UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
| For the quarter ended September 30, 2007 or |
| |
o | Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
| For the transition period from ___________ to ____________ |
Commission file number 0-8773
CRESTED CORP. |
(Exact Name of Company as Specified in its Charter) |
Colorado | | 84-0608126 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | | Identification No.) |
| | |
877 North 8th West, Riverton, WY | | 82501 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
| | |
Company's telephone number, including area code: | | (307) 856-9271 |
Not Applicable
(Former name, address and fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
YES o NO x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
YES o NO x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES x NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange act.
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES o NO x
APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
YES o NO o
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class | | Outstanding Shares at November 13, 2007 |
Common stock, $.001 par value | | 17,382,704 |
CRESTED CORP.
INDEX
| | Page No. |
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | |
ITEM 1. | Financial Statements: | |
| | |
| Balance Sheets | |
| September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 (Unaudited) | 4-5 |
| | |
| Statements of Operations (Unaudited) | |
| Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 | 6 |
| | |
| Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 | 7-8 |
| | |
| Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) | 9-17 |
| | |
ITEM 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of | |
| Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 18-27 |
| | |
ITEM 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 27 |
| | |
ITEM 4. | Controls and Procedures | 27 |
| | |
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | |
| | |
ITEM 1. | Legal Proceedings | 28-29 |
| | |
ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors | 29-32 |
| | |
ITEM 2. | Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds | 32 |
| | |
ITEM 3. | Defaults upon Senior Securities | 32 |
| | |
ITEM 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 33 |
| | |
ITEM 5. | Other Information | 33 |
| | |
ITEM 6. | Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K | 33 |
| | |
| Signatures | 34 |
| | |
| Certifications | See Exhibits |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
CRESTED CORP. | |
BALANCE SHEETS | |
ASSETS | |
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | | |
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 140,100 | | | $ | 3,236,600 | |
Marketable securities | | | | | | | | |
Held to maturity - treasury bills | | | 20,358,600 | | | | -- | |
Available for sale | | | 180,700 | | | | -- | |
Accounts receivable | | | | | | | | |
Current receivable from affiliate | | | 198,200 | | | | -- | |
Dissolution of subsidiaries | | | 24,000 | | | | -- | |
Reimbursement of costs | | | -- | | | | 72,200 | |
Deferred tax asset | | | 126,800 | | | | 7,442,500 | |
| | | 21,028,400 | | | | 10,751,300 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE | | | 12,412,600 | | | | 4,280,400 | |
| | | | | | | | |
DEFERRED TAX ASSET | | | 304,700 | | | | 91,300 | |
| | $ | 33,745,700 | | | $ | 15,123,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of htese statements.
CRESTED CORP. | |
BALANCE SHEETS | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | | |
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | | | | | | |
Current debt to affiliate | | $ | -- | | | $ | 13,277,200 | |
Liabilities held for sale | | | -- | | | | 1,204,900 | |
Income taxes payable | | | 1,840,600 | | | | -- | |
Other current liabilities | | | 92,400 | | | | -- | |
| | | 1,933,000 | | | | 14,482,100 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMITMENT TO FUND EQUITY INVESTEES | | | 215,600 | | | | 215,600 | |
| | | | | | | | |
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION | | | 54,000 | | | | 51,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
FORFEITABLE COMMON STOCK, $.001 par value | | | | | | | | |
15,000 shares issued, forfeitable until earned | | | 10,100 | | | | 10,100 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; | | | | | | | | |
100,000 shares authorized none issued or outstanding | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Common stock, $.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares | | | | | | | | |
authorized; 17,367,704 and 17,167,704 | | | | | | | | |
shares issued and outstanding, respectively | | | 17,400 | | | | 17,200 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 12,186,200 | | | | 11,844,400 | |
Unrealized loss | | | (126,100 | ) | | | -- | |
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) | | | 19,455,500 | | | | (11,497,400 | ) |
| | | 31,533,000 | | | | 364,200 | |
| | $ | 33,745,700 | | | $ | 15,123,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of htese statements.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended September 30, | | | Nine months ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
REVENUES: | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
COSTS AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accretion of asset retirement obligation | | | 2,000 | | | | 49,300 | | | | 3,100 | | | | 149,100 | |
General and administrative | | | 36,100 | | | | 198,800 | | | | 304,600 | | | | 348,200 | |
| | | 38,100 | | | | 248,100 | | | | 307,700 | | | | 497,300 | |
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS | | | (38,100 | ) | | | (248,100 | ) | | | (307,700 | ) | | | (497,300 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest | | | 371,500 | | | | 11,300 | | | | 554,800 | | | | 12,200 | |
Dividends | | | -- | | | | 27,000 | | | | -- | | | | 27,000 | |
Loss on sale of marketable securities | | | (1,080,200 | ) | | | (270,800 | ) | | | (4,498,800 | ) | | | (324,300 | ) |
Loss on exchange of Enterra Acquisition shares | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | (1,354,200 | ) |
Loss on valuation of derivatives | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | (223,600 | ) |
Dissolution of investments | | | 148,200 | | | | -- | | | | 148,200 | | | | -- | |
Gain on sale of investment | | | -- | | | | 3,794,800 | | | | -- | | | | 3,794,800 | |
Litigation settlement | | | -- | | | | (3,500,000 | ) | | | -- | | | | (3,500,000 | ) |
Gain on sale of uranium assets | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 55,905,400 | | | | -- | |
Gain (loss) on sale of assets | | | (115,900 | ) | | | -- | | | | 284,100 | | | | -- | |
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange | | | (36,600 | ) | | | -- | | | | 214,700 | | | | -- | |
| | | (713,000 | ) | | | 62,300 | | | | 52,608,400 | | | | (1,568,100 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EQUITY LOSS, | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AND INCOME TAXES | | | (751,100 | ) | | | (185,800 | ) | | | 52,300,700 | | | | (2,065,400 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EQUITY IN LOSS OF AFFILIATE | | | (789,500 | ) | | | (2,311,900 | ) | | | (4,517,000 | ) | | | (2,656,200 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME TAXES | | | (1,540,600 | ) | | | (2,497,700 | ) | | | 47,783,700 | | | | (4,721,600 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME TAXES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current provision for | | | 743,500 | | | | -- | | | | (9,660,600 | ) | | | -- | |
Deferred provision for | | | 267,400 | | | | -- | | | | (7,170,200 | ) | | | -- | |
| | | 1,010,900 | | | | -- | | | | (16,830,800 | ) | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | | $ | (529,700 | ) | | $ | (2,497,700 | ) | | $ | 30,952,900 | | | $ | (4,721,600 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PER SHARE DATA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE, BASIC | | $ | (0.03 | ) | | $ | (0.15 | ) | | $ | 1.80 | | | $ | (0.28 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE, DILUTED | | $ | (0.03 | ) | | $ | (0.15 | ) | | $ | 1.74 | | | $ | (0.28 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SHARES OUTSTANDING | | | 17,295,965 | | | | 17,149,298 | | | | 17,210,927 | | | | 17,149,298 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SHARES OUTSTANDING | | | 17,295,965 | | | | 17,149,298 | | | | 17,743,107 | | | | 17,149,298 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of htese statements.
CRESTED CORP. | |
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | | |
| | For nine months ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 30,952,900 | | | $ | (4,721,600 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash | | | | | | | | |
used in by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Equity in loss of affiliate | | | 4,517,000 | | | | 2,656,200 | |
Loss on exchange of Enterra units | | | -- | | | | 1,354,200 | |
Loss on sale of marketable securities | | | 4,498,800 | | | | 324,300 | |
Proceeds from sale of trading securities | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Gain on sale of assets | | | (284,100 | ) | | | -- | |
Gain on sale of assets to sxr | | | (55,905,400 | ) | | | -- | |
Gain on foreign exchange rates | | | (214,700 | ) | | | -- | |
Noncash interest income | | | (358,600 | ) | | | -- | |
Provision for income taxes | | | 7,170,000 | | | | -- | |
Income taxes payable | | | 1,812,900 | | | | -- | |
Gain on sale of Pinnacle Gas | | | -- | | | | (3,794,800 | ) |
Noncash compensation | | | 169,500 | | | | 195,800 | |
Change in valuation of derivatives | | | -- | | | | 223,600 | |
Accretion of asset retirement obligation | | | 2,100 | | | | 149,100 | |
Change in accounts receivable | | | 48,200 | | | | -- | |
Net changes in assets and liabilities | | | -- | | | | (27,800 | ) |
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES | | | (7,591,400 | ) | | | (3,641,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities | | | 45,362,000 | | | | 2,991,000 | |
Proceeds from the sale of assets | | | 25,000 | | | | 4,830,000 | |
Investment in affiliate | | | (12,030,200 | ) | | | (3,071,300 | ) |
Investment in treasury bills | | | (20,000,000 | ) | | | -- | |
NET PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | 13,356,800 | | | | 4,749,700 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of stock | | | 342,000 | | | | -- | |
Income tax benefit from stock option exercise | | | 27,700 | | | | -- | |
Net activity on debt to affiliate | | | (9,231,600 | ) | | | 3,317,800 | |
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY | | | | | | | | |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | (8,861,900 | ) | | | 3,317,800 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCREASE IN | | | | | | | | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | | | (3,096,500 | ) | | | 4,426,500 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT | | | | | | | | |
BEGINNING OF PERIOD | | | 3,236,600 | | | | 95,100 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT | | | | | | | | |
END OF PERIOD | | $ | 140,100 | | | $ | 4,521,600 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of htese statements.
CRESTED CORP. | |
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | | |
| | For nine months ended September 30, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: | | | | | | |
Interest paid | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income tax paid | | $ | 7,820,000 | | | $ | -- | |
| | | | | | | | |
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | |
Exchange of Enterra Acquisition Shares for | | | | | | | | |
Enterra Trust Units | | $ | -- | | | $ | 3,315,300 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Unrealized loss/gain | | $ | 126,100 | | | $ | -- | |
| | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of htese statements.
CRESTED CORP.
Notes to Financial Statments (Unaudited)
1) Basis of Presentation
The Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2007, the Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 have been prepared by the Company without audit. The Balance Sheet at December 31, 2006, was derived from financial statements audited by Moss Adams LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their report for the year ended December 31, 2006 (not included). In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to fairly present the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2007 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company's December 31, 2006 Form 10-K. The results of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates of reclamation expenses based on certain assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
2) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
FIN 48 In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 requires that the Company recognize in its financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective beginning January 1, 2007 with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings, goodwill, deferred income taxes and income taxes payable in the Balance Sheets. The adoption of FIN 48 has no significant impact on the financial statements of the Company at September 30, 2007.
FAS 157 In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions for FAS 157 are effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this statement will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
CRESTED CORP.
Notes to Financial Statments (Unaudited)
(Continued)
SAB 108 In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 provides guidance on consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The adoption of SAB 108 did not have an impact on our financial statements.
SFAS 159 In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”) which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS 159 will be effective for us on January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 159 on our financial position, cash flows, and results of operations.
The Company has reviewed other current outstanding statements from the Financial Accounting Standards Board and does not believe that any of those statements will have a material adverse affect on the financial statements of the Company when adopted.
3) Marketable Securities
The Company accounts for its marketable securities as (1) held to maturity, (2) available for sale and (3) trading. The Company holds short-term securities which have maturities of greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase. These securities are classified as held to maturity based on the Company's intent to hold such securities to the maturity date. All held to maturity securities are U.S. Government securities and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value. Income related to these securities is reported as a component of interest income. The Company's available for sale securities are carried at fair value with net unrealized gain or (loss) recorded as a separate component of shareholders' equity. If a decline in fair value of held to maturity securities is determined to be other than temporary, the investment is written down to fair value. Based on the Company's intent to sell the securities, its equity securities are reported as trading securities.
At September 30, 2007, the Company owned held to maturity and available for sale securities.
| | | | | | | | Unrealized | |
| | Cost | | | Value | | | Gain/(Loss) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Held to maturity - treasury bills | | | | | $ | 20,358,600 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Available for sale securities | | | | | | | | | | |
Kobex shares | | $ | 375,000 | | | $ | 180,700 | | | $ | (194,300 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
4) Debt
As of September 30, 2007 the Company had no term debt as a result of the payment of the entire amount due USE during the quarter ended September 2007.
CRESTED CORP.
Notes to Financial Statments (Unaudited)
(Continued)
5) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Unrealized gains and losses on investments are excluded from net income but are reported as comprehensive income on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets under Shareholders’ equity. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) if the Company had recognized comprehensive income:
| | | Nine months ending September 30, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Net gain/(loss) | | $ | 30,952,900 | | | $ | (4,721,600 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss from the | | | | | | | | |
unrealized loss on marketable securities | | | (194,300 | ) | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes on | | | | | | | | |
| marketable securities | | | 68,200 | | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive gain/(loss) | | $ | 30,826,800 | | | $ | (4,721,600 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
6) Earnings Per Share
The Company presents basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share". Basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the incremental shares attributed to outstanding options to purchase common stock, if dilutive. Potential common shares relating to employee options are excluded from the computation of diluted (loss) per share, because they are anti-dilutive.
7) Stock Based Compensation
The Company's management adopted an Incentive Stock Option Plan (“ISOP”), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders on September 2, 2004. 2,000,000 shares of common stock are reserved for grant under the ISOP. The number of shares so reserved will be automatically increased to equal 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2007 a total of 1,700,000 options under the ISOP had been issued to officers and employees of the Company and USE and directors of USE. These options were issued on June 10, 2005, have an exercise price of $1.71 per share and expire on June 9, 2015. The estate of a former officer and director exercised 200,000 options, which represents 100% of the options available to it, during the quarter ended September 30, 2007. As a result of the exercise of these options the Company received $342,000.
The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123(R) "Accounting for Stock - Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure". No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007. All options were previously fully vested.
CRESTED CORP.
Notes to Financial Statments (Unaudited)
(Continued)
8) Income Taxes
The income tax provision differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income from continuing operations before taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows:
| | Three Months | | | Nine Months | |
| | Ended | | | Ended | |
| | September 30, 2007 | | | September 30, 2007 | |
Consolidated book income before income tax | | $ | (1,540,600 | ) | | $ | 47,783,700 | |
Prior year true-up and rate change | | $ | (203,000 | ) | | $ | (203,000 | ) |
Permanent differences | | $ | 212,800 | | | $ | 7,400 | |
Taxable income before temporary differences | | $ | (1,530,800 | ) | | $ | 47,588,100 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Expected federal income tax expense (benefit)35% | | $ | (535,800 | ) | | $ | 16,655,800 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | | $ | (267,300 | ) | | $ | 7,170,200 | |
Current expense (benefit) | | | (268,500 | ) | | $ | 9,485,600 | |
Total federal income tax expense (benefit) | | | (535,800 | ) | | $ | 16,655,800 | |
Current state income tax expense net of | | | | | |
federal tax benefit | | | (475,000 | ) | | | 175,000 | |
Total provision (benefit) | | $ | (1,010,800 | ) | | $ | 16,830,800 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Current taxes payable at September 30, 2007 are comprised of $1,835,600 of federal income taxes and $5,000 of state income taxes. This results in a current taxes payable of $1,840,600 at September 30, 2007. There were no current taxes payable at December 31, 2006.
The components of deferred taxes as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 are as follows:
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Deferred tax assets: | | | | | | |
Deferred compensation | | $ | 181,400 | | | $ | 81,000 | |
Accrued reclamation | | | 18,900 | | | | 439,600 | |
Allowances for bad debts | | | | | | | - | |
Tax basis in excess of book | | | 104,400 | | | | - | |
Net operating loss carry forwards | | | | | | | 6,976,600 | |
Tax credits (AMT credit carryover) | | | | | | | 44,200 | |
Non-deductible reserves and other | | | 126,800 | | | | | |
Total deferred tax assets | | | 431,500 | | | | 7,541,400 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Book basis in excess of tax basis | | | | | | | | |
Accrued reclamation | | | | | | | | |
Non-deductible reserves and other | | | | | | | 7,600 | |
Total deferred tax liabilities | | | 0 | | | | 7,600 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net deferred tax assets | | | 431,500 | | | | 7,533,800 | |
Valuation allowance | | | | | | | | |
Net deferred tax assets | | $ | 431,500 | | | $ | 7,533,800 | |
| | | | | | | | |
CRESTED CORP.
Notes to Financial Statments (Unaudited)
(Continued)
A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is required when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. No valuation allowance is provided at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 as the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be utilized.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, net current deferred tax assets decreased by $7,315,700 and net non-current deferred tax assets increased by $213,400. The total net change in deferred tax assets was a decrease of $7,102,300. The Company also recognized other comprehensive income of $67,900 resulting from the tax benefit related to the mark to market of assets held for resale. Accordingly, the total deferred income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $7,170,200. The decrease in net deferred tax assets was largely the result of the utilization of net operating losses and the relief of accrued reclamation liabilities resulting from the Uranium One sale.
On January 1, 2007 the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). Pursuant to FIN 48, the Company identified and evaluated any potential uncertain tax positions. The Company has concluded that there are no uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the financial statements. The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had no accrued interest or penalties at September 30, 2007 or December 31, 2006.
The Internal Revenue Service has audited, and closed, the tax years for the Company through the year ended May 31, 2000.
9) Sale of Marketable Securities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company sold (to a Canadian financial institution) 3,303,802 shares of sxr Uranium One (“Uranium One”) for net proceeds (after commission and bulk sale discount) of $45,362,000. The Company recorded a loss of $4,498,800 on the sale of the Uranium One shares.
The Company, through its joint venture with USE, the USECC Joint Venture (“USECC”), also sold 1,500,000 shares of UPC during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. USECC received $1,542,400 in net cash proceeds and recorded a net gain of $774,700 on the sale of the UPC shares. The Company recorded this income as part of the equity loss it recognized from USECC for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
10) Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company accounts for the reclamation of its mineral properties and oil properties pursuant to SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligation.” Under the provisions of this accounting statement, the Company records the estimated fair value of the reclamation liability on its mineral properties as of the date that the liability is incurred with a corresponding increase in the property’s book value. Actual costs could differ from those estimates. The reclamation liabilities are reviewed each quarter to determine whether estimates for the total asset retirement obligation are sufficient to complete the reclamation work required.
CRESTED CORP.
Notes to Financial Statments (Unaudited)
(Continued)
The following is a reconciliation of the total liability for asset retirement obligations (unaudited):
Balance December 31, 2006 | | $ | 51,000 | |
Revaluation of liability | | | 900 | |
Accretion Expense | | | 2,100 | |
Balance September 30, 2007 | | $ | 54,000 | |
| | | | |
11) Merger Agreement
On January 23, 2007, the Company and USE entered into a plan and agreement of merger (the “merger agreement”) for the proposed acquisition of the minority shares of the Company (approximately 29.1% is not owned by USE at the time of the acquisition proposal which has changed to 29.9% as of the date of this report due to the exercise by the estate of a former officer and director of 200,000 options previously issued by the Company) and the subsequent merger of the Company into USE. The merger agreement was approved by all directors of both companies. The exchange ratio of 2 of the Company’s shares for one share of USE was negotiated between the special committees of independent directors of both companies, and approved by the full boards of both companies on December 20, 2006.
For detailed information, please see the Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2007 and Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to all of the Company’s shareholders of record as of October 10, 2007, and a special meeting of the Company’s shareholders to vote on the proposed merger of Company into USE is set for November 26, 2007. USE has agreed to vote the shares of the Company it owns with the majority of the minority of the Company shareholders. Officers and directors of the Company and USE have agreed to vote in favor of the merger.
Management believes that the merger of the Company into USE will enhance shareholder value due to consolidation of assets, simplification of reporting requirements and the application of all resources to one company. It is anticipated that the merger will occur during the fourth quarter 2007.
12) Real Estate Investment
On May 10, 2007, the Company and USE through their subsidiary, Remington Village, LLC (“Remington”) acquired approximately 10.15 acres of land located in Gillette, Wyoming for a purchase price of $1,247,700. The Company and USE have now also successfully obtained entitlements and permits necessary to construct a 216 unit multifamily housing complex on the property. The Boards of Directors of the Company and USE have approved an equity investment in the property of $7.5 million. As of September 30, 2007, the Company planned to hold this development as a rental property. Through September 30, 2007 a total of $6.6 million had been expended on the acquisition of the land and construction of the project. Construction costs to completion are budgeted to be $26,011,000.
On August 31, 2007 the Company and USE obtained construction financing from a commercial bank in the amount of $18.5 million. The construction loan matures on March 1, 2009, bears interest at 2.25% over 30 day LIBOR and required a 0.75% origination fee. The Company and USE can make a one time extension election under the terms of the promissory note to extend the due date to September 1, 2009. Collateral for the promissory note is the Remington property, a guarantee by the Company and USE and a deposit of an additional $4.7 million with the commercial bank, held in an interest bearing account that is to be released to the Company, upon obtaining permanent financing.
CRESTED CORP.
Notes to Financial Statments (Unaudited)
(Continued)
The equity contribution by the Company and USE for the construction loan is $7.5 million or approximately 29% of the total build cost. At the closing of the construction financing the Company and USE received an equity credit on the property for previously paid costs of $3.0 million and was required to place $4.5 million in escrow with the commercial bank. At September 30, 2007, a total of $981,700 had been drawn from this account. During September 2007, USECC had $3,129,400 recorded as an accounts payable relating to the construction of Remington. Pursuant to the terms of the USECC Joint Venture, the Company will participate and be responsible for one half of the expenditures and loan commitments relating to the construction and operation of Remington. Likewise the Company will receive half of the revenues and cash flows through its participation in USECC.
Our real estate investment in multi-family housing is subject to market changes in the housing industry as well as market prices for natural gas and coal. As the multi-family housing project currently under construction is not yet complete, an assessment of the significance of the market risk for rental properties and minerals cannot be assessed at September 30, 2007. It is projected that the property will begin to be occupied during the first quarter of 2008 and completed during the fourth quarter of 2008. At that time, the market risk for rental properties as well as the forecast for natural gas and coal production will be analyzed to determine if there will be an impact on the value of the constructed multi-family housing.
13) Sutter Gold Mining, Inc.
On March 14, 2007, Sutter reached a Settlement Agreement with the Company, USE and USECC concerning: 1) an accumulated debt obligation by Sutter of approximately $2,025,700 at December 31, 2006 for expenditures made by USECC on behalf of Sutter was settled by Sutter issuing to the Company and USE 7,621,867 shares of Sutter common stock to the Company and USE, one half to each and 2) a Contingent Stock Purchase Warrant between Sutter, the Company and USE settled by Sutter issuing a 5% net profits interest royalty to the Company and USE (reducing to 1% after $4.6 million has been paid under the 5% NPIR). In addition, the Company and USE, through USECC, agreed to provide a $1 million line of credit ($500,000 each) to Sutter at 12% annual interest, drawable and repayable at any time in tranches of $50,000 or more by Sutter. At September 30, 2007 Sutter had borrowed $363,500 under the line of credit. The line of credit is collateralized by Sutter’s California properties. The Company and USE have the sole option to have Sutter repay the debt in cash or Sutter stock at a 10% discount to the 10 day Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) before payment. Prepayment without penalty is allowed. Terms of the credit agreement were negotiated and approved by the independent directors of Sutter, the Company and USE.
14) Uranium One Asset Purchase Agreement Closing
On April 30, 2007, the Company and USE and certain of their private subsidiary companies, completed the sale of their uranium assets by closing the February 22, 2007 Asset Purchase Agreement (the “APA”) with Uranium One Inc. (“Uranium One,” Toronto Stock Exchange “UUU”, and certain of its private subsidiary companies. Also, please see Note 9 above concerning proceeds from sale of Uranium One stock as of September 30, 2007.
CRESTED CORP.
Notes to Financial Statments (Unaudited)
(Continued)
The net gain on the sale of the uranium assets to sxr Uranium One is as follows:
Revenues from sale of assets to Uranium One | | | |
Release of refundable deposit | | $ | 375,000 | |
Relief from Asset Retirement Obligations | | | 3,729,200 | |
sxr Uranium One purchase of UPC position | | | 2,510,500 | |
Reimbursable Costs | | | 792,600 | |
Receipt of Uranium One common stock | | | 49,700,300 | |
| | | | |
| | | 57,107,600 | |
| | | | |
Cost of sale of assets to Uranium One | | | | |
| | | | |
Reimbursable Costs | | | 1,200,500 | |
Pro-ration of property taxes | | | 1,700 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | 1,202,200 | |
| | | | |
Net gain before income taxes | | | 55,905,400 | |
| | | | |
Provision for income taxes | | | 21,395,400 | |
| | | | |
Net gain on sale of assets to Uranium One | | $ | 34,510,000 | |
| | | | |
15) Payment of Cash Bonus and Related Matters
On May 2, 2007, the Company and USE, with the approval of their boards of directors and upon the recommendation of the compensation committee of the USE board of directors (independent directors), paid a $4,887,000 gross cash bonus to all employees for extraordinary service related to the April 30, 2007 sale of the uranium assets to Uranium One.
Also on May 2, 2007, USE, with the approval of its board of directors and upon the recommendation of the compensation committee, paid a total of $649,500 in taxes owed by officers and employees, upon the proposed release to them on May 2, 2007 by USE, of a total of 177,600 forfeitable shares of common stock of U.S. Energy Corp., and 2,460 dividend shares, for a total proposed release of 180,060 shares. USE also reimbursed the estate of John L. Larsen for $213,800 of taxes recently paid by the estate upon release of forfeitable shares to the estate following Mr. Larsen’s passing in September 2006; and reimbursed Daniel P. Svilar $162,300 for taxes he paid following release of forfeitable shares to him upon his retirement in January 2007. These matters were ratified by the shareholders of USE at the June 22, 2007 annual meeting and the shares have been released. The Company shares in the expenses of all USE employees on a 50-50 basis and therefore is responsible for one half of these expenses.
The Company's portion of the bonus and taxes paid to and for the benefit of the officers, employees and the John L. Larsen estate were $4,443,500, $324,800 and $81,000, respectively.
CRESTED CORP.
Notes to Financial Statments (Unaudited)
(Continued)
16) Lucky Jack Molybdenum Property – Kobex Resources Ltd.
On April 3, 2007, the Company, USE and Kobex Resources Ltd. (“Kobex”) (a British Columbia company traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “KBX”), signed a formal Exploration, Development and Mine Operating Agreement for the permitting, development and production of the Mt. Emmons “Lucky Jack” Molybdenum Property. The agreement grants Kobex the exclusive option to acquire up to a 50% undivided interest in patented and unpatented claims located near Crested Butte, Colorado, which are held by the Company and USE, for $50 million. The $50 million to be spent will be for all Project-related expenditures, the cost for a bankable feasibility study, and option payments to the Company and USE. The balance between money spent on expenditures and option payments, if any, and $50 million, will be paid to the Company and USE in cash. At September 30, 2007 Kobex had expended a total of $5,435,300 on the Lucky Jack Project. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 the Company and USE had invoiced Kobex $2,356,100 for costs it had paid on the property during that period. Kobex had reimbursed the Company and USE $1,652,000 of these costs at September 30, 2007 and paid an additional $602,000 during October 2007.
Kobex also delivered 285,632 shares of its common stock valued at $750,000 pursuant to the Exploration, Development and Mine Operating Agreement. During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, Kobex paid a finders fee of $463,800 to the party who made the introduction of Kobex to the Company and USE on the Lucky Jack project. The Company and USE agreed to pay one half of the finders fee in five equal installments of $46,375 in either cash or common stock of Kobex. USE made the first installment during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 by surrendering to Kobex 17,700 of its common shares previously delivered to USE. The next installment will be due on March 9, 2008 and each year thereafter until March 9, 2011. The Company is liable for one half of the payments made to Kobex.
On August 7, 2007, the Town of Crested Butte issued a temporary moratorium on development activities within its watershed that were not ongoing at the effective date of the moratorium. Company management believes that the Lucky Jack Project should not be affected by this moratorium and they are continuing all ongoing activities while reviewing and evaluating the matter. The Company, USE, and Kobex intend to work with the Town to proceed with necessary rehabilitation activities, in a manner which will be consistent with Ordinance 23 and other applicable rules, regulations, and statutes. However, the timing of expected revisions to the Watershed Protection District Ordinance, and the nature of such revisions, are not predicted. As a result, it is possible that unexpected delays, and/or increased costs, may be encountered in developing a new mine plan for the Lucky Jack property.
17) Subsequent Event
On October 25, 2007 USE sold its commercial real estate operations in southern Utah to Uranium One for $2.7 million and recognized approximately $840,000 in profit from the sale. The Company is entitled to 50% of the net cash flows from the sale of the property as a result of a 50-50 cash flow sharing agreement between the Company and USE on the property. After the sale of these properties the Company and USE have no further holdings of real estate or commercial operations in Utah. The Company and USE agreed to indemnify Uranium One on certain title issues not covered by the Title Insurance Policy that may arise in the future until a new lease is signed between the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration of Utah and Uranium One.
CRESTED CORP.
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following is Management's Discussion and Analysis of significant factors, which have affected the Company's liquidity, capital resources and results of operations during the periods included in the accompanying financial statements. For a detailed explanation of the Company's Business Overview, it is suggested that Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 be read in conjunction with the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Forward Looking Statements
This Report on Form 10-Q includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act"). All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Report are forward looking statements. In addition, whenever words like "expect", "anticipate” or "believe" are used, we are making forward looking statements. Actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements and there is no assurance that the assumptions used will be realized in fact.
Overview of Business
Crested Corp. ("Crested" or the "Company") has been involved in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of properties prospective for hard rock minerals including lead, zinc, silver, molybdenum, gold, uranium, and oil and gas. The Company also has been engaged to a limited extent in commercial real estate, but only in connection with acquiring mineral properties which included commercial real estate.
The Company manages its operations through a joint venture, the USECC Joint Venture ("USECC"), with its parent company, U.S. Energy Corp. ("USE"). The Company has entered into partnerships through which it either joint ventured or leased properties with non-related parties for the development and production of certain of its mineral properties. The Company had no production from any of its mineral properties during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Recent Developments
Sale of Uranium Assets
On April 30, 2007, the Company and USE sold all of their uranium assets, with the exception of a 4% Net Profits Royalty on the Green Mountain uranium property in Wyoming, to sxr Uranium One Inc. (“Uranium One”). Uranium One is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange under the symbol “UUU”. At closing, the Company and USE received (a) $1,585,100 in reimbursable costs relating to work performed on the uranium properties, (b) $5,020,900 as a result of Uranium One purchasing the Uranium Power Corp. (“UPC”) position in the properties and (c) 6,607,605 shares of Uranium One common stock valued at the date of closing at $99,400,600. The Company and USE sold all of Uranium One shares during the second and third quarters of 2007 for which they jointly received $90,724,000. The Company received $45,362,000 for the sale of its Uranium One shares. The Company and USE also received the cash and collateral bonds posted for asset retirement obligations relating to the uranium properties sold to Uranium One.
Pursuant to the terms of the Uranium One contract, the Company and USE (one half to each) will also receive $20,000,000 when commercial production begins at the uranium mill the Company sold to Uranium One; $7,500,000 when the first delivery of ore, after commercial production commences, from any of the uranium properties the Company sold to Uranium One; and a production royalty of up to $12,500,000.�� The Company and USE also retained a 4% Net Profits Royalty on the Green Mountain uranium property in central Wyoming; this property is owned and operated by Rio Tinto, Inc.
Lucky Jack Molybdenum Property – Kobex Resources Ltd.
On April 3, 2007, the Company, USE and Kobex Resources Ltd. (“Kobex”) (a British Columbia company traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “KBX”) signed a formal Exploration, Development and Mine Operating Agreement for the permitting and development of the Mt. Emmons, “Lucky Jack”, molybdenum property.
Pursuant to the April 3, 2007 agreement, Kobex is required to expend $16,000,000 on the property through December 2010. On July 6, 2007, Kobex announced its budget for its first year of operations through April of 2008 would be $14,200,000. Kobex will not own an interest in the Lucky Jack property until it has expended $15,000,000 at which time it will own 15%. After spending an additional $35,000,000, the ownership interest for Kobex will be 50%. At the Company and USE’s sole discretion, Kobex also may acquire an additional 15% at the Company and USE’s option after it obtains a 50% interest if certain conditions are met. As of September 30, 2007 Kobex had expended $5,435,300 since it began participating in the costs of the project.
Historical records filed by predecessor owners of the property with the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) in the 1990’s for the application of patented mineral claims, referenced identification of mineral resources of some 220 million tons of 0.366% molybdic disulfide (MoS2) mineralization. A high grade section of the mineralization containing some 22.5 million tons at a grade of 0.701% MoS2 was also reported. No assurance can be given that these quantities of MoS2 exist. The average market price for MoS2 at September 30, 2007 was $31.75 per pound.
On August 7, 2007, the Town of Crested Butte issued a temporary moratorium on development activities within its watershed that were not ongoing at the effective date of the moratorium. Company management believes that the Lucky Jack Project should not be affected by this moratorium and they are continuing all ongoing activities while reviewing and evaluating the matter. The Company, USE, and Kobex intend to work with the Town to proceed with necessary rehabilitation activities, in a manner which will be consistent with Ordinance 23 and other applicable rules, regulations, and statutes. However, the timing of expected revisions to the Watershed Protection District Ordinance, and the nature of such revisions, are not predicted. As a result, it is possible that unexpected delays, and/or increased costs, may be encountered in developing a new mine plan for the Lucky Jack property.
Merger Agreement
The boards of directors of the Company and USE have approved a recommendation of the Special Committees of both boards, consisting of outside directors of both companies, to merger the Company into USE. The exchange ratio is one share of the USE’s common stock for every two shares of the Company. It is anticipated that the merger will be concluded, if approved by the Company’s shareholders, during the fourth quarter of 2007. (See Note 11 above)
On July 31, 2007, the Company and USE (“Crested”) signed an amendment to the plan and agreement of merger (the “merger agreement”) for the proposed acquisition of the minority shares of the Company (approximately 29.1% at the time of the acquisition proposal was made which changed to 29.9% as of September 30, 2007 due to the exercise of some the Company options) not owned by USE (approximately 71%), and the subsequent merger of the Company into USE.
The amendment (i) extends the deadline for merger approval to December 31, 2007; and (ii) provides that the Company will pay the income tax which will be owed by each holder of a non-qualified stock option upon exercise thereof, and forfeitable shares, provided that each such holder executes and delivers to USE an agreement (a “lockup agreement”) not to sell (until retirement, death or disability) any of the USE stock they receive in the merger, in exchange for the Company’s stock acquired on exercise of the Company’s non-qualified stock option.
The proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to all the shareholders of the Company of record as of October 10, 2007, and a special meeting of the Crested shareholders to vote on the proposed merger of the Company into USE is set for November 26, 2007. USE has agreed to vote the shares of the Company it owns with the majority of the minority of the Company shareholders. Officers and directors of the Company and USE have agreed to vote in favor of the merger.
Remington Village
On May 10, 2007, the Company through USECC’s subsidiary, Remington Village, LLC (“Remington”) acquired approximately 10.15 acres of land located in Gillette, Wyoming. The Company is in the process of constructing 216 multi-family housing units on the property. Construction costs to completion are budgeted to be $26,011,000. Under the terms of the USECC Joint Venture, the Company will be responsible for one-half of all development expense. Remington is recorded on the books of USECC and is not consolidated by the Company. See Note 12 above.
Mineral Prices
Uranium - The price of uranium concentrates has increased from a five year low of $9.88 per pound in November 2002 to $75 per pound on September 30, 2007 (Ux Weekly).
Gold - The five year low for gold was $310.70 per ounce in October 2002. The price for gold on September 30, 2007 was $742.80 per ounce (Metal Prices.com).
Molybdenum - The five year low for molybdic oxide was $3.00 per pound in November 2002. The average price for molybdic oxide was $31.75 per pound on September 30, 2007. (Metal Prices.com).
Results of Operations
Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 compared with the Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 the Company recorded net income of $30,952,900 and a loss for the quarter then ended of $529,700 or a gain of $1.80 per share basic, $1.74 per share diluted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and a loss of $0.03 for the quarter. This compares to net losses of $2,497,200 and $4,721,600 and respectively for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. The major change in earnings was as a result of the gain on the sale of the uranium assets to Uranium One (“Uranium One”) from which the Company recorded revenues of $55,905,400 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. (Please see note 14 above) Further, the Company sold all of the shares of Uranium One that it received as a result of the sale of the uranium asset during the second and third quarter of 2007. Although the Company recognized a loss on the sale of the Uranium One shares of $4,498,800 it received $45,362,000 in net proceeds from the sale of the Uranium One shares. Interest revenues increased significantly during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2007 over the comparative periods of the previous year due to the receipt of the cash proceeds from the sale of the uranium assets to Uranium One.
The Company recorded $400,000 in revenues from the sale of assets as a result of the signing of the Exploration, Development and Mine Operating Agreement with Kobex. Kobex had previously made a refundable deposit of $25,000 that was released as a result of the formal agreement. Additionally, Kobex made its first contractual payment of $375,000 to the Company by delivering 142,816 shares of its common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2007. During the quarter ended September 30, 2007 Kobex paid a finders fee of $463,800 to the party who made the introduction of Kobex to the Company and USE on the Lucky Jack project. The Company and USE agreed to pay one half of the finders fee in five equal installments of $46,375 in either cash or common stock of Kobex. USE made the first installment during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 by surrendering to Kobex 17,700 of its common shares previously delivered to USE. The next installment will be due on March 9, 2008 and each year thereafter until March 9, 2011. The Company recorded an expense of $115,900 during the quarter ended September 30, 2007, which is one half of the total obligation to Kobex. This expense reduced the revenues received during the nine months for the sale of assets from $400,000 to $284,100.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 the Company recognized $3,794,800 from the sale of its interest in its affiliate, Pinnacle Gas Resources, Inc., paid its portion of a litigation settlement relating to the Lucky Jack property to Phelps Dodge of $3,500,000 and recorded a loss from the valuation of derivatives relating to units of Enterra Energy Trust of $223,600. No similar activity was recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 the Company and USE dissolved their affiliates Yellowstone Fuels, Inc. (“YSFI”) and Four Nines Gold, Inc. (“FNG”) These dissolutions were effected after a unanimous consent and vote of the YSFI and FNG shareholders. As a result of the dissolution of these affiliates, the Company recorded revenues of $148,200 as its portion of the dissolution of assets. Lastly, the Company recorded a foreign currency gain on the sale of the shares of Uranium One of $214,700 and a loss of $36,600 during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2007 respectively.
The other major change to other revenues and expenses during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2007 from those recorded during comparative periods of the prior year are losses on the exchange of and valuation of units of Enterra Energy Trust (“Enterra”) that the Company received for the sale of a subsidiary coal bed methane company. The Company recorded a total loss from these items of $1,354,200 during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. No similar losses were recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as a result of the units of Enterra being sold.
The Company had no operating revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. General and Administrative expenses decreased by $43,600 to $304,600 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $36,100 during the quarter then ended. The reduction of in 2007 is as a result of the expenses relating to the potential merger with USE occurring during 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recognized an equity loss of $4,517,000 compared to an equity loss of $2,656,200 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The major component for the increase of $1,860,800 in equity losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was employment related payments made by USE in the form of bonuses to employees, officers and directors for the work they accomplished in closing the sale of uranium assets to Uranium One. (Please see note 15 above) The variance between the quarter ended September 30, 2007 as compared to the same period of the prior year was likewise as a result of a bonus paid during the quarter ended September 30, 2006 in the amount of $3,013,000 as a result of the work performed by employees of the Company and USE during the sale of their subsidiary Rocky Mountain Gas Resources Inc. The Company is responsible for 50% of these expenses pursuant to the terms of the USECC Joint Venture.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The liquidity position of the Company is the best it has ever been during its forty year history. At September 30, 2007, the Company had $20,498,700 in cash on hand and Government Treasury Bills. Current assets at September 30, 2007 were $21,028,400 as compared to current liabilities of $1,933,000. The Company therefore had working capital at September 30, 2007 of $19,095,400 and a current ratio of 10.9 to 1.
Current liabilities at September 30, 2007 consisted primarily of income taxes payable of $1,840,600. The debt to USE was paid in full during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and as of that time USE owed the Company $198,200 for USECC activities paid for by the Company. The Company has sufficient capital to fund its portion of the operations it and USE participate in jointly and should not need to borrow any additional funds from USE during the balance of 2007.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $3,096,500 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Components of this net decrease in cash came from the use of cash in operating activities of $7,591,400, cash provided by investing activities of $13,356,800 and the use of cash in financing activities of $8,861,900.
Operations consumed cash as a result of the payment of income taxes in the amount of $7,820,000 and the payment of ongoing General and Administrative expenses. These uses of cash in operations were offset by cash receipts relating to the sale of uranium assets to Uranium One and others.
Cash provided by investing activities came primarily as a result of the sale of marketable securities, shares of Uranium One, of $45,362,000. Offsets to this amount were the investment made in Government Treasury Bills of $20,000,000 an increased investment in USECC of $12,030,200. Pursuant to FAS 95 the Company’s investment in Government Treasury Bills are considered Marketable Securities as they have maturity dates, from date of purchase, in excess of 90 days. The Company considers these investments very liquid. The increased investment in USECC is as a result of USECC’s purchase of a plane, its investment in Remington and ongoing general and administrative costs including the bonus discussed in Note 15. The net increase in the Company’s investment in USECC, after the recognition of an equity loss of $4,517,000, during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $8,132,300.
Cash consumed by financing activities was primarily as a result of the net reduction of debt to USE in the amount of $9,231,600. An offset to this reduction was $342,000 that the Company received as a result of the estate of a former officer and director exercising an option for the issuance of 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
Capital Resources
Kobex Resources Ltd. Agreement
On April 3, 2007, the Company and USE signed a formal Exploration, Development and Mine Operating Agreement providing Kobex an option to acquire up to a 65% interest in the Lucky Jack molybdenum property. Prior to Kobex expending $15 million it will not own an interest in the Lucky Jack property. At such time as Kobex spends $15 million it will own a 15% interest and after it expends a total of $50 million it will own a 50% interest in the Lucky Jack property. In the event that Kobex is able to deliver a bankable feasibility study on the Lucky Jack property prior to spending the $50 million it can pay the reminder of the $50 million directly to the Company and USE to obtain its 50% interest. As a result of the Kobex agreement, it is not anticipated that any of the Company’s cash reserves will be consumed in permitting, development and maintenance of the property during the balance of 2007 and into the near term.
The principal financial benefit to be realized in 2007 and thereafter by the Company (if Kobex meets its contractual obligations) is that Kobex will fund substantially all costs and expenses which otherwise would have to be funded by the Company and USE (including paying for the water treatment plant, obtain necessary permits, and have a bankable feasibility study prepared in advance of mining the property). In addition to the payment of operating, permitting and development costs, the contract also calls for option payments in the aggregate amount of $3,950,000 payable to the Company and USE over five years payable in either cash or common shares of Kobex. These option payments began in 2007 and continue through December 2011. The first payment of $750,000 in Kobex common stock was made on May 23, 2007.
Commercial Bank Line of Credit
The Company and USE have a line of credit with a commercial bank in the amount of $5,000,000. The full line of credit was available to the Company and USE at the time of this report. The line of credit has a variable interest rate which is tied to a national market rate. At the time of signing the line of credit the rate of interest per annum was 7.75%. The line of credit is available until October 1, 2008 at which time it may be renewed depending on the financial strength and needs of the Company and USE. The Company and USE have pledged their corporate headquarters and one of their corporate aircraft as collateral for the line of credit.
Cash on Hand
As discussed above, the Company has monetized certain of its assets which have provided significant amounts of cash that will continue to be used to fund general and administrative expenses, and possible exploration and development of new mineral properties as well as further real estate acquisitions and developments. The Company has invested its cash surplus in interest bearing accounts and U.S. Government Treasury Bills which will provide working capital to fund the Company’s projects.
Other
Due to the current levels of the market prices for gold and molybdenum, management of the Company believes that sufficient capital will be available to develop its mineral properties from strategic industry partners, debt financing, cash on hand, and the sale of equity or a combination thereof.
Capital Requirements
The Company believes that the current market prices for gold and molybdenum are at levels that warrant further exploration and development of the Company’s mineral properties. The successful development and production of these properties could enhance the liquidity and financial position of the Company. It is not possible to predict the future price of minerals and the ultimate economic liability of our projects.
The direct capital requirements of the Company during the third and fourth quarter of 2007 are its general and administrative costs, its one half of a $1,000,000 letter of credit to Sutter (see note 13 above), the development of oil and gas properties should the Company elect to participate in a targeted property with USE, the development of the Remington property and the potential purchase of other assets.
Lucky Jack Molybdenum Property
As a result of the Exploration, Development and Mine Operating agreement entered into on April 3, 2007 with Kobex, it is not anticipated that the Company will have to expend its capital resources on the Lucky Jack project during the balance of 2007. Budgeted cash outlays by the Company and USE to fund operations at Lucky Jack are reimbursed by Kobex. At September 30, 2007, Kobex owed USECC $781,500. Kobex has paid all the amounts due to the Company and USE within 30 days of being invoiced and is current on its obligations to the Company and USE. There have been no billing or operation disputes between Kobex and the Company and USE.
Sutter Gold Mining Inc. Properties
The Company and USE have agreed to provide Sutter with a $1,000,000 credit facility at 12% interest for a term of two years. The credit facility will be able to be drawn down over time in $50,000 increments and is repayable at the option of the Company and USE either in cash or common stock of Sutter. The grant of the line of credit was subject to the approval of the TSX for the issuance of 7,621,868 shares of Sutter’s common stock to repay the Company and USE for an existing $2,025,700 in debt as of December 31, 2006. Approval of the issuance of the shares was received on May 4, 2007 at which time the credit facility became available to Sutter. As of September 30, 2007, the Company and USE had extended $363,500 to Sutter under the credit facility. The balance under the line of credit to Sutter as of September 30, 2007 was $636,500. The Company and USE may elect, at their sole option, to receive payment of the line of credit in cash, common stock of Sutter or by the return of the Company’s and USE’s common stock that Sutter owns. Management of the Company and USE do not anticipate extending any further credit to Sutter other than its one half of this $1,000,000 line of credit. To fund its additional development and capital infrastructure commitments, Sutter will have to locate an industry partner, sell a portion or all of its position in the gold properties or seek equity or commercial financing.
Real Estate
On January 8, 2007, the Company and USE, through their affiliate, Remington Village, LLC (“Remington”), signed a Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate to purchase approximately 10.15 acres of land located in Gillette, Wyoming for $1,247,700. The Company and USE closed on the property on May 10, 2007. The Company also signed a Development Agreement with P.E.G. Development, LLC to obtain the entitlements and oversee the development of the property. Total land purchase and construction costs is estimated to be $26.1 million. All of the assets relating to Remington are owned by USECC which is not consolidated into the Company financials but carried as an investment in an affiliate. The Company is responsible for one half of all expenditures on the Remington development.
On August 31, 2007 USE obtained construction financing from a commercial bank in the amount of $18.5 million. The construction loan matures on March 1, 2009, bears interest at 2.25% over 30 day LIBOR and required a 0.75% origination fee. USE can make a one time extension election under the terms of the promissory note to extend the due date to September 1, 2009. Collateral for the promissory note is the Remington property, a guarantee by USE and a deposit of an additional $4.7 million with the commercial bank, held in an interest bearing account that is to be released to the Company and USE upon obtaining permanent financing.
The equity contribution by the Company and USE for the construction loan is $7.5 million or approximately 29% of the total build cost. At the closing of the construction financing the Company and USE received an equity credit on the property for previously paid costs of $3.0 million and was required to place $4.5 million in escrow with the commercial bank. At September 30, 2007, a total of $981,700 had been drawn from this account. During September 2007, USECC had $3,129,400 recorded as an accounts payable relating to the construction of Remington. Pursuant to the terms of the USECC Joint Venture, the Company will participate and be responsible for one half of the expenditures and loan commitments relating to the construction and operation of Remington. Likewise the Company will receive half of the revenues and cash flows through its participation in USECC.
Reclamation Costs
At the close of the sale of the uranium properties to Uranium One, all asset retirement obligations relating to those assets were transferred to Uranium One. With the relief of those obligations, the Company only has obligations relating to the Lucky Jack properties.
The Company’s portion of the asset retirement obligation for the Lucky Jack molybdenum property at September 30, 2007 is $54,000. It is not anticipated that this reclamation work will occur in the near term.
Other
The Company is evaluating several mineral and real estate projects in which it may invest with USE. Additionally, the Company is researching several other opportunities to deploy its capital outside of the minerals business. At September 30, 2007 none of these acquisition targets had advanced past the evaluation stage.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in the Company's contractual obligation from those discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 the Company retired all outstanding debt to USE.
Critical Accounting Policies
Investments - Investments in joint ventures and 20% to 50% owned companies are accounted for using the equity method. The Company’s investment in SGMI and USECC are accounted for using the equity method as they are under the control of USE and its management.
Cash Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its operating cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts which exceed federally insured limits. The Company invests its non operating cash in Federal Treasury Bills. At September 30, 2007, the Company had its cash and cash equivalents with several financial institutions. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Marketable Securities - The Company accounts for its marketable securities (1) as trading, (2) available-for-sale or (3) held-to-maturity. Based on the Company's intent to sell the securities, its equity securities are reported as a trading security. The Company's available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with net unrealized gain or (loss) recorded as a separate component of shareholders' equity. If a decline in fair value of held-to-maturity securities is determined to be other than temporary, the investment is written down to fair value.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The carrying amount of cash equivalents and other current assets approximates fair value because of the short term nature of those instruments.
Stock Based Compensation - On September 2, 2004, the Company's shareholders adopted an Incentive Stock Option Plan ("ISOP") for employees of the Company and USE. 2,000,000 shares of common stock were initially reserved for the ISOP. At such time as options have been granted to purchase 2,000,000 shares, the number of shares available for issuance under the ISOP will automatically be increased to 20% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. The Company granted 1.7 million of these ISOP options to various directors, officers and employees on June 10, 2005. The Company accounts for stock based compensation pursuant to FAS 123(R). No stock options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Asset Retirement Obligations - The Company records the fair value of the reclamation liability on its shut down mining properties as of the date that the liability is incurred. The Company reviews the liability each quarter and determines if a change in estimate is required as well as accretes the total liability on a quarterly basis for the future liability. Final determinations are made during the fourth quarter of each year. The Company deducts any actual funds expended for reclamation during the quarter in which it occurs.
Liabilities Held for Sale - Long lived liabilities that will be sold within one year of the financial statements are classified as current. At March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 the Company believed that its uranium assets in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and Arizona would be sold within a twelve month period. All asset retirement obligations as well as any other liability associated with these properties was classified as current Liabilities Held for Sale at December 31, 2006. The uranium assets were in fact sold on April 30, 2007.
Revenue Recognition - Revenues are reported on a gross revenue basis and are recorded at the time services are provided or the commodity is sold. Sales of proved and unproved properties are accounted for as adjustments of capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized, unless such adjustments would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves, in which case the gain or loss is recognized in income.
Income Taxes - The Company recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future income tax consequences, based on enacted tax laws, of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets, liabilities and carry forwards. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets for the expected future effects of all deductible temporary differences, loss carry forwards and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if deemed necessary, by a valuation allowance for any tax benefits which, based on current circumstances, are not expected to be realized.
Use of Accounting Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the operating results, financial position, or liquidity of the Company due to adverse changes in market prices and rates. We are not exposed to material market risk due to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not hold investments in debt securities nor do we hold assets or transact business in foreign currencies.
Our cash equivalents and Government Treasury Bills are exposed to financial market risk, including changes in interest rates. We typically do not attempt to reduce or eliminate our market exposures on these investment securities because of their short-term duration. We believe that the fair value of our investment portfolio or related income would not be significantly impacted by either a 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates due mainly to the short-term nature of the major portion of our investment portfolio.
Our real estate investment in multi-family housing is subject to market changes in the housing industry as well as market prices for natural gas and coal. As the multi-family housing project currently under construction is not yet complete, an assessment of the significance of the market risk for rental properties and minerals cannot be assessed at September 30, 2007. It is projected that the property will begin to be occupied during the first quarter of 2008 and completed during the fourth quarter of 2008. At that time, the market risk for rental properties as well as the forecast for natural gas and coal production will be analyzed to determine if there will be an impact on the value of the constructed multi-family housing.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 240.13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. There was no change in the Company’s internal controls that occurred during the periods covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
Material legal proceedings pending at September 30, 2007, and developments in those proceedings from that date to the date this Quarterly Report is filed, are summarized below. The status of the legal proceedings, which were pending during the year has either not changed, been settled or is otherwise immaterial. Except for matters involving water rights, the Company and USE are not parties to any pending legal proceeding. SGMI is defending a quite title action to which the Company and Crested are not parties.
Water Rights Litigation – Lucky Jack Molybdenum Property
Prior to the transfer of the Lucky Jack molybdenum property (formerly the Mount Emmons property) from Phelps Dodge Corporation (“PD”) and Mount Emmons Mining Company (“MEMCO”) to the Company on February 28, 2006, MEMCO filed a number of Statements of Opposition in the Water Court, Water Division No. 4, State of Colorado to protect its existing water rights against applications filed by other parties seeking to appropriate or change water rights or perfect conditional water rights. Subsequent to transfer of the mine property, Motions for Substitution of Parties (from MEMCO to the Company) were filed and approved by the Water Court. These cases are as follows:
1. | Concerning the Application for Water Rights of Virgil and Lee Spann Ranches, Inc., Case No. 03CW033, 03CW034, 03CW035, 03CW036 and 03CW037. These related cases involve the Spann Ranches, Inc.’s Water Court applications to change the point of diversion through alternative points for the purpose of rotating a portion of their senior water rights between ditches to maximize beneficial use in the event of a major downstream senior call. MEMCO filed Statements of Opposition to ensure that the final decrees to be issued by the Water Court contain terms and conditions sufficient to protect MEMCO’s water rights from material injury. These cases are pending, and the Company and USE are awaiting proposed decrees from Applicant Spann Ranches, Inc. for consideration. |
2. | Concerning the Application for Water Rights of the Town of Crested Butte,Case No. 02CW63. This case involved an application filed by the Town of Crested Butte to provide for an alternative point of diversion. MEMCO filed a Statement of Opposition to ensure that the final decree to be issued by the Water Court contains terms and conditions sufficient to protect MEMCO’s water rights from material injury. The Town of Crested Butte and USECC reached a settlement and signed a Stipulation to protect USECC’s water rights pursuant to a proposed final decree. This Stipulation has been signed by the Water Referee and was approved by the Water Court on September 5, 2007. This case is now closed. |
3. | Concerning the Application of the United States of America in the Gunnison River, Gunnison County, Case No. 99CW267. This case involves an application filed by the United States of America to appropriate 0.033 cubic feet per second of water for wildlife use and for incidental irrigation of riparian vegetation at the Mt. Emmons Iron Bog Spring, located in the vicinity of the Lucky Jack property. MEMCO filed a Statement of Opposition to protect proposed mining operations against any adverse impacts by the water requirements of the Iron Bog on such operations. This case is pending while the parties attempt to reach a settlement on the proposed decree terms and conditions. |
4. | Concerning the Application for Water Rights of the United States of America for Quantification of Reserved Right for Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, Case No. 01CW05. This case involves an application filed by the United States of America to make absolute conditional water rights claimed in the Gunnison River in relation to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for, and to quantify in-stream flows for the protection and reproduction of fish and to preserve the recreational, scenic and aesthetic conditions. MEMCO and over 350 other parties filed Statements of Opposition to protect their existing water rights. On August 3, 2007, the Parties signed a Stipulation recognizing USECC and most other Opposers position is that the flows claimed by the United States should be subordinated to the historical operations of the federally owned and operated Aspinall Unit, and are subject to the provisions contained in the Aspinall Unit Subordination Agreement between the federal government and water districts which protect junior water users in the Upper Gunnison River Basin. This Stipulation has been submitted to the Water Court for approval. USECC’s water rights will be protected by this Stipulation and there is no need for USECC to be an active participant in future proceedings in this case, which will involve quantification of the in-stream flows claimed the United States of America for the Black Canyon Park. |
Sutter Gold Mining Inc. - Quiet Title Litigation
In 2004, USECC Gold Limited Liability Company (a predecessor of Sutter) as plaintiff filed an action (USECC Gold Limited Liability Company vs. Nevada-Wabash Mining Company, et al, Case No. 04CV3419) in Superior Court of California, County of Amador) seeking to quiet title as vested in plaintiff to two patented mining claims at the Sutter Gold project. All but one of the approximately 54 defendants (dissolved private corporations and other entities, their stockholders and/or estates of deceased stockholders) has defaulted. Plaintiff and the remaining defendant continue to have settlement discussions. If a settlement is not reached, a trial on this mater is tentatively scheduled for November, 2007.
Sutter is confident that plaintiff would prevail on the merits in the event of trial. The subject property includes a portion of the existing decline prior to intercepting the mineralized resource at the Sutter Gold project. The remaining defendant claims a one-fifth interest in one of the two patented mining claims. If settlement discussions are not successful, and if plaintiff does not prevail at trial, defendant may be entitled to seek remedies related to the property, possibly including filing a partition action. The outcome of such post-trial proceedings (if commenced by defendant following an outcome adverse to plaintiff at trial) after filing a petition action cannot be predicted, but management does not expect any outcome to ultimately adversely affect Sutter’s plan of operations or financial condition.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
The following risk factors should be considered in evaluating the information in this Form 10-Q. The reader should also consider risk factors discussed in our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed on Form 10-K.
Risks Associated with Entry into New Areas of Business - The Company, through USECC, is entering into the multifamily housing business which has risks associated with it relating to a future decline in available renters and fluctuations in the local real estate market as well as local employment which is tied to the market price for natural gas and coal. As the multifamily housing unit has not yet been built, and a down turn in the real estate market in Gillette, Wyoming is not foreseen, management believes that the risk during the construction and initial occupation phase of the project will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. However, significant risk from a cash flow (and therefore debt service) perspective may develop in this sector after the initial occupation phase is completed, depending on occupancy and rent rates.
The Company may elect to participate with USE on a cost basis re-enter the oil and gas exploration business. The cost of drilling, availability of take away capacity and oil and gas prices are risks that the Company may be exposed to it elects to participate.
Possible Need for Added Capital - Historically, working capital needs have been primarily met from receipt of funds from liquidating investments, selling partial interests in mineral properties and selling equity. Although the Company received significant cash proceeds from the sale of the uranium properties in April 2007, and has received additional cash from selling the Uranium One shares, the development and production of mineral properties is very capital intensive. The Lucky Jack Property will take significant amounts of capital to place it into production. We may seek equity and/or debt financing for this purpose, which may result in dilution to current shareholders.
No recurring business revenues and uncertainties associated with transaction-based revenues - Presently the Company does not have an operating business with recurring revenues. Receipt of funds from selling interests in mineral properties, or liquidating investments in mineral properties (or the subsidiaries which hold properties) is unpredictable as to timing, structure, and profitability. For example, we began activities in the coalbed methane sector in 1999 by starting up RMG. RMG used, rather than provided, capital until it was sold to Enterra Energy Trust in June 2005. In 2003, we acquired stock in Pinnacle by RMG’s contribution of properties into Pinnacle, but we did not realize a return on the transaction until September 2006.
Working capital on hand is expected to be sufficient to fund general and administrative expenses, and conduct exploration and a limited amount of development work on the mineral properties as well as other business ventures we are pursuing, including multifamily housing. Although the Company currently has working capital, it will need to continue to seek funding from industry partners or sell equity or debt to develop all the projects. Also, it is anticipated the necessary capital for developing the Lucky Jack Molybdenum Property will be available through Kobex to obtain mining and other permits, further delineate the mineral resources underground, and plan the mining and processing operation. However, additional capital (the costs of which would be shared by the Company and Kobex) will be necessary to put the property into production.
The interest retained by the Company in the Lucky Jack molybdenum property is not expected to generate recurring revenues for several years. In addition, the mine plan of Phelps Dodge Corporation (from whom we received the property) and its predecessor companies encountered opposition from local and environmental groups, as well as municipal and county government agencies. That opposition will likely continue, and may result in unexpected delays and increased costs to get a new mine plan approved.
Uncertainties in the value of the mineral properties - While we believe that the mineral properties are valuable, substantial work and capital will be needed to establish whether they are in fact valuable.
The profitable mining and processing of gold by SGMI will also depend on many factors, including: receipt of permits and keeping in compliance with permit conditions; delineation through extensive drilling and sampling of sufficient volumes of mineralized material with sufficient grades to make mining and processing economic over time; continued sustained high prices for gold, and obtaining the capital required to initiate and sustain mining operations and build and operate a gold processing mill.
The Lucky Jack Property has been analyzed and explored by its prior owners. This data will have to be updated to the level of a current feasibility study to determine the viability of starting mining operations. Obtaining mining and other permits to begin mining the molybdenum property may be difficult, even with the assistance of Kobex. Capital requirements for a molybdenum mining operation will be substantial.
We have not yet obtained final feasibility studies on any of the mineral properties. These studies would establish the potential economic viability of the different properties based on extensive drilling and sampling; the design and costs to build and operate mills, the cost of capital, and other factors. Feasibility studies can take many months to complete. These studies are conducted by professional third-party consulting and engineering firms, and will have to be completed, at considerable cost, to determine if the deposits contain proved reserves (i.e., amounts of minerals in sufficient grades that can be extracted profitably under current commodity pricing assumptions and estimated for development and operating costs). A feasibility study usually, but not always, must be completed in order to raise the substantial capital needed to put a mineral property into production. We have not established any reserves (i.e., economic deposits of mineralized materials) on any of its properties, and future studies may indicate that some or all of the properties will not be economic to put into production.
Compliance with environmental regulations may be costly - Our business is regulated by government agencies. Permits are required to explore for minerals, operate mines and build and operate processing plants. The regulations under which permits are issued change from time to time to reflect changes in public policy or scientific understanding of issues. If the economics of a project cannot withstand the cost of complying with changed regulations, the Company might decide not to move forward with the project.
We must comply with numerous environmental regulations on a continuous basis, to comply with United States environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”). For example, water and dust discharged from mines and tailings from prior mining or milling operations must be monitored and contained and reports filed with federal, state and county regulatory authorities. Additional monitoring and reporting is required by state and local regulatory agencies. The Abandoned Mine Reclamation Act in Wyoming and similar laws in other states (for examples, California for SGMI’s gold property and Colorado for the Lucky Jack project) impose reclamation obligations on abandoned mining properties, in addition to or in conjunction with federal statutes. Environmental regulatory programs create potential liability for operations, and may result in requirements to perform environmental investigations or corrective actions under federal and state laws and federal and state Superfund requirements.
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in substantial fines, environmental remediation orders and/or potential shut down of the project until compliance is achieved. Failure to timely obtain required permits to start operations at a project could cause delay and/or the failure of the project resulting in a potential write-off of the investments therein.
We depend on key personnel - The Company shares all employees with USE. Jointly we have a very limited staff and executive group. These persons are knowledgeable of our mineral properties and have experience in dealing with the exploration of mineral properties as well as the financing of them. The loss of key employees would adversely impact our business, as finding replacements is difficult as a result of competition for experienced personnel in the minerals industry.
We will seek additional business activities - Our interests in SGMI and the Lucky Jack Property are the primary mineral properties owned by us (indirect in the case of SGMI) after the sale of the uranium assets to Uranium One. We intend to acquire other mineral interests, and pursue other business activities such as real estate development and may elect to participate with USE in oil and gas exploration. Other than real estate investment opportunities we don’t currently have any agreements in place for other business opportunities.
We may be classified as an inadvertent investment company - We are not engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, and we do not hold ourselves out as being engaged in those activities. However, under the Federal Investment Company Act of 1940, a company may fall within the scope of being an “inadvertent investment company” under section 3(a)(1)(C) of the 1940 Act if the value of its investment securities is more than 40% of its total assets (exclusive of government securities and cash items).
As a result of the April 30, 2007 sale of our uranium assets to Uranium One, we received investment securities (our stock in Uranium One) with a value in excess of 40% of the value of our total assets.
An inadvertent investment company can avoid being classified as an investment company if it can rely on one of the exclusions under the 1940 Act. One such exclusion, Rule 3a-2 under the 1940 Act, allows an inadvertent investment company (as a “transient investment company”) a grace period of one year from the date of classification (in our case, April 30, 2008), to seek to comply with the 40% limit, or with any other available exclusion. Accordingly, we are taking actions to comply with this 40% limit from the present time through April 30, 2008. These actions may include liquidating investment securities as necessary to stay within the 40% limit.
As Rule 3a-2 is available to a company no more than once every three years, and assuming no other exclusion were available to us, we would have to keep within the 40% limit through April 30, 2010. In any event, we would not intend to become an intentional investment company (i.e. engaging in investment and trading activities in investment securities), even after April 30, 2010.
Classification as an investment company under the 1940 Act requires registration with the SEC. If an investment company fails to register, it would have to stop doing almost all business, and its contracts would become voidable. Registration is time consuming and restrictive, and we would be very constrained in the kind of business we could do as a registered investment company.
Proposed Federal Legislation
The U.S. Congress from time to time has considered proposed revisions to the General Mining Law, including as recently as in 2007. If these proposed revisions were enacted, payment of royalties on production of minerals from federal lands could be required as well as additional procedural measures, new requirements for reclamation of mined land, and other environmental control measures. The effect of any revision of the General Mining Law on operations cannot be determined until enactment, however, it is possible that revisions would materially increase the carrying and operating costs of mineral properties located on federal unpatented mining claims.
ITEM 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company issued 200,000 shares of its common stock subject to the exercise of an option by one of its former officers.
ITEM 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable
ITEM 5. Other Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
| (a) | Exhibits. | |
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| | 31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) / Rule 15d-15(e) |
| | 31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) / Rule 15(e)/15d-15(e) |
| | 32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | 32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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| (b) | Reports on Form 8-K. The Company filed two reports on Form 8-K for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The events reported were as follows: |
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| | 1. | The report filed on July 30, 2007, under Item 8.01 referenced the final sale of the shares of sxr Uranium One. |
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| | 2. | The report filed on August 6, 2007, under Item 1.01 referenced the amendment to the plan and agreement of merger of Crested Corp. into U.S. Energy Corp. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.
| | CRESTED CORP. |
| | (Company) |
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Date: November 13, 2007 | By: | /s/Harold F. Herron |
| | HAROLD F. HERRON, |
| | Co-Chairman and President |
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Date: November 13, 2007 | By: | /s/Robert Scott Lorimer |
| | ROBERT SCOTT LORIMER |
| | Principal Financial Officer and |
| | Chief Accounting Officer |