UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9025
VISTA GOLD CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Continued under the laws of the Yukon Territory (Not Applicable)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (IRS Employer
or organization) Identification No.)
Suite 3000
370 Seventeenth Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(303) 629-2450
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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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
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
----- -----
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
90,715,040
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Common Shares, without par value, outstanding at May 10, 1999
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VISTA GOLD CORP.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
INDEX
PAGE
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1999
and December 31, 1998 3
(ii) Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for
the three months ended March 31, 1999 and
March 31, 1998 4
(iii) Consolidated Statements of Deficit for the
three months ended March 31, 1999 and March 31, 1998 4
(iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
three months ended March 31, 1999 and March 31, 1998 5
(v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 9
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 13
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 14
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES 14
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 14
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 14
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION 14
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 14
SIGNATURES 15
EXHIBIT INDEX 16
In this Report, unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are
expressed in United States dollars.
-2-
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31 December 31
(U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1999 1998
----------- ------------
(Unaudited) (Audited)
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,376 $ 4,786
Marketable securities 73 90
Accounts receivable 5,685 3,958
Gold inventory 4,842 7,318
Supplies and other 1,974 1,849
------------------------
Current assets 14,950 18,001
Property, plant and equipment, net 59,882 61,093
Investment in and advances to Zamora Gold Corp. 442 571
Other assets 1,136 1,213
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Long-term assets 61,460 62,877
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Total assets $ 76,410 $ 80,878
------------------------
------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Accounts payable $ 1,600 $ 2,425
Accrued liabilities and other 1,653 1,772
Deferred hedging gains 1,498 1,150
Current portion of long-term debt - Note 2 2,309 2,372
------------------------
Current liabilities 7,060 7,719
Long-term debt - Note 2 12,937 13,217
Accrued reclamation and closure costs 5,877 6,384
Other liabilities 26 28
------------------------
Long-term liabilities 18,840 19,629
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Total liabilities 25,900 27,348
Capital stock, no par value per share:
Preferred - unlimited shares authorized; no
shares outstanding
Common - unlimited shares authorized;
shares outstanding:
1999 - 90,715,040; 1998 - 90,715,040 121,146 121,146
Deficit (69,121) (66,076)
Currency translation adjustment (1,515) (1,540)
------------------------
Total shareholders' equity 50,510 53,530
------------------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 76,410 $ 80,878
------------------------
------------------------
Commitments and contingencies - Note 3
Approved by the Board of Directors
/S/ DAVID R. SINCLAIR /S/ PETER WALTON
- --------------------- ----------------
David R. Sinclair Peter Walton
Chairman Director
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
-3-
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
Three Months Ended
March 31
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(U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA) 1999 1998
---------------------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
REVENUES:
Gold sales $ 6,410 $ 10,971
Other revenues 24 3,247
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Total revenues 6,434 14,218
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Mining operations 6,531 7,365
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 1,508 2,323
Provision for reclamation and closure costs 29 1,006
Operating leases - 605
Mineral exploration, property evaluation and holding costs 540 171
Corporate administration 388 389
Investor relations 39 72
Interest expense 270 112
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets - (9)
Equity in loss and impairment of Zamora Gold Corp. 143 -
Other expense (income) 17 (2)
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Total costs and expenses 9,465 12,032
Net earnings (loss) before taxes (3,031) 2,186
Income taxes 14 7
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Net earnings (loss) $ (3,045) $ 2,179
---------------------------
---------------------------
Weighted average shares outstanding 90,715,040 89,152,540
---------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per share $ (0.03) $ 0.02
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THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF DEFICIT
Three Months Ended
March 31
---------------------------
(U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1999 1998
---------------------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Deficit, beginning of period $(66,076) $(64,437)
Net earnings (loss) (3,045) 2,179
-------------------------
Deficit, end of period $(69,121) $(62,258)
-------------------------
-------------------------
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
-4-
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended
March 31
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(U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1999 1998
---------------------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings (loss) $(3,045) $ 2,179
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET EARNINGS (LOSS) TO NET
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATIONS:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 1,508 2,323
Amortization of deferred stripping - 702
Deferral (amortization) of hedging gains 348 4,849
Amortization of deferred hedging costs - 276
Provision for reclamation and closure costs 29 1,006
Reclamation and closure costs (536) (314)
Loss (gain) on sale of assets - (9)
Equity in loss and impairment of Zamora Gold Corp. 143 -
Loss (gain) on currency translation 25 21
Other non-cash items (2) -
----------------------
(1,530) 11,033
CHANGES IN OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:
Marketable securities 17 132
Accounts receivable (1,727) (2,138)
Gold inventory 2,476 51
Supplies and other (125) 144
Accounts payable (825) (1,882)
Accrued liabilities and other (119) (840)
----------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (1,833) 6,500
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (380) (777)
Proceeds from disposal of assets 83 108
Investment in and advances to Zamora Gold Corp. (14) -
Other assets 77 2
----------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (234) (667)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of debt (343) (4,700)
----------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (343) (4,700)
----------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,410) 1,133
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 4,786 1,799
----------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 2,376 $ 2,932
----------------------
----------------------
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
-5-
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, unless specified otherwise)
1. UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The consolidated financial statements of Vista Gold Corp. (the "Corporation")
for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 are unaudited and have
been prepared by the Corporation in accordance with Canadian Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to
fairly present the interim financial information set forth herein have been
made. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily
indicative of the operating results of a full year or of future years. This
document should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed under cover
of Form 10-K on March 31, 1999.
2. LONG-TERM DEBT
Mineral Ridge Resources Inc. ("Mineral Ridge"), a subsidiary of the
Corporation, has outstanding bank loans of $15.2 million. During the three
months ended March 31, 1999, Mineral Ridge repaid $0.3 million under the
terms of the loans. The interest rate on the loans is LIBOR plus two percent
and the loans, which are not guaranteed by Vista Gold, are collateralized by
the assets of Mineral Ridge including $5.0 million of mining equipment
contributed by the Corporation. At March 31, 1999, LIBOR was 4.9 percent and
the current portion of long-term debt was $2.3 million.
3. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
As part of its gold hedging program, the Corporation enters into agreements
with major financial institutions to deliver gold. Realization under these
agreements is dependent upon the ability of those financial institutions to
perform in accordance with the terms of the agreements. As of March 31, 1999,
the Corporation's hedging program consisted of forward sales contracts
totalling 100,000 ounces where the Corporation is required to deliver gold at
an average price of $320 per ounce. The forward sales contracts have various
expiration dates up to December 1999 and the Corporation has the ability to
defer the date of sale before the related gold is ultimately delivered.
4. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In April 1999, Hycroft Resources & Development, Inc. ("Hycroft"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, entered into a debt agreement
with Finova Capital Corporation through which Hycroft received $1.5 million
in cash. The interest rate on the loan is 10.61 percent and the loan is
collateralized by certain mobile equipment assets at Hycroft. The repayment
terms of the loan require 36 equal monthly instalments commencing in May 1999.
5. GEOGRAPHIC & SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Corporation operates in the gold mining industry in the United States,
and has exploration and development properties in Latin America. Its major
product and only identifiable segment is gold, and all gold revenues and
operating costs are derived in the United States.
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment, net, by
geographic region
Canada $ 149 $ -
U.S. 25,396 26,628
Latin America 34,337 34,465
-------- -------
$ 59,882 $61,093
-------- -------
-------- -------
-6-
6. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The significant differences between generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP") in Canada and in the United States are as follows:
(A) Under Canadian corporate law, the Corporation underwent a capital
reduction in connection with the amalgamation of Granges and Hycroft
whereby share capital and contributed surplus were reduced to eliminate
the consolidated accumulated deficit of Granges as of December 31,
1994, after giving effect to the estimated costs of the amalgamation.
Under U.S. corporate law, no such transaction is available and
accordingly is not allowed under U.S. GAAP.
(B) Under Canadian GAAP, the amalgamation of Granges and Hycroft was
treated in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. Under U.S. GAAP,
the amalgamation did not meet the conditions for a pooling of interest.
Accordingly, the transaction is treated as a purchase under U.S. GAAP,
with the excess of purchase price over the net book value of Hycroft's
net assets allocated to mineral properties.
(C) In 1995, the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No.
121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of", effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1995. SFAS No. 121 requires that
long-lived assets and associated intangibles be written down to their
fair values whenever an impairment review indicates that the carrying
value cannot be recovered on an undiscounted cash flow basis. In 1996,
under U.S. GAAP, the carrying value of the Hycroft mine, including the
excess of proceeds over the net book value from (B) above, did not
exceed the undiscounted cash flow. Accordingly, the Hycroft mine
carrying value was written down to fair value using the discounted cash
flow method following U.S. GAAP.
(D) In 1997, the carrying values of certain long-lived assets exceeded
their respective undiscounted cash flows. Following Canadian GAAP, the
carrying values were written down using the undiscounted cash flow
method. Under U.S. GAAP, as discussed in (C) above, the carrying values
were written down to their fair values using the discounted cash flow
method, giving rise to a difference in the amounts written down.
Amortization of the remaining carrying values in subsequent periods
following Canadian GAAP must be reduced to reflect the difference in
the amounts written down following U.S. GAAP.
(E) Under U.S. GAAP, items such as foreign exchange gains and losses and
unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities are required to be
shown separately in the derivation of comprehensive income.
-7-
The significant differences in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss)
relative to U.S. GAAP were as follows:
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31
---------------------------
1999 1998
------- ------
Net earnings (loss) - Canadian GAAP $(3,045) $2,179
Amortization reduction (D) 329 1,252
Other comprehensive income (E) (146) (39)
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Net earnings (loss) - U.S. GAAP (2,862) 3,392
Other comprehensive income (E) 146 39
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Comprehensive income (loss) - U.S. GAAP $(2,716) $3,431
------- ------
------- ------
Basic earnings (loss) per share - U.S. GAAP $ (0.03) $ 0.04
------- ------
------- ------
The significant differences in the balance sheet as at March 31, 1999,
relative to U.S. GAAP were:
MARCH 31, 1999
------------------------------------
PER CDN. CDN./U.S. PER U.S.
GAAP ADJ. GAAP
-------- -------- ---------
Current assets $ 14,950 $ - $ 14,950
Property, plant and equipment (D) 61,460 (13,998) 47,462
-------- -------- ---------
$ 76,410 $(13,998) $ 62,412
-------- -------- ---------
-------- -------- ---------
Current liabilities $ 7,060 $ - $ 7,060
Long-term debt 12,937 - 12,937
Provision for reclamation and future
closure costs 5,903 - 5,903
-------- -------- ---------
25,900 - 25,900
Common shares (A, B) 121,146 76,754 197,900
Contributed surplus (A) - 2,786 2,786
Retained deficit (A, B, C, D) (69,121) (93,561) (162,682)
Accumulated comprehensive income - 23 23
Currency translation adjustment (1,515) - (1,515)
-------- -------- ---------
$ 76,410 $(13,998) $ 62,412
-------- -------- ---------
-------- -------- ---------
-8-
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, unless specified otherwise)
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements of Vista Gold Corp. (the "Corporation") for the three months ended
March 31, 1999 and 1998 and the notes thereto, which have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada.
INTRODUCTION
During the three months ended March 31, 1999, the Corporation had two
producing gold mines located in Nevada and one development project located in
Bolivia.
At the Hycroft mine, mining activities were suspended in December 1998
because of the continued depression in gold prices. Gold processing and
recovery at the Hycroft mine will continue from inventoried ore during 1999
and into 2000. Hycroft gold production for 1999 is estimated at approximately
25,000 to 30,000 ounces.
In October 1998, the Corporation acquired the Mineral Ridge mine. Prior to
the acquisition, the mine had been shut down since December 1997. The
Corporation has recommenced mining and processing activities at the Mineral
Ridge mine and gold production is expected to reach planned levels in the
second quarter of 1999. Mineral Ridge gold production for 1999 is estimated
to be between 40,000 and 45,000 ounces.
The Corporation recently completed an optimized internal feasibility study on
the Amayapampa and Capa Circa project located in Bolivia. Discussions with
various lenders regarding project financing are in progress and during 1999,
the Corporation's activities will focus on arranging financing for the
construction and development of the Amayapampa and Capa Circa project.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998.
The net loss for the three months ended March 31, 1999 was $3.0 million as
compared to net earnings of $2.2 million for the same period in 1998. The
primary reasons for the decrease in net earnings include reduced gold
production from the Hycroft mine, start-up costs associated with the Mineral
Ridge mine, holding costs for the Bolivian property, and a one-time hedging
gain which was received in 1998, while there was no similar gain in 1999. The
1998 net earnings included a one-time gain on the liquidation of gold
forwards of $3.2 million in other revenues. Excluding the one-time gain, the
Corporation would have incurred a net loss of $1.0 million in 1998.
Gold sales of $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999
decreased $4.6 million, or 42 percent, from the same period in 1998. The
decrease in gold sales was directly related to a 45 percent decrease in gold
production, partially offset by a six percent increase in the average gross
realized price. Gold production and gold prices were as follows:
1999 1998
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Hycroft mine gold production (ounces) 15,770 35,017
Mineral Ridge mine gold production (ounces) 3,490 -
------ ------
19,260 35,017
Average gross realized price per ounce $ 333 $ 313
Average spot price per ounce $ 287 $ 294
At the Hycroft mine, the decrease in gold production was attributable to the
suspension of mining activities in December 1998. All subsequent Hycroft gold
production has been, and will be, from previously mined and inventoried ore.
As the mine continues to produce gold, the remaining unrecovered gold ounces
in inventory will decrease. During this process, the rate of gold production
will continue to decline until all inventoried gold ounces have been
recovered.
-9-
After acquiring the Mineral Ridge mine, the Corporation recommenced mining
and processing activities during the fourth quarter of 1998. The initial
start-up period lasted approximately four months and, following normal
recovery lead times, the Corporation expects to reach planned gold production
levels in the second quarter 1999. The Mineral Ridge mine began producing
gold on a regular basis in February 1999 and in March 1999, the mine produced
2,598 ounces of the 3,490 ounces produced during the first quarter 1999.
The cost of mining operations decreased $0.8 million to $6.5 million for the
first three months of 1999. Overall, the cost reduction was related to the
amortization of deferred stripping. In 1998, the Hycroft mine amortized $0.7
million of deferred stripping costs, while there was no similar cost in 1999.
Excluding the amortization of deferred stripping, total operating costs for the
first quarter 1999 were unchanged from the same period in 1998. This was because
cost reductions from the suspension of mining activities at the Hycroft mine
were offset by operating and start-up costs at the Mineral Ridge mine. During
the initial start-up period at the Mineral Ridge mine, the Corporation is
expensing all start-up costs as they are incurred. Mine operating costs were as
follows:
1999 1998
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Hycroft mine operating costs $5,228 $7,365
Mineral Ridge mine operating costs 1,303 -
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$6,531 $7,365
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------ ------
At the Hycroft mine, mining activities were suspended in December 1998, and
as a result there were no direct mining costs during the three months ended
March 31, 1999. Processing and other operating costs also decreased during
this period reflecting reduced levels of operating activities and lower gold
production. However, these reductions were partially offset by the expensing
of previously inventoried cost ("inventory variation") as the Hycroft gold
inventory on the heaps was reduced during the quarter. During the quarter,
the cash operating cost per ounce was $323 in 1999 as compared to $206 in
1998. However, excluding inventory variation, the direct cash operating cost
per ounce was $91 in 1999 as compared to $205 in 1998.
At the Mineral Ridge mine, 1.3 million total tons were mined during the first
quarter of 1999 at an average mining cost of $0.76 per ton. As discussed
above, all initial start-up costs are being charged to operations as
incurred. While mine operating costs during the quarter bore 100% of the
start-up costs, gold production during the quarter did not reach planned
levels. As a result the cash operating cost per ounce is abnormally high at
$371. The Corporation anticipates the cash operating cost per ounce to
decrease as gold production levels increase. The estimated cash operating
cost per ounce when the mine achieves planned production will be
approximately $226.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") decreased $0.8 million to
$1.5 million for the first quarter of 1999. At the Hycroft mine, a
significant portion of the property, plant and equipment is amortized using
the units of production method of depreciation based on proven and probable
reserves. Those assets have been fully amortized and, as a result, the DD&A
expense at the mine decreased substantially from 1998. The decrease at the
Hycroft mine was partially offset by the start-up of the Mineral Ridge mine
which recorded $0.8 million of DD&A expense.
The provision for reclamation and closure costs decreased $1.0 million from
1998. At the Hycroft mine, reclamation and closure costs were fully accrued
in 1998 and no further provisions are anticipated. At the Mineral Ridge mine,
$29 thousand was accrued for reclamation and closure costs during the first
quarter of 1999. The provision is charged to earnings over the life of the
mine on a unit-of-production basis. As production levels increase at the
Mineral Ridge mine, the amount of the provision for reclamation and closure
costs will increase accordingly.
Corporate administration and investor relations expenditures were relatively
unchanged from the first quarter of 1998, when measures were taken to reduce
the Corporation's overhead costs. Interest expense increased from $0.1
million for the first quarter of 1998 to $0.3 million for the first quarter
of 1999. In 1998, the Hycroft mine incurred interest expense on debt that was
subsequently retired during the year. The 1999 interest expense was incurred
on Mineral Ridge debt which was amended when the Corporation acquired the
Mineral Ridge mine.
-10-
YEAR 2000
As the year 2000 approaches, there are uncertainties concerning whether computer
systems will properly recognize date-sensitive information when the year changes
to 2000. Systems that do not properly recognize such information could generate
erroneous data or fail.
A significant portion of the Corporation's computer systems and software are
already configured to accommodate dates beyond the year 2000. The Corporation
believes that the year 2000 will not pose significant operational problems for
the Corporation's computer systems. At present, the Corporation has established
a plan to identify and resolve potential year 2000 issues. The plan includes the
following five key elements:
- - to test and evaluate the hardware components of the Corporation's computer
systems;
- - to test and evaluate the software components of the Corporation's computer
systems;
- - to test and evaluate any date/time sensitive components of the
Corporation's operating assets and control systems;
- - to evaluate and prioritize the potential impact of any third-party
computer systems; and
- - to take corrective actions where necessary.
The Corporation intends to complete the identification of potential year 2000
issues in June 1999. The resolution of any year 2000 issues will be dependent
on the nature of the issue. However, where any internal equipment or software
is concerned, the Corporation will respond by modifying, upgrading, or
replacing any features that are not year 2000 compliant. Where possible, the
Corporation will also attempt to incorporate redundancy in its computer
systems to reduce the likelihood of year 2000 failures. Additionally, printed
and electronic back-ups are kept of all material transactions, reports,
systems and software where the effects of year 2000 failures could adversely
impact the Corporation.
The Corporation has not yet completed its assessment of all of its systems,
or the computer systems of third parties with which it deals, and while it is
not possible at this time to assess the effect of a third party's inability
to adequately address year 2000 issues, the Corporation does not believe the
potential problems associated with year 2000 will have a material effect on
its financial results.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Corporation's consolidated cash balance on March 31, 1999 was $2.4
million, a decrease of $2.4 million from the December 31, 1998 balance.
Operating activities, including inventory variation, generated $1.0 million
of cash before changes in working capital, which consumed $2.8 million of
cash. The resulting net cash used in operating activities was $1.8 million.
Investing and financing activities used $0.2 million and $0.3 million of
cash, respectively.
The working capital consumption of $2.8 million in cash was primarily the
result of a $1.8 million increase in accounts receivable, which was related
to an increase in finished but unsold gold, and a $1.0 million decrease to
accounts payable and accrued liabilities as the Corporation continued to pay
down its outstanding accounts. Net working capital at March 31, 1999 was $7.9
million.
Investing activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures at the
Mineral Ridge mine of $0.3 million partially offset by the proceeds from the
sale of surplus assets at the Hycroft mine. Mineral Ridge capital
expenditures during the first quarter 1999 were primarily for the planned
expansion of the heap leach pad and for the replacement of a critical ore
feeder, which was identified as inadequate during start-up.
In 1998, the Corporation purchased Mineral Ridge. As part of the transaction,
Mineral Ridge's bank debt agreement was amended. At March 31, 1999, the
amended bank debt was approximately $15.2 million. The interest rate on the
debt is LIBOR plus two percent and the loans, which are not guaranteed by the
Corporation, are collateralized by the assets of Mineral Ridge, including
$5.0 million of mining equipment that was contributed by the Corporation.
During the first quarter 1999, the Mineral Ridge mine repaid $0.3 million of
the outstanding debt balance.
Subsequent to March 31, 1999, Hycroft, a subsidiary of the Corporation,
entered into a debt agreement with Finova Capital Corporation through which
Hycroft received $1.5 million in cash. The interest rate on the loan is 10.61
percent
-11-
and the loan is collateralized by certain mobile equipment assets at the
Hycroft mine. The repayment terms of the loan require 36 equal monthly
installments commencing in May 1999.
At March 31, 1999, the Corporation had forward sales commitments covering
approximately 100,000 ounces of gold at an average price of $320 with various
expiration dates up to December 1999. The Corporation has the ability to
defer the date that the related gold is ultimately delivered.
RECLAMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS
Management estimates the reclamation and closure costs for the Corporation's
mines as follows:
Hycroft mine $5.3 million
Mineral Ridge mine 1.8 million
------------
$7.1 million
------------
------------
These costs are charged to earnings over the lives of the mines and the
provision to date is $5.9 million. In April 1995, the Nevada Bureau of Land
Management ("BLM") approved an amended Hycroft mine reclamation plan that
included the Brimstone deposit, and a surety bond in the amount of $5.1
million was posted to secure reclamation obligations under the plan. During
the first quarter 1999, the Corporation incurred $0.5 million in reclamation
and closure related expenditures at the Hycroft mine. To date, Hycroft has
reclaimed over 500 acres, or approximately 25 percent, of the disturbances on
the entire mine site. Reclamation will continue in areas which would not be
affected by the potential re-start of mining operations discussed below.
In September 1996, the BLM approved the Mineral Ridge mine plan of operations
and a surety bond in the amount of $1.6 million was posted. Cash collateral
in the amount of $0.9 million has been posted as security for the surety bond.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND OTHER MATTERS
During the first quarter 1999, there were no material environmental incidents
or non-compliance events with any applicable environmental regulations.
OUTLOOK
The Corporation is proceeding with a $0.4 million exploration program at the
Hycroft mine, the start-up of the Mineral Ridge mine and is pursuing
financing alternatives for its Bolivian Amayapampa project.
At the Hycroft mine, gold production from previously inventoried ore is
continuing at above-plan rates and is expected to be between 25,000 and
30,000 ounces for the year. A reconciliation of the Brimstone ore reserve
model confirmed that actual gold production exceeded projected gold
production by more than 30 percent. Following the results of the
reconciliation, the Board of Directors approved a $0.4 million exploration
program, to be completed by September 1999. The program includes
approximately 6,000 feet of diamond drilling and 11,000 feet of angled
reverse circulation drilling to determine if the positive variance extends to
the remaining Brimstone gold resource. A positive conclusion could add
significantly to the Corporation's mineable reserves and allow the Hycroft
mine to resume operations.
After acquiring the Mineral Ridge mine in October 1998, the Corporation
recommenced mining activities immediately and is currently approaching
planned levels of production. Operating costs at the mine have been at or
below plan. However, during start-up various plant and crushing design
deficiencies were identified which required correction. The major corrections
have been completed and crushing operations are nearing planned capacity.
Following normal recovery lead-times, gold production at the Mineral Ridge
mine should reach planned levels in the second quarter of 1999 and is
estimated to be between 40,000 and 45,000 ounces for the year.
In Bolivia, the Corporation completed studies on a revised development plan
for the Amayapampa project. The study, which was completed in February 1999,
evaluated the economics of combining the nearby Capa Circa project with the
Amayapampa project. The revised study demonstrated a significant enhancement
over previous studies at a gold price of $300 per ounce. The revised project
is forecast to have an average production rate of 50,100 ounces per year over
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the first five years of its 12 year life. The proven and probable reserve at
Amayapampa is 548,000 ounces and, in addition, Capa Circa hosts a resource of
46,000 ounces of gold. The estimated cash production costs of the project
will be $157 per ounce of gold and the initial capital cost will be
approximately $26 million. The Corporation is focusing its efforts on
arranging the financing for this project so that construction could begin
during the third quarter of 1999.
The Corporation plans to explore the Hycroft Brimstone ore reserve and
operate the Mineral Ridge mine using its existing financial resources. The
development of the Amayapampa project in Bolivia will require additional
funding, and the Corporation is pursuing all appropriate avenues of project
financing.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
The Corporation is engaged in gold mining and related activities, including
exploration, extraction, processing, refining and reclamation. Gold bullion
is the Corporation's principal product. Changes in the price of gold could
significantly affect the Corporation's profitability and cash flows. Gold
prices may fluctuate widely from time to time. For a description of factors
that affect gold prices, see note 1(a) to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed under "Form 10-K, Item
8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements".
Using current 1999 estimates of production at an estimated average gold price
of $300 per ounce, including the effects of the Corporation's hedging
position and management's estimate of expected operating expenses, a $10
change in the gold price would result in an increase or decrease of
approximately $0.5 million in net income and cash flows.
The Corporation occasionally utilizes derivative commodity instruments for
purposes other than trading purposes to manage the Corporation's exposure to
the risks associated with fluctuations in the price of gold by protecting the
selling price of a portion of its production. The market risk of these
commodity instruments to the Corporation's cash flow is related to the
possible failure of all counterparties to honor their contractual
obligations. Also, precious metals contracts between the Corporation and
various counterparties involve the requirement that the Corporation deliver
gold to the counterparty at agreed-upon prices. If the counterparty is unable
to fulfill its purchase obligations, there is no guarantee that the
Corporation will be able to receive the agreed-upon sales price in the open
market. If the Corporation is unable to produce sufficient gold to meet its
hedging contract obligations, it may be obligated to purchase such gold at
the then market price. For further information regarding the Corporation's
hedging program, see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for the
three months ended March 31, 1999 under "Item 1. Financial Statements - Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements".
At March 31, 1999, the Corporation's outstanding forward sales contracts were
for 100,000 ounces at a projected average price of $320 per ounce to be
delivered in 1999. The Corporation has the ability to defer the date that the
related gold is ultimately delivered. During the first quarter of 1999, the
Corporation closed out forward sales contracts covering 12,000 ounces for
cash consideration of approximately $1.4 million. The gain was recorded as
deferred revenue and will be amortized on a per ounce basis as the original
hedging contracts would have matured.
INTEREST RATE RISK
At December 31, 1998, the interest rate on the Corporation's long-term debt
was LIBOR plus two percent. The LIBOR rate on this debt is variable and can
be fixed for specific periods of time up to 180 days at the option of the
Corporation. As a result, management does not believe that the Corporation is
exposed to significant interest rate risk and the Corporation does not
utilize market risk sensitive instruments to manage its exposure to this risk.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK
The price of gold is denominated in U.S. dollars, and all of the
Corporation's revenues and a significant majority of its expenses are
incurred in U.S. dollars. As a result, management does not believe that the
Corporation is exposed to significant foreign currency exchange rate risk and
the Corporation does not utilize market risk sensitive instruments to manage
its exposure to this risk.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
None
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
10.01 Loan and Security Agreement dated as of April 12, 1999
between Hycroft Resources & Development, Inc. and Finova
Capital Corporation.
11.01 Statement of Computation of Per Share Earnings.
27.01 Financial Data Schedule.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended March 31,
1999. However, the following documents were filed under cover of
Form 6-K during the quarter ended March 31, 1999:
1. Press release dated January 19, 1999 announcing the Hycroft
mine 1998 production filed under cover of Form 6-K on
January 19, 1999.
2. Press release dated March 8, 1999 announcing the results of
the Bolivian project feasibility study filed under cover of
Form 6-K on March 9, 1999.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
VISTA GOLD CORP.
(Registrant)
Date: May 10, 1999 By: /S/ MICHAEL B. RICHINGS
------------------------
Michael B. Richings
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 10, 1999 By: /S/ ROGER L. SMITH
-------------------
Roger L. Smith
Vice President Finance
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EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
- -------------- ----------- ----
10.01 Loan and Security Agreement dated as of April 12,
1999 between Hycroft Resources & Development, Inc.
and Finova Capital Corporation. 18
11.01 Statement of Computation of Per Share Earnings 55
27.01 Financial Data Schedule 56
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