Edgar Filing: NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC

novagold10q.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended August 31, 2015

o 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: 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.)

789 West Pender Street, Suite 720 Vancouver, British Columbia Canada	V6C 1H2
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(604) 669-6227 (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 x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

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

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company 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 x

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had 317,906,679 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	13
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	17
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	17

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION		18

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	18
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	18
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	18
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	18
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	18
Item 5.	Other Information	18
Item 6.	Exhibits	18

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 our 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 and Galore Creek projects, completion of transactions, market prices for precious and base 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;

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;

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

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 our ability to commence production and generate material revenues or obtain adequate financing for our planned exploration and development activities;

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;

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;

credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks;

risks related to market events and general economic conditions;

uncertainty related to inferred mineral resources;

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

risks related to lack of infrastructure required to develop, construct, and operate 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;

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;

commodity price fluctuations;

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

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

uncertainty related to title to our mineral properties;

uncertainty related to unsettled aboriginal rights and title in British Columbia;

our history of losses and expectation of future losses;

uncertainty as to the outcome of potential litigation;

risks related to our largest shareholder;

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

competition in the mining industry;

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

risks related to our current practice of not using hedging arrangements;

risks related to conflicts of interests of some of the directors of the Company;

risks related to global climate change;

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

increased regulatory compliance costs relating to the Dodd-Frank Act.

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 Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors”.

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 August 31, 2015			At November 30, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	44,987		$	70,325
Investments (note 4)		85,000			95,000
Other assets		3,043			3,735
Current assets		133,030			169,060
Investments (note 4)		462			901
Investment in affiliates (note 5)		248,107			284,865
Mineral properties		44,266			50,897
Deferred income taxes		9,952			11,445
Other assets		6,637			7,378
Total assets		442,454		$	524,546

LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	2,524		$	3,489
Debt (note 6)		—			15,112
Other liabilities		518			625
Current liabilities		3,042			19,226
Debt (note 6)		79,219			76,153
Deferred income taxes		20,912			24,051
Total liabilities		103,173			119,430

Commitments and contingencies (note 13)

EQUITY
Common shares		1,938,042			1,936,336
Contributed surplus		79,367			74,038
Accumulated deficit		(1,664,887	)		(1,640,103	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(13,241	)		34,845
Total equity		339,281			405,116
Total liabilities and equity	$	442,454		$	524,546

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 October 6, 2015. They are signed on the Company’s behalf by:

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

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF LOSS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

	Three months ended August 31,						Nine months ended August 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Operating expenses:
Equity loss of affiliates (note 5)	$	2,457		$	5,709		$	9,018		$	12,946
General and administrative (note 8)		4,062			5,037			15,714			17,379
Exploration and evaluation		52			—			353			—
Depreciation		8			9			26			27
		6,579			10,755			25,111			30,352

Loss from operations		(6,579	)		(10,755	)		(25,111	)		(30,352	)

Other income (expense):
Interest income		192			183			557			649
Interest expense		(1,045	)		(1,609	)		(4,146	)		(5,229	)
Foreign exchange gain		1,141			173			4,356			1,521
Write-down of investments (note 4)		—			—			(426	)		—
Other		—			—			—			25
		288			(1,253	)		341			(3,034	)

Loss before income taxes		(6,291	)		(12,008	)		(24,770	)		(33,386	)
Income tax (expense) recovery		(10	)		(1	)		(14	)		5
Net loss	$	(6,301	)	$	(12,009	)	$	(24,784	)	$	(33,381	)

Loss per common share
Basic and diluted	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.11	)

Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic and diluted (thousands)		317,862			317,288			317,835			317,175

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

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands)

	Three months ended August 31,						Nine months ended August 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014

Net loss	$	(6,301	)	$	(12,009	)	$	(24,784	)	$	(33,381	)

Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities
Unrealized holding gains (losses) during period		(75	)		26			(327	)		135
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net loss (note 11)		—			—			426			—
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of $10, $1, $14 and $(5) tax recovery (expense)		(75	)		26			99			135
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(17,969	)		(1,157	)		(48,185	)		(9,869	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(18,044	)		(1,131	)		(48,086	)		(9,734	)

Comprehensive loss	$	(24,345	)	$	(13,140	)	$	(72,870	)	$	(43,115	)

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

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands)

	Three months ended August 31,						Nine months ended August 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014

Operating activities:
Net loss	$	(6,301	)	$	(12,009	)	$	(24,784	)	$	(33,381	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation		8			9			26			27
Deferred income taxes		10			1			14			(5	)
Foreign exchange gain		(1,141	)		(173	)		(4,356	)		(1,521	)
Share-based compensation		1,673			1,886			7,730			8,451
Equity losses of affiliates		2,457			5,709			9,018			12,946
Write-down of investments		—			—			426			—
Other		1,018			1,379			3,704			4,164
Withholding tax paid on stock based compensation		—			—			(827	)		(636	)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities (note 10)		521			1,525			(864	)		2,594
Net cash used in operations		(1,755	)		(1,673	)		(9,913	)		(7,361	)

Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment		—			—			—			(22	)
Proceeds from term deposits		40,000			50,000			135,000			160,000
Purchases of term deposits		(40,000	)		(45,000	)		(125,000	)		(150,000	)
Funding of affiliates		(2,757	)		(3,799	)		(9,219	)		(12,990	)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities		(2,757	)		1,201			781			(3,012	)

Financing activities:
Repayment of debt		—			—			(15,829	)		—
Net cash used in financing activities		—			—			(15,829	)		—

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(197	)		(13	)		(377	)		(45	)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(4,709	)		(485	)		(25,338	)		(10,418	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		49,696			71,329			70,325			81,262
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	44,987		$	70,844		$	44,987		$	70,844

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

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Unaudited, US dollars and shares in thousands)

	Common shares				Contributed		Accumulated			Accumulated other comprehensive			Total
	Shares		Amount		surplus		deficit			income			equity

November 30, 2013		316,661	$	1,933,953	$	66,811	$	(1,599,619	)	$	64,504		$	465,649
Net loss		—		—		—		(40,484	)		—			(40,484	)
Other comprehensive loss		—		—		—		—			(29,659	)		(29,659	)
Share-based compensation and related share issuances		627		2,383		7,227		—			—			9,610
November 30, 2014		317,288	$	1,936,336	$	74,038	$	(1,640,103	)	$	34,845		$	405,116
Net loss		—		—		—		(24,784	)		—			(24,784	)
Other comprehensive loss		—		—		—		—			(48,086	)		(48,086	)
Share-based compensation and related share issuances		574		1,706		5,329		—			—			7,035
August 31, 2015		317,862	$	1,938,042	$	79,367	$	(1,664,887	)	$	(13,241	)	$	339,281

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

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”) operates in the mining industry, focused on the exploration for and development of gold and copper mineral properties. The Company has no operations or realized revenues from its planned principal business purpose. The Company’s principal assets include a 50% interest in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, U.S.A. and a 50% interest in the Galore Creek project in British Columbia, Canada.

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, 2014. 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 to “$” refer to United States currency and “C$” to Canadian currency.

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern

In August 2014, Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) guidance was issued, which explicitly requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The Company elected early adoption of the new guidance applied prospectively. Application of the new guidance had no impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Discontinued Operations

In April 2014, ASC guidance was issued related to Discontinued Operations which changed the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modified related disclosure requirements. The updated guidance requires an entity to only classify dispositions as discontinued operations due to a major strategic shift or a major effect on an entity’s operations in the financial statements. The updated guidance will also require additional disclosures relating to discontinued operations. Application of the new guidance had no impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Foreign Currency Matters

In March 2013, ASC guidance was issued related to Foreign Currency Matters to clarify the treatment of cumulative translation adjustments when a parent sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity. The updated guidance also resolves the diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages in a foreign entity. Application of the new guidance had no impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

In November 2011, ASC guidance was issued related to disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The new standard requires disclosures to allow investors to better compare financial statements prepared under US GAAP with financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. In January 2013, an update was issued to further clarify that the disclosure requirements are limited to derivatives, repurchase agreements, and securities lending transactions to the extent that they are (i) offset in the financial statements or (ii) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Application of the new guidance had no impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

Consolidation – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis

In February 2015, ASC guidance was issued to amend current consolidation guidance. The amendments affect both the variable interest entity and voting interest entity consolidation models. The need to assess an entity under a different consolidation model may change previous consolidation conclusions. The standard is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning December 1, 2016. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.

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 Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer considers the business from a geographic perspective considering the performance of our investments in affiliates. Segment information is provided on each of the material projects individually in Note 5.

NOTE 4 – INVESTMENTS

	At August 31, 2015
	Cost		Unrealized					Fair Value
	Basis		Gain		Loss			Basis
Current:
Term deposits	$	85,000	$	—	$	—		$	85,000

Long-term:
Marketable equity securities	$	465	$	57	$	(60	)	$	462

	At November 30, 2014
	Cost		Unrealized					Fair Value
	Basis		Gain		Loss			Basis
Current:
Term deposits	$	95,000	$	—	$	—		$	95,000

Long-term:
Marketable equity securities	$	990	$	139	$	(228	)	$	901

Term deposits are held at two Chartered Canadian banks with original maturities of 12 months or less. Marketable equity securities include available-for-sale investments in mineral exploration companies. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company recognized impairments for other-than-temporary declines in value of $426 for marketable equity securities. At August 31, 2015, all unrealized losses were in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months.

NOTE 5 – INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES

	At August 31, 2015		At November 30, 2014
Donlin Gold LLC, Alaska, U.S.A	$	1,376	$	1,618
Galore Creek Partnership, British Columbia, Canada		246,731		283,247
	$	248,107	$	284,865

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Donlin Gold LLC

On December 1, 2007, together with a subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”), the Company formed a limited liability company (“Donlin Gold LLC”) to advance the Donlin Gold project in Alaska. 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 Barrick and the Company. The Company has a 50% interest in Donlin Gold LLC.

Changes in the Company’s 50% investment in Donlin Gold LLC are summarized as follows:


	Nine months ended August 31,
	2015			2014
Balance – beginning of period	$	1,618		$	1,720
Funding		8,711			11,123
Share of losses		(8,953	)		(11,426	)
Balance – end of period	$	1,376		$	1,417

The following amounts represent the Company’s 50% share of the assets and liabilities of Donlin Gold LLC. Donlin Gold LLC has capitalized as 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 August 31, 2015			At November 30, 2014
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables	$	2,179		$	2,294
Non-current assets: Property and equipment		275			403
Non-current assets: Mineral property		32,692			32,692
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(1,078	)		(1,079	)
Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation		(692	)		(692	)
Net assets	$	33,376		$	33,618

Galore Creek Partnership

The Galore Creek project is owned by the Galore Creek Partnership (“Partnership”), a partnership in which a wholly owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD and Teck Resources Limited (“Teck”) each own a 50% interest. The Partnership was formed in May 2007. Teck earned its 50% interest in the Partnership upon completion of its funding commitment of C$373,300 in June 2011. Commencing June 2011, the partners funded the project costs on a 50/50 basis. The Partnership prepares its financial statements under IFRS and are presented in Canadian dollars. In accounting for its investment in the Partnership, the Company converts and presents reported amounts in accordance with US GAAP and in U.S. dollars.

Changes in the Company’s 50% investment in the Partnership are summarized as follows:


	Nine months ended August 31,
	2015			2014
Balance – beginning of period	$	283,247		$	305,735
Funding		508			1,867
Share of losses		(65	)		(1,520	)
Exploration tax credit		—			(693	)
Foreign currency translation		(36,959	)		(7,112	)
Balance – end of period	$	246,731		$	298,277

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

As a result of recording the Company’s investment in the Partnership at fair value in June 2011, the carrying value of the Company’s 50% interest in the Partnership is higher than 50% of the book value of the Partnership. Therefore, the Company’s investment in the Partnership does not equal 50% of the net assets recorded by the Partnership. The following amounts represent the Company’s 50% share of the assets and liabilities of the Partnership:

	At August 31, 2015			At November 30, 2014
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables	$	859		$	386
Non-current assets: Property and equipment		222,324			254,991
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(410	)		(360	)
Non-current liabilities: Payables and reclamation obligation		(7,269	)		(8,268	)
Net assets	$	215,504		$	246,749

Equity losses of affiliates

	Three months ended August 31,					Nine months ended August 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014
Donlin Gold LLC:
Mineral property expenditures	$	2,760		$	5,402	$	8,825		$	11,295
Depreciation		43			37		128			131
		2,803			5,439		8,953			11,426
Galore Creek Partnership:
Mineral property expenditures		46			62		71			390
Care and maintenance expense		247			208		633			1,130
Gain on sale of equipment		(639	)		—		(639	)		—
		(346	)		270		65			1,520
	$	2,457		$	5,709	$	9,018		$	12,946

NOTE 6 – DEBT

	At August 31, 2015		At November 30, 2014
Convertible notes	$	—	$	15,112
Promissory note		79,219		76,153
		79,219		91,265
Less: current portion		—		(15,112	)
	$	79,219	$	76,153

Scheduled minimum debt repayments are $nil for the remainder of 2015 through 2019, and $79,219 thereafter. The carrying value of the debt approximates fair value.

Convertible notes

The remaining $15,829 principal amount of the original $95,000 in unsecured senior convertible notes (“Notes”) issued by the Company on March 26, 2008 was repaid on May 1, 2015. Changes in the carrying value of the Notes are summarized as follows:

	Nine months ended August 31,
	2015			2014
Balance – beginning of period	$	15,112		$	13,570
Accretion expense		717			1,135
Repayment of Notes		(15,829	)		—
Balance – end of period	$	—		$	14,705

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

The following table provides the net amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Notes:

	At August 31, 2015		At November 30, 2014
Principal amount	$	—	$	15,829
Unamortized debt discount		—		(717	)
Net carrying amount	$	—	$	15,112

Promissory note

As part of the agreement that led to the formation of Donlin Gold LLC, the Company agreed to reimburse Barrick for a portion of their expenditures incurred from April 1, 2006 to November 30, 2007 out of the Company’s share of future mine production cash flow. The Company has a promissory note payable to Barrick for $51,600, plus interest at a rate of US prime plus 2%, amounting to $27,619 in accrued interest since the inception of the promissory note.

NOTE 7 – 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

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 $462 at August 31, 2015 ($901 at November 30, 2014), calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.

NOTE 8 – GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

	Three months ended August 31,				Nine months ended August 31,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Salaries	$	1,513	$	1,509	$	4,563	$	4,612
Share-based compensation		1,673		1,886		7,730		8,451
Office expense		503		749		1,571		1,917
Professional fees		176		505		554		1,287
Corporate development		197		388		1,296		1,112
	$	4,062	$	5,037	$	15,714	$	17,379

NOTE 9 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

	Three months ended August 31,				Nine months ended August 31,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Stock options	$	493	$	795	$	4,111	$	5,362
Performance share unit plan		1,124		1,045		3,457		2,943
Deferred share unit plan		56		46		162		146
	$	1,673	$	1,886	$	7,730	$	8,451

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

In the first nine months of 2015, the Company granted 4,359,000 share options to employees and directors with an exercise price of C$3.18 per share and a fair value of C$1.30 per share. The Company also granted 1,377,000 performance share units to employees with a fair value of C$3.86 per unit.

In the first nine months of 2014, the Company granted 6,092,000 share options to employees and directors with an exercise price of C$2.90 per share and a fair value of C$1.18 per share. The Company also granted 1,820,000 performance share units to employees with a fair value of C$3.18 per unit.

NOTE 10 – CHANGE IN OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

	Three months ended August 31,						Nine months ended August 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014

Decrease in receivables, deposits and prepaid amounts	$	54		$	481		$	559		$	2,985
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities		497			1,081			(1,316	)		(277	)
Decrease in reclamation and remediation liabilities		(30	)		(37	)		(107	)		(114	)
	$	521		$	1,525		$	(864	)	$	2,594

NOTE 11 – RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

	Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Total
November 30, 2014	$	(104	)	$	34,949		$	34,845
Change in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(327	)		(48,185	)		(48,512	)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		426			—			426
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		99			(48,185	)		(48,086	)
August 31, 2015	$	(5	)	$	(13,236	)	$	(13,241	)

There were no amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) in the nine month period ended August 31, 2014.

NOTE 12 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the first nine months of 2015, the Company provided management services to Donlin Gold LLC for $nil ($207 in the first nine months of 2014); and office rental and services to Galore Creek Partnership for $266 ($300 in the first nine months of 2014).

As of August 31, 2015, the Company has accounts receivable from Galore Creek Partnership of $291 (November 30, 2014: $335) included in other current assets and a receivable of $3,335 (November 30, 2014: $3,836) from Galore Creek Partnership included in other long-term assets.

NOTE 13 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

General

The Company follows ASC guidance in determining its accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies. Accordingly, 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 is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Obligations under operating leases

The Company leases certain assets, such as office equipment and office facilities, under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2020. Future minimum annual lease payments are $132 in the remainder of 2015, $358 in 2016 and $305 in 2017, totaling $795.

NOTE 14 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

	Nine months ended August 31,
	2015		2014
Interest received	$	479	$	494
Interest paid	$	435	$	435
Income taxes paid	$	132	$	295

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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 and nine month periods ended August 31, 2015 and 2014. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.

Overview

Our operations primarily relate to the delivery of project milestones, including the achievement of various technical, environmental, sustainable development, economic and legal objectives, obtaining necessary permits, preparation of engineering designs and the financing to fund these objectives.

Our goals for 2015 include:

Advance the Donlin Gold project toward a construction decision.

Advance Galore Creek mine planning and project design.

Evaluate opportunities to monetize the value of Galore Creek.

Maintain a healthy balance sheet.

Maintain an effective corporate social responsibility program.

Third quarter highlights

Donlin Gold

Permitting activities continued at Donlin Gold in the third quarter of 2015 and were mainly focused on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the act that governs the process by which most major projects in the United States are evaluated. The EIS is also, in large part, a determining factor in the overall permitting timeline which, for Donlin Gold, commenced in 2012 and is anticipated to take approximately five years to complete. This document is comprised of four main sections which:

Outline the purpose and the need for the development of the proposed mine and the benefit it would bring to the stakeholders of Donlin Gold’s Native Corporation Partners, Calista Corporation and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC).

Identify and analyze a reasonable range of alternatives to the mine development proposed by Donlin Gold which comprise variations on certain mine site facility designs, as well as local transportation and power supply options.

Involve the preparation of an environmental analysis of the proposed action and reasonable alternatives (including a no action alternative), which identifies and characterizes the potential physical, biological, social, and cultural impacts relative to the existing baseline conditions. This portion normally constitutes the most extensive part of the EIS.

Describe potential mitigation measures intended to reduce or eliminate the environmental impacts described in the impact analysis section.

In the third quarter, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the “Corps”), the lead agency for the Donlin Gold EIS, received comments from the cooperating agencies on the preliminary draft EIS. Agency comments received were substantive, constructive, and primarily focused on clarifying certain aspects of the EIS to efficiently communicate the potential effects of development of the Donlin Gold project. Donlin Gold also submitted all remaining data and analysis to the Corps. This constructive exchange by all parties involved in the EIS is very important, as it ensures that the draft EIS meets the expectations and the needs of all of the agencies involved in permitting and reviewing the Donlin Gold project. The Corps is working toward the publication of the draft EIS around 2015 year-end and continues to anticipate issuance of the final EIS in early 2017. The Company believes this timeline provides ample opportunity for stakeholders to become informed about the Donlin Gold project and to comment on the EIS. The Corps’ timetable for the Donlin Gold EIS process can be found on their website at www.donlingoldeis.com.

In addition to actively participating in the NEPA process, Donlin Gold LLC continues to work simultaneously with other permitting agencies on major permit applications, including:

working with the State of Alaska to finalize an air quality permit application for submittal;

finalizing approaches to water management, treatment, and discharge to facilitate issuance of the water discharge and use permits;

coordinating and supporting the State, Federal, and native landowner reviews of the rights-of-way and lease applications for the gas pipeline;

working with the Alaska Dam Safety Program on engineering evaluation and authorization of the seven large dams proposed for the project, including the tailings storage facility dam; and

supporting the Corps in finalizing the determination of the impacts on wetland areas, functions, and values and proposing compensatory mitigation as required by the Clean Water Act section 404 permitting process.

In the third quarter, a request for expression of interest for third party participation in the natural gas pipeline was issued to potential candidates. Submittals are under review. Donlin Gold remained actively engaged in sponsorship activities at the community level in the third quarter, supporting local youth in leadership endeavors, visiting communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region and executing on its workforce development strategy.

Our share of cash funding for Donlin Gold was $2.7 million and $8.7 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively. For the full year, we expect to spend approximately $11.0 million to fund our share of Donlin Gold activities, primarily for continued permitting and community development.

We record our interest in Donlin Gold LLC 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.

Galore Creek

The focus in 2015 is to continue to advance technical studies in project mine planning and design, and waste rock and water management, and perform environmental monitoring, community commitments and site care and maintenance. We expect this effort to further improve the value and marketability of the Galore Creek project, which we continue to be open to monetizing, in whole or in part, to strengthen our balance sheet and focus primarily on the permitting of Donlin Gold.

Galore Creek technical studies continued at a measured pace during the third quarter of 2015. Field visits were conducted to continue to optimize integrated mining, waste and water management concepts, as well as provide a basis for long-term site management plan. A request for expression of interest was issued for a study of the access tunnel into the Galore Valley. Galore Creek remained active in the community in the third quarter, sponsoring local fundraising events and supporting Tahltan literacy camps in three villages in northern British Columbia.

Our share of cash funding for Galore Creek was $0.1 million and $0.5 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively, primarily for technical studies, care and maintenance, and community commitments. For the full year, we expect to spend approximately $1.0 million to fund our share of Galore Creek’s activities.

We record our interest in the Galore Creek Partnership as an equity investment, which results in our 50% share of expenses being recorded in the income statement as an operating loss. The investment amount recorded on the balance sheet primarily represents the fair value of the Company’s investment in the Galore Creek Partnership in 2011, recorded upon Teck’s completion of their earn-in, as well as unused funds advanced to the Partnership.

During the first nine months of 2015, there has been a significant decline in the price of copper in U.S dollars. A sustained decline in the long-term copper price is deemed to be an indicator of possible impairment. However, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar, there has not been a significant decline in the price of copper in Canadian dollar terms. The functional currency for the Company’s Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar. Therefore, the Company assesses whether there has been a potential impairment triggering event in Canadian dollars. At August 31, 2015, the Company’s investment in the Galore Creek Partnership and its Copper Canyon mineral property were recorded at $246.7 million (C$324.6 million) and $44.3 million (C$58.2 million), respectively.

Outlook

We do not currently generate operating cash flows. At August 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of $45.0 million and term deposits of $85.0 million. At present, we believe that these balances are sufficient to cover the anticipated funding at the Donlin Gold and Galore Creek projects in addition to general and administrative costs through completion of permitting at the Donlin Gold project. Based on spending to date of $35.3 million, the full year 2015 spending forecast has been reduced from $44.8 million to $41.3 million, which includes $15.8 million used in the second quarter to repay the principal on the remaining convertible notes, $12.0 million to fund our share of expenditures at the Donlin Gold and Galore Creek projects, $0.5 million for joint Donlin Gold studies with Barrick and $13.0 million for general and administrative costs, interest, working capital and other corporate purposes.

Additional capital will be necessary if permits are received at the Donlin Gold project and a decision to commence construction is reached. Future financings to fund construction are anticipated through debt financing, equity financing, project specific debt, 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. For further information, see the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2014, as filed with the SEC and the Canadian Securities Regulators on January 28, 2015.

Summary of Consolidated Financial Performance

	Three months ended August 31,						Nine months ended August 31,
($ thousands, except per share)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Loss from operations	$	(6,579	)	$	(10,755	)	$	(25,111	)	$	(30,352	)
Net loss	$	(6,301	)	$	(12,009	)	$	(24,784	)	$	(33,381	)

Net loss per common share
Basic and diluted	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.11	)

Results of Operations

Third quarter 2015 compared to 2014

Loss from operations decreased from $10.8 million in 2014 to $6.6 million in 2015. Our share of losses at the Donlin Gold project decreased by $2.6 million, as 2015 activities continued to focus on permitting. At the Galore Greek project, our share of losses was more than offset by a $0.6 million gain on the sale of surplus equipment. General and administrative expenses were lower due to favorable foreign exchange translation of expenses incurred in Canadian dollars.

Net loss decreased from $12.0 million ($0.04 per share) in 2014 to $6.3 million ($0.02 per share) in 2015, primarily due to the decrease in operating losses noted above and increased foreign exchange gains and lower interest expense in 2015.

First nine months 2015 compared to 2014

Loss from operations decreased from $30.4 million in 2014 to $25.1 million in 2015, primarily due to a decrease in our share of losses at Donlin Gold and Galore Creek. General and administrative expenses also decreased primarily due to favorable foreign exchange translation of expenses incurred in Canadian dollars. Exploration and evaluation expense includes $0.4 million for the Company’s share of the Donlin Gold joint studies with Barrick.

Net loss decreased from $33.4 million ($0.11 per share) in 2014 to $24.8 million ($0.08 per share) in 2015, primarily due to an increase in foreign exchange gains and lower interest expense, partially offset by a $0.4 million write-down of investments in junior mining companies. The U.S. dollar significantly strengthened in relation to the Canadian dollar during the first nine months of 2015 and foreign exchange gains were realized by the Canadian parent company on its cash denominated in U.S. dollars, partially offset by foreign exchange losses on the convertible notes.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Requirements

	Three months ended August 31,						Nine months ended August 31,
($ thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Cash used in operations	$	(1,755	)	$	(1,673	)	$	(9,913	)	$	(7,361	)
Cash provided from (used in) investing activities	$	(2,757	)	$	1,201		$	781		$	(3,012	)
Cash used in financing activities	$	—		$	—		$	(15,829	)	$	—

($ thousands)	At August 31, 2015		At November 30, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents	$	44,987	$	70,325
Term deposits	$	85,000	$	95,000

Third quarter 2015 compared to 2014

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $4.7 million during the third quarter of 2015. The decrease in cash was primarily related to $1.8 million used in operating activities for administrative costs and $2.8 million to fund our share of the Donlin Gold and Galore Creek projects.

Cash used in operations increased slightly from $1.7 million in 2014, to $1.8 million in 2015. Decreases in office expenses and professional fees were offset by lower working capital changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable. Cash used to fund affiliates decreased in 2015 due to the timing of funding requirements at Donlin Gold and the sale of surplus equipment at Galore Creek. In the prior year period, term deposits were reduced by $5.0 million. The term deposits are denominated in U.S. dollars and are held at two Canadian chartered banks.

First nine months 2015 compared to 2014

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $25.3 million, and term deposits decreased by $10.0 million during the first nine months of 2015. The decrease in cash was primarily related to the repayment of $15.8 million of the remaining convertible notes, $9.9 million used in operating activities for administrative costs, reductions in accounts payable and interest payments, and $9.2 million to fund our share of the Donlin Gold and Galore Creek projects, partially offset by a $10.0 million net reduction in term deposits.

Cash used in operations increased from $7.4 million in 2014, to $9.9 million in 2015, primarily due to working capital changes, partially offset by lower office expenses and professional fees. Cash used to fund affiliates decreased by $3.8 million due to the timing of funding requirements at Donlin Gold and the sale of surplus equipment at Galore Creek. Cash used in financing activities in 2015 included the repayment of the remaining $15.8 million of convertible notes.

Outstanding share data

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had 317,906,679 common shares issued and outstanding. Also as of September 30, 2015, the Company had outstanding 17,982,600 stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of C$4.87, 3,181,750 performance share units and 240,388 deferred share units.

Accounting Developments

For a discussion of Recently Adopted and 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 currency, credit and interest rate risks.

Currency risk

We are exposed to financial risk related to the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates. We operate in Canada and the United States and a portion of our expenses are incurred in Canadian dollars. A significant change in the currency exchange rate between the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar would have an effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

We have not hedged our exposure to currency fluctuations. At August 31, 2015, we are exposed to currency risk through our investment in the Galore Creek project, mineral properties, deferred income taxes and cash balances held in Canadian dollars.

Based on the above net exposures as at August 31, 2015, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a C$0.01 depreciation or appreciation of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $3.0 million in our consolidated comprehensive income (loss).

Credit risk

Concentration of credit risk exists with respect to our cash and cash equivalents and term deposit investments. All deposits are held through two large Canadian financial institutions with high investment-grade ratings and have original maturities of one year or less.

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 August 31, 2015, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 1% change in the U.S. prime rate would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $0.8 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 August 31, 2015. 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.

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, 2014, as filed with the SEC on January 28, 2015. The risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2014, 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.

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: October 6, 2015	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)

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.		Description

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.