UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 40-F
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||||||||||||
| OR | |||||||||||||||||
| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(a) OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||||||||||||
For the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2023
____________________________________________________________________________
Commission file number: 001-34152
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its charter)
| 3537 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Province or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number (if applicable)) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number (if applicable)) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(604 ) 718-2000
(Address and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
C T Corporation System ( | Copies to: Steven B. Stokdyk, Esq. Lewis W. Kneib, Esq. Latham & Watkins LLP 355 South Grand Avenue, Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90071 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code) of agent for service in the United States) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________________________________________________________________
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class: | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Shares, no par value | WPRT | NASDAQ Global Select Market | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: N/A
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: N/A
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this form:
| Annual Information Form | Audited Annual Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: As at December 31, 2023, 17,174,502 common shares of the Registrant were issued and outstanding.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ý Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ý Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ý
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (the “Company” or the “Registrant”) is a Canadian issuer eligible to file its annual report pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on Form 40-F pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system of the Exchange Act. The Company is a “foreign private issuer” as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act. Equity securities of the Company are accordingly exempt from Sections 14(a), 14(b), 14(c), 14(f) and 16 of the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 3a12-3.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Registrant has made in the documents filed as part of this annual report on Form 40-F, and from time to time may otherwise make "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of Section 21E under the Exchange Act, and related assumptions concerning its operations, economic performance and financial matters. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements and the related assumptions due to a variety of factors. Reference is made to the section titled "Reference and Forward-Looking Information" on [page 1] of the Annual Information Form for a discussion of such factors.
CURRENCY
Unless specifically stated otherwise, all dollar amounts in this annual report on Form 40-F are in United States dollars. The exchange rate of Canadian dollars into United States dollars, based upon the closing rate of exchange on December 31, 2023 as reported by the Bank of Canada for the conversion of Canadian dollars into United States dollars, was U.S.$1.00 = Cdn.$1.32.
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
The Company’s AIF for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 is filed as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 40-F.
AUDITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2023, including the report of the independent registered public accounting firm with respect thereto, are filed as Exhibit 99.2 and incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 40-F.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Company’s management’s discussion and analysis is filed as Exhibit 99.3 and incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 40-F.
TAX MATTERS
Purchasing, holding or disposing of securities of the Company may have tax consequences under the laws of the United States and Canada that are not described in this annual report on Form 40-F.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, included as Exhibit 99.3 to this annual report on Form 40-F, under the heading “Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting”.
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, included as Exhibit 99.3 to this annual report on Form 40-F, under the heading “Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting”.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
See the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, including the report of the independent auditors with respect thereto, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this annual report on Form 40-F, under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, included as Exhibit 99.3 to this annual report on Form 40-F, under the heading “Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting”.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Audit Committee
The Company has a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act and Nasdaq Rule 5605(c)(2). On March 25, 2024, the Company’s Audit Committee consists of Brenda J. Eprile, Tony Guglielmin, Philip Hodge and Karl-Viktor Schaller. Each member of the Audit Committee, in the opinion of the directors, is independent (as determined under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and Nasdaq Rule 5605(a)(2)) and financially literate. Tony Guglielmin served as interim CEO of the Company from August 22, 2023 to January 16, 2024, during which time he stepped down as a member of the audit committee. Following the appointment of Dan Sceli as our CEO on January 16, 2024, Mr. Guglielmin stepped down as interim CEO and rejoined the Audit Committee as its chair. Mr. Guglielmin remains independent under Nasdaq Rule 5605(a)(2) as his term as interim CEO lasted less than one year. Please refer to the Company’s AIF attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this annual report on Form 40-F for details in connection with each of these members and their qualifications.
The members of the Audit Committee do not have fixed terms and are appointed and replaced from time to time by resolution of the directors.
The Audit Committee meets with the CEO, CFO and the Company’s independent auditors to review and inquire into matters affecting financial reporting, the system of internal accounting and financial controls, as well as audit procedures and audit plans. The Audit Committee also recommends to the Board of Directors which independent registered public auditing firm should be appointed by the Company. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors for approval the annual financial statements and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and undertakes other activities required by exchanges on which the Company’s securities are listed and by regulatory authorities to which the Company is held responsible.
The full text of the Audit Committee Charter is disclosed in the Company’s AIF, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and is incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 40-F. The Audit Committee Charter is also available on the Company’s website at www.wfsinc.com.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that Brenda J. Eprile and Tony Guglielmin qualify as financial experts (as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act) and are independent (as determined under Exchange Act Rule 10A-3 and Nasdaq Rule 5605(a)(2)).
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES — INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Information about the Company’s principal accounting fees and services can be found under “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” of the Company's AIF, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, which is incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 40-F.
PRE-APPROVAL OF AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES PROVIDED BY
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Audit Committee nominates and engages the independent auditors to audit the consolidated financial statements and approves all audit, audit-related services, tax services and other services provided by the Company’s external auditors. Any services provided by the Company’s external auditors that are not specifically included within the scope of the audit must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee prior to any engagement. The Chairman of the Audit Committee is permitted to pre-approve work undertaken by the Company’s external auditors between Audit Committee meetings. All such approvals must be formally affirmed at the next compliance meeting, or if not approved, the services must be canceled immediately. The Audit Committee does not delegate to management its responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the Company’s external auditor.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements or relationships with unconsolidated special purpose entities.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct (the “Code”) for all its directors, executive officers and employees. The Code is available on the Company’s website at www.wfsinc.com.
All amendments to the Code, and all waivers of the Code with respect to any of the officers covered by it, will be posted on the Company’s website.
There have been no amendments, waivers or implicit waivers to the Code during the year ended December 31, 2023. Shareholders may submit a request online at the Company’s website www.wfsinc.com for a free printed copy of the Code.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, included as Exhibit 99.3 to this annual report on Form 40-F, under the heading “Contractual Obligations and Commitments”.
NOTICES PURSUANT TO REGULATION BTR
There were no notices required by Rule 104 of Regulation BTR that the Company sent during the year ended December 31, 2023 concerning any equity security subject to a blackout period under Rule 101 of Regulation BTR.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
None.
RECOVERY OF ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED COMPENSATION
Not applicable
NASDAQ CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our common shares are quoted for trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol WPRT. Nasdaq Rule 5615(a)(3) permits a foreign private issuer to follow its home country practice in lieu of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements if such issuer, amongst other requirements, makes appropriate disclosure in its annual report filed with the SEC relating to each requirement of Rule 5600 that it does not follow including a brief statement of the home country practice it follows in lieu of such Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.
A description of the significant ways in which our governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies pursuant to Rule 5600 of the Nasdaq Rules is as follows:
Rule 5620(c) requires that each listed company provide for a quorum for any meeting of the holders of the listed company’s common stock that is not less than 33 1/3% of the listed company’s outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote. The Company’s bylaws provide for a quorum of at least two persons present in person and holding or representing by proxy not less than 25% of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting.
Rule 5605(d)(1)(D) requires that each listed company adopt a formal written compensation committee charter that specifies, among other things, the specific compensation committee responsibilities and authority set forth in Rule 5605(d)(3). The Company’s Human Resources and Compensation Committee Charter does not specify the specific compensation committee responsibilities and authority set forth in Rule 5605(d)(3).
The foregoing is consistent with the laws, customs and practices in Canada and the rules of The Toronto Stock Exchange.
UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
A.Undertaking
Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.
B.Consent to Service of Process
A Form F-X signed by the Registrant and its agent for service of process was previously filed with the Commission.
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits have been filed as part of this annual report:
| Exhibit | Description | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Annual Information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99.2 | Audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consents | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 99.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exhibits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 97.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 101 | XBRL Interactive Data File | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
| WESTPORT FUEL SYSTEMS INC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Dan Sceli | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Date: March 25, 2024