U S GLOBAL INVESTORS INC - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q 

☒  Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

OR

☐  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from ____________ to ____________.

Commission File Number 0-13928

(210) 308-1234

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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 ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒   No ☐

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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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. ☐

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

On April 23, 2021, there were 13,866,913 shares of Registrant’s class A nonvoting common stock issued and 12,978,475 shares of Registrant’s class A nonvoting common stock issued and outstanding; no shares of Registrant’s class B nonvoting common shares outstanding; and 2,068,635 shares of Registrant’s class C voting common stock issued and outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

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

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

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

U.S. GLOBAL INVESTORS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

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

U.S. GLOBAL INVESTORS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED) (UNAUDITED)

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

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

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

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (the “Company” or “U.S. Global”) has prepared the consolidated financial statements pursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. The financial information included herein reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in management’s opinion, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The Company has consistently followed the accounting policies set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, U.S. Global Investors (Bermuda) Limited, U.S. Global Investors (Canada) Limited (“USCAN”), and U.S. Global Indices, LLC, and its 65 percent interest in Galileo Global Equity Advisors Inc. (“Galileo”) through March 2, 2020.

Effective March 2, 2020, the Company sold its shares in Galileo back to Galileo. Through the date of sale, Galileo was consolidated with the operations of the Company. Frank Holmes, CEO, and Lisa Callicotte, CFO, served as directors of Galileo through March 2, 2020. See Note 2 below for further information. Results of operations of Galileo through the date of sale are presented in the consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations.

The novel coronavirus 19 (“COVID-19”) pandemic presents ongoing significant economic and societal disruption and market volatility, which have known and yet to be seen impacts to the Company’s business and operating environment driven by significant volatility in the financial markets. There are no reliable estimates of how long the pandemic will last, how many people are likely to be affected by it, or its impact on the overall economy.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, governments have taken various actions including the issuance of stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines, causing some businesses to suspend operations, disrupting the global supply chain, and creating a reduction in demand for many products. This has negatively affected global financial markets. Assets under management (“AUM”) are the primary source of the Company’s revenues. Revenues and net income are significantly affected by investment performance and the total value and composition of AUM. These factors, in turn, are largely determined by overall investment market performance and investor activity.

Should the negative effect on global financial markets continue for an extended period, there could be an adverse material financial impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position resulting from reduced revenues earned on AUM and returns on corporate investments. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the future impact, given the uncertainty over the duration and severity of the economic crisis.

There are two primary consolidation models in U.S. GAAP, the variable interest entity (“VIE”) and voting interest entity models. The Company’s evaluation for consolidation includes whether entities in which it has an interest or from which it receives fees are VIEs and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of any VIEs identified in its analysis. A VIE is an entity in which either (a) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or (b) the group of holders of the equity investment at risk lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has the obligation to absorb a majority of the expected losses or the right to receive the majority of the residual returns and consolidates the VIE on the basis of having a controlling financial interest.

The Company holds variable interests in, but is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of, certain funds it advises, specifically, certain funds in U.S. Global Investors Funds (“USGIF” or the “Funds”). The Company’s interests in these VIEs consist of the Company’s direct ownership therein and any fees earned but uncollected. See further information about these funds in Notes 3 and 4. In the ordinary course of business, the Company may choose to waive certain fees or assume operating expenses of the funds it advises for competitive, regulatory or contractual reasons (see Note 4 for information regarding fee waivers). The Company has not provided financial support to any of these entities outside the ordinary course of business. The Company’s risk of loss with respect to these VIEs is limited to the carrying value of its investments in, and fees receivable from, the entities. The Company does not consolidate these VIEs because it is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s total exposure to unconsolidated VIEs, consisting of the carrying value of investment securities and receivables for fees, was $7.2 million at March 31, 2021, and $7.0 million at June 30, 2020.

Since the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the above funds it advises, the Company evaluated if it should consolidate under the voting interest entity model. Under the voting interest model, for legal entities other than partnerships, the usual condition for control is ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting shares over an entity. The Company does not have control of any of the above funds it advises; therefore, the Company does not consolidate any of these funds.

The Company currently holds a variable interest in a fund organized as a limited partnership advised by Galileo, but this entity does not qualify as a VIE. Since it is not a VIE, the Company evaluated if it should consolidate it under the voting interest entity model. Under the voting interest model, for legal entities other than partnerships, the usual condition for control is ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting shares over an entity. The Company does not have control of the entity and therefore, does not consolidate it. However, the Company was considered to have the ability to exercise significant influence. Thus, the investment has been accounted for under the equity method of accounting. See further information about this investment in Note 3.

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Certain quarterly amounts may not add to the year-to-date amount due to rounding. The results of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of the results the Company may expect for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 (“fiscal 2021”), particularly in light of COVID-19 and its effects on the U.S. and global economies.

The unaudited interim financial information in these condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s annual report.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and has subsequently issued several amendments (collectively, “ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 adds to U.S. GAAP an impairment model (known as the current expected credit loss model) that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses. ASU 2016-13 will be effective for smaller reporting companies, including U.S. Global, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Earlier application is permitted only for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments (“ASU 2019-04”). ASU 2019-04 clarifies areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses (Topic 326), derivatives and hedging (Topic 815), and recognition and measurement of financial instruments (Topic 825). The standard follows the effective dates of the previously issued ASUs, unless an entity has already early adopted the previous ASUs, in which case the effective date will vary according to each specific ASU adoption. The new guidance in ASU 2019-04 on recognizing and measuring financial instruments will be effective for smaller reporting companies, including U.S. Global, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. If an entity has adopted all of the amendments to ASU 2016-01, it is permitted to early adopt the new guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance. The amendments in ASU 2019-12 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods therein. Early adoption of the standard is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

USCAN entered into a binding letter of intent dated December 30, 2019, with Galileo whereby Galileo, pursuant to a capital restructuring, agreed to repurchase all of its common shares owned by USCAN for $1.0 million (Canadian). The transaction was subject to the approval of Canadian securities regulatory authorities and to the satisfaction of other closing conditions. The transaction closed effective March 2, 2020. Proceeds of approximately $746,000 were received (the equivalent of $1.0 million Canadian on the closing date of sale), and a realized gain of approximately $151,000 was recorded. In addition, approximately $228,000 in foreign currency loss was released from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into fiscal year 2020 loss upon closing the sale.

After the transaction, the Company has not and will not have continuing involvement with the operations of Galileo, except for an equity method investment in a fund managed by Galileo. See further information on this equity method investment in Note 3, Investments.

The results of Galileo through the March 2, 2020, closing date are reflected as “discontinued operations” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are therefore, excluded from continuing operations results. Comparative periods shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements have been adjusted to conform to this presentation. Operations of Galileo had previously been presented as the separate business segment of Investment Management Services – Canada.

There were no assets or liabilities classified as discontinued operations at March 31, 2021, or June 30, 2020.

The components of income (loss) from discontinued operations were as follows. Note that are no amounts in the current fiscal year as the sale closed March 2, 2020.

Galileo provides advisory services for clients in Canada and receives advisory fees based on the net asset values of the clients. Galileo may also receive performance fees from certain clients when market appreciation or realized net gains exceeds established benchmarks. Performance fees, which were included in advisory fees in the table above if applicable, were recognized when it was determined that they were no longer probable of significant reversal. Galileo recorded no performance fees from these clients in fiscal year 2020. Galileo may, at its discretion, waive and absorb some of its clients’ operating expenses. The amount of fund expenses waived and absorbed was $19,000 and $39,000 the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020, respectively.

Galileo had leases for office equipment and facilities. See further information on these leases in Note 6, Leases.

NOTE 3. INVESTMENTS

As of March 31, 2021, the Company held investments in securities at fair value totaling approximately $42.4 million with a cost basis of approximately $24.8 million. The fair value of these investments is 69.5 percent of the Company’s total assets at March 31, 2021. In addition, the Company held other investments of approximately $2.9 million and investments of approximately $596,000 accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values are carried at fair value, and changes in unrealized gains or losses are reported in current period earnings.

Investments in debt securities are classified on the acquisition dates and at each balance sheet date. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. Securities classified as trading are acquired with the intent to sell in the near term and are carried at fair value with changes reported in earnings. All other debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.

Investment gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities are recorded when the securities are sold, as determined on a specific identification basis, and recognized in current period earnings. Changes in unrealized gains are reported net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). For securities in an unrealized loss position, a loss in earnings is recognized for the excess of amortized cost over fair value if the Company intends to sell before the price recovers. Otherwise, the Company evaluates as of the balance sheet date whether the unrealized losses are attributable to credit losses or other factors. The severity of the decline in value, creditworthiness of the issuer and other relevant factors are considered. An allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited to the excess of amortized cost over fair value, along with a corresponding charge to earnings if the present value of estimated cash flows is less than the present value of contractual cash flows. The allowance may be subsequently increased or decreased based on the prevailing facts and circumstances. The portion of the unrealized loss that the Company believes is not related to a credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Other investments consist of equity investments in entities over which the Company is unable to exercise significant influence and which do not have readily determinable fair values. For these securities, the Company generally elects to value using the measurement alternative, under which such securities are measured at cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes for identical or similar securities of the same issuer with such changes recorded in investment income (loss). See further information about these investments in a separate section of this note.

The cost basis of investments may also be adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount on debt securities held or the recharacterization of distributions from investments in partnerships.

The following details the components of the Company’s equity investments recorded at fair value as of March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020.

Included in the above table was $7.2 million and $7.0 million as of March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, respectively, at fair value invested in USGIF.

Debt Investments

The following details the components of the Company’s debt investments as of March 31, 2021. The Company did not have any debt investments at June 30, 2020.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2021, are summarized below by contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities may differ from final contractual maturities due to principal repayment installments or prepayment rights held by issuers.

Fair Value Hierarchy

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value and requires companies to disclose the fair value of their financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy (i.e., Levels 1, 2, and 3 inputs, as defined below). The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets exchanged in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar assets exchanged in active or inactive markets; quoted prices for identical assets exchanged in inactive markets; other inputs that may be considered in fair value determinations of the assets, such as interest rates and yield curves; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of assets. The Company is required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs because there is little, if any, market activity in the assets and it may be unable to corroborate the related observable inputs. Unobservable inputs require management to make certain projections and assumptions about the information that would be used by market participants in valuing assets.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with the investing in those securities. Because of the inherent uncertainties of valuation, the values reflected may materially differ from the values received upon actual sale of those investments.

For actively traded securities, the Company values investments using the closing price of the securities on the exchange or market on which the securities principally trade. If the security is not traded on the last business day of the quarter, it is generally valued at the mean between the last bid and ask quotation. The fair value of a security that has a restriction is based on the quoted price for an otherwise identical unrestricted instrument that trades in a public market, adjusted for the estimated effect of the restriction. Mutual funds, which include open- and closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds, are valued at net asset value or closing price, as applicable.

For common share purchase warrants not traded on an exchange, the estimated fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This sophisticated model utilizes a number of assumptions in arriving at its results, including the estimated life of the warrant, the risk-free interest rate, and the volatility of the underlying common stock. The Company may change the assumption of the risk-free interest rate and utilize the yield curve for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings and jurisdiction. The effects of changing any of the assumptions or factors employed by the Black-Scholes model may result in a significantly different valuation for the warrants. The fair value of common share purchase warrants that have restrictions are adjusted for the estimated effect of the restriction. For certain debt securities not traded on an exchange, the estimated fair value generally reflects discounted expected future cash flows, which incorporate yield curves for instruments with similar characteristics, such as credit ratings and estimated durations. The portfolio management team, which includes representatives from the investment and accounting departments, also takes into consideration numerous other factors that could affect valuation such as overall market conditions, liquidity of the security and bond structure.

For other securities included in the fair value hierarchy with unobservable inputs, the portfolio management team considers a number of factors in determining a security’s fair value, including the security’s trading volume, market values of similar class issuances, investment personnel’s judgment regarding the market experience of the issuer, financial status of the issuer, the issuer’s management, and back testing, as appropriate. The fair values may differ from what may have been used had a broader market for these securities existed. The portfolio management team reviews inputs and assumptions and reports material items to the Board of Directors. Securities which do not have readily determinable fair values are also periodically reviewed by the portfolio management team.

The following summarizes the major categories of equity investments at fair value and debt investments as of March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, with fair values shown according to the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values of held-to-maturity debt investments are considered to be reasonable estimates of fair values.

As of March 31, 2021, approximately 29 percent and 71 percent of the Company’s financial assets were classified in the fair value hierarchy as Level 1 and Level 2, respectively. As of June 30, 2020, approximately 100 percent of the Company’s financial assets were classified in the fair value hierarchy as Level 1.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company purchased convertible securities of HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (“HIVE”), a company that is headquartered and traded in Canada with cryptocurrency mining facilities in Iceland, Sweden, and Canada, for $15.0 million. The convertible securities are comprised of 8.0% interest-bearing unsecured convertible debentures, payable in quarterly installments with a final maturity in January 2026, and 5 million common share purchase warrants in the capital of HIVE. The principal amount of each debenture is convertible into common shares in the capital of HIVE at a conversion rate of $2.34, and the remaining principal amount is $14.3 million as of March 31, 2021. Each whole warrant, expiring in January 2024, entitles the Company to acquire one common share at a price of $3.00 (Canadian). The securities are subject to Canadian securities regulations. The debentures and warrants were valued at approximately $16.5 million and $12.6 million, respectively, at March 31, 2021, and were classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Cryptocurrency markets and related securities have been, and are expected to continue to be, volatile. There has been significant volatility in the market price of HIVE, which has materially impacted the value of the investments included on the balance sheet, unrealized gain recognized in investment income (loss), and unrealized gain recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The investments did not represent ownership in HIVE as of March 31, 2021. Frank Holmes serves on the board as non-executive chairman of HIVE and held shares and options at March 31, 2021. Effective August 31, 2018, Mr. Holmes was named Interim Executive Chairman of HIVE while a search for a new CEO is undertaken.

During the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company sold its investment of 10 million common shares in HIVE. The cost of the 10 million shares was $2.4 million. In fiscal year 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-01 Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”) and its amendments. On July 1, 2018, the Company reclassified $3.2 million of unrealized gains related to its investment in HIVE from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Retained Earnings. Therefore, when the HIVE investment was sold, the amount included in realized gains on sales of fair valued securities was the proceeds of $20.6 million, less the cost of $2.4 million and the ASU 2016-01 reclassified unrealized gains of $3.2 million, or $15.0 million.

The Company has an investment in Thunderbird Entertainment Group Inc. (“Thunderbird”), a company headquartered and traded in Canada, at a cost of $1.5 million. The investment was valued at approximately $4.4 million and $1.2 million at March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, respectively, and was classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s ownership of Thunderbird was approximately 2.4 percent as of March 31, 2021. Frank Holmes served on the board of this company as a director from June 2014 to March 2021.

The Company has an investment in GoldSpot Discoveries Corp. (“GoldSpot”), a technology company headquartered and traded in Canada which leverages machine learning in natural resource exploration, at a cost of $514,000. During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recorded realized gains on sales of fair valued securities of $538,000 and $570,000 respectively, from sales of GoldSpot. The investment was valued at approximately $542,000 at March 31, 2021, and was classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The investment was valued at approximately $806,000 at June 30, 2020, of which $774,000 was classified as Level 1 and $32,000 was classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The portion of the investment classified in Level 2 was restricted for resale due to escrow and regulatory provisions; its valuation was based on the quoted market price adjusted for the restriction on resale. The remaining shares in escrow were released in August 2020. The Company’s ownership of GoldSpot was approximately 1.8 percent and 7.3 percent as of March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, respectively. Holmes served on the board of this company as director from February 2019 to June 2020 and as independent chairman from February 2019 to May 2020 and held common stock and options at March 31, 2021.

Other Investments

The carrying value of equity securities without readily determinable fair values was approximately $2.9 million and $1.3 million as of March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, respectively. The Company has elected to value these investments using the measurement alternative, under which such securities are measured at cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes for identical or similar securities of the same issuer with such changes recorded in investment income (loss).

The carrying value of equity securities without readily determinable fair values has been adjusted as follows:

There were impairment adjustments to one security totaling $6,000 during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021. Cumulative impairment adjustments to all equity securities without readily determinable fair values total $542,000 since their respective acquisitions through March 31, 2021. The cumulative amount of other downward adjustments, which include return of capital distributions and observable price changes, is $935,000, which includes $35,000 and $158,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, respectively. The cumulative amount of upward adjustments, which primarily consist of observable price changes, is $1.9 million, which includes $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021.

Investments Classified as Equity Method

Investments classified as equity method consist of investments in companies in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control. Under the equity method of accounting, the investment is initially recorded at cost, then the Company’s proportional share of investee’s underlying net income or loss is recorded as a component of “other income (loss)” with a corresponding increase or decrease to the carrying value of the investment. Distributions received from the investee reduce the Company’s carrying value of the investment. These investments are evaluated for impairment if events or circumstances arise that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.

During fiscal years 2020 and 2021, the Company had an equity method investment in Galileo New Economy Fund LP (previously known as Galileo Technology and Blockchain LP), a Canadian limited partnership managed by Galileo. The Company owns approximately 22.2 percent of the LP as of March 31, 2021, and the Company is considered to have the ability to exercise significant influence. Thus, the investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Included in other income (loss) for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, is ($64,000) and $420,000 of equity method income (loss) for this investment. Included in other income (loss) for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020, is ($91,000) and ($146,000) of equity method loss for this investment. The Company’s investment in the LP was valued at approximately $596,000 and $158,000 at March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, respectively. Frank Holmes also directly held an investment in the LP as of March 31, 2021. This investment has a concentration in technology and blockchain companies, which may result in volatility in its valuation.

Investment Income (Loss)

Investment income (loss) from the Company’s investments includes:

•          realized gains and losses on sales of securities;

•          unrealized gains and losses on securities at fair value;

•          realized foreign currency gains and losses;

•          other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale debt securities;

•          impairments and observable price changes on equity investments without readily determinable fair values; and

•          dividend and interest income.

The following summarizes investment income (loss) reflected in earnings from continuing operations:

The three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, included approximately $14.7 million and $21.1 million of net unrealized gains recognized on equity securities still held at March 31, 2021.

Investment income (loss) can be volatile and varies depending on market fluctuations, the Company’s ability to participate in investment opportunities, and timing of transactions. The Company expects that gains and losses will continue to fluctuate in the future.

NOTE 4. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER FEES

The following table presents operating revenues disaggregated by performance obligation:

The Company serves as investment adviser to USGIF and receives a fee based on a specified percentage of average assets under management. The advisory agreement for the equity funds within USGIF provides for a base advisory fee that is adjusted upwards or downwards by 0.25 percent when there is a performance difference of 5 percent or more between a fund’s performance and that of its designated benchmark index over the prior rolling 12 months.

The Company has agreed to contractually limit the expenses of the Near-Term Tax Free Fund and the Global Luxury Goods Fund through April 2022. The Company has voluntarily waived or reduced its fees and/or agreed to pay expenses on the remaining USGIF funds. These caps will continue on a voluntary basis at the Company’s discretion. The aggregate fees waived and expenses borne by the Company for USGIF for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, were $153,000 and $554,000, respectively, compared with $141,000 and $407,000, respectively, for the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. Management cannot predict the impact of future waivers due the number of variables and the range of potential outcomes.

The Company receives administrative service fees from USGIF based on an annual rate of 0.05 percent of average daily net assets of each fund.

The Company also serves as investment advisor to two exchange-traded funds (ETFs): U.S. Global Jets ETF (ticker JETS) and U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (ticker GOAU). The Company receives a unitary management fee of 0.60 percent of average net assets and has agreed to bear all expenses of the ETFs.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had $2.5 million in receivables from fund clients, of which $400,000 was from USGIF and $2.1 million from the ETFs. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had $869,000 in receivables from fund clients, of which $187,000 was from USGIF and $682,000 from the ETFs.

Other operating revenue includes the extinguishment of debt related to the forgiveness of the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan and accrued interest. See further information on the PPP loan in Note 7, Borrowings.

NOTE 5. RESTRICTED CASH

Restricted cash represents cash invested in a money market account as collateral for credit facilities that is not available for general corporate use. A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported from the consolidated balance sheets to the statements of cash flows is shown below:

NOTE 6. LEASES

The Company has lease agreements on a continuing operations basis for office equipment that expire in fiscal year 2022. Lease expense included in continuing operations totaled $39,000 and $116,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, and $39,000 and $115,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020, respectively.

The Company’s former subsidiary Galileo, which is classified as discontinued operations as described in Note 2, had lease agreements for office equipment and for office facilities. Lease expense included in discontinued operations totaled $14,000 and $74,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020.

For continuing operations, the components of lease expense included in general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and qualitative information concerning the Company’s operating leases were as follows:

Maturities of lease liabilities from continuing operations as of March 31, 2021, are as follows:

The Company is the lessor of certain areas of its owned office building under operating leases expiring in various years through fiscal year 2023. At the commencement of an operation lease, no income is recognized; subsequently, lease payments received are recognized on a straight-line basis. Lease income included in other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, was $23,000 and $69,000, respectively. Lease income included in other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020, was $23,000 and $64,000, respectively. The cost of obtaining lessor contracts, which is included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $5,000 and $7,000 at March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, respectively.

A summary analysis of annual undiscounted cash flows to be received on leases as of March 31, 2021, is as follows:

The Company may terminate the building leases with one hundred eighty days written notice if it sells the property. If the Company terminates the lease, the Company will pay the tenant a termination fee of the lesser of six months of the base monthly rent or the base monthly rent times the number of months remaining in the initial term.

NOTE 7. BORROWINGS

The Company has access to a $1 million credit facility for working capital purposes. The credit agreement requires the Company to maintain certain covenants; the Company has been in compliance with these covenants during the current fiscal year. The credit agreement will expire on May 31, 2021, and the Company intends to renew annually. The credit facility is collateralized by $1 million at March 31, 2021, shown as restricted cash on the balance sheet, held in deposit in a money market account at the financial institution that provided the credit facility. As of March 31, 2021, the credit facility remains unutilized by the Company.

Effective April 12, 2020, the Company was approved for a loan of approximately $442,000 under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The Company has under 25 employees and is considered a small business.

The Company has been granted forgiveness of the entire PPP loan and any accrued interest. Included in Other Operating Revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt, including interest, of $444,000.

NOTE 8. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Payment of cash dividends is within the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and is dependent on earnings, operations, capital requirements, general financial condition of the Company, and general business conditions. A monthly dividend of $0.0025 per share was paid during fiscal year 2020 and for July 2020 through January 2021. A monthly dividend of $0.0050 per share was paid for February 2021 through March 2021, and as of March 31, 2021 is authorized through June 2021, at which time it will be considered for continuation.

The Company has a share repurchase program, approved by the Board of Directors, authorizing the Company to annually purchase up to $2.75 million of its outstanding common shares, as market and business conditions warrant, on the open market in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 through December 31, 2021. The repurchase program has been in place since December 2012, and the Board of Directors has annually renewed the repurchase program each calendar year. The acquired shares may be used for corporate purposes, including shares issued to employees in the Company’s stock-based compensation programs. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, the Company repurchased 19,900 and 35,996 class A shares using cash of $127,000 and $189,000, respectively. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 69,420 and 72,820 class A shares using cash of $68,000 and $74,000, respectively.

The Company’s stock option plans provide for the granting of class A shares as either incentive or nonqualified stock options to employees and non-employee directors. Options are subject to terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. There were 2,000 options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2021, at a weighted average exercise price of $2.74. There were no options granted, forfeited, or exercised for the three or nine months ended March 31, 2021. There were no options granted, forfeited, or exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2020. There were 2,000 options forfeited and no options granted or exercised during the nine months ended March 31, 2020.

Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, and the cost is recognized as expense ratably over the award’s vesting period. There was no stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, or 2020. As of March 31, 2021, and 2020, there was no unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to share-based awards granted under the plans.

NOTE 9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The basic earnings per share (“EPS”) calculation excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of EPS that could occur if options to issue common stock were exercised.

The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted EPS: