Exhibit 99.2
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Dated March 3, 2020
1
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
GENERAL
This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) is management’s interpretation of the results and financial condition of NexGen Energy Ltd. (“NexGen” or the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2019 and includes events up to the date of this MD&A. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the years December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and the notes thereto (together, the “Annual Financial Statements”) and other corporate filings including NexGen’s Annual Information Form, all of which is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com. All dollar figures stated herein are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified. This MD&A contains forward-looking information. Please see the section, “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions used to develop the Company’s forward-looking information.
It is important to note that in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), IsoEnergy Ltd.’s (“IsoEnergy”) financial results are consolidated with those of NexGen, including in this MD&A. However, IsoEnergy is a listed entity with its own management, directors, internal control processes and financial budgets and finances its own operations.
Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the Annual Financial Statements referred to in this MD&A. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has been delegated the responsibility of reviewing and approving the Annual Financial Statements and MD&A.
The Annual Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”). Based on the nature of the Company’s activities, both presentation and functional currency is Canadian dollars.
The Company’s Annual Financial Statements have been prepared using IFRSapplicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on its ability to obtain financing and achieve future profitable operations.
Technical Disclosure
All scientific and technical information in this MD&A has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Troy Boisjoli, Geoscience Licensee, Vice President – Operations & Project Development for NexGen. Mr. Boisjoli is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument43-101Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects(“NI43-101”), and has verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing original data certificates and monitoring all of the data collection protocols.
For details of the Rook I Project including the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the updated mineral resource andPre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) set forth below, please refer to the technical report entitled “Technical Report on thePre-Feasibility Study of the Arrow Deposit, Rook I Property, Province of Saskatchewan, Canada” ( the “Rook I PFS Technical Report”). The Rook I PFS Technical Report is filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.html). The Rook I PFS Technical Report has been reviewed and approved by Paul O’Hara, P.Eng. of Wood PLC (“Wood”), David Robson, P.Eng. and Jason Cox, P.Eng. of Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (“RPA”), each of whom is a “qualified person” under NI43-101.
2
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
The Mineral Resource Estimate was completed by Mr. Mark Mathisen, C.P.G., Senior Geologist at RPA and Mr. David Ross, P.Geo., Director of Resource Estimation and Principal Geologist at RPA. Both are independent Qualified Persons in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument (NI)43-101 and they have approved the disclosure herein. All other technical information in this news release has been approved by Mr. Troy Boisjoli, Geoscientist Licensee, Vice President – Operations & Project Development for NexGen. Mr. Boisjoli is a qualified person for the purposes of NI43-101 and has verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing original data certificates and monitoring all of the data collection protocols.
Natural gamma radiation in drill core reported in this MD&A was measured in counts per second (cps) using a Radiation Solutions Inc.RS-120gamma-ray scintillometer. The reader is cautioned that total count gamma readings may not be directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured; they should be used only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive minerals.
BACKGROUND
NexGen was incorporated pursuant to theBusiness Corporations Act (British Columbia) on March 8, 2011 as “Clermont Capital Inc.”, a capital pool company within the meaning of Policy 2.4 –Capital Pool Companies of the TSX Venture Exchange. On April 19, 2013, the Company completed its “qualifying transaction” and in connection therewith consolidated its common shares on a 2.35:1 basis and changed its name to “NexGen Energy Ltd.”.
NexGen is a Canadian based uranium exploration and development company engaged in the exploration and development of its portfolio of uranium properties located in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada. NexGen’s principal asset is its 100% interest in the Rook I project, a project in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan (the “Rook I Project”or “Project”).
The Rook I Project is located in the southwest Athabasca Basin and is the location of the Company’s Arrow discovery in February 2014, the Bow discovery in March 2015, the Harpoon discovery in August 2016 and the South Arrow discovery in July 2017. The Rook I Project consists ofthirty-two (32) contiguous mineral claims totaling 35,065 hectares.
The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and NYSE American, LLC (“NYSE American”) under the symbol “NXE” and is a reporting issuer in each of the provinces of Canada other than Québec.
The Company has three wholly owned subsidiaries: NXE Energy Royalty Ltd., NXE Energy SW1 Ltd. and NXE Energy SW3 Ltd. The Company also holds 52.03% of the outstanding common shares of IsoEnergy, as of the date hereof.
In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company completed a financing raising aggregate gross proceeds of US$110 million (the“Financing”) consisting of a private placement of: (a) 24,146,424 common shares at a price of US$2.0707 per share, for gross proceeds of US$50 million (the “Placement Shares”); and (b) US$60 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.5% unsecured convertible debentures (the “2017 Debentures”) with affiliates of CEF Holdings Limited and/or its shareholders (collectively, the “Investors”) and in connection therewith (i) extended the maturity date of the existing 7.5% unsecured convertible debentures (the “2016 Debentures” and together with the 2017 Debentures, the “Convertible Debentures”) from June 11, 2021 to July 22, 2022 to match the maturity date of the 2017 Debentures; and (ii) revised and consolidated certain othernon-financial provisions of the 2016 Debentures, including the strategic alignment provisions, into an investor rights agreement, described in detail below under “Discussion of Operations”.
3
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
General
In the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company continued exploration and development activities at its Rook I Project including the completion of 57,282.40 metres of drilling at the Arrow deposit; 54,057.9 metres of which was drilling in 2019 and the remainder meterage drilled in December of 2018. The Company also completed an exploration drill program on the SW1 property for a total of 2,478.0 metres.
As an exploration and development stage company, the Company does not have revenues and historically has recurring operating losses. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $52,117,581 (December 31, 2018: $125,059,189; December 31, 2017: $164,943,850), an accumulated deficit of $103,400,960 (December 31, 2018: $85,143,089; December 31, 2017: $88,038,390) and working capital of $48,677,217 (December 31, 2018: $119,195,168; December 31, 2017: $162,636,364).
The Consolidated Financial Statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Industry and Economic Factors that May Affect the Business
The business of mining for minerals involves a high degree of risk. NexGen is an exploration and development company and is subject to risks and challenges similar to companies in a comparable stage and industry. These risks include, but are not limited to, the challenges of securing adequate capital, exploration, development and operational risks inherent in the mining industry; changes in government policies and regulations; the ability to obtain the necessary permitting; as well as global economic and uranium price volatility; all of which are uncertain.
The underlying value of the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the existence and economic recovery of mineral reserves and is subject to, but not limited to, the risks and challenges identified above. Changes in future conditions could require material write-downs of the carrying value of the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets.
In particular, the Company does not generate revenue. As a result, the Company continues to be dependent on third party financing to continue exploration and development activities on the Company’s properties, maintain capacity and satisfy contractual obligations including servicing the interest payments due on the Convertible Debentures and repaying the principal amount thereof at maturity (or sooner in the event of redemption in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Debentures. Accordingly, the Company’s future performance will be most affected by its access to financing, whether debt, equity or other means.
Access to such financing, in turn, is affected by general economic conditions, the price of uranium, exploration risks and the other factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form, filed March 4, 2019.
At maturity of the Convertible Debentures, the US$120 million principal amount is due in full, and prior to then at a premium upon the occurrence of certain events, including a change of control. The Company holds sufficient US dollars to make all interest payments due under the Convertible Debentures until maturity but not to pay the entire principal amount. Accordingly, the Company is subject to risks associated with fluctuations in the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate that may make the Convertible Debentures more costly to repay. In addition, unless the Company commences generating revenue prior to the maturity date of the Convertible Debentures (or sooner in the event of redemption in accordance with the terms of the Convertible Debentures), the Company will have to raise funds to repay the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise sufficient funds when required, at all, or on reasonable terms.
4
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following financial data is derived from the Annual Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
For the year ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Loss (profit) for the year | 16,548,056 | (1,491,606) | 56,830,610 | |||||||||
Loss (profit) and comprehensive loss (profit) for the year | 18,892,957 | (2,092,427) | 56,830,610 | |||||||||
Basic loss (profit) per Common Share | 0.04 | (0.01) | 0.17 | |||||||||
Diluted loss (profit) per Common Share | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.17 | |||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||
Salaries, benefits and directors’ fees | $ | 5,624,334 | $ | 5,897,494 | $ | 3,993,277 | ||||||
Office and administrative | 1,996,123 | 1,855,177 | 1,502,988 | |||||||||
Professional fees | 3,572,164 | 2,003,931 | 1,725,921 | |||||||||
Travel | 1,142,668 | 920,834 | 639,559 | |||||||||
Depreciation | 2,383,177 | 1,533,634 | 758,063 | |||||||||
Share-based payments | 10,867,167 | 13,736,299 | 9,183,667 | |||||||||
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets | 14,354 | - | 87,749 | |||||||||
Finance income | (1,815,590) | (2,486,565) | (1,305,784) | |||||||||
Rental income | (30,305) | - | - | |||||||||
Mark to market loss (gain) on convertible debentures | (21,821,831) | (32,578,261) | 27,522,985 | |||||||||
Interest expense | 11,822,910 | 11,954,146 | 8,693,847 | |||||||||
Interest on lease liabilities | 206,986 | - | - | |||||||||
Convertible debenture issuance costs | - | - | 2,811,146 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | 1,653,616 | (4,025,062) | 1,225,599 | |||||||||
Loss on disposal of equipment | - | 6,065 | 24,905 | |||||||||
Loss (profit) from operations | $ | 15,615,773 | $ | (1,182,308) | $ | 56,863,922 | ||||||
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) | 932,283 | (309,298) | (33,312) | |||||||||
Loss (profit) for the year | $ | 16,548,056 | $ | (1,491,606) | $ | 56,830,610 | ||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||||
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value of convertible debentures attributable to the change in credit risk | $ | 3,212,139 | $ | (600,821) | $ | - | ||||||
Deferred Income tax recovery | (867,238) | - | - | |||||||||
Total Other Comprehensive Income | $ | 2,344,901 | $ | (600,821) | $ | - | ||||||
Loss (profit) and comprehensive loss (profit) for the year | $ | 18,892,957 | $ | (2,092,427) | $ | 56,830,610 | ||||||
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NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
For the year ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, | For the year ended December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||
Loss (profit) attributable to: | ||||||||||||
Shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. | $ | 15,531,911 | $ | (2,269,689) | $ | 56,038,329 | ||||||
Non-controlling interests in IsoEnergy Ltd. | 1,016,145 | 778,083 | 792,281 | |||||||||
Loss (profit) for the year | $ | 16,548,056 | $ | (1,491,606) | $ | 56,830,610 | ||||||
Total comprehensive loss (profit) attributable to: | ||||||||||||
Shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. | $ | 17,876,812 | $ | (2,870,510) | $ | 56,038,329 | ||||||
Non-controlling interests in IsoEnergy Ltd. | 1,016,145 | 778,083 | 792,281 | |||||||||
Total comprehensive loss (profit) for the year | $ | 18,892,957 | $ | (2,092,427) | $ | 56,830,610 | ||||||
Loss per common share attributable to the Company’s common shareholders – | ||||||||||||
Basic loss (profit) per common share | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.01) | $ | 0.17 | ||||||
Diluted loss (profit) per common share | $ | 0.06 | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.17 | ||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – | ||||||||||||
Basic | 354,593,084 | 345,868,725 | 321,921,938 | |||||||||
Diluted | 402,676,421 | 393,952,062 | 321,921,938 | |||||||||
6
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Year ended December 31, 2019 vs year ended December 31, 2018
In the year ended December 31, 2019, NexGen incurred a net loss of $16,548,056 or $0.04 per common share, compared to a net profit of $1,491,606 or $0.01 per common share for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Company recognized a mark to market gain on the Convertible Debentures of $21,821,831 during the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to a mark to market gain of $32,578,261 in the year ended December 31, 2018. Mark to market gains and losses result from the fair valuere-measurement of the Convertible Debentures at each report date, with any changes in the fair value being recognized in the loss (profit) and comprehensive loss (profit) for the period. The mark to market gain for the year ended December 31, 2019 is due mainly to a decrease in the Company’s share price from $2.41 at December 31, 2018 to $1.67 at December 31, 2019; partially offset by the accretion of the loan portion of the convertible debentures.
The Company incurred a foreign exchange loss of $1,653,616 in the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to a foreign exchange gain of $4,025,062 in the year ended December 31, 2018. These amounts are derived from foreign exchange rate fluctuations realized on US dollar denominated transactions and payments translated into Canadian dollars as well as unrealized foreign exchange rate fluctuations on US dollar cash and accounts payable balances held on December 31, 2019.
Salaries, benefits and directors’ fees decreased to $5,624,334 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $5,897,494 in the year ended December 31, 2018, mainly due to the decrease in management employees in 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.
Office and administrative costs increased to $1,996,123 during the year ended December 31, 2019 from $1,855,177 in the year ended December 31, 2018 mainly due to the increase of regulatory costs during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Professional fees increased to $3,572,164 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $2,003,931 in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to an increase in consultant and legal fees pertaining to various corporate activities, audit fees and timing of investor relations costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2019.
Travel expenses increased to $1,142,668 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $920,834 in the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to an increase in general corporate activity in the year ended December 31, 2019.
Depreciation increased to $2,383,177 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $1,533,634 in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to an increase in the amortization, related to the adoption of IFRS 16 – Leases standard, which resulted in the recognition ofright-of-use assets related to the office and vehicle leases.
Share-based payments charged to the statement of loss (profit) and comprehensive loss (profit) decreased to $10,867,167 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $13,736,299 in the year ended December 31, 2018. These arenon-cash charges derived by the graded vesting method of the Black-Scholes values. Stock options granted to directors and employees vest over two years with the corresponding share-based compensation expense being recognized over this period. Variances in share-based compensation expense are expected from period to period depending on many factors, including whether options are granted in a period and whether options have fully vested or have been cancelled in a period. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company granted 9,438,679 stock options with a weighted average fair value per option of $0.96 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 where the Company granted 9,045,482 stock options with a weighted average fair value per option of $1.76.
Finance income decreased to $1,815,590 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $2,486,565 in the year ended December 31, 2018 mainly due to the decrease in cash on hand during the year ended December 31, 2019, as a result of costs associated with continued drilling, the Feasibility Study, Permitting and Regulatory and ongoing operating costs.
7
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Rental income increased to $30,305 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $nil in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to amounts received by IsoEnergy from NxGold for an office sublease where amounts previously received were netted against the related expense prior to the adoption of IFRS 16 – Leases Standard.
Interest expense decreased to $11,822,910 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $11,954,146 in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to the fluctuation in the US dollar foreign exchange rate on the interest payments related to the 2016 and 2017 Debentures.
Interest expense on lease liabilities increased to $206,986 in the year ended December 31, 2019 from $nil in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to office and vehicle lease liabilities recognized as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 – Leases standard.
A deferred income tax expense of $932,283 was incurred in the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to a deferred income tax recovery of $309,298 in the year ended December 31, 2018. The deferred income tax expense of $932,283, is offset by a deferred tax recovery of $867,238 recorded in other comprehensive income relating to the change in the fair value of the convertible debentures being bifurcated between the loss for the period and other comprehensive income. The net $65,045 deferred income tax expense relates to the renunciation of the related tax attributes to investors in IsoEnergy’s flow-through shares partially offset by the deferred income tax recovery on losses recognized in the period and the income recognition on the flow-through share premium liability as result of qualifying expenditures in the year ended December 31, 2019.
Year ended December 31, 2018 vs year ended December 31, 2017
In the year ended December 31, 2018, NexGen earned a net profit of $1,491,606 or $0.01 per common share, compared to a net loss of $56,830,610 or $0.17 per common share for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The Company recognized a mark to market gain on Convertible Debentures of $32,578,261 during the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to a mark to market loss of $27,522,985 in the year ended December 31, 2017. This mark to market gain results from the fair valuere-measurement of the Convertible Debentures at each report date, with any changes in the fair value being recognized in the loss (profit) and comprehensive loss (profit) for the period. The mark to market gain for the year ended December 31, 2018 is mainly due to the decrease in the Company’s share price from $3.21 at December 31, 2017 to $2.41 at December 31, 2018 and partially offset by change in foreign exchange rates.
Salaries, benefits and directors’ fees increased from $3,993,277 in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $5,897,494 in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to severance payments to management personnel, hiring of new staff and increased performance bonuses for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Office and administrative costs increased from $1,502,988 in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $1,855,177 in the year ended December 31, 2018 mainly due to increased marketing in the year ended December 31, 2018.
Professional fees increased from $1,725,921 in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $2,003,931 in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to an increase in legal fees pertaining to various corporate and operational matters and audit fees.
Travel expenses increased from $639,559 in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $920,834 in the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to increases in marketing-related travel and general corporate activity in the year ended December 31, 2018.
Depreciation increased from $758,063 in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $1,533,634 in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to an increase in the carrying value of field equipment.
8
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Share-based payments charged to the statement of loss (profit) and comprehensive loss (profit) increased from $9,183,667 in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $13,736,299 in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to more stock options being granted during the year ended December 31, 2018. These arenon-cash charges derived by the graded vesting method of the Black-Scholes values. Stock options granted to directors and employees vest over two years with the corresponding share-based compensation expense being recognized over this period. Variances in share-based compensation expense are expected from period to period depending on many factors, including whether options are granted in a period and whether options have fully vested or have been cancelled in a period. The Company granted 9,045,482 stock options with a weighted average fair value per option of $1.76 in the year ended December 31, 2018.
Finance income increased from $1,305,784 in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $2,486,565 in the year ended December 31, 2018 mainly due to interest earned on increased cash and cash equivalent balances and increased interest rates during the year.
Interest expense increased from $8,693,847 in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $11,954,146 in the year ended December 31, 2018 due to interest for the full year on the 2017 Debentures, with the Convertible Debentures bearing interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum, payable semi-annually.
The Company incurred a foreign exchange loss of $1,225,599 in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to a foreign exchange gain of $4,025,062 in the year ended December 31, 2018. These amounts are derived from foreign exchange rate fluctuations realized on US dollar denominated transactions and payments translated into Canadian dollars as well as unrealized foreign exchange rate fluctuations on US dollar cash and accounts payable balances held on December 31, 2018.
A deferred income tax recovery of $309,298 was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $33,312 in the year ended December 31, 2017. This relates to IsoEnergy’s deferred income tax recovery on the income recognition on the flow-through share premium liability, offset by the temporary differences arising from the renunciation of flow-through shares in the year ended December 31, 2018.
Financial Position
The following financial data is derived from the Annual Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
| December 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||
Exploration and evaluation assets | $ | 252,380,408 | $ | 194,128,594 | $ | 152,412,555 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 313,525,914 | $ | 326,867,565 | $ | 323,079,350 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | $ | 4,784,795 | $ | 6,517,313 | $ | 3,014,430 | ||||||
Totalnon-current liabilities | $ | 122,392,265 | $ | 138,423,662 | $ | 171,724,215 | ||||||
Distributions or cash dividends declared per share | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
Financial Position as at December 31, 2019 vs December 31, 2018
NexGen had cash and cash equivalents totaling $52,117,581 as at December 31, 2019 compared to $125,059,189 as at December 31, 2018. This decrease in cash and cash equivalents was due to exploration and evaluation asset and equipment expenditures of $57,050,294 and $629,160, respectively, $12,805,886 of cash used in operating activities, $784,399 of cash used to pay lease liabilities, and $8,008,642 of cash interest paid on Convertible Debentures; offset by $3,964,800 of cash received from stock option and warrant exercises and shares of IsoEnergy issued tonon-controlling interests for cash of $3,420,191.
Exploration and evaluation assets increased from $194,128,594 as at December 31, 2018 to $252,380,408 as at December 31, 2019 due to expenditures made on exploration and evaluation assets, costs associated with the resource drilling on Arrow, Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment.
9
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Current liabilities decreased from $6,517,313 as at December 31, 2018 to $4,784,795 as at December 31, 2019. The majority of this decrease is related to the timing of payments for exploration and evaluation expenditures.
Non-current liabilities decreased from $138,423,662 as at December 31, 2018 to $122,392,265 as at December 31, 2019 due to the net decrease in fair value of the Convertible Debentures resulting primarily from fluctuations in the Company’s share price and foreign exchange rates since December 31, 2018; partially offset by the recording of long-term lease liability related to the adoption of IFRS 16 – Leases.
Financial Position as at December 31, 2018 vs December 31, 2017
NexGen had cash and cash equivalents totaling $125,059,189 as at December 31, 2018 compared to $164,943,850 as at December 31, 2017. This decrease in cash and cash equivalents was due to exploration and evaluation asset and equipment expenditures of $34,813,614 and $2,954,028, respectively, $8,452,068, of cash used in operating activities and $7,918,533 of cash interest paid on convertible debentures; partially offset by $5,074,334 of cash received from stock option exercises and shares of IsoEnergy issued tonon-controlling interests for cash of $5,273,624.
Exploration and evaluation assets increased from $152,412,555 as at December 31, 2017 to $194,128,594 as at December 31, 2018 due to expenditures made on exploration and evaluation assets.
Current liabilities increased from $3,014,430 as at December 31, 2017 to $6,517,313 as at December 31, 2018. The majority of this increase is related to the timing of payments for exploration and evaluation expenditures, accrued interest on the Convertible Debentures and increase flow-through share premium liability due to flow through shares.
Non-current liabilities decreased from $171,724,215 as at December 31, 2017 to $138,423,662 as at December 31, 2018 due to the net decrease in fair value of the Convertible Debentures resulting primarily from fluctuations in the Company’s share price and foreign exchange rates since December 31, 2017. The principal amount of the Convertible Debentures is US$120.0 million, due July 22, 2022.
DISCUSSION OF OPERATIONS
On May 17, 2017, the Company commenced trading on the NYSE American under the symbol “NXE”, and its common shares ceased trading on the OTCQX as of the close of trading on May 16, 2017.
On July 21, 2017, the Company completed the Financing and in connection therewith amended and restated the trust indenture entered into between Computershare Trust Company of Canada and the Company dated June 10, 2016 in respect of the 2016 Debentures to extend the maturity date of the 2016 Debentures to match the maturity date of the 2017 Debentures. In addition, certainnon-financial provisions of the 2016 Debentures, including in particular the strategic alignment provisions were revised and consolidated into the investor rights agreement described below.
An establishment fee consisting of 869,271 common shares, calculated as 3% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Debentures at a deemed price of US$2.0707 per share, was paid to the Investors in connection with the Financing.
The Convertible Debentures mature on July 22, 2022 (the “Maturity Date”) and bear interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears, with 5.0% of such interest payable in cash and the remaining 2.5% payable in common shares of the Company, issuable at a price equal to the volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares calculated in US dollars on the exchange or market which has the greatest trading volume in the Company’s common shares for the 20 consecutive trading days (“20-day VWAP”) ending three trading days preceding the date such interest payment is due.
10
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
The 2017 Debentures are convertible at the holders’ option, in whole or in part, into common shares at a conversion price (the “2017 Conversion Price”) of US$2.6919 per share, subject to adjustment. The Company may redeem the 2017 Debentures, in whole or in part, from July 21, 2020 and prior to the Maturity Date at a price equal to the outstanding principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the redemption date, provided the20-day VWAP of the common shares for the period ending three trading days preceding the date immediately prior to the date the redemption notice is given exceeds 130% of the 2017 Conversion Price. The 2016 Debentures are convertible at the holder’s option, in whole or in part, into common shares of the Company at a conversion price (the “2016 Conversion Price”) of US$2.3261 per common share, subject to adjustment. The Company may redeem the 2016 Debentures in whole or in part from June 10, 2019 and prior to the Maturity Date at a price equal to the outstanding principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the redemption date, provided the20-day VWAP of the common shares for the period ending three trading days preceding the date immediately prior to the date the redemption notice is given exceeds 130% of the 2016 Conversion Price.
Upon completion, of a change of control (which includes in the case of the Investors’ right to require the Company to redeem the Convertible Debentures, a change in the Chief Executive Officer of the Company), the Investors of the Convertible Debentures may require the Company to redeem, or the Company has the right to redeem, any outstanding Convertible Debentures in cash at: (i) on or prior to July 21, 2020 for the 2017 Debenture and on or prior to June 10, 2019 for the 2016 Debenture, 130% of the principal amount; and (ii) at any time thereafter, 115% of the principal amount, in each case plus accrued but unpaid interest, if any. In addition, upon the public announcement of a change of control that is supported by the Board, the Company may require the Investors of the Convertible Debentures to convert the Convertible Debentures into common shares of the Company at the 2017 Conversion Price or 2016 Conversion Price, as applicable, provided the consideration payable upon the change of control exceeds the 2017 Conversion Price or 2016 Conversion Price, respectively, and is either payable in cash or is payable in property or securities which the holders of the 2017 Debentures or 2016 Debentures, as applicable, in their sole discretion, wish to receive.
A “change of control” of the Company is defined as: (i) the acquisition by any transaction, directly or indirectly, by a person or group of persons acting jointly or in concert of voting control or direction over 50% or more of the Company’s outstanding common shares; (ii) the amalgamation, consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another entity as a result of which the holders of the common shares immediately prior to such transaction, directly or indirectly, hold less than 50% of voting control or direction over the entity carrying on the business of the Company following such transaction; (iii) the sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the property or assets of the Company to another entity in which the holders of the common shares immediately prior to such transaction, directly or indirectly, hold less than 50% of voting control or direction following such transaction; or (iv) the removal by resolution of the shareholders of the Company, of more than 51% of the then incumbent directors of the Company which removal has not been recommended in the Company’s management information circular, or the failure to elect to the Board a majority of the directors proposed for election by management in the Company’s management information circular.
In consideration for the increased investment in the Company pursuant to the Financing, the Company and the Investors entered into an investor rights agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”) dated July 21, 2017 which provides for the following and replaced those similar provisions contained in the 2016 Debentures. The Investor Rights Agreement provides that:
| (a) | for so long as the Investors hold at least 10% of the common shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors agreed: (i) not to tender or agree to tender (or convert) the Convertible Debentures or any common shares then held to an unsolicited takeover bid that constitutes a change of control, (ii) to exercise the votes attached to all common shares then held in respect of any change of control transaction, and deposit or tender such common shares, in accordance with the recommendation of the Board, (iii) to abstain or withhold votes in respect of any common shares they hold in respect of the election of individuals to the Board who are not nominees of management, and (iv) in respect ofnon-change of control matters, not to exercise the votes attached to any common shares they hold contrary to the recommendation of the Board; |
11
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
| (b) | for so long as the Investors hold at least 10% of the common shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors agreed to a standstill whereby they will, among other things, not acquire any securities of the Company or solicit proxies or otherwise attempt to influence the conduct of security holders of the Company; |
| (c) | for so long as the Investors hold at least 10% of the common shares (on a partially diluted basis), the Investors are subject to restrictions on disposition applicable to any common shares they hold, consisting of giving prior notice to the Company of any proposed disposition (within a 30 day period) of more than 0.5% of the number of common shares then outstanding and either: (i) disposing of such common shares to specific willing investors identified by the Company within aseven-day period; or (ii) thereafter, disposing of such common shares either through a broad distribution on the public markets or in a private transaction or block trade to anyone other than specific investors identified by the Company within theseven-day period; and |
| (d) | for so long as the Investors hold at least 15% of the common shares (on a partially diluted basis), CEF Holdings Limited has the right to nominate one director to the Board. |
Each of the foregoing covenants other than (d) shall terminate upon a completion of a Fundamental Change. A Fundamental Change means the occurrence of any of the transactions involved or items (i), (ii) or (iii) of the definition of Change of Control set out above and a change in the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
Project Development
Project Development
In the first six months of 2019, NexGen commenced the engineering phase of a Feasibility Study (“FS”) on the Rook 1 Project. The FS is advancing and validating the previous stage engineering, supports the EA submission and Licensing application activities, produces a Class 3 (AACE) capital and operating cost estimate that will be summarized in a technical report under NI43-101.
Permitting, Regulatory, Engagement
On April 29, 2019 the Project Description (Technical Proposal) was accepted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (“CNSC”) and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (“MOE”). The acceptance marks the commencement of an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) on the Rook I Project in accordance with the requirements of both The Environmental Assessment Act (Province of Saskatchewan) and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 “CEAA 2012” (Government of Canada). The EA will be conducted through a coordinated process between the MOE and the CNSC, which is the Federal life-cycle regulator for all uranium mine and mill projects in Canada.
The Company has also filed an Initial Licence Application with the CNSC under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act in order to obtain a Licence to Prepare Site and Construction for the Project.
In Q4 2019 the Company reached a new milestone in its EA process by successfully entering into Study Agreements with four local communities with the Project area.
The communities are all within proximity to the Project, which is currently in the process of Feasibility and EA under CEAA 2012. The communities are:
| - | Clearwater River Dene Nation, |
| - | Métis Nation Saskatchewan(MN-S) including as on behalf of the Locals ofMN-S Region II, |
| - | Birch Narrows Dene Nation, |
| - | Buffalo River Dene Nation. |
The Study Agreements enable the Company to formally engage with the communities to identify potential impacts to Aboriginal and treaty rights and socio-economic interests and identify potential avoidance and accommodation measures in relation to the Project whilst acknowledging the duty to consult remains with the Crown.
12
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
The Company and the communities have committed to establish respective joint working groups to support the inclusion of each community’s traditional knowledge throughout the EA process and incorporating the Traditional Land Use and Dietary studies that are designed, scoped and completed by each of the respective communities. The Company will provide funding for all aspects of the above including the joint working groups to lead, review and independently confirm all studies for inclusion into the EA.
Further, the Study Agreements commit the parties to negotiate Impact Benefit Agreements in good faith and as early in the regulatory process as possible to allow the Parties greater certainty, including certainty that current and future potential concerns between the Parties can be addressed through the processes set out in the Impact Benefit Agreement.
Drilling
On December 4, 2018, the Company commenced a comprehensive drill program at the Arrow deposit using ten drill rigs for (i) conversion of Indicated Mineral Resources to the Measured category; (ii) geotechnical and hydrogeological characterization of the rock mass within proposed mine infrastructure at the Arrow deposit, and (iii) geotechnical and hydrogeological characterization of the rock mass in the area of the proposed Underground Tailings Management Facility (UGTMF). As of December 31, 2019, the Company has completed a total of 57,282.4 metres; of which 54,057.9 metres were drilled in 2019.
The winter 2019 drill program completed 125 drill holes totaling 54,057.9 metres for an overall drill program total of 57,282.4 metres in 131 drill holes inclusive of December 2018 drilling. All winter 2019 drill holes for resource conversion were collared at a steep inclination, then shallowed out before intersecting the target by utilizing the latest in directional drilling technology. All resource conversion drill holes intersected strong uranium mineralization and further demonstrate high-grade continuity of the Arrow deposit at the highest confidence measured drill hole spacing.
Outside of the Arrow deposit, four holes were completed within the UGTMF area, and positively indicate the area contains suitable rock-mass and hydraulic conductivity to facilitate underground development. One hole was drill to the Athabasca Unconformity above the proposed UGMT for the purpose of hydrogeological characterization.
Seven of the winter 2019 drill holes – four at the UGTMF area and three within the Arrow deposit – had vibrating water piezometers (VWP) installed to facilitate ongoing monitoring of groundwater pressure changes. In addition to the UGTMF holes completed during the winter 2019 drill program, a five hole drill program totaling 3,107.7 metres was completed in December of 2019 towards further characterizing the rock mass in and around the proposed UGTMF area beyond the Feasibility Study level. Four of the additional drill holes received VWP installs, one received a Westbay multilevel groundwater monitoring system installation, and one was abandoned due to drilling deviation.
The Company completed the maiden, helicopter supported, exploration drill program on the SW1 property in November of 2019. Two drill rigs were utilized during the program for a total of 2,478.0 metres in six drill holes (two were abandoned due to poor ground conditions). Drilling identified hydrothermal alteration and brittle structural disruption consistent with those recognized in a uranium bearing system. The prospective intersections from the drilling program add value in furthering targeting efforts towards discovery on the SW1 property.
13
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Mineral Resource Update
On November 5, 2018, the Company announced the following updated mineral resource estimate on the Rook I Project having an effective date of May 25, 2018:
| Structure | Tonnage (Tonnes) | Grade (U3O8%) | Metal U3O8 (U3O8 lb) | |||
| Indicated Mineral Resource | ||||||
A2 LG | 1,240,000 | 0.79 | 21,700,000 | |||
A2 HG | 460,000 | 17.85 | 181,000,000 | |||
A3 LG | 1,010,000 | 0.70 | 15,500,000 | |||
A3 HG | 180,000 | 9.68 | 38,400,000 | |||
Total | 2,890,000 | 4.03 | 256,600,000 | |||
| Inferred Mineral Resource | ||||||
A1 | 1,510,000 | 0.72 | 23,900,000 | |||
A2 LG | 1,290,000 | 0.70 | 19,900,000 | |||
A2 HG | 5,000 | 12.70 | 1,400,000 | |||
A3 LG | 1,230,000 | 1.11 | 30,000,000 | |||
A3 HG | 1,000 | 9.07 | 200,000 | |||
A4 | 800,000 | 0.92 | 16,300,000 | |||
Total | 4,480,000 | 0.86 | 91,700,000 | |||
Notes:
| 1. | CIM Definition Standards were followed for Mineral Resources, Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. CIM defines Mineral Resource as a concentration or occurrence of a natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth’s crust in such a form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics, and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. |
| 2. | Mineral Reserves include transverse and longitudinal stopes, ore development and incremental ore. |
| 3. | Stopes and ore development were estimated at acut-off grade of 0.25% U3O8. |
| 4. | Incremental ore is material between 0.03% U3O8 and 0.25% U3O8 that must be extracted to access mining areas. 0.0% U3O8 is the limit for what is considered benign waste and material that be must be treated and stockpiled in an engineered facility. |
| 5. | Noby-product credits have been included in the Mineral Reserve statement. |
| 6. | Mineral resources are estimated using a long-term metal price of US$45 per pound U3O8, and a 0.75 US$/C$ exchange rate (C$1.00 = US$0.75). |
| 7. | A minimum mining width of 3.0 m was applied for all longhole stopes. |
| 8. | The density varies according to the U3O8 grade in the block model. Waste density is 2.464 t/m3. |
| 9. | Numbers may not add due to rounding. |
14
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Probable Mineral Reserves
On November 5, 2018, the Company announced the following updated Probable Mineral Reserves on the Rook I Project having an effective date of May 25, 2018. The Probable Mineral Reserves include diluting materials and allowances for losses which may occur when material is mined:
| Probable Mineral Reserves | ||||||
| Structure | Tonnage (Tonnes) | Grade (U3O8%) | Metal U3O8 (U3O8 lb) | |||
A2 | 2,057,600 | 4.13% | 187,400,000 | |||
A3 | 1,375,500 | 1.54% | 46,700,000 | |||
Total | 3,433,100 | 3.09% | 234,100,000 | |||
Pre-Feasibility Study
On November 5, 2018, the Company announced the results of the PFS in respect of the Arrow deposit which was based on the updated mineral resource estimate set forth above.
| PEA | PFS | Variance | ||||
| After-Tax Net Present Value (8% discount) | CAD $3.49 Billion | CAD $3.7 Billion | +6% | |||
| After-Tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) | 56.7% | 56.8% | 0% | |||
| After-Tax Payback | 1.1 Years | 1.2 Years | +9% | |||
| Initial Capital Costs (CAPEX) | CAD $1.19 Billion | CAD $1.25 Billion | +5% | |||
| Average Annual Production (Life of Mine) | 18.5 M lbs U3O8 | 25.4 M lbs U3O8 | +37% | |||
| Average Annual Production (Years1-5) | 27.6 M lbs U3O8 | 29.0 M lbs U3O8 | +5% | |||
| Average Annual Throughput | 1,448 tonnes per day | 1,039 tonnes per day | -28% | |||
| Average Annual Grade | 1.73% U3O8 | 3.09% U3O8 | +79% | |||
| Mine Life | 15 Years | 9 Years | -6 years | |||
Average Annual After-Tax Net Cash Flow (Life of Mine) | CAD $553 Million | CAD $909 Million | +64% | |||
| Average Annual Operating Cost (Life of Mine) | CAD $8.37 (US $6.70)/lb U3O8 | CAD $ 5.81 (US $4.36)/lb U3O8 | -31% | |||
| Operating Margins (Life of Mine) | 85.5% | 90.6% | +6% | |||
Note: PEA based on $1.00 = US $0.80, PFS based on $1.00 = US $0.75
The PFS resource only includes Indicated Mineral Resource as per CIM guidelines. Indicated Mineral Resources are that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit Inferred Mineral Resource. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.
The PFS envisioned a standalone mine, mill and ancillary site infrastructure to support a nine-year mine life.
15
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Mine
A detailed mine plan based on conventional long-hole stope mining was engineered using Indicated Mineral Resources only. Geotechnical studies duringPre-Feasibility supported the conventional longhole stoping mining method including the use of longitudinal and transverse stopes, 30 metre level spacing, and the nominal stope strike length of 15 metres to 30 metres. This represents an excellent stope stability range for underground mining in highly competent conditions. The geometry of the Arrow deposit enables decoupled production areas in both the A2 and A3, enabling flexibility of mine sequencing.
Mill
The PFS confirmed processing and production of Yellowcake from the Arrow deposit with conventional processing technology. The main components of the processing plant are:
| ● | Grinding |
| ● | Leaching |
| ● | Liquid-Solid Separation via Counter Current Decantation |
| ● | Solvent Extraction |
| ● | Yellowcake Precipitation |
| ● | Yellowcake Packaging |
| ● | Paste Tailings Plant |
Detailed metallurgical study resulted in process recovery increasing to 97.6% (versus 96% in the PEA). In addition, the ammonia strip process envisioned in the PEA was updated to an acid strip process in the PFS, resulting in the complete elimination of ammonia in the processing facility. Elimination of ammonia from the processing facility will ultimately lead to improved effluent discharge performance.
The PFS also confirmed that all processed waste streams can be stored in an Underground Tailings Management Facility (“UGTMF”). The PFS also confirmed the geotechnical design, size and sequencing of the UGTMF as it relates to the mine plan. The UGTMF will significantly reduce the surface footprint of the Rook I project and represents continued and ongoing reclamation during operations, allowing for industry leading environmental sensitivity.
Cost Estimate
A capital cost estimate (Class 4 - AACE International classification guidelines) was produced from the PFS. Thepre-production capital costs (CAPEX) for the contemplated underground mine, process plant and supporting infrastructure at Arrow are estimated at $1.247 billion with sustaining capital costs of $262 million (included $0.48 million for decommissioning). Wood and RPA estimated the capital costs based on a three-dimensional civil model, a mechanical equipment list, material takeoffs, vendor budget quotations on major and secondary equipment, and inputs from leading expert service providers who have experience in construction projects and cost estimation both in the Athabasca Basin and globally.Pre-production construction is envisioned to be complete in three years, the construction phase will be supported by a labour force consisting of skilled labour, trades persons, professionals and administration.
Preliminary Economic Assessment
The Company’s PFS built upon the independent maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”), which the Company released on July 31, 2017 of the basement-hosted Arrow deposit and a standalone mine and mill at the Rook I Project. The maiden PEA was completed by RPA and is based on the mineral resource estimate announced by the Company in March 2017 (with an effective date of December 20, 2016). The PEA highlights include a14.4-year mine life with anafter-tax NPV of $3.49 Billion, 56.7% IRR, and a1.1-year payback.Pre-production capital costs were estimated at $1.19 Billion and unit operation costs in years1-5 were $5.53/lb U3O8 with a life of mine (LOM) operating cost of $8.37/lb U3O8. The PEA economics were supported by a robust production profile averaging 27.6M lb U3O8 in years1-5 with an average LOM production rate of 18.5M lb U3O8. The March 2017 Mineral Resource Estimate formed the basis of the PEA which included Indicated Mineral Resources of 1.18Mt containing 179.5M lb U3O8 grading 6.88% U3O8 and Inferred Mineral Resources of 4.25Mt containing 122.1M lb U3O8 grading 1.3% U3O8.
16
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Outlook
The Company plans to continue developing the Rook I Project through the advancement and completion of its FS, advancement of EA, advancement of its Initial License Application and continuation and advancement of Engagement activities. The FS is advancing and validating the previous stage engineering, supports the EA submission and Licensing application activities, produces a Class 3 (AACE) capital and operating cost estimate that will be summarized in a technical report under NI43-101. The EA on the Rook I Project is being conducted in accordance with the requirements of both The Environmental Assessment Act (Province of Saskatchewan) and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 “CEAA 2012” (Government of Canada). The EA is being conducted through a coordinated process between the MOE and the CNSC, which is the Federal life-cycle regulator for all uranium mine and mill projects in Canada. The Initial License Application is being advanced with the CNSC under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act in order to obtain a License to Prepare Site and Construction for the Project.
As stated above, the Company does not generate revenue. As a result, the Company continues to be dependent on third party financing to continue exploration and development activities on the Company’s properties, maintain capacity and satisfy contractual obligations (including servicing the interest payments due on the Convertible Debentures and repaying the principal amount thereof when due). Accordingly, the Company’s future performance and activities will be most affected by its access to financing, whether debt, equity or other means. Access to such financing, in turn, is affected by general economic conditions, the price of uranium, exploration results, and the other factors described below under “Risk Factors”.
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following financial information is derived from the Company’s financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS and presented in Canadian dollars. For all quarterly periods other than those ended December 31, the information below should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for each of the past eight quarters, as well as the Annual Financial Statements.
| (Expressed in Canadian dollars) | 2019 Dec 31 | 2019 Sep 30 | 2019 Jun 30 | 2019 Mar 31 | 2018 Dec 31 | 2018 Sep 30 | 2018 Jun 30 | 2018 Mar 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance income | $ | 291,266 | $ | 406,817 | $ | 511,300 | $ | 606,207 | $ | 660,899 | $ | 615,995 | $ | 617,126 | $ | 592,545 | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss (profit) for the period | $ | 10,193,690 | $ | 808,850 | $ | 12,521,249 | $ | (6,975,732 | ) | $ | (15,089,688 | ) | $ | 19,215,320 | $ | 24,409,654 | $ | (30,026,892 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Loss (profit) for the period attributable to common shareholders | $ | 9,934,713 | $ | 519,754 | $ | 12,311,087 | $ | (7,233,642 | ) | $ | (15,334,672 | ) | $ | 19,002,306 | $ | 24,304,876 | $ | (30,242,199 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Loss (profit) per common share attributable to common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Basic | $ 0.03 | $0.00 | $0.04 | $ (0.02) | $ (0.04) | $ 0.05 | $ 0.07 | $ (0.09 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| - Diluted | $ 0.03 | $0.01 | $0.04 | $ 0.01 | $ 0.08 | $ 0.05 | $ 0.07 | $ 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
NexGen does not derive any revenue from its operations except for interest income from its cash and cash equivalent balances. Its primary focus is the acquisition, exploration, evaluation and development of resource properties.
The significant fluctuations in loss (profit) are mainly the result of mark to market gains or losses recognized on the fair valuere-valuation of the Convertible Debentures at each quarter, with any changes in the fair value being recognized in the loss (profit) for the quarter.
Interest income recorded as finance income has fluctuated depending on cash and cash equivalent balances available to generate interest and the earned rate of interest.
The loss (profit) per period has fluctuated depending on the Company’s activity level and periodic variances in certain items. Quarterly periods are therefore not comparable due to the nature and timing of exploration and development activities.
17
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
FOURTH QUARTER
The following information sets forth the Company’s financial performance for the three months ended December 31, 2019:
| For the three months ended | ||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||
Salaries, benefits and directors’ fees | $ | 2,435,210 | $ | 2,376,098 | ||||
Office and administrative | 432,235 | 504,987 | ||||||
Professional fees | 869,334 | 444,383 | ||||||
Travel | 391,672 | 306,427 | ||||||
Depreciation | 599,199 | 643,565 | ||||||
Share-based payments | 2,811,654 | 3,767,223 | ||||||
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets | 14,354 | - | ||||||
Finance income | (291,266) | (660,899) | ||||||
Rental Income | (7,576) | - | ||||||
Mark to market gain on convertible debentures | (1,132,741) | (22,900,959) | ||||||
Interest expense | 2,854,203 | 3,020,818 | ||||||
Interest on lease liabilities | 47,539 | |||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | 398,723 | (2,464,462) | ||||||
Loss (profit) from operations | $ | 9,422,540 | $ | (14,962,819) | ||||
Deferred income tax expense (recovery) | 771,150 | (126,869) | ||||||
Loss (profit) for the period | $ | 10,193,690 | $ | (15,089,688) | ||||
Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||
Change in fair value of the convertible debentures attributable to the change in credit risk | 2,398,260 | (600,821) | ||||||
Deferred income tax recovery | (867,238) | - | ||||||
Total comprehensive loss (profit) for the period | $ | 11,724,712 | $ | (15,690,509) | ||||
Loss (profit) attributable to: | ||||||||
Shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. | $ | 9,934,713 | $ | (15,334,672) | ||||
Non-controlling interests in IsoEnergy Ltd. | 258,977 | 244,984 | ||||||
Loss (profit) for the year | $ | 10,193,690 | $ | (15,089,688) | ||||
Total comprehensive loss (profit) attributable to: | ||||||||
Shareholders of NexGen Energy Ltd. | $ | 11,465,735 | $ | (15,935,493) | ||||
Non-controlling interests in IsoEnergy Ltd. | 258,977 | 244,984 | ||||||
Total comprehensive loss (profit) for the year | $ | 11,724,712 | $ | (15,690,509) | ||||
Loss (profit) per common share attributable to the Company’s common shareholders – | ||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.03 | $ | (0.04) | ||||
Diluted | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.08 | ||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | ||||||||
Basic | 357,066,647 | 350,108,284 | ||||||
Diluted | 357,066,647 | 409,294,084 | ||||||
18
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
In the three months ended December 31, 2019, NexGen earned a net loss of $10,193,690 or $0.03 per common share, compared to a net profit of $15,089,688 or $0.04 per common share for the three months ended December 31, 2018.
The Company recognized a mark to market gain on the Convertible Debentures of $1,132,741 during the three months ended December 31, 2019 as compared to a mark to market gain of $22,900,959 in the three months ended December 31, 2018. This mark to market gain or loss results from the fair valuere-measurement of the Convertible Debentures at each report date, with any changes in the fair value being recognized in the loss (profit) and comprehensive loss (profit) for the period. The gain was primarily the result of fluctuations in the Company’s share price, partially offset by the change in foreign exchange rates.
Salaries, benefits and directors’ fees are consistent from $2,376,098 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $2,435,210 in the three months ended December 31, 2019.
Office and administrative costs decreased from $504,987 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 to $432,235 in the three months ended December 31, 2019 mainly due to timing of costs and a decrease in general activities in 2019.
Professional fees increased from $444,383 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 to $869,334 in the three months ended December 31, 2019 mainly due to increased professional fees related to various corporate matters and timing of professional services in the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2018.
Travel expenses increased from $306,427 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 to $391,672 in the three months ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to an increase in general corporate activity in the three months ended December 31, 2019.
Depreciation expense decreased from $643,565 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 to $599,199 in the three months ended December 31, 2019 mainly due to decrease in fixed asset additions in the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.
Share-based payments charged to the statement of loss (profit) and comprehensive loss (profit) decreased from $3,767,223 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 to $2,811,654 in the three months ended December 31, 2019. These arenon-cash charges derived by the graded vesting method of the Black-Scholes values. Stock options granted to directors and employees vest over two years with the corresponding share-based compensation expense being recognized over this period. Variances in share-based compensation expenses are expected from period to period depending on many factors, including whether options are granted in a period and whether options have fully vested or have been cancelled in a period. During the three months ended December 31, 2019, 4,300,000 stock options were granted with a weighted average fair value per option of $0.82 compared to 3,225,000 stock options were granted with a weighted average fair value per option of $1.58 during the three months ended December 31, 2018. This amount of stock options at a lower weighted average fair value per option contributed to the decrease in share-based payments charged in the three months ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2018.
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets increased from $nil in the three months ended December 31, 2018 to $14,354 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 due to mineral claims relinquished in the three months ended December 31, 2019 by IsoEnergy.
Finance income decreased from $660,899 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 to $291,266 in the three months ended December 31, 2019 mainly due to decrease in cash on hand during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Interest expense of $3,020,818 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 was comparable to $2,854,203 in the three months ended December 31, 2019. Interest expense related to interest paid and accrued on the 2016 Debentures and 2017 Debentures bearing interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum, payable semi-annually.
19
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
The Company recognized a foreign exchange gain of $2,464,462 in the three months ended December 31, 2018 compared to a foreign exchange loss of $398,723 in the three months ended December 31, 2019. These amounts are derived from foreign exchange rate fluctuations realized on US dollar denominated transactions and payments translated into Canadian dollars as well as unrealized foreign exchange rate fluctuations on US dollar cash and accounts payable balances held on December 31, 2019.
A deferred income tax expense of $771,150 was recorded in the three months ended December 31, 2019 as compared to a recovery of $126.869 in the three months ended December 31, 2018. The deferred income tax expense of $771,150 is offset by a deferred tax recovery of $867,238 recorded in other comprehensive income relating to the change in the fair value of the convertible debentures being bifurcated between the loss for the period and other comprehensive income. The net $96,088 deferred income tax recovery relates to IsoEnergy’s deferred income tax recovery on losses recognized in the period, partially offset by the renunciation of flow-through shares and the income recognition on the flow-through share premium liability in the year ended December 31, 2019.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
NexGen has no revenue-producing operations, earns only minimal interest income on cash and cash equivalents, and historically has recurring operating losses. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $103,400,960.
As at the date of this MD&A, the Company has approximately $46.53 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $2.79 million in current liabilities. The Company’s working capital balance as at the date of this MD&A is approximately $43.59 million.
On July 21, 2017, the Company completed the Financing raising total gross proceeds of US$110 million. The Financing positions the Company to continue its planned exploration and development activities at the Rook I Project and plannedpre-development activities and assessments, while maintaining current corporate capacity (including servicing the interest payments on the Convertible Debentures), which includes wages, consulting fees, professional fees, costs associated with the Company’s office in Vancouver and Saskatoon and fees and expenditures required to maintain all of its tenements.
The Company does not have any commitments for capital expenditures. However, as of the date hereof, the Company has the following contractual obligations:
(Expressed in Canadian dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contract and leases | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | After 5 years | |||||||||||||||
Convertible debentures (1) | $ | 168,631,667 | $ | 7,800,000 | $ | 160,831,667 | (3) | $ | $ | - | ||||||||||
Vehicle leases | 253,557 | 138,050 | 115,507 | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Office leases (2) | 2,916,287 | 576,563 | 994,727 | 1,344,997 | - | |||||||||||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 171,801,511 | $ | 8,514,613 | $ | 161,941,901 | $ | 1,344,997 | $ | - | ||||||||||
Notes:
| 1. | Cash interest payments on 2016 and 2017 Debentures converted from $US into C$ at a rate of 1.30. |
| 2. | Leases pertain to Vancouver corporate head office, Saskatoon offices and IsoEnergy’s corporate head office. |
| 3. | This includes repayment of the $120 million principal amount of 2016 and 2017 Debentures which, if not converted prior to maturity, will become due and payable (converted from US$ into C$ at a rate of 1.30). |
On an ongoing basis, and particularly in light of current market conditions for mineral exploration, management evaluates and adjusts its planned level of activities, including planned, exploration and committed administrative costs, to maintain adequate levels of working capital.
20
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
As previously stated, the Company is dependent on external financing, including equity issuances and debt financing, to fund its activities. Even with the Financing, circumstances that could impair the Company’s ability to raise future additional funds include general economic conditions, the price of uranium and the other factors set forth below under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s current annual information form and above under “Industry and Economic Factors that May Affect the Business”.
The Company has not paid any dividends and management does not expect that this will change in the near future.
Working capital is held in cash and cash equivalents, significantly reducing any liquidity risk of financial instruments held by NexGen.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company had nooff-balance sheet arrangements as at December 31, 2019 or as at the date hereof.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
Key management personnel include those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company as a whole. The Company has determined that key management personnel consists of executive andnon-executive members of the Company’s Board of Directors, corporate officers and related companies.
Remuneration attributed to key management personnel can be summarized as follows:
| For the years ended | ||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||||
Short-term compensation(1) | $ 4,041,619 | $ 3,961,649 | ||||||
Share-based payments (stock options)(2) | 9,101,888 | 12,377,331 | ||||||
Consulting fees(3) | 45,499 | - | ||||||
| $ 13,189,006 | $ 16,338,980 | |||||||
Notes:
(1)Short-term compensation to key management personnel for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $4,041,619 (2018 - $3,961,649) of which $2,985,193 (2018 - $3,320,106) was expensed and included in salaries, benefits and directors’ fees on the statement of loss and comprehensive loss. The remaining $1,056,426 (2018 - $641,543) was capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets.
(2)Share-based payments to key management personnel for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $9,101,888 (2018 - $12,377,331) of which $8,834,428 (2018 - $11,534,811) was expensed and $267,460 (2018 - $842,520) was capitalized to exploration and evaluation assets.
(3)The Company used consulting services of one of its directors in relation to advice on corporate matters for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $45,499 (2018 - $nil).
As at December 31, 2019, there was $99,999 (December 31, 2018 - $1,415,900) included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities owing to its directors and officers for compensation and consulting fees.
21
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
The authorized capital of NexGen consists of an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares. As at March 3, 2020, there were 360,250,571 common shares, 36,617,495 stock options and no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
Set forth below are details regarding the outstanding stock options.
Number of Options | Number Exercisable | Exercise Price | Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | Expiry Date | ||||||||||||||||
| 2,850,000 | 2,850,000 | $ | 0.500 | 0.41 | May 27, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | $ | 2.930 | 0.92 | November 29, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| 500,000 | 333,334 | $ | 2.850 | 0.92 | November 29, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| 166,667 | 166,667 | $ | 2.410 | 0.92 | November 29, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| 166,667 | 83,333 | $ | 1.920 | 0.92 | November 29, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| 3,250,000 | 3,250,000 | $ | 0.640 | 0.96 | December 16, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| 250,000 | 250,000 | $ | 2.690 | 1.44 | June 8, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| 4,425,000 | 4,425,000 | $ | 2.650 | 1.48 | June 23, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| 2,750,000 | 2,750,000 | $ | 2.240 | 1.96 | December 15, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| 250,000 | 250,000 | $ | 3.110 | 2.31 | April 22, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| 125,000 | 125,000 | $ | 2.930 | 2.87 | November 13, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| 3,725,000 | 3,725,000 | $ | 3.390 | 2.96 | December 14, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| 475,000 | 316,666 | $ | 2.390 | 3.28 | April 13, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| 4,025,000 | 2,683,333 | $ | 2.850 | 3.44 | June 8, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| 100,000 | 66,667 | $ | 2.660 | 3.47 | June 20, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| 720,482 | 520,482 | $ | 2.490 | 3.64 | August 21, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| 2,800,000 | 1,866,664 | $ | 2.410 | 4.00 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||
| 500,000 | 166,667 | $ | 2.270 | 4.22 | March 21, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| 250,000 | 83,334 | $ | 2.220 | 4.24 | March 27, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| 3,800,000 | 1,266,667 | $ | 1.920 | 4.45 | June 12, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| 188,679 | 94,340 | $ | 1.590 | 4.63 | August 16, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| 4,300,000 | 1,433,333 | $ | 1.590 | 4.99 | December 24, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
Total | 36,617,495 | 27,706,487 | ||||||||||||||||||
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances. Uncertainty about these judgments, estimates and assumptions could result in a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the affected asset or liability in future periods.
Information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty considered by management in preparing the Financial Statements is as follows:
22
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
(i) Impairment
At the end of each financial reporting period the carrying amounts of the Company’snon-financial assets are reviewed to determine whether there is any indication of an impairment loss or reversal of previous impairment. Where such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment, if any. With respect to exploration and evaluation assets, the Company is required to make estimates about future events and circumstances regarding whether the carrying amount of intangible exploration assets exceeds its recoverable amount. Recoverability is dependent on various factors, including the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete development and upon future profitable production or proceeds from the disposition of the exploration and evaluation assets themselves. Additionally, there are numerous geological, economic, environmental and regulatory factors and uncertainties that could impact management’s assessment as to the overall viability of its properties or the ability to generate future cash flows necessary to cover or exceed the carrying value of the Company’s exploration and evaluation asset properties.
(ii) Share-based payments
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of options and warrants in order to calculate share-based payments expense and the fair value of warrants. The Black-Scholes model involves six key inputs to determine fair value of an option or warrant: risk-free interest rate, exercise price, market price at date of issue, expected dividend yield, expected life, and expected volatility. Certain of the inputs are estimates that involve considerable judgment and are or could be affected by significant factors that are out of the Company’s control. The Company is also required to estimate the future forfeiture rate of options based on historical information in its calculation of share-based payments expense.
(iii) Fair value of financial instruments
The Company measures its financial instruments at fair value. Where the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial statements cannot be derived from active markets, their fair value is determined using valuation techniques including a convertible note valuation model for the Convertible Debentures. The inputs used in these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required in establishing fair values. The judgments include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting policies followed by the Company are set out in Note 4 to the Annual Financial Statements and have been consistently followed in the preparation of these financial statements except for the following change in accounting policy:
In the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company transitioned to IFRS 16 – Leases, as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach and therefore comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 17 Leases (“IAS 17”). On initial application, the Company has elected to recordright-of-use assets based on the corresponding lease liability.Right-of-use assets and lease obligations of $2,826,512 and $3,222,380, respectively, were recorded as of January 1, 2019, with no net impact on retained earnings. When measuring lease liabilities, the Company discounted lease payments using an incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2019. The weighted-average rate applied is 7.40%. Additional detail on the effect of adopting IFRS 16 - Leases are contained in Note 4 to the Interim Financial Statements.
Capital Management
The Company manages its capital structure, and makes adjustments to it, based on the funds available to the Company, in order to support the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of assets. The Board does not establish quantitative return on capital criteria for management, but rather relies on the expertise of the Company’s management to sustain the future development of the business.
23
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
In the management of capital, the Company considers all components of equity and is dependent on third party financing, whether through debt, equity, or other means. Although the Company has been successful in raising funds to date, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining the required financing in the future or that such financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Company.
The properties in which the Company currently has an interest are in the exploration and development stage. As such the Company has historically relied on the equity markets to fund its activities. The Company will continue to assess new properties and seek to acquire an interest in additional properties if it determines that there is sufficient geologic or economic potential and if it has adequate financial resources to do so.
As discussed in the section above entitled “Overall Performance”, the Company completed a Financing raising gross proceeds of US$110 million in the period ended December 31, 2017. In addition to holding sufficient US dollars to make all interest payments due under the Convertible Debentures until maturity, the Company is investing the remaining funds from the Financing into short-term products offering the highest yields.
The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements. There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2019.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, amounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and convertible debentures. The risks associated with these financial instruments are discussed below.
The fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, amounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying value, due to their short-term maturities or prompt liquidation ability. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are classified as loans and receivables and are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost with accrued interest recorded in amounts receivable.
The Convertible Debentures arere-measured at fair value at each reporting date with any change in fair value recognized in profit or loss with the exception that under IFRS 9, the change in fair value that is attributable to change in credit risk is presented in other comprehensive income.
The Company’s risk exposure and the impact on its financial instruments are summarized below:
| (a) | Credit Risk |
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. Financial instruments potentially subject to credit risk are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and amounts receivable.The Company holds cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments with large Canadian and Australian banks. Credit risk is concentrated as a significant amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents on hand and short-term investments are held at two financial institutions. Management believes the risk of loss to be remote. The Company’s amounts receivable consists of input tax credits receivable from the Government of Canada and interest accrued on cash equivalents and short-term investments. Accordingly, the Company does not believe it is subject to significant credit risk.
24
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
| (b) | Liquidity Risk |
Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in raising funds to meet commitments associated with financial instruments. The Company attempts to manage liquidity risk by maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalent balances. Liquidity requirements are managed based on expected cash flows to ensure that there is sufficient capital to meet short-term obligations. The Company’s approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when due. As at December 31, 2019, NexGen had cash and cash equivalents of $52,117,581 to settle accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $3,998,313.
| (c) | Market Risk |
Market risk is the risk of loss that may arise from changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity and equity prices.
(i) Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. The Company holds its cash and cash equivalents in bank accounts that earn variable interest rates. Due to theshort-term nature of these financial instruments, fluctuations in market rates do not have a significant impact on estimated fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalent balances as of December 31, 2019. The Company manages interest rate risk by maintaining an investment policy forshort-term investments held in cash equivalents. This policy focuses primarily on preservation of capital and liquidity. The Company monitors its investments and is satisfied with the credit rating of its banks. The Convertible Debentures, in an aggregate principal amount of US$120 million, carry a fixed interest rate of 7.5% and hence, are not subject to interest rate fluctuations.
(ii) Foreign Currency Risk
The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the Canadian dollar. The Company is affected by currency transaction risk and currency translation risk. Consequently, fluctuations of the Canadian dollar in relation to other currencies impact the fair value of financial assets, liabilities and operating results.
Financial assets and liabilities subject to currency translation risk primarily include US dollar denominated cash and US dollar accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The Company maintains Canadian and US dollar bank accounts in Canada.
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk on its US dollar denominated Convertible Debentures. At maturity the US$120 million principal amount of the Convertible Debentures is due in full, and prior to then at a premium upon the occurrence of certain events, including a change of control.The Company holds sufficient US dollars to make all interest payments due under the Convertible Debentures until maturity but not to pay the entire principal amount. Accordingly, the Company is subject to risks associated with fluctuations in the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate that may make the Convertible Debentures more costly to repay.
(iii) Price Risk
The Company is exposed to price risk with respect to commodity and equity prices. Equity price risk is defined as the potential adverse impact on the Company’s earnings due to movements in individual equity prices or general movements in the level of the stock market. Accordingly, significant movements in the Company’s share price may affect the valuation of the Convertible Debentures which may adversely impact its earnings.
25
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Commodity price risk is defined as the potential adverse impact on earnings and economic value due to commodity price movements and volatility. Future declines in commodity prices may impact the valuation of long-lived assets. The Company closely monitors the price of uranium, individual equity movements, and the stock market to determine the appropriate course of action, if any, to be taken by the Company.
Sensitivity Analysis
As at December 31, 2019, the Company’s US dollar net financial liabilities were US$76,019,307. Thus a 10% change in the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar exchange rates would give rise to a $9,871,617 change in loss and comprehensive loss.
The Company has not entered into any agreements or purchased any instruments to hedge possible currency risks at this time.
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORT (ICFR)
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) and disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”) as such terms are defined in National Instrument52-109 –Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Internal Filings (“NI52-109”). DC&P is intended to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately within prescribed time periods. ICFR is intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB.
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have caused the effectiveness of the Company’s ICFR and DC&P as at December 31, 2019 be evaluated under their supervision. Based on their evaluation, it has been concluded that as at December 31, 2019, each of the Company’s ICFR and DC&P is effective, based on the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) on Internal Controls – integrated Framework (2013).
There have been no changes in the Company’s ICFR during the year ended December 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s ICFR.
The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, believe that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, they cannot provide absolute assurance that all controls issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by unauthorized override of the control. The design of any systems of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
26
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
RISK FACTORS
The operations of the Company are speculative due to the high-risk nature of its business which is the exploration of mining properties. For a comprehensive list of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company, please see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and above under “Industry and Economic Factors that May Affect the Business”. These are not the only risks and uncertainties that NexGen faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently considers immaterial may also impair its business operations. These risk factors could materially affect the Company’s future operating results and could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements relating to the Company.
Negative Operating Cash Flow and Dependence on Third Party Financing
The Company has no source of operating cash flow and there can be no assurance that the Company will ever achieve profitability. Accordingly, the Company is dependent on third party financing to continue exploration activities on the Company’s properties, maintain capacity and satisfy contractual obligations. Accordingly, the amount and timing of expenditures depends on the Company’s cash reserves and access to third party financing. Failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of the Company’s properties, including the Rook I Project, or require the Company to sell one or more of its properties (or an interest therein). In particular, there can be no assurance that the Company will have achieved profitability prior to the Maturity Date and may be required to finance the repayment of all or a part of the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures. Failure to repay the Convertible Debentures in accordance with the terms thereof would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.
Uncertainty of Additional Financing
As stated above, the Company is dependent on third party financing, whether through debt, equity, or other means. Although the Company has been successful in raising funds to date, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining required financing in the future or that such financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Company. The Company’s access to third party financing depends on a number factors including the price of uranium, the results of ongoing exploration, the results of the FS and any other economic or other analysis, the Company’s obligations under the Convertible Debentures, a claim against the Company, a significant event disrupting the Company’s business or uranium industry generally, or other factors may make it difficult or impossible to obtain financing through debt, equity, or other means on favourable terms, or at all. As previously stated, failure to obtain such additional financing could result in delay or indefinite postponement of further exploration and development of the Company’s properties, including the Rook I Project, or require the Company to sell one or more of its properties (or an interest therein).
The Price of Uranium Price and Alternate Sources of Energy
The price of uranium is at historically low levels and the price of the Company’s securities is highly sensitive to fluctuations in the price of uranium. Historically, the fluctuations in these prices have been, and are expected to continue to be, affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Such factors include, among others: demand for nuclear power; political and economic conditions in uranium producing and consuming countries; public and political response to a nuclear accident; improvements in nuclear reactor efficiencies; reprocessing of used reactor fuel and there-enrichment of depleted uranium tails; sales of excess inventories by governments and industry participants; and production levels and production costs in key uranium producing countries.
27
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
In addition, nuclear energy competes with other sources of energy like oil, natural gas, coal and hydro-electricity. These sources are somewhat interchangeable with nuclear energy, particularly over the longer term. If lower prices of oil, natural gas, coal and hydro-electricity are sustained over time, it may result in lower demand for uranium concentrates and uranium conversion services, which, among other things, could lead to lower uranium prices. Growth of the uranium and nuclear power industry will also depend on continuing and growing public support for nuclear technology to generate electricity. Unique political, technological and environmental factors affect the nuclear industry, exposing it to the risk of public opinion, which could have a negative effect on the demand for nuclear power and increase the regulation of the nuclear power industry. An accident at a nuclear reactor anywhere in the world could affect acceptance of nuclear energy and the future prospects for nuclear generation.
All of the above factors could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s ability to obtain the required financing in the future or to obtain such financing on terms acceptable to the Company, resulting in material and adverse effects on its exploration and development programs, cash flow and financial condition.
Exploration Risks
Exploration for mineral resources involves a high degree of risk and few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. The risks and uncertainties inherent in exploration activities include but are not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions, the regulatory process and actions, failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals, technical issues, new legislation, competitive and general economic factors and conditions, the uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, the occurrence of unexpected events and management’s capacity to execute and implement its future plans. There is also no assurance that even if commercial quantities of ore are discovered that it will be developed and brought into commercial production. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit once discovered is also dependent upon a number of factors, most of which factors are beyond the control of the Company and may result in the Company not receiving adequate return on investment capital.
Uninsurable Risks
Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk. Exploration, development and production operations on mineral properties involve numerous risks, including but not limited to unexpected or unusual geological operating conditions, seismic activity, rock bursts,cave-ins, fires, floods, landslides, earthquakes and other environmental occurrences, and political and social instability, any of which could result in damage to, or destruction of life or property, environmental damage and possible legal liability. Although the Company believes that appropriate precautions to mitigate these risks are being taken, operations are subject to hazards such as equipment failure or failure of structures, which may result in environmental pollution and consequent liability. It is not always possible to obtain insurance against all such risks and the Company may decide not to insure against certain risks because of high premiums or other reasons. Should such liabilities arise, they could reduce or eliminate the Company’s future profitability and result in increasing costs and a decline in the value of the Common Shares. While the Company may obtain insurance against certain risks in such amounts as it considers adequate, the nature of these risks is such that liabilities could exceed policy limits or be excluded from coverage. The potential costs that could be associated with any liabilities not covered by insurance or in excess of insurance coverage may cause substantial delays and require significant capital outlays, thereby adversely affecting the Company’s business and financial condition.
28
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Reliance upon Key Management and Other Personnel
The Company relies on the specialized skills of management in the areas of mineral exploration, geology and business negotiations and management. The loss of any of these individuals could have an adverse effect on the Company. The Company does not currently maintainkey-man life insurance on any of its key employees. In addition, as the Company’s business activity continues to grow, it will require additional key financial, administrative and qualified technical personnel. Although the Company believes that it will be successful in attracting, retaining and training qualified personnel, there can be no assurance of such success. If it is not successful in attracting, retaining and training qualified personnel, the efficiency of the Company’s business could be affected, which could have an adverse impact on its future cash flows, earnings, results of operation and financial condition.
Imprecision of Mineral Resource Estimates
Mineral resource figures are estimates, and no assurances can be given that the estimated levels of uranium will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. While the Company believes that its mineral resource estimate is well established and reflects management’s best estimates, by their nature, mineral resource estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. Should the Company encounter mineralization or formations different from those predicted by past sampling and drilling, resource estimates may have to be adjusted.
These are not the only risks and uncertainties that NexGen faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently considers immaterial may also impair its business operations. These risk factors could materially affect the Company’s future operating results and could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements relating to the Company.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in one reportable segment, being the acquisition, exploration and development of uranium properties. All of the Company’snon-current assets are located in Canada.
29
NEXGEN ENERGY LTD.
For the year ended December 31, 2019
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This MD&A contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to planned exploration and development activities, the future interpretation of geological information, the cost and results of exploration and development activities, future financings, the future price of uranium and requirements for additional capital.
Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative connotation thereof.
Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about NexGen’s business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions, including among others, that the proposed transaction will be completed, the results of planned exploration and development activities are as anticipated, the price of uranium, the cost of planned exploration and development activities, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment, supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct NexGen’s planned exploration and development activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward looking information or making forward looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.
Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of NexGen to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of NexGen expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of the availability of additional financing, the risk that pending assay results will not confirm previously announced preliminary results, imprecision of mineral resource estimates, the appeal of alternate sources of energy and sustained low uranium prices, aboriginal title and consultation issues, exploration and development risks, reliance upon key management and other personnel, deficiencies in the Company’s title to its properties, uninsurable risks, failure to manage conflicts of interest, failure to obtain or maintain required permits and licenses, changes in laws, regulations and policy, competition for resources and financing and other factors discussed or referred to in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 4, 2019 under “Risk Factors”.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this MD&A are made as of the date of this MD&A and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.
APPROVAL
The Audit Committee and the Board of NexGen have approved the disclosure contained in this MD&A. A copy of this MD&A will be provided to anyone who requests it and can be located, along with additional information, on the Company’s profile SEDAR website atwww.sedar.com or by contacting the Corporate Secretary, located at Suite 3150, 1021 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C3 or at (604)428-4112.
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