McEwen Mining Inc. - Quarter Report: 2011 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)
x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

 

For the transition period from                        to                        

 

Commission File Number: 001-33190

 

US GOLD CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

99 George Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5A 2N4

(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip code)

 

(866) 441-0690

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 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.    Yes x    No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes o    No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes o    No  x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 136,161,209 shares outstanding as of May 5, 2011 (and 3,470,010 exchangeable shares).

 

 

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION

 

Index

 

Part I   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010	4
	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)	6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk	18
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	19
Part II   OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6.	Exhibits	20
SIGNATURES		21

 

2

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2011			2010
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
General and administrative		1,376			1,369
Property holding costs		953			1,648
Exploration costs		6,909			4,209
Accretion of asset retirement obligation		129			71
Depreciation		120			130
Gain on sale of assets		(10		)	—
Total costs and expenses		9,477			7,427
Operating loss		(9,477		)	(7,427		)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income		9			16
Interest expense		(11		)	(17		)
Gain on sale of gold bullion - note 3		524			—
Foreign currency gain		221			550
Total other income		743			549
Net loss		(8,734		)	(6,878		)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes		597			8
Comprehensive loss		$	(8,137	)	$	(6,870	)
Basic and diluted per share data:
Net loss - basic and diluted		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.06	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
-basic and diluted		128,914			121,898

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

		March 31,			December 31,
		2011			2010
		(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	75,041		$	6,818
Marketable equity securities - note 2		5,174			4,576
Gold and silver bullion (market value - $37,182) - note 3		33,089			4,569
Other current assets		2,410			1,259
Total current assets		115,714			17,222
Mineral property interests - note 4		235,669			235,153
Restrictive time deposits for reclamation bonding - note 4		4,777			4,777
Property and equipment, net - note 6		4,654			4,391
Other assets		84			82
TOTAL ASSETS		$	360,898		$	261,625
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	3,546		$	2,718
Current portion of asset retirement obligation - note 4		482			461
Current deferred income tax liability		393			393
Other current liabilities		119			108
Total current liabilities		4,540			3,680
Asset retirement obligation, less current portion - note 4		5,751			5,692
Deferred income tax liability		78,573			78,573
Other liabilities		400			400
Total liabilities		$	89,264		$	88,345
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value, 250,000 shares authorized;
Common: 135,444 shares as of March 31, 2011 and 117,717 shares as of December 31, 2010 issued and outstanding
Exchangeable: 4,096 shares as of March 31, 2011 and 4,469 shares as of December 31, 2010 issued and outstanding		610,880			504,389
Accumulated deficit		(340,100		)	(331,366		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		854			257
Total shareholders’ equity		271,634			173,280
TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	360,898		$	261,625

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

 

		Common Stock					Accumulated Other Comprehensive			Accumulated
		Shares		Amount			Loss			Deficit			Total
		(in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2009		121,893		$	501,786		$	(285	)	$	(298,275	)	$	203,226
Stock-based compensation		—		265			—			—			265
Exercise of stock options		15		14			—			—			14
Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities		—		—			8			—			8
Net loss		—		—			—			(6,878		)	(6,878		)
Balance, March 31, 2010		121,908		$	502,065		$	(277	)	$	(305,153	)	$	196,635
Balance, December 31, 2010		122,186		$	504,389		$	257		$	(331,366	)	$	173,280
Stock-based compensation		—		471			—			—			471
Sale of shares for cash, net of issuance costs		17,250		105,415			—			—			105,415
Exercise of stock options		28		78			—			—			78
Exercise of stock options from 2007 acquisition		35		202			—			—			202
Shares issued for Mexican mining concessions		41		325			—			—			325
Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities		—		—			597			—			597
Net loss		—		—			—			(8,734		)	(8,734		)
Balance, March 31, 2011		139,540		$	610,880		$	854		$	(340,100	)	$	271,634

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

5

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

 

		For Three Months Ended March 31,
		2011			2010
Cash flows used in operating activities:
Cash paid to suppliers and employees		$	(9,254	)	$	(6,527	)
Interest received		9			—
Cash used in operating activities		(9,245		)	(6,527		)
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment		(396		)	(928		)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment		23			—
Acquisition of mineral property interests		(226		)	—
Investment in gold and silver bullion		(30,169		)	(856		)
Proceeds from sale of gold bullion		2,173			—
Cash used in investing activities		(28,595		)	(1,784		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Sale of common stock for cash, net of issuance costs		105,415			—
Exercise of stock options		280			14
Cash provided by financing activities		105,695			14
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents		368			505
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		68,223			(7,792		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		6,818			27,690
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	75,041		$	19,898
Reconciliation of net loss to cash used in operating activities:
Net loss		$	(8,734	)	$	(6,878	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from operating activities:
Gain on sale of gold bullion		(524		)	—
Gain on disposal of property and equipment		(10		)	—
Stock-based compensation		471			265
Accretion of asset retirement obligation		129			71
Depreciation		120			130
Foreign exchange gain		(368		)	(505		)
Changes in non-cash working capital items:
Increase in other assets related to operations		(1,153		)	(205		)
Increase in liabilities related to operations		824			595
Cash used in operating activities		$	(9,245	)	$	(6,527	)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

6

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

March 31, 2011

 

1.             Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

US Gold Corporation (the “Company”) was organized under the laws of the State of Colorado on July 24, 1979.  Since inception, the Company has been engaged in the exploration for, development of, production and sale of gold and silver. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) has been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

 

In management’s opinion, the unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the consolidated balance sheets as at March 31, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010, the unaudited consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, and the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, contained herein, reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring items, which are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a basis consistent with that of the Company’s prior audited consolidated financial statements.  However, the results of operations for the interim periods may not be indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year.  Therefore these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto and summary of significant accounting policies included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Except as disclosed herein, there has been no material change to the information disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

2.             Marketable Equity Securities

 

During 2010, the Company invested a portion of its cash in marketable equity securities at a cost of $4 million.  These securities are valued at fair market value.  Any resulting gain or loss is recorded to an unrealized gain and loss account (accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)) that is reported as a separate line item in the shareholders’ equity section of the balance sheet.  The gains and losses for available-for-sale securities are not reported on the statement of operations until the securities are sold.  As at March 31, 2011, the fair market value of these securities was $5.1 million (December 31, 2010 — $4.6 million), and as a result the Company recorded a gain of $0.6 million (December 31, 2010 — $0.6 million) to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

7

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
March 31, 2011

 

3.             Gold and Silver Bullion

 

The Company invested a portion of its treasury in physical gold and silver bullion.  Below is the balance of its holdings as at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.  The Company did not invest in silver bullion in 2010.

 

		March 31,						December 31,
		2011						2010
		Gold			Silver			Gold
		(dollars in thousands, except per ounce)
# of ounces		7,266			703,312			4,442
Average cost per ounce		$	1,263		$	34.00		$	1,019
Total cost		$	9,176		$	23,913		$	4,569
Fair market value per ounce		$	1,439		$	37.87		$	1,405
Total fair market value		$	10,456		$	26,634		$	6,241

 

The fair market value of gold and silver was based on the daily London P.M. fix as at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.  Since ASC Topic 815 does not consider gold and silver to be readily convertible to cash, the Company carries these assets at the lower of cost or market.

 

During the quarter, the Company sold 1,603 ounces of gold with a cost of $1.7 million for proceeds of $2.2 million, which resulted in a realized gain of $0.5 million.  This amount was included in the computation of the Company’s net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

 

4.             Mineral Property Interests and Asset Retirement Obligations

 

At March 31, 2011, the Company holds mineral interests in Nevada and mineral concession rights in Mexico, including the Magistral Mine, a former producing mine.  The Magistral Mine is presently held on a care and maintenance basis with active exploration in the area of the mine and surrounding areas.

 

On February 10, 2011, the Company entered into a binding letter of intent with the owners of the Tonkin North claims for the purchase of those claims. Pursuant to the letter of intent, the Company has agreed to pay an aggregate of CDN$8.4 million ($8.7 million) for the claims and grant them a 2% net smelter return royalty interest on any gold produced from the claims in excess of 682,000 ounces of gold. The parties have not yet negotiated and entered into definitive documentation for the transaction.

 

The Company is responsible for reclamation of certain past and future disturbances at its properties.  The two most significant properties subject to these obligations are the historic Tonkin property in Nevada and the Magistral Mine in Mexico.  The current undiscounted estimate of the reclamation costs for existing disturbances on the Tonkin property to the degree required by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) and the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”) is $3.8 million.  The Company submitted a mine closure plan to the BLM for the Tonkin property during the fourth quarter of 2010.  Based on the Company’s estimate, the change in its bonding requirements was insignificant.  The closure plan is currently under review by the BLM.  It is possible that this reclamation plan cost estimate and bonding requirement may increase as a result of the BLM’s review.  The Company, however, is unable to estimate possible increases at this time. The costs of undiscounted projected reclamation of the Magistral Mine are currently estimated at $2.5 million.

 

For mineral properties in the United States, the Company maintains required reclamation bonding with various governmental agencies, and at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, had cash bonding in place of $4.8 million.  Under Mexican regulations, surety bonding of projected reclamation costs is not required.

 

8

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
March 31, 2011

 

Changes in the Company’s asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and year ended December 31, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

					Year ended
		March 31,			December 31,
		2011			2010
Asset retirement obligation liability - opening balance		$	6,153		$	6,063
Settlements		(14		)	(98		)
Accretion of liability		129			515
Adjustment reflecting updated estimates		(35		)	(327		)
Asset retirement obligation liability - ending balance		$	6,233		$	6,153

 

It is anticipated that the capitalized asset retirement costs will be charged to expense based on the units of production method commencing with gold and silver production at the Company’s properties, if any.  There was no amortization adjustment recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2011 or the year ended December 31, 2010 related to the capitalized asset retirement cost since the properties were not in operation.  Reclamation expenditures are expected to be incurred between 2011 and 2040.  As at March 31, 2011, the current portion of the asset retirement obligation was $0.5 million (December 31, 2010 - $0.5 million).

 

5.             Property and Equipment

 

At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

		March 31,			December 31,
		2011			2010
Trucks and trailers		$	1,057		$	1,005
Office furniture and equipment		595			591
Drill rigs		612			460
Building		853			853
Land		1,754			1,596
Mining equipment		956			956
Inactive milling equipment		778			778
Subtotal		$	6,605		$	6,239
Less: accumulated depreciation		(1,951		)	(1,848		)
Total		$	4,654		$	4,391

 

9

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
March 31, 2011

 

6.             Shareholders’ Equity

 

On February 24, 2011, the Company issued 17.25 million shares of common stock at a price of $6.50 per share, which includes the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option of 2.25 million shares of common stock, in a public offering pursuant to a registration statement filed with U.S. securities regulators and a prospectus filed with Canadian securities regulators.  Robert McEwen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, purchased 3.05 million shares of the shares issued.  Gross proceeds from the 17.25 million shares sold in the offering totaled $112.1 million.  Proceeds to the Company, net of commissions and expenses, were approximately $105.4 million.  The underwriters did not receive a discount or commission on the shares purchased by Mr. McEwen.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, 0.4 million exchangeable shares were converted into common stock.  At March 31, 2011, total outstanding exchangeable shares not exchanged totaled 4.1 million.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company issued 28,000 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options at a weighted exercise price of $2.77 per share for proceeds of $0.1 million.  During the same period, the Company also issued 34,500 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options relating to the 2007 acquisition at an exercise price of $5.86 per share for proceeds of $0.2 million.  In addition, during the same period, the Company also issued 41,500 shares of common stock as part of its purchase agreement of mining concessions in Mexico.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company issued 15,000 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options at an exercise price of $0.91 per share for proceeds of $13,650.

 

7.             Stock Options

 

During the first quarter of 2011, the Company granted stock options to certain employees, directors and consultants for an aggregate of 0.9 million shares (2010 — 0.7 million) of common stock at an exercise price of $7.10 (2010 - $2.51) per share.  The options vest equally over a three year period if the individual remains affiliated with the Company (subject to acceleration of vesting in certain events) and are exercisable for a period of 10 years from the date of issue.

 

The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option at the grant date by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, the Company recorded stock option expense of $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, related to the service period.

 

The principal assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the awards for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

		March 31, 2011		March 31, 2010
Risk-free interest rate		2.33% to 3.43%		2.73% to 3.10%
Dividend yield		n/a		n/a
Volatility factor of the expected market price of common stock		90% to 99%		93% to 94%
Weighted-average expected life of option		6.7		6.4 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value		$5.79		$2.00

 

10

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
March 31, 2011

 

8.             Related Party Transactions

 

Effective March 10, 2011, the Company renewed its management services agreement (“Services Agreement”) with 2083089 Ontario Inc. (“208”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to reimburse 208 for rent, personnel, office expenses and other administrative services on a cost recovery basis.  A similar contract existed between the Company and 208 for calendar year 2010.  208 is owned by Robert McEwen, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and beneficial owner of more than 5% of its voting securities. Mr. McEwen is also the Chief Executive Officer and Director of 208.  During the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, the Company paid $23,353 and $10,045, respectively, under these agreements.

 

Beginning in the second quarter of 2010, an aircraft owned and operated by Lexam L.P. (of which Mr. McEwen is a limited partner and beneficiary) has been made available to the Company in order to expedite business travel. In his role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as well as senior management of two other junior mining companies, Mr. McEwen must travel extensively and frequently on short notice.

 

Mr. McEwen is able to charter the aircraft from Lexam L.P. at a preferential rate. The Company’s independent board members have approved a policy whereby only the variable expenses of operating this aircraft for business related travel are eligible for reimbursement by the Company.  The hourly amount that the Company has agreed to reimburse Mr. McEwen is well under half the full cost per hour of operating the aircraft or equivalent hourly charter cost and in any event less than even Mr. McEwen’s preferential charter rate. Where possible, trips also include other company personnel, both executives and non-executives, to maximize efficiency.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company paid $0.1 million to Lexam L.P. for the use of this aircraft.

 

Each of the above agreements were approved or ratified by the independent members of the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

11

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
March 31, 2011

 

9.             Operating Segment Reporting

 

US Gold is a gold and silver exploration company.  US Gold’s major operations are included in Nevada and Mexico.  The Company identifies its reportable segments as those consolidated operations that are currently engaged in the exploration for precious metals.  Operations not actively engaged in the exploration for precious metals are aggregated at the corporate level for segment reporting purposes.

 

		Operating Segments
		(in thousands)
								Corporate &
		USA			Mexico			Other			Total
For the three months ended March 31, 2011
Property holding costs		$	190		$	763		$	—		$	953
Exploration costs		1,808			4,839			262			6,909
Operating loss		(1,799		)	(5,893		)	(1,785		)	(9,477		)
As of March 31, 2011
Mineral property interests		$	224,448		$	11,221		$	—		$	235,669
Total assets		231,292			23,269			106,337			360,898
								Corporate &
		USA			Mexico			Other			Total
For the three months ended March 31, 2010
Property holding costs		$	1,144		$	504		$	—		$	1,648
Exploration costs		1,360			2,717			132			4,209
Operating loss		(2,660		)	(3,499		)	(1,268		)	(7,427		)
As of December 31, 2010
Mineral property interests		$	224,483		$	10,670		$	—		$	235,153
Total assets		230,542			20,527			10,556			261,625

 

12

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
March 31, 2011

 

10.          Fair Value Accounting

 

Fair value accounting establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level 3	Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy.  As required by accounting guidance, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

		Fair Value as at March 31, 2011
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
		(in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	75,041		$	75,041		$	—		$	—
Marketable equity securities - extractive industries		5,174			3,093			2,081			—
		$	80,215		$	78,134		$	2,081		$	—
		Fair Value as at December 31, 2010
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
		(in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	6,818		$	6,818		$	—		$	—
Marketable equity securities - extractive industries		4,576			2,762			1,814			—
		$	11,394		$	9,580		$	1,814		$	—

 

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.  The fair value of the cash balance approximates the carrying amounts due to the short-term nature and historically negligible credit losses.  The cash equivalent instruments that are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets are primarily money market securities.

 

13

Table of Contents

 

US GOLD CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
March 31, 2011

 

The Company’s marketable equity securities which are exchange traded are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value of the marketable equity securities is calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.  The other portion of the Company’s marketable equity securities, which are comprised of share purchase warrants not listed on a public exchange are valued using option pricing models.  Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including strike price, contractual terms, market prices, measures of volatility and interest rate.  Because the inputs are derived from observable market data, the other portion of the marketable equity securities is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

11.          Comparative Figures

 

Certain prior year information was reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.

 

14

Table of Contents

 

Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

The following discussion updates our plan of operation as of May 5, 2011 for the foreseeable future. It also analyzes our financial condition at March 31, 2011 and compares it to our financial condition at December 31, 2010.  Finally, the discussion summarizes the results of our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and compares those results to the three months ended March 31, 2010.  We suggest that you read this discussion in connection with the MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

Plan of Operation

 

Our plan of operation for 2011 for Mexico is to complete the feasibility study at the El Gallo Project, as well as continue to further drill and explore surrounding areas.  For Nevada, we plan to complete a pre-feasibility study at the Gold Bar Project, conduct an exploration drilling program to potentially increase the size of the deposit, as well as to test peripheral targets that we have generated through field prospecting and sampling at the Gold Bar Project.  We also plan to further drill test the two promising targets at Limo found in 2010, the Cadillac and Continental sites, and conduct reconnaissance exploration including sampling, mapping and possibly geophysical surveys at that site.

 

The company-wide exploration budget for 2011 is currently projected at approximately $29 million, including $21 million projected for Mexico and $8 million projected for Nevada, and may be re-evaluated at any time during 2011.  Corporate general and administrative overhead for 2011 is expected to be consistent with 2010 at approximately $5 million with property holding costs projected at $4 million.  We also expect to spend approximately $8 million in 2011 to acquire mineral property interests.

 

On February 10, 2011, we entered into a binding letter of intent with the owners of the Tonkin North claims for the purchase of those claims. Pursuant to the letter of intent, we have agreed to pay an aggregate of CDN$8.4 million ($8.7 million) for the claims and grant the sellers a 2% net smelter return royalty interest on any gold produced from the claims in excess of 682,000 ounces of gold. The parties have not yet negotiated and entered into definitive documentation for the transaction. If the transaction is consummated, we will use cash on hand to pay the purchase price for the claims.  If we do not consummate the transaction to purchase the claims, our total interest in the Tonkin Complex will be reduced by 478 claims or 13.96 square miles, and, as a result, we estimate that our interest in the previously announced mineralized material identified at the Tonkin Complex will be reduced by approximately 38%.  If the transaction is not consummated, we will file amended technical reports under NI 43-101 on the Tonkin Complex to reflect our reduced interests in the Tonkin Complex.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of March 31, 2011, we had working capital of $111.2 million, comprised of current assets of $115.7 million, which includes $33.1 million of gold and silver bullion, and current liabilities of $4.5 million.  This represents an increase of approximately $97.7 million from the working capital of $13.5 million at fiscal year end December 31, 2010.  At March 31, 2011, the fair value of our gold and silver bullion held exceeded its book value by approximately $4.1 million.

 

In February 2011, we substantially increased our working capital when we issued 17.25 million shares of common stock at a price of $6.50 per share, which includes the entire exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option of 2.25 million shares in a public offering pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC and a prospectus filed with Canadian securities regulators.  Robert R. McEwen, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, purchased 3.05 million shares in the offering.  Gross proceeds from the 17.25 million shares sold in the offering totaled $112.1 million.  Proceeds to us, net of commissions and expenses, were approximately $105.4 million.

 

15

Table of Contents

 

Our only sources of capital at present include cash on hand, marketable securities, gold and silver bullion and the possible exercise of options since we are not generating revenue.  Warrants which were previously outstanding expired on February 22, 2011.  Based on current spending projections, our current cash on hand, marketable securities and gold and silver bullion are expected to be sufficient to fund ongoing operations until 2013.  We expect to continue depleting our working capital as we spend cash on exploration and other activities described above under “Plan of Operation”.

 

Net cash used in operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased to $9.3 million from $6.5 million for the corresponding period in 2010, mainly due to increases in cash paid to suppliers and employees.  Cash paid to suppliers and employees increased to $9.3 million during the 2011 period from $6.5 million during the 2010 period, primarily reflecting increased exploration activities in Mexico and Nevada.  Cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $28.6 million, primarily due to additional purchases of gold and silver bullion of $30.2 million and partially offset by proceeds from the sale of gold bullion, as compared to $1.8 million in the comparable period of 2010.

 

Cash provided by financing activities for the first three months of 2011 was $105.7 million from the public offering of 17.25 million shares and exercise of stock options compared to $13,650 in the comparable period of 2010.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to three months ended March 31, 2010

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recorded a net loss of $8.7 million, or $0.07 per share, compared to a net loss for the corresponding period of 2010 of $6.9 million or $0.06 per share.  The increase for the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010 reflects our accelerated exploration efforts in Mexico and Nevada.

 

General and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 remained consistent at $1.4 million.

 

Property holding costs during the 2011 period decreased by $0.7 million to $0.9 million compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2010.  The main factor for the decrease in 2011 is the pending purchase of the Tonkin North claims as discussed in the “Plan of Operation” above.  In the first quarter of 2010, we made lease payments of $0.8 million for the Tonkin North property.  Exploration costs for the first quarter of 2011 increased by $2.7 million to $6.9 million as compared to $4.2 million for the same period of 2010, reflecting an increase in exploration activities at the Gold Bar and Limo projects in Nevada and at the El Gallo project in Mexico.

 

Total stock-based compensation expense in the 2011 period increased to $0.5 million compared to $0.3 million for the same period of 2010, reflecting an increase in the number of options granted and higher calculated option value during 2011.  Stock-based compensation expense is allocated to the general and administrative and exploration costs lines within the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.

 

Accretion of the asset retirement obligation in Nevada and Mexico for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 remained constant at $0.1 million.  During the first quarter of 2011, we sold 1,603 ounces of gold bullion which resulted in a realized gain of $0.5 million.  We did not sell any gold bullion in the same period in 2010.  During the first quarter of 2011, we recorded a foreign currency exchange gain of $0.2 million, reflecting a weakening US dollar against the Canadian dollar and its effect on the net monetary assets or cash that are denominated in Canadian dollars.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Critical accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the financial statements are discussed with our Audit Committee as they are implemented and on an annual basis.

 

There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates since December 31, 2010.

 

16

Table of Contents

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains or incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements,” as that term is used in federal securities laws, about our financial condition, results of operations and business.  These statements include, among others:

 

·              statements concerning the benefits that we expect will result from our business activities and certain transactions that we contemplate or have completed, such as receipt of proceeds, increased revenues, decreased expenses and avoided expenses and expenditures; and

 

·              statements of our expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated developments and other matters that are not historical facts.

 

These statements may be made expressly in this document or may be incorporated by reference to other documents that we will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or similar expressions used in this report or incorporated by reference in this report.

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in those statements.  Because the statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied.  We caution you not to put undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  Further, the information contained in this document or incorporated herein by reference is a statement of our present intention and is based on present facts and assumptions, and may change at any time and without notice, based on changes in such facts or assumptions.

 

Risk Factors Impacting Forward-Looking Statements

 

The important factors that could prevent us from achieving our stated goals and objectives include, but are not limited to, those set forth in other reports we have filed with the SEC and the following:

 

·      decisions of foreign countries and banks within those countries;

 

·                  unexpected changes in business and economic conditions;

 

·                  changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates;

 

·                  timing and amount of production, if any;

 

·      technological changes in the mining industry;

 

·      our costs;

 

·                  changes in exploration and overhead costs;

 

·                  access and availability of materials, equipment, supplies, labor and supervision, power and water;

 

·                  results of current and future exploration activities;

 

·                  our ability to secure permits needed to explore our mineral properties;

 

·                  results of pending and future feasibility studies;

 

·      changes in our business strategy;

 

·      interpretation of drill hole results and the geology, grade and continuity of mineralization;

 

·      the uncertainty of reserve estimates and timing of development expenditures;

 

·      commodity price fluctuations

 

17

Table of Contents

 

·      local and community impacts and issues including criminal activity and violent crimes ; and

 

·      accidents and labor disputes

 

We undertake no responsibility or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements, but may do so in the future in written or oral statements.  Investors should take note of any future statements made by or on our behalf.

 

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our exposure to market risks includes, but is not limited to, the following risks: changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates, equity price risks, commodity price fluctuations and country risk. We do not use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

While we transact most of our business in US dollars, some expenses, labor, operating supplies and capital assets are denominated in Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos. As a result, currency exchange fluctuations may impact our operating costs. The appreciation of non-US dollar currencies against the US dollar increases costs and the cost of purchasing capital assets in US dollar terms in Canada and Mexico, which can adversely impact our operating results and cash flows. Conversely, a depreciation of non-US dollar currencies usually decreases operating costs and capital asset purchases in US dollar terms in foreign countries.

 

The value of cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies also fluctuates with changes in currency exchange rates. Appreciation of non-US dollar currencies results in a foreign currency gain on such investments and a decrease in non-US dollar currencies results in a loss. We have not utilized market risk sensitive instruments to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates but may in the future actively manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk. We also hold portions of our cash reserves in non-US dollar currencies.  Based on our Canadian cash balance of $21.0 million at March 31, 2011, a 1% change in the Canadian dollar would have an impact (gain or loss) of approximately $0.2 million in the statement of operations.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We have no debt outstanding nor do we have any investment in debt instruments other than highly liquid short-term investments. Accordingly, we consider our interest rate risk exposure to be insignificant at this time.

 

Equity Price Risk

 

We have in the past sought and will likely in the future seek to acquire additional funding by sale of common stock.  Movements in the price of our common stock have been volatile in the past and may also be volatile in the future. As a result, there is a risk that we may not be able to sell common stock at an acceptable price to meet future funding requirements.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

We currently do not have any production and expect to be engaged in exploration activities for the foreseeable future. However, if we commence production and sales, changes in the price of gold and silver could significantly affect our results of operations and cash flows in the future.  We also hold a portion of our cash in gold and silver bullion which is recorded at cost.  Gold and silver prices may fluctuate widely from time to time.  Based on our gold and silver holdings of $33.1 million at March 31, 2011, a 10% reduction in the price of gold and silver would decrease our working capital by approximately $3.3 million.  At March 31, 2011, our gold and silver bullion had a combined fair value of $37.2 million.

 

18

Table of Contents

 

Foreign Country Risk

 

Our Magistral Mine and certain other concessions are located in Mexico, and are subject to Mexican federal and state laws and regulations.  As a result, our mining investments are subject to the risks normally associated with the conduct of business in foreign countries.  In the past, Mexico has been subject to political instability, changes and uncertainties which may cause changes to existing government regulations affecting mineral exploration and mining activities.  Civil or political unrest or violence could disrupt our operations at any time.  In 2011, there continues to be a high level of violence and crime relating to drug cartels in Sinaloa state, where we operate, and in other regions of Mexico.  This may disrupt our ability to carry out exploration and mining activities and affect the safety and security of our employees and contractors.  Our exploration and mining activities may be adversely affected in varying degrees by changing government regulations relating to the mining industry or shifts in political conditions that could increase the costs related to our activities or maintaining our properties.

 

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)           We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  As of March 31, 2011, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, management has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

(b)           Changes in Internal Controls.  There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

19

Table of Contents

 

PART II

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed with this report:

 

31.1		Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Robert R. McEwen.
31.2		Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Perry Y. Ing.
32		Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Robert R. McEwen and Perry Y. Ing.

 

20

Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

	US GOLD CORPORATION
	/s/ Robert R. McEwen
Dated: May 6, 2011	By Robert R. McEwen, Chairman
	and Chief Executive Officer
	/s/ Perry Y. Ing
Dated: May 6, 2011	By Perry Y. Ing, Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

 

21