, respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2015 were US$365,123, US$35,749,
US$49,751, and US$49,751 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam, respectively. The United States dollar
amounts for 2014 were US$0, US$42,823, US$57,198, and US$57,198 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam,
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 30, 2016.
(8) All Other Compensation was paid in Canadian dollars with the exception of Other Compensation for Dr. Osenar, which was paid in United
States dollars (US$13,387, US$3,803, and US$0 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively). The United States dollar amounts for 2016 were
US$43,920, US$27,674, US$14,359, and US$15,435 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam, respectively. The United States
dollar amounts for 2015 were US$73,038, US$24,819, US$13,063, and US$15,322 for Messrs. MacEwen, Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam,
respectively. The United States dollar amounts for 2014 were US$81,148, US$26,820, US$12,900, and US$15,118 for Messrs. MacEwen,
Guglielmin, Colbow, and Kassam, respectively. The Canadian dollar amounts were converted into United States dollars for the purpose of the
table above using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 30, 2016.
The value of the items included in this amount was based on the aggregate incremental cash cost to the Corporation. All Other Compensation,
including the type and amount of each perquisite, the value of which exceeds 25% of the total value of perquisites reported for a Named
Executive Officer, includes:
38
Named Executive
Officer
R. Randall MacEwen
Tony Guglielmin
Kevin Colbow
Karim Kassam
Paul Osenar
Year
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
All Other Compensation
Retirement Benefits
(RRSP / 401k /
Defined Benefits)
(CDN$)
Insurance Premiums
(CDN$)
12,685
12,465
5,354
12,685
12,465
12,135
9,641
8,135
7,993
11,000
11,000
10,808
0
0
0
1,314
1,188
198
1,203
1,077
1,059
637
477
466
723
644
630
38
73
0
Other(A)
(CDN$)
44,972
84,416
103,406
23,271
19,784
22,816
9,000
8,928
8,862
9,000
8,928
8,862
17,936
5,034
0
Total
(CDN$)
58,971
98,069
108,958
37,159
33,326
36,010
19,278
17,540
17,321
20,723
20,572
20,300
17,974
5,107
0
(A)
Includes automobile allowances, temporary living and travel allowances, financial planning services and medical and health
benefits. For Mr. MacEwen, other compensation in 2014 also includes a $100,000 payment in lieu of bonus.
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS
The following table sets forth all option-based and share-based awards granted to our Named Executive
Officers that are outstanding as of December 31, 2016.
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
(as of December 31, 2016)
Option-Based Awards
Share-Based Awards
Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#)
Option
Exercise
Price(1)
(CDN$)
Option
Expiration Date
Value of
Unexercised In-
The-Money
Options(2)
(CDN$)
Number of
PSUs/RSUs That
Have Not Vested
(#)
Market or Payout
Value of PSUs/RSUs
That Have Not
Vested(3)
(CDN$)
200,000(5)
93,563(6)
154,702(4)
103,448
60,674
75,000
29,947(7)
28,743(8)
47,524(4)
40,000
7,500
25,000
40,000(9)
40,000(10)
24,752(4)
11,667
40,000(9)
40,000(10)
24,752(4)
75,000(11)
33,333(4)
2.98
2.98
1.80
2.10
1.69
1.22
3.73
2.98
1.80
2.10
1.69
1.22
3.73
2.98
1.80
1.22
3.73
2.98
1.80
1.65
1.79
Feb. 27, 2022
Feb. 27, 2022
Feb. 26, 2023
Mar. 9, 2018
Feb. 24, 2019
Mar. 8, 2020
Feb. 27, 2021
Feb. 27, 2022
Feb. 26, 2023
Mar. 9, 2018
Feb. 24, 2019
Mar. 8, 2020
Feb. 27, 2021
Feb. 27, 2022
Feb. 26, 2023
Mar. 8, 2020
Feb. 27, 2021
Feb. 27, 2022
Feb. 26, 2023
Oct. 2, 2022
Feb. 26, 2023
0
0
0
12,415
32,157
75,000
0
0
0
4,800
3,975
25,000
0
0
0
11,667
0
0
0
14,098
0
421,211
935,087
132,100
293,261
57,321
127,253
57,321
127,253
97,042
214,991
Named Executive
Officer
R. Randall
MacEwen
Tony Guglielmin
Kevin Colbow
Karim Kassam
Paul Osenar
(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 30, 2016.
(2)
(3)
This amount is based on the difference between the closing price of the Shares underlying the options on the TSX or NASDAQ as at December
30, 2016, 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 30, 2016. Where the difference is a negative number, the value is deemed
to be 0. The United States dollar amount was US$10,500 for Dr. Osenar.
This amount is calculated by multiplying the number of PSUs/RSUs that have not vested by the closing price of the Shares underlying the
PSUs/RSUs on the TSX or NASDAQ as at December 30, 2016, with the exception of Dr. Osenar, whose unvested PSUs/RSUs were multiplied
by the closing price of the Shares underlying the PSUs/RSUs on the NASDAQ as at December 30, 2016 and then converted to Canadian dollars
39
for the purpose of this disclosure using the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on December 30, 2016. The United States dollar amount was
US$160,119 for Dr. Osenar.
Such amounts may not represent the actual value of the PSUs/RSUs which ultimately vest, as the value of the Shares underlying the PSUs/RSUs
may be of greater or lesser value and/or the exchange rate may be higher or lower on vesting. However, given that it would not be feasible for
the Corporation to estimate, with any certainty, the market value of its Shares or the exchange rate on vesting, the Corporation has used the
market value and exchange rate at the end of the most recently completed financial year for the purpose of calculating the amount disclosed.
(4) Unvested options.
(5) Comprising 133,333 vested and 66,667 unvested options.
(6) Comprising 31,187 vested and 62,376 unvested options.
(7) Comprising 19,964 vested and 9,983 unvested options.
(8) Comprising 9,581 vested and 19,162 unvested options.
(9) Comprising 26,666 vested and 13,334 unvested options.
(10) Comprising 13,333 vested and 26,667 unvested options.
(11) Comprising 25,000 vested and 50,000 unvested options.
The following table sets forth the value of the incentive plan awards vested or earned during the year ended
December 31, 2016 by our Named Executive Officers.
Incentive Plan Awards – Value Vested or Earned During the Year
(2016)
Named Executive Officer
R. Randall MacEwen
Tony Guglielmin
Kevin Colbow
Karim Kassam
Paul Osenar
Option-Based Awards –
Value Vested During the
Year(1)
(CDN$)
Share-Based Awards – Value
Vested During the Year(2)
(CDN$)
Non-equity incentive plan
compensation – Value earned
during the year
(CDN$)
15,333
19,000
6,334
8,867
32,896
156,042
0
0
0
57,037
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 or NASDAQ on the
vesting date and the exercise price of the options on the vesting date. Where the difference is a negative number the value is deemed to be 0.
This value was determined by calculating the dollar value realized by multiplying the number of Shares by the market value of the underlying
Shares on the TSX or NASDAQ on the vesting date.
The number of options vesting to Named Executive Officers under the Option Plan during the most recently
completed financial year is 240,750.
Summaries of the Corporations’ Option Plan and SDP are provided in Appendix “B” and “C”, respectively.
As noted in the Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards table, as at December 31, 2016,
there were 764,995 PSUs/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 PSUs/RSUs That Have Not Vested
Vesting Date
R. Randall MacEwen
Tony Guglielmin
Kevin Colbow
52,433
55,928
52,433
260,417
19,884
16,108
16,108
80,000
4,469
5,592
5,593
41,667
40
February 26, 2017
October 5, 2017
February 25, 2018
February 25, 2019
February 25, 2017
February 26, 2017
February 25, 2018
February 25, 2019
February 25, 2017
February 26, 2017
February 25, 2018
February 25, 2019
Named Executive Officer
Number of PSUs/RSUs That Have Not Vested
Vesting Date
Karim Kassam
Paul Osenar
4,469
5,592
5,593
41,667
20,325
20,326
56,391
February 25, 2017
February 26, 2017
February 25, 2018
February 25, 2019
October 1, 2017
September 30, 2018
February 25, 2019
PENSION PLAN BENEFITS
None of the Named Executive Officers participate in a Corporation-sponsored Defined Benefits Plan or
Defined Contribution Plan, nor do they receive contributions to any such plan on their behalf from the
Corporation.
TERMINATION AND CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFITS
Employment Contracts
Ballard employs a standard-form executive employment agreement which all of our Named Executive
Officers have executed. These agreements have indefinite terms, provide for payments to be made on
termination and otherwise include standard industry terms and conditions, including intellectual property,
confidentiality, and non-competition and non-solicitation provisions in favour of Ballard.
The annual salary paid to each of our Named Executive Officers under their employment agreements for
2016 was as follows: Mr. MacEwen received CDN$500,000 Mr. Guglielmin received CDN$318,000; Dr.
Colbow received CDN$194,118; Mr. Kassam received CDN$220,000; and Dr. Osenar received
CDN$362,529.
Pursuant to these employment agreements, a Named Executive Officer’s employment terminates
immediately, without any required period of notice or payment in lieu thereof, for just cause, upon the death
of the executive. In every other circumstance for Mr. MacEwen, Mr. Guglielmin, Dr. Colbow, Dr. Osenar &
Mr. Kassam, other than one following a change of control, we are required to provide notice of up to 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, target bonus and other benefits that would have been
earned during such notice period.
The employment contracts for the Mr. MacEwen, Mr. Guglielmin & Mr. Kassam include a "double-trigger"
in relation to a change of control – if the executive’s employment is terminated (including a constructive
dismissal) within two years following the date of a change of control, the executive is entitled to a payment
equivalent to payment in lieu of a 24 month notice period. For these purposes, a "change of control" under
the employment agreements is defined as occurring when:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
a person or persons acting in concert acquires at least one-half of Ballard’s shares;
the persons who comprise the Board of Ballard do not consist of a majority of persons who
were previously directors of Ballard, or who were recommended to the Shareholders for
election to the Board by a majority of the Directors;
there is a disposition of all or substantially all of Ballard’s assets to an entity in which
Ballard does not have a majority interest; or
Ballard is involved in any business combination that results in Ballard’s Shareholders
owning less than one-half of the voting shares of the combined entity.
In addition, all Named Executive Officers have agreed to the claw-back provision discussed previously.
41
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 PSUs/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 accelerated 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 the
restriction period applicable to PSUs/RSUs such that holders will become immediately entitled to receive
Shares in respect of their PSUs/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 if on December 31, 2016: their employment was terminated without just cause; a change
of control occurred; or, their employment was terminated without just cause and that termination occurred
following a change in control.
42
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 (as of December 31, 2016)
R. Randall MacEwen
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Tony Guglielmin
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Kevin Colbow
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Karim Kassam
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
Paul Osenar
Severance
Other benefits
Accelerated vesting
Total
$1,050,000
$57,904
$0
$1,107,904
$763,200
$102,020
$0
$865,220
$366,038
$29,914
$0
$395,952
$397,833
$29,638
$0
$427,471
US$313,875
US$9,999
$0
US$323,874
$935,087
$935,087
$412,833
$412,833
$161,028
$161,028
$138,920
$138,920
US$170,618
US$170,618
$1,800,000
$124,264
$0
$1,899,834
1,017,600
$165,842
$0
$1,183,442
$366,038
$29,914
$0
$395,952
$682,000
$75,808
$0
$395,952
$313,875
$9,999
$0
$323,874
(1) All values are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated
(2) Based on accrued service to December 31, 2016.
(3) All options and PSUs/RSUs vest immediately upon a change of control. Value shown equals, in the case of PSUs/RSUs, the price of the
underlying Shares on December 31, 2016 multiplied by the number of PSUs/RSUs. Value shown in the case of Options is the difference
between the market price on December 31, 2016 and the exercise price for options, for those options where the market price on that date is
greater than the exercise price.
43
Our CGCC is responsible for determining compensation for our Directors.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The objective of the CGCC is to ensure that the annual retainer paid to Directors is sufficient to allow the
Corporation to attract and retain candidates with an appropriate level of skill and expertise as has been the
case in the past. As a result, the CGCC seeks to provide compensation for directors at approximately the 50th
percentile of its comparator group of North American companies. The committee retains independent
compensation consultants (Willis Towers Watson) for professional advice and as a source of competitive
market information.
During 2015, the CGCC reviewed the Director Compensation program from the viewpoint of best
governance trends and practices, the Board/Committee model currently employed at Ballard and the
appropriate level of compensation for Directors as compared to the comparator group. As a result a new
structure contemplating an all-in, flat annual retainer was approved, effective January 1, 2016 as follows:
• Flat Fee Structure for Board Chair.
• Annual Flat Fee Structure for directors. No additional meeting attendance fees for board or
committee meetings.
• Additional annual retainer fees for committee chairs.
• All retainer fees are paid in CAD$, regardless of director’s country of residence.
We remunerate directors who are not executive officers for services to the Board, committee participation
and special assignments. The following table describes the compensation of independent directors in 2016:
2016 Compensation Elements
Annual Retainer (Non-Executive Chair of the Board)
Annual Retainer (Director)
Annual Retainer (Committee Chairs)
CDN$
$150,000
$90,000
$15,000
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 CDN$2,250, in recognition of
the additional time required to travel to and from the meeting or meetings.
In 2016, the following compensation was paid to the directors:
Director
Ian A. Bourne
Douglas P. Hayhurst(1)
Edwin J. Kilroy(2)
Marty Neese
Jim Roche(3)
Carol M. Stephenson(4)
David B. Sutcliffe(5)
Ian Sutcliffe
Board Retainer
(CDN$)
Committee Retainer
(CDN$)
Total Compensation
(CDN$) (1)
150,000
90,000
37,500
90,000
90,000
90,000
37,500
90,000
N/A
8,750
6,250
0
8,750
6,250
0
0
150,000
98,750
43,750
90,000
98,750
96,250
37,500
90,000
1. Mr. Hayhurst was appointed Chair of the Audit Committee effective June 1, 2016 and received a pro rata portion of his committee retainer.
2. Mr. Kilroy was Chair of the Audit Committee until he left the board effective June 1, 2016 and received a pro rata portion of his board and
committee retainers.
44
3. Mr. Roche was appointed Chair of the CGCC effective June 1, 2016 and received a pro rata portion of his committee retainer.
4. Ms. Stephenson was Chair of the CGCC until June 1, 2016 and received a pro rata portion of her committee retainer.
5. Mr. David Sutcliffe left the board effective June 1, 2016 and received a pro rata portion of his board retainer.
Retainers are paid 50% in DSUs and 50% in cash. Directors can elect to take their fees up to 100% in the
form of DSUs annually in support of their share ownership targets. The period over which share ownership
targets must be met (remaining at 3x annual retainer) was increased from 5 years to 6 years, recognizing the
higher retainer level multiple to be achieved.
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
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.
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.
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, 2016.
In 2003, we ceased the practice of annual grants of share options to our independent Directors.
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards (as of December 31, 2016)
Name
Ian A. Bourne
Doug Hayhurst
Edwin J. Kilroy
Marty Neese
Jim Roche
Carol Stephenson
David B. Sutcliffe
Ian Sutcliffe
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
0
0
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
(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 30, 2016, 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,
2016.
Directors are not permitted to hedge the market value of the Corporation securities they hold.
45
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table sets out, as of December 31, 2016, 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)
6,921,848(1)
Nil
6,921,848(1)
1.98
N/A
1.98
10,553,115
N/A
10,553,115
Plan Category
Equity-based compensation plans
approved by security holders
Equity-based compensation plans
not approved by security holders
Total
(1)
Shares issuable under the DSU Plan for Directors and the DSU Plan for Executive Officers (together, the "DSU Plans") will be satisfied with
Shares reserved under the SDP or any successor plan.
For a detailed description of our equity-based compensation plans, see Appendix "B" and "C" 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 18, 2017, 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$238,000 for 2016 and US$235,000 for 2015. 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.
46
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:
• Annual Information Form dated March 1, 2017;
• Audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 together with the
auditors’ report thereon; and
• Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016.
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 2018 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:
• must be received by us no later than March 7, 2018; and
• must comply with the requirements of section 188 of the Business Corporations Act (British
Columbia).
We are not obligated to include any shareholder proposal in our proxy materials for the 2018 annual
Shareholders’ meeting if the proposal is received after the March 7, 2018 deadline.
Our Board has approved the contents and the sending of this Management Proxy Circular to the Shareholders
of the Corporation.
APPROVAL BY THE BOARD
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
"Kerry Hillier"
Kerry Hillier
Corporate Secretary
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Dated: April 18, 2017
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.
"CDN$" refers to Canadian currency.
"Equity-based Compensation Plans" means the Option Plan and the SDP.
"DSU" means deferred share unit.
"$" or "dollars" refer to United States currency unless specifically stated otherwise.
"Meeting" means the 2017 annual meeting of our Registered Shareholders and includes any adjournment
thereof, unless otherwise indicated.
"NASDAQ" means the NASDAQ Global Market.
"Option Plan" means the Corporation’s consolidated share option plan, the principal terms of which are set
out in Appendix "B".
"PSU" means restricted share unit subject to time and performance vesting criteria.
"Record Date" means 5:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on April 18, 2017.
"Registered Shareholders" means registered holders of our Shares on the Record Date.
"RSU" means restricted share unit subject to time vesting only.
"SDP" means the Corporation’s consolidated share distribution plan, the principal terms of which are set out
in Appendix "C".
"SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Shares" means common shares without par value in the capital of Ballard.
"TSX" means the Toronto Stock Exchange.
"US$" refers to United States currency.
48
APPENDIX "A"
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.
A-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 Corporate Governance & 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& Compensation Committee,
conducts an annual evaluation and review of the performance of the Board, Board committees, and
the Chair of the Board. The Corporate Governance & Compensation 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 & Compensation Committee discusses the results
of the evaluation and the recommended improvements 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.
A-2
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.
A-3
APPENDIX "B"
DESCRIPTION OF OPTION PLAN
All directors, officers and employees of Ballard and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the Option
Plan.
As of April 18, 2017, the total number of Shares issued and reserved and authorized for issue under the
Option Plan was 6,421,374 Shares, representing 3.7% of the issued and outstanding Shares as that date.
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 CDN$100,000 on the date of grant, excluding any securities issued in respect of the
non-executive Director’s annual retainer.
Apart from the limits on Shares issued or issuable to insiders and to non-executive Directors, described
above, the Option Plan does not restrict the number of Shares that can be issued to any one person or to
Directors.
The exercise price of a Ballard option will be determined by the Board and is to be no less than the closing
price per Share on the TSX on the last trading day before the date the option is granted.
Ballard options may have a term of up to 10 years from the date of grant, and unless otherwise determined by
the Board, will vest in equal amounts on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.
If an "accelerated vesting event" occurs, any outstanding option may be exercised at any time before the 60th
day after such event. An accelerated vesting event occurs when: (a) a person makes a take-over bid that
could result in that person or persons acting in concert acquiring at least two-thirds of Shares; (b) any person
or persons acting in concert acquire at least two-thirds of Shares; (c) there is a disposition of all or
substantially all of Ballard’s assets; (d) Ballard joins in any business combination that results in Ballard’s
shareholders owning one-third or less of the voting shares of the combined entity and Ballard is privatized
(or the parties to the business combination have publicly expressed an intention to privatize Ballard); or (e)
any other transaction is approved, a consequence of which is to privatize Ballard.
The Option Plan also contains a "double trigger" in the event of a take-over. Accordingly, vesting will only
be accelerated if the Board approves the acceleration. In such circumstances, the Board will also have the
ability to make such changes as it considers fair and appropriate, including accelerating vesting, otherwise
modifying the terms of options to assist the holder to tender into the take-over bid or terminating options
which have not been exercised prior to the successful completion of the accelerated vesting event.
Under the Option Plan each option will expire (or no longer be capable of being exercised) on the earlier of:
(a)
(b)
(i)
(ii)
the expiration date as determined by the Board, which date will not be more than 10 years
from the date of grant; and
if the optionee is a director, officer or employee, the optionee ceases to hold such position,
except that, an option will be capable of exercise, if the optionee ceases to be a director,
officer or employee:
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
B-1
(iii)
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,
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 CDN$100,000;
(vi)
permitting options to be transferable or assignable other than for normal course
estate settlement purposes; or
B-2
(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.
B-3
The SDP is a single plan divided into the following three principal sections:
APPENDIX"C"
DESCRIPTION OF SDP
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 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
C-1
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 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 18, 2017, the total number of Shares issued and reserved and authorized for issue under the SDP
was 1,543,265 Shares, representing 0.9% of the issued and outstanding Shares as of April 10, 2015.
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 CDN$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:
(c)
(d)
amendments to the definitions and other amendments of a clerical nature;
amendments to any provisions relating to the issuance of Shares, granting or conversion of
DSUs or RSUs, including but not limited to provisions relating to the term, termination, and
number of DSUs or RSUs to be awarded, provided that, without shareholder approval, such
amendment does not entail:
(i)
(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)
issued to insiders within a one-year period; or
C-2
(B)
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 CDN$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;
(e)
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;
(f)
(g)
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.
C-3
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Consolidated Financial Statements
D-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 March 1,
2017 and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements
and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2016. 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”) as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board. Additional information relating to the Company,
including our Annual Information Form, is filed with Canadian (www.sedar.com) and U.S.
securities regulatory authorities (www.sec.gov) and is 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 power system development and
commercialization. Our principal business is the design, development, manufacture, sale
and service of PEM fuel cell products for a variety of applications, focusing on our power
product markets of Heavy-Duty Motive (consisting of bus and tram applications), Portable
Power, Material Handling and Backup Power, as well as the delivery of Technology Solutions,
including engineering services, technology transfer and the license and sale of our extensive
intellectual property portfolio and fundamental knowledge 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’s clean-energy fuel cell products feature high fuel efficiency, relatively
low operating temperature, low noise and vibration, compact size, quick response to
changes in electrical demand, and modular design. Embedded in each Ballard fuel cell
product lies a stack of unit cells designed with our proprietary PEM technology which draws
on intellectual property from our patent portfolio together with our extensive experience and
know-how in key areas of fuel cell stack design, operation, production processes and
systems integration.
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.
We are pursuing a corporate strategy and business model that mitigates risk by diversifying
our business across a portfolio of market opportunities that are enabled by substantially the
same core competencies, technology, products and intellectual property. Our business
model includes two growth platforms, multiple markets within each of these platforms,
geographic diversification and customer diversification.
We are also pursuing a strategy that provides us with the opportunity for near-term
commercialization, revenue and profitability, while also enabling significant future value
based on longer-term market opportunities for our technology, products and intellectual
property, such as the global automotive fuel cell market.
Page 1 of 53
Our two-pronged approach is to build shareholder value through the sale and service of
power products and the delivery of technology solutions. In power product sales, our focus
is on meeting the power needs of our customers by delivering high value, high reliability,
high quality and innovative clean energy power products that reduce customer costs and
risks. Through technology solutions, our focus is on enabling our customers to solve their
technical and business challenges and accelerate their fuel cell programs by delivering
customized, high value, bundled technology solutions, including specialized engineering
services, access to our deep intellectual property portfolio and know-how through licensing
or sale, and providing technology component supply.
continued urbanization of China’s population;
the large size and continued growth of the Chinese vehicle market;
continued infrastructure development and build-out of mass urban transportation;
Starting in 2015, we increased our efforts on growing our business in China. China
represents a potentially unique opportunity for clean energy solutions, given the
convergence of macro trends that include:
serious air quality challenges in a number of Chinese cities;
a Chinese government mandate to address climate change; and
strong national and local government commitment supporting the adoption and
commercialization of
the
implementation of supporting subsidy programs.
rapid adoption of electric vehicles in China;
transportation applications,
fuel cells
including
in
We have been pursuing a strategy that includes the development of a local fuel cell supply
chain and related ecosystem to address the fast-growing clean energy bus and commercial
vehicle markets in China. As part of our strategy, we are pursuing technology transfer and
licensing opportunities with Chinese partners in order localize the manufacture of Ballard-
designed fuel cell modules and stacks for heavy-duty motive applications in China, including
bus, commercial vehicles and light-rail train applications. Key elements of our strategy
include adopting a risk-adjusted and capital-light business model where we mitigate market
adoption risk and capital investment by engaging partnerships with strong local companies
that market our products and invest in manufacturing operations and supply chain
localization. We typically seek to structure our arrangements in a way that provide us with
the payment from our partners of significant value for technology transfer early in the
transfer process, requirements for ongoing purchases by our partners of component supply
by us, and the requirement of our partners to comply with certain performance conditions
and reporting requirements, including quality, branding, intellectual property and minimum
payments. We believe these typical deal structures provide for near-, mid- and long-term
revenue and cash flow streams by building in program phases, technology transfer
payments, license payments, required supply purchases, and recurring royalty structures.
We also typically structure our commercial deals in China to restrict sales within China and
to position Ballard as the exclusive purchaser of modules or stacks manufactured by our
partners in China for sale outside of China. We believe this structure provides us with
additional flexibility in satisfying global market demand for our modules and stacks by
supplementing or mitigating our mid- and long-term manufacturing strategy.
Page 2 of 53
We also structure our business model in China to protect our core intellectual property. For
example, we do not provide technology transfer and licensing relating to the manufacture of
our proprietary membrane electrode assemblies (“MEAs”), key technology components in
our fuel cell stacks. We currently plan to continue to manufacture our MEAs in our head
office facilities in Burnaby, Canada. Also, we typically restrict technology transfer and
licenses to current generation technology and products. We continue to make significant
investment in next generation products and technology, including modules and systems
integration, stacks, and MEAs. We reserve flexibility on how we introduce these next
generation products to the markets, including to China.
We are based in Canada, with head office, research and development, testing,
manufacturing and service facilities in Burnaby, British Columbia. In the United States, we
have a sales, manufacturing, research and development facility in Southborough,
Massachusetts, and have a sales, service and research and development facility in Hobro,
Denmark. We’ve also recently announced the opening of our first corporate office
headquartered in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, China. This office will
serve as the Company’s initial operations center in China, supporting management, sales
and business development, technical, after-sales and administrative support personnel.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On February 16, 2017, we announced that the signing of definitive agreements relating to
technology transfer, licensing and supply arrangements with strategic partner Zhongshan
Broad-Ocean Motor Co., Ltd. (“Broad-Ocean”) for the assembly and sale of FCveloCity® 30-
kilowatt (kW) and 85kW fuel cell engines in China. Under the deal, Broad-Ocean will
manufacture fuel cell modules in three strategic regions in China, including Shanghai. The
deal has an estimated value of approximately $25 million in revenue to Ballard over the
initial 5-year term, including approximately $12 million in Technology Solutions revenue. In
each of the three assembly operation locations, Broad-Ocean plans to engage with local
governments as well as with bus and commercial vehicle OEMs for deployment of fuel cell
buses and commercial vehicles incorporating Ballard-designed modules manufactured by
Broad-Ocean. Broad-Ocean will make payments to Ballard at closing and based on certain
commissioning milestones, initial supply agreements, and recurring royalty payments.
Ballard will also have the exclusive right to purchase fuel cell engines from any of the
Broad-Ocean manufacturing operations for sale outside China. Each fuel cell engine
assembled by Broad-Ocean will use FCvelocity®-9SSL fuel cell stacks, initially manufactured
by Ballard at its Vancouver HQ facility. Stack supply will be transferred to Guangdong
Synergy Ballard Hydrogen Power Co., Ltd. (“Synergy JVCo”), the joint venture owned by
Guangdong Nation Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology Co. Ltd. (a member of the
“Synergy Group”) and Ballard in the City of Yunfu in China’s Guangdong Province, once
Synergy JVCo becomes fully operational, expected in late-2017. From that time forward,
Ballard will supply MEAs on an exclusive basis for stacks manufactured by Synergy JVCo.
This transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close by Q2
2017. Founded in 1994, Broad-Ocean is headquartered in the City of Zhongshan in
Guangdong Province and is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Broad Ocean is a
leading global manufacturer of motors that power small and specialized electric machinery
for electric vehicles (EVs), including buses, commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles, and
for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Broad-Ocean's EV Operations Platform
Page 3 of 53
operates a commercial vehicle leasing business in China through which it buys new energy
vehicles, including EVs, and subsequently leases these buses and commercial vehicles.
Broad-Ocean has now expanded this business to include fuel cell vehicles. On July 18, 2016
Broad-Ocean signed an agreement with partner companies relating to the purchase of up to
10,000 fuel cell vehicles, including buses and delivery trucks, all of which are expected to
have Ballard's leading PEM fuel cell technology inside. On August 18, 2016 Broad-Ocean
became Ballard’s largest shareholder following an investment of $28.3 million in Ballard
common shares, representing approximately 9.9% of Ballard’s outstanding common shares
following the transaction.
The Broad-Ocean investment, initially announced on July 26, 2016, was made through a
subscription and purchase of 17.25 million Ballard common shares issued from treasury at a
price per share of $1.64 (based on a 20-day volume weighted average price calculation).
The investment represents approximately 9.9% of Ballard’s outstanding common shares
following the transaction. Ballard intends to use the proceeds from the financing for general
corporate purposes, including funding of potential future acquisitions or investments in
complementary businesses, products or technologies. Broad-Ocean and Ballard have also
entered into an Investor Rights Agreement under which Broad-Ocean has agreed to a two-
year hold period on the 17.25 million Ballard common shares that it has purchased in the
financing; has provided Ballard with a right of first refusal to sell to Broad-Ocean additional
treasury shares if Broad-Ocean wishes to increase its ownership position up to 20%; and
has agreed to certain "standstill" provisions effective for a two-year period under which
Broad-Ocean will not purchase more than 19.9% of Ballard's outstanding common shares
without receiving Ballard board approval. Ballard granted Broad-Ocean certain anti-dilution
rights to maintain its 9.9% ownership interest. Finally, Broad-Ocean has no special right to
appoint nominees to Ballard's board of directors.
On February 14, 2017, we announced the opening of our first corporate office
headquartered in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, China. This office will
serve as the Company’s initial operations center in China, supporting management, sales
and business development, technical, after-sales and administrative support personnel. The
Company also recently completed the registration of a wholly foreign-owned enterprise
(WFOE) with the name of 广州市巴拉德 力系 有限公司
(Guangzhou Ballard Power Systems
Co., Ltd.).
动 统
On February 13, 2017, we announced the Company's membership in the "Fuel Cell Electric
Bus Commercialization Consortium" (FCEBCC), a large-scale project for which funding has
now been committed to support deployment of 20 zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric
buses at two California transit agencies. Ten buses are to be deployed with Alameda Contra-
Costa Transit District (AC Transit) and 10 buses are to be deployed with the Orange County
Transportation Authority (OCTA). Ballard will be providing 20 of its FCveloCity®-HD 85-
kilowatt fuel cell engines to New Flyer of America Inc., a subsidiary of New Flyer Industries
Inc. ("New Flyer"), the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts
distributor in North America. Ballard's engines will power New Flyer 40-foot Xcelsior XHE40
fuel cell buses, which are planned to be delivered and in-service with AC Transit and OCTA
by the end of 2018. The buses are to be supported by advanced hydrogen fueling
infrastructure provided by The Linde Group.
Page 4 of 53
On January 24, 2017, we announced the signing of an initial Equipment Sales Agreement
with Zhuhai Yinlong Energy Group ( “Yinlong”), a major Chinese manufacturer of battery
electric buses, for 10 FCveloCity®-MD 30-kilowatt fuel cell engines. Ballard plans to deliver
the engines in 2017 for integration into Yinlong buses that are expected to be deployed in
Beijing.
On January 19, 2017, we announced that our subsidiary, Protonex Technology Corporation
(“Protonex”), received certification from the U.S. Government enabling its SPM-622 (Squad
Power Manager) and VPM-402 (Vest Power Manager) products to be exported under the
Commerce Department’s Export Administration Regulations, classification EAR99. With this
classification, these products can be sold to allied military partners as well as commercial
customers without the need for an export license. On June 1, 2016, we announced that
Protonex had received a $5.8 million follow-on purchase order for the supply of Squad
Power Manager (SPM-622) Special Operations Kits for end customer U.S. Special Operations
Command. The purchase order represents follow-on business from a $2.8 million SPM order
from the same customer received in December 2015. The purchase order was issued by the
Program Executive Office – Soldier, as part of the Nett Warrior program (“Nett Warrior”).
Amounts earned from these agreements ($1.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016; $6.4
million in fiscal 2016; $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 and in fiscal 2015) are
recorded as Portable Power revenues.
On January 10, 2017, we announced that we had purchased all of the shares in the
Company’s European subsidiary held by Dansk Industri Invest A/S (previously Dantherm Air
Handling A/S). As a result, Ballard now owns 100% of the Company’s subsidiary in Europe,
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S (formerly Dantherm Power A/S). Ballard held 57% of the
shares in Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S before purchasing the remaining 43% of
shares from Dansk Industri Invest A/S on January 5th, 2017. For a nominal payment,
Ballard acquired the remaining shares and obtained the cancellation of debt owed by Ballard
Power Systems Europe A/S to Dansk Industri Invest A/S of approximately $0.5 million.
On November 29, 2016, we announced the signing of a Long-Term Sales Agreement
(“LTSA”) with Solaris Bus & Coach (“Solaris), a bus OEM headquartered in Poland, for the
sale and supply of fuel cell modules to support deployment of Solaris fuel cell buses in
Europe. An initial order was placed under the LTSA for 10 FCveloCity®-HD fuel cell
modules, with deliveries planned to start in 2017.
On October 25, 2016, we announced the closing of a transaction with the Synergy Group for
the establishment of an FCvelocity®-9SSL fuel cell stack production operation in the City of
Yunfu, in Guangdong Province, China. The transaction was originally announced on July 18,
2016. The fuel cell stacks will be packaged into locally-assembled fuel cell engines and
integrated into zero-emission buses and commercial vehicles in China. The transaction has a
contemplated minimum value to Ballard of approximately $170 million over 5-years. As of
the closing of this transaction in October 2016, we had received payments totaling $10.9
million and received further payments of $8.1 million in December 2016 in relation to a
contract milestone, for total receipts of $19.0 million. The transaction includes these key
elements:
Ballard is expected to receive approximately $20 million for technology transfer services,
test equipment, production equipment specification and procurement services, training
Page 5 of 53
and commissioning support in relation to the establishment of a production line in Yunfu
for the manufacture and assembly of FCvelocity®-9SSL fuel cell stacks, with most of
this revenue expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2016 through 2017
Amounts earned from these agreements ($4.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and
in fiscal 2016) are recorded as Technology Solutions revenues;
A joint venture - named Guangdong Synergy Ballard Hydrogen Power Co., Ltd.
(“Synergy JVCo”) - has been registered in China to undertake the FCvelocity®-9SSL fuel
cell stack manufacturing operations, with Synergy JVCo owned 90% by the Synergy
Group and 10% by Ballard; and
On commissioning of the stack production line, expected in late 2017, Ballard will be the
exclusive supplier of membrane electrode assemblies (“MEA”s) for each fuel cell stack
manufactured by Synergy JVCo, with minimum annual MEA volume commitments on a
“take or pay” basis totaling in excess of $150 million over the initial 5-year term from
2017 to 2021. Amounts earned from the MEA supply agreement (nil in fiscal 2016) will
be recorded as Heavy-Duty Motive revenues.
During March 2017, Ballard plans to contribute approximately $1.0 million for its 10%
interest in Synergy JVCo. Under the terms of the agreement, Ballard has the right to
appoint one of the three Synergy JVCo board directors, has veto rights over certain key
Synergy JVCo decisions, and has no further obligation to provide future funding to Synergy
JVCo. Ballard’s CEO, Randall MacEwen, was appointed to the board of Synergy JVCo
effective as of closing. After commissioning of the operation, Synergy JVCo will have an
exclusive right to manufacture and sell FCvelocity®-9SSL stacks in China. Exclusivity will be
subject to certain performance criteria of Synergy JVCo, including compliance with a code of
ethics, compliance with Ballard’s quality policies, compliance with Ballard’s branding policies,
achievement of the minimum annual “take or pay” MEA volumes, compliance with payment
terms, and compliance with certain intellectual property covenants. Ballard will have the
exclusive right to purchase FCvelocity®-9SSL fuel cell stacks and sub-components from
Synergy JVCo for sale outside China.
On July 11, 2016, we announced the signing of definitive agreement with the Synergy
Group for a Technology Solutions transaction to enable Synergy Group to exclusively
manufacture and sell Ballard's direct hydrogen FCgen®-H2PM fuel cell backup power
systems in China. Under the agreement, Ballard will license the designs of its 1.7 and 5
kilowatt FCgen®-H2PM systems to Synergy Group for manufacture in the City of Yunfu in
Guangdong Province and for exclusive sales in China. Synergy Group prepaid Ballard an
upfront Technology Solutions fee of $2.5 million in the second quarter of 2016 for the
license and related technology services. Synergy Group is required to make additional
license royalty payments to Ballard for each FCgen®-H2PM system that it manufactures and
sells, subject to annual minimums starting in 2018. Ballard will also be the exclusive
supplier of air-cooled fuel cell stacks to Synergy Group for use in the FCgen®-H2PM
systems that it produces and sells. Technology transfer work performed under this
agreement is recorded as Technology Solutions revenues ($0.8 million in the fourth quarter
of 2016; $1.3 million in fiscal 2016) whereas sales of fuel cell stacks will be recorded as
Backup Power revenues.
During the second quarter of 2016, we completed the sale of certain of our methanol
Page 6 of 53
Telecom Backup Power business assets to Chung-Hsin Electric & Machinery Manufacturing
Corporation (“CHEM”), a Taiwanese power equipment company, for a purchase price of up
to $6.1 million of which $3 million was paid on closing (the “CHEM Transaction”). The
remaining potential purchase price of up to $3.1 million consists of an earn-out arising from
sales of methanol Telecom Backup Power systems by CHEM during the 18-month period to
November 2017 derived from the sales pipeline transferred to CHEM on closing. During the
second quarter of 2016, we recorded a loss on sale of assets of ($0.4) million after
estimating the fair value of the remaining potential purchase price of up to $3.1 million to
approximate $1.8 million. The final gain (loss) on sale arising from the CHEM Transaction is
subject to change depending upon the final earn-out amount actually received by Ballard
through November 2017. On the closing of this transaction, CHEM received certain assets
related to the methanol Telecom Backup Power line of our business including intellectual
property rights, and physical assets such as inventory and related product brands. We also
transferred to CHEM a number of our engineering, sales, and service employees involved in
this business. Ballard continues to retain the Company's direct hydrogen fuel cell backup
power system assets, primarily in our Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S subsidiary
(formerly named Dantherm Power A/S) located in Denmark. The direct hydrogen fuel cell
backup power system has since been rebranded FCgen®-H2PM. As noted above, certain
designs of the FCgen®-H2PM system were exclusively licensed to Synergy Group for
manufacture and sale in China.
In the CHEM Transaction, we also signed a fuel cell stack supply agreement with CHEM
which includes minimum sales of $2 million over an 18-month period. Amounts earned
under the fuel cell stack supply agreement with CHEM ($0.6 million in the fourth quarter of
2016; $1.7 million in fiscal 2016) are recorded as Backup Power revenues.
In early 2016, in parallel to our review of strategic alternatives for our methanol Telecom
Backup Power assets, we implemented a cost reduction initiative, primarily focused on
reducing our operating cost base associated with our methanol Telecom Backup Power
activities. As part of this cost reduction initiative, three executives departed from the
Company effective March 31, 2016. Responsibilities of the departed executives have been
assumed by other management personnel. During fiscal 2016, total restructuring charges of
($2.3) million were expensed as a result of these cost reduction initiatives that included the
elimination of approximately 50 positions, including the three executive-level positions, as
well as costs associated with the closure of the contract manufacturing facility in Tijuana,
Mexico. We also recorded impairment losses of ($1.2) million in the first quarter of 2016
related to a write-down of certain methanol Telecom Backup Power intangible assets and
property, plant and equipment.
On December 31, 2008, we completed a restructuring agreement (“Arrangement”) with
Superior Plus Income Fund (“Superior Plus”), whereby Ballard caused its entire business and
operations, including all assets and liabilities, to be transferred to a new corporate entity,
such that the new corporate entity held all of the same assets, liabilities, directors,
management and employees as Ballard formerly had under its old corporate entity, except
for its tax attributes. The Arrangement included an indemnification agreement (the
"Indemnity Agreement") which set out each party’s continuing obligations to the other
including a provision for adjustments to be paid by us, or to us, depending on the final
Page 7 of 53
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. In 2015, we reached agreement and signed mutual releases
with Superior Plus as to the full and final amount payable to us under the Indemnity
Agreement and received final cash proceeds of $3.3 million (Canadian $4.6 million) in
February 2016. The settlement proceeds were recorded as a credit to shareholders’ equity
in fiscal 2015 consistent with the accounting of the original transaction in 2008.
On January 21, 2016, we announced the signing of an equipment supply agreement, valued
at $12 million, with an existing partner in China, Guangdong Synergy Hydrogen Power
Technology Co., Ltd. (a member of the “Synergy Group”) to provide FCvelocityTM-9SSL fuel
cell stacks for range extension applications in commercial vehicles in China. Ballard expects
to deliver the stacks in 2016 and 2017. Synergy Group will collaborate with Dongfeng
Xiangyangtouring Car Co., Ltd. (“DFAC”), which is part of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, a
Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wuhan. Amounts earned
from this agreement ($2.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016; $7.9 million in fiscal 2016)
are recorded as Heavy-Duty Motive revenues.
On November 10, 2015, we announced that we had closed a $5 million strategic equity
investment in Ballard by Nisshinbo Holdings Inc. (“Nisshinbo”) in Japan, as previously
announced on October 27, 2015. The investment was made through a private placement
subscription of approximately 3.3 million Ballard common shares issued from treasury at
$1.5049 per share (based on a 10-day volume weighted average share price calculation).
Nisshinbo provides low-carbon, optimized products across a range of business lines,
including chemicals, precision instruments, electronics, automotive brakes, textiles and
paper. Nisshinbo has been a long-time leading global supplier of carbon plates, used in the
construction of membrane electrode assemblies (“MEA’s”), to the fuel cell industry. On
January 20, 2016, we announced that we had received a follow-on purchase order from
Nisshinbo for a further phase of a Technology Solutions program related to the development
of a breakthrough catalyst technology intended to reduce the cost of certain proton
exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The program has advanced through numerous phases
during the past three years.
On November 1, 2015, we announced that the signing of a definitive agreement with
Tangshan Railway Vehicle Company, Limited (“TRC”) for the development of a new fuel cell
module that will be designed to meet the requirements of tram or Modern Ground Rail
Transit Equipment applications. This agreement, with a value of approximately $3 million,
contemplates that TRC trams will use next-generation Ballard fuel cell power modules
designed specifically for the Modern Ground Rail Transit Equipment application. The
purpose-designed product is expected to deliver at least 200 kilowatts of power. Amounts
earned from this agreement ($0.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016; $2.0 million in fiscal
2016; $0.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 and in fiscal 2015) are recorded as
Technology Solutions revenue.
On October 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Protonex, a leading designer and
manufacturer of advanced power management products and portable fuel cell solutions. The
signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Protonex was previously announced on June 29,
Page 8 of 53
2015. As consideration for the transaction, we assumed and paid certain of Protonex’ debt
obligations and transaction costs on closing of approximately $3.8 million, and issued 11.4
million of Ballard shares at fair value of $1.20 per share, or approximately $13.7 million, for
total purchase consideration of $17.5 million.
On September 28, 2015, we announced the signing of a joint development agreement and a
supply agreement to develop and commercialize a fuel cell engine specifically designed for
integration into low floor trams manufactured by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Company, Ltd.
(“CRRC Sifang”), a Chinese rolling stock manufacturer. The agreements include delivery of
ten customized FCvelocity® modules and have an initial expected value of approximately $6
million. Ballard plans to develop a new prototype configuration of its FCvelocity® fuel cell
module to deliver 200 kilowatts of net power for use in powering trams in urban
deployments. An initial deployment of eight fuel cell-powered trams is planned by CRRC
Sifang and the City of Foshan on the Gaoming Line is expected to start in 2018. Amounts
earned from this agreement ($0.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016; $0.9 million in fiscal
2016; nil in fiscal 2015) are recorded as either Heavy-Duty Motive or Technology Solutions
revenues depending on the nature of work performed.
On September 25, 2015, we announced the signing of a long-term license and supply
agreement with Synergy Group to provide fuel cell power products and technology solutions
in support of the planned deployment of approximately 300 fuel cell-powered buses in the
cities of Foshan and Yunfu, China. The agreement has an estimated initial value of
approximately $17 million with the opportunity for significant recurring royalties starting in
2017. The agreement includes the supply and sale of fully-assembled 30kW to 85kW fuel
cell power modules, ready-to-assemble module kits, a technology license for localization of
assembly, supply of proprietary fuel cell stacks and long-term recurring royalties leveraged
to unit volumes of locally assembled modules. Amounts earned from this agreement ($6.6
million in the fourth quarter of 2016; $13.7 million in fiscal 2016; $2.9 million in the fourth
quarter of 2015 and in fiscal 2015) are recorded as either Heavy-Duty Motive or Technology
Solutions revenues depending on the nature of work performed.
On September 24, 2015, we announced that we are developing, and plan to launch, two
new configurations of our FCvelocity®-HD7 fuel cell module in 2016. The two new module
configurations will expand Ballard’s product portfolio and provide customers with increased
flexibility to address a range of emerging power needs in heavy-duty transit applications,
such as buses. Ballard’s latest-generation FCvelocity®-HD7 was launched in a net 85kW
power configuration in June 2015 at the UITP World Congress and Exhibition in Milan, Italy.
This initial 85kW configuration will typically be used to power large urban transit buses. The
two new product configurations deliver net power of 30kW and 60kW, respectively, with
sales launched in 2016 to power smaller buses and to provide range extension solutions.
During fiscal 2016 and 2015, FCvelocity®-HD7 development costs of $1.1 million and $1.4
million, respectively, were capitalized as fuel cell technology intangible assets.
On July 22, 2015, we announced the signing of an agreement to provide a 1 megawatt
(1MW) ClearGen™ fuel cell distributed generation system for Hydrogène de France (“HDF”)
which will be deployed at an Akzo Nobel sodium chlorate chemical plant in Ambres near
Bordeaux, France. The program agreement is structured in two phases. Under the first
phase, completed in 2016, Ballard received an initial payment of €1.7 million to undertake
Page 9 of 53
engineering services and core component development work. Under the second phase,
targeted for completion in late 2017, Ballard received an additional €1.6 million in February
2017 for onsite assembly and commissioning. Amounts earned from this agreement ($0.2
million in the fourth quarter of 2016; $1.0 million in fiscal 2016; $0.7 million in the fourth
quarter of 2015; $0.8 million in fiscal 2015) are recorded as Technology Solutions revenue.
On June 8, 2015, we announced the signing of definitive license and supply agreements
with Nantong Zehe New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nantong Zehe”) and Synergy Group
to provide fuel cell power products and technology solutions to support the planned
deployment of an initial 33 fuel cell-powered buses in two Chinese cities. The agreements
have an estimated value of approximately $10 million, the majority of which was recognized
in 2015. The agreements include an initial order from Nantong Zehe (announced in April
2015) for the supply of FCvelocity®-HD7 bus power modules to power eight buses in
addition to new orders for the supply of additional power products and technology solutions
including a non-exclusive license for local assembly of FCvelocity®-HD7 bus power modules
for use in clean energy buses in China. In addition, Ballard will be the exclusive supplier of
its proprietary fuel cell stacks for use in power modules assembled in China under these
agreements. Amounts earned from these agreements (nil in the fourth quarter of 2016;
$0.5 million in fiscal 2016; $0.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2015; $8.6 million in fiscal
2015) are recorded as either Heavy-Duty Motive or Technology Solutions revenues
depending on the nature of work performed.
into a transaction with Volkswagen Group
On February 11, 2015, we entered
(“Volkswagen”) to transfer certain automotive-related fuel cell intellectual property for an
aggregate amount of approximately $80 million including the benefits of a two-year
extension of our existing technology development and engineering services agreement with
Volkswagen previously announced on March 6, 2013 (see below for additional details).
Under the transfer agreement (the “Volkswagen IP Agreement”), Ballard transferred to
Volkswagen ownership of the automotive-related portion of the fuel cell intellectual property
assets previously acquired by us from United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”) on April 24,
2014 (the “UTC Portfolio”), through two separate transactions with Volkswagen for total
gross proceeds of $50 million:
(i)
(ii)
On the closing of the initial transaction on February 23, 2015, Ballard transferred
ownership of the automotive-related patents and patent applications of the UTC
Portfolio in exchange for gross proceeds of $40 million. This receipt triggered a 25%,
or $10.0 million, license fee payment to UTC. Although ownership of the UTC patents
and patent applications was transferred to Volkswagen, Ballard received a royalty-
free back-license to all of the transferred UTC patents and patent applications for use
in all non-automotive applications, in bus applications and in certain limited pre-
commercial automotive applications. On the closing of the sale of the automotive-
related patents and patent applications of the UTC Portfolio in the first quarter of
2015, we recognized a gain on sale of intellectual property of $14.2 million on net
proceeds of $29.5 million. We retain a royalty obligation to pay UTC a portion
(typically 25%) of all future intellectual property sale and licensing income generated
from our intellectual property portfolio until April 2029.
On the closing of the second transaction on December 2, 2015, Ballard transferred a
Page 10 of 53
copy of the automotive-related know-how of the UTC Portfolio in exchange for gross
proceeds receivable of $10 million. This receipt, collected in the first quarter of 2016,
triggered a 9%, or $0.9 million, payment to UTC in the first quarter of 2016. On the
closing of the sale of a copy of the know-how, Ballard retained full ownership of the
UTC know-how including the right to sell additional copies of the know-how to third
parties as well as retaining the right to use the know-how in all our applications. On
the closing of the sale of a copy of the automotive-related know-how in the fourth
quarter of 2015, we recognized an additional gain on sale of intellectual property of
$5.4 million on net proceeds of $9.1 million.
On March 6, 2013, we entered into a technology development and engineering services
agreement with Volkswagen to advance development of fuel cells for use in powering
demonstration cars in Volkswagen’s fuel cell automotive research program. The initial
contract term was 4-years commencing in March 2013, with an option by Volkswagen for a
2-year extension. On the closing of the Volkswagen IP Agreement in February 2015, this
technology development and engineering services was extended 2-years to February 2019.
Over the full 6-years, this technology development and engineering services contract has an
estimated value of Canadian $100-140 million and is focused on the design and
manufacture of next-generation fuel cell stacks for use in Volkswagen’s fuel cell
demonstration car program. Volkswagen also retains an option to further extend this
program by 2-years to February 2021. Amounts earned from this and related agreements
($4.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016; $13.9 million in fiscal 2016; $3.6 million in the
fourth quarter of 2015; $14.5 million in fiscal 2015) are recorded as Technology Solutions
revenues.
OPERATING SEGMENTS
We report our results in the single operating segment of Fuel Cell Products and Services.
Our Fuel Cell Products and Services segment consists of the sale and service of PEM fuel cell
products for our power product markets of Heavy-Duty Motive (consisting of bus and tram
applications), Portable Power, Material Handling and Backup Power, as well as the delivery
of Technology Solutions, including engineering services, technology transfer and the license
and sale of our extensive intellectual property portfolio and fundamental knowledge for a
variety of fuel cell applications.
As a result of the sale of certain of our methanol Backup Power assets to CHEM in the
second quarter of 2016, we have renamed the former Telecom Backup Power market as the
Backup Power market. The Backup Power market includes revenues associated with our
direct hydrogen fuel cell backup power systems, methanol fuel cell backup power systems
prior to the CHEM transaction, and fuel cell stacks sold for all backup power applications
including those sold to CHEM.
Page 11 of 53
SELECTED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Results of Operations
Year ended,
2016
2015
2014
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share
amounts and gross margin %)
From continuing operations
Revenues
Gross margin
Gross margin %
Total Operating Expenses
Cash Operating Costs (1)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Ballard
Net loss per share attributable to Ballard, basic and diluted
Adjusted Net Loss (1)
Adjusted Net Loss per share (1)
From discontinued operations
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Net earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
85,270
24,184
28%
42,253
34,338
(9,883)
(21,112)
(0.13)
(19,349)
(0.12)
-
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
56,463
9,974
18%
34,858
29,050
(15,259)
(5,815)
(0.04)
(24,791)
(0.18)
-
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Financial Position
(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
2016
At December 31,
2015
68,721
10,246
15%
38,300
26,367
(18,635)
(28,188)
(0.22)
(21,833)
(0.17)
320
-
2014
Total assets
$
183,446
$
161,331
$
127,949
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
1 Cash Operating Costs, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss per share are non-GAAP measures. We use certain Non-GAAP
$
72,628
$
40,049
$
23,671
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.
2016 Performance compared to 2016 Business Outlook
Although we did not provide specific financial performance guidance for 2016, we did
indicate that we expected to end 2016 with year-over-year revenue growth and a
strengthened balance sheet. On a year-to-year basis, we also indicated that we expected to
improve gross margin and rationalize certain operating costs.
Actual revenues of $85.3 million in 2016 increased 51%, or $28.8 million, compared to
2015. As expected, revenue growth in 2016 was driven by growth in our Heavy-Duty Motive
and Technology Solutions markets as well as a full-year contribution from our Portable
Power market.
Gross margin as a percentage of revenues in 2016 was 28%, compared to 18% in 2015. As
expected, the gross margin improvement in 2016 was driven primarily by the increase in
volumes and improved product mix, including important contributions from our Heavy-Duty
Motive, Portable Power and Technology Solutions markets. This increase was also supported
by product cost reductions and improved operating efficiencies as we realized the benefits
from the expected increase in volumes.
On operating costs, as expected we completed the review of strategic alternatives for our
methanol Telecom Backup Power business in 2016 culminating with the CHEM Transaction
in the second quarter of 2016. We also completed the corresponding rationalization of our
methanol Telecom Backup Power engineering, sales and executive team cost structures that
commenced in late 2015. The rationalization initiatives are expected to yield annualized
Page 12 of 53
operating expense savings in excess of $6 million.
Finally, we ended fiscal 2016 with cash and cash equivalents of $72.6 million, compared to
$40.0 million at the end of fiscal 2015. As expected, the strengthened balance sheet was
supported by the improved financial performance in 2016 as compared to 2015, combined
with the closing of a $28.3 million strategic equity investment made by Broad-Ocean in
Ballard on August 18, 2016.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – Fourth Quarter of 2016
Revenue and gross margin
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
Fuel Cell Products and
Services
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Heavy-Duty Motive
$
10,994
$
Portable Power
Material Handling
Backup Power
Technology Solutions
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Gross Margin
Gross Margin %
2,905
2,985
2,118
11,682
30,684
21,338
$
9,346
$
30%
4,068
3,398
4,054
1,622
6,844
19,986
16,168
3,818
19%
$
$
6,926
(493)
(1,069)
496
4,838
10,698
5,170
5,528
n/a
170%
(15%)
(26%)
31%
71%
54%
32%
145%
11 pts
Fuel Cell Products and Services Revenues of $30.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2016
increased 54%, or $10.7 million, compared to the fourth quarter of 2015. The 54% increase
was driven by higher Heavy-Duty Motive, Technology Solutions and Backup Power
revenues, which more than offset a decline in Material Handling and Portable Power
revenues.
Technology Solutions revenues of $11.7 million increased $4.8 million, or 71%, due
primarily to initial amounts earned in the fourth quarter of 2016 related to the
establishment by Synergy JVCo of a production line in Yunfu, China for the manufacture and
assembly of FCvelocity®-9SSL fuel cell stacks, by amounts earned in 2016 to enable
Synergy Group to exclusively manufacture and sell Ballard's direct hydrogen FCgen®-H2PM
fuel cell backup power systems in China, combined with a minor increase in Volkswagen
service revenues primarily as a result of program scope and timing requirements.
Engineering services and licensing work performed in the fourth quarter of 2016 on the TRC
and CRRC Sifang tram projects, the HDF distributed generation project, and other programs
were relatively consistent with amounts earned in the fourth quarter of 2015 on the
Nantong Zehe and other programs.
Heavy-Duty Motive revenues of $11.0 million increased $6.9 million, or 170%, due primarily
to significantly higher shipments in the fourth quarter of 2016 of FCvelocityTM-9SSL fuel cell
stacks, FCveloCity®-MD 30-kilowatt fuel cell modules and FCveloCity®-HD7 85-kilowatt fuel
cell modules primarily to the Synergy Group in China.
Material Handling revenues of $3.0 million decreased ($1.1) million, or (26%), primarily as
a result of lower stack shipments to Plug Power combined with a lower average selling price
Page 13 of 53
due to product mix.
Portable Power revenues of $2.9 million decreased ($0.5) million, or (15%), due to lower
revenues generated by Protonex as a result of lower service revenues as product shipments
were relatively flat. Revenues in each of the quarters were primarily driven by product
shipments of Squad Power Manager (SPM-622) Special Operations Kits for end customer
U.S. Special Operations Command under the Nett Warrior program.
Backup Power revenues of $2.1 million increased $0.5 million, or 31%, due primarily to an
increase in shipments of hydrogen-based backup power stacks to CHEM, combined with the
completion in the fourth quarter of 2016 of a final sale of methanol-based backup power
systems initiated prior to the CHEM Transaction. During the second quarter of 2016, we sold
certain of our methanol Telecom Backup Power assets to CHEM in the CHEM Transaction.
Fuel Cell Products and Services gross margins improved to $9.3 million, or 30% of
revenues, for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to $3.8 million, or 19% of revenues, for
the fourth quarter of 2015. The improvement in gross margin of $5.5 million, or 145%, was
driven by the 54% increase in total revenues combined with a shift to higher margin
product and service revenue resulting in an 11 point improvement in gross margin as a
percent of revenues. Gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2016 particularly benefited from
the increase in higher margin Technology Solutions and Heavy-Duty Motive revenues,
combined with improved manufacturing overhead and related cost absorption as a result of
improved scale and efficiency driven by the 54% increase in total revenues.
Cash Operating Costs
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Research and Product
Development (cash operating cost)
General and Administrative
(cash operating cost)
Sales and Marketing (cash operating
cost)
Cash Operating Costs
$
$
3,544
$
3,065
$
479
2,929
1,667
8,140
2,806
1,858
123
(191)
$
7,729
$
411
16%
4%
(10%)
5%
Cash Operating Costs and its components of Research and Product Development (operating cost), General and Administrative (operating cost), and Sales
and Marketing (operating cost) 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 the reconciliation of Cash Operating Costs to GAAP in the Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures section and the reconciliation of Research
and Product Development (operating cost), General and Administrative (operating cost), and Sales and Marketing (operating cost) to GAAP in the
Operating Expense section. Cash Operating Costs adjusts operating expenses for stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization,
impairment losses on trade receivables, restructuring charges, acquisition costs and financing charges.
Cash Operating Costs (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) for the fourth quarter of
2016 were $8.1 million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 5%, compared to the fourth quarter
of 2015. The $0.4 million, or 5%, increase was driven by the increase in cash research and
product development operating costs of $0.5 million as slightly higher cash general and
administrative operating costs were more than offset by lower cash sales and marketing
operating costs.
The overall increase in cash operating costs in the fourth quarter of 2016 was driven by
higher engineering and prototyping expenses related to product development and the
ongoing improvement of all of our fuel cell products, an increase in Protonex’ research and
product development efforts, and by higher labour costs as a result of increased bonus
Page 14 of 53
accrual expenses in 2016 as compared to 2015. These cost increases were partially offset
by the benefit of cost reductions as a result of the Company’s rationalization initiatives
undertaken in the first quarter of 2016 which were primarily focused on reducing our
operating cost base associated with methanol Telecom Backup Power activities including
significant reductions in engineering, sales and marketing efforts associated with this
market.
Adjusted EBITDA
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Adjusted EBITDA
$
1,763
$
(2,936)
$
4,699
160%
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) for the fourth quarter of 2016
was $1.8 million, compared to ($2.9) million for the fourth quarter of 2015. The $4.7 million
increase in Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2016 was driven by the $5.5 million
increase in gross margin as a result of the 54% increase in overall revenues combined with
the 11 point improvement in gross margin as a percent of revenues. This improvement was
partially offset by the increase in Cash Operating Costs of ($0.4) million primarily as a result
of higher research and product development expense and by lower restructuring expenses
of ($0.2) million.
Net income (loss) attributable to Ballard
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Net income (loss) attributable to Ballard
$
(1,121)
$
(1,355)
$
234
17%
from continuing operations
Net loss attributable to Ballard from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2016
was ($1.1) million, or ($0.01) per share, compared to a net loss of ($1.4) million, or
($0.01) per share, in the fourth quarter of 2015. The $0.2 million decrease in net loss in the
fourth quarter of 2016 was driven by the improvement in Adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.7
million, and by lower acquisition costs of $0.9 million which were incurred for the Protonex
acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2015. These fourth quarter of 2016 positive impacts
were partially offset by a reduction in gain on sale of intellectual property of ($5.4) million
as we recognized a significant gain of $5.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 on the
closing of the second and final tranche of the Volkswagen IP Agreement.
As noted above, net loss attributable to Ballard in the fourth quarter of 2015 was positively
impacted by the gain on sale of intellectual property of $5.4 million, and negatively
impacted by acquisition costs of ($0.9) million. Excluding the impact of the gain on sale of
intellectual property and the impact from acquisition costs, Adjusted Net Loss (see
Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in the fourth quarter of 2015 was ($5.9) million, or
($0.04) per share.
Net loss attributable to Ballard from continuing operations excludes the net loss attributed
to the interests of the non-controlling shareholder in the losses of Ballard Power Systems
Page 15 of 53
Europe A/S (formerly named Dantherm Power A/S) related to its 43% equity interest in
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S. Net income attributed to non-controlling interests for
the fourth quarter of 2016 was $0.2 million, compared to $0.1 million for the fourth quarter
of 2015.
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Cash provided by (used in) operating
$
7,983
$
(10,566)
$
18,549
176%
activities
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2016 was $8.0
million, consisting of cash operating income of $1.1 million, combined with net working
capital inflows of $6.9 million. Cash used by operating activities in the fourth quarter of
2015 was ($10.6) million, consisting of cash operating losses of ($4.7) million and net
working capital outflows of ($5.9) million. The $18.5 million reduction in cash used by
operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2016, as compared to the fourth quarter of
2015, was driven by the relative improvement in cash operating losses of $5.8 million,
combined with the relative reduction in working capital requirements of $12.8 million. The
$5.8 million decline in cash operating losses in the fourth quarter of 2016 was due primarily
to the $4.7 million reduction in Adjusted EBITDA loss, combined with lower acquisition costs
of $0.9 million which were incurred for the Protonex acquisition in the fourth quarter of
2015.
The total change in working capital of $6.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 was driven
by lower inventory of $6.5 million as we delivered expected Heavy-Duty Motive shipments
to customers in the last quarter of 2016, and by higher deferred revenue of $3.9 million as
we collected pre-payments on certain Heavy-Duty Motive and Technology Solutions
contracts in advance of work performed. These fourth quarter of 2016 working capital
inflows were partially offset by lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ($1.7)
million due primarily to the timing of purchases and supplier payments, and by lower
accrued warranty obligations of ($1.5) million due primarily to customer service related
expenses incurred in our Material Handling market and by Backup Power warranty contract
expirations.
This compares to a total change in working capital of ($5.9) million in the fourth quarter of
2015 which was driven by higher accounts receivable of ($2.2) million primarily as a result
of the timing of Portable Power and Heavy-Duty Motive revenues and the related customer
collections, by lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ($1.8) million due primarily
to the timing of purchases and supplier payments including the payment of acquisition and
transaction related costs incurred on the Protonex acquisition, and by lower deferred
revenue of ($1.5) million as we completed the contract work on certain Technology
Solutions, Heavy-Duty Motive and government grant contracts for which we received pre-
payments in an earlier period.
Page 16 of 53
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – Year ended December 31, 2016
Revenue and gross margin
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
Fuel Cell Products and
Services
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Heavy-Duty Motive
$
26,480
$
11,953
$
Portable Power
Material Handling
Backup Power
Technology Solutions
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Gross Margin
Gross Margin %
11,420
12,911
4,821
29,638
85,270
61,086
3,398
12,710
5,737
22,665
56,463
46,489
$
24,184
$
9,974
$
28%
18%
14,527
8,022
201
(916)
6,973
28,807
14,597
14,210
n/a
122%
236%
2%
(16%)
31%
51%
31%
142%
10 pts
Fuel Cell Products and Services Revenues of $85.3 million in 2016 increased 51%, or $28.8
million, compared to 2015. The 51% increase was driven by higher Heavy-Duty Motive,
Technology Solutions and Material Handling revenues combined with the addition of Portable
Power revenues, which more than offset a decline in Backup Power revenues.
Technology Solutions revenues of $29.6 million increased $7.0 million, or 31%, due
primarily to initial amounts earned starting in the fourth quarter of 2016 related to the
establishment by Synergy JVCo of a production line in Yunfu, China for the manufacture and
assembly of FCvelocity®-9SSL fuel cell stacks, by amounts earned in 2016 to enable
Synergy Group to exclusively manufacture and sell Ballard's direct hydrogen FCgen®-H2PM
fuel cell backup power systems in China, and by amounts earned on the TRC and CRRC
Sifang tram projects and the HDF distributed generation project, which exceeded amounts
earned in 2015 on the Nantong Zehe and other programs. These increases more than offset
a minor decline in Volkswagen service revenues which were negatively impacted by
approximately ($0.5) million in 2016, as compared to 2015, as a result of an approximate
(4%) lower Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, as the Volkswagen Agreement is
priced in Canadian dollars. The underlying costs to satisfy the Volkswagen Agreement are
primarily denominated in Canadian dollars.
Heavy-Duty Motive revenues of $26.5 million increased $14.5 million, or 122%, due
primarily to significantly higher shipments in 2016 of FCvelocityTM-9SSL fuel cell stacks,
FCveloCity®-MD 30-kilowatt fuel cell modules and FCveloCity®-HD7 85-kilowatt fuel cell
modules and ready-to-assemble module kits primarily to the Synergy Group in China,
combined with an increase in shipments of FCvelocity®-HD6 bus power modules to
customers primarily in North America.
Material Handling revenues of $12.9 million increased $0.2 million, or 2%, primarily as a
result of higher stack shipments to Plug Power, partially offset by a lower average selling
price due to product mix.
Portable Power revenues of $11.4 million increased $8.0 million, or 236%, due to a full year
of revenues generated by Protonex, a company we acquired on October 1, 2015. Revenues
Page 17 of 53
from Protonex were primarily driven by product shipments of Squad Power Manager (SPM-
622) Special Operations Kits for end customer U.S. Special Operations Command under the
Nett Warrior program, and by service revenues earned on a variety of contracts.
Backup Power revenues of $4.8 million decreased ($0.9) million, or (16%), due primarily to
a decline in shipments of methanol-based backup power systems as we continued to review
strategic alternatives for our methanol Telecom Backup Power business during 2016,
ultimately resulting in the CHEM Transaction which closed in the second quarter of 2016.
This decrease more than offset revenue increases as a result of slightly higher shipments of
hydrogen-based backup power systems and stacks for backup power applications.
Fuel Cell Products and Services gross margins improved to $24.2 million, or 28% of
revenues, for 2016, compared to $10.0 million, or 18% of revenues, for 2015. The
improvement in gross margin of $14.2 million, or 142%, was driven by the 51% increase in
overall revenues combined with a shift to higher margin product and services revenue
resulting in a 10 point improvement in gross margin as a percent of revenues. Gross margin
in 2016 benefited from the addition of higher margin Portable Power shipments and services
as a result of the acquisition of Protonex on October 1, 2015, by the increase in higher
margin Heavy-Duty Motive and Technology Solutions revenues, and by improved
manufacturing overhead and related cost absorption as a result of improved scale and
efficiency driven by the 51% increase in total revenues.
Gross margin in 2016 was also negatively impacted by inventory impairments of ($0.9)
million related primarily to excess and obsolete inventory, and benefited from positive net
warranty adjustments of $0.5 million related primarily to backup power and fuel cell bus
contractual warranty expirations. Gross margin in 2015 was negatively impacted by
inventory impairments of ($1.1) million related primarily to excess bus inventory as we
transitioned from FCvelocity®-HD6 bus products to FCvelocity®-HD7 bus products, and
benefited from positive net warranty adjustments of $1.3 million related primarily to fuel
cell bus contractual warranty expirations and reduced product costs.
Cash Operating Costs
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Research and Product
Development (cash operating cost)
General and Administrative
(cash operating cost)
Sales and Marketing (cash operating
cost)
Cash Operating Costs
$
16,546
$
13,301
$
3,245
10,897
6,895
9,022
6,727
1,875
168
$
34,338
$
29,050
$
5,286
24%
21%
2%
18%
Cash Operating Costs and its components of Research and Product Development (operating cost), General and Administrative (operating cost), and Sales
and Marketing (operating cost) 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 the reconciliation of Cash Operating Costs to GAAP in the Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures section and the reconciliation of Research
and Product Development (operating cost), General and Administrative (operating cost), and Sales and Marketing (operating cost) to GAAP in the
Operating Expense section. Cash Operating Costs adjusts operating expenses for stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization,
impairment losses on trade receivables, restructuring charges, acquisition costs and financing charges.
Cash Operating Costs (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in 2016 were $34.3 million,
an increase of $5.3 million, or 18%, compared to 2015. The $5.3 million, or 18%, increase
was driven by higher cash research and product development operating costs of $3.2
Page 18 of 53
million, higher cash general and administrative operating costs of $1.9 million, and higher
cash sales and marketing operating costs of $0.2 million.
The overall increase in cash operating costs in 2016 was driven primarily by the acquisition
of Protonex on October 1, 2015, which contributed $7.6 million of Cash Operating Costs in
2016 as compared to $1.5 in the fourth quarter of 2015. In addition, we incurred higher
engineering and prototyping expenses related to product development and the ongoing
improvement of all of our fuel cell products, and higher labour costs as a result of increased
bonus accrual expenses in 2016 as compared to 2015. These cost increases were offset by
the benefit of cost reductions as a result of the Company’s rationalization and renewal
initiatives undertaken in the first quarter of 2016 which were primarily focused on reducing
our operating cost base associated with methanol Telecom Backup Power activities including
significant reductions in engineering, sales and marketing efforts associated with this
market. In addition, operating expenses benefited from lower labour costs in Canada as a
result of an approximate (4%) lower Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, and the
resulting positive impact on our Canadian operating cost base.
As noted above, operating costs in 2016 benefited from the positive impact of a weaker
Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar. As a significant amount of our net operating
costs (primarily labour) are denominated in Canadian dollars, operating expenses and
Adjusted EBITDA are impacted by changes in the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.
As the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar was approximately (4%), or (5) basis
points, lower in 2016 as compared to 2015, positive foreign exchange impacts on our
Canadian operating cost base and Adjusted EBITDA were approximately $1.8 million. A
$0.01 decrease in the Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, positively impacts annual
Cash Operating Costs and Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $0.3 million to $0.4 million.
Adjusted EBITDA
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(9,883)
$
(15,259)
$
5,376
35%
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) for 2016 was ($9.9) million,
compared to ($15.3) million for 2015. The $5.4 million reduction in Adjusted EBITDA loss in
2016 was driven by the $14.2 million increase in gross margin as a result of the 51%
increase in overall revenues combined with the 10 point improvement in gross margin as a
percent of revenues. This improvement was partially offset by the increase in Cash
Operating Costs of ($5.3) million primarily as a result of the acquisition of Protonex and the
assumption of a full year of operating costs in 2016 as compared to three months in 2015,
by higher restructuring expenses of ($2.3) million incurred as a result of the Company’s
rationalization and renewal initiatives undertaken in the first quarter of 2016 which were
primarily focused on reducing our operating cost base associated with methanol Telecom
Backup Power activities, and by lower recoveries on impairment losses on trade receivables
of ($1.0) million.
Page 19 of 53
Net income (loss) attributable to Ballard
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Net income (loss) attributable to Ballard
$
(21,112)
$
(5,815)
$
(15,297)
(263%)
from continuing operations
Net loss attributable to Ballard from continuing operations for 2016 was ($21.1) million, or
($0.13) per share, compared to a net loss of ($5.8) million, or ($0.04) per share, in 2015.
The ($15.3) million increase in net loss in 2016 was driven by the reduction in gain on sale
of intellectual property of ($19.6) million as we recognized a significant gain of $14.2 million
in the first quarter of 2015 on the closing of the initial tranche of the Volkswagen IP
Agreement and an additional gain of $5.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 on the
closing of the second and final tranche of the Volkswagen IP Agreement. Net loss in 2016
was also negatively impacted by an increase in impairment losses of ($1.2) million as we
wrote-down certain methanol Telecom Backup Power assets in the first quarter of 2016
while we continued to review strategic alternatives for our methanol Telecom Backup Power
assets prior to concluding the transaction with CHEM in the second quarter of 2016, and by
an additional loss on sale of assets of ($0.6) million recognized in relation to the CHEM
transaction. These 2016 net loss negative impacts were partially offset by the improvement
in Adjusted EBITDA loss of $5.4 million and by lower acquisition costs of $1.5 million which
were incurred for the Protonex acquisition in 2015.
As noted above, net loss attributable to Ballard in 2016 was negatively impacted by the
above noted impairment loss of ($1.2) million related to a write-down of methanol Telecom
Backup Power intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, negatively impacted by
a loss on sale of assets of ($0.6) million recognized on the CHEM transaction. Net income
attributable to Ballard in 2015 was positively impacted by the above noted gains on sale of
intellectual property under the Volkswagen IP Agreement of $19.6 million, positively
impacted by net impairment recoveries on trade receivables of $0.9 million, and negatively
impacted by acquisition costs related to the Protonex acquisition of ($1.5) million. Excluding
the impact of the gain on sale of intellectual property and the impact from acquisition costs,
impairment recoveries on trade receivables, asset impairment charges, and transactional
gains and losses on intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, Adjusted Net Loss
(see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in 2016 was ($19.3) million, or ($0.12) per share,
compared to ($24.8) million, or ($0.18) per share, for 2015.
Net loss attributable to Ballard from continuing operations excludes the net loss attributed
to the interests of the non-controlling shareholder in the losses of Ballard Power Systems
Europe A/S (formerly named Dantherm Power A/S) related to its 43% equity interest in
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S. Net loss attributed to non-controlling interests for 2016
was ($0.6) million, compared to ($0.8) million for 2015.
Page 20 of 53
Cash used in operating activities
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Cash (used in) provided by operating
$
(3,904)
$
(25,364)
$
21,460
85%
activities
Cash used in operating activities in 2016 was ($3.9) million, consisting of cash operating
losses of ($12.4) million, partially offset by net working capital inflows of $8.5 million. Cash
used in operating activities in 2015 was ($25.4) million, consisting of cash operating losses
of ($19.3) million and net working capital outflows of ($6.0) million. The $21.5 million
reduction in cash used by operating activities in 2016, as compared to 2015, was driven by
the relative improvement in cash operating losses of $6.9 million, combined with the
relative reduction in working capital changes of $14.6 million. The $6.9 million decline in
cash operating losses in 2016 was due primarily to the $5.4 million reduction in Adjusted
EBITDA loss, combined with lower acquisition costs of $1.5 million which were incurred for
the Protonex acquisition in 2015.
The total change in working capital of $8.5 million in 2016 was driven by higher deferred
revenue of $14.5 million as we collected pre-payments on certain Heavy-Duty Motive and
Technology Solutions contracts in advance of work performed, and by higher accounts
payable and accrued liabilities of $1.0 million due primarily to restructuring and wage
accrual expenses which will be paid into 2017. These 2016 working capital inflows were
partially offset by higher inventory of ($2.3) million primarily to support expected Heavy-
Duty Motive shipments to customers in the first quarter of 2017, by lower accrued warranty
obligations of ($2.6) million due primarily to customer service related expenses incurred in
our Material Handling market and by Backup Power warranty contract expirations, by higher
prepaid expenses of ($1.3) million primarily related to withholding taxes incurred on certain
Chinese transactions, and by higher accounts receivable of ($0.8) million primarily as a
result of the timing of Material Handling, Technology Solutions and Portable Power revenues
and the related customer collections.
This compares to a total change in working capital of ($6.0) million in 2015 which was
driven by higher inventory of ($5.6) million primarily to support expected Heavy-Duty
Motive and Portable Power product shipments in the first quarter of 2016, by lower accrued
warranty obligations of ($3.6) million due primarily to customer service related expenses
incurred in our Backup Power market in Asia and by Heavy-Duty Motive warranty contract
expirations, and by lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ($1.3) million due
primarily to the timing of purchases and supplier payments. These 2015 working capital
outflows were partially offset by higher deferred revenue of $4.0 million as we collected pre-
payments on certain Heavy-Duty Motive and Technology Solutions contracts in advance of
work performed.
Page 21 of 53
OPERATING EXPENSES AND OTHER ITEMS
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
Less: Stock-based compensation expense
Research and Product Development (cash
operating cost)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Research and product development
Research and product development expense
Less: Depreciation and amortization expense
Less: Stock-based compensation expense
Research and Product Development (cash
operating cost)
Three months ended December 31,
2016
4,316
(512)
(260)
3,544
2016
19,827
(2,214)
(1,067)
16,546
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2015
3,461
(321)
(74)
3,066
$ Change
% Change
$
$
$
$
855
(191)
(186)
478
25%
60%
251%
16%
Year ended December 31,
2015
16,206
(1,947)
(957)
13,302
$ Change
% Change
$
$
$
$
3,621
(267)
(110)
3,244
22%
14%
11%
24%
Research and Product Development (operating cost) 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. Research and Product Development (operating cost) adjusts Research and product development expense for
depreciation and amortization expense and stock-based compensation expense. See the reconciliation of the adjustments to Research and product
development expense in the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Research and product development expenses for the three months ended
December 31, 2016 were $4.3 million, an increase of $0.9 million, or 25%, compared to
the corresponding period of 2015. Excluding depreciation and amortization expense of
($0.5) million and ($0.3) million, respectively, and excluding stock-based compensation
expense of ($0.3) million and ($0.1) million, respectively, in each of the periods, cash
research and product development operating costs (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures)
were $3.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, an increase of $0.5 million, or 16%,
compared to the fourth quarter of 2015.
The $0.5 million, or 16%, increase in cash research and development operating costs (see
Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in the fourth quarter of 2016 was driven primarily by
higher engineering and prototyping expenses related to product development and the
ongoing improvement of all of our fuel cell products, an increase in Protonex’ research and
product development efforts, and by higher labour costs as a result of increased bonus
accrual expenses in 2016 as compared to 2015. These cost increases were partially offset
by lower methanol Telecom Backup Power engineering expenses due to cost reduction
initiatives undertaken in the first quarter of 2016 and culminating with the CHEM
Transaction.
Research and product development expenses for the year ended December 31,
2016 were $19.8 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 22%, compared to the
corresponding period of 2015. Excluding depreciation and amortization expense of ($2.2)
million and ($1.9) million, respectively, in each of the periods, and excluding stock-based
compensation expense of ($1.1) million in each of the periods, cash research and product
development operating costs (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) were $16.5 million in
2016, an increase of $3.2 million, or 24%, compared to 2015.
Page 22 of 53
The $3.2 million, or 24%, increase in cash research and development operating costs (see
Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in 2016 was driven primarily by the acquisition of
Protonex on October 1, 2015, which contributed $4.7 million of research and product
development operating expense in 2016 as compared to $0.7 million in 2015. In addition,
we incurred higher engineering and prototyping expenses in 2016 related to product
development and the ongoing improvement of all of our fuel cell products, and higher labour
costs as a result of increased bonus accrual expenses in 2016 as compared to 2015. These
cost pressures in 2016 were offset by lower methanol Telecom Backup Power engineering
expenses due to cost reduction initiatives undertaken in the first quarter of 2016
culminating with the CHEM Transaction, and by lower labour costs in Canada as a result of
an approximate (4%) lower Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, and the resulting
positive impact on our Canadian operating cost base. In addition, FCvelocity®-HD7
development costs of $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, were capitalized during
2016 and 2015 as fuel cell technology intangible assets for the now completed FCvelocity®-
HD7 development program.
Government funding recoveries were relatively consistent in 2016 as compared to 2015 as
slightly lower government funding recoveries in Denmark by Ballard Power Systems Europe
A/S (formerly Dantherm Power A/S), were offset by slightly higher government funding
recoveries in Canada. During 2016, we successfully completed the 5-year, $7.2 million
Canadian, award agreement from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (“SDTC”) to
assist us with extending the operating life and lowering the product cost of FCgen™-1300
fuel cell stack and demonstrating the technology in the Ballard’s CLEARgen™ distributed
generation system at the Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. sales and marketing headquarters
campus in Torrance, California.
Government research funding and development costs capitalized as fuel cell technology
intangible assets are reflected as cost offsets 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.
Depreciation and amortization expense included in research and product development
expense for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 was $0.5 million and
$2.2 million, as compared to $0.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, for the
corresponding periods of 2015. Depreciation and amortization expense relates primarily to
amortization expense on our intangible assets and depreciation expense on our research
and product development equipment. Increases in depreciation and amortization expense in
2016 primarily as a result of the acquisition of Protonex on October 1, 2015 and the
resulting amortization of acquired intangible assets over their estimated useful lives of 15 to
20 years, were partially offset by declines in amortization expense in 2016 as a result of the
write-down of our remaining methanol Telecom Backup Power intangible assets and
property, plant and equipment in the first quarter of 2016.
Stock-based compensation expense included in research and product development expense
for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 was $0.3 million and $1.1 million,
respectively, compared to $0.1 million and $1.0 million the corresponding periods of 2015.
Page 23 of 53
General and administrative expenses
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
General and administrative
General and administrative expense
Less: Depreciation and amortization expense
Less: Stock-based compensation expense
General and Administrative (cash operating
cost)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
General and administrative
General and administrative expense
Less: Depreciation and amortization expense
Less: Stock-based compensation expense
General and Administrative (cash operating
cost)
2016
3,514
(92)
(493)
2,929
2016
12,938
(375)
(1,666)
10,897
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Three months ended December 31,
2015
3,028
(140)
(82)
2,806
$ Change
% Change
$
$
$
$
486
48
(411)
123
16%
(34%)
501%
4%
Year ended December 31,
2015
10,594
(280)
(1,292)
9,022
$ Change
% Change
$
$
$
$
2,344
(95)
(374)
1,875
22%
34%
29%
21%
General and Administrative (operating cost) 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. General and Administrative (operating cost) adjusts General and administrative expense for depreciation and amortization
expense and stock-based compensation expense. See the reconciliation of the adjustments to General and administrative expense in the Non-GAAP
Measures section.
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31,
2016 were $3.5 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 16%, compared to the
corresponding period of 2015. Excluding depreciation and amortization expense of ($0.1)
million in each of the periods, and excluding stock-based compensation expense of ($0.5)
million and ($0.1) million, respectively, in each of the periods, cash general and
administrative operating costs (see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) were $2.9 million in
the fourth quarter of 2016, an increase of $0.1 million, or 4%, compared to the fourth
quarter of 2015.
The $0.1 million, or 4%, increase in cash general and administrative operating costs (see
Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in the fourth quarter of 2016 was driven primarily by
higher labour costs as a result of increased bonus accrual expenses in 2016 as compared to
2015, partially offset by lower legal and advisory costs due to the timing of transactional
contracting.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were
$12.9 million, an increase of $2.3 million, or 22%, compared to the corresponding period of
2015. Excluding depreciation and amortization expense of ($0.4) million and ($0.3) million,
respectively, and excluding stock-based compensation expense of ($1.7) million and ($1.3)
million, respectively, in each of the periods, cash general and administrative operating costs
(see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) were $10.9 million in 2016, an increase of $1.9
million, or 21%, compared to 2015.
The $1.9 million, or 21%, increase in cash general and administrative operating costs (see
Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in 2016 was driven primarily by the acquisition of
Protonex on October 1, 2015, which contributed $1.6 million of general and administrative
operating expense in 2016 as compared to $0.6 million in 2015, combined with higher
labour costs as a result of increased bonus accrual expenses in 2016 as compared to 2015.
These cost increases in 2016 were partially offset by lower labour costs in Canada as a
Page 24 of 53
result of an approximate (4%) lower Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, and the
resulting positive impact on our Canadian operating cost base.
Depreciation and amortization expense included in general and administrative expense for
the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 was $0.1 million and $0.4 million,
respectively, compared to $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for the corresponding
periods of 2015, and relates primarily to depreciation expense on our office and information
technology equipment.
Stock-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expense for the
three months and year ended December 31, 2016 was $0.5 million and $1.7 million,
respectively, compared to $0.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively, for the corresponding
periods of 2015. The increase in 2016 is primarily as a result of a downward adjustment to
accrued stock-based compensation expense made in the fourth quarter of 2015 as certain
outstanding restricted share units failed to meet the vesting criteria.
Sales and marketing expenses
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expense
Less: Depreciation and amortization expense
Less: Stock-based compensation (expense)
recovery
Three months ended December 31,
2016
1,495
-
172
$
$
$
2015
1,951
(2)
(91)
$
$
$
$ Change
% Change
(456)
2
263
(23%)
(100%)
(289%)
(191)
(10%)
$
$
$
$
Sales and Marketing (cash operating cost)
$
1,667
$
1,858
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expense
Less: Depreciation and amortization expense
Less: Stock-based compensation expense
Sales and Marketing (cash operating cost)
Year ended December 31,
2016
7,190
(4)
(291)
6,895
$
$
$
$
2015
7,428
(2)
(699)
6,727
$
$
$
$
$ Change
% Change
$
$
$
$
(238)
(2)
408
168
(3%)
(100%)
58%
2%
Sales and Marketing (operating cost) 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. Sales and Marketing (operating cost) adjusts Sales and marketing expense for depreciation and amortization expense and stock-based
compensation expense. See the reconciliation of the adjustments to Sales and marketing expense in the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2016
were $1.5 million, a decrease of ($0.5) million, or (23%), compared to the corresponding
period of 2015. Excluding stock-based compensation (expense) recovery of $0.2 million and
($0.1) million, respectively, in each of the periods, cash sales and marketing operating costs
(see Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) were $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, a
decrease of ($0.2) million, or (10%) compared to the third fourth of 2015.
The ($0.2) million, or (10%), decrease in cash sales and marketing operating costs (see
Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in the fourth quarter of 2016 was driven primarily by
cost reductions as a result of the Company’s rationalization and renewal initiatives
undertaken in the first quarter of 2016 which were primarily focused on reducing our
operating cost base associated with methanol Telecom Backup Power activities including
significant reductions in our sales and marketing efforts associated with this market. These
cost savings were partially offset by higher labour costs as a result of increased bonus
accrual expenses in 2016 as compared to 2015.
Page 25 of 53
Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $7.2
million, a decrease of ($0.2) million, or (3%), compared to the corresponding period of
2015. Excluding stock-based compensation expense of ($0.3) million and ($0.7) million,
respectively, in each of the periods, cash sales and marketing operating costs (see
Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) were $6.9 million in 2016, an increase of $0.2 million,
or 2% compared to 2015.
The $0.2 million, or 2% increase in cash sales and marketing operating costs (see
Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures) in 2016 was driven primarily by the acquisition of
Protonex on October 1, 2015, which contributed $1.6 million of sales and marketing
operating expense in 2016 as compared to $0.3 million in 2015, combined with higher
labour costs as a result of increased bonus accrual expenses in 2016 as compared to 2015.
These cost pressures in 2016 was partially offset by cost reductions as a result of the
Company’s rationalization and renewal initiatives undertaken in the first quarter of 2016
which were primarily focused on reducing our operating cost base associated with methanol
Telecom Backup Power activities including significant reductions in our sales and marketing
efforts associated with this market. In addition, sales and marketing expense in 2016 were
positively impacted by lower labour costs in Canada as a result of an approximate (4%)
lower Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, and the resulting positive impact on our
Canadian operating cost base.
Stock-based compensation expense included in sales and marketing expense (recovery) for
the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 was ($0.2) million and $0.3 million,
respectively, compared to $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the corresponding
periods of 2015. The overall reduction in 2016 was due primarily to the Company’s
rationalization and renewal initiatives undertaken in the first quarter of 2016, partially offset
by a downward adjustment to accrued stock-based compensation expense made in the
fourth quarter of 2015 as certain outstanding restricted share units failed to meet the
vesting criteria.
Other expense (recovery) for the three months and year ended December 31,
2016 was ($0.2) million and $2.5 million, respectively, compared to $0.9 million and $0.6
million, respectively for the corresponding periods of 2015. The following tables provide a
breakdown of other expense (recovery) for the reported periods:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Impairment loss (recovery) on trade
receivables
Restructuring expense (recovery)
Acquisition charges
$
(132)
$
(39)
$
(217)
-
-
902
863
93
217
902
Other expenses (recovery)
$
(349)
$
$
1,212
238%
100%
100%
140%
Page 26 of 53
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
Impairment loss (recovery) on trade
receivables
Restructuring expense
Acquisition charges
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
$
(63)
$
(899)
$
(836)
(93%)
2,318
43
(13)
1,542
1,499
(2,331)
(17,931%)
97%
(265%)
Other expenses (recovery)
$
2,298
$
630
$
(1,668)
Net impairment loss (recovery) on trade receivables of for the three months and year ended
December 31, 2016 was ($0.1) million in each of the periods, compared to ($0.9) million for
the year ended December 31, 2015. Net Impairment (loss) recovery on trade receivables of
($0.9) million for 2015 consist of a ($1.5) million impairment recovery as we collected on
certain accounts in 2015 principally in Asia that were considered impaired and written down
in 2014, less impairment charges in 2015 of ($0.6) million related to non-collection of
certain other accounts primarily in Asia. In the event that we are able to recover on an
impaired trade receivable through legal or other means, the recovered amount is recognized
in the period of recovery as a reversal of the impairment loss.
Restructuring expenses of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 relate
primarily to cost reduction initiatives that included the elimination of approximately 50
positions including the elimination of three executive level positions. These cost reduction
initiatives were primarily focused on reducing our operating cost base associated with
methanol Telecom Backup Power activities as we reviewed strategic alternatives for these
assets prior to the CHEM Transaction.
Acquisition charges for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015 of $0.9 million
and $1.5 million, respectively, consist of brokerage, legal and other costs incurred related to
the acquisition of Protonex which closed on October 1, 2015. Acquisition costs are expensed
as incurred.
Finance income (loss) and other for the three months and year ended December
31, 2016 was ($0.7) million and ($0.8) million, respectively, compared to ($1.0) million
and ($0.3) million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2015. The following tables
provide a breakdown of finance and other income (loss) for the reported periods:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Employee future benefit plan expense
$
(48)
$
Pension administration expense
Investment and other income (loss)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
(1)
60
(703)
$
(77)
(27)
44
(890)
Finance income (loss) and other
$
(692)
$
(950)
$
29
26
16
187
258
38%
96%
36%
21%
27%
Page 27 of 53
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
% Change
Employee future benefit plan expense
$
(263)
$
(292)
$
Pension administration expense
Investment and other income
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
(103)
164
(567)
(103)
143
(53)
29
-
21
(514)
Finance income (loss) and other
$
(769)
$
(305)
$
(464)
10%
-%
15%
(970%)
(152%)
Employee future benefit plan expense for the three months and year ended December 31,
2016 were ($0.1) million and ($0.3) million, respectively, consistent with the corresponding
periods of 2015. Employee future benefit plan expense primarily represents the excess of
expected interest cost on plan obligations in excess of the expected return on plan assets
related to a curtailed defined benefit pension plan for certain former United States
employees. Pension administration expense of ($0.1) million for the years ended December
31, 2016 and 2015 represent administrative costs incurred in managing the plan.
Foreign exchange gains (losses) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016
were ($0.7) million and ($0.6) million, respectively, compared to ($0.9) million and ($0.1)
million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2015. 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 and on any outstanding foreign exchange currency contracts that are marked to
market each reporting period if not qualified for hedge accounting treatment. Foreign
exchange gains and losses are also impacted by the conversion of Ballard Power Systems
Europe A/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 for the three months and years ended December 31, 2016
and 2015 were nominal and were earned primarily on our cash and cash equivalents.
Finance expense for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 was
($0.2) million and ($0.7) million, respectively, compared to ($0.2) million and ($0.8)
million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2015. 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 on sale of Intellectual Property for the three months and year ended
December 31, 2015 was $5.4 million and $19.6 million, respectively, and resulted from
the transfer of ownership of the UTC Portfolio previously acquired by us from UTC in 2014 to
Volkswagen in 2015 through two separate transactions under the Volkswagen IP Agreement
for total gross proceeds of $50 million.
On the closing of the sale of the automotive-related patents and patent applications of the
UTC Portfolio in the first quarter of 2015, we recognized a gain on sale of intellectual
property of $14.2 million on net proceeds received of $29.5 million. On the closing of the
initial transaction on February 23, 2015, Ballard transferred ownership of the automotive-
related patents and patent applications of the UTC Portfolio in exchange for gross proceeds
Page 28 of 53
of $40 million. This receipt triggered a 25%, or $10.0 million, license fee payment to UTC.
Although ownership of the patents and patent applications was transferred to Volkswagen,
Ballard received a royalty-free back-license to all the transferred patents and patent
applications for use in all non-automotive applications, in bus applications and in certain
limited pre-commercial automotive applications. The gain on sale of intellectual property of
$14.2 million represents gross proceeds received on the sale of the automotive-related
patents and patent applications from Volkswagen of $40.0 million, net of the license fee
paid to UTC of ($10.0) million, transaction costs of approximately ($0.5) million, and the
ascribed cost of the patents and patent applications in the UTC Portfolio of approximately
($15.3) million.
On the closing of the sale of a copy of the automotive-related know-how of the UTC Portfolio
in the fourth quarter of 2015, we recognized an additional gain on sale of intellectual
property of $5.4 million. On the closing of the second tranche on December 2, 2015, Ballard
transferred a copy of the automotive-related know-how of the UTC Portfolio in exchange for
gross proceeds receivable of $10 million. This receivable was recorded in trade and other
receivables at December 31, 2015 and was subsequently collected in the first quarter of
2016. This receipt triggered a 9%, or $0.9 million, payment to UTC in the first quarter of
2016 which was recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31,
2015. On the closing of the sale of a copy of the automotive-related know-how of the UTC
Portfolio, Ballard retained full ownership of the know-how including the right to sell
additional copies of the know-how to third parties as well as retaining the right to use the
know-how in all our applications. The gain on sale of intellectual property of $5.4 million
represents gross proceeds from Volkswagen of $10.0 million, net of a fee payable to UTC of
($0.9) million, and the ascribed cost of the automotive-related know-how of the UTC
Portfolio previously classified as assets held for sale of approximately ($3.8) million.
Impairment (Loss) on Intangible Assets and Property, Plant and Equipment for the
year ended December, 2016 of ($1.2) million consists of a ($0.8) million impairment
charge on intangible assets and a ($0.4) million impairment charge on property, plant and
equipment as we wrote-down certain methanol Telecom Backup Power assets to their
estimated net realizable value of $nil. The impairment charges were incurred during the first
quarter of 2016 while we continued to review strategic alternatives for our methanol
Telecom Backup Power assets prior to concluding the transaction with CHEM in the second
quarter of 2016.
Gain (Loss) on sale of assets for the year ended December 31, 2016 of ($0.6) million
and was recognized as a result of the closing of the transaction with CHEM. During the
second quarter of 2016, we completed the sale of certain of our methanol Telecom Backup
Power business assets to CHEM for a purchase price of up to $6.1 million, of which $3
million was paid on closing. The remaining potential purchase price of up to $3.1 million
consists of an earn-out arising from sales of methanol Telecom Backup Power systems by
CHEM during the 18-month period to November 2017 derived from the sales pipeline
transferred to CHEM on closing. The remaining potential purchase price of up to $3.1 million
has been recorded as proceeds receivable at its estimated fair value of $1.8 million. The
final gain (loss) on sale arising from the CHEM transaction is subject to change depending
upon the final earn-out amount actually received by Ballard through November 2017. No
Page 29 of 53
developments have occurred to date to cause us to reassess the fair value of the remaining
potential proceeds at $1.8 million. On the closing of this transaction, CHEM received certain
assets related to the methanol Telecom Backup Power line of our business, including
intellectual property rights and physical assets such as inventory and related product
brands.
Net income (loss) attributed to non-controlling interests for the three months and
year ended December 31, 2016 was $0.2 million and ($0.6) million, respectively, compared
to $0.1 million and ($0.8) million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2015.
Amounts primarily represent the non-controlling interest of Dansk Industri Invest A/S in the
losses of Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S (formerly named Dantherm Power A/S) as a
result of their 43% total equity interest in Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S and were
relatively consistent period over period.
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,
2016
Sep 30,
2016
Jun 30,
2016
$
$
30,684
(1,121)
$
$
20,635
(4,187)
$
$
17,647
(5,810)
$
$
Mar 31,
2016
16,304
(9,994)
$
(0.01)
$
(0.03 $
(0.04)
$
(0.06)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
174,722
165,193
156,889
156,851
Revenues
Net income (loss) attributable to Ballard
Net income (loss) per share attributable to
Ballard from continuing operations, basic and
diluted
Dec 31,
2015
19,986
(1,355)
(0.01)
$
$
$
Sep 30,
2015
16,037
(4,135)
(0.03)
$
$
$
Jun 30,
2015
11,177
(7,342)
(0.06)
$
$
$
Mar 31,
2015
9,263
7,017
0.05
$
$
$
Weighted average common shares outstanding
155,188
141,253
132,595
132,276
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 product and service 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
product and service revenues also reflect the timing of work performed and the
achievements of milestones under long-term fixed price contracts. Revenues were
positively impacted as of the fourth quarter of 2015 by the acquisition of Protonex on
October 1, 2015. Revenues were negatively impacted as of the second quarter of 2016
by the CHEM transaction whereby we disposed certain assets related to our methanol
Page 30 of 53
Telecom Backup Power line of our business including intellectual property rights and
physical assets such as inventory and related product brands.
Operating expenditures: Operating expenses were negatively impacted in the first
quarter of 2016 by restructuring expenses of ($2.3) million related to cost reduction
initiatives that included the elimination of approximately 50 positions including the
elimination of three executive level positions. Operating expenses were negatively
impacted as of the fourth quarter of 2015 by the acquisition of Protonex and the
assumption of its cost base on October 1, 2015, including the incurrence of acquisition
related expenses totaling $1.5 million incurred in the second and third quarters of 2015.
Operating expenses were positively impacted in the first quarter of 2015 by net
recoveries of previously impaired trade receivables of $1.0 million. Impairment losses on
trade receivables are recognized in other income (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.
Net income (loss): Net income for the first quarter of 2016 was negatively impacted
by impairment losses on intangible assets and property, plant and equipment totaling
($1.2) million as a result of the write-down of certain Telecom Backup Power assets to
their estimated net realizable value of $nil. Net income for the first quarter of 2015 was
positively impacted by a gain on sale of intellectual property of $14.2 million resulting
from the sale of the automotive-related patents and patent applications of the UTC
Portfolio transferred to Volkswagen on the closing of the initial tranche of the
Volkswagen IP Agreement. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was positively
impacted by a gain on sale of intellectual property of $5.4 million resulting from the sale
of a copy of the automotive-related know-how of the UTC Portfolio to Volkswagen on the
closing of the second and final tranche of the Volkswagen IP Agreement.
CASH FLOWS
Cash and cash equivalents were $72.6 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $40.0
million at December 31, 2015. The $32.6 million increase in cash and cash equivalents in
2016 was driven by net proceeds received in the third quarter of 2016 from the Broad-
Ocean strategic equity investment of $28.2 million, net proceeds of $9.2 million received in
the first quarter of 2016 as a result of the fourth quarter of 2015 sale of the automotive-
related know-how of the UTC Portfolio to Volkswagen pursuant to the second and final
tranche of the Volkswagen IP Agreement, by net proceeds of $3.3 million (Canadian $4.6
million) as we agreed to a settlement agreement with Superior Plus as to the full and final
amount payable to us under the Indemnity Agreement, by the initial net proceeds received
of $3.0 million related to the CHEM transaction, and by net working capital inflows of $8.5
million. These 2016 inflows were partially offset by a net loss (excluding non-cash items) of
($12.4) million, purchases of property, plant and equipment of ($2.8) million, investments
in fuel cell technology intangible assets of ($1.1) million, investments in other intangible
assets of ($3.0) million, and by finance lease repayments of ($1.0) million.
For the three months ended December 31, 2016, cash provided by (used in) operating
activities was $8.0 million, consisting of cash operating income of $1.1 million, combined
with net working capital inflows of $6.9 million. For the three months ended December 31,
2015, cash used by operating activities was ($10.6) million, consisting of cash operating
Page 31 of 53
losses of ($4.7) million and net working capital outflows of ($5.9) million. The $18.6 million
reduction in cash used by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2016, as compared to
the fourth quarter of 2015, was driven by the relative improvement in cash operating losses
of $5.8 million, combined with the relative reduction in working capital requirements of
$12.8 million. The $5.8 million decline in cash operating losses in the fourth quarter of 2016
was due primarily to the $4.7 million reduction in Adjusted EBITDA loss, combined with
lower acquisition costs of $0.9 million which were incurred for the Protonex acquisition in
the fourth quarter of 2015.
In the fourth quarter of 2016, net working capital inflows of $6.9 million was driven by
lower inventory of $6.5 million as we delivered the expected Heavy-Duty Motive shipments
to customers in the last quarter of 2016, and by higher deferred revenue of $3.9 million as
we collected pre-payments on certain Heavy-Duty Motive and Technology Solutions
contracts in advance of work performed. These fourth quarter of 2016 working capital
inflows were partially offset by lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ($1.7)
million due primarily to the timing of purchases and supplier payments, and by lower
accrued warranty obligations of ($1.5) million due primarily to customer service related
expenses incurred in our Material Handling market and by Backup Power warranty contract
expirations.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, net working capital cash outflows of ($5.9) million were
driven by higher accounts receivable of ($2.2) million primarily as a result of the timing of
Portable Power and Heavy-Duty Motive revenues and the related customer collections, by
lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ($1.8) million due primarily to the timing of
purchases and supplier payments including the payment of acquisition and transaction
related costs incurred on the Protonex acquisition, and by lower deferred revenue of ($1.5)
million as we completed the contract work on certain Technology Solutions, Heavy-Duty
Motive and government grant contracts for which we received pre-payments in an earlier
period.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, cash used in operating activities in 2016 was ($3.9)
million, consisting of cash operating losses of ($12.4) million, partially offset by net working
capital inflows of $8.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, cash used in
operating activities was ($25.4) million, consisting of cash operating losses of ($19.3)
million and net working capital outflows of ($6.0) million. The $21.5 million reduction in
cash used by operating activities in 2016, as compared to 2015, was driven by the relative
improvement in cash operating losses of $6.9 million, combined with the relative reduction
in working capital changes of $14.6 million. The $6.9 million decline in cash operating losses
in 2016 was due primarily to the $5.4 million reduction in Adjusted EBITDA loss, combined
with lower acquisition costs of $1.5 million which were incurred for the Protonex acquisition
in 2015.
In 2016, net working capital inflows of $8.5 million in 2016 were driven by higher deferred
revenue of $14.5 million as we collected pre-payments on certain Heavy-Duty Motive and
Technology Solutions contracts in advance of work performed, and by higher accounts
payable and accrued liabilities of $1.0 million due primarily to restructuring and wage
accrual expenses which will be paid into 2017. These 2016 working capital inflows were
partially offset by higher inventory of ($2.3) million primarily to support expected Heavy-
Page 32 of 53
Duty Motive shipments to customers in the first quarter of 2017, by lower accrued warranty
obligations of ($2.6) million due primarily to customer service related expenses incurred in
our Material Handling market and by Backup Power warranty contract expirations, by higher
prepaid expenses of ($1.3) million primarily related to withholding taxes incurred on certain
Chinese transactions, and by higher accounts receivable of ($0.8) million primarily as a
result of the timing of Material Handling, Technology Solutions and Portable Power revenues
and the related customer collections.
Working capital outflows of ($6.0) million in 2015 was driven by higher inventory of ($5.6)
million primarily to support expected Heavy-Duty Motive and Portable Power product
shipments in the first quarter of 2016, by lower accrued warranty obligations of ($3.6)
million due primarily to customer service related expenses incurred in our Backup Power
market in Asia and by Heavy-Duty Motive warranty contract expirations, and by lower
accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ($1.3) million due primarily to the timing of
purchases and supplier payments. These 2015 working capital outflows were partially offset
by higher deferred revenue of $4.0 million as we collected pre-payments on certain Heavy-
Duty Motive and Technology Solutions contracts in advance of work performed.
Investing activities resulted in net cash inflows (outflows) of ($3.4) million and $5.2 million,
respectively, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016, compared to net
cash inflows (outflows) of ($3.6) million and $23.3 million, respectively, for the
corresponding periods of 2015. Investing activities in 2016 of $5.2 million consist primarily
of net proceeds of $9.2 million received in the first quarter of 2016 as a result of the fourth
quarter of 2015 sale of the automotive-related know-how of the UTC Portfolio to
Volkswagen, the initial net proceeds of $3.0 million received in the second quarter of 2016
from the CHEM transaction, partially offset by capital expenditures of ($2.8) million, by
investments in fuel cell technology intangible assets of ($1.1) million, and by investments in
other intangible assets of ($3.0) million relating to a fully integrated Enterprise Resource
Planning (“ERP”) management reporting software system. Investing activities in 2015 of
$23.3 million consist primarily of net proceeds on the sale of intellectual property of $29.5
million received on the closing of the initial tranche of the Volkswagen IP Agreement,
partially offset by capital expenditures of ($2.3) million, by the acquisition of Protonex of
($3.8) million partially offset by acquired Protonex cash of $1.5 million, and by investments
in fuel cell technology intangible assets of ($1.6) million.
Financing activities resulted in net cash inflows of nil and $31.0 million, respectively, for the
three months and year ended December 31, 2016, compared to net cash inflows of $4.9
million and $18.1 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2015. Financing
activities in 2016 of $31.0 million consist of net proceeds received from the Broad-Ocean
strategic equity investment of $28.2 million, net proceeds of $3.3 million (Canadian $4.6
million) received pursuant to a settlement agreement with Superior Plus as to the full and
final amount payable to us under the Indemnity Agreement, proceeds from employee share
purchase option exercises of $0.5 million, partially offset by capital lease payments of
($1.0) million. Financing activities in 2015 of $18.1 million consist of net proceeds received
from the July 2015 Offering of $13.4 million, net proceeds from the November 2015
Nisshinbo strategic equity investment of $5.0 million, net proceeds from share purchase
warrant exercises of $0.2 million, proceeds from employee share purchase option exercises
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of $0.4 million, partially offset by capital lease payments of ($0.8) million.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 2016, we had total Liquidity of $72.6 million. We measure Liquidity as our
net cash position, consisting of the sum of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments of $72.6 million, net of amounts drawn on our $7 million Canadian demand
revolving facility (“Operating Facility”) of nil. The Operating Facility is occasionally 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 $1.8 million Canadian capital leasing facility (“Leasing Facility”) which is
occasionally 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. As of
December 31, 2016, nothing 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 that continues to focus on Fuel Cell Products and Services 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. As a result of our recent
actions to bolster our cash balances including the net proceeds received pursuant to the
Broad Ocean strategic equity investment, the Volkswagen IP Agreement, the July 2015
Offering, the November 2015 Nisshinbo equity investment, and the settlement of the
Superior Plus Indemnity Agreement, along with the improvement in our financial
performance, we believe that we have adequate liquidity in cash and working capital to
meet this Liquidity objective and to finance our operations.
Failure to achieve or maintain this Liquidity objective could 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, service and licensing
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.
In addition to our existing cash reserves of $72.6 million at December 31, 2016, there are
0.1 million warrants outstanding (expire on March 27, 2018) from the March 2013
underwritten offering each of which enables the holder to purchase one common share at a
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fixed price of $1.50 per common share, and 1.7 million warrants outstanding (expire on
October 9, 2018) from the October 2013 underwritten offering each of which enable the
holder to purchase one common share at a fixed price of $2.00 per common share. If any of
these warrants are exercised, our liquidity position would be further augmented. We may
also choose to pursue additional liquidity through the issuance of debt or equity in private or
public market financings. To enable such an action and to allow the exercise of warrants, we
filed a new short form base shelf prospectus (“Prospectus”) in June 2016 ahead of the
expiry of our existing short form base shelf prospectus 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. These filings enable offerings of equity securities during the effective period
(to July 2018) 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.
2017 BUSINESS OUTLOOK
Ballard has committed orders of approximately $87 million expected for delivery in 2017,
along with a significant pipeline of qualified commercial sales opportunities. We believe that
these orders and our sales pipeline, along with current market conditions and our strategic,
competitive and balance sheet positioning, support continued revenue growth, growth
margin expansion and improved financial performance in 2017. Sales to Chinese customers
in 2017 are also expected to account for an increased proportion of total revenue.
We anticipate growth in product revenues in 2017 supported by increased activity in Heavy-
Duty Motive and growth in Portable Power. We also expect Technology Solutions to account
for a larger proportion of total revenue in 2017, supported by work related to contracts in
China as well as engineering services work with automotive partners. In addition,
Technology Solutions work is expected with customers in the rail, military, and unmanned
aerial vehicle sectors.
Given the early stage of fuel cell market development and adoption rate and consistent with
our approach in 2016, we have decided not to provide specific financial performance
guidance for 2017. While our strategic focus on multiple fuel cell product markets,
engineering services and intellectual property monetization serves to mitigate risk, the
resulting cadence in customer demand can be uneven through the early stages of market
development. As such, our financial results on a quarterly basis are subject to a high degree
of variability.
Our outlook for 2017 is based on our internal forecast which reflects an assessment of
overall business conditions and takes into account actual sales and financial results in the
first six weeks of 2017, sales orders received for units and services to be delivered in the
remainder of 2017, an estimate with respect to the generation of new sales and the timing
of deliveries in each of our markets for the balance of 2017, and assumes an average U.S.
dollar exchange rate in the mid 70’s in relation to the Canadian dollar for the remainder of
2017. The primary risk factors to our business outlook expectations for 2017 are delays
from forecast in terms of closing and delivering expected sales primarily in our Heavy-Duty
Motive and Portable Power markets, potential adverse macro-economic conditions
negatively impacting our Chinese customer’s access to capital and program plans which
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could adversely impact our Heavy-Duty market, potential disruptions in the Material
Handling market as a result of our reliance on a single customer in this market and that
customer’s internal stack development and commercialization plans, and fluctuations in the
Canadian dollar, relative to the U.S. dollar, as a significant portion of our Technology
Solutions revenues (including the technology development and engineering services
agreement with Volkswagen) are priced in Canadian dollars.
Furthermore, potential fluctuations in our financial results make financial forecasting
difficult. The Company's revenues, cash flows and other operating results can vary
significantly from quarter to quarter. Sales and margins may be lower than anticipated due
to general economic conditions, market-related factors and competitive factors. Cash
receipts may also vary from quarter to quarter due to the timing of cash collections from
customers. As a result, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of revenues, cash flows and other
operating results may not be meaningful. In addition, due to the early stage of development
of the market for hydrogen fuel cell products, it is difficult to accurately predict future
revenues, cash flows or results of operations on a quarterly basis. It is likely that in one or
more future quarters, financial results will fall below the expectations of securities analysts
and investors. If this occurs, the trading price of the Company's shares may be materially
and adversely affected.
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 other comprehensive income if formally
designated and qualified under hedge accounting criteria; or (ii) recorded in profit or loss if
either not designated, or not qualified, under hedge accounting criteria. At December 31,
2016, we had outstanding foreign exchange currency contracts to purchase a total of
Canadian $10.75 million at an average rate of 1.32 Canadian per U.S dollar, resulting in an
unrealized loss of Canadian ($0.2) million at December 31, 2016. The outstanding foreign
exchange currency contracts are not qualified under hedge accounting.
At December 31, 2016, 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, 2016, we had the following contractual obligations and commercial
commitments:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Contractual Obligations
Operating leases
Capital leases
Asset retirement obligations
Payments due by period,
Total
Less than
one year
1-3 years
4-5 years
After 5
years
$
9,706
$
2,617
$
4,382
$
1,227
$
1,480
9,362
4,375
1,055
-
2,109
2,720
2,414
-
3,783
1,655
Total contractual obligations
$ 23,443
$
3,672
$
9,211
$
3,641
$
6,918
In addition, we have outstanding commitments of $3.9 million at December 31, 2016
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related primarily to the ongoing implementation of an ERP management reporting software
system and for purchases of capital assets. Capital expenditures and expenditures on other
intangible assets pertain to our regular operations and are expected to be funded through
cash on hand.
In connection with the acquisition of intellectual property from UTC on April 24, 2014, we
retain a royalty obligation to pay UTC a portion (typically 25%) of any future intellectual
property sale and licensing income generated from our intellectual property portfolio for a
period of 15-years expiring in April 2029.
As at December 31, 2016, we retain a previous funding obligation to pay royalties of 2% of
revenues (to a maximum of Canadian $5.4 million) on sales of certain fuel cell products for
commercial distributed utility applications. No royalties have been incurred to date as a
result of this agreement. We also retain a previous funding obligation to pay royalties of 2%
of revenues (to a maximum of Canadian $2.2 million) on sales of certain fuel cell products
for commercial transit applications. No royalties have been incurred to date as a result of
this agreement.
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.
At December 31, 2016, we have not accrued any amount owing, or receivable, as a result of
any indemnity agreements undertaken in the ordinary course of business.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related parties include shareholders with a significant ownership interest in us including
their subsidiaries and affiliates, and our equity accounted investee. 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. Transactions between us and our subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation. For the
three months and years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, related party transactions
and balances were limited to transactions with our 10% equity accounted investee, Synergy
JVCo as follows:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Transactions with related parties
Revenues
Purchases
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Balances with related parties
Investments
Trade and other payables
Deferred revenue
Three Months and Year Ended
December 31,
2016
$ 4,389
$
-
2015
-
-
$
$
2016
$ 1,185
$ 1,005
$ 15,501
As at December 31,
2015
-
-
-
$
$
$
We also provide key management personnel, being board directors and executive officers,
certain benefits, in addition to their salaries. Key management personnel also participate in
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the Company’s share-based compensation plans. Key management personnel compensation
is summarized in note 30 to our annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2016.
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As at March 1, 2017
Common share outstanding
Warrants outstanding
Options outstanding
DSU’s outstanding
RSU’s and PSU’s outstanding (subject to vesting criteria)
174,749,630
1,797,563
5,537,729
1,125,250
1,473,408
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION
UNCERTAINTY
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS, 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 results 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.
Critical Judgments in Applying Accounting Policies:
Critical judgments that we have made in the process of applying our accounting policies and
that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial
statements is limited to our assessment of the Corporation’s ability to continue as a going
concern (See Note 2 (e) to our annual consolidated financial statements).
Our significant accounting policies are detailed in note 4 to our annual consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.
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 financial
year.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues are generated primarily from product sales and services, the license and sale of
intellectual property and fundamental knowledge, and the provision of engineering services
and technology transfer services. Product and service revenues are derived primarily from
standard equipment and material sales contracts and from long-term fixed price contracts.
Intellectual property and fundamental knowledge license and sale revenues are derived
primarily from licensing and sale and technology transfer agreements and from long-term
fixed price contracts. Engineering service and technology transfer 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)
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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.
On standard licensing and sale and technology transfer agreements, revenues are
recognized on the transfer of the rights to the licensee if (i) the rights to the assets are
assigned to the licensee in return for a fixed fee or a non-refundable guarantee; (ii) the
contract is non-cancellable; (iii) the licensee is able to exploit its rights to the asset freely;
and (iv) the Company has no remaining obligations to perform. Otherwise, the proceeds are
considered to relate to the right to use the asset over the license period and the revenue is
recognized over that period. Revenue recognition for license and sale agreements does not
usually involve significant estimates.
On cost-plus reimbursable contracts, revenues are recognized as costs are incurred, and
include applicable fees earned as services are provided. Revenue recognition for cost-plus
reimbursable contracts does not usually involve significant estimates.
On long-term fixed price contracts, revenues are recorded on the percentage-of-completion
basis over the duration of the contract, which consists of recognizing revenue on a given
contract proportionately with its percentage of completion at any given time. The
percentage of completion is determined by dividing the cumulative 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. If the anticipated costs exceed the anticipated
revenues on a contract, such loss is recognized in its entirety in the period it becomes
known.
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During the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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.
The allocation of goodwill to cash-generating units reflects the lowest level at 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 business.
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 cumulative 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.
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As of December 31, 2016, our consolidated goodwill balance of $40.6 million relates solely
to our Fuel Cell Products and Services segment. Based on the impairment test performed as
at December 31, 2016, we have concluded that no goodwill impairment charge is required
for the year ending December 31, 2016. Details of our 2016 goodwill impairment tests are
as follows:
One of the methods used to assess the recoverable amount of the goodwill 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
and Services segment by first calculating the value of the Company at December 31,
2016 based on the average closing share price in the month of December, add a
reasonable estimated control premium to determine the Company’s enterprise value on
a controlling basis after adjusting for excess cash balances, and then deducting the
estimated costs to sell from this enterprise value to arrive at the fair value of the Fuel
Cell Products and Services segment. As a result of this assessment, we have determined
that the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products and Services segment exceeds its carrying
value as of December 31, 2016 indicating that no impairment charge is required for
2016.
In addition to this fair value test, we also performed a value in use test on our Fuel Cell
Products and Services 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. Our value
in use test was based on a WACC of 15%; an average estimated compound annual
growth rate of approximately 25% from 2017 to 2022; and a terminal year EBITDA
multiplied by a terminal value multiplier of 10. Our value in use assessment resulted in
an estimated fair value for the Fuel Cell Products and Services segment that is
consistent with that as determined under the above fair value, less costs to sell,
assessment. As a result of this assessment, we have determined that the fair value of
the Fuel Cell Products segment exceeds its carrying value by a significant amount as of
December 31, 2016 indicating that no impairment charge is required in 2016.
In addition to the above goodwill impairment test, we perform a quarterly assessment of
the carrying amounts of our non-financial assets (other than inventories) to determine
whether there is any indication of impairment. During the year ended December 31, 2016,
we recorded impairment losses on intangible assets of ($0.8) million and impairment losses
on property, plant and equipment of ($0.4) million as we wrote-down certain methanol
Telecom Backup Power assets to their estimated net realizable value of $nil. The impairment
charges were incurred during the first quarter of 2016 while we continued to review
strategic alternatives for our methanol Telecom Backup Power assets prior to concluding the
transaction with CHEM in the second quarter of 2016.
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
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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, 2016, we recorded provisions to
accrued warranty liabilities of $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for new product
sales, compared to $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the three months and
year ended December 31, 2015.
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, 2016
were adjusted downwards by a net amount of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively,
compared to a net adjustment downwards of $0.5 million and $1.3 million for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2015. The positive adjustments to the accrued
warranty liability provisions in 2016 were due primarily to contractual expirations and
improved lifetimes of our Backup Power products, whereas the positive adjustments to the
accrued warranty liability provision in 2015 were due primarily due to contractual warranty
expirations and improved lifetimes and reliability of our Heavy-Duty Motive products.
INVENTORY PROVISION
In determining the lower of cost and net realizable value of our inventory and establishing
the appropriate provision for inventory obsolescence, we estimate the likelihood that
inventory carrying values will be affected by changes in market pricing or demand for our
products and by changes in technology or design which could make inventory on hand
obsolete or recoverable at less than cost. We perform regular reviews to assess the impact
of changes in technology and design, sales trends and other changes on the carrying value
of inventory. Where we determine that such changes have occurred and will have a
negative impact on the value of inventory on hand, appropriate provisions are made. If
there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventory on hand, reversals of previous
write-downs to net realizable value are made. Unforeseen changes in these factors could
result in additional inventory provisions, or reversals of previous provisions, being required.
During the three months and year ended December 31, 2016, negative inventory
adjustments of ($0.6) million were recorded as a charge to cost of product and service
revenues, compared to negative inventory adjustments of ($0.4) million and ($0.6) million,
respectively, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015.
IMPAIRMENT (LOSSES) RECOVERIES ON TRADE RECEIVABLES
Trade and other receivables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently at
amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. Fair value is
estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of
interest at the reporting date. In determining the fair value of our trade and other
receivables and establishing the appropriate provision for doubtful accounts, we perform
regular reviews to estimate the likelihood that our trade and other accounts receivable will
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ultimately be collected in a timely manner. Where we determine that customer collectability
issues have occurred and will have a negative impact on the value of trade and other
receivables, appropriate provisions are made. If there is a subsequent recovery in the value
of trade and other receivables, reversals of previous write-downs to fair value are made.
Unforeseen changes in these factors could result in additional impairment provisions, or
reversals of previous impairment provisions, being required. During the three months and
year ended December 31, 2016, net impairment (charges) on trade receivables of ($0.1)
million were recorded in other operating income, compared to net impairment (charges)
recoveries of nil and $0.9 million, respectively, for the three months and year ended
December 31, 2015.
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 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 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, 2016 and 2015, we have not recorded any deferred income
tax assets on our consolidated statement of financial position.
NEW AND FUTURE IFRS ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Recently Adopted Accounting Policy Changes:
We did not adopt any new accounting standard changes or amendments effective January
1, 2016 that had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Future Accounting Policy Changes:
The following is an overview of accounting standard changes that we will be required to
adopt in future years. We do not expect to adopt any of these standards before their
effective dates and we continue to evaluate the impact of these standards on our
consolidated financial statements.
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IFRS 2 – SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
On June 20, 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based Payment, clarifying
how to account for certain types of share-based payment transactions.
The amendments provide requirements on the accounting for:
the effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions on the measurement of cash-settled
share-based payments;
share-based payment transactions with a net settlement feature for withholding tax
obligations; and
a modification to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment that changes the
classification of the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled.
The amendments apply for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. As a
practical simplification, the amendments can be applied prospectively. Retrospective, or
early, application is permitted if information is available without the use of hindsight. The
Corporation intends to adopt the amendments to IFRS 2 in its financial statements for the
fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2018. The extent of the impact of adoption of the
standard has not yet been determined.
IFRS 15 – REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
On May 28, 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. IFRS
15 will replace IAS 11 Construction Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue, IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty
Programmes, IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18 Transfer of
Assets from Customers, and SIC 31 Revenue – Barter Transactions Involving Advertising
Services. On April 12, 2016, the IASB issued Clarifications to IFRS 15, Revenue from
Contracts with Customers, which is effective at the same time as IFRS 15.
IFRS 15 contains a single model that applies to contracts with customers and two
approaches to recognizing revenue: at a point in time or over time. The model features a
contract-based five-step analysis of transactions to determine whether, how much, and
when revenue is recognized. New estimates and judgmental thresholds have been
introduced, which may affect the amount and/or timing of revenue recognized. The new
standard applies to contracts with customers. It does not apply to insurance contracts,
financial instruments or lease contracts, which fall in the scope of other IFRSs. The
clarifications to IFRS 15 provide additional guidance with respect to the five-step analysis,
transition, and the application of the Standard to licenses of intellectual property.
The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and
is available for early adoption. The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 15 in its financial
statements for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2018. The extent of the impact of
adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.
IFRS 9 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
On July 24, 2014, the IASB issued the complete IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9
(2014)”). IFRS 9 (2014) introduces new requirements for the classification and
measurement of financial assets. Under IFRS 9 (2014), financial assets are classified and
measured based on the business model in which they are held and the characteristics of
their contractual cash flows.
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The standard introduces additional changes relating to financial liabilities. It also amends
the impairment model by introducing a new ‘expected credit loss’ model for calculating
impairment.
IFRS 9 (2014) also includes a new general hedge accounting standard which aligns hedge
accounting more closely with risk management. This new standard does not fundamentally
change the types of hedging relationships or the requirement to measure and recognize
ineffectiveness; however it will provide more hedging strategies that are used for risk
management to qualify for hedge accounting and introduce more judgment to assess the
effectiveness of a hedging relationship. Special transitional requirements have been set for
the application of the new general hedging model.
The mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 (2014) is for annual periods beginning on or after
January 1, 2018 and must be applied retrospectively with some exemptions. Early adoption
is permitted. The restatement of prior periods is not required and is only permitted if
information is available without the use of hindsight. The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS
9 (2014) in its financial statements for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2018. The
extent of the impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.
IFRS 16 – LEASES
On January 13, 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases. IFRS 16 introduces a single lessee
accounting model and requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with
a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee is
required to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset
and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments.
This standard substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements of IAS 17,
while requiring enhanced disclosures to be provided by lessors. Other areas of the lease
accounting model have been impacted, including the definition of a lease. Transitional
provisions have been provided.
The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.
Early adoption is permitted for entities that apply IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with
Customers as at or before the date of initial adoption of IFRS 16. IFRS 16 will replace IAS
17 Leases. The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 16 in its financial statements for the fiscal
year beginning on January 1, 2019. The extent of the impact of adoption of the standard
has not yet been determined.
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 (including its
components of research and product development (operating cost), general and
administrative (operating cost) and sales and marketing (operating cost)), EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted 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 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
Page 45 of 53
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 an ongoing 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, impairment
losses or recoveries on trade receivables, restructuring charges, acquisition costs, and
financing charges. The following tables show a reconciliation of operating expenses to Cash
Operating Costs for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Cash Operating Costs
Total Operating Expenses
$
Stock-based compensation (expense)
recovery
Impairment recovery (losses) on trade
receivables
Acquisition and integration costs
Restructuring (charges) recovery
Financing charges
Depreciation and amortization
Three months ended December 31,
2016
8,976
(581)
132
-
217
-
(604)
$
2015
9,303
(248)
39
(902)
-
-
(463)
$ Change
$
(327)
(333)
93
902
217
-
(141)
Cash Operating Costs
$
8,140
$
7,729
$
411
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Cash Operating Costs
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
Total Operating Expenses
$
42,253
$
34,858
$
7,395
Stock-based compensation (expense)
recovery
Impairment recovery (losses) on trade
receivables
Acquisition and integration costs
Restructuring (charges) recovery
Financing charges
Depreciation and amortization
(3,024)
63
(43)
(2,318)
-
(2,593)
(2,949)
899
(1,542)
13
-
(2,229)
(75)
(836)
1,499
(2,331)
-
(364)
Cash Operating Costs
$
34,338
$
29,050
$
5,288
The components of Cash Operating Costs of research and product development (operating
cost), general and administrative (operating cost), and sales and marketing (operating cost)
differ from their respective most comparable GAAP measure of research and product
development expense, general and administrative expense, and sales and marketing
expense, primarily because they do not include stock-based compensation expense and
depreciation and amortization expense. A reconciliation of these respective operating
expenses to the respective components of Cash Operating Costs for the three months and
year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is included in Operating Expense and Other
Items.
Page 46 of 53
A breakdown of total stock-based compensation expense for the three months and year
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense
recorded as follows:
Cost of goods sold
$
Research and product development expense
General and administrative expense
Sales and marketing expense (recovery)
Stock-based compensation expense
$
Three months ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
-
260
493
(172)
581
$
-
74
82
92
$
-
186
411
(264)
$
248
$
333
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
recorded as follows:
Cost of goods sold
$
Research and product development expense
General and administrative expense
Sales and marketing expense
Stock-based compensation expense
$
-
1,067
1,666
291
3,024
$
$
-
957
1,292
700
2,949
$
-
110
374
(409)
$
75
A breakdown of total depreciation and amortization expense for the three months and year
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Total depreciation and amortization expense
recorded as follows:
Cost of goods sold
Research and product development expense
General and administrative expense
Sales and marketing expense
Three months ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
$
451
512
92
1
$
1,073
$
(622)
321
140
2
191
(48)
(1)
Depreciation and amortization expense
$
1,056
$
1,536
$
(480)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Total depreciation and amortization expense
recorded as follows:
Cost of goods sold
Research and product development expense
General and administrative expense
Sales and marketing expense
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
$
1,951
2,214
375
4
$
2,146
1,947
280
2
$
(195)
267
95
2
Depreciation and amortization expense
$
4,544
$
4,375
$
169
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
These supplemental non-GAAP measures are provided to assist readers in determining our
operating performance. We believe this measure is useful in assessing performance and
highlighting trends on an overall basis. We also believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are
Page 47 of 53
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 loss
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
for stock-based
compensation expense, transactional gains and losses, asset impairment charges, finance
and other income, and acquisition costs. The following tables show a reconciliation of net
loss attributable to Ballard to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months and year
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
impairment charges. Adjusted EBITDA adjusts EBITDA
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Three months ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
Net income (loss) attributable to Ballard
$
(1,121)
$
(1,355)
$
Depreciation and amortization
1,056
1,536
Finance expense
Income taxes
EBITDA attributable to Ballard
$
Stock-based compensation expense
Acquisition and integration costs
Finance and other (income) loss
Gain on sale of intellectual property
Loss on sale of assets
Adjusted EBITDA
164
127
226
581
-
700
-
256
$
208
(1)
388
248
902
950
(5,424)
-
234
(480)
(44)
128
$
(162)
333
(902)
(250)
5,424
256
$
1,763
$
(2,936)
$
4,699
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
Net income (loss) attributable to Ballard
$
(21,112)
$
(5,815)
$
(15,297)
Depreciation and amortization
Finance expense
Income taxes
4,544
686
381
4,375
794
211
169
(108)
170
EBITDA attributable to Ballard
$
(15,501)
$
(435)
$
(15,066)
Stock-based compensation expense
(recovery)
Acquisition and integration costs
Finance and other (income) loss
Gain on sale of intellectual property
Impairment charges on intangible assets and
property, plant and equipment
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
3,024
43
777
-
1,151
623
2,949
1,542
305
(19,619)
-
(1)
75
(1,499)
472
19,619
1,151
624
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(9,883)
$
(15,259)
$
5,376
Adjusted 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 transactional gains and
losses and impairment losses. Adjusted Net Loss (formerly named Normalized Net Loss)
differs from the most comparable GAAP measure, net loss attributable to Ballard, primarily
because it does not include impairment losses or recoveries on trade receivables,
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transactional gains and losses, asset impairment charges, and acquisition costs. The
following table shows a reconciliation of net loss attributable to Ballard to Adjusted Net Loss
for the three months and year ended December, 2016 and 2015.
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Adjusted Net Loss
Net (loss) attributable to Ballard
Impairment loss (recovery) on trade
receivables
Acquisition and integration costs
Gain on sale of intellectual property
Loss on sale of assets
Adjusted Net Loss
Adjusted Net Loss per share
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Adjusted Net Loss
Net (loss) attributable to Ballard
Impairment loss (recovery) on trade
receivables
Acquisition and integration costs
Gain on sale of intellectual property
Loss on sale of assets
Impairment charges on intangible
assets and property, plant and equipment
Adjusted Net Loss
Adjusted Net Loss per share
Three months ended September 30,
2016
2015
$ Change
$
(1,121)
$
(1,355)
$
(132)
-
-
260
(993)
(0.01)
$
$
(39)
902
(5,424)
-
$
(5,916)
$
(0.04)
$
$
234
(93)
(902)
5,424
260
4,923
0.03
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$ Change
$
(21,112)
$
(5,815)
$
(15,297)
(63)
43
-
632
1,151
(899)
1,542
(19,619)
-
-
$
$
(19,349)
$
(24,791)
(0.12)
$
(0.18)
$
$
836
(1,499)
19,619
632
1,151
5,442
0.06
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, 2016, 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
Page 49 of 53
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 (2013) 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, 2016.
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 effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2016.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we updated the design of our disclosure
controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting to include the
controls, policies and procedures of Protonex, which was acquired on October 1, 2015.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, there were no other 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 now includes controls,
policies and procedures covering both Protonex and Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S
(formerly Dantherm Power A/S).
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 which remain
substantively unchanged. The risks and uncertainties described 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, please see our Annual Information Form and other
filings with Canadian (www.sedar.com) and U.S. securities regulatory authorities
(www.sec.gov).
A summary of our identified risks and uncertainties are as follows:
We may not be able to successfully execute our business plan;
Page 50 of 53
In our Heavy-Duty Motive market, we depend on Chinese customers for a majority of
our revenues. Macro-economic conditions, including government subsidy programs
and significant and recent volatility in China’s capital markets, may adversely impact
our Chinese customer’s access to capital and program plans which could adversely
impact our business;
In our Technology Solutions market, we depend on a single customer for the
majority of our revenues;
In our Portable Power market, defense spending volatility could have an adverse
impact on our business;
In our Portable Power market, defense acquisition process changes could have an
adverse impact on our business;
In our Material Handling market, we depend on a single customer for the majority of
our revenues and are subject to risks from that customer’s internal stack
development and commercialization plans;
In our Heavy-Duty Motive market, a significant amount of operations are conducted
by a joint venture that we cannot operate solely for our benefit;
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;
Potential fluctuations in our financial and business results make forecasting difficult
and may restrict our access to funding for our commercialization plan;
We are dependent upon Original Equipment Manufacturers and Systems Integrators
to purchase certain of our products;
We may not be able to achieve commercialization of our products on the timetable
we anticipate, or at all;
A mass market for our products may never develop or may take longer to develop
than we anticipate;
We have limited experience manufacturing fuel cell products on a commercial basis;
Warranty claims could negatively
impact our gross margins and
financial
performance;
We could be adversely affected by risks associated with acquisitions;
We are subject to risks inherent in international operations;
We depend on our intellectual property, and our failure to protect that intellectual
property could adversely affect our expected future growth and success;
We may experience cybersecurity
technology
infrastructure and systems, and unauthorized attempts to gain access to our
proprietary or confidential
information, as may our customers, suppliers,
subcontractors and joint venture partners;
information
to our
threats
Global macro-economic conditions are beyond our control and may have an adverse
impact on our business or on our key suppliers and / or customers;
We currently face and will continue to face significant competition;
Page 51 of 53
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 are dependent on third party suppliers for the supply of key materials and
components for our products and services;
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
adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and profitability;
We could be liable for environmental damages resulting from our research,
development or manufacturing operations; and
Our products use flammable fuels and some generate high voltages, 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) 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 relating to our expectations with respect to the generation of new sales,
producing, delivering and selling the expected product and service volumes at the expected
prices, controlling our costs, and obtaining the expected benefits arising from the Protonex
acquisition. 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 and service 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 or service pricing; changes in our customers' requirements,
the competitive environment and related market conditions; product development delays;
changes in the availability or price of raw materials, labour and supplies; our ability to
Page 52 of 53
attract and retain business partners, suppliers, employees and customers; changing
environmental regulations including subsidies or incentives associated with the adoption of
clean energy products; 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; risks relating to the Company’s
successful integration of Protonex and its operations, such as the loss of key personnel due
to the transaction, the disruption to the operations of the Company and Protonex’ respective
businesses, the cost of integration exceeding that projected by Ballard, and the integration
failing to achieve the expected benefits of the transaction; 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 53 of 53
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in U.S. dollars)
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
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
(2013) 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, 2016. 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 eight 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, 2016. 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.
“RANDALL MACEWEN”
“TONY GUGLIELMIN”
RANDALL MACEWEN
President and
Chief Executive Officer
March 1, 2017
TONY GUGLIELMIN
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
March 1, 2017
KPMG LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3
Canada
Telephone
(604) 691-3000
Telephone (604) 691-3000
(604) 691-3031
(604) 691-3031
Fax
Fax
www.kpmg.ca
Internet
Internet
www.kpmg.ca
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
To the Shareholders and Directors of Ballard Power Systems Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Ballard Power Systems
Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the related consolidated statements of loss and
comprehensive loss, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated
financial statements are the responsibility of Ballard Power Systems Inc.’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 Ballard Power Systems Inc.as of December 31, 2016 and December
31, 2015, 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.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), Ballard Power Systems Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March
1, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Ballard Power Systems Inc.’s internal
control over financial reporting.
KPMG LLP (Signed)
Chartered Professional Accountants
March 1, 2017
Vancouver, Canada
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.
KPMG LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3
Canada
Telephone (604) 691-3000
Telephone
(604) 691-3000
(604) 691-3031
Fax
(604) 691-3031
Fax
www.kpmg.ca
www.kpmg.ca
Internet
Internet
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Shareholders and 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, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Ballard
Power Systems Inc.’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 titled “Management’s Report on Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Controls over
Financial Reporting” under the heading “Internal Control over Financial Reporting” included in the
Company’s Management’s 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.
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.
In our opinion, Ballard Power Systems Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based “criteria established in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO).
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 Ballard Power Systems Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and
the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, changes in equity, and cash flows for
the years then ended, and our report dated March 1, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those
consolidated financial statements.
KPMG LLP (Signed)
Chartered Professional Accountants
March 1, 2017
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
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
Non-current assets:
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Investments
Other long-term assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Trade and other payables
Deferred revenue
Provisions
Finance lease liability
Debt to Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S non-controlling interest
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities:
Finance lease liability
Deferred gain on finance lease
Provisions
Employee future benefits
Total liabilities
Equity:
Share capital
Contributed surplus
Accumulated deficit
Foreign currency reserve
Total equity attributable to equity holders
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S non-controlling interest
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Approved on behalf of the Board:
“Doug Hayhurst”
“Ian Bourne”
Director
Director
Note
December 31,
2016
December 31,
2015
8
9
10
11
12
13
$
72,628
14,924
17,228
2,973
107,753
15,701
18,083
40,562
1,191
156
$ 183,446
15
$
16
14 & 17
18
14 & 17
17
16
19
17,767
20,621
3,568
569
521
43,046
6,428
3,398
3,864
5,167
61,903
$
$
$
40,049
25,484
20,369
1,672
87,574
16,725
16,329
40,562
6
135
161,331
17,220
6,085
5,368
1,011
504
30,188
6,723
3,829
3,646
5,331
49,717
20
20
977,707
295,547
(1,149,128)
718
124,844
(3,301)
121,543
$ 183,446
$
948,213
293,332
(1,127,655)
567
114,457
(2,843)
111,614
161,331
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Statement of Loss and 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
Other expense
Total operating expenses
Results from operating activities
Finance income (loss) and other
Finance expense
Net finance expense
Gain (loss) on sale of assets
Gain on sale of intellectual property
Impairment charges on intangible assets and property, plant and
equipment
Loss before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net loss
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plans
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Foreign currency translation differences
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Total comprehensive loss
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Note
2016
2015
$
85,270
$
61,086
24,184
19,827
12,938
7,190
2,298
42,253
56,463
46,489
9,974
16,206
10,594
7,428
630
34,858
(18,069)
(24,884)
(777)
(686)
(1,463)
(623)
-
(1,151)
(21,306)
(381)
(21,687)
(361)
(361)
268
268
(93)
(305)
(794)
(1,099)
1
19,619
-
(6,363)
(211)
(6,574)
168
168
560
560
728
$
(21,780)
$
(5,846)
25
26
26
27
11
28
29
19
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Consolidated Statement of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (cont’d)
For the year ended December 31
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
Net loss attributable to:
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S non-controlling interest
Net loss
Total comprehensive loss attributable to:
Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S non-controlling interest
Total comprehensive loss
2016
2015
(21,112) $
(575)
(21,687) $
(5,815)
(759)
(6,574)
(21,322) $
(458)
(21,780) $
(5,351)
(495)
(5,846)
$
$
$
$
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Loss per share
$
($0.13) $
(0.04)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
163,449,737
140,393,579
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
Ballard
Power
Systems
Europe A/S
Balance, December 31, 2014
132,104,116 $
914,786 $
288,533 $ (1,121,671)
$
280
$
(2,694) $
79,234
Number of
shares
Share
capital
Contributed
surplus
Accumulated
deficit
Foreign
currency
reserve
Non-
controlling
interests
Total
equity
-
(5,815)
Net loss
Non-dilutive financing (note 21)
-
-
-
-
Net Offering proceeds (note 20)
9,343,750
13,389
Acquisition (note 7)
11,415,704
13,699
Private placement (note 20)
3,322,479
4,987
3,347
-
-
-
DSUs redeemed (note 20)
83,619
354
(520)
RSUs redeemed (note 20)
119,627
203
(345)
Options exercised (note 20)
322,892
627
(239)
Warrants exercised (note 20)
125,000
168
-
-
2,556
-
-
(337)
Share distribution plan
Ballard Power Systems Europe NCI
adjustment for cancellation of Azure
shares
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plan actuarial loss
Foreign currency translation for
foreign operations
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(759)
(6,574)
-
3,347
-
13,389
-
13,699
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,987
(166)
(142)
388
168
2,556
337
-
-
-
-
-
168
-
-
-
287
273
168
560
Balance, December 31, 2015
156,837,187 $
948,213 $
293,332 $ (1,127,655)
$
567
$
(2,843) $ 111,614
(21,112)
-
(575)
(21,687)
Net loss
-
-
Net Offering proceeds (note 20)
17,250,000
28,199
-
-
DSUs redeemed (note 20)
146,211
299
(565)
RSUs redeemed (note 20)
80,945
161
(283)
Options exercised (note 20)
435,287
835
(339)
Share distribution plan
-
-
3,402
Other comprehensive income:
Defined benefit plan actuarial loss
Foreign currency translation for
foreign operations
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
28,199
(266)
(122)
496
3,402
(361)
-
(361)
-
-
151
117
268
Balance, December 31, 2016
174,749,630 $ 977,707 $ 295,547 $ (1,149,128) $
718 $ (3,301) $ 121,543
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 in):
Operating activities:
Net loss for the year
Adjustments for:
Note
2016
2015
$
(21,687) $
(6,574)
Share-based compensation
Employee future benefits
Employee future benefits plan contributions
Depreciation and amortization
(Gain)/loss on decommissioning liabilities
(Gain)/loss on sale of assets
Gain on sale of intellectual property
Impairment charges on intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
Impairment loss on trade receivables
Unrealized (gain)/loss on forward contracts
20
27
11
28
25
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
Cash used in operating activities
Investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Net proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment and other
Additions to intangible assets
Net proceeds on sale of intangible assets
Cash and cash equivalents acquired on acquisition of Protonex
Acquisition of Protonex
Investment in associated companies
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Financing activities:
Non-dilutive equity financing
Net payment of finance lease liabilities
Net proceeds on issuance of share capital from underwritten Offering
Net proceeds on issuance of share capital from private placement
Net proceeds on issuance of share capital from stock option exercises
Net proceeds on issuance of share capital from warrant exercises
Cash provided by financing activities
10
27
11
11
7
7
4(a)&13
21
20
20
20
20
3,024
235
(760)
4,544
218
623
-
1,151
390
(151)
(12,413)
(771)
(2,339)
(1,322)
1,010
14,536
(2,605)
8,509
2,950
278
(740)
4,375
(602)
(1)
(19,619)
-
456
162
(19,315)
410
(5,550)
(166)
(1,344)
4,213
(3,612)
(6,049)
(3,904)
(25,364)
(2,778)
3,009
(4,103)
9,244
-
-
(180)
5,192
3,347
(1,042)
-
28,199
496
-
31,000
(2,282)
1
(1,604)
29,475
1,464
(3,772)
-
23,282
-
(845)
13,389
4,987
388
168
18,087
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents held
291
373
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
32,579
40,049
$
72,628
$
16,378
23,671
40,049
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (note 31).
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(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 proton exchange membrane (“PEM”) fuel cell
products for a variety of applications, focusing on the power product markets of Heavy-Duty
Motive (consisting of bus and tram applications), Portable Power, Material Handling and Backup
Power, as well as the delivery of Technology Solutions, including engineering services, technology
transfer and the license and sale of the Corporation’s extensive intellectual property portfolio and
fundamental knowledge 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 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, 2016 comprise the
Corporation and its subsidiaries (note 4(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
March 1, 2017.
(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 of the present value of the
defined benefit obligation, less the fair value of plan assets.
(c) Functional and presentation currency:
These consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, which is the Corporation’s
functional currency.
10
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
2. Basis of preparation (cont’d):
(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, impairment loss (recoveries) on trade receivables,
employee future benefits, and income taxes. These estimates and judgments are discussed
further in note 5.
(e) Future operations:
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. The Corporation has forecast its cash flows for the foreseeable future and
despite the ongoing volatility and uncertainties inherent in the business, the Corporation believes
it has adequate liquidity in cash and working capital to finance its operations. 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 revenue growth, improving overall gross margins, and managing
operating expenses and working capital requirements. Failure to implement this plan could have a
material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and or results of operations.
3. Changes in accounting policies:
The Corporation has consistently applied the accounting policies set out in note 4 to all periods
presented in these consolidated financial statements. The Corporation did not adopt any new
accounting standard changes or amendments during the year ended December 31, 2016 that had
a material impact on these consolidated financial statements.
11
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. 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 Power Corporation
Ballard Services Inc.
Ballard Hong Kong Ltd.
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S
Protonex Technology Corporation
Percentage ownership
2016
100%
100%
100%
100%
57%
100%
2015
100%
100%
100%
N/A
57%
100%
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Corporation. The Corporation controls an entity when it
is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the
ability to affect those returns though its power over the entity. 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.
On July 19, 2016, the Corporation incorporated Ballard Hong Kong Ltd (“BHKL”), a 100% owned
holding company in Hong Kong, China.
On September 26, 2016, the Corporation, through BHKL, entered into a joint venture agreement
with Guangdong Nation Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology Co., Ltd (“Synergy”) to create a new
limited liability company based in China called Guangdong Synergy Ballard Hydrogen Power Co.,
Ltd (“Synergy JVCo”). The purpose of Synergy JVCo is to carry out the Mk9 SSL fuel cell stack
technology transfer transaction that was contemplated in the Mk 9 SSL Manufacturing Master
Agreement (and subsequent definitive signed agreements) to establish Mk9 SSL fuel cell stack
manufacturing capabilities in China.
12
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(a) Basis of consolidation (cont’d):
In setting up the joint venture, as specified in the Equity Joint Venture Agreement (“EJV”) dated
September 26, 2016, Synergy will contribute RMB 60,300,000 (approximately $9,000,000) and
the Corporation will contribute RMB 6,700,000, (approximately $1,000,000) by March 25, 2017
which represents 90% and 10% of the registered capital in Synergy JVCo, respectively. The
parties will make their contributions in cash and are not obligated to contribute any additional
capital in excess of the amounts noted above. Synergy JVCo is not controlled by the Corporation
and therefore is not consolidated. The Corporation’s 10% investment in Synergy JVCo will instead
be accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Although the Corporation is not obligated
to pay for its 10% investment in Synergy JVCo until March 25, 2017, it obtained ownership of the
10% investment as of the date of the EJV. This RMB 6,700,000 payable has been accrued by the
Corporation as of December 31, 2016.
On October 1, 2015, the Corporation acquired Protonex Technology Corporation (note 7), a
leading designer and manufacturer of advanced power management products and portable fuel
cell solutions.
On January 18, 2010, the Corporation acquired a controlling 45% interest in Ballard Power
Systems Europe A/S (“BPSE”). BPSE has been consolidated since acquisition. Acquisitions of non-
controlling interest are accounted as transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity
holders; therefore no gain or loss is recognized as a result of such transactions. In August 2010,
the Corporation acquired an additional 7% interest in BPSE and a further 5% interest in December
2012. On March 31, 2013, Azure Hydrogen Energy Science and Technology Corporation (“Azure”)
acquired a 10% ownership interest in BPSE, which reduced the Corporation’s interest from 57% to
51.3%. On June 8, 2015, the Corporation agreed to a mutual release with Azure whereby each
party mutually released and forever discharged each other from any and all liability arising from
the prior year’s licensing agreements. Pursuant to the Azure Mutual Release Agreement, Azure
returned its 10% ownership position in BPSE for $nil proceeds, upon which the shares were
cancelled by BPSE on June 17, 2015. Following the Azure Mutual Release Agreement, the
Corporation’s controlling ownership position in BPSE was increased from 52% to 57%. The
remaining 43% interest was held by Dansk Industri Invest A/S (previously Dantherm A/S). On
January 5, 2017, the Corporation purchased all of the shares in its European subsidiary held by
Dansk Industri Invest A/S for a nominal value of $43,000 (note 34).
13
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. 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 the presentation currency
using exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations
are translated to the presentation currency using exchange rates at the dates of the
transactions. Foreign currency differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.
(c) Financial instruments:
(i) Financial assets
The Corporation initially recognizes loans and receivables and deposits on the date that they
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 profit or loss.
14
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(c) Financial instruments (cont’d):
(i) Financial assets (cont’d)
The Corporation also periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts and platinum
futures contracts to limit its respective exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations and
platinum price 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 profit or loss, unless these financial instruments are designated as hedges
(note 4 (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. 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.
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.
15
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(c) Financial instruments (cont’d):
(ii) Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities comprise the Corporation’s trade and other payables and debt to BPSE non-
controlling shareholders. 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.
(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.
If designated in a qualifying 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.
16
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(c) Financial instruments (cont’d):
(iv) Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting (cont’d)
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.
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, or 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.
17
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(d) Inventories (cont’d):
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:
(i) Recognition and measurement
Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation
and any accumulated impairment losses. 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. If significant parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have
different useful lives, then they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of
property, plant and equipment.
Any gain or loss on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in profit
or loss.
(ii) Subsequent expenditure
Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only if it is probable that the future economic benefits
associated with the expenditure will flow to the Corporation.
(iii) Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write-off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment less
their estimated residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful
lives, and is generally recognized in profit or loss. Leased assets are depreciated over the
shorter of the lease term and their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the
Corporation will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term.
The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment for current and comparative
periods are as follows:
Building under finance lease
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under finance lease
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
18
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(e) Property, plant and equipment (cont’d):
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date
and adjusted if appropriate.
(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 finance expense
and the reduction of the outstanding liability. 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.
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:
(i) Recognition and measurement
Goodwill
Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is measured at cost less
accumulated impairment losses.
Research and development Expenditure on research activities is recognized in profit or loss as
incurred.
Development expenditure is capitalized only if the expenditure 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 and to
use or sell the asset. Otherwise, it is recognized in profit or loss as
incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, development expenditure is
measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated
impairment losses.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets, including patents, know-how, in-process research and
development, trademarks and service marks and software systems that
are acquired or developed by the Corporation and have finite useful lives
are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated
impairment losses.
19
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(g) Goodwill and intangible assets (cont’d):
(ii) Subsequent expenditure
Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic benefits
embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure, including expenditure
on internally generated goodwill, is recognized in profit or loss as incurred.
(iii) Amortization
Amortization is calculated to write-off the cost of intangible assets less their estimated residual
values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, and is recognized in
profit or loss. Goodwill is not amortized.
The estimated useful lives for current and comparative periods are as follows:
Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets
Patents, know-how and in-process research & development
ERP management reporting software system
Trademarks and service marks
Domain names
Customer base and relationships
Acquired non-compete agreements
5 years
5 to 20 years
7 years
15 years
15 years
10 years
1 year
Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date
and adjusted if appropriate.
(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.
20
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(h) Impairment (cont’d):
(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.
The allocation of goodwill to cash-generating units reflects the lowest level at which goodwill is
monitored for internal reporting purposes.
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 expense.
21
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(i) Provisions (cont’d):
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 the net present value of the
expected costs of settlement 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
the ultimate settlement amount and the increase in asset value is depreciated over the remaining
useful life of the asset.
(j) Revenue recognition:
The Corporation generates revenues primarily from product sales and services, the license and
sale of intellectual property and fundamental knowledge, and the provision of engineering services
and technology transfer services. Product and service revenues are derived primarily from
standard equipment and material sales contracts and from long-term fixed price contracts.
Intellectual property and fundamental knowledge license and sale revenues are derived primarily
from licensing and sale and technology transfer agreements and from long-term fixed price
contracts. Engineering service and technology transfer services revenue is 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) 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 standard licensing and sale and technology transfer agreements, revenues are recognized on
the transfer of rights to the licensee if: (i) the rights to the assets are assigned to the licensee in
return for a fixed fee or a non-refundable guarantee; (ii) the contract is non-cancellable; (iii) the
licensee is able to exploit its rights to the asset freely; and (iv) the Corporation has no remaining
obligations to perform. In other cases, the proceeds are considered to relate to the right to use
the asset over the license period and the revenue is recognized over that period.
22
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(j) Revenue recognition (cont’d):
On cost-plus reimbursable contracts, revenues are recognized as costs are incurred, and include
applicable fees earned as services are provided.
On long-term fixed price contracts, revenues are recognized on the percentage-of-completion
basis over the duration of the contract, which consists of recognizing revenue on a given contract
proportionately with its percentage of completion at any given time. The percentage of completion
is determined by dividing the cumulative costs incurred as at the balance sheet date by the sum of
incurred and anticipated costs for completing a contract.
The cumulative effect of changes to anticipated revenues and anticipated costs for completing a
contract are recognized in the period in which the revisions are identified. In the event that the
anticipated costs exceed the anticipated revenues on a contract, such loss is recognized in its
entirety in the period it becomes known.
Deferred revenue represents cash received from customers in excess of revenue recognized on
uncompleted contracts.
(k) Finance income and expense:
Finance income comprises 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 expense 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.
(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.
23
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(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 pension 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.
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.
The Corporation recognizes all remeasurements arising from defined benefit plans, which comprise
actuarial gains and losses, immediately in other comprehensive income. Remeasurements
recognized in other comprehensive income are not recycled through profit or loss in subsequent
periods.
24
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(m) Employee benefits (cont’d):
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 (restructuring expense recorded in other
operating 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.
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.
25
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
4. Significant accounting policies (cont’d):
(n) Share-based compensation plans (cont’d):
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 20. 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.
(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.
26
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
5. Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation
uncertainty:
Critical judgments in applying accounting policies:
Critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying the Corporation’s
accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the
consolidated financial statements are limited to management’s assessment of the Corporation’s
ability to continue as a going concern (note 2(e)).
Key sources of estimation uncertainty:
The following are key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation
uncertainty that have significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the reported amount
of assets, liabilities, income and expenses within the next fiscal year.
(a) Revenue recognition:
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 the Corporation’s 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 management’s
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. If the anticipated costs exceed the anticipated revenues on a contract,
such loss is recognized in its entirety in the period it becomes known.
27
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
5. Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation
uncertainty (cont’d):
(b) Asset impairment:
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. The allocation of goodwill to cash-
generating units reflects the lowest level at 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, the revenue growth rate could be
lower than projected due to economic, industry or competitive factors, or the discount rate used in
the value in use model could increase due to a change in market interest rates. In addition, future
goodwill impairment charges may be necessary if the market capitalization decreased due to a
decline in the trading price of the Corporation’s common stock, which could negatively impact the
fair value of the Corporation’s operating segments.
(c) Warranty provision:
A provision for warranty costs is recorded on product sales at the time of shipment. 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.
28
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
5. 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 provision 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 negative
impact on the value of inventory on hand, appropriate provision 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) Impairment loss (recoveries) on trade receivables:
Trade and other receivables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently at amortized
cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. Fair value is estimated as
the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting
date. In determining the fair value of trade and other receivables and establishing the appropriate
provision for doubtful accounts, management performs regular reviews to estimate the likelihood
that trade and other receivables will ultimately be collected in a timely manner. Where
management determines that customer collectability issues have occurred and will have a
negative impact on the value of trade and other receivables, appropriate provisions are made. If
there is a subsequent recovery in the value of trade and other receivables, reversals of previous
write-downs to fair value are made. Unforeseen changes in these factors could result in additional
impairment provisions, or reversals of previous impairment provisions, being required.
(f) 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.
29
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
5. Critical judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation
uncertainty (cont’d):
(g) 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.
6. Recent accounting pronouncements and future accounting policy changes:
The Corporation did not adopt any new accounting standard changes or amendments in 2016 that
had a material impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
The following is an overview of accounting standard changes that the Corporation will be required
to adopt in future years.
(a) IFRS 2 – Share-based payments
On June 20, 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based Payment, clarifying how
to account for certain types of share-based payment transactions.
The amendments provide requirements on the accounting for:
the effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions on the measurement of cash-settled share-
based payments;
share-based payment transactions with a net settlement feature for withholding tax
obligations; and
a modification to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment that changes the
classification of the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled.
The amendments apply for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. As a practical
simplification, the amendments can be applied prospectively. Retrospective, or early, application is
permitted if information is available without the use of hindsight. The Corporation intends to adopt
the amendments to IFRS 2 in its financial statements for the fiscal year beginning on January 1,
2018. The extent of the impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.
(b) IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers
On May 28, 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. IFRS 15 will
replace IAS 11 Construction Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue, IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes,
IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18 Transfer of Assets from
Customers, and SIC 31 Revenue – Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services. On April 12,
2016, the IASB issued Clarifications to IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which is
effective at the same time as IFRS 15.
30
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
6. Recent accounting pronouncements and future accounting policy changes (cont’d):
(b) IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (cont’d)
IFRS 15 contains a single model that applies to contracts with customers and two approaches to
recognizing revenue: at a point in time or over time. The model features a contract-based five-
step analysis of transactions to determine whether, how much, and when revenue is recognized.
New estimates and judgmental thresholds have been introduced, which may affect the amount
and/or timing of revenue recognized. The new standard applies to contracts with customers. It
does not apply to insurance contracts, financial instruments or lease contracts, which fall in the
scope of other IFRSs. The clarifications to IFRS 15 provide additional guidance with respect to the
five-step analysis, transition, and the application of the Standard to licenses of intellectual
property.
The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and is
available for early adoption. The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 15 in its financial statements
for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2018. The extent of the impact of adoption of the
standard has not yet been determined.
(c) IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments
On July 24, 2014, the IASB issued the complete IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9 (2014)”).
IFRS 9 (2014) introduces new requirements for the classification and measurement of financial
assets. Under IFRS 9 (2014), financial assets are classified and measured based on the business
model in which they are held and the characteristics of their contractual cash flows.
The standard introduces additional changes relating to financial liabilities. It also amends the
impairment model by introducing a new ‘expected credit loss’ model for calculating impairment.
IFRS 9 (2014) also includes a new general hedge accounting standard which aligns hedge
accounting more closely with risk management. This new standard does not fundamentally change
the types of hedging relationships or the requirement to measure and recognize ineffectiveness;
however it will provide more hedging strategies that are used for risk management to qualify for
hedge accounting and introduce more judgment to assess the effectiveness of a hedging
relationship. Special transitional requirements have been set for the application of the new general
hedging model.
The mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 (2014) is for annual periods beginning on or after January
1, 2018 and must be applied retrospectively with some exemptions. Early adoption is permitted.
The restatement of prior periods is not required and is only permitted if information is available
without the use of hindsight. The Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 9 (2014) in its financial
statements for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2018. The extent of the impact of adoption
of the standard has not yet been determined.
31
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
6. Recent accounting pronouncements and future accounting policy changes (cont’d):
(d) IFRS 16 – Leases
On January 13, 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases. IFRS 16 introduces a single lessee
accounting model and requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with a term
of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee is required to
recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and a lease
liability representing its obligation to make lease payments.
This standard substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements of IAS 17, while
requiring enhanced disclosures to be provided by lessors. Other areas of the lease accounting
model have been impacted, including the definition of a lease. Transitional provisions have been
provided.
The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Early
adoption is permitted for entities that apply IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers as at
or before the date of initial adoption of IFRS 16. IFRS 16 will replace IAS 17 Leases. The
Corporation intends to adopt IFRS 16 in its financial statements for the fiscal year beginning on
January 1, 2019. The extent of the impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been
determined.
7. Acquisition:
On October 1, 2015, the Corporation completed the acquisition of Protonex, a leading designer
and manufacturer of advanced power management products and portable fuel cell solutions. As
consideration for the transaction, the Corporation assumed and paid certain of Protonex’ debt
obligations and transaction costs on closing of $3,772,000, and issued 11,415,704 of Ballard
shares at fair value of $1.20 per share at a total value of $13,699,000, for total purchase
consideration of $17,471,000. The fair value of the Corporation’s 11,415,704 common shares has
been measured for accounting purposes using the closing price of the Ballard common shares on
the day immediately preceding the acquisition date.
The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of
accounting in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations. As such, consideration given by the
Corporation to acquire Protonex has been allocated to the assets acquired, and the liabilities
assumed, based on their fair values as of the acquisition date of October 1, 2015.
32
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
7. Acquisition (cont’d):
The fair value of purchase consideration is as follows:
Total Ballard shares issued on closing
Ballard Share Price pre-closing
Fair value of Ballard shares
Cash paid to Protonex for transaction costs assumed
Cash paid direct to lender to settle Protonex debt obligations
Total cash paid
Total purchase consideration
11,415,704
$1.20
$
13,699
1,397
2,375
3,772
$
17,471
In accordance with IFRS 3, the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of a
business combination are recognized separately from goodwill at the acquisition date if they meet
the definition of an asset or liability and are exchanged as part of the business combination. The
identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are then measured at their acquisition date fair
values based on the contractual terms, economic conditions, the Corporation’s operating and
accounting policies and other pertinent conditions as of the acquisition date. The fair value review
of Protonex’ assets and liabilities commenced with a review of the carrying amount of each
respective asset and liability. The carrying amounts of all assets and liabilities were audited as of
September 30, 2015 (the former fiscal year-end of Protonex) and included confirmation of
existence and a review of potential impairment of all significant assets and a review for
completeness of all liabilities. Each asset and liability was then reviewed and measured for
potential fair value adjustments from carrying cost to arrive at each asset and liability’s
preliminary fair value as of the acquisition date of October 1, 2015.
The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows:
Net assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Inventory
Other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Other long-term assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue
Accrued warranty obligations
Payable to Ballard Power
Other long-term liabilities
Total purchase consideration
$
1,464
558
2,330
167
1,223
11,138
4,272
22
(2,676)
(275)
(47)
(703)
(2)
$
17,471
33
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
7. Acquisition (cont’d):
The goodwill of $4,272,000 resulting from the acquisition consists largely of the expectation that
the acquisition will complement the Corporation’s Fuel Cell Products and Services growth platform
by delivering strategic benefits in diversification, growth, scale, and profitability.
Identified intangible assets of $11,138,000 consist of the following and are being amortized based
on the following useful lives:
Fair value of Identified Intangible Assets
Patents, know-how and in-process research & development
$
Customer base and relationships
Trademarks and service marks
Domain names
Non-compete agreements
Estimated
Useful Life
20 years
10 years
15 years
15 years
1 year
8,973
986
1,135
17
27
$
11,138
Acquisition and integration costs of $43,000 (2015 - $1,542,000) were incurred in 2016 as a
result of the transaction, and are recognized in other operating expense (note 25).
8. Trade and other receivables:
Trade receivables
Other
9. Inventories:
Raw materials and consumables
Work-in-progress
Finished goods
Service inventory
December 31,
December 31,
2016
2015
$
11,026
$
23,664
3,898
1,820
$
14,924
$
25,484
December 31,
December 31,
2016
2015
$
13,039
$
15,289
1,879
654
1,656
739
3,388
953
$
17,228
$
20,369
In 2016, changes in raw materials and consumables, finished goods and work-in-progress
recognized as cost of product and service revenues amounted to $40,172,000 (2015 -
$17,905,000).
34
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
9. Inventories (cont’d):
In 2016, the write-down of inventories to net realizable value amounted to $879,000 (2015 -
$855,000) and the reversal of previously recorded write-downs amounted to $273,000 (2015 -
$239,000), resulting in a net write-down of $606,000 (2015 - $616,000). 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.
10. Property, plant and equipment:
Net carrying amounts
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
December 31,
December 31,
2016
2015
$
6,631
$
7,443
1,049
185
-
2,188
5,013
635
826
229
26
2,741
4,506
954
$
15,701
$
16,725
Cost
December 31,
2015
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Effect of
movements in
exchange rates
December 31,
2016
Building under finance lease
$
12,180
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
12,180
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under finance lease
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment under
finance lease
5,133
566
(1,090)
891
317
9,079
31,182
3,667
20
-
89
(63)
-
(366)
-
317
(317)
-
2,103
(1,623)
1,393
-
(196)
(1,393)
(2)
(2)
-
(8)
(2)
-
4,607
1,163
-
8,794
33,053
2,078
$
62,449
$
2,778
$
(3,338)
$
-
$
(14)
$
61,875
Accumulated depreciation and
impairment loss
December 31,
2015
Depreciation
Impairment
loss
Disposals
Transfers
Effect of
movements in
exchange rates
December 31,
2016
Building under finance lease
$
4,737
$
812
$
-
$
-
$
- $
-
$
5,549
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under
finance lease
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment
under finance lease
4,307
662
291
6,338
26,676
2,713
329
62
26
617
1,231
319
14
3
-
24
340
-
(1,090)
(64)
-
317
-
(317)
(365)
-
(1,598)
1,393
(196)
(1,393)
(2)
(2)
-
(8)
(2)
-
3,558
978
-
6,606
28,040
1,443
$
45,724
$
3,396
$
381
$
(3,313) $
-
$
(14)
$
46,174
Transfers in 2016 relate to the buy-out of certain leased production and test equipment which
were transferred back into property, plant, and equipment.
35
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
10. Property, plant and equipment (cont’d):
Additions
Effect of
December 31,
through
movements in
December 31,
Cost
2014
Acquisition
Additions
Disposals
exchange rates
2015
Building under finance lease
$
12,180 $
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
12,180
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under
finance lease
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment
under finance lease
4,600
685
317
8,779
29,308
3,667
165
83
-
350
625
-
428
137
-
95
1,622
-
(49)
(3)
-
(105)
(364)
-
(11)
(11)
-
(40)
(9)
-
5,133
891
317
9,079
31,182
3,667
$
59,536 $
1,223
$ 2,282
$
(521)
$
(71) $
62,449
During 2015, additions through acquisition of property, plant and equipment relate to the
acquisition of Protonex on October 1, 2015 (note 7).
Effect of
Accumulated depreciation and
December 31,
movements in
December 31,
impairment loss
2014 Depreciation
Disposals
exchange rates
2015
Building under finance lease
$
3,925
$
812
$
-
$
- $
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and fixtures under finance lease
Leasehold improvements
Production and test equipment
Production and test equipment under
finance lease
4,157
654
227
5,785
25,927
2,176
210
21
64
589
1,123
537
(49)
(3)
-
-
(365)
-
(11)
(10)
-
(36)
(9)
-
4,737
4,307
662
291
6,338
26,676
2,713
$
42,851
$
3,356
$
(417)
$
(66) $
45,724
Leased assets
The Corporation leases certain assets under finance lease agreements including the Corporation’s
head office building in Burnaby, British Columbia and certain machinery (note 17).
Impairment loss
The Corporation recorded an impairment loss on property, plant and equipment of $381,000 in
2016 related to the write-off of certain methanol Telecom Backup Power assets to their estimated
net realizable value of $nil (note 28).
There were no impairment losses or reversals of previously recorded impairment losses recognized
against property, plant and equipment in 2015.
36
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
11. Intangible assets:
Intellectual property acquired from UTC
Intellectual property acquired from Idatech, LLC
Intellectual property acquired from H2 Logic A/S
Intellectual property acquired from Protonex (note 7)
Internally generated fuel cell intangible assets
ERP management reporting software system
Intellectual property acquired by Ballard Power Systems Europe
December 31,
December 31,
2016
$
2,311
$
-
215
10,331
2,182
3,015
29
2015
2,757
914
301
10,975
1,382
-
-
$
18,083
$
16,329
Intangible assets
Balance
At January 1, 2015
Additions to and acquisition of intangible assets
Amortization expense
Disposals
At December 31, 2015
Additions to and acquisition of intangible assets
Amortization expense
Impairment (note 27)
At December 31, 2016
Accumulated
Net carrying
Cost
amortization
amount
$
69,528
$
45,377
$
24,151
12,742
-
(20,202)
62,068
4,103
-
-
-
1,464
(1,102)
45,739
-
1,579
770
12,742
(1,464)
(19,100)
16,329
4,103
(1,579)
(770)
$
66,171
$
48,088
$
18,083
Amortization expense on intangible assets is allocated to research and product development
expense or general and administration expense depending upon the nature of the underlying
assets. In 2016, amortization of $1,579,000 (2015 - $1,464,000) was recorded. During the year
ended December 31, 2016, impairment charges of $770,000 were recorded (note 28).
ERP Management Reporting Software System
In 2016, the Corporation commenced the process to replace its incumbent financial and other
resource systems with a fully integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) management
reporting software system. The implementation of this company-wide, cloud-based ERP system is
expected to provide the Corporation with enhanced reporting capabilities. The Corporation has
assessed its expenditure on the ERP implementation to be internally generated intangible assets.
During 2016, total development expenditures of $3,015,000 have been capitalized at cost. The
estimated useful life has been assessed as seven years. Amortization of the expenditures related
to the first phase will commence upon the initial Go Live date of January 3, 2017.
37
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
11. Intangible assets (cont’d):
Internally Generated Fuel Cell Intangible Assets
In 2015, the Corporation commenced development of two new configurations of its fuel cell
module for heavy-duty motive applications. The Corporation’s initial 85kW configuration is
typically used to power large urban transit buses. The two new product configurations are
expected to deliver net power of 30kW and 60kW, respectively, with sales launched in 2016 to
power smaller buses and to provide range extension solutions. The Corporation has assessed its
development expenditure on these product configurations to be internally generated intangible
assets. During 2016, total development expenditures of $1,053,000 (2015 - $1,395,000) have
been capitalized at cost. The estimated useful life has been assessed as five years. In 2016,
amortization of $253,000 (2015 - $13,000) was recorded on these assets.
Sale of Intellectual Property to Volkswagen
On February 11, 2015, the Corporation entered into a transaction (“Volkswagen IP Agreement”)
with Volkswagen Group (“Volkswagen”) to transfer to Volkswagen in two separate transactions the
automotive-related portion of the UTC Portfolio, in exchange for total payments of $50,000,000:
(i) On the closing of the initial transaction on February 23, 2015, the Corporation transferred
ownership of the automotive-related patents and patent applications of United Technologies
Corporation (the “UTC Portfolio”) in exchange for $40,000,000. This receipt triggered a 25%,
or $10,000,000, license fee payment to UTC. Although ownership of the patents and patent
applications was transferred to Volkswagen, the Corporation received a royalty-free back-
license to all the transferred patents and patent applications for use in all of the Corporation’s
non-automotive applications, in bus applications, and in certain limited pre-commercial
automotive applications.
(ii) On December 2, 2015, the Corporation sold a copy of the automotive-related know-how of the
UTC Portfolio for consideration receivable of $10,000,000 which was collected in the three
months ended March 31, 2016. This receipt triggered a 9%, or $900,000 license fee payment
to UTC in 2016. On the closing of the sale of a copy of the know-how, the Corporation retained
full ownership of the know-how, including the right to sell additional copies of the know-how to
third parties as well as retaining the right to use the know-how in all of the Corporation’s
applications.
38
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
11. Intangible assets (cont’d):
On the closing of the sale of the automotive-related patents and patent applications of the UTC
Portfolio on February 23, 2015, the Corporation recognized a gain on sale of intellectual property
of $14,195,000 on net proceeds of $29,475,000.
Gross proceeds
Less: License fee
Disposition costs
Net proceeds received in the first three months of 2015
Less: Net book value of disposed intellectual property
$
40,000
(10,000)
(525)
29,475
(15,280)
Gain on sale of intellectual property in the first three months of 2015
$
14,195
On the closing of the sale of a copy of the automotive-related know-how on December 2, 2015,
the Corporation recognized a gain on sale of intellectual property of $5,424,000 on net proceeds
receivable of $9,244,000. The net proceeds on sale of $9,244,000 were collected during the three
months ended March 31, 2016.
Gross proceeds
Less: License fee
Disposition recovery (costs)
Net proceeds received in the first three months of 2016
Less: Net book value of disposed intellectual property
$
10,000
(900)
144
9,244
(3,820)
Gain on sale of intellectual property in the last three months of 2015
$
5,424
After the conclusion of the Volkswagen Agreement, the net carrying amount of the remaining
intangible assets of the UTC Portfolio of $2,311,000 as of December 31, 2016 (2015 - $2,757,000)
consists of certain stationary related fuel cell intellectual property assets and the royalty-free
back-license from Volkswagen to utilize the entire UTC Portfolio in the Corporation’s bus and non-
automotive applications and in certain limited re-commercial purposes for automotive applications.
The estimated useful life of the remaining UTC Portfolio has been reassessed from approximately
fourteen years to seven years, and is being amortized over seven years from the date of the
Volkswagen IP Agreement.
UTC Intellectual Property Acquisition
On April 24, 2014, the Corporation acquired the UTC Portfolio for total consideration of
$22,307,000. The acquired UTC Portfolio assets consist of approximately 800 patents and patent
applications, as well as patent licenses, invention disclosures and know-how primarily related to
PEM fuel cell technology.
39
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
11. Intangible assets (cont’d):
As consideration for the UTC Portfolio, UTC received 5,121,507 of the Corporation’s common
shares valued at $20,307,000, $2,000,000 in cash, a grant back license to use the patent portfolio
in UTC’s existing businesses, and a portion of royalties, typically 25%, on the Corporation’s future
intellectual property sale or licensing income generated from the combined intellectual property
portfolio for a period of 15 years to April 2029.
12. 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 31).
Fuel Cell Products and Services
As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate carrying amount of the Corporation’s goodwill is
$40,562,000 (2015 - $40,562,000).
The impairment testing 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.
The Corporation’s fair value test is in effect a modified market capitalization assessment, whereby
the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products and Services segment is determined by first calculating the
value of the Corporation at December 31, 2016 based on the average closing share price in the
month of December, adding a reasonable estimated control premium to determine the
Corporation’s enterprise value on a controlling basis after adjusting for excess cash balances, and
deducting the estimated costs to sell from this enterprise value, arriving at the fair value of the
Fuel Cell Products and Services segment. Based on the fair value test, the Corporation has
determined that the fair value of the Fuel Cell Products and Services segment exceeds its carrying
value as of December 31, 2016.
In addition to the fair value test, the Corporation also performed a value in use test on the Fuel
Cell Products and Services 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 significant estimation are the projected results of
operations, the discount rate based on the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), and
terminal value assumptions. The Corporation’s value in use test was based on a WACC of 15%;
an average estimated compound annual growth rate of approximately 25% from 2017 to 2022;
and a terminal year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”)
multiplied by a terminal value multiplier of 10. The value in use assessment resulted in an
estimated fair value for the Fuel Cell Products and Services segment that is consistent with that
determined under the fair value, less costs to sell, assessment.
40
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
12. Goodwill (cont’d):
As the recoverable amount of the Fuel Cell Products and Services segment was determined to be
greater than its carrying amount, no impairment loss was recorded in 2016 or 2015.
13. Investments:
Investment in Synergy JVCo (note 4)
Other
14. Bank facilities:
December 31,
December 31,
2016
2015
$
1,185
$
6
$
1,191
$
-
6
6
The Corporation has certain bank facilities available to it, which are secured by a hypothecation of
the Corporation’s cash and cash equivalents.
Bank Operating Line
The Corporation has a demand revolving facility (“Bank Operating Line”) in which an operating line
of credit of up to CDN $7,000,000 is made available to be drawn upon by the Corporation. The
Bank Operating Line can be 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.
There was no activity under the Bank Operating Line in 2016, and there were no outstanding
amounts payable on the Bank Operating Line as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Leasing Facility
The Corporation also has a CDN $1,830,770 capital leasing facility (“Leasing Facility”) which can
be utilized to finance the acquisition and lease of operating equipment (notes 10 & 17). Interest is
charged on outstanding amounts at the bank’s prime rate per annum and is repayable on demand
by the bank in the event of certain conditions.
At December 31, 2016, a nominal amount (2015 - $510,000) was outstanding on the Leasing
Facility which is included in the finance lease liability (note 17. The remaining $6,997,000 finance
lease liability primarily relates to the lease of the Corporation’s head office building and machinery
leased by its subsidiary, Protonex.
41
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
14. Bank facilities (cont’d):
Forward Contract Facility
The Corporation also has a CDN $5,000,000 demand revolving line (“Forward Contract Facility”)
and a CDN $15,000,000 credit facility (“EncoreFX Facility”), which are both available for use when
the Corporation purchases forward foreign exchange contracts or forward platinum contracts used
to hedge against currency and platinum price fluctuations, respectively.
Periodically, the Corporation uses forward foreign exchange and forward platinum purchase
contracts to manage exposure to currency rate fluctuations and platinum price fluctuations. These
contracts are recorded at their fair value as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. Any
changes in fair value are either (i) recorded in the statement of comprehensive income if formally
designated and qualified under hedge accounting criteria; or (ii) recorded in the statement of
operations if either not designated, or not qualified, under hedge accounting criteria.
At December 31, 2016, the Corporation had outstanding foreign exchange currency contracts to
purchase a total of CDN $10,750,000 (2015 – CDN $10,750,000) at an average rate of 1.32 CDN
per U.S. dollar, resulting in an unrealized gain of CDN $220,000 at December 31, 2016 (2015 –
unrealized loss of CDN $392,000). The outstanding foreign exchange currency contracts are not
qualified under hedge accounting.
15. Trade and other payables:
Trade accounts payable
Compensation payable
Other liabilities
Taxes payable
December 31,
December 31,
2016
$
5,970
$
8,056
3,464
277
2015
9,030
4,137
3,641
412
$
17,767
$
17,220
42
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
16. Provisions:
Balance
At January 1, 2015
provision
provision
liabilities
Total
$
78
$
8,932
$
4,353
$
13,363
Restructuring
Warranty
Decommissioning
Provisions acquired through acquisition
Provisions made during the year
Provisions used/paid during the year
Provisions reversed during the year
Effect of movements in exchange rates
At December 31, 2015
Provisions made during the year
Provisions used/paid during the year
Provisions reversed during the year
Effect of movements in exchange rates
-
-
(47)
(24)
-
7
2,323
(1,501)
(7)
(9)
47
1,171
(2,473)
(1,620)
(696)
5,361
2,109
(3,246)
(1,533)
64
At December 31, 2016
$
813
$
2,755
Current
Non-current
$
813
$
2,755
-
-
$
813
$
2,755
-
110
-
(104)
(713)
3,646
106
-
-
112
47
1,281
(2,520)
(1,748)
(1,409)
9,014
4,538
(4,747)
(1,540)
167
$
$
$
3,864
$
7,432
-
$
3,864
3,864
$
3,568
3,864
7,432
Restructuring Provision
Restructuring charges relate to cost reduction initiatives that included the elimination of
approximately 50 positions including the elimination of three executive level positions. These cost
reduction initiatives were primarily focused on reducing the operating cost base associated with
methanol Telecom Backup Power activities as the Corporation continued to review strategic
alternatives for these assets prior to the transaction with Chung-Hsin Electric & Machinery
Manufacturing Corporation (“CHEM”) (note 26).
Warranty provision
The Corporation recorded $2,109,000 of warranty provisions (2015 - $1,171,000) of which
$1,132,000 related to new product sales (2015 - $890,000) and $977,000 related to upward
warranty adjustments (2015 - $281,000). This was offset by warranty expenditures of $3,246,000
(2015 - $2,473,000) and downward warranty adjustments of $1,533,000 (2015 - $1,620,000),
due primarily to contractual expirations and changes in estimated and actual costs to repair. The
remaining $64,000 reduction to the warranty provision related to the effect of movements in
exchange rates (2015 – $696,000).
43
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
16. Provisions (cont’d):
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 estimated site restoration obligations at the end of
their respective lease terms. The Corporation has made certain modifications to the leased
buildings to facilitate the manufacturing and testing of its fuel cell products. Consequently, the
site restoration obligations relate primarily to dismantling and removing various manufacturing
and test equipment and restoring the infrastructures of the leased buildings to their original states
of when the respective leases were entered into.
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 reasonably
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 2.31% per annum (2015 – 2.15%).
The Corporation performed an assessment of the estimated cash flows required to settle the
obligations for the two buildings as of December 31, 2016. Based on the assessment, the changes
in the estimated cash flows were determined to be nominal and as a result, no adjustment was
recorded. The increase in the provision during 2016 was due to accretion costs of $106,000 (2015
- $110,000). The total undiscounted amount of the estimated cash flows required to settle the
obligation for one of the buildings is $1,655,000 (2015 - $1,606,000) 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 $2,720,000 (2015 -
$2,639,000), which is expected to be settled at the end of the operating lease term of 2019. The
net discounted amount of estimated cash flows required to settle the obligations for both buildings
is $3,864,000 as at December 31, 2016 (2015 - $3,646,000).
17. Finance lease liability:
The Corporation leases certain assets under finance lease agreements (note 14). The finance
leases have imputed interest rates ranging from 4.2% to 7.35% per annum and expire between
May 2021 and February 2025.
44
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
17. Finance lease liability (cont’d):
Finance lease liabilities are payable as follows:
At December 31, 2016
Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years
Current
Non-current
At December 31, 2015
Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years
Current
Non-current
Future minimum
lease payments
$
$
1,055
4,524
3,783
9,362
Future minimum
lease payments
$
1,524
4,181
4,830
Present value of
minimum lease
Interest
payments
$
486
1,468
411
$
2,365
$
$
$
$
569
3,056
3,372
6,997
569
6,428
6,997
Present value of
minimum lease
Interest
payments
$
$
$
$
1,011
2,564
4,159
7,734
1,011
6,723
7,734
$
513
1,617
671
$
10,535
$
2,801
At December 31, 2016, a nominal amount (2015 - $510,000) was outstanding on the Leasing
Facility which is included in the finance lease liability. The remaining $6,997,000 (2015-
$7,224,000) finance lease liability primarily relates to the lease of the Corporation’s head office
building, and machinery leased by its subsidiary, Protonex.
Deferred gains were also recorded on closing of the finance lease agreements and are amortized
over the finance lease term. At December 31, 2016, the outstanding deferred gain was
$3,398,000 (2015 – $3,829,000).
18. Debt to Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S non-controlling interests:
BPSE has received financing from its non-controlling shareholder in the form of a revolving credit
facility. The revolving credit facility makes available a revolving facility to BPSE of a maximum
aggregate amount of DKK 2,977,975 ($423,000) from the non-controlling shareholder, Dansk
Industri Invest A/S (previously Dantherm A/S). Interest is accrued at 6% and the facility matures
on December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2016, the total principal and interest outstanding on the
revolving credit facility was $521,000 (2015 – $504,000) (note 33).
45
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
19. Employee future benefits:
Net defined benefit pension plan liability
Net other post-retirement benefit plan liability
Employee future benefits
December 31,
December 31,
2016
$
4,971
$
196
$
5,167
$
2015
5,116
215
5,331
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 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, 2017. The next actuarial valuation
of the employee future benefit plans for funding purposes is expected to be performed as of
January 1, 2018.
The Corporation expects contributions of approximately $750,000 to be paid to its defined benefit
plans in 2017.
The following tables reconcile the opening balances to the closing balances for the net defined
benefit liability and its components for the two plans. The expense recognized in profit or loss is
recorded in finance income (loss) and other.
46
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
19. Employee future benefits (cont’d):
Defined benefit pension plan
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
Balance at January 1
$ 15,579
$
16,167
$ (10,463) $ (10,466)
$
5,116
$
5,701
Defined benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Net defined benefit liability
Included in profit or loss
Current service cost
Interest cost (income)
Benefits payable
Included in other comprehensive income
Remeasurements loss (gain):
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Demographic assumptions
Financial assumptions
Experience adjustment
Return on plan assets excluding interest
income
Plan expenses
Other
Contributions paid by the employer
Benefits paid
42
678
-
720
(186)
715
13
-
(30)
512
-
(558)
(558)
58
663
-
721
-
(465)
-
(465)
(212)
(620)
116
-
-
-
-
(438)
-
(438)
-
-
-
-
(182)
588
(40)
(756)
-
(553)
(553)
30
(152)
(760)
558
(202)
40
628
(740)
553
(187)
42
213
-
255
(186)
715
13
(182)
-
360
(760)
-
(760)
58
225
-
283
(212)
(620)
116
588
-
(128)
(740)
-
(740)
Balance at December 31
$ 16,253
$
15,579
$ (11,282) $ (10,463)
$
4,971
$
5,116
Other post-retirement benefit plan
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
Balance at January 1
$
215
$
260
$
-
$
-
$
215
$
260
Defined benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Net defined benefit liability
Included in profit or loss
Interest cost (income)
Included in other comprehensive income
Remeasurements loss (gain):
Actuarial loss (gain) arising from:
Financial assumptions
Experience adjustment
Other
Contributions paid by the employer
Benefits paid
8
8
1
-
1
-
(28)
(28)
8
8
(25)
(15)
(40)
-
(13)
(13)
-
-
-
-
-
(28)
28
-
Balance at December 31
$
196
$
215
$
-
$
Pension plan assets comprise:
Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities
Debt securities
Total
-
-
-
-
-
8
8
1
-
$
1
$
(13)
13
-
-
(28)
-
(28)
8
8
(25)
(15)
(40)
(13)
-
(13)
$
196
$
215
2016
2%
61%
37%
100%
2015
1%
62%
37%
100%
47
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
19. Employee future benefits (cont’d):
The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the fair value of benefit obligations at
December 31 were as follows:
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
2016
2015
Pension plan Other benefit plan
Pension plan Other benefit plan
4.13%
n/a
3.69%
n/a
4.44%
n/a
3.89%
n/a
The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in determining net expense for the years ended
December 31 were as follows:
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
2016
2015
Pension plan Other benefit plan
Pension plan Other benefit plan
4.44%
n/a
3.89%
n/a
4.18%
n/a
3.53%
n/a
The assumed health care cost trend rates applicable to the other post-retirement benefit plan at
December 31 were as follows:
Initial medical/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
2016
8.0%
5.0%
2021
2016
2015
7.5%
5.0%
2020
2015
A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would not have a material
impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
20. Equity:
(a) Share capital:
Authorized and issued:
Unlimited number of common shares, voting, without par value.
Unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series.
Private placement:
On August 18, 2016, the Corporation closed a private placement strategic equity investment with
Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Company Limited (“Broad Ocean”) of 17,250,000 common shares
issued from treasury at $1.64083 per share for gross proceeds of $28,304,000.
Gross Broad-Ocean Offering proceeds (17,250,000 shares at $1.64083 per share)
Less: Share issuance costs
Net Broad-Ocean Offering proceeds
$
28,304
(105)
$
28,199
48
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
20. Equity (cont’d):
(a) Share capital (cont’d):
Offering:
On July 7, 2015, the Corporation closed an underwritten offering (“Offering”) of 9,343,750
common shares at a price of $1.60 per share for gross proceeds of $14,950,000. Net cash
proceeds to Ballard were $13,389,000, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and
other offering expenses.
Gross July Offering proceeds (9,343,750 shares at $1.60 per share)
Less: Underwriting expenses
Less: Other financing expenses
Net July Offering proceeds
(b) Share purchase warrants:
Warrants Outstanding
At January 1, 2015
Warrants exercised in 2015
At December 31, 2015
Warrants exercised in 2016
At December 31, 2016
$
14,950
(1,047)
(514)
$
13,389
Total
Warrants
1,922,563
Exercise price of
Exercise price of
$1.50
247,563
(125,000)
122,563
-
$2.00
1,675,000
-
(125,000)
1,675,000
1,797,563
-
-
122,563
1,675,000
1,797,563
During 2016, nil warrants were exercised. During 2015, 125,000 warrants were exercised for an
equal amount of common shares for net proceeds of $168,000.
At December 31, 2016, 1,797,563 share purchase warrants were issued and outstanding (2015 –
1,797,563).
(c) Share options:
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 either Canadian or 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 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.
49
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
20. Equity (cont’d):
(c) Share options:
As at December 31, options outstanding from the consolidated share option plan were as follows:
Balance
At January 1, 2015
Options granted
Options exercised
Options forfeited
Options expired
At December 31, 2015
Options granted
Options exercised
Options forfeited
Options expired
At December 31, 2016
Options for
common shares
Weighted average
exercise price
$
4,316,427
2,306,635
(322,892)
(349,336)
(445,334)
5,505,500
1,363,315
(443,589)
(583,827)
(303,670)
5,537,729
$
2.65
2.02
1.13
2.46
4.11
2.10
1.34
1.12
2.63
4.77
1.84
The following table summarizes information about the Corporation’s share options outstanding as
at December 31, 2016:
Range of exercise price
$0.60 – $1.00
$1.19 – $1.42
$1.56 – $2.22
$2.36 – $3.45
Options outstanding
Options exercisable
Weighted average
remaining
contractual life
(years)
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Number
exercisable
Weighted
average
exercise price
3.0
$
0.90
519,007
$
5.7
4.1
1.9
1.31
2.08
2.74
294,322
1,187,909
709,043
4.1
$
1.84
2,710,281
$
0.90
1.24
1.96
2.73
1.88
Number
outstanding
519,007
1,791,984
2,181,231
1,045,507
5,537,729
During 2016, 443,589 options were exercised for an equal amount of common shares for proceeds
of $508,000. During 2015, 322,892 options were exercised for an equal amount of common
shares for proceeds of $388,000.
During 2016, options to purchase 1,363,315 common shares were granted with a weighted
average fair value of $0.75 (2015 – 2,306,635 options and $1.23 fair value). The granted options
vest annually over three years.
50
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
20. Equity (cont’d):
(c) Share options (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
2016
4 years
Nil
77%
1%
2015
4 years
Nil
78%
1%
As at December 31, 2016, options to purchase 5,537,729 common shares were outstanding (2015
– 5,505,500). During 2016, compensation expense of $1,414,000 (2015 – $2,048,000) was
recorded in net loss based on the grant date fair value of the awards recognized over the vesting
period.
(d) Share distribution plan:
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, 2016,
there were 10,553,115 (2015 – 8,748,294) shares available to be issued under this plan.
During 2015 and 2016, no shares were issued under this plan and therefore no compensation
expense was recorded against income.
(e) 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, 2015
DSUs granted
DSUs exercised
At December 31, 2015
DSUs granted
DSUs exercised
At December 31, 2016
DSUs for common shares
911,843
160,062
(154,280)
917,625
481,095
(273,469)
1,125,250
51
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
20. Equity (cont’d):
(e) Deferred share units (cont’d):
During 2016, $300,000 of compensation expense was recorded in net loss relating to DSUs
granted during the year.
During 2015, $659,000 of compensation expense was recorded in net loss, of which $265,000
related to DSUs granted during the year. The remaining $394,000 related to compensation
expense expected to be earned for DSUs not yet issued.
During 2016, 273,469 DSUs (2015 – 154,280) were exercised which resulted in the issuance of
146,211 common shares (2015 – 83,619).
As at December 31, 2016, 1,125,250 deferred share units were outstanding (2015 – 917,625).
(f) 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 20(d)) 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 2016 and
2015.
Balance
At January 1, 2015
RSUs granted
RSUs exercised
RSUs forfeited
At December 31, 2015
RSUs granted
RSUs exercised
RSUs forfeited
At December 31, 2016
RSUs for common shares
Share
Distribution Plan
Market
Purchase Plan
1,923,983
1,036,417
(206,333)
(1,045,441)
1,708,626
820,247
(143,126)
(912,339)
1,473,408
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total RSUs
1,923,983
1,036,417
(206,333)
(1,045,441)
1,708,626
820,247
(143,126)
(912,339)
1,473,408
During 2016, 820,247 RSUs were issued (2015 – 1,036,417). 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
2016, compensation expense of $1,310,000 (2015 - $243,000) was recorded against income.
52
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
20. Equity (cont’d):
(f) Restricted share units (cont’d):
During 2016, 143,126 RSUs (2015 – 206,333) were exercised which resulted in the issuance of
80,945 common shares (2015 – 119,627).
As at December 31, 2065, 1,473,408 RSUs were outstanding (2015 – 1,708,626).
21. Non-dilutive equity financing:
In 2015, an agreement was reached and the Corporation signed mutual releases with Superior
Plus Income Fund (“Superior Plus”) as to the full and final amount payable to the Corporation
under the indemnification agreement (“the Indemnity Agreement”), originally signed in 2008, and
received additional cash proceeds of $3,347,000 in February 2016. The cash proceeds receivable
were recorded as a credit to shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2015 consistent with the
accounting for the original transaction in 2008. The cash proceeds collected in February 2016 are
presented as a non-dilutive financing in the 2016 statement of cash flows.
22. 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. During 2016, lease payments of $2,063,000 relating to the building were expensed (2015 -
$2,139,000).
At December 31, 2016, 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
23. Commitments and contingencies:
$
$
2,617
4,382
1,227
1,480
9,706
In connection with the acquisition of intellectual property from UTC in April 2014, the Corporation
retains a royalty obligation to pay UTC a portion (typically 25%) of any future intellectual property
sale and licensing income generated from the intellectual property portfolio acquired from UTC for
a period of 15 years expiring in April 2029.
The Corporation retains a previous funding obligation to pay royalties of 2% of revenues, to a
maximum of $4,613,000 (CDN $5,351,000), on sales of certain fuel cell products for commercial
distributed utility applications. As of December 31, 2016, no royalties have been incurred to date
for this agreement.
53
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
23. Commitments and contingencies (cont’d):
The Corporation also retains a previous funding obligation to pay royalties of 2% of revenues, to a
maximum of $1,896,000 (CDN $2,200,000), on sales of certain fuel cell products for commercial
transit applications. As of December 31, 2016, no royalties have been incurred to date for this
agreement.
On December 31, 2008, the Corporation completed a restructuring agreement (“Arrangement”)
with Superior Plus Income Fund (“Superior Plus”), whereby the Corporation caused its entire
business and operations, including all assets and liabilities, to be transferred to a new corporate
entity, such that the new corporate entity held all of the same assets, liabilities, directors,
management and employees as the Corporation formerly had under its old corporate entity,
except for its tax attributes. The Arrangement included an indemnification agreement (the
"Indemnity Agreement") which set out each party’s continuing obligations to the other including a
provision for adjustments to be paid by the Corporation, or to the Corporation, depending on the
final determination of the amount of the Corporation’s 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. In 2015, an agreement was reached and the Corporation signed
mutual releases with Superior Plus as to the full and final amount payable to the Corporation
under the Indemnity Agreement and received additional cash proceeds of $3,347,000 in February
2016 (note 20). The cash proceeds receivable have been recorded as a credit to shareholders’
equity as of December 31, 2015 consistent with the accounting for the original transaction in
2008.
At December 31, 2016, the Corporation has outstanding commitments aggregating up to a
maximum of $3,863,000 (2015 - $432,000) relating primarily to the ongoing implementation of
an ERP management reporting software system and for purchases of property, plant and
equipment.
24. Personnel expenses:
Personnel expenses are included in cost of product and service revenues, research and product
development expense, general and administrative expense, sales and marketing expense, and
other expense.
Salaries and employee benefits
Share-based compensation (note 20)
December 31,
December 31,
2016
57,735
$
3,024
60,759
$
2015
47,762
2,950
50,712
$
$
54
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
25. Other operating expense:
Net impairment loss (recovery) on trade receivables
Restructuring costs (recovery)
Acquisition costs (note 7)
December 31,
December 31,
$
$
2016
(63) $
2,318
43
2,298
$
2015
(899)
(13)
1,542
630
In 2016, the Corporation recorded net impairment recoveries of ($63,000) consisting of new
impairment charges of $390,000 primarily due to impairment of certain individually insignificant
past due receivables from a variety of customers as a result of continued non-payment, offset by
cash collected of $453,000 on previously impaired accounts. In the event that the Corporation
recovers any amounts previously recorded as impairment losses, the recovered amount will be
recognized as a reversal of the impairment loss in the period of recovery.
In 2015, net impairment recoveries on trade receivables of ($899,000) consists of recoveries of
($1,355,000) as the Corporation collected on certain trade receivables principally in Asia that were
previously impaired, partially offset by new impairment charges of $456,000.
Restructuring charges of $2,318,000 incurred during 2016 relate to cost reduction initiatives that
included the elimination of approximately 50 positions including the elimination of three executive
level positions and costs associated with the closure of the contract manufacturing facility in
Tijuana, Mexico. These cost reduction initiatives were primarily focused on reducing the operating
cost base associated with methanol Telecom Backup Power activities as the Corporation continued
to review strategic alternatives for these assets prior to the transaction with Chung-Hsin Electric &
Machinery Manufacturing Corporation (note 27).
Further acquisition integration costs of $43,000 were incurred in 2016 related to the 2015
acquisition of Protonex.
26. Finance income and expense:
Employee future benefit plan expense (note 19)
$
(263) $
2016
Pension administration expense
Investment and other income
Unrealized gain (loss) on forward foreign exchange contracts
Other income (loss)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
Finance (loss) and other
Finance expense
(103)
164
151
(52)
(674)
$
$
(777) $
(686) $
2015
(291)
(103)
143
(287)
-
233
(305)
(794)
55
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
27. Loss on sale of assets:
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Corporation completed the sale of certain of its
methanol Telecom Backup Power business assets to CHEM, a Taiwanese power equipment
company, for a purchase price of up to $6,100,000 of which $3,000,000 was received on closing.
The remaining potential purchase price of up to $3,100,000 consists of an earn-out arising from
sales of methanol Telecom Backup Power systems by CHEM during the 18-month earn-out period
to November 2017 derived from the sales pipeline transferred to CHEM on closing.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Corporation recorded a loss on sale of these
assets of $632,000 based on the estimated fair value of the earn-out payments of approximately
$1,838,000. The final gain (loss) on sale arising from the CHEM transaction is subject to change
depending upon the final earn-out amount actually received by the Corporation through November
2017. On the closing of this transaction, CHEM received assets related to the methanol Telecom
Backup Power line of the business including intellectual property rights and physical assets such as
inventory and related product brands.
Cash proceeds received
Proceeds receivable (fair value of earn-out payments)
Total proceeds
Less: Disposition costs
Net proceeds
Less: Net book value of disposed assets
Loss on sale of assets
$
3,000
1,838
4,838
(88)
4,750
(5,382)
$
(632)
Various miscellaneous disposals also occurred in the year ended December 31, 2016, resulting in a
gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment of $9,000.
28. Impairment charges on intangible assets and property, plant and equipment:
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Corporation recorded total impairment losses of
$1,151,000, consisting of a $770,000 impairment charge on intangible assets and a $381,000
impairment charge on property, plant and equipment as the Corporation wrote-off certain
methanol Telecom Backup Power assets to their estimated net realizable value of $nil. The
impairment charges were incurred while the Corporation was reviewing strategic alternatives for
the Corporation’s methanol Telecom Backup Power assets prior to concluding the transaction with
CHEM (note 27).
56
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
29. 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
2016
2015
$
3
$
378
-
$
381
$
5
206
-
211
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
$
(10,002)
$
14,144
Adjustments for prior periods
Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences
Total deferred tax expense
Total income tax expense
395
9,607
2,874
(17,018)
-
$
-
381
$
211
$
$
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 recovery at 26.00% (2015 – 26.00%)
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
Non-taxable portion of capital gain
Non-deductible expenses
Expiry of losses and investment tax credits
Investment tax credits earned
Foreign tax rate differences
Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences
2016
$
$
(21,306)
(5,540)
$
$
11
926
86
(3,153)
(633)
8,684
Income taxes
$
381
$
(b) Unrecognized deferred tax liabilities:
2015
(6,363)
(1,654)
(2,213)
1,875
1,181
(2,883)
(304)
4,209
211
At December 31, 2016, the Corporation has not recognized any deferred tax liabilities resulting
from taxable temporary differences for financial statement and income tax purposes.
57
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
29. Income taxes (cont’d):
(c) Unrecognized deferred tax asset:
At December 31, 2016, 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
Accrued warranty provision
Share issuance costs
Losses from operations carried forward
Investment tax credits
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
2016
$
69,157 $
14,064
2,000
101,129
27,586
154,485
2015
58,385
17,079
2,605
89,872
23,757
149,892
$
368,421 $
341,590
Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of these deductible temporary differences
because it is not currently 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
Denmark losses from operations
Hong Kong losses from operations
2016
$
69,157 $
39,634
27,586
555
34,329
26,603
7
2015
58,385
31,990
23,749
303
30,320
27,259
0
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 2028 to 2036.
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 2019 to 2036.
58
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
29. Income taxes (cont’d):
(c) Unrecognized deferred tax asset (cont’d):
The Canadian investment tax credits may be used to offset future Canadian income taxes
otherwise payable and expire as follows:
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
$
1,756
1,426
1,344
1,078
762
940
1,349
1,578
3,529
2,417
2,246
1,954
1,714
1,619
1,746
2,128
$
27,586
30. Related party transactions:
Related parties include shareholders with a significant ownership interest in the Corporation,
including its subsidiaries and affiliates, and the Corporation’s equity accounted investee. The
revenue 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. For the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, related party transactions and
balances were limited to transactions with our 10% equity accounted investee, Synergy JVCo as
follows:
Balances with related parties:
Investments
Trade and other payables
Deferred revenue
2016
2015
$
1,185
$
1,005
15,501
-
-
-
Transactions during the year with related parties:
2016
2015
Revenues
Purchases
$
4,389
$
-
-
-
59
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
30. Related party transactions (cont’d):
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, financial planning allowance and
relocation allowances and services as necessary.
The employment agreements for the executive officers vary by individual. The maximum
obligation that is required to be provided in the event of termination is 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. The minimum obligation that is required is limited
to that required by employment standards legislation plus one day for every full month of
employment since hire date, with no distinction made for a change of control situation.
Key management personnel compensation is comprised of:
Salaries and employee benefits
Post-employment retirement benefits
Termination benefits
Share-based compensation (note 20)
2016
$
3,026
$
74
1,982
1,184
$
6,266
$
2015
2,164
49
-
1,006
3,219
31. Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
Compensatory shares
Shares issued for acquisition of intangible assets (note 11)
Earn-out receivable on sale of assets
2016
459 $
2015
557
- $
13,698
1,838 $
-
$
$
$
60
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
32. Operating segments:
The Corporation operates in a single segment, Fuel Cell Products and Services, which consists of
the design, development, manufacture, sale and service of PEM fuel cell products for a variety of
applications, focusing on the power product markets of Heavy-Duty Motive (consisting of bus and
tram applications), Portable Power, Material Handling and Backup Power, as well as the delivery of
Technology Solutions, including engineering services, technology transfer and the licensing and
sale of the Corporation’s extensive intellectual property portfolio and fundamental knowledge for a
variety of fuel cell applications.
In 2016, revenues included sales to three individual customers of $27,785,000, $13,916,000 and
$12,775,000, respectively, which each exceeded 10% of total revenue.
In 2015, revenues included sales to three individual customers of $14,517,000, $12,674,000 and
$8,605,000, respectively, which each exceeded 10% of total revenue.
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
China
U.S.
Germany
India
Taiwan
Japan
France
Denmark
Nepal
Belgium
Canada
Other countries
Non-current assets by geographic area are as follows:
Non-current assets
Canada
U.S.
China
Denmark
Mexico
2016
$
33,440 $
27,547
14,318
-
1,777
1,508
1,201
1,005
918
812
680
2,064
2015
12,777
19,643
15,046
2,195
1,061
993
844
656
-
58
917
2,273
$
85,270 $
56,463
December 31,
December 31,
2016
$
58,649 $
15,698
180
82
-
2015
57,096
16,299
-
26
336
$
74,609 $
73,757
61
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
33. Financial instruments:
(a) Fair value:
The Corporation’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other
receivables, investments, trade and other payables, debt to non-controlling interests, and finance
lease liability. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, and trade
and other payables approximate their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these
instruments. The interest rates applied to the finance lease liability are not considered to be
materially different from market rates, thus the carrying value of the finance lease liability
approximates fair value.
Fair value measurements recognized in the statement of financial position 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).
(b) Financial risk management:
The Corporation primarily has exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity risk,
interest rate risk, and credit risk.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
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 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
and cash equivalents 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 an economic hedge. Periodically, the Corporation also enters into
forward foreign exchange contracts to further limit its exposure. At December 31, 2016, the
Corporation held Canadian dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents of CDN $16,132,000 and
outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts to sell a total of CDN $ 10,750,000 in 2017 at an
average rate of CDN $1.32 to US $1.00.
62
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
33. Financial instruments (cont’d):
(b) Financial risk management (contd’):
The following exchange rates applied during the year ended December 31, 2016:
January 1, 2016 Opening rate
December 31, 2016 Closing rate
Fiscal 2016 Average rate
$U.S. to $1.00 CDN
$CDN to $1.00 U.S.
$ 0.723
$ 0.745
$ 0.754
$ 1.384
$ 1.3427
$ 1.326
Based on cash and cash equivalents and forward foreign exchange contracts held at December 31,
2016, a 10% increase in the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, with all other variables held
constant, would result in an increase in foreign exchange gains of approximately $2,002,000
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.
Commodity risk
Commodity risk is the risk of financial loss due to fluctuations in commodity prices, in particular,
for the price of platinum and palladium, which are key components of the Corporation’s fuel cell
products. Platinum and palladium are scarce natural resources and therefore the Corporation is
dependent upon a sufficient supply of these commodities. To manage its exposure to commodity
price fluctuations, the Corporation may include platinum and or palladium pricing adjustments
directly into certain significant customer contracts, and may also periodically enter into platinum
and or palladium forward contracts. At December 31, 2016, there were no outstanding forward
platinum contracts under the Forward Contract Facility.
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 and cash equivalents. 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 and cash equivalents at December 31, 2016, a 0.25% decline in interest rates, with
all other variables held constant, would result in a decrease in investment income of $182,000. If
interest rates had been 0.25% higher, there would be an equal and opposite impact on net
income.
63
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015
(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts and number of shares)
33. Financial instruments (cont’d):
(b) Financial risk management (contd’):
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 accounts
receivable. 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.
34. Subsequent events:
Change in ownership in Ballard Power Systems Europe
On January 5, 2017, the Corporation purchased all of the shares in its European subsidiary held by
Dansk Industri Invest A/S (previously Dantherm A/S). As a result, the Corporation now owns
100% of its subsidiary in Europe, BPSE (formerly Dantherm Power A/S) effective as of January 5,
2017. The Corporation previously held 57% of the shares in BPSE before purchasing the remaining
43% of shares from Dansk Industri Invest A/S.
For a nominal payment of $43,000, the Corporation acquired the remaining shares and obtained
the cancellation of debt owed by BPSE to Dansk Industri Invest A/S of $521,000.
64
CORPORATE INFORMATION
CORPORATE OFFICES
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 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
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ian A. Bourne
Corporate Director
Alberta, Canada
Douglas P. Hayhurst
Corporate Director
British Columbia, Canada
Duy-Loan Le
Corporate Director
Texas, USA
R. Randall MacEwen
President &
Chief Executive Officer
British Columbia, Canada
Marty Neese
Corporate Director
California, USA
James Roche
Corporate Director
Ontario, Canada
Ian Sutcliffe
Corporate Director
Ontario, Canada
Janet Woodruff
Corporate Director
British Columbia, Canada
R. Randall MacEwen
President & Chief Executive Officer
Tony Guglielmin
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Kevin Colbow
Vice President, Technology & Product
Development
Karim Kassam
Vice President, Commercial
David Whyte
Vice President, Operations
Paul Osenar
Vice President & President, Protonex
Technology Corporation
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG LLP
Vancouver, BC Canada
LEGAL COUNSEL
Canada:
Stikeman Elliott, LLP
Vancouver, BC Canada
United States:
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Seattle, WA USA
China:
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Pudong, Shanghai China
Intellectual Property:
Seed Intellectual Property
Law Group, LLC
Seattle, WA USA
www.ballard.com