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 February 28, 2018

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: 001-31913

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

British Columbia N/A

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

   

201 South Main Street, Suite 400

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

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

(801) 639-0511

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☒

 

Smaller reporting company ☐

 

Accelerated filer ☐

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

Non-accelerated filer ☐
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

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 ☒

 

As of March 28, 2018, the Company had 322,303,842 Common Shares, no par value, outstanding.

 

 

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1
Item 1.   Financial Statements 1
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 14
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures 15
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 16
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings 16
Item 1A.   Risk Factors 16
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 16
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities 16
Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures 16
Item 5.   Other Information. 16
Item 6.   Exhibits 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning anticipated results and developments in our operations in future periods, planned exploration activities, the adequacy of our financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production estimates and similar statements relating to the economic viability of a project, timelines, strategic plans, including our plans and expectations relating to the Donlin Gold 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 and the timing of such approvals;
·assumptions made in the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits;
·our expectations regarding demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of mineral properties; and
·our activities will not be adversely disrupted or impeded by development, operating or regulatory risks.

 

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

 

·uncertainty of whether there will ever be production at our mineral exploration and development properties;
·our history of losses and expectation of future losses;
·risks related to our ability to finance the development of our mineral properties through external financing, strategic alliances, the sale of property interests or otherwise;
·uncertainty of estimates of capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns;
·commodity price fluctuations;
·risks related to market events and general economic conditions;
·risks related to the third parties on which we depend for our exploration and development activities;
·dependence on cooperation of joint venture partners in exploration and development of properties;
·the risk that permits and governmental approvals necessary to develop and operate mines on our properties will not be available on a timely basis, subject to reasonable conditions, or at all;
·risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits;
·uncertainties relating to the assumptions underlying our resource and reserve estimates, such as metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs;
·uncertainty related to inferred mineral resources;
·risks related to lack of infrastructure required to develop, construct, and operate our mineral properties;
·uncertainty related to title to our mineral properties;
·mining and development risks, including risks related to infrastructure, accidents, equipment breakdowns, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with, or interruptions in, development, construction or production;
·competition in the mining industry;
·risks related to governmental regulation and permits, including environmental regulation;
·risks related to our largest shareholder;
·risks related to conflicts of interests of some of the directors and officers of the Company;

 

 

 

·uncertainty related to unsettled aboriginal rights and title in British Columbia;
·risks related to opposition to our operations at our mineral exploration and development properties from non-governmental organizations or civil society;
·risks related to the need for reclamation activities on our properties and uncertainty of cost estimates related thereto;
·credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks;
·risks related to increases in demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of mineral properties, and related cost increases;
·our need to attract and retain qualified management and technical personnel;
·uncertainty as to the outcome of potential litigation;
·risks related to global climate change; and
·risks related to U.S. federal income tax reform.

 

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 this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere.

 

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

 

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands)

 

   At
February 28,
2018
  At
November 30,
2017
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents  $20,931   $27,954 
Term deposits   56,000    56,000 
Other assets   898    883 
Current assets   77,829    84,837 
Investment in Donlin Gold (note 4)   993    1,100 
Investment in Galore Creek (note 5)   253,395    251,461 
Mineral property   45,458    45,179 
Deferred income taxes   9,821    9,761 
Other assets   6,465    6,531 
Total assets  $393,961   $398,869 
           
LIABILITIES          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  $538   $727 
Accrued payroll and related benefits   663    2,513 
Other liabilities   182    182 
Current liabilities   1,383    3,422 
Promissory note (note 6)   91,534    90,040 
Deferred income taxes   21,507    21,378 
Total liabilities   114,424    114,840 
           
Commitments and contingencies (note 12)          
           
EQUITY          
Common shares   1,952,564    1,951,587 
Contributed surplus   84,506    83,534 
Accumulated deficit   (1,753,132)   (1,744,917)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)   (4,401)   (6,175)
Total equity   279,537    284,029 
Total liabilities and equity  $393,961   $398,869 

 

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

 

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on April 4, 2018. They are signed on the Company’s behalf by:

 

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

 

 1 

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

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

 

   Three months ended
   February 28,
2018
  February 28,
2017
    
Operating expenses:          
Equity loss – Donlin Gold (note 4)  $1,841   $2,082 
Equity loss – Galore Creek (note 5)   253    150 
General and administrative (note 8)   4,685    6,731 
    6,779    8,963 
           
Loss from operations   (6,779)   (8,963)
Other income (expense) (note 10)   (1,370)   (1,127)
Loss before income taxes   (8,149)   (10,090)
Income tax expense   (66)   (53)
Net loss  $(8,215)  $(10,143)
           
Other comprehensive income:          
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of $11 and $(33) tax recovery (expense), respectively   (94)   214 
Foreign currency translation adjustments   1,868    3,325 
Other comprehensive income   1,774    3,539 
           
Comprehensive loss  $(6,441)  $(6,604)
           
Net loss per common share          
Basic and diluted  $(0.03)  $(0.03)
           
Weighted average shares outstanding          
Basic and diluted (thousands)   322,291    321,428 

 

 

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

 

 2 

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands)

 

   Three months ended
   February 28,
2018
  February 28,
2017
       
Operating activities:          
Net loss  $(8,215)  $(10,143)
Adjustments:          
Equity losses of affiliates   2,094    2,232 
Share-based compensation   1,949    3,925 
Interest on promissory note   1,494    1,213 
Other   95    133 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Other assets   (11)   (27)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (194)   (17)
Accrued payroll and related benefits   (1,854)   (1,537)
Net cash used in operating activities   (4,642)   (4,221)
           
Investing activities:          
Proceeds from term deposits   15,000    40,000 
Purchases of term deposits   (15,000)   (45,000)
Funding of affiliates   (2,377)   (2,640)
Other   (13)   (28)
Net cash used in investing activities   (2,390)   (7,668)
           
Financing activities:          
Withholding tax on share-based compensation       (196)
Net cash used in investing activities       (196)
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   9    50 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (7,023)   (12,035)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   27,954    30,274 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $20,931   $18,239 

 

 

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

 

 3 

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(Unaudited, US dollars and shares in thousands)  

 

   Common shares  Contributed  Accumulated  Accumulated
other
comprehensive
  Total
   Shares  Amount  surplus  deficit  income (loss)  equity
                   
November 30, 2016   320,016   $1,942,451   $82,573   $(1,705,901)  $(18,860)  $300,263 
Share-based compensation           10,293            10,293 
PSUs settled in shares   1,513    4,000    (4,000)            
DSUs settled in shares   28    122    (122)            
Stock options exercised   662    5,014    (5,014)            
Withholding tax on PSUs           (196)           (196)
Net loss               (39,016)       (39,016)
Other comprehensive income                   12,685    12,685 
November 30, 2017   322,219   $1,951,587   $83,534   $(1,744,917)  $(6,175)  $284,029 
Share-based compensation           1,949            1,949 
Stock options exercised   83    977    (977)            
Net loss               (8,215)       (8,215)
Other comprehensive income                   1,774    1,774 
February 28, 2018   322,302   $1,952,564   $84,506   $(1,753,132)  $(4,401)  $279,537 

 

 

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

 

 4 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively, “NOVAGOLD” or the “Company”) operate in the mining industry, focused on the exploration for and development of gold and copper mineral properties. The Company has no 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 Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold LLC, a limited liability company that is owned equally by wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”). The Galore Creek project is owned by the Galore Creek Partnership a partnership in which Teck Resources Limited (“Teck”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD each own a 50% interest.

 

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, 2017. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements and certain information and footnote disclosures required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) have been condensed or omitted.

 

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

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

 

Compensation—Stock Compensation

 

In May 2017, Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2017-09 was issued to provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The adoption of this guidance, effective December 1, 2017, had no impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

 

Restricted Cash

 

In November 2016, ASU No. 2016-18 was issued related to the inclusion of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. This new guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. This update is effective in fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance will result in the inclusion of the restricted cash balances within the overall cash balance and removal of the changes in restricted cash activity. Furthermore, the Company will be required to reconcile cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets to the total shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company anticipates adopting this new guidance effective December 1, 2018, and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures.

 

Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments

 

In August 2016, ASU No. 2016-15 was issued related to the statement of cash flows. The new guidance will require the Company to make an accounting policy election to classify distributions received from equity method investees (Donlin Gold LLC and Galore Creek Partnership) using a cumulative earnings approach or a nature of the distribution approach. The election will affect the classification of future distributions on the statement of cash flows as cash inflows from operating activities or investing activities. The new guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year and interim periods beginning December 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has evaluated this guidance and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosures. The Company anticipates retrospectively adopting the new guidance effective December 1, 2018.

 

 5 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Leases

 

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

 

Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments

 

In January 2016, ASU No. 2016-01 was issued to amend the guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments, which was further amended in February 2018 by ASU No. 2018-03. The new guidance requires entities to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. The new guidance also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The new guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning December 1, 2018 and early adoption is not permitted. The Company expects the updated guidance to result in a reclassification of unrealized holding gains and losses and deferred income taxes related to investments in marketable equity securities from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Accumulated deficit in the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon adoption. Accumulated other comprehensive loss at February 28, 2018 included $737 of net unrealized holding gains and deferred income taxes related to marketable equity securities that will be reclassified to Accumulated deficit upon adoption.

 

NOTE 3 – SEGMENTED INFORMATION

 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer considers the business from a geographic perspective considering the performance of our investments in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, U.S.A. and the Galore Creek project in British Columbia, Canada. Segment information is provided on each of the material projects individually in notes 4 and 5.

 

NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT IN DONLIN GOLD

 

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

 

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

 

   Three months ended  
   February 28,
2018
  February 28,
2017
 
Balance – beginning of period  $1,100   $951   
Share of losses            
Mineral property expenditures   (1,835)   (2,059)  
Depreciation   (6)   (23)  
    (1,841)   (2,082)  
Funding   1,734    2,410   
Balance – end of period  $993   $1,279   

 

 6 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

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
February 28,
2018
  At
November 30,
2017
 
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables  $1,689   $2,075   
Non-current assets: Property and equipment   17    23   
Non-current assets: Mineral property   32,692    32,692   
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (713)   (998)  
Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation   (692)   (692)  
Net assets  $32,993   $33,100   

 

NOTE 5 – INVESTMENT IN GALORE CREEK

 

The Galore Creek project is owned by the Galore Creek Partnership (GCP), a partnership in which Teck and a wholly owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD each own a 50% interest. GCP has a management committee comprised of four representatives, with two representatives selected by Teck and two representatives appointed by the Company. All significant decisions related to GCP require the approval of at least a majority of the GCP management committee representatives.

 

GCP prepares its financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the IASB, and presents its financial statements in Canadian dollars. In accounting for its investment in GCP, the Company converts and presents reported amounts in accordance with US GAAP and in U.S. dollars.

 

Changes in the Company’s investment in GCP are summarized as follows:

 

   Three months ended  
   February 28,
2018
  February 28,
2017
 
Balance – beginning of period  $251,461   $241,404   
Share of losses            
Mineral property expenditures   (1)   (11)  
Care and maintenance expense   (252)   (139)  
    (253)   (150)  
Funding   643    230   
Foreign currency translation   1,544    2,690   
Balance – end of period  $253,395   $244,174   

 

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

 

   At
February 28,
2018
  At
November 30,
2017
 
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables  $450   $197   
Non-current assets: Mineral property   227,958    226,561   
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (109)   (237)  
Non-current liabilities: Reclamation obligation   (7,692)   (7,645)  
Net assets  $220,607   $218,876   

 

NOTE 6 – PROMISSORY NOTE

 

The Company has a promissory note payable to Barrick of $51,576, plus interest at a rate of U.S. prime plus 2%, amounting to $39,958 in accrued interest. The promissory note resulted from the agreement that led to the formation of Donlin Gold LLC, where the Company agreed to reimburse Barrick for a portion of their expenditures incurred from April 1, 2006 to November 30, 2007. The promissory note and accrued interest are payable from 85% of the Company’s share of revenue from future mine production or from any net proceeds resulting from a reduction of the Company’s interest in Donlin Gold LLC. The carrying value of the promissory note approximates fair value.

 

 7 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

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 $1,343 at February 28, 2018 ($1,448 at November 30, 2017), 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  
   February 28,
2018
  February 28,
2017
 
Share-based compensation  $1,949   $3,925   
Salaries and benefits   1,679    1,719   
Office expense   566    545   
Professional fees   199    303   
Corporate communications and regulatory   286    229   
Depreciation   6    10   
   $4,685   $6,731   

 

NOTE 9 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

   Three months ended  
   February 28,
2018
  February 28,
2017
 
Stock options  $948   $2,758   
Performance share unit plan   952    1,110   
Deferred share unit plan   49    57   
   $1,949   $3,925   

 

 8 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

A summary of stock options outstanding as of February 28, 2018 and activity during the three months ended February 28, 2018 are as follows:

 

   Number of
stock
options
(thousands)
  Weighted-
average
exercise
price per
share
  Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
term
(years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic
value
November 30, 2017   17,551   $3.24           
Granted   3,402    3.86           
Exercised   (725)   3.43           
Expired   (130)   3.41           
Forfeited   (5)   4.18           
February 28, 2018   20,093   $3.35    2.61   $14,720 
Vested and exercisable as of February 28, 2018   15,542   $3.02    1.60   $14,484 

 

The following table summarizes other stock option-related information:

 

   Three months ended  
   February 28,
2018
  February 28,
2017
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to value stock option awards:            
Expected volatility   50%   50%  
Expected term of options (years)   3    3   
Expected dividend rate          
Risk-free interest rate   1.8%   1.2%  
Expected forfeiture rate   2.3%   2.5%  
Weighted-average grant-date fair value  $1.35   $2.14   

 

As of February 28, 2018, the Company had $4,653 of unrecognized compensation cost related to 4,550,642 non-vested stock options expected to be recognized and vest over a period of approximately 2.75 years. During the three months ended February 28, 2018, the intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $320 and no cash was received.

 

Performance share units

 

A summary of PSU awards outstanding as of February 28, 2018 and activity during the three months ended February 28, 2018 are as follows:

 

   Number of
PSU awards
(thousands)
  Weighted-
average
grant day
fair value
per award
  Aggregate
intrinsic
value
 
November 30, 2017   2,176   $4.10        
Granted   873    3.82        
Vested               
Performance adjustment   (1,240)   3.48        
Forfeited               
February 28, 2018   1,809   $4.38   $6,800   

 

 9 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

As of February 28, 2018, the Company had $4,839 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested PSU awards expected to be recognized and vest over a period of approximately 2.75 years.

 

The following table summarizes other PSU-related information:

 

   Three months ended  
   February 28,
2018
  February 28,
2017
 
Performance multiplier on PSUs vested   %   113%  
Common shares issued (thousands)       1,513   
Total fair value of common shares issued  $   $6,932   
Withholding tax paid on PSUs vested  $   $196   

 

NOTE 10 – OTHER EXPENSE

 

   Three months ended  
   February 28,
2018
  February 28,
2017
 
Interest income  $240   $247   
Interest expense   (1,494)   (1,213)  
Foreign exchange loss   (116)   (161)  
   $(1,370)  $(1,127)  

 

NOTE 11 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company provided technical services to Donlin Gold LLC for $181 during the three months ended February 28, 2018 ($nil in 2017).

 

As of February 28, 2018, the Company has accounts receivable from Donlin Gold LLC of $181 (November 30, 2017: $nil) and a receivable of $3,697 (November 30, 2017: $3,674) from GCP included in other long-term assets.

 

NOTE 12 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

General

 

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

 

Obligations under operating leases

 

The Company leases certain assets, such as office equipment and office facilities, under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2023. Future minimum annual lease payments are $179 in 2018, $227 in 2019, $199 in 2020, $204 in 2021, $210 in 2022, and $18 in 2023, totaling $1,037.

 

 

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

 

In Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “NOVAGOLD”, the “Company”, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations constitutes management’s review of the factors that affected our financial and operating performance for the three month periods ended February 28, 2018 and February 28, 2017. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2017, as well as other information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and with Canadian Securities Administrators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. References herein to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars.

 

Overview

 

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

 

Our goals for 2018 include:

 

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

 

·Maintain an effective corporate social responsibility program.

 

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

 

·Safeguard the Company’s treasury.

 

First quarter highlights

 

Donlin Gold project

 

Permitting activities continued at the Donlin Gold project in the first quarter of 2018 and were focused on advancing major permits and approvals with state and federal agencies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the “Corps”), the lead federal agency for the Donlin Gold Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), has completed the final EIS and anticipates publishing the document, along with a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register in the second quarter. The final EIS also will be made available on the Donlin Gold EIS website at www.donlingoldeis.com. A Record of Decision (ROD) is expected to follow in the second half of the year. The final EIS presents a comprehensive environmental impact analysis that the Corps will use in making its decision on whether to issue the Clean Water Act Section 404 and Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 permits, the key Federal authorizations for the project. The ROD will describe both the legal and technical basis for the Corps’ permitting decision. The permits that authorize project construction should be issued shortly after the ROD. Between publishing the final EIS and the issuance of the ROD, the Corps must complete several activities, including preparation of both the ROD and Section 404 permit which would then be sent to the State to ensure that the decision complies with Alaska’s water quality standards. The Corps will also document its compliance with Section 404(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act; the detailed evaluation showing why the permitted project represents the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative compared to other project options reviewed. In addition, other consultations that had been commenced earlier in the EIS process would be finalized, including compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act which protects essential fish habitat.

 

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 commenced in 2012 for the Donlin Gold project. The EIS is comprised of four main sections which:

 

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

 

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

 

·Prepare 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 constitutes the most extensive part of the EIS.

 

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

 

Donlin Gold LLC continues to advance other major permits and approvals, including:

 

·

The close of the public comment period for the State of Alaska’s draft water discharge and integrated waste management permits on February 13, 2018; and

 

·The majority of key State and Federal permits and approvals are scheduled to be finalized concurrent with or shortly after the Corps’ ROD in 2018.

 

An extensive list of additional federal and state government permits and approvals must be obtained before construction can begin on the Donlin Gold project. Preparation of the applications for some of these permits and approvals requires additional, more detailed engineering that was not part of the Donlin Gold feasibility study and completion of this engineering work will require a significant investment of funds, time, and other resources by Donlin Gold LLC and its contractors. Also, the Donlin Gold LLC board must approve a construction program and budget before proceeding with the development of the Donlin Gold project. The timing of the required engineering work and the Donlin Gold LLC board’s approval of a construction program and budget, the receipt of all required governmental permits and approvals, and the availability of financing, among other factors, will affect the decision and timing to develop the Donlin Gold project. Among other reasons, project delays could occur as a result of economic conditions, public opposition, litigation challenging permit decisions, requests for additional information or analysis, limitations in agency staff resources during regulatory review and permitting, or project changes made by Donlin Gold LLC.

 

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

 

As the Donlin Gold EIS is completed, the owners (Barrick and NOVAGOLD) continue to study ways to further enhance the project’s value and the prospect to reduce initial capital through enhanced project design and execution, engagement of third-party operators for certain activities, and potential for financing of some capital intensive infrastructure. A drill program was conducted in 2017, which included drilling and assaying of 16 core holes (7,040 meters), in support of ongoing optimization efforts. To date, these additional studies have identified opportunities that have the potential to benefit the project when the owners decide to update the Donlin Gold feasibility study and to initiate the engineering work necessary to advance the project design from feasibility level to basic and then detailed engineering. Barrick and NOVAGOLD will take all of this work into account before reaching a construction decision.

 

Our share of funding for the Donlin Gold project in the first quarter of 2018 was $1.7 million, including $0.9 million for permitting and community engagement, and $0.8 million for ongoing optimization efforts. Our share of the 2018 work program and budget includes $9 million to continue to advance the permitting process through issuance of the final EIS and ROD, and $5 million to continue optimization efforts. In addition, Donlin Gold LLC will continue to maintain its engagement with communities in the Y-K region.

 

We record our interest in Donlin Gold LLC as an equity investment, which results in our 50% share of Donlin Gold LLC’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 LLC.

 

Galore Creek project

 

In the first quarter of 2018, efforts were focused on site care and maintenance. We continue to be open to monetizing, in whole or in part, our 50% share of the Galore Creek project to strengthen our balance sheet and to contribute toward the development of the Donlin Gold project.

 

Our share of cash funding for the Galore Creek Partnership was $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2018, primarily for care and maintenance, and supporting community initiatives. In 2018, our 50% share of the work program is expected to be $3 million, primarily for site care and maintenance and to support community initiatives.

 

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 our 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, all in Canadian dollars, and translated to U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate.

 

 12 

 

Outlook

 

We do not currently generate operating cash flows. At February 28, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $20.9 million and term deposits of $56.0 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 of the Donlin Gold project. Additional capital will be necessary if permits are received for the Donlin Gold project and a decision to commence engineering and construction is reached. Future financings to fund construction are anticipated through debt, equity, project specific debt, and/or other means. Our continued operations are dependent on our ability to obtain additional financing or to generate future cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to raise additional capital on terms favorable to us, or at all. For further information, see the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2017, as filed with the SEC and the Canadian Securities Regulators on January 24, 2018.

 

For the full year, we expect to spend approximately $28 million, including $11 million for general and administrative costs, $14 million to fund our share of expenditures at the Donlin Gold project and $3 million at the Galore Creek project.

 

Summary of Consolidated Financial Performance

 

   Three months ended  
   February 28,  February 28,  
($ thousands, except per share)  2018  2017  
Loss from operations  $(6,779)  $(8,963)  
Net loss  $(8,215)  $(10,143)  
             
Net loss per common share            
Basic and diluted  $(0.03)  $(0.03)  

 

Results of Operations

 

First quarter 2018 compared to 2017

 

Loss from operations decreased from $9.0 million in 2017 to $6.8 million in 2018 due to lower general and administrative expense and lower costs at Donlin Gold LLC. General and administrative expense decreased by $2.0 million due to lower share-based compensation costs for stock options and PSUs compared to the prior year. The Company extended the vesting period for new stock option and PSU grants issued in the first quarter of 2018 to three years and eliminated the individual performance multiplier in the formula for long-term equity compensation, which had the potential to increase long-term equity incentive grants above the target amount.

 

Net loss decreased from $10.1 million ($0.03 per share) in 2017 to $8.2 million ($0.03 per share) in 2018, primarily due to the reduction in share-based compensation. Lower operating costs in the current period were partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in interest expense on the promissory note payable to Barrick.

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Requirements

 

   Three months ended  
   February 28,  February 28,  
($ thousands)  2018  2017  
Cash provided from (used in):            
Operating activities  $(4,642)  $(4,221)  
Investing activities  $(2,390)  $(7,668)  
Financing activities  $   $(196)  

 

 13 

 

   At  At     
($ thousands)  February 28,
2018
  November 30,
2017
  Change  
Cash and cash equivalents  $20,931   $27,954   $(7,023)  
Term deposits  $56,000   $56,000   $   

 

In the first quarter of 2018, cash, cash equivalents and term deposits decreased by $7.0 million. The decrease was primarily related to $4.6 million used in operating activities for administrative costs and working capital changes, $1.7 million to fund Donlin Gold LLC and $0.6 million to fund Galore Creek Partnership. The term deposits are denominated in U.S. dollars and are held at Canadian chartered banks.

 

First quarter 2018 compared to 2017

 

Cash used in operating activities increased by $0.4 million, due to higher annual employee incentive payments. Cash used to fund affiliates decreased by $0.3 million due to lower permitting costs for Donlin Gold LLC, partially offset by higher optimization costs for Donlin Gold LLC and higher care and maintenance costs for Galore Creek Partnership. In the first quarter of 2017, an additional $5.0 million was invested in term deposits and $0.2 million of withholding taxes were paid on performance share units vested. No cash was used in financing activities in the first quarter of 2018.

 

Outstanding share data

 

As of March 28, 2018, the Company had 322,303,842 common shares issued and outstanding. Also as of March 28, 2018, the Company had: i) a total of 20,077,650 stock options outstanding; 14,543,784 of those stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of C$3.86 and the remaining 5,533,866 with a weighted-average exercise price of $4.23; and ii) 1,809,000 performance share units and 332,074 deferred share units outstanding. Upon exercise of the foregoing convertible securities, the Company would be required to issue a maximum of 23,123,224 common shares.

 

Accounting Developments

 

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

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Our financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including 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 could have an effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

We have not hedged our exposure to currency fluctuations. At February 28, 2018, 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 February 28, 2018, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a $0.01 depreciation or appreciation of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $3.8 million in our consolidated comprehensive 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 Canadian chartered banks with investment-grade ratings and have maturities of one year or less.

 

 14 

 

Interest rate risk

 

The interest rate on the promissory note owed to Barrick is variable with the U.S. prime rate. Based on the amount owing on the promissory note as at February 28, 2018, and assuming that all other variables remain constant, a 1% change in the U.S. prime rate would result in an increase/decrease of $0.9 million in the interest accrued on the promissory note per annum.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

Management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of February 28, 2018. 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.

 

 

 

 15 

 

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, 2017, as filed with the SEC on January 24, 2018. The risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2017, 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.

 

 16 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

Date: April 4, 2018 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)
 
         

 

 17 

 

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. In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits is furnished and deemed not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by the specific reference in such filing.

 

 

 

18