Exhibit 99.2
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of financial position and results of operations of International Royalty Corporation (the “Company” or “IRC”) has been prepared based on information available to the Company as of November 12, 2009 and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and in conjunction with the Company’s audited annual financial statements and the MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2008. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless specifically stated otherwise.
Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company’s annual information form is available on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com, or at the Company’s website atwww.internationalroyalty.com.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Some of the statements contained in this document are forward-looking statements, such as statements that describe IRC's future plans, intentions, objectives or goals, and specifically include but are not limited to IRC’s expectations as to the production start dates for the Belahouro (Inata), Wolverine and Pascua projects on which IRC has royalties. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “does not anticipate”, “believes” or variations of such words and phrases, or words that state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.
Since forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and address future events, conditions and expectations, forward-looking statements inherently involve unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors well beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements depending on, among others, such key factors as the ability of the mine operators to finance and successfully place their projects into production.
IRC’s forward-looking statements in this document regarding the anticipated timing of the start of production on several of the projects on which it has royalties are based on certain assumptions. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, the validity of statements made by the project operators in the public domain, and their ability to finance, construct and successfully operate these properties.
The forward-looking statements included in this document represent IRC’s views as of the date of this document and subsequent events and developments may cause IRC’s views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing IRC’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this document. Although IRC has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
1
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ thousands, except per share data, unaudited) | | Three Months Ended | | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | | September 30, | |
| | 2009 | | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | | 2008 | |
Statement of Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Royalty revenues | $ | 6,593 | | | $ | 13,791 | | $ | 19,790 | | | $ | 32,684 | |
Earnings from operations | | 1,325 | | | | 2,966 | | | 1,379 | | | | 7,964 | |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | | (575 | ) | | | 1,344 | | | (8,454 | ) | | | 6,057 | |
Net earnings (loss) | | (774 | ) | | | 460 | | | (5,377 | ) | | | 3,798 | |
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share | $ | (0.01 | ) | | $ | 0.01 | | $ | (0.06 | ) | | $ | 0.05 | |
| |
Statement of Cash Flows | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,582 | | | $ | 3,703 | | $ | 9,183 | | | $ | 9,634 | |
| |
| | | | | | | | | September 30, | | | | December 31, | |
| | | | | | | | | 2009 | | | | 2008 | |
Balance Sheet | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | | | | | | | $ | 418,744 | | | $ | 376,570 | |
Shareholders’ equity | | | | | | | | | 338,485 | | | | 297,280 | |
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Financial overview
Royalty revenues were $6.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared to $13.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The decrease is due to a decrease in the revenue from the Voisey’s Bay mine of $8.0 million offset by royalty revenue from the Skyline thermal coal mine of $193,000, the Johnson Camp copper mine of $175,000, the Gwalia Deeps gold mine of $411,000 and the recently commissioned Las Cruces copper mine of $125,000. Revenue recognized from the 2.7% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) on the Voisey’s Bay nickel, copper and cobalt mine was $4.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and $12.9 million in 2008. The decrease in revenue from the Voisey’s Bay mine was due to a decrease in production of contained nickel in concentrate, a decrease in production of contained copper in concentrate and significantly lower nickel and copper prices in 2009 as compared to 2008. Total contained nickel i n concentrates paid on the Voisey’s Bay mine during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 was approximately 30.1 million pounds compared to approximately 53.2 million pounds for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. Total contained copper in concentrates paid on the Voisey’s Bay mine during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 was approximately 9.9 million pounds compared to approximately 37.6 million pounds for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in revenue from Voisey’s Bay was also due to a decrease in the average price of nickel during the quarter from $9.29 per pound in 2008 to $7.16 per pound in 2009 and a decrease in the average price of copper during the quarter from $3.69 per pound in 2008 to $2.78 per pound in 2009. The strike by the employees at Voisey’s Bay (see Outlook section below) had a limited impact on payable metal which was offset by the increase in nickel price during the quarter.
Earnings from operations were $1.3 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared to $3.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The lower earnings from operations are primarily attributable to lower revenue from Voisey’s Bay as discussed above, offset by decreased amortization on Voisey’s Bay due to the decreased production and a decrease in royalty taxes on Voisey’s Bay, increased payroll costs and additional professional fees.
2
On April 9, 2009, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of McWatters Mining, Inc. (“McWatters”) representing a 45% voting interest. A class of voting preferred shares created under a Plan of Arrangement and issued to all former common shareholders of McWatters is entitled to 55% of the votes. As a result of the transaction, the Company expensed transaction costs of $6.8 million. McWatters has estimated accumulated non-capital losses carried forward for federal and Quebec purposes totalling CA$92.9 million and CA$92.7 million, respectively, which are available to reduce future taxable income. McWatters has accumulated research and development expenses of CA$1.3 million and development federal tax credits to be carried forward of CA$490,000. McWatters also has accumulated capital losses of CA$455,000, Canadian exploration expenses of CA$5.0 million, Canadian development expenses of CA$18.0 millio n and limited partnership losses from its subsidiary of CA$24.5 million. The limited partnership losses are available to reduce future taxable income within the parameters of the Federal and Quebec tax legislation, without limit of time. In order to use the limited partnership losses, the partnership will have to generate taxable income. The benefits of these tax attributes have not been recognized in the financial statements. As a result of this transaction and the related reorganization, the Company was not required to pay taxes to Canada Revenue Agency in June 2009. The Company paid $7.5 million in taxes in June 2008. The Company also reduced its current taxes payable by approximately $5.4 million from its liability at March 31, 2009.
Net earnings decreased in the third quarter of 2009 when compared to the third quarter of 2008. This was due in part to the decrease in gross revenues offset by decreases in royalty taxes, amortization and general and administrative expenses during the period. The Company also had a net foreign currency loss of $927,000 in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $904,000 in the third quarter of 2008.
Cash flow from operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 decreased $2.1 million compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the changes in revenues and expenses discussed above and the non-cash impairment charges in 2008.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, royalty revenues were $19.8 million compared to $32.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease is due to a decrease in the revenue from the Voisey’s Bay mine of $15.0 million offset by royalty revenue from the Skyline thermal coal mine of $776,000, the newly acquired Johnson Camp copper mine of $280,000, the recently commissioned Gwalia Deeps gold mine of $1,149,000, and the recently commissioned Las Cruces copper mine of $125,000. Revenue recognized from the 2.7% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) on the Voisey’s Bay nickel, copper and cobalt mine was $15.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and $30.5 million in 2008. The decrease in revenue from the Voisey’s Bay mine was due to a slight increase in production of contained nickel in concentrate offset by significantly lower production of copper in concentrate along with lower nickel and copper price s in 2009 as compared to 2008. Total contained nickel in concentrates paid on the Voisey’s Bay mine during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately 125.4 million pounds compared to approximately 121.6 million pounds for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Total contained copper in concentrates paid on the Voisey’s Bay mine during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately 35.2 million pounds compared to approximately 80.1 million pounds for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in revenue from Voisey’s Bay was also due to a decrease in the average price of nickel during the period from $11.17 per pound in 2008 to $5.39 per pound in 2009 and a decrease in the average price of copper during the period from $3.37 per pound in 2008 to $1.99 per pound in 2009.
Earnings from operations were $1.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The lower earnings from operations are primarily attributable to lower revenue from Voisey’s Bay as discussed above and increased amortization on Voisey’s Bay due to the increased production, and increased payroll costs and additional professional fees.
Net earnings decreased for the first nine months of 2009 when compared to the first nine months of 2008. This was due in part to the decrease in gross revenues and an increase in amortization being offset by decreases in royalty taxes and general and administrative expenses during the period. In addition, the Company expensed $6.8 million of acquisition costs related to the purchase of 100% of the outstanding common shares of McWatters Mining, Inc. on April 9, 2009. The Company also had a net foreign currency loss of $537,000 for the first nine months of 2009, compared to a foreign currency gain $59,000 in 2008.
3
Cash flow from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $451,000 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the changes in revenues and expenses and the change in the treatment of tax expense due to the McWatters transaction both discussed above.
In March 2009, the Canadian government enacted new legislation which allowed qualifying taxpayers the ability to file their 2008 and subsequent Canadian tax returns using a functional currency which is other than the Canadian dollar. As a result of the legislation becoming substantively enacted for financial reporting purposes in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, foreign currency losses of approximately $1.8 million previously recognized in 2008 were reversed in March 2009 and have been recorded as a foreign currency gain on the consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
Also, as a result of this new legislation, the Company translated its non-monetary assets to a U.S. value using the foreign currency exchange rate of CA$1.00 to US$1.012, the rate provided for by the new legislation. The use of this rate to lock in the U.S. dollar value of the assets created a permanent benefit in the tax basis of certain of the company’s assets. This change in tax basis created a future tax benefit of $2.0 million, which has been reflected in the consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
Royalty revenue and operations
| | | | | | | | |
Production and revenue(unaudited) | | | | | | |
| | | Payable Metal Production(1) |
| | | Quarter Ended | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | | September 30, | | September 30, | |
Mine | Commodity | Royalty | 2009 | 2008 | | 2009 | 2008 | |
Voisey’s Bay | | | | | | | | |
| Nickel | 2.7% NSR | 30,102 | 53,150 | | 125,416 | 121,610 | |
| Copper | 2.7% NSR | 9,934 | 37,616 | | 35,226 | 80,102 | |
| Cobalt | 2.7% NSR | 1,787 | 2,325 | | 6,054 | 5,446 | |
Southern Cross | Gold | 1.5% NSR | 35 | 38 | | 111 | 111 | |
Skyline | Thermal Coal | 1.413 | 657 | 261 | | 1,988 | 261 | |
Gwalia Deeps | Gold | 1.5% NSR | 29 | - | | 83 | - | |
Williams | Gold | 0.25% NSR | 58 | 31 | | 149 | 100 | |
Johnson Camp | Copper | 2.5% NSR | 2,645 | - | | 4,715 | - | |
Las Cruces | Copper | 1.5% NSR | 2,961 | - | | 2,961 | - | |
Meekatharra | Gold | 0.45% NSR | - | 15 | | - | 39 | |
Avebury | Nickel | 2.00% NSR | - | 1,291 | | - | 1,291 | |
4
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Revenue (thousands) | |
| | Quarter Ended | | | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | | | September 30, | |
Mine | | 2009 | | 2008 | | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
Voisey’s Bay | $ | 4,923 | $ | 12,937 | | | $ | 15,502 | | $ | 30,521 | |
Southern Cross | | 504 | | 488 | | | | 1,555 | | | 1,495 | |
Skyline | | 315 | | 123 | | | | 899 | | | 123 | |
Gwalia Deeps | | 411 | | - | | | | 1,149 | | | - | |
Williams | | 138 | | 70 | | | | 344 | | | 226 | |
Johnson Camp | | 174 | | - | | | | 280 | | | - | |
Las Cruces | | 125 | | - | | | | 125 | | | - | |
Meekatharra | | - | | 58 | | | | - | | | 151 | |
Avebury(2) | | - | | 114 | | | | (104 | ) | | 114 | |
(1)
Gold is in thousands of ounces; thermal coal is in thousands of short tons; nickel, copper and cobalt are in thousands of contained pounds in concentrate. Silver ounces are converted to gold ounce equivalents by dividing silver revenue by the average price of gold during the period. Production reports are received from the operators of the properties.
(2)
2009 amount represents an adjustment upon settlement of revenue from the fourth quarter of 2008.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Average metal prices realized (in US$)(unaudited) | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| | Quarter Ended | | | | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, | | | | September 30, | |
| | 2009 | | 2008 | | | | 2009 | | 2008 | |
Gold, per ounce(1) | $ | 963 | $ | 866 | | | $ | 933 | $ | 896 | |
Thermal coal, per tonne | | 33.99 | | 30.24 | | | | 32.02 | | 30.24 | |
Nickel, per pound(1) | | 7.16 | | 9.29 | | | | 5.39 | | 11.17 | |
Copper, per pound(1) | | 2.78 | | 3.69 | | | | 1.99 | | 3.37 | |
Cobalt, per pound(1) | | 15.36 | | 31.60 | | | | 13.42 | | 35.97 | |
(1)
Before transportation, smelting and refining costs.
Amortization is computed based upon the units of production method over the life of the mineral reserves of the underlying property. Amortization on mineral properties was $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2009 and $10.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, down from $4.3 million and $10.3 million, respectively, in 2008. The decreases are attributable to the decreased production at the Voisey’s Bay mine offset by the increase in production at the Southern Cross mines, the start of production at the Gwalia Deeps property in the fourth quarter of 2008, the recently acquired Skyline and Johnson Camp properties and the start of production at the Las Cruces property.
All proceeds from the Voisey’s Bay royalty are subject to the Newfoundland and Labrador Mining and Mineral Rights Tax of 20%. The tax was $1,000,000 in the second quarter and $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $2.6 million and $6.1 million in the respective periods of 2008.
5
Costs and expenses
General and administrative expenses were $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2009, compared to $1.6 million in 2008. Stock compensation costs decreased from $378,000 in 2008 to $183,000 in 2009. The decrease is a result of new stock option grants to personnel in 2008 having a lower fair value than previously issued options which have fully vested.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, general and administrative expenses were $4.1 million, compared to $5.1 million in 2008. Stock compensation costs decreased from $1.1 million in 2008 to $568,000 in 2009. The decrease is a result of new stock option grants to personnel in 2008 having a lower fair value than previously issued options which have fully vested. Shareholder costs decreased $330,000 during the period from $894,000 in 2008 to $564,000 in 2009, primarily due to less use of outside services. Investor relations costs decreased $174,000 during the period from $729,000 in 2008 to $555,000 in 2009.
In the third quarter of 2009, business development expenses were $381,000, down from $665,000 in 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, business development expenses were $990,000 compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2008. The decrease in both of these periods was primarily due to a decrease in professional fees related to potential acquisitions.
There was no impairment of royalty interests in mineral properties during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. Impairment of royalty interests in mineral properties was $813,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. All impairments in 2008 related to certain diamond exploration properties located in Nunavut, Canada, which have been dropped by the property operators.
Impairment of other long-term assets was $839,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. There were no impairments of other long-term assets in 2009. The impairment in 2008 relates to certain advances to a potential investment which were collateralized and secured by a former director of IRC. The advances matured during the three months ended September 30, 2008. IRC is currently pursuing collection of the advances.
Interest expense was $942,000 in the third quarter of 2009 compared to $795,000 in 2008, due to the accretion of the McWatters purchase transaction costs of $152,000.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, interest expense was $2.6 million compared to $2.4 million in 2008, due to the accretion of the McWatters purchase transaction costs of $258,000.
The Company had a foreign currency loss, net of the unrealized gain on the foreign currency contract, of $927,000 million in the third quarter of 2009 due to the decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar during the quarter. The loss related primarily to the Company’s future tax liabilities, of which a significant portion are denominated in Canadian dollars. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2009, the Company had a net unrealized foreign currency loss of $537,000.
FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Operating Cash Flow
Cash flow provided by operating activities was $1.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to $3.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. Cash flow provided by operating activities was $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The change for both periods is due to the decrease in revenues discussed above offset by a decrease in income tax payable. IRC made an income tax payment of $7,502,000 on June 30, 2008. There were no tax payments made in 2009. Also, royalties receivable and net income for the periods decreased primarily due to the decrease in metal prices from the comparable period in 2008 as discussed above.
The Company receives its royalty payment on the Voisey’s Bay mine from Vale Inco net of the 20% mineral rights tax of Newfoundland and Labrador (“Mineral Rights Tax”). Since the Company is ultimately obligated to pay this tax, the revenues received from Voisey’s Bay are reported gross, before the Mineral Rights Tax.
6
Investing Activities
The Company completed the acquisition of one royalty during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 for total consideration of $5.0 million, including transaction costs of $72,000 which were paid in April 2009. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of five of its royalties (Avebury, Bell Creek, Melba Flats, Merlin and Westmoreland) for total consideration of $17.1 million in cash, including transaction costs. These royalties were previously included in other assets as the consideration was paid in 2007, but the final closing was not completed until June 2008. Also, the Company completed the acquisition of one other royalty during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 for total consideration of $516,000. Additional legal fees totalling $119,000 were capitalized on other royalty acquisitions that closed at the end of 2007. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company received a refund of stam p duty paid to the government of Western Australia totaling $413,000 related to royalty interests acquired in 2006. The original amount paid was capitalized and allocated among the royalties acquired; thus, the refund was recorded as a reduction to the original purchase price. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company acquired cash of $199,000 related to the acquisition of McWatters Mining, Inc.
These acquisitions were funded from existing cash reserves, the proceeds from the Unit Offering in November 2007 and from access to its Revolving Credit Facility (see “Cash Resources and Liquidity” below).
Financing Activities
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company received net proceeds of $49.5 million from an offering of 16,215,000 shares of common stock.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company paid dividends of $3.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively, equal to $0.02 and $0.02 per share, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company made payments of $3.0 million on its revolving credit facility.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company received $13,000 from the exercise of stock options.
Cash Resources and Liquidity
On July 15, 2009, the Company completed an offering of 14,100,000 common shares at a price of CA$3.55 per common share for total gross proceeds of $44,728,000 (CA$50,055,000). The Company also granted to the underwriters an over-allotment option of up to 2,115,000 common shares which were fully subscribed on July 24, 2009 at a price of CA$3.55 per share for gross proceeds of $6,926,000 (CA$7,508,000). Closing of the over-allotment option brought total gross proceeds from the offering to $51,654,000 (CA$57,563,000), and net proceeds to approximately $49,461,000 (CA$55,118,000). IRC paid share issuance costs of $2,193,000 (CA$2,445,000) related to the offering. The total number of common shares outstanding after the offering was 94,695,356 shares.
The Company had a cash position of $51.3 million and working capital of $53.6 million at September 30, 2009, compared to a cash position of $3.4 million and a working capital deficit of $2.2 million at December 31, 2008. The increase in cash and cash equivalents and working capital during the period was primarily due to the receipt of the proceeds from the offering of common stock discussed above and from cash flows from operations, partially offset by the acquisition of royalty interests and the payment of dividends during the period.
The Company entered into a credit agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia establishing a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”) in favour of the Company in the amount of up to $40.0 million. The Revolving Facility is used to provide funds for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions of royalties on mining properties. The Revolving Facility matures January 8, 2010.
7
The Revolving Facility is a two-year revolving loan which is available in multiple currencies through prime rate, base rate and LIBOR advances and through bankers’ acceptances, priced at the chosen rate plus an applicable margin that ranges from 1% to 2%. The Company pays a standby fee of 1% per annum on the undrawn amount of the Revolving Facility. There were no borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2009.
The Revolving Facility is subject to customary terms and conditions for borrowers of this nature, including limits on incurring additional indebtedness, granting liens or selling assets without the consent of the lenders. The Company is also required to maintain certain financial ratios as well as a minimum tangible net worth. Pursuant to the Revolving Facility, the Company granted a second charge over substantially all of its current and future assets. Archean Resources (“Archean”) and IRC Nevada Inc. guaranteed the indebtedness of the Company under the Revolving Facility. IRC Nevada Inc. provided a first charge over all of its assets pursuant to a general security agreement and Archean provided a second charge over all of its assets (except for its equity interest in Voisey’s Bay Holding Corporation which was not pledged) pursuant to a general security agreement.
The Company’s contractual obligations for future principal payments are summarized below. Interest payments on the Company’s debentures are CA$1,650,000, payable semi-annually.
| | | | |
| ($ in thousands) | | Principal |
| Year | | Obligations |
| 2009 | $ | - | |
| 2010 | | - | |
| 2011 | | 27,633 | (1) |
| 2012 | | - | |
| 2013 | | - | |
| Total | $ | 27,633 | |
(1)
The debenture obligation is denominated in CA$. The total amount of CA$30.0 million was converted to US$ equivalents using an exchange rate of CA$1.00 to US$0.9211 as of September 30, 2009.
Summary of Quarterly Results
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(unaudited, in thousands of US$, except per share data) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2009 | | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
| | Q3 | | | Q2 | | | Q1 | | | | Q4 | | | Q3 | | Q2 | | Q1 | | | Q4 | |
| |
Royalty revenues | $ | 6,593 | | $ | 6,098 | | $ | 7,099 | | | $ | 9,035 | | $ | 13,791 | $ | 8,610 | $ | 10,283 | | $ | 12,734 | |
Earnings (loss) from operations | | 1,325 | | | 134 | | | (80 | ) | | | (5,602 | ) | | 2,966 | | 2,198 | | 2,800 | | | 2,973 | |
Net earnings (loss) | | (774 | ) | | (7,908 | ) | | 3,305 | | | | (662 | ) | | 460 | | 927 | | 2,411 | | | 5,275 | |
Basic and diluted earnings (loss)from operations per share | $ | 0.01 | | $ | 0.00 | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.04 | | $ | 0.04 | |
Basic and diluted net earnings(loss) per share | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 0.04 | | | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.03 | | $ | 0.07 | |
In the first and second quarters of 2009, production from Voisey’s Bay continued to be strong, but was offset by low nickel prices. However, production decreased during the third quarter of 2009 due to the planned maintenance shut down of the mine for the month of July. This decrease in production for the third quarter was offset by rising nickel prices. The Company realized $7.16 per pound on production of 30.1 million pounds during the third quarter of 2009, $4.99 per pound on production of 42.0 million pounds during the second quarter of 2009 and $4.69 per pound on production of 53.3 million pounds during the first quarter of 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company realized $5.39 per pound on production of 125.4 million pounds compared to $11.17 per pound on production of 121.6 million pounds in 2008. The higher royalty revenues during 2007 were primarily a result of metal prices at that time. During 2008, paid production from Voisey’s Bay was higher than in previous quarters, but nickel prices declined from a high of $24.69 per pound in 2007 to low of $4.08 per pound in 2008. Thus, the Company realized declining revenues throughout 2008 and higher amortization due to the increased production. The benefit of the increased production was partially offset during 2008 by an increase in the mineral tax as reported by the operator of the mine, Vale Inco. Finally, due to the seasonal nature of shipments from the Voisey’s Bay mine, there are only four nickel concentrate shipments and no copper concentrate shipments during the period between December 7 and May 21, resulting in much higher shipments during the summer and fall months. The result is reduced royalty revenues from copper shipments in the second quarter of each year and increased expected royalty revenues in the second half of the year. In March 2009, the Company acquired a royalty on the newly commissioned Johnson Camp copper m ine. In September 2008, the Company acquired a royalty on the operating Skyline thermal coal mine. Also in September 2008, production began at the Gwalia Deeps gold mine and the Avebury nickel mine; however, in December 2008, the operator of Avebury decided to cease operations and put the mine on care and maintenance due to low nickel prices. The Company also recorded royalty revenues from its Southern Cross and Meekatharra properties. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Meekatharra property was also placed on care and maintenance.
8
Earnings (loss) from operations have increased since the fourth quarter of 2008 due to the royalty payments received from the Gwalia Deeps gold mine, the Las Cruces and Johnson’s Camp copper mines and the Skyline thermal coal mine. The Company has also reduced expenses wherever possible. The significant decrease in earnings (loss) from operations in the fourth quarter of 2008 was due primarily to the recording of an impairment of its Avebury royalty interests of $6.1 million and an impairment of one of its long-term investments of $839,000. Lower earnings from operations throughout 2008 and 2009 are primarily attributable to reduced gross revenues (driven by the lower metal prices), increased mineral taxes and higher amortization due to increased production. The earnings from operations in the fourth quarter of 2007 of $2,973,000 included one-time charges to business development expense of 2007 of $1,713,000, related to a business development opportunity. The Company also had an impairment of $724,000 in the fourth quarter of 2007.
The net loss for the second quarter of 2009 was negatively impacted by the expensing of $6.8 million of certain acquisition costs related to IRC’s acquisition of 100% of the outstanding common stock of McWatters Mining, Inc. on April 9, 2009. During 2007 and through the third quarter of 2008, the Company’s significant revenue from the Voisey’s Bay royalty was the primary factor resulting in net earnings for those periods. The significant decrease in net earnings (loss) for the fourth quarter of 2008 was due to the recording of impairments from certain royalties and a long-term asset as noted above. Net earnings (losses) of the Company were negatively impacted by foreign currency losses of $927,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and $1.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, positively impacted by foreign currency gains of $1.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2009and $5.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, negative ly impacted by foreign currency losses of $904,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 and $117,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, positively impacted by foreign currency gains of $1.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, and negatively impacted by foreign currency losses of $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.
On December 14, 2007, the Canadian Federal government enacted legislation that incrementally lowers the Federal income tax rate from the current rate of 21% and an interim rate of 18.5% effective January 1, 2011 to 15% on January 1, 2012, which resulted in the realization of a future income tax recovery of $8,586,000 during the fourth quarter of 2007.
OUTLOOK
On October 16, 2009, IRC, as general partner of Labrador Nickel Royalty Limited Partnership, filed a claim in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador against Vale Inco Limited (“Vale Inco”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Vale Inco Atlantic Sales Limited (“VIASL”) and Vale Inco Newfoundland and Labrador Limited (“VINL”), related to the calculation of the Net Smelter Return (“NSR”) on the sale of concentrates from VINL’s Voisey’s Bay mine to Vale Inco. The claim requests damages for the alleged underpayment of past royalties and an order to correct calculations of future payments. The claim asserts that Vale Inco is incorrectly calculating the NSR in two ways. First, the claim alleges that payments made to VINL for the sale of concentrates, including nickel concentrates, under the terms of non-arms length contracts between Vale Inco, VIASL and VINL do not represent fair market value and Vale Inco has i ncorrectly calculated the NSR paid to VINL through these contracts. Second, the claim alleges VINL has deducted certain income taxes that it pays to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in determining the NSR, which is not allowable under the royalty agreement. If its claim is successful, IRC estimates that its share of the royalty underpayments up to June 30, 2009 would exceed $26.0 million, before deduction of royalty taxes. Vale Inco, VIASL and VINL have retained counsel and a response to IRC’s claims is expected in the ordinary course.
9
On August 1, 2009, employees at the Voisey’s Bay nickel mine rejected a contract offer and elected to go on strike. The operator, Vale Inco, has continued to make shipments of stockpiled concentrates through October 2009 and is expected to do so through November 2009. However, it is unclear when all of these shipments will be settled and IRC will receive its royalty thereon. Due to the payment timing and price mechanisms in our royalty contract with Vale Inco, we expect the impact of the strike on IRC’s royalty to occur in the fourth quarter of 2009 and until the resumption of operations. Likewise, we expect that there will be a lag time from the resumption of operations until normal levels of concentrate shipments are attained and settled. Because the IRC royalty applies to pounds of metal produced, the impact of the strike would be to defer revenue, not to reduce it.
On July 13, 2009, employees at Vale Inco’s Sudbury operation went on strike shutting down its Sudbury smelter which processes most of the mid-grade nickel concentrates from Voisey’s Bay. Vale Inco’s Thompson smelter, which processes most of the Voisey’s Bay high-grade nickel concentrates, remains operational. The quantity of high grade concentrates on hand at the Voisey’s Bay site, at a storage facility in Quebec City or in transit which might be processed at Thompson is currently unknown.
On July 15, 2009, the Company completed an offering of 14,100,000 common shares at a price of CA$3.55 per common share for total gross proceeds of $44,728,000 (CA$50,055,000). The Company also granted to the underwriters an over-allotment option of up to 2,115,000 common shares which were fully subscribed on July 24, 2009 at a price of CA$3.55 per share for gross proceeds of $6,926,000 (CA$7,508,000). Closing of the over-allotment option brought total gross proceeds from the offering to $51,654,000 (CA$57,563,000), and net proceeds to approximately $49,461,000 (CA$55,118,000). IRC paid share issuance costs of $2,193,000 (CA$2,445,000) related to the offering. The total number of common shares outstanding after the offering was 94,695,356 shares.
In January 2009, Vale Inco reached a new operating agreement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador which limits shipments of nickel in concentrate from Voisey’s Bay to an average of 55,000 tonnes per year through 2013. Despite the decrease in expected new production levels from 2008, this new production rate will be more in line with the original mining plan of 2004. There are no limits on copper and cobalt concentrates. Actual shipments of nickel in concentrate totalled 74,219 tonnes in 2008; 58,023 tonnes in 2007; and 30,424 tonnes in 2006. Due to the lower production levels and the lower nickel and copper prices, management expects the 2009 revenue, amortization and royalty tax expense from Voisey’s Bay to decrease from 2007 and 2008.
During 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company committed over $155.0 million towards the expansion of its existing royalty and investment portfolio. These investments included the following:
·
A 2.50% NSR royalty on Nord Resources Corporation’s (“Nord”) producing Johnson Camp copper mine located in Cochise County, Arizona. Nord commenced mining of new copper ore at the Johnson Camp mine in February of 2009 and expects to ramp-up to an average annual production rate of 25 million pounds of copper. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the mine produced 2.6 million and 4.7 million pounds of copper, respectively. The mine is projected to have a life of 16 years based upon current Proven and Probable Reserves of 66.6 million tonnes grading 0.335% copper for total contained copper of 492 million pounds. Beginning after January 1, 2010, the royalty rate for any given year can be adjusted slightly upward if certain annual production targets are not met, and downward if excess production allows previous short-falls to be recovered. However, the cumulative rate on copper production can never fall below 2.50%. The royalty rate on any metals other than copper can be reduced to 1.25%, if cumulative copper production from the mine exceeds 250 million pounds within twelve years.
·
A 77.424% interest in the underlying 1.825% overriding royalty on the producing Skyline Coal Mine located in Utah, United States, providing an effective 1.413% royalty. Production from the Skyline Mine for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was 657,000 and 2.0 million tonnes, respectively. Royalty revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $315,000 and $899,000, respectively. The estimated remaining mine life is approximately 3 years as of September 30, 2009.
10
·
A 1.5% NSR royalty on Inmet Mining Corporation’s (“Inmet”) Las Cruces copper project in Spain. Inmet has completed construction of the mine and its first copper cathodes were produced in June 2009 and shipped in July 2009. The projected annual average production rate over 15 years is 142 million pounds of copper. Inmet reports that the open-pit mine has Proven and Probable Reserves of 17.6 million tonnes grading 6.2% copper (2.4 billion pounds). Production from the Las Cruces mine for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was 3.0 million pounds of copper cathode. Royalty revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was $125,000.
·
A 32.1% interest in the Pascua royalty purchased from a Chilean family. The Pascua royalty is a sliding-scale royalty on the Pascua-Lama gold project which straddles the Chile-Argentina border, operated by Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”). The total cost of the acquisitions was $56.5 million in cash and transaction costs. The acquired royalties apply to the gold and copper produced from the Pascua, i.e., the Chilean side, of the Pascua-Lama project. IRC’s share of the royalty is a linear sliding-scale NSR royalty ranging from 0.4725% at a gold price of $300 or per ounce to 3.15% at a gold price of $800 per ounce. On April 28, 2009, Chilean tax authorities reached an accord with their counterparts in Argentina over tax issues related to the Pascua-Lama gold project, but said some minor issues remain to be resolved. On May 7, 2009, Barrick announced formal construction approval for the Pascua-Lama project an d the project is currently in construction. Barrick has stated that they expect to commission the mine in late 2012 and begin production in early 2013 at an annual rate of 750,000 to 800,000 ounces per year at a cash cost of $20-$50 per ounce. According to statements made in Barrick’s conference call announcing the construction decision at Pascua-Lama, most of production in the early years of the mine is expected to be from the Chilean portion of the ore body.
·
An effective 0.28% to 2.79% net smelter return (“NSR”) royalty on the Pinson gold project (“Pinson”) located in Nevada. Barrick has earned a 70% interest in Pinson by completing feasibility studies at a cost of US$30 million. This acquisition further increases IRC’s holdings in the Pinson district of Nevada. Over the past three years, IRC has made three other purchases on the Pinson trend and has established itself as the largest owner of Pinson royalty interests, covering approximately 80% of the known high-grade gold resources. With the recent additions to the Pinson royalty, IRC’s interests on the known Pinson resources provide the Company with a higher total royalty rate (up to 5.80%)and additional exposure to 14 square miles of regional exploration potential in the Pinson district.
·
A sliding-scale NSR on all silver and gold production from the development-stage Wolverine massive sulphide project in the Yukon. The royalty rate is a step function based on the price of silver. At silver prices below $5.00 per ounce, there is no royalty payment; at silver prices between $5.00 and $7.50 per ounce, the rate is 3.778%; and at prices above $7.50 per ounce, the rate is 9.445%. The operator of the mine, Jinduicheng Molybdenum Group Ltd (“Jinduicheng”) has announced that the mine is scheduled to begin production in mid-2010.
In addition to these acquisitions, several of the Company’s existing royalties have recently begun, or will soon begin production. St Barbara Limited, operating in Western Australia, started production at its Gwalia Deeps underground project in the fourth quarter of 2008 at an initial annual rate of 100,000 ounces per year of gold and ramping up to 190,000 to 210,000 ounces per year by June 2012. The Company holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on Gwalia Deeps. Production at the Gwalia Deeps project for the first nine months of 2009 totalled 83,000 ounces.
In the first quarter of 2010, production is expected to begin at Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited’s South Laverton gold project in Western Australia on which the Company holds a 1.5% NSR royalty. Production is expected to be at a rate of 100,000 to 120,000 ounces of gold per annum.
In the first quarter of 2010, production is expected to begin at Avocet Mining’s Inata gold project (Belahouro) in Burkina Faso, West Africa on which the Company holds a 2.5% NSR royalty. Production is expected to be at a rate of 120,000 ounces of gold per annum. Avocet recently took over Wega Mining and is expected to give the project access to sufficient resources for timely completion and start up.
11
In the fourth quarter of 2007, Mercator Gold Plc (“Mercator”) began gold production at its Meekatharra operations in Western Australia at an expected initial rate of 120,000 ounces per year. Production began in the Yaloginda project area, where the Company owns a 0.45% NSR royalty and was expected to expand into the Paddy’s Flat project area in 2009, where IRC’s royalty rate increases to 1.5%. Production in the Yaloginda project area for 2008 totalled 39,000 ounces. In October 2008, Mercator suspended production due to unsafe conditions on a highway near the edge of the pit. The government has since moved the road. Mercator put Meekatharra on care and maintenance in the fourth quarter of 2008 and was placed in voluntary administration while it raised new funding or sells the project. If sold, the mine will remain subject to IRC’s royalty.
In the third quarter of 2008, OZ Minerals Ltd. began production at its Avebury nickel project in Tasmania, Australia. The first sales occurred in August 2008 and IRC recorded its first royalty payment in the third quarter of 2008. On December 19, 2008, OZ Minerals announced that it put the Avebury nickel mine on care and maintenance until further notice due to current market conditions and the low nickel prices. OZ Minerals sold various assets, including the Avebury mine to China Minmetals Metals Company (“Minmetals”). Minmetals has announced that they are investigating the restart of Avebury, subject to the price of nickel being sustained around recent levels of greater than $7.00 per pound.
These additional producing royalties will not only increase the Company’s revenues, but also give it a more diversified producing portfolio in terms of the number of royalties in production, commodities, and geographic locations. This in turn should produce a more stable and predictable revenue stream in future years.
On April 9, 2009, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of McWatters Mining, Inc. (“McWatters”) representing a 45% voting interest. A class of voting preferred shares created under that Plan of Arrangement and issued to all former common shareholders of McWatters is entitled to 55% of the votes and an amount not exceeding CA$1.0 million of cumulative dividends and redemption amounts. All income in excess of CA$1.0 million will accrue to the common shares, all of which are owned by IRC.
McWatters was reorganized effective on June 2, 2008, and pursuant to a proposal with its creditors, substantially all of its unsecured creditor claims were acquired by CFT Capital, Inc. (“CFT”), and the balance of such claims have been settled. At the date of acquisition, McWatters had remaining liabilities of CA$7.3 million which will be payable out of 6.0% of available cash flow of McWatters. During the third quarter of 2009, McWatters made its first payment to CFT totalling $331,000. McWatters has approximately CA$140.0 million of available resource deductions and tax-loss carryforwards. As of April 9, 2009, IRC had advanced approximately $2.0 million to CFT to fund a portion of the cost of the reorganization of McWatters. This amount is repayable by CFT to IRC from cash flow over five years plus interest of 1.0% per annum. During the third quarter of 2009, IRC received its first payment from CFT totalling $456,000.
As a result of the McWatters transaction and the related reorganization, the Company was not required to pay taxes to Canada Revenue Agency in June 2009. The Company paid $7.5 million in taxes in June 2008. The Company also reduced its current taxes payable by approximately $5.4 million from its liability at March 31, 2009.
Because the Company acquired the shares of Archean Resources instead of a direct interest in the Voisey’s Bay Royalty, the Company has no amortizable basis for Canadian income tax purposes, which may have an adverse impact on the Company’s current tax liability.
The Company’s debentures are denominated in Canadian dollars. In order to offset the foreign currency risk associated therewith, the Company entered into an agreement in November 2008 with a bank to fix the exchange rate on the Senior Secured Debentures at CA$1.00 to US$0.834725.
All excess cash is invested in short-term, interest bearing securities until it can be utilized for the acquisition of other royalty interests or is needed for other purposes. The interest income from those investments will be offset by interest expense on the debentures.
12
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements of the Company, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates by a material amount.
Management’s estimate of mineral prices, operators’ estimates of proven and probable reserves related to the underlying royalty properties and operators’ estimates of operating, capital and reclamation costs, upon which the Company relies, are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These estimates affect amortization of royalty interests in mineral properties and the assessment of recoverability of the royalty interests in mineral properties. The estimated fair values of stock options require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate of the stock options and warrants. Although management has made its best assessment of these factors based upon current conditions, it is possible that changes could occur, which could materially affect the amounts contained in the consolidated financial statements o f the Company.
Royalty Revenue
Royalty revenue is recognized when management can estimate the payable production from mine operations, when the underlying price is determinable and when collection is reasonably assured, pursuant to the terms of the royalty agreements.
Amortization of Royalty Interests in Mineral Properties
Acquisition costs of production-stage royalty interests are amortized using the units of production method over the life of the mineral property, which is determined using available estimates of proven and probable reserves. Acquisition costs of royalty interests on development, feasibility and exploration stage mineral properties are not amortized. At such time as the associated mineral interests are placed into production, the cost basis is amortized using the units of production method over available estimates of proven and probable reserves.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The recoverability of the carrying value of royalty interests in production and development stage mineral properties is evaluated based upon estimated future undiscounted net cash flows from each royalty interest property using available estimates of proven and probable reserves.
The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of royalty interests in feasibility and exploration-stage mineral properties in the event of significant decreases in the price of the underlying mineral, and whenever new information regarding the mineral property is obtained from the operator that could affect the future recoverability of the royalty interest, such as updated drilling results, operator decisions to cease further expenditures or the expiration of claims, licenses or permits. The recoverability is evaluated based upon estimated future undiscounted net cash flows from each royalty interest property using available public information on estimates of proven and probable reserves or other available information.
Impairments in the carrying value of each royalty interest are measured and recorded to the extent that the carrying value in each royalty interest exceeds its estimated fair value.
Financial Instruments
Effective January 1, 2007, all financial instruments have been classified into one of five categories: held-for-trading assets or liabilities, held-to-maturity investments, loans and receivables, available-for-sale financial assets or other financial liabilities. Held-for-trading financial instruments are measured at fair value and all gains and losses are included in net income in the period in which they arise. Available-for-sale financial instruments are measured at fair value with revaluation gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income until the instruments are de-recognized or impaired. Loans and receivables, investments held-to-maturity and other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
13
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are classified as held-for-trading, royalties receivable have been classified as loans and receivables, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities have been classified as other financial liabilities.
The Company’s investment in Genoa has been classified as available-for-sale, and accordingly was initially recorded at its fair market value. There is no quoted market price in an active market for the investment in Genoa, and accordingly, this investment is measured at cost. The investment in New Horizon Uranium Corporation has been classified as available-for-sale and has been recorded at fair market value.
The Senior Secured Debentures and the Revolving Credit Facility have been classified as loans and receivables and have been recorded at amortized cost. The fair value of the Senior Secured Debentures as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was approximately $26.7 million and $22.4 million, respectively.
The foreign currency contract has been classified as held-for-trading and has been recorded at its fair value.
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative instruments are utilized by the Company to manage market risk against the volatility in foreign exchange rates. The Company’s policy is not to utilize derivative instruments for speculative purposes. The Company may choose to designate derivative instruments as hedges. No hedge accounting has been applied by the Company to date.
All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Free-standing derivative instruments are classified as held-for-trading financial instruments. Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in other expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings in the period they occur.
Fair value of the derivatives is based on quoted market prices where available. The fair values of forward contracts are based on forward market prices. If a forward price is not available for a forward contract, a forward price is estimated using an existing forward price adjusted for quality or location.
Stock options
The Company determines the fair value of stock option awards to employees using the Black-Scholes model, and these amounts are recognized as an expense over the vesting period of the related options.
Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method. 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 liabilities or assets are calculated using the tax rates anticipated to apply in the periods that the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Future income tax assets are evaluated and, if realization is not considered more likely than not, a valuation allowance is provided.
As previously discussed, McWatters has estimated accumulated non-capital losses carried forward for federal and Quebec purposes totalling CA$92.9 million and CA$92.7 million, respectively, which are available to reduce future taxable income. Due to the complexity inherent in the interpretation of the Income Tax Act (Canada), it is possible that some or all of the McWatters non-capital losses may not be deductible for tax purposes and accordingly, the potential tax benefits of these elements have not been recognized in these consolidated financial statements.
14
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Future changes in accounting pronouncements
The following new standards will affect the financial disclosures and results of operations of the Company for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2009. The Company adopted the requirements commencing in the interim period ended March 31, 2009, with the exception of the variable interest entities policy which became a significant policy during the quarter ended June 30, 2009:
Section 3064 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets – This section was issued in February 2008 and replaced CICA 3062, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” and Section 3450, “Research and Development”. This new standard provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of goodwill and intangible assets. This section is effective as of January 1, 2009. The adoption of this standard did not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Section 1582 – Business Combinations, Section 1601 - Consolidations and Section 1602 – Non-controlling Interests – These sections were issued in January 2009 and are harmonized with International Financial Reporting Standards. Section 1582 specifies a number of changes, including: an expanded definition of a business combination, a requirement to measure all business acquisitions at fair value, a requirement to measure non-controlling interests at fair value, and a requirement to recognize acquisition-related costs as expenses. Section 1601 establishes the standards for preparing consolidated financial statements. Section 1602 specifies that non-controlling interests be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability or other item outside of equity. These new standards are effective for 2011. Early adoption is permitted.
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) – On February 13, 2008, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board confirmed that publicly accountable entities will be required to prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS for interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011 with appropriate comparative data from the prior year. Under IFRS, there is significantly more disclosure required, specifically for quarterly reporting. Further, while IFRS uses a conceptual framework similar to Canadian GAAP, there are significant differences in accounting policies that will need to be addressed by management. The Company is currently in the process of developing a conversion implementation plan and is assessing the impacts of the conversion on its consolidated financial statements.
Variable interest entities
The Company accounts for variable interest entities (“VIE”) in accordance with CICA Accounting Guide 15, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“AcG 15”). AcG 15 prescribes the application of consolidation principles for entities that meet the definition of a VIE. An enterprise holding other than a voting interest in a VIE, could, subject to certain conditions, be required to consolidate the VIE, if it is considered its primary beneficiary, whereby it would absorb the majority of the VIE’s expected losses, receive the majority of its expected residual returns, or both.
Related Party Transactions
There were no amounts due from or to related parties at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
As of November 12, 2009, there were 94,695,356 common shares outstanding. In addition, there were 6,195,500 director and employee stock options with exercise prices ranging between CA$1.50 and CA$6.25 per share. There are no outstanding warrants.
15
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information disclosed in this MD&A and the related financial statements was properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee. The Company’s chief executive officer (“CEO”) and chief financial officer (“CFO”) have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures for the period ending September 30, 2009. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Multilateral Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuer’s Annual and Interim Filings, are effective to insure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted by the Company under Canadian securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time per iod specified in those rules.
The CEO and CFO acknowledge responsibility for the design of internal controls over financial reporting (“ICFR”), and confirm that there were no changes in these controls that occurred during the most recent interim period ended September 30, 2009 which materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s ICFR. Based upon their evaluation of these controls for the period ended September 30, 2009, the CEO and CFO have concluded that these controls are operating effectively.
FACTORS AFFECTING OPERATING RESULTS
The following discussion pertains to the outlook and conditions currently known to management which could have a material impact on the financial condition and results of the operations of the Company. This discussion, by its nature, is not all-inclusive. It is not a guarantee that other factors will or will not affect the Company in the future.
Fluctuation in Mineral Prices
Mineral prices have fluctuated widely in recent years. The marketability and price of metals, minerals and gems on properties for which the Company holds royalty interests will be influenced by numerous factors beyond the control of the Company.
Foreign Currency Fluctuations
The Company’s royalty interests are subject to foreign currency fluctuations and inflationary pressures which may adversely affect the Company’s financial position and results. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by management to address foreign currency fluctuations will eliminate all adverse effects and, accordingly, the Company may suffer losses due to adverse foreign currency fluctuations.
Company Valuation Heavily Dependent on Voisey’s Bay Royalty
The Company’s valuation is presently heavily weighted with the value of the Voisey’s Bay Royalty. The Voisey’s Bay Royalty is very material to the Company’s ability to generate revenue. Therefore, the risk associated with the Company’s valuation is heightened in the event that the Voisey’s Bay operation does not perform as expected.
Recoverability of Resources and Reserves
The figures provided in connection with reserves and resources in respect of the properties in which the Company has acquired royalty interests are estimates and no assurance can be given that full recovery of the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that any indicated level of recovery will be realized. The ore actually recovered may differ from the estimated grades of the reserves and resources. Future production could differ from reserve and resources estimates for, among others, the following reasons:
(a)
mineralization or formations could be different from those predicted by drilling, sampling and similar examinations;
(b)
increases in operating mining costs and processing costs could adversely affect whether the mineralization remains as a reserve or resource ;
16
(c)
the grade of the reserves or resources may vary significantly from time to time and there is no assurance that any particular level of mineralization will be recovered from the reserves or resources ;
(d)
declines in the market prices of metals may render the mining of some or all of the reserves uneconomic ;
(e)
unexpected penalties may be imposed by smelters or refiners; and
(f)
the metallurgy may turn out differently than that anticipated ..
17