Reconciliation of the funded status to the amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, | 2010 | 2009 |
| | | | | | |
Funded status, December 31 | | $ | (4,480,707 | ) | | $ | (4,931,030 | ) |
Unrecognized prior service cost, December 31 | | | (311,782 | ) | | | 249,378 | |
Accrued benefit obligation, December 31 | | $ | (4,792,489 | ) | | $ | (4,681,652 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Unrecognized Prior Service Cost | | 2010 | | 2009 | |
Prior Service Cost, January 1 | | $ | (249,378 | ) | | $ | (276,703 | ) |
New service cost in the year | | | 487,910 | | | | (41,661 | ) |
Amount recognized during year | | | 73,250 | | | | 68,986 | |
Prior Service Cost, December 31 | | $ | 311,782 | | | $ | (249,378 | ) |
The Corporation measures its accrued benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for accounting purposes as at December 31 of each year. The most recent actuarial valuation of the pension plans for funding purposes was as at December 31, 2010, and the next required valuation will be as at December 31, 2012.
During the year ended December 31, 2010 the Corporation recognized pension expense of $1,167,911 (2009 income of - $207,951)) and contributed $1,057,074 (2009 - $801,065) towards the Corporation’s long-term retirement benefit plans. The Corporation does not have an accrued benefit asset recorded as at December 31, 2010 or 2009, and accordingly is not required to record a valuation allowance.
401(k) Plan
The Corporation maintains a retirement savings plan in the United States (which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue code) covering all eligible U.S. employees. Under the plan, employees may elect to contribute up to 100% of their cash compensation, subject to ERISA limitations. The Corporation is required to make matching cash contributions equal to 100% of the employees’ contribution, up to a maximum of 4% of the employees’ compensation for salaried employees. The Corporation matches 50% of the hourly employees’ contribution, up to a maximum of 4% of the hourly employees’ compensation. Under the 401K plan the Corporation contributed $90,733 (2009 - $65,029) to salaried employees, and $102,458 (2009 - $59,851) to hourly employees.
10. Asset Retirement Obligations
The asset retirement obligations are recorded based principally on legal and regulatory requirements to remediate the Galena Mine site. Management estimates costs associated with reclamation of mining properties as well as remediation costs for inactive properties. The Corporation uses assumptions about future costs, mineral prices, mineral processing recovery rates, production levels and capital and reclamation costs. Such assumptions are based on the Corporation’s current mining plan and the best available information for making such estimates.
The asset retirement obligation is measured using the following factors: 1) expected materials and labour costs; 2) allocated overhead and equipment charges; 3) contractor mark-up; 4) inflation adjustment; 5) market risk premium. The sum of all these costs is discounted, using the Corporation’s initial credit adjusted risk-free interest rate of approximately 10%, from the time we expect to pay the retirement obligation to the time we incur the obligation. The measurement objective is to determine the amount a third party would demand to assume the asset retirement obligation.
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
The following is a description of the changes to the Corporation’s asset retirement obligations:
| | | 2010 | | | | 2009 | |
Balance, January 1, | | $ | 1,458,563 | | | $ | 1,266,377 | |
Revision to estimate for liabilities incurred | | | (116,309 | ) | | | 73,526 | |
Accretion expense | | | 160,065 | | | | 118,660 | |
Balance, December 31, | | $ | 1,502,319 | | | $ | 1,458,563 | |
The determination of the asset retirement obligation assumes undiscounted cash flows needed to settle the liability incurred of approximately $2,311,072, which are expected to be expended up to the end of the current estimated mine life of the Galena Mine in 2018. These estimated future cash flows have been discounted at a credit- adjusted risk-free rate of approximately 10%.
11. Related Party Transactions
Transactions between the Corporation and entities controlled by shareholders, officers or directors of the Corporation are disclosed as related party transactions. Amounts due to or receivable from related parties are typically non-interest bearing, unsecured and not subject to specific terms of repayment unless stated otherwise.
In February 2010, the Corporation received 500,000 common shares of Silver Verde May Mining Company to fully settle a related party receivable for $209,828 which was outstanding as at December 31, 2009. These shares were restricted from trading until December 31, 2010. Silver Verde May Mining Company, Inc. is traded on the over-the-counter market in the United States. The Corporation recorded these shares as available-for-sale with no value in investments in the consolidated balance sheets and has the intention of divesting them.
12. Revolving Advances Facility
In February 2009, the Corporation entered into a master inventory and receivable monetization agreement with a precious metals trading and lending firm to finance the Corporation’s shipments of concentrate inventory prior to ultimate sale to its customers. During 2009, the Corporation entered into a Silver Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the same precious metals trading and lending firm. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Corporation may sell up to 100% of the silver in the silver-copper concentrate produced at its Galena Mine and mill complex for the following year and this Agreement is renewable annually thereafter. The Agreement, provides for up to a maximum amount of $5,000,000 through a revolving silver-based advance facility (the “Facility”) for the Corporation, whereby the Corporation receives up to 80% of the sales value of silver produced, sold and shipped by the Corporation under the terms of its existing smelter contract. The silver is priced at market prices as negotiated and is subject to deductions for financing charges based on LIBOR plus
4.75% per annum for the applicable financing period. Financing costs are amortized in accordance with the effective interest rate method for each advance. As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation had no amount outstanding under the facility (2009 - $688,144).
As part of the Agreement, the Corporation enters into short term forward contracts for the sale of silver concentrate from the Galena Mine and mill complex with the precious metals trading and lending firm. The hedging program, currently utilizing only short term forward contracts, is put in place to lock-in a forward price for the silver concentrate for the Corporation to manage the Corporation’s cash flows, thus allowing the Corporation to manage volatility in silver prices. The Corporation has entered into short term forward contracts covering 41,667 ounces of silver deliverable monthly through regular silver concentrate sales in 2011 at a price of $27.50. The Corporation recognizes the fair value of these financial instruments at the balance sheet date and records the changes in the fair value in the current period statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of the Corporation’s derivatives instruments is based on the quoted market prices for similar instruments and on market prices at the valuation date. As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation had derivative-related assets of $nil (2009 - $118,015) and derivative-related liabilities of $3,639,213 (2009 - $1,178,361). The Corporation recognized an unrealized loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $3,639,213 (2009 -$1,060,346) that was recorded in loss on hedged derivatives within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
On November 10, 2010 the Corporation entered into a forward sales agreement with Auramet Trading LLC for the sale of silver at a fixed price through 2011. U.S. Silver has secured a minimum price of silver at US$27.50 per ounce on 500,000 troy ounces, representing approximately 20% of the Corporation’s estimated 2011 production. The 500,000 ounce program covers equal quantities of 41,667 ounces of silver for each calendar month during 2011. As security, U.S. Silver has provided an initial interest earning cash collateral deposit of US$3,000,000 that has been classified as short term restricted cash and has been granted a margin credit facility. All interest earned in this restricted deposit accrues to the Corporation.
13. Other Long-Term Liabilities
The Corporation’s hourly employees have negotiated a severance benefit in the collective bargaining agreement. Upon completion of two years of service, hourly employees become eligible for the severance benefit. The benefit payout is calculated as 1% of average annual earnings multiplied by the number of years of service, plus $25 for each year of service. Employees that are separated for any reason other than lay off, retirement, permanent and total disability or death, shall not receive any severance benefit payment. The accrued obligation was $265,212 as at December 31, 2010 (2009 - $224,306).
14. Capital Lease Obligation
December 31, | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
Conditional sales contract for equipment originally valued at | | $ | 26,262 | | | $ | 39,141 | |
$77,900, secured with the equipment, 7.49% annual interest rate on the outstanding loan balance and repayable in monthly instalments of $1,281, maturing in October 2012 | | | | | | | | |
Less: Current portion | | | 15,375 | | | | 15,375 | |
Capital lease obligation, net of current portion | | $ | 10,887 | | | $ | 23,766 | |
15. Share Capital
Common Shares
The Corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value. Each common share entitles the holder to one vote.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Corporation had the following share capital transactions:
| 1. | Issued 26,565,000 units at a price of CA$0.26 per unit, with each unit consisting of one common share of the Corporation and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant is exercisable for one common share at a price of $0.35 per share for a period of two years following closing. The Corporation has the right, commencing nine months after closing to call the outstanding warrants should the Corporation’s common share price close at or above $0.45 for 20 consecutive trading days. The underwriter was issued broker warrants equal to 6% of the number of units sold. Each broker warrant entitles the underwriter to purchase shares at $0.26 per share for a period of two years following closing. The Corporation also has the right, commencing nine months after closing, to call the outstanding broker warrants, should the Corporation’s common share price close at or above $0.45 for 20 consecutive trading days. Issue costs totalled $820,165 for these units, of which $255,330 relates to broker warrants as a non-cash charge to share capital. |
2. Issued 3,862,488 common shares upon the exercise of previously issued stock options.
3. Issued 5,589,847 common shares upon the exercise of previously issued warrants.
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Corporation had the following share capital transactions:
1. Issued 516,667 common shares upon the exercise of previously issued stock options.
| 2. | Issued 35,385,500 units at a price of CA$0.13 per unit, with each unit (“Unit”) comprising one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant. Each whole common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional common share of the Corporation at a price of CA$0.155 per common share until July 16, 2014. Issue costs totalled $622,611 for these Units, of which $80,899 relates to broker warrants as a non-cash charge to share capital. |
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Net income per share and weighted average common shares outstanding are calculated as follows:
December 31, | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders | | $ | 3,564,732 | | | $ | 6,797,241 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | | | 259,628,626 | | | | 231,186,915 | |
Unexercised weighted average dilutive stock options and warrants | | | 12,422,912 | | | | 10,863,606 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (1) | | | 272,051,538 | | | | 242,050,521 | |
| (1) The diluted weighted average shares outstanding in 2010 excludes 18,914,475 (2009 - 7,563,321) options and warrants as they would have been anti-dilutive. |
16. Stock Options and Warrants
The Corporation’s Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) provides for the issuance of a maximum of 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares at an exercise price equal to or greater than the market price of the Corporation’s common shares on the date of the grant to directors, officers, employees and consultants to the Corporation. Options that are granted under the Plan have expiry dates of up to 5 years from the grant date. Plan options may be issued as immediately exercisable or may contain provisions which specify vesting over several years, as well as performance based. Each stock option is exercisable into one common share of the Corporation at the price specified in the terms of the option.
The Corporation uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value the options granted at the time of grant, and the assumptions used within the model, and resulting weighed average fair value estimate per option, are as follows:
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | Number | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Number | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | |
Balance, January 1, | | | 17,629,475 | | | $ | CA 0.34 | | | | 16,864,475 | | | $ | CA 0.44 | |
Granted | | | 7,468,750 | | | | 0.22 | | | | 7,800,000 | | | | 0.13 | |
Exercised | | | (3,862,488 | ) | | | 0.22 | | | | (516,667 | ) | | | 0.11 | |
Cancelled | | | (1,261,666 | ) | | | 0.42 | | | | (5,839,150 | ) | | | 0.39 | |
Forfeited | | | (720,002 | ) | | | 0.17 | | | | (679,183 | ) | | | 0.36 | |
Balance, December 31 | | | 19,254,069 | | | $ | CA 0.32 | | | | 17,629,475 | | | $ | CA 0.34 | |
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
| 2010 | 2009 |
Number of options granted | 7,468,750 | 7,800,000 |
Exercise price | CA$0.18 – 0.235 | CA$0.13 - 0.15 |
Weighted average expected life | 3.0 years | 2.4 years |
Weighted average risk-free interest rate | 1.78% | 0.72% |
Weighted average expected volatility | 78% | 82.1% |
Weighted average dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Weighted average fair value | $0.11 | $0.05074 |
The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. The stock options granted to key employees, officers, and directors have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and changes in subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
The Corporation recognizes over the vesting period, as compensation costs arise from stock option awards, the fair value of stock options at the date of grant, and has included these costs in general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statement of operations. The fair value of stock options vested during the year ended December 31, 2010, less the fair value of options cancelled and forfeited, amounts to $569,580 (2009 - $267,784).
The following table summarizes the weighted average exercise price and the weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2010.
| | | | | | | Outstanding | | | Exercisable | |
Exercise | | | | | | | Weighted Average | | | Weighted | | | | | | Weighted | |
Price | | | Options | | Expiry | | Remaining Life | | | Average | | | Options | | | Average | |
CA$ | | | Outstanding | | Date | | (Years) | | | Price CA$ | | | Exercisable | | | Price CA$ | |
$ | 0.10 | | | | 1,090,000 | | Nov. 2013 | | | 2.9 | | | | 0.10 | | | | 1,090,000 | | | $ | 0.10 | |
| 0.13 | | | | 25,000 | | Feb. 2014 | | | 3.1 | | | | 0.13 | | | | 25,000 | | | | 0.13 | |
| 0.13 | | | | 2,675,000 | | Oct. 2014 | | | 3.8 | | | | 0.13 | | | | 891,653 | | | | 0.13 | |
| 0.13 | | | | 2,000,000 | | July 2014 | | | 3.5 | | | | 0.13 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 0.13 | |
| 0.14 | | | | 400,000 | | Mar. 2014 | | | 3.2 | | | | 0.14 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 0.14 | |
| 0.15 | | | | 1,500,000 | | Feb. 2014 | | | 3.1 | | | | 0.15 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 0.15 | |
| 0.18 | | | | 200,000 | | Dec. 2014 | | | 4.0 | | | | 0.18 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 0.18 | |
| 0.225 | | | | 5,698,760 | | June 2015 | | | 4.5 | | | | 0.225 | | | | 1,519,576 | | | | 0.225 | |
| 0.235 | | | | 33,334 | | Aug. 2015 | | | 4.6 | | | | 0.235 | | | | 0 | | | | 0.235 | |
| 0.40 | | | | 2,341,975 | | Dec.2011 | | | 1.0 | | | | 0.40 | | | | 2,341,975 | | | | 0.40 | |
| 0.40 | | | | 350,000 | | Jul. 2013 | | | 2.5 | | | | 0.40 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 0.40 | |
| 0.73 | | | | 660,000 | | Aug. 2012 | | | 1.6 | | | | 0.73 | | | | 660,000 | | | | 0.73 | |
| 0.75 | | | | 300,000 | | Mar. 2012 | | | 1.2 | | | | 0.75 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 0.75 | |
| 0.79 | | | | 200,000 | | Mar. 2013 | | | 2.2 | | | | 0.79 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 0.79 | |
| 0.81 | | | | 780,000 | | Nov. 2012 | | | 1.9 | | | | 0.81 | | | | 780,000 | | | | 0.81 | |
| 1.19 | | | | 1,000,000 | | Apr. 2012 | | | 1.3 | | | | 1.19 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1.19 | |
| | | | | 19,254,069 | | | | | | | | | | | | | 12,758,204 | | | | | |
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
The warrants that are issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2010 are as follows:
Number of Warrants | | | Exercise Price (CA$) | | Warrant Type | Issuance Date | Expiry Date | | Fair Value | |
| 13,695,250 | | | | 0.155 | | Investors | July 2009 | July 16,2014 | | $ | 374,173 | |
| 707,710 | | | | 0.160 | | Broker Unit (1) | July 2009 | July 16,2011 | | | 17,326 | |
| 353,886 | | | | 0.155 | | Broker (1) | July 2009 | July 16,2014 | | | 15,035 | |
| 13,282,500 | | | | 0.350 | | Investor (2) | Sept. 2010 | Sept. 29, 2012 | | | 1,500,922 | |
| 1,593,900 | | | | 0.260 | | Broker (2) | Sept. 2010 | Sept. 29, 2012 | | | 263,471 | |
| 29,633,246 | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,170,927 | |
| (1) Each two Broker Units, if and when exercised by the Unit holder, allow the holder to purchase two common shares at CA$0.16 per share and also entitles the Unit holder to one new Broker Warrant exercisable for one common share at CA$0.155 until July 16, 2014. |
| (2) Subsequent to June 29, 2011, the Corporation has the right upon 30 days notice, should the common shares close at or above $0.45 for 20 consecutive trading days, to call these warrants. |
17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
| | Unrealized Gains(losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities | | | Foreign Currency Translation | | | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |
Balance, January 1, 2009 | | $ | (1,125,764 | ) | | $ | (7,208,374 | ) | | $ | (8,334,138 | ) |
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (1) | | | (341,080 | ) | | | - - - | | | | (341,080 | ) |
Unrealized foreign currency loss on self-sustaining operations | | | - - - | | | | (226,266 | ) | | | (226,266 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2009 | | $ | (1,466,844 | ) | | $ | (7,434,640 | ) | | $ | (8,901,484 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, January 1, 2010 | | $ | (1,466,844 | ) | | $ | (7,434,640 | ) | | $ | (8,901,484 | ) |
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (1) | | | (1,010,888 | ) | | | - - - | | | | (1,010,888 | ) |
Unrealized foreign currency loss on self-sustaining operations | | | - - - | | | | 99,599 | | | | 99,599 | |
Balance, December 31, 2010 | | $ | (2,477,732 | ) | | $ | (7,335,041 | ) | | $ | (9,812,773 | ) |
(1) | During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, realized gains (losses) of $-- and $146,216 respectively, were reclassified to gain on sale of investments within the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The net unrealized loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $1,005,429. |
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
18. Provision for Income Tax
The Corporation files Canadian income tax returns for its Canadian operations. Consolidated income tax returns are filed in the United States, and the foreign rates are different than those applicable in Canada.
The total provision for income taxes differs from that amount which would be computed by applying the Canadian income tax rate to income (loss) before provision for income taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows:
| | 2010 | | | 2009 As Restated See Note 23 | |
Income (loss) before income taxes | | $ | 4,923,625 | | | $ | 2,040,250 | |
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes based on statutory rates | | | (1,921,198 | ) | | | (796,024 | ) |
Net adjustment for: | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation and other permanent items | | | 513,212 | | | | -- | |
Reversal of deferred taxes on foreign exchange related to investment | | | | | | | 2,197,467 | |
Other non-deductible permanent items | | | (131,246 | ) | | | (4,185 | ) |
Taxes, refunds and reserves | | | 180,339 | | | | -- | |
Recognition of prior years’ losses and other tax assets | | | -- | | | | 3,359,733 | |
Income taxes (provision) recovery | | $ | (1,358,893 | ) | | $ | 4,756,991 | |
The Corporation recognizes future tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and net operating loss carry- forwards. Future tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
| | | | | 2009 As Restated See Note 23 | |
Net operating losses | | $ | 4,492,826 | | | $ | 2,700,193 | |
Contracts and foreign exchange | | | (412,186 | ) | | | 413,704 | |
Other | | | (187,208 | ) | | | (22,507 | ) |
| | | 3,893,432 | | | | 3,091,390 | |
Valuation allowance | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Net future income tax asset (liability) – current | | $ | 3,893,432 | | | $ | 3,091,390 | |
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
| | | | | 2009 As Restated See Note 23 | |
Investments | | $ | 1,105,323 | | | $ | 1,023,780 | |
Property, plant and equipment and mining assets | | | | | | | (1,235,772 | ) |
Net operating losses | | | (546,388 | ) | | | 3,461,531 | |
Contracts and foreign exchange | | | -- | | | | (200,410 | ) |
Other | | | 66,762 | | | | 27,242 | |
Future income tax asset (liability) | | | 625,697 | | | | 3,076,371 | |
Valuation allowance | | | (1,105,323 | ) | | | (1,023,780 | ) |
Net future income tax (liability) asset - long-term | | $ | (479,626 | ) | | $ | 2,052,591 | |
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
At December 31, 2010, the Corporation had cumulative net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately, all within the United States. These amounts will expire in various years through 2029, as follows:
| | Canada | | | United States | | | Total | |
2023 | | $ | -- | | | | 955,874 | | | | 955,874 | |
2025 | | | -- | | | | 2,612,073 | | | | 2,612,073 | |
2026 | | | -- | | | | 315,495 | | | | 315,495 | |
2027 | | | -- | | | | 3,665,039 | | | | 3,665,039 | |
2028 | | | -- | | | | 3,966,861 | | | | 3,966,861 | |
Total | | $ | -- | | | $ | 11,515,342 | | | $ | 11,515,342 | |
19. Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time, the Corporation may be exposed to claims and legal actions in the normal course of business, some of which may be initiated by the Corporation. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, no material claims were outstanding.
20. Capital Management and Liquidity
The Corporation manages its cash and cash equivalents, common shares, retained earnings, stock options and warrants as capital. The Corporation’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to pursue the exploration of its mineral properties and to maintain a flexible capital structure which optimizes the costs of capital at an acceptable risk.
The Corporation manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Corporation may attempt to issue new shares, issue new debt, acquire or dispose of assets or adjust the amount of cash.
In order to facilitate the management of its capital requirements, the Corporation prepares expenditure budgets that are updated as necessary depending on various factors, including successful capital deployment and general industry conditions.
In order to maximize ongoing exploration efforts, the Corporation does not pay out dividends. The Corporation’s investment policy, in general, is to invest its short-term excess cash in highly liquid short-term interest-bearing investments with maturities of 365 days or less from the original date of acquisition, selected with regards to the expected timing of expenditures from continuing operations. The nature of the industry in which the Corporation operates is very capital intensive. As a result, the Corporation prepares annual capital expenditure budgets and utilizes authorizations for expenditures for projects to manage capital expenditures.
The Corporation’s strategy is to satisfy its liquidity needs using cash on hand, cash flows generated from operating activities and through its revolving advances facility. Revenue, available cash balances, draws on the revolving advances credit facility and financing of indebtedness are the Corporation’s principal sources of capital used to pay operating expenses and recurring capital and leasing costs in its business. There has been no change in the year in the Corporation’s approach to its capital management.
The principal liquidity needs for periods beyond the next twelve months are for non-recurring capital expenditures, development costs and potential mining expansion. The Corporation’s strategy is to meet these needs with one or more of the following:
• | cash flows from operations; |
• | common share and warrants offering; |
• | proceeds from sales of assets; and |
• | revolving advances facility. |
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
The following table presents the contractual maturities of the Corporation’s financial liabilities:
| | Total | | | Less than 1 Yr | | | 1-3 Years | | | 4-5 Years | | | After 5 Years | |
Asset retirement obligation | | $ | 2,380,404 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 2,380,404 | |
Capital leases | | | 26,262 | | | | 15,375 | | | | 10,877 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Derivative-related liabilities | | | 3,639,213 | | | | 3,639,213 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 3,419,863 | | | | 3,419,863 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other long term liabilities | | | 265,212 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 265,212 | |
Total | | $ | 9,730,954 | | | $ | 7,074,451 | | | $ | 10,877 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 2,645,616 | |
21. Financial Instruments
The Corporation’s operations expose the Corporation to market risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk. The Corporation manages its exposure to these risks by operating in a manner that minimizes these risks. Senior management employs risk management strategies and policies to ensure that any exposure to risk is in compliance with the Corporation’s business objectives and risk tolerance levels. The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Corporation’s risk management framework. The Board has established policies in setting risk limits and controls and monitors these risks in relation to market conditions.
(a) Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The Corporation uses derivative and non-derivative instruments to manage financial risks, including commodity, interest rate, equity price and foreign exchange risks. The use of derivative contracts is governed by documented risk management policies and approved limits. The Corporation does not use derivatives for speculative purposes.
The Corporation has used in 2010 the following derivative instruments to manage these risks:
• | Forward contracts to hedge exposures to fluctuations in metal prices (See Note 12) |
For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Corporation recorded a hedge loss of $4,818,924 (2009 – $1,696,117).
For 2011, the Corporation has sold forward 500,000 ounces of silver at an average price of $27.50 per ounce with 41,667 ounces being deliverable each month from January 2011 until December 31, 2011. All contracts have been designated as normal purchase and sale contracts with the Corporation’s existing trading firm (See Note 12). Accordingly, the effects of these contracts are accounted for in the period they are settled.
Embedded Derivatives
Revenues from the sale of metals produced since the commencement of commercial production are based on provisional prices at the time of shipment. Variations between the price recorded at the shipment date and the actual final price set under the relevant contracts are caused by fluctuations in the market prices for copper, lead and silver, and result in an embedded derivative. The embedded derivative is recorded at fair value each period until settlement occurs, with the changes in fair value recorded to revenues. As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation has recorded embedded derivatives in the amount of $12,176,362 in receivables and related embedded derivatives within the consolidated balance sheet (December 31, 2009 - $5,682,134) related to these embedded derivatives. Currently, two customers represent 100% of the Corporation’s trade receivables which contains the embedded derivative.
(b) Fair Value of Non-Derivative Financial Instruments
Fair value is the amount that willing parties would accept to exchange a financial instrument based on the current market for instruments with the same risk, principal and remaining maturity. The fair value of interest bearing financial assets and liabilities is determined by discounting the contractual principal and interest payments at estimated current market interest rates for the instrument. Current market rates are determined by reference to current benchmark rates for a similar term and current credit spreads for debt with similar terms and risk.
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
The carrying value and fair value of financial instruments are as follows:
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | Carrying Value | | | Fair Value | | | Carrying Value | | | Fair Value | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 5,435,159 | | | $ | 5,435,159 | | | $ | 2,509,680 | | | $ | 2,509,680 | |
Receivables and related embedded derivatives | | | 12,677,519 | | | | 12,677,519 | | | | 5,729,781 | | | | 5,729,781 | |
Investments | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 1,019,112 | | | | 1,019,112 | |
Derivative-related assets | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 118,015 | | | | 118,015 | |
Restricted cash | | | 3,131,288 | | | | 3,131,288 | | | | 115,000 | | | | 115,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revolving advances facility | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 688,144 | | | | 688,144 | |
Accounts payable and accrued | | | 3,419,863 | | | | 3,419,863 | | | | 2,896,925 | | | | 2,896,925 | |
Derivative-related liabilities | | | 3,639,213 | | | | 3,639,213 | | | | 1,178,361 | | | | 1,178,361 | |
Capital lease obligations | | | 26,262 | | | | 26,262 | | | | 39,141 | | | | 39,141 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | 265,212 | | | | 265,212 | | | | 224,306 | | | | 224,306 | |
The Corporation values instruments carried at fair value using quoted market prices, where available. Quoted market prices represent a Level 1 valuation. When quoted market prices are not available, the Corporation maximizes the use of observable inputs within valuation models. When all significant inputs are observable, the valuation is classified as Level 2. Valuations that require the significant use of unobservable inputs are considered Level 3.
The following table outlines financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the consolidated financial statements and the level of the inputs used to determine those fair values in the context of the hierarchy as defined above:
| | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 5,435,159 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 5,435,159 | |
Restricted cash | | | 3,131,288 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 3,131,288 | |
Investments | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | | |
Derivatives-related assets | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | | |
Embedded derivatives within | | | -- | | | | 12,677,519 | | | | -- | | | | 12,677,519 | |
Receivables and related embedded derivatives | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 8,566,447 | | | $ | 12,677,519 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 21,243,966 | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative-related liabilities | | $ | -- | | | $ | 3,639,213 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 3,639,213 | |
Total liabilities | | $ | -- | | | $ | 3,639,213 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 3,639,213 | |
(d) Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market price, such as foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates will affect the Corporation’s net income or the value of financial instruments. These risks are generally outside the control of the Corporation. The objectives of the Corporation are to mitigate market risk exposure within acceptable limits, while maximizing returns.
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Corporation is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations as the Corporation holds Canadian dollars, and these consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars. As at December 31, 2010 the Corporation had approximately CA$3.2 million (December 31, 2009 - CA$0.2 million) in cash with no forward foreign exchange contracts in place.
Commodity Risk
The nature of the Corporation’s operations results in exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. Management continuously monitors commodity prices of copper, lead and silver. As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation has committed to deliver 500,000 ounces of silver at a price $27.50 per ounce as detailed in Notes 12 and 23. The Corporation is particularly exposed to the risk of movements in the price of silver. Declining market prices for silver could have a material effect on the Corporation’s profitability, and the Corporation’s policy is not to hedge a large portion of its exposure to silver in accordance with shareholders’ preference. The London Silver Spot price average, in USD per ounce, was $14.65 in 2009 and $20.19 in 2010.The Corporation estimates that an increase (decrease) in all of these commodity prices by 10% with all other variables held constant, would result in a increase (decrease) in net income of approximately $3.3 million
(e) Credit Risk
Credit risk related to accounts receivable arises from the possibility that customers may be unable to fulfill their commitments. The Corporation mitigates this risk by regularly monitoring the financial health and aging of any amounts due from its customers. Currently two customers represent 100% of the Corporation’s revenue. As at December 31, 2010, the Corporation is exposed to a maximum credit risk of $12,677,519 (2009 - $5,729,781).
The majority of the Corporation’s trade receivables are collected within 60 days. The balance of accounts receivable past due is not significant.
22. Segmented Information and Major Customers
The Corporation’s operations comprise a single reporting segment engaged in exploration and exploitation of the Corporation’s mineral assets within the United States. As these operations comprise a single reporting segment, amounts disclosed in the consolidated financial statements for revenue, income before income tax, amortization and total assets also represent segmented amounts, with the exception of the following which are in Canada: Cash of approximately $3,476,031 (2009 - $2,415,000).
The Corporation had sales to two customers which individually each exceeded 10% of revenues in the year ended December 31, 2010 and in the prior year ended December 31, 2009. Those sales were approximately 80% (2009 - 75%) and 20% (2009 – 25%) respectively of total sales for the periods.
Although the Corporation’s revenues are primarily derived from two customers, the risk of economic dependency is limited as its product is a commodity and can be sold to a number of other potential customers on similar commercial terms.
23. Correction of an Error
The consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2009 have been restated for the correction of certain errors in the Corporation’s accounting for income taxes.
In 2010, the Corporation corrected an error that originated in 2009. The error arose as a result of the recording of a future tax liability in respect of certain unrealized foreign exchange gains arising on an inter-company balance which was determined, as at April 1, 2009, to be part of the Corporation’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries such that it is unlikely that the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future. The Corporation also corrected an error in its future income tax asset balance that arose as a result of certain errors in the tax basis used to determine the temporary differences associated with certain accounts.
U.S. SILVER CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 and 2009
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
The effect of correcting these errors on the December 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet was an increase to the future income tax asset of $2.7 million and a corresponding increase of $2.7 million in the future income tax recovery reported in the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2009. The corresponding impacts to the statements of shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009 were also corrected.