Updating THE WESTAIM CORP., POTASH CORP. OF SASKATCHEWAN

Article Excerpt

THE WESTAIM CORP. $0.03 (www.westaim.com) has completed its sale of wholly owned subsidiary Jevco Insurance, which sells insurance to high-risk drivers. Westaim distributed the proceeds of $0.75 a share to its shareholders as a return of capital. As a result, this distribution is tax-deferred: you are only liable for capital gains taxes when you sell your shares. This return of capital will lower the adjusted cost base of your original share purchase by $0.75. You’ll use your new adjusted cost base figure to calculate any capital gain or loss when you sell your shares. After the distribution, Westaim will have no operations. The company also plans to transfer its shares to the TSX Venture Exchange. We now see Westaim as a sell. However, if your new adjusted cost base is less than $0.03 a share, you may prefer to hold onto your shares as you would have to pay capital gains taxes on the sale. POTASH CORP. OF SASKATCHEWAN $41 (www.potashcorp…