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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC - Quarter Report: 2019 February (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended February 28, 2019

OR

 

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from             to

Commission File Number: 001-31913

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

British Columbia N/A

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

   

201 South Main Street, Suite 400

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

84111
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
   

(801) 639-0511

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

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

 

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). Yes ý No o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ý

 

Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

 

Emerging growth company o

 

If an emerging growth company, 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. o

 

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

 

As of March 26, 2019, the Company had 325,242,605 Common Shares, no par value, outstanding.

 

 

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1
Item 1. Financial Statements 1
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 14
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 14
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 15
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 15
Item 1A. Risk Factors 15
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 15
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 15
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 15
Item 5. Other Information. 15
Item 6. Exhibits 15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning anticipated results and developments in our operations in future periods, planned exploration activities, the adequacy of our financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production estimates and similar statements relating to the economic viability of a project, timelines, strategic plans, including our plans and expectations relating to the Donlin Gold project, market prices for precious metals, or other statements that are not statements of fact. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute “forward-looking statements” to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.

 

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “potential”, “possible” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material assumptions, including those listed below, which could prove to be significantly incorrect:

 

·our ability to achieve production at any of our mineral exploration and development properties;

·estimated capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns;

·estimated metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs, together with other assumptions underlying our resource and reserve estimates;

·our expected ability to develop adequate infrastructure and that the cost of doing so will be reasonable;

·assumptions that all necessary permits and governmental approvals will be obtained and the timing of such approvals;

·assumptions made in the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits;

·our expectations regarding demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of mineral properties; and

·our activities will not be adversely disrupted or impeded by development, operating or regulatory risks.

 

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

 

·uncertainty of whether there will ever be production at our mineral exploration and development properties;

·our history of losses and expectation of future losses;

·risks related to our ability to finance the development of our mineral properties through external financing, strategic alliances, the sale of property interests or otherwise;

·uncertainty of estimates of capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns;

·commodity price fluctuations;

·risks related to market events and general economic conditions;

·risks related to the third parties on which we depend for our exploration and development activities;

·dependence on cooperation of joint venture partners in exploration and development of properties;

·the risk that permits and governmental approvals necessary to develop and operate mines on our properties will not be available on a timely basis, subject to reasonable conditions, or at all;

·risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits;

·uncertainties relating to the assumptions underlying our resource and reserve estimates, such as metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs;

·risks related to lack of infrastructure required to develop, construct, and operate our mineral properties;

·uncertainty related to title to our mineral properties;

·mining and development risks, including risks related to infrastructure, accidents, equipment breakdowns, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with, or interruptions in, development, construction or production;

·competition in the mining industry;

·risks related to governmental regulation and permits, including environmental regulation;

·risks related to our largest shareholder;

·risks related to conflicts of interests of some of the directors and officers of the Company;

 

 

 

·risks related to opposition to our operations at our mineral exploration and development properties from non-governmental organizations or civil society;

·risks related to the need for reclamation activities on our properties and uncertainty of cost estimates related thereto;

·credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks;

·risks related to increases in demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of mineral properties, and related cost increases;

·our need to attract and retain qualified management and technical personnel;

·uncertainty as to the outcome of potential litigation; and

·risks related to global climate change.

 

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and our actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere.

 

Our forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this report. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands)

 

   At
February 28,
2019
 

At
November 30,

2018

ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents  $22,777   $21,004 
Term deposits   139,000    146,000 
Other assets   1,718    2,379 
Current assets   163,495    169,383 
Notes receivable (Note 5)   90,254    89,459 
Investment in Donlin Gold (Note 6)   783    1,209 
Other assets   929    878 
Total assets  $255,461   $260,929 
           
LIABILITIES          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  $709   $710 
Accrued payroll and related benefits   616    2,545 
Income taxes payable   190    223 
Other liabilities   182    182 
Current liabilities   1,697    3,660 
Promissory note (Note 7)   98,299    96,501 
Deferred income taxes   247    80 
Total liabilities   100,243    100,241 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)          
           
EQUITY          
Common shares   1,960,465    1,954,861 
Contributed surplus   82,717    87,987 
Accumulated deficit   (1,863,627)   (1,857,682)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (24,337)   (24,478)
Total equity   155,218    160,688 
Total liabilities and equity  $255,461   $260,929 

 

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

 

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on April 2, 2019. They are signed on the Company’s behalf by:

 

     
/s/ Gregory A. Lang, Director /s/ Anthony P. Walsh, Director  

 

1

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

   Three months ended February 28,
   2019  2018
      Revised1
Operating expenses:          
General and administrative (Note 9)  $4,340   $4,685 
Equity loss – Donlin Gold (Note 6)   1,323    1,841 
    5,663    6,526 
           
Loss from operations   (5,663)   (6,526)
Other income (expense) (Note 11)   (303)   (1,370)
Loss before income taxes and other items   (5,966)   (7,896)
Income tax expense   (357)   (66)
Net loss from continuing operations   (6,323)   (7,962)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 4)       (253)
Net loss   (6,323)  $(8,215)
           
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of $nil and $11 tax recovery, respectively       (94)
Foreign currency translation adjustments   519    1,868 
    519    1,774 
           
Comprehensive loss  $(5,804)  $(6,441)
           
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted          
Continuing operations  $(0.02)  $(0.03)
Discontinued operations        
   $(0.02)  $(0.03)
           
Weighted average shares outstanding          
Basic and diluted (thousands)   324,749    322,291 

  

1 See Note 4 – Discontinued operations

 

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

  

2

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands)

 

   Three months ended February 28,
   2019  2018
      Revised1
Operating activities:          
Net loss  $(6,323)  $(8,215)
Adjustments:          
Equity loss – Donlin Gold   1,323    1,841 
Share-based compensation   1,531    1,949 
Interest expense on promissory note   1,798    1,494 
Foreign exchange loss   386    116 
Deferred income tax expense   167    11 
Accretion of notes receivable   (795)    
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax       253 
Other   (40)   (32)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Other assets   773    (11)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (41)   (194)
Accrued payroll and related benefits   (1,929)   (1,854)
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations   (3,150)   (4,642)
           
Investing activities:          
Proceeds from term deposits   115,000    15,000 
Purchases of term deposits   (108,000)   (15,000)
Funding of Donlin Gold   (897)   (1,734)
Other       (13)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities of continuing operations   6,103    (1,747)
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations (Note 4)       (643)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities   6,103    (2,390)
           
Financing activities:          
Withholding tax on share-based compensation   (1,197)    
Net cash used in investing activities   (1,197)    
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   17    9 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents   1,773    (7,023)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   21,004    27,954 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $22,777   $20,931 

  

1 See Note 4 – Discontinued operations

 

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

 

3

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(Unaudited, US dollars and shares in thousands)

 

   Common shares  Contributed  Accumulated     Total
   Shares  Amount  surplus  deficit  AOCL*  equity
                   
November 30, 2017   322,219   $1,951,587   $83,534   $(1,744,917)  $(6,175)  $284,029 
Share-based compensation           1,949            1,949 
Stock options exercised   83    977    (977)            
Net loss               (8,215)       (8,215)
Other comprehensive income                   1,774    1,774 
February 28, 2018   322,302   $1,952,564   $84,506   $(1,753,132)  $(4,401)  $279,537 
                               
November 30, 2018   323,223   $1,954,861   $87,987   $(1,857,682)  $(24,478)  $160,688 
Cumulative-effect adjustment of adopting ASU No. 2016-01               378    (378)    
Share-based compensation           1,531            1,531 
PSUs settled in shares   438    2,737    (2,737)            
Stock options exercised   1,443    2,867    (2,867)            
Withholding tax on PSUs           (1,197)           (1,197)
Net loss               (6,323)       (6,323)
Other comprehensive income                   519    519 
February 28, 2019   325,104   $1,960,465   $82,717   $(1,863,627)  $(24,337)  $155,218 

* Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

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

 

4

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively, “NOVAGOLD” or the “Company”) operate in the mining industry, focused on the exploration for and development of gold mineral properties. The Company has no realized revenues from its planned principal business purpose. The Company’s principal asset is a 50% interest in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, U.S.A. The Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold LLC, a limited liability company that is owned equally by wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”).

 

On July 27, 2018, the Company completed the sale of its 50% interest in the Galore Creek Partnership (GCP) and its 40% interest in the Copper Canyon mineral property in British Columbia, Canada (together the “Galore Creek” assets). As a result, the Company presents Galore Creek as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. Accordingly, the Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss and Cash Flows have been reclassified to present Galore Creek as a discontinued operation for all periods presented, and the amounts presented in these notes relate only to continuing operations unless otherwise noted. For additional information regarding discontinued operations, see Note 4.

 

The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements of NOVAGOLD are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of these interim statements have been included. The results reported in these interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with NOVAGOLD’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended November 30, 2018. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements and certain information and footnote disclosures required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) have been condensed or omitted.

 

The functional currency for the Company’s Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency for the Company’s U.S. operations is the U.S. dollar. References in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars. Dollar amounts are in thousands, except for per share amounts.

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

 

Restricted Cash

 

In November 2016, ASU No. 2016-18 was issued related to the inclusion of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance requires that a statement of cash flows present the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This update is effective in fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company retrospectively adopted this guidance as of December 1, 2018. The Company did not have restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents for the periods presented and adoption of this standard did not have any impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

In August 2016, ASU No. 2016-15 was issued related to the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this new guidance effective December 1, 2018 and made an accounting policy election to classify distributions received from its equity method investee, Donlin Gold LLC, using a cumulative earnings approach. Distributions received will be considered returns on investment and classified as cash inflows from operating activities, unless the cumulative distributions received less distributions received in prior periods that were determined to be returns of investment exceed cumulative equity in earnings recognized. When such an excess occurs, the current-period distribution up to this excess will be considered a return of investment and classified as cash inflows from investing activities. Adoption of this standard did not have any impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.

 

Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments

 

In January 2016, ASU No. 2016-01 was issued to amend the guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments, which was further amended in February 2018 by ASU No. 2018-03. The new guidance requires entities to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. The new guidance also amends certain disclosure requirements for these investments. The Company adopted this standard as of December 1, 2018 and reclassified $378 of unrealized holding gains and deferred income taxes related to investments in marketable equity securities from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Accumulated deficit in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

5

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

 

Leases

 

In February 2016, ASU No. 2016-02 was issued related to leases, which was further amended in September 2017 by ASU No. 2017-13 and in January 2018 by ASU No. 2018-01. The new guidance modifies the classification criteria and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from most leases on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning December 1, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company anticipates adopting the new guidance effective December 1, 2019. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to materially increase the Company’s assets and liabilities.

 

Fair Value Disclosure Requirements

 

In August 2018, ASU No. 2018-13 was issued to modify and enhance the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. This update is effective in fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 1, 2020, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

 

NOTE 3 – SEGMENTED INFORMATION

 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer considers the business from a geographic perspective considering the performance of our investments in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, USA (Note 6) and, prior to its disposal on July 27, 2018, the Galore Creek project in British Columbia, Canada (Note 4).

 

NOTE 4 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

Galore Creek Transaction

 

On July 27, 2018, the Company completed the sale of its 50% interest in the Galore Creek assets to Newmont. The Company received $100,000 on closing; a note for $75,000 receivable upon the earlier of the completion of a new Galore Creek project pre-feasibility study or July 27, 2021; a note for $25,000 receivable upon the earlier of the completion of a Galore Creek project feasibility study or July 27, 2023; and an additional note for $75,000 receivable upon the earlier of approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan by the owner(s). The Company has no remaining interest in the Galore Creek assets.

 

The Company’s share of its investment in GCP included the following:

 

   Three months ended February 28,
   2019  2018
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax:      
Equity loss – Galore Creek  $—     $253 
           
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax:          
Funding of Galore Creek  $—     $643 

 

NOTE 5 – NOTES RECEIVABLE

 

The Company has notes receivable from Newmont including a $75,000 note receivable upon the earlier of the completion of a new Galore Creek project pre-feasibility study or July 27, 2021, and a $25,000 note receivable upon the earlier of the completion of a Galore Creek project feasibility study or July 27, 2023. On closing of the Galore Creek sale, the Company estimated the fair value of the $75,000 and $25,000 notes receivable at $88,398, assuming payments in three and five years, respectively, at a discount rate of 3.6% based on quoted market values for Newmont debt with a similar term. The carrying value of the notes receivable are being accreted to $75,000 and $25,000 over three and five years, respectively. At February 28, 2019, the carrying value of the notes receivable was $90,254 including $1,856 of accumulated accretion. A contingent note for $75,000 is receivable upon approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan by the owner(s). No value was assigned to the final $75,000 contingent note receivable. The Company determined that Galore Creek project construction approval was not probable as of the closing of the Galore Creek sale. The Company’s assessment did not change as of February 28, 2019.

 

6

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

NOTE 6 – INVESTMENT IN DONLIN GOLD

 

The Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold LLC, a limited liability company in which wholly-owned subsidiaries of Barrick and NOVAGOLD each own a 50% interest. Donlin Gold LLC has a board of four directors, with two directors selected by Barrick and two directors selected by the Company. All significant decisions related to Donlin Gold LLC require the approval of at least a majority of the Donlin Gold LLC board members.

 

Changes in the Company’s investment in Donlin Gold LLC are summarized as follows:

 

   Three months ended February 28,
   2019  2018
Balance – beginning of period  $1,209   $1,100 
Share of losses          
Mineral property expenditures   (1,310)   (1,835)
Depreciation   (13)   (6)
    (1,323)   (1,841)
Funding   897    1,734 
Balance – end of period  $783   $993 

 

The following amounts represent the Company’s 50% share of the assets and liabilities of Donlin Gold LLC. Donlin Gold LLC capitalized as Non-current assets: Mineral property the initial contribution of the Donlin Gold property with a carrying value of $64,000, resulting in a higher carrying value of the mineral property than the Company.

 

   At
February 28,
2019
  At
November 30, 2018
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables  $1,076   $1,872 
Non-current assets: Property and equipment   79    10 
Non-current assets: Mineral property   32,692    32,692 
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (372)   (673)
Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation   (692)   (692)
Net assets  $32,783   $33,209 

 

NOTE 7 – PROMISSORY NOTE

 

The Company has a promissory note payable to Barrick of $98,299, comprised of $51,576 in principal, and $46,723 in accrued interest at U.S. prime plus 2%. The promissory note resulted from the agreement that led to the formation of Donlin Gold LLC, where the Company agreed to reimburse Barrick for a portion of their expenditures incurred from April 1, 2006 to November 30, 2007. The promissory note and accrued interest are payable from 85% of the Company’s share of revenue from future mine production or from any net proceeds resulting from a reduction of the Company’s interest in Donlin Gold LLC. The carrying value of the promissory note approximates fair value.

 

NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING

 

Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the significance of the inputs used in making the measurement.  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

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

 

7

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

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 Company’s marketable equity securities 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 was $893 at February 28, 2019 ($839 at November 30, 2018), calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.

 

NOTE 9 – GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

   Three months ended February 28,
   2019  2018
Share-based compensation (Note 10)  $1,531   $1,949 
Salaries and benefits   1,664    1,679 
Office expense   671    566 
Corporate communications and regulatory   240    286 
Professional fees   230    199 
Depreciation   4    6 
   $4,340   $4,685 

 

NOTE 10 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

   Three months ended February 28,
   2019  2018
Stock options  $922   $948 
Performance share unit plan   570    952 
Deferred share unit plan   39    49 
   $1,531   $1,949 

 

A summary of stock options outstanding as of February 28, 2019 and activity during the three months ended February 28, 2019 are as follows:

 

   Number of stock options (thousands)  Weighted- average exercise price per share  Weighted- average
remaining
contractual term
(years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic
value
November 30, 2018   17,883   $3.36           
Granted   2,760    3.68           
Exercised   (3,253)   2.20           
Expired                  
Forfeited   (54)   4.68           
February 28, 2019   17,336   $3.64    2.58   $6,902 
Vested and exercisable as of February 28, 2019   12,335   $3.34    1.89   $6,636 

 

8

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

The following table summarizes other stock option-related information:

 

   Three months ended February 28,
   2019  2018
Weighted-average assumptions used to value stock option awards:          
Expected volatility   46.9%   50%
Expected term of options (years)   4    3 
Expected dividend rate        
Risk-free interest rate   2.7%   1.8%
Expected forfeiture rate   3.1%   2.3%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value  $1.46   $1.35 

 

 

As of February 28, 2019, the Company had $4,970 of unrecognized compensation cost related to 5,001,060 non-vested stock options expected to be recognized and vest over a period of approximately 2.75 years. During the three months ended February 28, 2019, the intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $2,867 and no cash was received.

 

Performance share units

 

A summary of PSU awards outstanding as of February 28, 2019 and activity during the three months ended February 28, 2019 are as follows:

 

   Number of PSU awards (thousands)  Weighted- average grant day fair value per award  Aggregate
intrinsic
value
November 30, 2018   1,797   $4.39      
Granted   803    3.67      
Vested   (764)   4.58      
Performance adjustment   (167)   4.58      
February 28, 2019   1,669   $3.76   $6,415 

 

As of February 28, 2019, the Company had $4,309 of unrecognized compensation cost related to 1,669,100 non-vested PSU awards expected to be recognized and vest over a period of approximately 2.75 years.

 

The following table summarizes other PSU-related information:

 

   Three months ended February 28,
   2019  2018
Performance multiplier on PSUs vested   82%   %
Common shares issued (thousands)   438     
Total fair value of common shares issued  $1,607   $ 
Withholding tax paid on PSUs vested  $1,197   $ 

 

9

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

NOTE 11 – OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

   Three months ended February 28,
   2019  2018
Interest income  $1,042   $240 
Accretion of notes receivable   795     
Interest expense on promissory note   (1,798)   (1,494)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)   (386)   (116)
Change in fair market value of marketable securities   44     
   $(303)  $(1,370)

 

NOTE 12 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company provided technical services to Donlin Gold LLC for $nil during the three months ended February 28, 2019 ($181 in 2018). As of February 28, 2019, the Company has accounts receivable from Donlin Gold LLC of $247 (November 30, 2018: $247).

 

NOTE 13 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

General

 

Estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability could be incurred, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency and estimated range of loss, if determinable, is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

 

Obligations under operating leases

 

The Company leases certain assets, such as office equipment and office facilities, under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2023. Future minimum annual lease payments are $169 in 2019, $199 in 2020, $204 in 2021, $210 in 2022, and $18 in 2023, totaling $800.

 

 

 

10

 

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

In Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “NOVAGOLD”, the “Company”, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations constitutes management’s review of the factors that affected our financial and operating performance for the three-month periods ended February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018, as well as other information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and with Canadian Securities Administrators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. References herein to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars.

 

Overview

 

Our operations primarily relate to the delivery of project milestones, including the achievement of various technical, environmental, sustainable development, external affairs/community engagement, economic, and legal objectives; obtaining necessary permits, completion of feasibility studies, preparation of engineering designs and obtaining financing to fund these milestones.

 

Our goals for 2019 include:

 

·Advance the Donlin Gold project toward a construction/production decision.

 

·Maintain an effective corporate social responsibility program.

 

·Promote a strong safety culture; maintain a zero lost time accident record.

 

·Safeguard the Company’s treasury.

 

First quarter highlights

 

Donlin Gold project

 

The final approval of the Donlin Gold Reclamation and Closure Plan and final Waste Management Permit were issued on January 18, 2019. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ (ADNR) Division of Mining, Land, and Water (DMLW) issued preliminary land use decisions for public comment proposing to authorize facilities associated with the project’s transportation corridor, including the access road and related material sites, airstrip, and upriver Jungjuk Port on January 28, 2019. The public comment period for these decisions closed on March 29, 2019. Also on January 28, 2019, ADNR’s Division of Oil and Gas (DOG), State Pipeline Coordinator’s Section issued a preliminary decision to authorize the sections of the pipeline on State lands. The public comment period for this decision closed on March 22, 2019. In late February, DMLW and DOG, began a series of six public meetings on their preliminary decisions (Anchorage, Bethel, Aniak, McGrath, Tyonek, and Skwenta Roadhouse).

 

ADNR’s approval of the Alaska Dam Safety certificates for the tailings facility and water retention and diversion structures requires a thorough stepwise process to deliver a Final Construction Package. The next step in the process is a site investigation and collection of high-quality geotechnical information for the advancement of the engineering from a feasibility level to the final construction package. The site investigation information will support a preliminary design package, detailed design package and ultimately the final construction package each of which will be submitted to ADNR for final approval and issuance of the certificates. We are currently in the advanced planning stage for the 2019/2020 field program. This program will consist of geotechnical core drilling, test pits, overburden drilling, packer tests, hydrogeologic test well installation and pumping tests, and geophysical surveys.

 

The Donlin Gold LLC board must approve a construction program and budget before the Donlin Gold project can be developed. The timing of the required engineering work and the Donlin Gold LLC board’s approval of a construction program and budget, the receipt of the remaining state governmental permits and approvals, and the availability of financing, commodity price fluctuations, risks related to market events and general economic conditions among other factors, will affect the timing of and whether to develop the Donlin Gold project.

 

11

 

During 2018, a group called the Yukon-Kuskokwim River Alliance (YKRA) was formed with the purpose of protecting salmon habitat in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. This organization along with 12 of the 56 village councils in the Calista Region (Native Village of Kasigluk, Orutsararmiut Native Council (ONC), Native Village of Eek, Tuluksak Native Community, Tununak Council, Native Village of Nunapitchuk, Chuloonawick Tribal Council, Native Village of Kwigillingok, Native Village of Kongiganak, Chefornak Traditional Council, Chevak Native Village, and Native Village of Napakiak) have adopted resolutions opposing development of the Donlin Gold project.

 

Earthjustice, speaking on behalf of ONC, Akiak Native Community IRA Council, Organized Village of Kwethluk, Native Village of Kwigillingok, Chuloonawick Tribal Council, and the YKRA, requested an informal review of the State of Alaska’s 401 certification by the Director of the Division of Water in the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). In October 2018, the Director responded to the request by deciding to conduct the informal review and a decision is expected in the second half of 2019.

 

On February 7, 2019, Earthjustice filed an administrative appeal of the Reclamation and Closure Plan Approval. ADNR is expected to issue a decision on the appeal in the second half of 2019. Also on February 7, 2019, Earthjustice requested an informal review by the Director of ADEC’s Division of Water of the Waste Management Permit issuance. The request for review was granted by ADEC on March 1, 2019 and a decision is expected in the second half of 2019.

 

Donlin Gold LLC, with support from NOVAGOLD and Barrick, remains actively engaged in environmental sustainability projects and extensive outreach efforts with local stakeholders, through multiple traditional village council meetings, regional tribal gatherings, events and village visits across the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region. Donlin Gold LLC collaborated with Calista and TKC (owners of the mineral and surface rights, respectively) on grants, scholarships and community outreach efforts.

 

The owners of the Donlin Gold project (Barrick and NOVAGOLD) continue to study ways to further improve the project’s value and to reduce initial capital outlays through enhanced project design and execution, engagement of third-party operators for certain activities, and potential for financing of some capital-intensive infrastructure. To date, these additional studies have identified opportunities that have the potential to benefit the project were the owners to decide to update the Donlin Gold feasibility study and initiate the engineering work necessary to advance the project design from feasibility level to basic and then detailed engineering. Barrick and NOVAGOLD will take all this work into account before reaching a construction decision and will advance the Donlin Gold project in a financially-disciplined manner with a strong focus on environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

 

Our share of funding for the Donlin Gold project in the first quarter of 2019 was $0.9 million for permitting and community engagement efforts. Our share of the total 2019 work program and budget is $13 million to continue to advance the project. The Alaska Dam Safety certificates require additional fieldwork and more detailed engineering over the next two years and Donlin Gold will continue to maintain its engagement with communities throughout the Y-K region.

 

We record our interest in the Donlin Gold project as an equity investment, which results in our 50% share of Donlin Gold’s expenses being recorded in the income statement as an operating loss. The investment amount recorded on the balance sheet primarily represents unused funds advanced to Donlin Gold.

 

Outlook

 

We do not currently generate operating cash flows. At February 28, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $22.8 million and term deposits of $139.0 million. At present, we believe that these balances are sufficient to cover anticipated funding of the Donlin Gold project and corporate general and administrative costs. Additional capital will be necessary if a decision to commence engineering and construction is reached for the Donlin Gold project. Future financings to fund construction are anticipated through debt, equity, project specific debt, and/or other means. Our continued operations are dependent on our ability to obtain additional financing or to generate future cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to raise additional capital on terms favorable to us, or at all. For further information, see the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018, as filed with the SEC and the Canadian Securities Regulators on January 23, 2019.

 

For the full year, we expect to spend approximately $24 million, including $13 million to fund our share of expenditures at the Donlin Gold project and $11 million for general and administrative costs.

 

12

 

Summary of Consolidated Financial Performance

 

   Three months ended February 28,
($ thousands, except per share)  2019  2018
Loss from operations  $(5,663)  $(6,526)
           
Net loss from continuing operations   (6,323)   (7,962)
Net loss from discontinued operations       (253)
Net loss  $(6,323)  $(8,215)
           
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted          
Continuing operations  $(0.02)  $(0.03)
Discontinued operations        
   $(0.02)  $(0.03)

 

Results of Operations

 

First quarter 2019 compared to 2018

 

Loss from operations decreased from $6.5 million in 2018 to $5.7 million in 2019 due to lower general and administrative expense and lower costs at Donlin Gold LLC. General and administrative expense decreased by $0.3 million primarily due to lower share-based compensation costs. At Donlin Gold expenses decreased by $0.5 million resulting from a reduction in permitting and optimization activities.

 

Net loss from continuing operations decreased from $8.0 million ($0.03 per share) in 2018 to $6.3 million ($0.02 per share) in 2019, primarily due to lower operating losses, higher interest income and accretion of notes receivable, offset by higher interest expense on the promissory note payable to Barrick and foreign exchange losses.

 

Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax of $0.3 million ($0.00 per share) in 2018 resulted from our share of expenses at the Galore Creek project. On July 27, 2018, we completed the sale of our 50% interest in the Galore Creek Partnership (GCP).

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Requirements

 

   At  At   
($ thousands)  February 28, 2019  November 30, 2018  Change
Cash and cash equivalents  $22,777   $21,004   $1,773 
Term deposits  $139,000   $146,000   $(7,000)

 

In the first quarter of 2019, total Cash, cash equivalents and Term deposits decreased by $5.2 million of which $4.3 million was used in operating activities for administrative costs and working capital changes and $0.9 million was used to fund Donlin Gold. The term deposits are denominated in U.S. dollars and are held at Canadian chartered banks.

 

   Three months ended February 28,
($ thousands)  2019  2018
Net cash (used in) provided from:          
Operating activities of continuing operations  $(3,150)  $(4,642)
Investing activities of continuing operations  $6,103   $(1,747)
Financing activities of continuing operations  $(1,197)  $ 
           
Net cash used in:          
Investing activities of discontinued operations  $   $(643)

 

First quarter 2019 compared to 2018

 

Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations decreased by $1.5 million, due to higher interest income and changes in working capital. Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities of continuing operations included a $7.0 million reduction in term deposits in the first quarter of 2019 and Donlin Gold funding decreased by $0.8 million due to lower permitting and optimization activities. In the first quarter of 2019, Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations related to withholding taxes paid on vested performance share units.

 

13

 

Outstanding share data

 

As of March 26, 2019, the Company had 325,242,605 common shares issued and outstanding. Also, as of March 26, 2019, the Company had: i) a total of 17,010,660 stock options outstanding; 9,135,960 of those stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of C$4.37 and the remaining 7,874,700 with a weighted-average exercise price of $4.07; and ii) 1,669,100 performance share units and 275,223 deferred share units outstanding. Upon exercise of the foregoing convertible securities, the Company would be required to issue a maximum of 19,789,533 common shares.

 

Accounting Developments

 

For a discussion of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, see Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Our financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including credit and interest rate risks.

 

Credit risk

 

Concentration of credit risk exists with respect to our cash and cash equivalents, term deposit investments and notes receivable. All term deposits are held through Canadian chartered banks with high investment-grade ratings and have maturities of one year or less. The notes receivable are due from a subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation, a publicly-traded company with investment-grade credit ratings.

 

Interest rate risk

 

The interest rate on the promissory note owed to Barrick is variable with the U.S. prime rate. Based on the amount owing on the promissory note as at February 28, 2019, and assuming all other variables remain constant, a 1% change in the U.S. prime rate would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $1.0 million in the interest accrued by us per annum.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

Management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of February 28, 2019. On the basis of this review, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal controls over financial reporting are based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

14

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we are a party to routine litigation and proceedings that are considered part of the ordinary course of our business. We are not aware of any material current, pending, or threatened litigation.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018, as filed with the SEC on January 23, 2019. The risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2018, in addition to the other information set forth in this quarterly report, could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we deem to be immaterial could also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

These disclosures are not applicable to us.

 

Item 5.Other Information.

 

None.

 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

See Exhibit Index.

 

15

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: April 2, 2019 NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.
     
     
     
  By:   /s/ Gregory A. Lang
    Gregory A. Lang
   

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

     

 

  By:   /s/ David A. Ottewell
    David A. Ottewell
    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
10.1   2004 Stock Award Plan of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (as amended)
10.2   2009 Performance Share Unit Plan of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (as amended)
31.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)  
32.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101   The following materials are filed herewith: (i) XBRL Instance, (ii) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema, (iii) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation, (iv) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels, (v) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation, and (vi) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition. In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits is furnished and deemed not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by the specific reference in such filing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17