Exhibit 99.1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders of Minera Andes Inc.:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Minera Andes Inc. (an exploration stage corporation) as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated statements of operations and accumulated deficit, mineral properties and deferred exploration costs and cash flows for the years then ended. We have also audited the consolidated statements of operations and accumulated deficit, mineral properties and deferred exploration costs and cash flows for the period from July 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Minera Andes Inc. (an exploration stage corporation) as at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended and for the period from July 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2006 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ BDO Dunwoody LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
April 17, 2007
1
Comments by the Auditors for U.S. Readers on Canada – U.S. Reporting Differences
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) reporting standards for auditors require the addition of an explanatory paragraph (following the opinion paragraph) when the financial statements are affected by conditions and events that cast substantial doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern such as those described in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements. Our report to the shareholders dated April 17, 2007, is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards, which do not permit a reference to such conditions and events in the auditors’ report when these are adequately disclosed in the financial statements.
/s/ BDO Dunwoody LLP
Chartered Accountants
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
April 17, 2007
2
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. Dollars)
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | |
Current: | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 3) | | $ | 2,244,621 | | | $ | 3,314,559 | |
Receivables and prepaid expenses | | | 268,550 | | | | 95,777 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | 2,513,171 | | | | 3,410,336 | |
Project loan receivable (Note 4 (b)) | | | 9,800,000 | | | | — | |
Project loan interest receivable | | | 48,330 | | | | — | |
Mineral properties and deferred exploration costs (Note 4) | | | 5,605,148 | | | | 4,470,174 | |
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz (Note 4 (b)) | | | 30,963,692 | | | | 17,505,938 | |
Equipment, net (Note 5) | | | 56,212 | | | | 66,378 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 48,986,553 | | | $ | 25,452,826 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | |
Current: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accruals | | $ | 893,880 | | | $ | 259,806 | |
Bank loan interest payable | | | — | | | | 84,064 | |
Bank loan (Note 6) | | | — | | | | 3,628,635 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 893,880 | | | | 3,972,505 | |
Project loan payable (Note 4 (b)) | | | 9,800,000 | | | | — | |
Project loan interest payable | | | 48,330 | | | | — | |
Asset retirement obligation | | | 45,000 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 10,787,210 | | | | 3,972,505 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 1, 4 and 8) | | | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |
Share capital (Note 7): | | | | | | | | |
Preferred shares, no par value, unlimited number authorized, none issued | | | | | | | | |
Common shares, no par value, unlimited number authorized | | | | | | | | |
Issued December 31, 2006—156,539,415 shares Issued December 31, 2005—108,484,137 shares | | | 63,642,152 | | | | 41,679,110 | |
Contributed surplus – (Notes 2 and 7) | | | 8,440,457 | | | | 2,736,570 | |
Deficit accumulated during exploration stage | | | (33,883,266 | ) | | | (22,935,359 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 38,199,343 | | | | 21,480,321 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 48,986,553 | | | $ | 25,452,826 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Approved by the Board of Directors:
| | | | |
/s/ Allen V. Ambrose | | | | /s/ Allan J. Marter |
Allen V. Ambrose, Director | | | | Allan J. Marter, Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
(U.S. Dollars)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended | | | Period from July 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2006 | |
| | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | | |
Consulting fees (Note 7 (c)) | | $ | 1,766,655 | | | $ | 595,752 | | | $ | 4,328,631 | |
Depreciation | | | 9,157 | | | | 10,393 | | | | 97,047 | |
Equipment rental | | | — | | | | — | | | | 21,522 | |
Insurance | | | 75,987 | | | | 69,813 | | | | 467,871 | |
Legal, audit and accounting fees | | | 619,729 | | | | 267,225 | | | | 2,398,159 | |
Materials, supplies and maintenance | | | — | | | | — | | | | 49,260 | |
Office overhead and administration fees | | | 382,595 | | | | 308,037 | | | | 3,079,376 | |
Telephone | | | 34,169 | | | | 36,089 | | | | 487,092 | |
Transfer agent | | | 19,728 | | | | 22,178 | | | | 158,662 | |
Travel | | | 79,491 | | | | 87,667 | | | | 625,985 | |
Wages and benefits (Note 7 (c)) | | | 4,064,959 | | | | 858,969 | | | | 6,980,945 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses before under-noted | | | 7,052,470 | | | | 2,256,123 | | | | 18,694,550 | |
Finance costs | | | 688,712 | | | | — | | | | 688,712 | |
Foreign exchange loss | | | 76,602 | | | | 82,245 | | | | 255,530 | |
Gain on sale of equipment | | | (641 | ) | | | — | | | | (112,971 | ) |
Gain on sale of mineral property | | | — | | | | — | | | | (898,241 | ) |
Interest income | | | (193,804 | ) | | | (58,705 | ) | | | (792,912 | ) |
Loss on equity investment (Note 4 (b)) | | | 1,436,468 | | | | 1,354,397 | | | | 3,211,214 | |
Project loan interest expense | | | 48,330 | | | | — | | | | 48,330 | |
Project loan interest income | | | (48,330 | ) | | | — | | | | (48,330 | ) |
Write-off of mineral properties and deferred exploration costs (Note 4 (d)) | | | 1,712,633 | | | | — | | | | 10,252,868 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss for the period | | | 10,772,440 | | | | 3,634,060 | | | | 31,298,750 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deficit accumulated during exploration stage, beginning of the period, as previously reported | | | 22,935,359 | | | | 19,180,452 | | | | — | |
Adjustment for change in accounting for stock-based compensation (Note 2 (l)) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 678,569 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 33,707,799 | | | | 22,814,512 | | | | 31,977,319 | |
Adjustment on acquisition of royalty interest | | | — | | | | — | | | | 500,000 | |
Share issue costs | | | 175,467 | | | | 120,847 | | | | 1,388,732 | |
Deficiency on acquisition of subsidiary | | | — | | | | — | | | | 17,215 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deficit accumulated during exploration stage, end of the period | | $ | 33,883,266 | | | $ | 22,935,359 | | | $ | 33,883,266 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted loss per common share | | $ | 0.08 | | | $ | 0.04 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares outstanding | | | 141,501,804 | | | | 87,056,150 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MINERAL PROPERTIES
AND DEFERRED EXPLORATION COSTS
(U.S. Dollars)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended | | Period from July 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2006 | |
| December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | |
Administration fees | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | $ | 392,837 | |
Assays and analytical | | | 79,624 | | | | 99,224 | | | 1,236,665 | |
Asset retirement obligation | | | 45,000 | | | | — | | | 45,000 | |
Construction and trenching | | | 36,265 | | | | 7,932 | | | 570,548 | |
Consulting fees | | | 163,333 | | | | 149,156 | | | 1,485,282 | |
Depreciation | | | 23,340 | | | | 25,167 | | | 245,574 | |
Drilling | | | 850,803 | | | | 396,110 | | | 2,440,196 | |
Equipment rental | | | 240,597 | | | | 84,303 | | | 745,849 | |
Geology | | | 504,832 | | | | 317,653 | | | 4,571,820 | |
Geophysics | | | — | | | | 65,058 | | | 374,960 | |
Insurance | | | 2,951 | | | | 1,853 | | | 260,363 | |
Legal | | | 125,012 | | | | 88,985 | | | 955,484 | |
Maintenance | | | 5,245 | | | | 6,740 | | | 193,199 | |
Materials and supplies | | | 82,572 | | | | 41,667 | | | 599,512 | |
Project overhead | | | 99,946 | | | | 53,877 | | | 539,481 | |
Property and mineral rights | | | 221,334 | | | | 41,484 | | | 1,675,417 | |
Telephone | | | 31,447 | | | | 25,903 | | | 166,366 | |
Travel | | | 215,540 | | | | 106,677 | | | 1,536,231 | |
Wages and benefits | | | 119,766 | | | | 130,730 | | | 1,546,974 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Costs incurred during the period | | | 2,847,607 | | | | 1,642,519 | | | 19,581,758 | |
Deferred costs, beginning of the period | | | 4,470,174 | | | | 2,827,655 | | | — | |
Deferred costs, acquired | | | — | | | | — | | | 576,139 | |
Deferred costs, contributed to MSC | | | — | | | | — | | | (2,320,980 | ) |
Deferred costs written off | | | (1,712,633 | ) | | | — | | | (10,252,868 | ) |
Mineral property option proceeds, net | | | — | | | | — | | | (1,978,901 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred costs, end of the period | | $ | 5,605,148 | | | $ | 4,470,174 | | $ | 5,605,148 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(U.S. Dollars)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended | | | Period from July 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2006 | |
| December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | | |
Operating Activities: | | | | |
Net loss for the period | | $ | (10,772,440 | ) | | $ | (3,634,060 | ) | | $ | (31,298,750 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Write-off of incorporation costs | | | — | | | | — | | | | 665 | |
Write-off of deferred exploration costs | | | 1,712,633 | | | | — | | | | 10,252,868 | |
Finance costs | | | 688,712 | | | | — | | | | 688,712 | |
Loss on equity investment | | | 1,436,468 | | | | 1,354,397 | | | | 3,211,214 | |
Depreciation | | | 9,157 | | | | 10,393 | | | | 97,047 | |
Stock option compensation (Note 7) | | | 5,069,887 | | | | 809,093 | | | | 6,517,888 | |
Gain on sale of equipment | | | (641 | ) | | | — | | | | (112,971 | ) |
Gain on sale of mineral properties | | | — | | | | — | | | | (898,241 | ) |
Project loan interest expense | | | 48,330 | | | | — | | | | 48,330 | |
Project loan interest income | | | (48,330 | ) | | | — | | | | (48,330 | ) |
Change in: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Receivables and prepaid expenses | | | (172,773 | ) | | | 15,793 | | | | (268,550 | ) |
Accounts payable and accruals | | | 239,841 | | | | 2,538 | | | | 499,647 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash used in operating activities | | | (1,789,156 | ) | | | (1,441,846 | ) | | | (11,310,471 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Incorporation costs | | | — | | | | — | | | | (665 | ) |
Purchase of equipment | | | (24,071 | ) | | | (4,283 | ) | | | (329,683 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of equipment | | | 815 | | | | — | | | | 15,040 | |
Proceeds from sale of property | | | — | | | | — | | | | 898,241 | |
Mineral properties and deferred exploration | | | (2,777,701 | ) | | | (1,617,352 | ) | | | (19,289,618 | ) |
Investment in Minera Santa Cruz | | | (14,128,624 | ) | | | (11,595,709 | ) | | | (31,565,629 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries | | | — | | | | — | | | | 9,398 | |
Acquisition of royalty interest | | | — | | | | — | | | | (500,000 | ) |
Mineral property option proceeds | | | — | | | | 400,000 | | | | 2,778,901 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash used in investing activities | | | (16,929,581 | ) | | | (12,817,344 | ) | | | (47,984,015 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
6
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Continued
(U.S. Dollars)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended | | | Period from July 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2006 | |
| December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | | |
Financing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares and subscriptions issued for cash, less issue costs | | | 21,732,863 | | | | 12,846,929 | | | | 61,623,171 | |
Bank loan proceeds received | | | — | | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 4,000,000 | |
Repayment of bank loan | | | (4,000,000 | ) | | | — | | | | (4,000,000 | ) |
Bank loan interest payable | | | (84,064 | ) | | | — | | | | (84,064 | ) |
Project loan receivable | | | (9,800,000 | ) | | | — | | | | (9,800,000 | ) |
Project loan payable | | | 9,800,000 | | | | — | | | | 9,800,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash provided by financing activities | | | 17,648,799 | | | | 15,846,929 | | | | 61,539,107 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | (1,069,938 | ) | | | 1,587,739 | | | | 2,244,621 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | | 3,314,559 | | | | 1,726,820 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | $ | 2,244,621 | | | $ | 3,314,559 | | | $ | 2,244,621 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosure cash flow information: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capitalized interest paid | | $ | (152,577 | ) | | $ | (164,495 | ) | | $ | (320,985 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-cash investing and financing activities and other information: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock option compensation (Note 7) | | $ | 5,069,887 | | | $ | 809,093 | | | $ | 6,517,888 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capitalized accreted interest expense (Note 6) | | $ | 371,365 | | | $ | 238,635 | | | $ | 610,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation capitalized to mineral properties | | $ | 23,340 | | | $ | 25,167 | | | $ | 245,574 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset retirement obligation | | $ | 45,000 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 45,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accrual for finance costs related to MSC | | $ | 394,233 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 394,233 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjustment for change in accounting for stock-based compensation (Note 2 (l)) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 678,569 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred costs, acquired | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 576,139 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred costs, contributed to MSC | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,320,980 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued for acquisition | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 575,537 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
7
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND ABILITY TO CONTINUE AS A GOING CONCERN
We are in the business of acquiring, exploring and evaluating mineral properties, and either entering into joint ventures, developing these properties further, or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed. At December 31, 2006, we were in the exploration stage, had interests in properties in three provinces in the Republic of Argentina, and were expecting production to begin in the second quarter of 2007 at the San José project in Santa Cruz province, southern Argentina. We have a 49% interest in the project and it is operated by our operating partner, Hochschild Mining plc (“Hochschild”) (HOC.L Reuters, HOC.LN Bloomberg, London Stock Exchange).
The recoverability of amounts shown as mineral properties and deferred exploration costs is dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable reserves, the ability to obtain necessary financing to complete our development, and the future profitable production or disposition thereof. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared using Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“Canadian GAAP”) applicable to a going concern. The use of such principles may not be appropriate because, as of December 31, 2006, there was significant doubt that we would be able to continue as a going concern.
At December 31, 2006, we had a deficit accumulated during exploration stage of approximately $33.9 million. In addition, due to the nature of the mining business, the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties requires significant expenditures prior to the commencement of production. To date, we have financed our activities through the issuance of equity securities, debt financing, and joint venture arrangements. We expect to use similar financing techniques in the future and are actively pursuing such additional sources of financing (see Note 13).
Although there is no assurance that we will be successful in these actions, management believes that it will be able to secure the necessary financing to enable the Company to continue as a going concern. Accordingly, these financial statements do not reflect adjustments to the carrying value of assets and liabilities, the reported revenues and expenses and balance sheet classifications used that would be necessary if the going concern assumption were not appropriate. Such adjustments could be material.
Although we have taken steps to verify title to mineral properties in which we have an interest, in accordance with industry standards for the current stage of exploration of such properties, these procedures do not guarantee title. Property title may be subject to unregistered prior agreements and noncompliance with regulatory requirements.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The statements are expressed in United States dollars because the majority of our exploration activities are incurred in U.S. dollars.
| a. | Consolidation/Reporting |
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Minera Andes Inc., an Alberta Corporation, and all its wholly-owned subsidiaries including its principal subsidiaries, Minera Andes S.A. (“MASA”) and Minera Andes (USA) Inc. (“MUSA”) as well as other non-significant subsidiaries. Our investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”), an Argentine corporation, is accounted for by the equity method, whereby the Company records its investment and its 49% share of the earnings and losses of MSC. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.
| b. | Foreign Currency Translation |
Our consolidated operations are integrated and balances denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars using the temporal method. This method translates monetary
8
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
balances at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date, non-monetary balances at historic exchange rates and revenues and expense items at average exchange rates. The resulting gains and losses are included in the statement of operations in the reporting period.
| c. | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
We consider cash and cash equivalents to include amounts held in banks and highly liquid investments with remaining maturities at point of purchase of three months or less. We place our cash and cash equivalents with institutions of high credit worthiness.
| d. | Mineral Properties and Deferred Exploration Costs |
Mineral properties consist of exploration and mining concessions, options and contracts. Acquisition and leasehold costs and exploration costs are capitalized and deferred until such time as the property is put into production or the properties are disposed of either through sale or abandonment. If put into production, the costs of acquisition and exploration will be depreciated over the life of the property, based on estimated economic reserves. Proceeds received from the sale of any interest in a property is first credited against the carrying value of the property, with any excess included in operations for the period. Where the Company enters into an option agreement for the acquisition of an interest in mining properties which provides for periodic payments, such amounts are payable entirely at the Company’s option. If a property is abandoned, the property and deferred exploration costs will be written off to operations. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the future recoverability of our mineral properties and deferred exploration costs. For the year ended December 31, 2006, based on management’s assessment of the future recoverability of certain mineral properties and deferred exploration costs, $1,712,633 (2005 – $nil) were written off.
Investments, over which we exert significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method. Under this method, our share of the earnings and losses is included in operations and our investment therein is adjusted by a like amount. Where in management’s opinion there has been a loss in value that is other than a temporary decline, the carrying value is reduced to estimated realizable value. For the year ended December 31, 2006, no impairment write-down of investment was required.
| f. | Equipment and Depreciation |
Equipment is recorded at cost, and depreciation is provided on a declining–balance basis over estimated useful lives of up to five years to a residual value of 10%.
Commissions paid to underwriters and agents on the issuance of our shares are charged directly to share capital. Other share issue costs, such as legal, accounting, auditing and printing costs, are charged to accumulated deficit.
| h. | Accounting for Income Taxes |
Income taxes are calculated using the liability method of accounting. Temporary differences arising from the difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount on the balance sheet are used to calculate future income tax liabilities or assets. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates and laws that are expected to apply when the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
| i. | Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share |
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss applicable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the year.
9
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, potentially dilutive common shares (relating to options and warrants outstanding at year end) totaling 22,982,892 (2005 – 43,175,798) were not included in the computation of loss per share because their effect was anti-dilutive. Therefore, diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates based on information available at the time, and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, particularly the recoverability of mineral properties and deferred exploration expenses, and the recording of liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenditures during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from management’s best estimates.
| k. | Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, project loan and interest receivables, investment in MSC, accounts payable and accruals, project loan payable and interest payable. Unless otherwise noted, fair values approximate carrying values for these financial instruments due to the short term nature of the instruments. The fair value of the loan and interest receivable, project loan and interest payable, approximate carrying value because the stated interest rates reflect recent market conditions or because the rates are variable in nature. The fair value of the Company’s investment in MSC, a private company, was not practical to determine.
| l. | Stock-Based Compensation |
Effective January 1, 2004 we adopted on a retroactive basis without restatement, the new recommendations of CICA Handbook Section 3870, “Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments”, which requires companies to adopt the fair value method for all stock-based awards granted on or after January 1, 2002. Previously we used the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock options granted to employees and directors (for services rendered as a director) whereby we were only required to disclose the pro forma effect of stock options granted to the above noted parties in the notes to the financial statements. The effect of this change in accounting policy was to increase the accumulated deficit at January 1, 2004 by $678,569 with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus.
| m. | Asset Retirement Obligations |
Effective January 1, 2004, we adopted CICA 3110, “Asset Retirement Obligations” which requires us to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurred a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. The obligation is measured initially at fair value using present value methodology, and the resulting costs are capitalized into the carrying amount of the related asset. In subsequent periods, the liability will be adjusted for any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows. Capitalized asset retirement costs are depreciated on the same basis as the related asset and the discounted accretion of the liability is included in determining the results of operations. Although the timing and the amount of the actual expenditures are uncertain, the Company has estimated the present value of the future reclamation obligation arising from its activities to December 31, 2006 to be $45,000. The present value of the future reclamation obligation assumes a discount rate of 0% due to the uncertainty regarding timing of completion of the reclamation activities.
10
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
3. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
Cash on hand – U.S. dollar denominated bank accounts | | $ | 39,317 | | $ | 3,153,259 | |
Cash on hand– Canadian dollar denominated bank account | | | 2,171,293 | | | 163,116 | |
Cash on hand – Argentina Peso denominated bank accounts | | | 34,011 | | | (1,816 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
| | $ | 2,244,621 | | $ | 3,314,559 | |
| | | | | | | |
4. MINERAL PROPERTIES, DEFERRED EXPLORATION COSTS AND INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ
At December 31, 2006, we, through our subsidiaries and investment, hold interests in a total of approximately 410,000 acres (166,130 hectares (“ha”)) of mineral rights and mining lands in three Argentine provinces. Under our present acquisition and exploration programs, we are continually acquiring additional mineral property interests and exploring and evaluating our properties. If, after evaluation, a property does not meet our requirements, then the property and deferred exploration costs are written off to operations. All properties in Argentina are subject to royalty agreements as disclosed in Note 8. Mineral property costs and deferred exploration costs, net of mineral property option proceeds, are as follows:
11
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
2006 COSTS BY PROPERTY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Description | | San Juan Cateos | | Santa Cruz Cateos | | | Chubut Cateos | | General Exploration | | | Total | |
Balance, beginning of year | | $ | 1,149,286 | | $ | 3,099,502 | | | $ | 221,386 | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,470,174 | |
Assays and analytical | | | 44,649 | | | 30,380 | | | | 1,363 | | | 3,232 | | | | 79,624 | |
Asset retirement obligation | | | 35,000 | | | 10,000 | | | | — | | | — | | | | 45,000 | |
Construction and trenching | | | 36,265 | | | — | | | | — | | | — | | | | 36,265 | |
Consulting fees | | | 8,930 | | | 28,537 | | | | 11,326 | | | 114,540 | | | | 163,333 | |
Depreciation | | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | 23,340 | | | | 23,340 | |
Drilling | | | 507,081 | | | 343,722 | | | | — | | | — | | | | 850,803 | |
Equipment Rental | | | 161,817 | | | 78,780 | | | | — | | | — | | | | 240,597 | |
Geology | | | 352,226 | | | 100,432 | | | | 3,464 | | | 48,710 | | | | 504,832 | |
Insurance | | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | 2,951 | | | | 2,951 | |
Legal | | | 2,821 | | | — | | | | — | | | 122,191 | | | | 125,012 | |
Maintenance | | | 4,051 | | | 390 | | | | — | | | 804 | | | | 5,245 | |
Materials and supplies | | | 46,286 | | | 20,984 | | | | 4,326 | | | 10,976 | | | | 82,572 | |
Project overhead | | | 10,130 | | | 1,408 | | | | 2,213 | | | 86,195 | | | | 99,946 | |
Property and mineral rights | | | 192,501 | | | 26,367 | | | | 2,466 | | | — | | | | 221,334 | |
Telephone | | | 3,910 | | | 4,268 | | | | 22 | | | 23,247 | | | | 31,447 | |
Travel | | | 135,765 | | | 24,813 | | | | 467 | | | 54,495 | | | | 215,540 | |
Wages and benefits | | | 23,319 | | | 8,824 | | | | — | | | 87,623 | | | | 119,766 | |
Overhead allocation | | | 404,056 | | | 168,485 | | | | 5,763 | | | (578,304 | ) | | | — | |
Write-off of deferred costs | | | — | | | (1,712,633 | ) | | | — | | | — | | | | (1,712,633 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, end of year | | $ | 3,118,093 | | $ | 2,234,259 | | | $ | 252,796 | | $ | — | | | $ | 5,605,148 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
12
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
2005 COSTS BY PROPERTY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Description | | San Juan Cateos | | Santa Cruz Cateos | | Chubut Cateos | | General Exploration | | | Total |
Balance, beginning of year | | $ | 1,065,399 | | $ | 1,582,043 | | $ | 180,213 | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,827,655 |
Assays and analytical | | | — | | | 99,224 | | | — | | | — | | | | 99,224 |
Construction and trenching | | | — | | | 7,932 | | | — | | | — | | | | 7,932 |
Consulting fees | | | 2,874 | | | 46,849 | | | 12,605 | | | 86,828 | | | | 149,156 |
Depreciation | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 25,167 | | | | 25,167 |
Drilling | | | — | | | 396,110 | | | — | | | — | | | | 396,110 |
Equipment Rental | | | — | | | 84,303 | | | — | | | — | | | | 84,303 |
Geology | | | 2,910 | | | 226,358 | | | 6,345 | | | 82,040 | | | | 317,653 |
Geophysics | | | — | | | 65,058 | | | — | | | — | | | | 65,058 |
Insurance | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,853 | | | | 1,853 |
Legal | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 88,985 | | | | 88,985 |
Maintenance | | | — | | | 5,429 | | | — | | | 1,311 | | | | 6,740 |
Materials and supplies | | | 51 | | | 32,331 | | | 536 | | | 8,749 | | | | 41,667 |
Project overhead | | | 111 | | | 3,013 | | | 1,688 | | | 49,065 | | | | 53,877 |
Property and mineral rights | | | 12,103 | | | 27,622 | | | 1,759 | | | — | | | | 41,484 |
Telephone | | | 3 | | | 15,970 | | | 12 | | | 9,918 | | | | 25,903 |
Travel | | | 193 | | | 54,029 | | | 259 | | | 52,196 | | | | 106,677 |
Wages and benefits | | | 9,214 | | | 17,388 | | | — | | | 104,128 | | | | 130,730 |
Overhead allocation | | | 56,428 | | | 435,843 | | | 17,969 | | | (510,240 | ) | | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, end of year | | $ | 1,149,286 | | $ | 3,099,502 | | $ | 221,386 | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,470,174 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The San Juan Province project comprises seven properties totaling 35,856 ha (2005 – 24,318 ha) in southwestern San Juan province. At present, these lands are not subject to a royalty; however, the government of San Juan has not waived its rights to retain up to a 3% “mouth of mine” royalty from production. Land holding costs for 2007 are estimated at $2,400.
Expenditures in 2006 were primarily for an exploration program at the Los Azules project, while expenditures for 2005 were primarily for land maintenance. In November 2005, we signed a non-binding letter of intent over the Los Azules porphyry copper project with Xstrata Copper (“Xstrata”). Xstrata and Minera Andes own separate, adjoining properties that straddle a large copper porphyry system. The letter of intent consolidates these properties and gives us a right to earn a 100% interest in Xstrata’s property by spending at least $1.0 million on the property over the next four years, making payments to keep the
13
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
4. MINERAL PROPERTIES, DEFERRED EXPLORATION COSTS AND INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ - continued
property in good standing and producing a preliminary economic assessment (to National Instrument (“NI”) 43-101 standards). If the preliminary assessment shows the project to be potentially economically viable and can be expected to produce 100,000 tonnes of copper per year for 10 years then Xstrata Copper will have a one time back-in right to earn a 51% interest in the combined properties by making a cash payment to Minera Andes of three times its expenditures on the property, completing a bankable feasibility study within five years and assuming underlying property commitments. In the event that the preliminary assessment does not meet the size criterion contemplated above, Xstrata Copper would retain a first right of refusal on any subsequent sale of the property.
| b. | Investment in Minera Santa Cruz – the San José Project |
The investment in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (“MSC”) is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Investment in MSC, beginning of year | | $ | 17,505,938 | | | $ | 7,345,840 | |
Plus: | | | | | | | | |
Deferred costs incurred | | | 1,272,222 | | | | 595,495 | |
Advances during the year | | | 13,622,000 | | | | 11,319,000 | |
Loss from equity investment | | | (1,436,468 | ) | | | (1,354,397 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Investment in MSC, end of year | | $ | 30,963,692 | | | $ | 17,505,938 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The San José project area is made up of one cateo and 46 manifestations of discovery totaling 40,499 ha. The cateos are located in the western half of the province of Santa Cruz. All of the cateos are controlled 100% by MSC a holding and operating company set up under the terms of an agreement with Hochschild (formerly Mauricio Hoschschild & Cia. Ltda. (“MHC”) through October 2006). Any production from these lands may be subject to a provincial royalty. Holding costs for 2007 are estimated to be $3,100.
In October of 2000, following completion of a 30-day due diligence period under a memorandum of understanding, MHC exercised an option to enter into a joint venture (“JV”) on the project.
On March 15, 2001, we signed an option and joint venture agreement with MHC for the exploration and possible development of Minera Andes’ epithermal gold-silver exploration land package at El Pluma/Cerro Saavedra (now referred to as San José), including Huevos Verdes.
Under the agreement, in July 2003 MHC earned a 51% ownership in the JV by spending a total of $3 million, including a minimum of $100,000 per year on exploration targets within the JV, other than Huevos Verdes. In addition, MHC was to make semiannual payments totaling $400,000 per year until pilot plant production was achieved. In September 2004, an amendment to the agreement stated such payments should be made until a positive feasibility study for the development of a mine on the property was obtained by MSC and the board of MSC made a decision to construct the mine. In October 2005, MSC completed a positive feasibility study for the development of a mine on the property and in December 2005, the board of MSC made a decision to construct the mine such that the semiannual payments totaling $400,000 per year are no longer payable by MHC.
14
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
4. MINERAL PROPERTIES, DEFERRED EXPLORATION COSTS AND INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ - continued
Following MHC’s vesting at 51% ownership, Minera Andes opted to participate in the development of the project on a pro-rata basis.
In the fourth quarter of 2003, we notified MHC of our intent to subscribe for additional equity in MSC, so as to maintain a 49% interest. We made payments of $13.6 million and $11.3 million in 2006 and 2005, respectively, to fund our 49% interest in the project. As a result of the fact that we do not control the JV, we are accounting for this investment under the equity method.
Expenditures in 2005 consisted of drilling, detailed topographic surveys, detailed mapping and sampling, and development work. Development work included completion of the shafts and additional work related to pre-feasibility and feasibility studies. Expenditures in 2006 were primarily for construction of the mine plus a 21,000-meter drilling program to increase reserves.
During 2006, the project loan previously announced on July 25, 2005 with Standard Bank Plc. and Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG to fund the San José project was terminated and a new facility was structured with Macquarie Bank Limited (“Macquarie”) in February 2006. Minera Andes agreed to pay break fees of $572,000 of which $200,000 had been paid and the balance accrued as at December 31, 2006.
In October 2006, Minera Andes signed a letter of intent to provide project financing with an affiliate of Hochschild and to terminate the Macquarie project financing offered in February 2006 and the $20 million Macquarie bridge loan offered in August 2006 subject to a successful public offer by Hochschild. Hochschild agreed to pay the break fees and other costs related to the Macquarie financing. In November 2006, Hochschild successfully completed a public offering on the London Stock Exchange.
The Hochschild financing includes a binding $20 million bridge loan with MSC, which will be replaced, as soon as reasonably practical, with a permanent financing of $55 million or such higher amount as agreed to by Minera Andes and Hochschild. The project financing will be made substantially on the same terms as the Macquarie financing except that:
| (a) | MSC will not be required to hedge any of its production. |
| (b) | The project financing will be unsecured, except for a security interest in certain collection and escrow accounts and the funds deposited and the rights to the funds deposited. The shareholders of MSC will not be required to pledge their shares in MSC as security for the loans to MSC. |
| (c) | Events of default will basically be limited to events outside the control of Hochschild and MSC. |
| (d) | Future project expansions will be financed from cash flow from the project. |
Under terms of the financing, a subsidiary of Hochschild will lend 51% of the bridge loan and permanent financing directly to MSC and 49% of the loan will be lent to Minera Andes which in turn will lend the funds to MSC. The interest rate of the bridge loan is LIBOR plus 2.5%. Final documentation for the permanent financing has not been completed, but the terms include, amongst other items, an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.85% and a minimum term of three years.
15
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
4. MINERAL PROPERTIES, DEFERRED EXPLORATION COSTS AND INVESTMENT IN MINERA SANTA CRUZ - continued
As at December 31, 2006, the $20 million bridge loan had been lent to MSC. The Company’s 49% share of the $20 million bridge loan is $9.8 million. Repayment of the loan payable is contingent on the operating cash flows of MSC.
As at March 31, 2007, the $20 million bridge loan plus $34 million in advances on the permanent financing, a total of $54 million, had been lent to the project.
Subsequent to December 31, 2006, in addition to the project financing loan, we paid $5.9 million to fund our 49% interest in the San José project.
We hold 1 (2005 – 13) manifestation of discovery in the Precordilleran region of Chubut, totaling 1,480 ha (2005 – 10,380 ha). Expenditures in 2006 and 2005 relate primarily to land maintenance costs. Land holding costs for 2007 are estimated to be nil.
We currently control 15 (2005 – 15) cateos and 23 (2005 – 40) manifestations of discovery totaling 88,295 ha (2005 – 102,789 ha) in the Santa Cruz province. Land holding costs for 2007 are estimated at $1,876. We have been actively exploring in the region since 1997. The properties have been acquired on the basis of geologic and geochemical reconnaissance. Expenditures in 2005 relate to land acquisition and reconnaissance geologic surveys on the acquired properties. Geologic evaluation of these targets is ongoing. As at December 31, 2006, based on management’s assessment of the future recoverability of certain mineral properties and deferred exploration costs, $1,712,633 (2005 – $nil) were written-off.
5. EQUIPMENT
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2006 | | December 31, 2005 |
| | Cost | | Accumulated Depreciation | | Net | | Cost | | Accumulated Depreciation | | Net |
Field Equipment | | $ | 94,309 | | $ | 70,791 | | $ | 23,518 | | $ | 96,049 | | $ | 55,235 | | $ | 40,814 |
Office Equipment | | | 105,698 | | | 73,004 | | | 32,694 | | | 81,627 | | | 56,063 | | | 25,564 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 200,007 | | $ | 143,795 | | $ | 56,212 | | $ | 177,676 | | $ | 111,298 | | $ | 66,378 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
6. BANK LOAN
In December 2004, we secured a two-year loan facility of up to $4 million from Macquarie. All amounts advanced were due in December 2006. This facility was provided in two tranches to fund our 49% portion of the costs of completing a bankable feasibility study and related development work for the San José project.
The commercial terms of the first two tranches of the loan include a facility fee of 1.5% of the principal amount of each tranche at the time of the advance and interest of LIBOR plus 2% per year, currently totaling
16
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
6. BANK LOAN - continued
approximately 7.4% per year. In addition, as further explained below, we issued share purchase warrants for each tranche. The warrants exercise price was calculated at a 20% premium to the volume weighted average of our common stock determined from the ten business days prior to acceptance of the loan facility. Each warrant is exercisable for two years. The loan is collateralized by our interest in MASA, our 49% interest in MSC, and personal property.
We received $1,000,000 of the first tranche in December 2004 and the remaining $1,000,000 of the first tranche in February 2005. In connection with the first tranche, we issued share purchase warrants to acquire 2,738,700 of our common stock at an exercise price of Cdn $0.91 per share. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield – Nil; risk free interest rate – 3.53%; expected volatility of 62% and an expected life of 24 months. The difference between the allocated fair value and the face value of the debt of $346,200 was initially recorded as a debt discount with a corresponding entry to contributed surplus. The debt discount is being accreted to interest expense over the term of the debt using the effective interest rate method. No amount of the discount was accreted in 2004 since the debt agreement only became effective in December 2004. The accretion of the debt discount began in January 2005.
In July 2005, we received the second tranche of $2,000,000. For the second tranche, we issued share purchase warrants to acquire 3,987,742 of our Common Shares at an exercise price of Cdn$0.62 per share. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield – Nil; risk free interest rate – 3.99%; expected volatility of 55.8% and an expected life of 24 months. The difference between the allocated fair value and the face value of the debt of $263,800 was initially recorded as a debt discount with a corresponding entry to contributed capital. Total debt discount for both tranches was $610,000.
In March 2006, Macquarie exercised its warrants from the second tranche to acquire 3,987,742 of our Common Shares at an exercise price of Cdn $0.62 per share for proceeds of Cdn$2,472,400 ($ 2,060,333). We used part of the proceeds to repay principal and interest outstanding in the amount of $2,000,000 and $18,926, respectively, related to the second tranche.
In December 2006, Macquarie exercised its warrants from the first tranche to acquire 2,738,700 of our Common Shares at an exercise price of Cdn $0.91 per share for proceeds of Cdn$2,492,217 ($ 2,171,299). We used part of the proceeds to repay the principal balance of the loan and interest outstanding in the amounts of $2,000,000 and $9,021, respectively, related to the first tranche.
The debt discount was accreted and capitalized to our investment in MSC (Note 4) over the term of the debt using the effective interest rate method. For the year ended December 31, 2006, $371,365 (2005—$238,635) of debt discount was accreted.
The bank loan and debt discount are summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Face Amount | | | Discount | | | Carrying Value | |
Bank loan, initial and second tranche, being the balance at December 31, 2005 | | $ | 4,000,000 | | | $ | 371,365 | | | $ | 3,628,635 | |
Accretion of debt discount | | | — | | | | (371,365 | ) | | | 371,365 | |
Repayment of bank loan | | | (4,000,000 | ) | | | — | | | | (4,000,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank loan at December 31, 2006 | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
17
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
6. BANK LOAN - continued
As at December 31, 2006, interest expense incurred of $152,577 (2005—$164,495), and accreted interest expense related to the debt discount of $371,365 (2005 – $238,635) were capitalized to the Investment in MSC (Note 4 (b)).
In March 2007, we received a third tranche of $7,500,000 of which $5,880,000 was for the development of the San José project and $1,620,000 was for general purposes. The commercial terms of the third tranche include a facility fee of 1.5% of the principal amount, interest of Libor plus 2% p.a., currently totaling approximately 7.36% p.a., and a two-year loan term. In addition, Minera Andes provided share purchase warrants to acquire 4,227,669 Common Shares of Minera Andes at an exercise price of Cdn$2.06 per share. The warrant exercise price was calculated at a 25% premium to the volume weighted average of Minera Andes’ common stock determined from the twenty business days prior to February 21, 2007. Each warrant is to be exercisable for two years. The warrants and the underlying common shares will have a four month hold period. A success fee of $75,000, being 1% of the principal amount of the facility, was paid to Xystus Limited for assisting with the structuring and negotiation of the loan facility.
7. SHARE CAPITAL
We have authorized capital of an unlimited number of Common Shares, with no par value, and an unlimited number of preferred shares, with no par value.
| b. | Issued, Allotted and/or Subscribed: |
| | | | | | |
| | Number of Shares | | Amount | |
Common shares issued: | | | | | | |
Issued for cash on incorporation | | 1 | | $ | 1 | |
Issued for acquisition of subsidiaries | | 4,000,000 | | | 575,537 | |
Subscriptions received for private placement | | — | | | 57,069 | |
| | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 1994 | | 4,000,001 | | | 632,607 | |
Issued for cash (Cdn$0.10 each) | | 1,000,000 | | | 70,850 | |
Issued for cash (Cdn$0.40 each) | | 2,345,094 | | | 669,058 | |
Issued for cash (Cdn$1.00 each) | | 3,031,000 | | | 2,237,071 | |
Issued for finder’s fee | | 150,000 | | | — | |
Issued for services | | 168,000 | | | — | |
Issued for subsidiary | | 336,815 | | | — | |
Subscriptions applied | | — | | | (57,069 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 1995 | | 11,030,910 | | | 3,552,517 | |
Issued for cash (Cdn$1.50 each) | | 1,433,333 | | | 1,535,553 | |
Issued for broker special warrants | | 90,400 | | | — | |
Issued for cash (Cdn$3.42 each) | | 877,194 | | | 2,174,388 | |
18
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL - continued
| | | | | |
Issued to N.A. Degerstrom, Inc.: | | | | | |
For cash (Cdn$1.44 each) | | 500,000 | | 514,608 | |
For cash on exercise of warrants (Cdn$1.75 each) | | 500,000 | | 625,392 | |
Issued for cash on exercise of warrants (Cdn$1.80 each) | | 67,500 | | 89,220 | |
Subscriptions received for private placement | | — | | 4,873,336 | |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 1996 | | 14,499,337 | | 13,365,014 | |
Issued for cash on exercise of warrants (Cdn$1.80 each) | | 1,271,233 | | 1,689,102 | |
Issued for cash (private placement-Cdn$2.10 each) | | 3,370,481 | | 4,873,336 | |
Subscriptions applied | | — | | (4,873,336 | ) |
Issued for cash on exercise of options (Cdn$1.44 each) | | 75,000 | | 78,146 | |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 1997 | | 19,216,051 | | 15,132,262 | |
Issued for cash on exercise of warrants (Cdn$1.60 each) | | 720,383 | | 806,136 | |
Issued for cash on exercise of options (Cdn$1.15 each) | | 15,000 | | 11,936 | |
Issued for cash on exercise of warrants (Cdn$1.53 each) | | 438,597 | | 464,332 | |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 1998 | | 20,390,031 | | 16,414,666 | |
Issued for cash (by prospectus Cdn$0.25 each) | | 3,214,540 | | 545,874 | |
Issued for broker’s fees | | 128,582 | | — | |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 1999 | | 23,733,153 | | 16,960,540 | |
Issued for cash (by prospectus Cdn$0.25 each) | | 5,985,460 | | 1,032,973 | |
Issued for broker’s fees | | 191,418 | | — | |
Issued for cash on exercise of options (Cdn$0.55 each) | | 90,000 | | 34,109 | |
Subscriptions received for private placement | | — | | 162,242 | |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2000 | | 30,000,031 | | 18,189,864 | |
Issued for cash on exercise of options (Cdn$0.25 each) | | 46,000 | | 7,558 | |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2001 | | 30,046,031 | | 18,197,422 | |
Issued for cash on exercise of options (Cdn$0.16 each) | | 91,500 | | 9,449 | |
Issued for cash (private placement Cdn$0.15 each) | | 4,416,667 | | 402,224 | |
Issued for exercise of special warrants | | 1,175,000 | | — | |
Issued for cash on exercise of warrants (Cdn$0.25 each) | | 1,175,000 | | 186,923 | |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2002 | | 36,904,198 | | 18,796,018 | |
Issued for cash on exercise of options | | 345,000 | | 66,696 | |
19
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL - continued
| | | | | |
Issued for cash on exercise of warrants | | 50,000 | | | 11,287 |
Issued for cash on exercise of broker warrants | | 441,667 | | | 48,677 |
Issued for cash (private placement Cdn$0.30 each) | | 22,000,000 | | | 4,674,790 |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2003 | | 59,740,865 | | | 23,597,468 |
Issued for cash on exercise of options | | 330,000 | | | 78,400 |
Issued for cash on exercise of warrants | | 648,375 | | | 250,401 |
Issued for cash on exercise of broker warrants | | 867,566 | | | 239,610 |
Issued for cash (private placement Cdn$0.65 each) | | 10,000,000 | | | 4,545,455 |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2004 | | 71,586,806 | | | 28,711,334 |
Issued for cash on exercise of options | | 253,500 | | | 34,055 |
Issued for cash on exercise of warrants | | 22,500 | | | 9,230 |
Issued for cash on exercise of broker warrants | | 901,175 | | | 258,480 |
Issued for cash (private placement Cdn$0.55 each) | | 18,180,450 | | | 7,683,453 |
Issued for cash (private placement Cdn$0.35 each) | | 2,004,685 | | | 600,000 |
Issued for finder’s fee (private placement Cdn$0.35) | | 120,281 | | | — |
Issued for cash (Dec05 private placement Cdn$0.35 each) | | 15,414,740 | | | 4,382,558 |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2005 | | 108,484,137 | | $ | 41,679,110 |
Issued for cash on exercise of options | | 860,000 | | | 379,163 |
Issued for cash on exercise of warrants | | 32,065,957 | | | 16,706,597 |
Issued for cash on exercise of broker warrants | | 1,972,632 | | | 1,111,282 |
Issued for cash (Mar06 private placement Cdn$0.35 each) | | 13,156,689 | | | 3,766,000 |
| | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2006 | | 156,539,415 | | $ | 63,642,152 |
| | | | | |
| i. | On March 22, 2005, we sold 18,180,450 units to accredited investors at a price of Cdn$0.55 per unit for net of commission proceeds of Cdn$9,299,300 ($7,683,453). Each unit consisted of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. One whole common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of Cdn$0.70 per share for a period of 5 years from the closing date. |
The agents received a cash commission of 7% of the gross proceeds of the financing. The agents also received agent’s warrants equal to 7% of the aggregate number of units sold pursuant to the offering. Each agent’s warrant upon exercise will entitle the holder to acquire one common share at an exercise price of Cdn$0.70 per common share for a period of 2 years from the date of issue. A total of 18,180,450 common shares were issued pursuant to the private placement, and 9,090,225 common shares are reserved for issuance on exercise of the warrants and 1,272,632 common shares are reserved for issuance on the exercise of the agent’s warrants.
20
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL - continued
| ii. | On November 28, 2005, we sold 2,004,685 units to accredited investors at a price of Cdn$0.35 per unit for net of commission proceeds of Cdn$701,640 ($600,000). Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. One whole common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of Cdn$0.55 per share for a period of 2 years from the closing date. Finder’s fees of 6 % were paid and the company issued 120,281 in shares in connection with this financing. A total of 2,004,685 common shares were issued pursuant to the private placement, and 1,002,343 common shares are reserved for issuance on exercise of the warrants. |
| iii. | On December 20, 2005, we sold 15,414,740 units to Mr. Robert McEwen at a price of Cdn$0.35 per unit for net of commission proceeds of Cdn$5,125,401 ($4,382,558). Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. One whole common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of Cdn$0.55 per share at any time prior to the earlier of: a) the date which is the 15th trading day after receiving notice from Minera Andes that the weighted average price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange has been equal to or greater than Cdn$1.00 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days commencing 120 days after the date of issuance of the warrants, and b) December 20, 2007. |
The agents received a cash commission of 5% of the gross proceeds of the financing and 377,661 broker warrants, equal to 2.45% of the aggregate number of units sold. Each broker warrant upon exercise will entitle the holder to acquire one common share at an exercise price of Cdn$0.55 per common share at any time prior to the earlier of: a) the date which is the 15th trading day after receiving notice from Minera Andes that the weighted average price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange has been equal to or greater than Cdn$1.00 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days commencing 120 days after the date of issuance of the warrants, and b) December 20, 2007. A total of 15,414,740 common shares were issued pursuant to the private placement, and 7,707,370 common shares are reserved for issuance on exercise of the warrants and 377,661 common shares are reserved for issuance on the exercise of the broker warrants.
| iv. | On March 8, 2006, we completed the second private placement with Mr. McEwen and sold 13,156,689 units at a price of Cdn$0.35 per unit for net of commission proceeds of Cdn$4,367,430 ($3,766,000). Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. One whole common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of Cdn$0.55 per share at any time prior to the earlier of: a) the date which is the 15th trading day after receiving notice from Minera Andes that the weighted average price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange has been equal to or greater than Cdn$1.00 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days commencing 120 days after the date of issuance of the warrants, and b) March 8, 2008. |
The agents received a cash commission of 5% of the gross proceeds of the financing and 322,339 broker warrants, equal to 2.45% of the aggregate number of units sold. Each broker warrant upon exercise will entitle the holder to acquire one common share at an exercise price of Cdn$0.55 per common share at any time prior to the earlier of: a) the date which is the 15th trading day after receiving notice from Minera Andes that the weighted average price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange has been equal to or greater than Cdn$1.00 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days commencing 120 days after the date of issuance of the warrants, and b) March 8, 2008.
21
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL - continued
| v. | During 2006, we issued 860,000 shares for the exercise of stock options at weighted average exercise price of $0.51 per share; 32,065,957 shares for the exercise of purchase warrants at weighted average exercise price of $0.59 and 1,972,632 shares for the exercise of broker warrants at weighted average exercise price of $0.65 for total proceeds of $18,197,042. |
| vi. | In February 2007, the shareholders approved a warrant exercise incentive program. The Corporation received gross proceeds of Cdn$3.9 million through the early exercise of 6,006,758 warrants, under the incentive program for the early exercise of three series of common share purchase warrants of the Corporation. |
The early exercise incentive program pertains to three private placements listed in the table below. Notices regarding the early exercise incentive were delivered to holders of the affected private placements advising the holders of the incentive exercise program. Holders of these warrants had until March 19, 2007 to exercise their warrants to receive the incentive. The following table sets forth the number of warrants exercised pursuant to the early incentive program, the funds received and the number of warrants still outstanding:
| | | | | | | | | |
Warrant price (Cdn$) | | Expiry date | | Number of warrants exercised | | Value of warrants exercised under incentive program (Cdn$) | | Number of warrants still outstanding after early exercise |
0.50 | | 11/13/2008 | | 851,500 | | $ | 425,750 | | 878,725 |
| | | | |
0.55 | | 12/1/2007 | | 935,714 | | | 514,643 | | — |
| | | | |
0.70 | | 3/22/2010 | | 4,219,544 | | | 2,953,680 | | 2,012,409 |
| | | | |
Total | | | | 6,006,758 | | $ | 3,894,073 | | 2,891,134 |
Under the incentive program, a total of 600,673 New Warrants were issued to those warrant holders taking part in the early exercise incentive. Each New Warrant entitles the holder to acquire a common share of the Corporation at the price of Cdn$1.75 per share until September 19, 2008. The New Warrants and common shares issuable upon exercise of the New Warrants will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period.
For those warrant holders who did not take part in the early exercise incentive program, the existing warrants held will continue to be exercisable for common shares under the original terms of the private placement. However, the holder is not entitled to receive any new incentive warrants.
The aggregate number of shares to be delivered upon exercise of all options granted under our stock option plan (“the Plan”) shall not exceed 20% of our issued and outstanding Common Shares up to a maximum of 15,169,643 (2005 – 9,000,000) shares. No participant may be granted an option under the Plan which exceeds the number of shares permitted to be granted pursuant to rules or policies of any stock exchange on which the Common Shares is then listed.
Under the Plan, the exercise price of the shares covered by each option shall be determined by the directors and shall not be less than the closing price of our Common Shares on the stock exchange or stock exchanges on which the shares are listed on the last trading day immediately preceding the day on which the stock exchange is notified of the proposed issuance of option, less any discounts permitted by the policy or policies of such stock exchange or stock exchanges. If an option is granted within six months of
22
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL - continued
a public distribution of our Common Shares by way of prospectus, then the minimum exercise price of such option shall, if the policy of such stock exchange or stock exchanges requires, be the greater of the price determined pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and the price per share paid by the investing public for our Common Shares acquired by the public during such public distribution, determined in accordance with the policy of such stock exchange or stock exchanges. Options granted under the Plan will not be transferable and, if they are not exercised, will expire one (1) year following the date the optionee ceases to be a director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company by reason of death, or ninety (90) days after ceasing to be a director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company for any reason other than death. Options vest immediately, except for options granted for investor relations related work which vest 25% each three-month period from the date of grant.
At December 31, 2006, 1,448,643 (2005 – 1,009,000) options were available for grant under the Plan.
A summary of the status of the Plan as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and changes during the years ended on those dates is:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
| | Options | | | (Cdn) Weighted Avg. Exercise Price | | | Options | | | (Cdn) Weighted Avg. Exercise Price | |
Outstanding at beginning of year | | 6,745,000 | | | $ | 0.54 | | | 4,698,500 | | | $ | 0.49 | |
Granted | | 5,825,000 | | | $ | 1.51 | | | 2,300,000 | | | $ | 0.60 | |
Exercised | | (860,000 | ) | | $ | 0.51 | | | (253,500 | ) | | $ | 0.16 | |
Expired | | (95,000 | ) | | $ | 0.56 | | | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at end of year | | 11,615,000 | | | $ | 1.03 | | | 6,745,000 | | | $ | 0.54 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercisable at end of year | | 11,615,000 | | | $ | 1.03 | | | 6,670,000 | | | $ | 0.54 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the year | | | | | Cdn$ $ | 1.51 (1.30 | ) | | | | | Cdn$ $ | 0.41 (0.35 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding options is 4.0 years at December 31, 2006 (2005 – 4.0 years).
At December 31, 2006 there were options held by directors, officers, employees and non-employees for the purchase of our Common Shares as follows:
23
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL - continued
| | | | |
Number of Shares | | Exercise Price | | Expiry Date |
| | |
495,000 | | Cdn$0.40 | | June 27, 2007 |
| | |
1,315,000 | | Cdn$0.59 | | December 5, 2008 |
| | |
100,000 | | Cdn$0.50 | | March 29, 2009 |
| | |
1,175,000 | | Cdn$0.55 | | September 10, 2009 |
| | |
50,000 | | Cdn$0.61 | | December 14, 2009 |
| | |
2,160,000 | | Cdn$0.60 | | December 28, 2010 |
| | |
5,825,000 | | Cdn$1.51 | | December 27, 2011 |
| | |
495,000 | | Cdn$0.31 | | March 21, 2013 |
| | | | |
| | |
11,615,000 | | | | |
| | | | |
The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants.
| | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Dividend yield (%) | | — | | — |
Expected volatility (%) | | 77.4 | | 83.7 |
Risk-free interest rates (%) | | 4.0 | | 4.3 |
Expected lives (years) | | 5.0 | | 5.0 |
In connection with the vesting of certain non-employees, employees and directors stock options, we have recorded stock option compensation of $5,069,887 ($3,662,838 to wages and benefits and $1,407,049 to consulting fees) and $809,093 ($569,140 to wages and benefits and $239,953 to consulting fees) during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | Warrants | | | (Cdn) Wgt. Avg. Exercise Price | | Warrants | | | (Cdn) Wgt. Avg. Exercise Price |
Outstanding and exercisable at beginning of year | | 36,505,798 | | | $ | 0.61 | | 20,422,759 | | | $ | 0.62 |
Purchase warrants | | 8,578,344 | | | $ | 0.84 | | 21,787,680 | | | $ | 0.63 |
Brokers’ warrants | | 322,339 | | | $ | 0.55 | | 1,650,293 | | | $ | 0.67 |
Expired | | — | | | | — | | (6,431,259 | ) | | $ | 0.77 |
Exercised | | (34,038,589 | ) | | $ | 0.59 | | (923,675 | ) | | $ | 0.35 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year | | 11,367,892 | | | $ | 0.85 | | 36,505,798 | | | $ | 0.61 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
24
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
7. SHARE CAPITAL - continued
The range of exercise prices on outstanding warrants is Cdn$0.50 to Cdn$1.80 (2005 – Cdn$0.50 to Cdn$0.91) with a weighted average contractual life of 2.32 years at December 31, 2006 (2005 – 2.64 years).
8. AGREEMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
| a. | Mineral rights in Argentina are owned by the federal government and administered by the provinces. The provinces can levy a maximum 3% “mouth of mine” (gross proceeds) royalty. The provinces of Mendoza and Neuquén have waived their right to a royalty. The provinces of Río Negro, San Juan, Santa Clara and Chubut have not yet established a policy regarding the royalty. |
| b. | We rent office space in Spokane, Washington for $2,150 per month with a commitment through December 2007. |
| c. | We rent office space in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for Cdn$900 per month, without a commitment. |
| d. | We rent office space in Argentina for $1,089 per month with a commitment through August 2008. |
| e. | We rent storage space in Argentina for $2,000 per month consisting of one $800/month commitment through June 2007 and another $1,200/month commitment through December 2009. |
| f. | On December 2, 2003, we signed an agreement that obligated us to pay N.A. Degerstrom a royalty of $250,000 if any of the current properties, other than the properties comprising the San José project, meet certain conditions such as bankable feasibility or commercial production prior to December 2, 2013. |
| g. | During 2006, MSC signed agreements with third party providers relating to the development of the San José/Huevos Verdes project. Our 49% portion of these commitments is approximately $7,410,000. These commitments are expected to be completed by June 30, 2007. |
| h. | We are obligated to fund our 49% of costs at San José that are not funded by project financing as well as 49% of capital contributions or our ownership will be diluted. In December 2006, the shareholders of MSC agreed to increase the share capital of MSC by $12,000,000, of which $5,880,000 represented Minera Andes’ 49% portion. Minera Andes paid this amount in March 2007. |
| i. | In March 2005, MSC discovered an alleged employee fraud committed by the former purchasing manager during the period June 2004 through March 2005. Respective to our 49% interest, the fraud amounted to approximately $57,000 in 2004 and $78,000 in 2005. MSC will vigorously pursue full recovery but the final amount recoverable is not certain at this time. Canadian accounting standards require a high level of certainty in recording a recovery on the balance sheet that is contingent on future events, as a result the full amount of the fraud for each year respectively, has been written off against our investment in MSC and is included in our loss from equity investment (Note 4(b)). Funds recovered in the future related to the fraud will be recorded if and when they are received. |
25
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During 2006 and 2005, we incurred the following transactions with related parties: geological consulting to a director totaling $nil and $3,266 and legal fees to a firm in which a director and officer was an associate totaling $55,839 and $50,081, respectively. The above noted transactions were in the normal course of operations and were measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.
10. INCOME TAXES
The tax effects of the temporary differences that give rise to our future tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Net operating losses | | $ | 6,452,400 | | | $ | 5,150,800 | |
Equipment | | | 5,300 | | | | 5,300 | |
Undeducted financing costs | | | 423,400 | | | | 80,800 | |
Deferred exploration costs | | | 45,800 | | | | — | |
Valuation allowance | | | (6,926,900 | ) | | | (5,236,900 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Future tax assets (liabilities) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
The tax benefit of net operating losses carried forward and the associated valuation allowance were reduced by $nil (2005—$199,700), representing the tax effect of losses which expired in the year.
The provision for income taxes differ from the amount established using the statutory income tax rate as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Income benefit at Cdn statutory rate | | $ | (3,621,800 | ) | | $ | (1,222,000 | ) |
Foreign income taxes at other than Cdn statutory rate | | | 64,100 | | | | (21,000 | ) |
Non-deductible equity pickup | | | 502,800 | | | | 474,300 | |
Non-deductible stock option compensation | | | 1,874,000 | | | | 272,000 | |
Effect in statutory rate change | | | (61,600 | ) | | | — | |
Increase in valuation allowance | | | 1,242,500 | | | | 496,700 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Future income tax recovery | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
The Company’s future tax assets include approximately $1,260,000 (2005 - $240,000) related to deductions for share issue costs in excess of amounts deducted for financial reporting purposes. If and when the valuation allowance related to these amounts is reversed, the Company will recognize this benefit as an adjustment to share capital as opposed to income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The valuation allowance as at December 31, 2006 was increased by $447,500 (December 31, 2005 - $40,600), representing the tax effect of the share issuance costs incurred in the period.
26
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
10. INCOME TAXES - continued
The Company evaluates its valuation allowance requirements based on projected future operations. When circumstances change and this causes a change in management’s judgment about the recoverability of future tax assets, the impact of the change on the valuation allowance is reflected in current income. As management of the Company does not currently believe that it is more likely than not that the Company will receive the benefit of this asset, a valuation allowance equal to the future tax asset has been established at both December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.
As at December 31, 2006, the Company had estimated net operating loss carry-forwards available to reduce taxable income in future years as follows:
| | | | | |
Country | | Amount | | Expiration Dates |
United States - Federal | | $ | 1,490,000 | | 2007 - 2026 |
Argentina | | $ | 9,870,000 | | 2007 - 2011 |
Canada | | $ | 7,400,000 | | 2007 - 2026 |
These financial statements do not reflect the potential effect on future income taxes of the application of these losses.
11. COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Certain financial statement line items from prior years have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the net loss and accumulated deficit as previously reported.
12. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
As discussed in Note 2, these financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. Differences between Canadian GAAP and United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) as they apply to these financial statements are summarized as follows:
| a. | Compensation Expense Associated with Release of Shares from Escrow |
Under U.S. GAAP, stock compensation expense is recorded as shares held in escrow become eligible for release based upon the number of shares eligible for release and the market value of the shares at that time. Under Canadian GAAP, no value is attributed to such shares released and no compensation expense is recorded. Shares become eligible for release from escrow based on deferred exploration expenditure in accordance with the Escrow Agreement and with the consent of the TSX Venture Exchange (the Company became listed on the TSX Exchange in 2007). During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for the period from July 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2006, we would have recorded compensation expense of $nil, $nil and $6,324,914, respectively, under U.S. GAAP.
| b. | Mineral Properties and Deferred Exploration Costs |
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission staff has taken the position that a U.S. registrant without proven and probable economic reserves, in most cases, could not support the recovery of the carrying value of deferred exploration costs. Our investment in MSC has proven and probable reserves but MSC did not receive government approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) until the first quarter of 2006. Therefore, we presented the effect of expensing all deferred exploration costs through December
27
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
12. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES - continued
31, 2005 as a reconciling item between U.S. and Canadian GAAP.
| c. | Stock-Based Compensation |
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which requires companies to expense the fair value of employee stock options and other forms of stock-based compensation. This requirement represents a significant change because share-based stock option awards, a predominate form of stock compensation for us, were not recognized as compensation expense under APB 25. Statement 123R requires the cost of the award, as determined on the date of grant at fair value, to be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. The grant-date fair value of the award will be estimated using an option-pricing model. The Company adopted the statement using the modified-prospective method on January 1, 2006. The Company currently discloses the effect of expensing stock options under a fair value approach using the Black-Scholes pricing model in Note 7 to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
For U.S. GAAP, prior to the adoption of Statement 123R, the Company continued to follow Accounting Principle Board Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for stock issued to employees” and related interpretations to account for stock options issued to employees. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 00-23 Issue 31, variable accounting was required since options issued with an exercise price denominated in a currency other then its functional currency is not considered fixed. Under variable accounting, the intrinsic value of the options issued to employees is remeasured on each balance sheet date, with the adjustment charged to the Statement of Operations. The effect of remeasurement was to decrease the stock compensation expense by $nil (2005 - $36,042) for the year ended December 31, 2006.
During the year ended December 31, 2005, we accounted for stock-based compensation awarded to employees using the intrinsic method under U.S. GAAP. Under Canadian GAAP, as discussed in Note 2, the Company adopted the fair value based method to account for options granted to employees on January 1, 2004. As a result, the difference between U.S. and Canadian GAAP in compensation expense related to options granted to employees was $nil in 2006 and $569,140 in 2005. Consequently, related pro-forma information as described in SFAS No. 123 has been disclosed, as follows:
| | | | |
| | Year Ended Dec. 31, 2005 | |
Net loss for the period under U.S. GAAP as reported | | $ | (15,536,387 | ) |
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair-value-based method for all awards. | | | (569,140 | ) |
| | | | |
Pro-forma net loss for the period | | $ | (16,105,527 | ) |
| | | | |
Basic and diluted net loss per common share – pro-forma | | $ | (0.18 | ) |
Under Canadian GAAP, no value was assigned to the warrants granted to the agents in connection with the private placements of 35,595,190 units which were issued in March 2005 and December 2005. No such
28
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
12. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES - continued
warrants were issued in 2006. Under U.S. GAAP, the warrants were valued on the closing date of the private placements, respectively, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
| | | | |
| | Agent Warrants 2005 | |
Number of Warrants | | | 1,650,293 | |
Risk-free rate | | | 4.33 | % |
Dividend yield | | | Nil | % |
Volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common shares | | | 59 | % |
Weighted average expected life of the warrants (months) | | | 24 | |
Value of warrants | | $ | 198,273 | |
The value of the agent warrants was charged as commission against share capital as share issuance costs per our accounting policy; thus there is no effect on shareholder’s equity.
Under Canadian GAAP, the corresponding entry to record the debt discount of $346,200 related to the first tranche warrants and $263,800 related to the second tranche warrants granted to Macquarie in connection with a credit facility (Note 5) was charged to contributed surplus. Under US GAAP, as the Company is required to maintain its listed company status as part of the loan covenant, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 00-19, the fair value of the warrants was recorded as a liability. Subsequent to the initial measurement, the value of the warrants is remeasured on each balance sheet date or upon exercise of the warrants, based on the fair value of the warrants with the adjustment charged to the Statement of Operations and Accumulated Deficit. Both the first and second tranche warrants were exercised during 2006 so no liability was associated with the warrants as at December 31, 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the effect of remeasurement was to increase the fair value of the liabilities associated with the warrants by $1,754,639 (2005 - $704,892) which was debited to the Statement of Operations and Accumulated Deficit. On March 2, 2006, Macquarie exercised all of the second tranche warrants. The fair value of the liability associated with the second tranche warrants as at March 2, 2006 was $1,451,623. On December 8, 2006, Macquarie exercised all of the first tranche warrants. The fair value of the liability associated with the first tranche warrants as at December 8, 2006 was $1,617,908. Upon exercise of the warrants, the associated liability was transferred to shareholders’ equity. Under U.S. GAAP, the fair value of the warrants is recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as deferred financing costs and is amortized on a straight line basis over the term of the debt. This would result in a net increase of $nil (2005 - $371,365) as at December 31, 2006 in total assets under U.S. GAAP as compared to Canadian GAAP. Total assets under U.S. GAAP purposes were $24,618,463 (2005 - $3,848,079) as at December 31, 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2006, these GAAP differences related to the valuation and classification of warrants and differences in accounting treatment of deferred financing costs would result in total liabilities under U.S. GAAP purposes to have no difference (2005 – increase of $1,686,257) from liabilities under Canadian GAAP of $10,787,210 (2005 - $5,658,762). Total assets and liabilities under U.S. GAAP as at December 31, 2006 were not affected by these adjustments as the warrants were exercised by this date.
29
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
12. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES - continued
The fair value of the first tranche warrants, as at December 8, 2006, was calculated to be $1,617,908 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield – Nil; risk free interest rate – 4.89%; expected volatility of 99.55% and an expected life of 23 days. The fair value of the second tranche warrants, as at March 2, 2006, was calculated to be $1,451,623 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield – Nil; risk free interest rate – 3.53%; expected volatility of 57.34% and an expected life of 17 months. Upon exercise of the warrants, the fair value was transferred to shareholders’ equity.
| f. | New Accounting Pronouncements |
Recently issued United States accounting pronouncements have been outlined below.
In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments - an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140.” Among other things, the SFAS No. 155 permits the election of fair value remeasurement for certain hybrid financial instruments that would otherwise require bifurcation under Statement 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. These hybrid financial instruments would include both assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 155 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. The adoption of SFAS No. 155 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes(FIN 48). This interpretation clarifies the recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken on a tax return, and requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of FIN 48 will have on its financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2006, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of FAS 157 are effective for the fiscal year beginning November 15, 2007. The Company expects that adoption of SFAS 157 will not have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operation.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158,Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 87, 88, 106 and 132R (SFAS 158). This Statement requires an employer to recognize in its statement of financial position an asset of a plan’s over funded status or a liability for a plan’s under funded status, measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year (with limited exceptions), and recognize changes in the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan in the year in which the changes occur. The Company expects that adoption of SFAS 158 will have no impact on its financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. (“SAB 108”) which provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 had no impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
In February 2007 the FASB issued SFAS No.159,the Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
30
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
12. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES - continued
Financial Liabilities - including an amendment to FAS 115. This standard permits a company to choose to measure certain financial assets, financial liabilities and firm commitments at fair value. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact SFAS No.159 will have on its financial condition and results of operations.
| g. | Impact on Consolidated Financial Statements |
The impact of the above on the consolidated financial statements is as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Dec. 31, 2006 | | | Dec. 31, 2005 | |
Shareholders’ equity, end of year, per Canadian GAAP | | $ | 38,199,343 | | | $ | 21,480,321 | |
Adjustment for mineral properties and deferred exploration costs | | | (5,605,148 | ) | | | (4,470,174 | ) |
Adjustment for mineral property and deferred exploration cost portion of investment | | | (18,762,942 | ) | | | (17,505,938 | ) |
Loss on revaluation of liability for warrants subject to registration rights | | | (2,459,531 | ) | | | (704,892 | ) |
Adjustment arising upon exercise of warrants subject to registration rights | | | 3,069,531 | | | | — | |
Adjustment for the debt discount | | | (610,000 | ) | | | (610,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’ equity (Capital Deficit), end of year, per U.S. GAAP | | $ | 13,831,253 | | | $ | (1,810,683 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended | | | Period from July 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2006 | |
| Dec. 31, 2006 | | | Dec. 31, 2005 | | |
Net loss for the period, per Canadian GAAP | | $ | (10,772,440 | ) | | $ | (3,634,060 | ) | | $ | (31,298,750 | ) |
Adjustment for acquisition of Scotia | | | — | | | | — | | | | (248,590 | ) |
Adjustment for compensation expense | | | — | | | | 569,140 | | | | (5,453,160 | ) |
Loss on revaluation of liability for warrants subject to registration rights | | | (1,754,639 | ) | | | (704,892 | ) | | | (2,459,531 | ) |
Adjustment for deferred exploration costs, net | | | (1,134,974 | ) | | | (1,642,519 | ) | | | (5,605,148 | ) |
Adjustment for investment | | | (1,257,004 | ) | | | (10,160,098 | ) | | | (18,762,942 | ) |
Adjustment for variable intrinsic value | | | — | | | | 36,042 | | | | (304,925 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss for the period, per U.S. GAAP | | $ | (14,919,057 | ) | | $ | (15,536,387 | ) | | $ | (64,133,046 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted net loss per common share, per U.S. GAAP | | $ | (0.11 | ) | | $ | (0.18 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
31
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
12.DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES - continued
| | | | | | | | |
| | Dec. 31, 2006 | | | Dec. 31, 2005 | |
Total liabilities, per Canadian GAAP | | $ | 10,787,210 | | | $ | 3,972,505 | |
Adjustment for the debt discount | | | 610,000 | | | | 610,000 | |
Adjustment for amortization of debt discount | | | (610,000 | ) | | | (238,635 | ) |
Adjustment to recognize warrant liability | | | 610,000 | | | | 610,000 | |
Loss on revaluation of liability for warrants subject to registration rights | | | 2,459,531 | | | | 704,892 | |
Adjustment arising upon exercise of warrants subject to registration rights | | | (3,069,531 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities, per U.S. GAAP | | $ | 10,787,210 | | | $ | 5,658,762 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | Dec. 31, 2006 | | | Dec. 31, 2005 | |
Total assets, per Canadian GAAP | | $ | 48,986,553 | | | $ | 25,452,826 | |
Adjustment for mineral properties and deferred exploration costs | | | (5,605,148 | ) | | | (4,470,174 | ) |
Adjustment for mineral property and deferred exploration cost portion of investment | | | (18,762,942 | ) | | | (17,505,938 | ) |
Adjustment for deferred financing costs | | | 610,000 | | | | 610,000 | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | (610,000 | ) | | | (238,635 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total assets, per U.S. GAAP | | $ | 24,618,463 | | | $ | 3,848,079 | |
| | | | | | | | |
32
MINERA ANDES INC.
“An Exploration Stage Corporation”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. Dollars)
12. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES – continued
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Dec. 31, 2006 | | | Dec. 31, 2005 | | | Period from July 1, 1994 (inception) through December 31, 2006 | |
Cash flows used in operating activities under Canadian GAAP | | $ | (1,789,156 | ) | | $ | (1,441,846 | ) | | $ | (11,310,471 | ) |
Adjustment related to investment | | | (885,639 | ) | | | (11,595,709 | ) | | | (18,322,644 | ) |
Adjustment related to mineral properties | | | (2,777,701 | ) | | | (1,617,352 | ) | | | (19,289,618 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows used in operating activities under U.S. GAAP | | $ | (5,452,496 | ) | | $ | (14,654,907 | ) | | $ | (48,922,733 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows used in investing activities under Canadian GAAP | | $ | (16,929,581 | ) | | $ | (12,817,344 | ) | | $ | (47,984,015 | ) |
Adjustment related to investment | | | 885,639 | | | | 11,595,709 | | | | 18,322,644 | |
Adjustment related to mineral properties | | | 2,777,701 | | | | 1,617,352 | | | | 19,289,618 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows used in investing activities under U.S. GAAP | | $ | (13,266,241 | ) | | $ | 395,717 | | | $ | (10,371,753 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
During 1995, we issued 336,814 Common Shares for the acquisition of Scotia Prime Minerals, Incorporated (“Scotia”). Under U.S. GAAP, these shares would be valued at $248,590, the fair market value of the shares issued. This value, plus the $17,215 of net liabilities of Scotia assumed by the Company, would have been recorded as property rights at the acquisition date under U.S. GAAP.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
A subsequent event not disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements is as follows:
| a. | Subsequent to December 31, 2006 and including warrants exercised in the warrant incentive program disclosed in Note 7(b)(vi) above, we issued 410,000 shares for the exercise of stock options and 6,510,091 common shares for the exercise of purchase warrants for net proceeds of $3,819,589. |
33