10-Q
1
sep11sec.htm
sep11sec.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing
United States
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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 September 30, 2011
OR
¨ 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: 001-31819
GOLD RESERVE INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Yukon Territory, Canada NA
(Jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization) (I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.)
926 West Sprague Avenue,
Suite 200, Spokane, Washington 99201
(Address of
principal executive offices) Zip
Code
(509) 623-1500
(Registrant’s Telephone, including area code)
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. x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has
submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405
of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post
such files).
x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a
large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a
smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer, “accelerated
filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large
accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated
filer ¨ Smaller reporting company x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a
shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes x No
As of November 14, 2011, 59,025,772 Class A common
shares, no par value per share, and 500,236 Class B common shares, no par value
per share, were issued and outstanding.
Item
1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 2011 (unaudited)
U.S. Dollars
September 30,
2011
December 31,
2010
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 4)
$
62,449,366
$
58,186,478
Assets held for sale (Note 7)
–
7,968,813
Marketable equity securities (Note 5)
895,012
2,263,923
Deposits, advances and other
408,457
1,507,822
Total current assets
63,752,835
69,927,036
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 7)
21,460,175
28,503,330
Total assets
$
85,213,010
$
98,430,366
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities :
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
1,939,726
$
1,633,150
Accrued interest
1,641,849
234,550
Total current liabilities
3,581,575
1,867,700
Convertible notes (Note 12)
101,546,242
100,754,404
Total liabilities
105,127,817
102,622,104
Measurement uncertainty (Note 1)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Serial preferred stock, without par value, none issued
Common shares and equity units, without par value
243,972,305
243,582,458
Contributed Surplus
5,171,603
5,171,603
Stock options (Note 9)
16,765,684
14,518,570
Accumulated deficit
(285,670,242)
(268,571,593)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(43,466)
1,217,915
KSOP debt (Note 8)
(110,691)
(110,691)
Total shareholders' deficit
(19,914,807)
(4,191,738)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit
$
85,213,010
$
98,430,366
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Approved by the Board of Directors:
s/ Chris D. Mikkelsen s/ Patrick D. McChesney
1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
U.S. Dollars
2011
2010
2011
2010
OTHER INCOME
Interest
$
25,598
$
62,748
$
112,399
$
191,285
Gain on disposition of marketable securities
243,565
42,042
755,233
148,593
Gain on sale of equipment
913,732
36,633
1,460,727
406,677
Foreign currency gain (loss)
31,635
(56,181)
9,773
88,105
1,214,530
85,242
2,338,132
834,660
EXPENSES
Corporate general and administrative
1,199,949
729,920
5,525,691
2,511,437
Venezuelan operations
145,037
327,830
893,794
1,204,481
Equipment holding costs
330,497
305,979
1,269,058
784,968
Corporate communications
131,661
101,124
511,635
363,415
Legal and accounting
124,750
81,148
427,689
372,810
Arbitration (Note 3)
2,649,335
3,437,287
5,795,180
5,861,225
4,581,229
4,983,288
14,423,047
11,098,336
Loss before interest expense
and income tax
(3,366,699)
(4,898,046)
(12,084,915)
(10,263,676)
Interest expense
(1,694,917)
(1,674,762)
(5,013,734)
(4,960,222)
Loss before income tax
(5,061,616)
(6,572,808)
(17,098,649)
(15,223,898)
Income tax benefit (expense)
–
(2,676)
–
1,500
Net loss for the period
$
(5,061,616)
$
(6,575,484)
$
(17,098,649)
$
(15,222,398)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted
$
(0.09)
$
(0.11)
$
(0.29)
$
(0.26)
Weighted average common
shares outstanding
59,522,382
57,806,689
59,451,148
57,700,834
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
U.S. Dollars
2011
2010
2011
2010
Net loss for the period
$
(5,061,616)
$
(6,575,484)
$
(17,098,649)
$
(15,222,398)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
(130,344)
679,216
(506,148)
1,234,952
Adjustment for realized gains included in net loss
(243,565)
(42,042)
(755,233)
(148,593)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(373,909)
637,174
(1,261,381)
1,086,359
Comprehensive loss for the period
$
(5,435,525)
$
(5,938,310)
$
(18,360,030)
$
(14,136,039)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three and Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
U.S. Dollars
2011
2010
2011
2010
Cash
Flows from Operating Activities:
Net
loss for the period
$
(5,061,616)
$
(6,575,484)
$
(17,098,649)
$
(15,222,398)
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash
used
by operating activities:
Stock
option compensation
405,704
10,690
2,345,983
91,862
Depreciation
14,103
29,845
54,549
105,564
Gain
on sale of equipment
(913,732)
(36,633)
(1,460,727)
(406,677)
Amortization
of premium on
marketable debt securities
–
48,065
–
142,628
Accretion
of convertible notes
287,618
270,149
791,838
741,012
Other
–
8,283
–
(4,673)
Net
gain on disposition of marketable securities
(243,565)
(42,042)
(755,233)
(148,593)
Shares
issued for compensation
187,193
26,465
1,311,864
264,605
Changes
in non-cash working capital:
Net
decrease (increase) in deposits and advances
311,858
76,190
62,701
(133,306)
Net
increase (decrease) in accounts payable
and
accrued expenses
(1,523,752)
2,242,781
1,713,875
298,681
Net
cash used in operating activities
(6,536,189)
(3,941,691)
(13,033,799)
(14,271,295)
Cash
Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds
from disposition of marketable securities
343,588
134,937
1,561,337
744,529
Purchase
of marketable securities
(42,732)
(99,159)
(698,574)
(931,135)
Purchase
of property, plant and equipment
(6,451)
(2,552)
(39,395)
(500,992)
Proceeds
from sales of equipment
7,817,146
50,506
16,457,541
8,901,590
Decrease
in restricted cash
–
–
–
494,076
Net
cash provided by investing activities
8,111,551
83,732
17,280,909
8,708,068
Cash
Flows from Financing Activities:
Net
proceeds from the issuance of common shares
–
–
15,778
41,084
Net
cash provided by financing activities
–
–
15,778
41,084
Change
in Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
1,575,362
(3,857,959)
4,262,888
(5,522,143)
Cash
and cash equivalents - beginning of period
60,874,004
59,298,629
58,186,478
60,962,813
Cash
and cash equivalents - end of period
$
62,449,366
$
55,440,670
$
62,449,366
$
55,440,670
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and the Year Ended December 31, 2010 (unaudited)
Common Shares and Equity Units
Contributed Surplus
Common Shares
and Equity Units Held by Affiliates
Stock Options
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive income
KSOP Debt
Common Shares
Equity Units
Amount
Balance, December 31, 2009
57,694,997
500,236
$ 242,207,200
$ 5,171,603
$ (636,267)
$ 14,448,889
$(246,934,463)
$ (277,225)
$ (110,691)
Net loss
(21,637,130)
Other comprehensive income
1,495,140
Stock option compensation
99,532
Fair value of options exercised
29,851
(29,851)
Common shares issued for:
Cash
150,554
43,661
Services
924,300
1,503,566
Decrease in shares held by affiliates
(201,820)
636,267
Balance, December 31, 2010
58,769,851
500,236
243,582,458
5,171,603
-
14,518,570
(268,571,593)
1,217,915
(110,691)
Net loss
(17,098,649)
Other comprehensive loss
(1,261,381)
Stock option compensation
2,345,983
Fair value of options exercised
98,869
(98,869)
Common shares issued for:
Cash
95,921
15,778
Services
160,000
275,200
Balance, September 30, 2011
59,025,772
500,236
243,972,305
$ 5,171,603
$ -
16,765,684
$(285,670,242)
$ (43,466)
$ (110,691)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
4
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
Note 1. The Company and
Significant Accounting Policies
The Company. Gold Reserve Inc.
(the “Company”) is engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring and
developing mining projects. The Company is an exploration stage company
incorporated in 1998 under the laws of the Yukon Territory, Canada and is the successor issuer to Gold Reserve Corporation which was incorporated in 1956.
In
February 1999, Gold Reserve Corporation became a subsidiary of Gold Reserve Inc., the successor issuer. Generally, each shareholder exchanged its Gold Reserve
Corporation shares for an equal number of Gold Reserve Inc. Class A Common
shares. For tax reasons, certain U.S. holders elected to receive equity units in
lieu of Gold Reserve Inc. Class A common shares. An equity unit is comprised of
one Gold Reserve Inc. Class B common share and one Gold Reserve Corporation
Class B common share, is substantially equivalent to a Class A common share and
is generally immediately convertible into a Gold Reserve Inc. Class A common
share. Unless otherwise noted, general references to common shares of the
Company include Class A common shares and Equity Units as a group. At September
30, 2011, there were 500,236 Equity Units outstanding.
From
1992 to 2008 the Company focused substantially all of its management and
financial resources on the development of the Brisas gold and copper project
located in the Kilometre 88 mining district of the State of Bolivar in
south-eastern Venezuela (which we refer to as the “Brisas Project” or
“Brisas”). As further detailed in Note 3, we discontinued development of the
Brisas Project after it was seized by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (“Venezuela”) and are resolving our investment dispute through arbitration against Venezuela under the Additional Facility Rules
of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”). Concurrent with
the arbitration we are pursuing settlement
of our dispute with Venezuela and are seeking to invest in or acquire
alternative mining projects. The Company has no revenue producing mining
operations at this time. All amounts shown herein are expressed in U.S. dollars
unless otherwise noted.
Basis of Presentation. For the fiscal
year commencing in 2011, the Company changed its basis of accounting and
financial reporting from Canadian GAAP to comply with US GAAP. The Company accounted for this change in presentation
on a retroactive basis. The balance sheet amounts as of December 31, 2010 and
the comparative operating results for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2010 were restated accordingly. A reconciliation of Canadian GAAP to
US GAAP is included in Note 19 of the Company’s financial statements as of
December 31, 2010 and for the year then ended.
Certain
information and note disclosures normally included in the annual financial
statements have been condensed or omitted. Accordingly, these unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2010. The unaudited interim financial statements reflect all normal
adjustments which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair
statement of the results for the periods presented.
Principles of Consolidation .
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company,
Gold Reserve Corporation, four Venezuelan subsidiaries, two Barbadian
subsidiaries and one Aruban subsidiary which were formed to hold the Company’s
interest in its foreign subsidiaries or for future transactions. All subsidiaries
are wholly owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated on consolidation. The Company’s policy is to consolidate those
subsidiaries where control exists. Prior to 2011, the consolidated financial
statements also included the accounts of two domestic subsidiaries, Great Basin
Energies, Inc. (“Great Basin”) and MGC Ventures Inc. (“MGC Ventures”). Great Basin and MGC Ventures were 45% and 44% owned, respectively until December 2010 when
the Company disposed of its equity interest in the subsidiaries. See Note 10 to
the consolidated financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents . The
Company considers short-term, highly liquid investments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents for purposes
of reporting cash equivalents and cash flows. Cash and cash equivalents are
designated as held-for-trading and recorded at fair value. The Company manages
the exposure of its cash and cash equivalents to credit risk by diversifying
its holdings into major Canadian and U.S. financial institutions.
Exploration and Development Costs . Exploration costs incurred in locating areas of potential
mineralization or evaluating properties or working interests with specific
areas of potential mineralization are expensed as incurred. Development costs
of proven mining properties not yet producing are capitalized at cost and
classified as capitalized exploration costs under property, plant and
equipment. Property holding costs are charged to operations during the period
if no significant exploration or development activities are being conducted on
the related properties. Upon commencement of production, capitalized
exploration and development costs would be amortized based on the estimated
proven and probable reserves benefited. Properties determined to be impaired or
that are abandoned are written-down to the estimated fair value. Carrying
values do not necessarily reflect present or future values.
5
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
Property, Plant and Equipment . Property, plant and equipment are recorded at the
lower of cost less accumulated depreciation or estimated net realizable value. Included
in property, plant and equipment is $29 million of equipment that has been
adjusted to an estimated net realizable value of $21 million which is not being
depreciated. Replacements and major improvements are capitalized. Maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The cost and accumulated
depreciation of assets retired or sold are removed from the accounts and any
resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations. Depreciation is provided
using straight-line and accelerated methods over the lesser of the useful life
or lease term of the related asset.
Assets
Held for Sale. Long-Lived assets are classified as held for sale in
the period in which certain criteria are met. Assets held for sale are measured
at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and are not
depreciated as long as they remain classified as held for sale.
Impairment of Long Lived Assets . The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
of the assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future net
cash flows to be generated from the use or disposition of a long-lived asset
(undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of
the asset, an impairment loss is recognized and the asset is written down to
fair value. Fair value is generally determined by discounting estimated cash
flows, using quoted market prices where available or making estimates based on
the best information available.
Foreign Currency. The U.S. dollar is the Company’s and
its foreign subsidiaries’ functional currency. Accordingly, foreign currency
amounts are translated into U.S. dollars using the temporal method.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical rates,
monetary assets and liabilities are translated at current rates and revenue and
expense items are translated at average exchange rates during the reporting
period, except for depreciation which is translated at historical rates.
Translation gains and losses are included in the statement of operations.
Stock Based Compensation . The
Company uses the fair value method of accounting for stock options. The fair
value of options granted to employees is computed using the Black-Scholes
method as described in Note 9 and is expensed over the vesting period of the
option. For non-employees, the fair value of stock based compensation is
recorded as an expense over the vesting period or, if earlier, upon completion
of performance. Consideration paid for shares on exercise of share options, in
addition to the fair value attributable to stock options granted, is credited
to capital stock. Fair value of restricted stock issued as compensation is
based on the grant date market value and expensed over the vesting period. The Company also maintains the Gold Reserve Director and
Employee Retention Plan. Each Unit granted to a participant entitles such
person to receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of one Gold
Reserve Class A Common Share (1) on the date the Unit was granted or (2) on the
date any such participant becomes entitled to payment, whichever is greater. Stock
options, restricted stock and Units granted under their respective plans become
fully vested and exercisable and/or payable upon a change of control.
Income Taxes . The Company uses the liability method of accounting for
income taxes. Future tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and those amounts
reported in the financial statements. The future tax assets or liabilities are
calculated using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the periods in
which the differences are expected to be settled. Future tax assets are
recognized to the extent that they are considered more likely than not to be
realized.
Use of Estimates . The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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.
Measurement Uncertainty. The
realizable value of the remaining equipment, originally purchased for the
Brisas Project, may be different than management’s current estimate. Any
operations we may have are subject to the effects of changes in legal, tax and
regulatory regimes, political, labor and economic developments, social and
political unrest, currency and exchange controls, import/export restrictions
and government bureaucracy in the countries in which we may operate. The
Company operates and files tax returns in a number of jurisdictions. The
preparation of such tax filings requires considerable judgment and the use of
assumptions. Accordingly, the amounts reported could vary in the future.
Net Loss Per Share . Net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by
the combined weighted average number of Class A and B common shares outstanding
during each year. In periods in which a loss is incurred, the effect of potential
issuances of shares under options and convertible notes would be anti-dilutive,
and therefore basic and diluted losses per share are the same.
Convertible Notes . Convertible notes
are classified as a liability and are initially recorded at face value, net of
issuance costs. The notes are subsequently accreted to face value using the
effective interest rate method over the expected life of the notes, currently
estimated to be June 15, 2012, with the resulting charge recorded as interest
expense.
6
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
Comprehensive Income . Comprehensive income includes net income or loss and
other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income may include unrealized
gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, gains and losses on certain
derivative instruments and foreign currency gains and losses from self
sustaining foreign operations. The Company presents comprehensive income and
its components in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
Financial
Instruments. The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and
cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts payable, accrued expenses and
convertible notes. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as held for trading
and any changes in fair value are charged to the statement of operations.
Marketable equity securities are classified as available for sale with any
unrealized gain or loss recorded in other comprehensive income. Marketable debt
securities are classified as held-to-maturity and are measured at amortized
cost using the effective interest rate method. Other financial liabilities are
accounted for at cost or amortized cost.
Note 2. New
Accounting Policies
In June 2011, the FASB
issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05 that requires changes in the
presentation of comprehensive income. Effective for periods beginning after
December 15, 2011, entities will have the option of presenting the total of
comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other
comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive
income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of the
updated guidance will not have an effect on the Company’s financial statements.
In May 2011, the FASB
issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-04 which contains amendments resulting
in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in financial
statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The amendments
change the wording used to describe the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring
fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. This
update is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is not
expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In January 2010, the FASB
issued new guidance (ASU 2010-06) that requires new disclosures for fair value
measurements and provides clarification for existing disclosures requirements.
More specifically, it requires reporting entities to 1) disclose separately the
amount of significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair-value
measurements and to describe the reasons for the transfers, and 2) provide
information on purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis
rather than net in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair-value measurements. This
guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after
December 15, 2009, except for the Level 3 fair-value measurements
disclosures that are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2010. The adoption of the updated guidance did not have an effect on the
Company’s financial statements.
Note 3. Expropriation of Brisas Project by Venezuelan
Government and Related Arbitration
From
1992 to 2008 the Company focused substantially all of its management and
financial resources on the development of the Brisas gold and copper project
located in the Kilometer 88 mining district of the State of Bolivar in
south-eastern Venezuela. After approval of the Brisas operating plan by the
Ministry of Mines and the Environmental and Social Impact Study by the Ministry
of Environment in 2003 and early 2007, respectively, the Ministry of
Environment issued in March 2007, the Authorization to Affect which authorized
the commencement of construction activities on the Brisas Project. In April
2008, the Ministry of Environment revoked the Authorization to Affect without
prior notification.
On
October 21, 2009 the Company filed a Request for Arbitration under the
Additional Facility Rules of the International Centre for Settlement of
Investment Disputes (“ICSID”), against Venezuela (“Respondent”) and thereafter
on October 26, 2009, Venezuelan government personnel took physical possession
of the property. In November 2009 the Company’s Request for Arbitration was
registered by ICSID (Gold Reserve Inc. v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (ICSID Case No. ARB(AF)/09/1)). The Company is seeking compensation of $2.1
billion in the arbitration for all of the loss and damage resulting from Venezuela’s wrongful conduct which includes the full market value of the legal
rights to develop the Brisas Project, the value of the Choco 5 Property
and interest of approximately $400 million on the claim calculated since the
loss.
7
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
The full market value of the legal rights to develop
the Brisas Project was measured by an independent expert pursuant to a
fair market value standard utilizing three standard valuation approaches: (1)
the Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF”) Approach, (2) the Comparable Publicly Traded
Company (“CPTC”) Approach, and (3) the Comparable Transaction (“CT”) Approach.
These three valuations converged in a reasonably consistent range of values,
which were combined to arrive at a weighted average valuation based upon the
independent expert’s qualitative assessment of the robustness of the data
available to implement each valuation methodology. The DCF Approach carried the
greatest weight, as it was based upon robust financial projections specifically
for the Brisas Project prepared on a contemporaneous basis for regulatory filing
and bankable feasibility purposes. The CPTC Approach was weighted the second
highest due to the consistency of the valuation multiples observed from the
comparable companies identified by the expert. The CT Approach was weighted the
least due to the wider range of valuation multiples observed from gold mining
companies identified as comparable by the expert.
Venezuela
has an estimated 17 pending arbitration actions being pursued against it at
this time before ICSID and has reportedly settled and/or made full or partial
payment for damages to a limited number of claimants in past months, although
management has no specific information regarding the actual amounts paid or
what percentage such payments represented of the original claim against
Venezuela. Based on the uncertain nature of arbitration under investment
treaties, the timing and the amount of an award or settlement, if any, and the
likelihood of its collection and the timing thereof cannot be determined at
this time.
In
compliance with the schedule previously set by the Tribunal, we filed our
initial written submission, known as the Memorial, on September 24, 2010 alleging violations of three provisions of the
Canada-Venezuela Bilateral Investment Treaty and seeking compensation
corresponding to the restitution, or fair market, value of the rights to
develop the Brisas Project and Choco 5, as of the date of the award. On April 14, 2011, based on a revised written
submission schedule established by the Tribunal in February 2011, the
Respondent submitted its reply to the Company’s Memorial, known as the
Counter-Memorial. More recently, on July 6, 2011, the Tribunal approved a joint
request by both parties for an additional extension of time to submit the
Company’s Reply from July 15, 2011 to July 29, 2011 and Venezuela’s Rejoinder from October 17, 2011 to November 14, 2011.
In
accordance with the procedural calendar in the case, the Company filed its
Reply on July 29, 2011, updating its claim to $2.1 billion to account for
interest accrued since its earlier filing. In response to a recent request
from Venezuela, the Tribunal agreed to amend the procedural calendar to permit Venezuela to file its Rejoinder on December 5, 2011 and confirmed that the oral hearing scheduled to
take place February 6-17, 2012 in Washington, D.C remains unchanged. The Rejoinder is
the last filing to be made prior to the oral hearing. See “Part II- Other
Information- Item 1. Legal Proceedings- Arbitration.”
Note 4. Cash
and Cash Equivalents
September 30,
December 31,
2011
2010
US
Treasury bills
$
39,999,044
$
–
Bank
deposits
17,050,946
52,307,918
Money
market funds
5,399,376
5,878,560
Total
$
62,449,366
$
58,186,478
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the
Company had approximately $278,000 and $39,000 respectively, in Venezuela and banks outside Canada and the U.S. As of September 30, 2011, 57% and 43% of bank
deposits were maintained in U.S. and Canadian banks, respectively and all of
the U.S. deposits were maintained in an FDIC insured account.
Note 5. Marketable
Equity Securities
September 30,
December 31,
2011
2010
Fair
value at beginning of year
$
2,263,923
$
598,825
Acquisitions
698,574
778,144
Dispositions,
at cost
(806,104)
(667,166)
Realized
gain on sale
(755,233)
(241,621)
Unrealized
gain (loss)
(506,148)
1,795,741
Fair
value at balance sheet date
$
895,012
$
2,263,923
8
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
The Company’s marketable equity securities are
classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at quoted market value with
gains and losses recorded within other comprehensive income until realized. As
of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 marketable securities had a cost
basis of $938,478 and $1,046,009, respectively.
Note 6. Financial
Instruments
The fair values as at September 30, 2011 and December
31, 2010 along with the carrying amounts shown on the consolidated balance
sheets for each classification of financial instrument are as follows:
September 30, 2011
December 31, 2010
Carrying
Fair
Carrying
Fair
Classification
Amount
Value
Amount
Value
Cash and cash equivalents
held for trading
$62,449,366
$62,449,366
$58,186,478
$58,186,478
Marketable equity securities
available for sale
895,012
895,012
2,263,923
2,263,923
A/P and accruals
other financial
liabilities
1,939,726
1,939,726
1,633,150
1,633,150
Accrued interest
other financial
liabilities
1,641,849
1,641,849
234,550
234,550
Convertible notes
other financial
liabilities
101,546,242
80,945,701
100,754,404
69,477,790
Fair value estimates for marketable securities are made
at the balance sheet date by reference to recent market transactions. The convertible notes are not listed on an exchange but
are traded on a limited basis in a grey market. Fair value estimates for
convertible notes are based on an assessment of available market information.
ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that
prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into
three broad levels: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted
prices included within Level 1 that are directly or indirectly observable for
the asset or liability and Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset
or liability that reflect the entity’s own assumptions.
Fair value
September 30, 2011
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents
$62,449,366
$62,449,366
–
–
Marketable equity securities
895,012
895,012
–
–
Fair value
December 31, 2010
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents
$58,186,478
$58,186,478
–
–
Marketable equity securities
2,263,923
2,263,923
–
–
The Company is exposed to various risks including
credit risk, liquidity risk, currency risk and interest rate risk as described
below:
a)
Credit risk is the risk that a
counter party will fail to meet its obligations to the Company. The Company’s
primary exposure to credit risk is through its cash and cash equivalents. The
Company holds its cash in major Canadian and U.S. financial institutions.
b)
Liquidity risk is the risk that an
entity will encounter difficulty in meeting its obligations associated with its
financial liabilities. The Company has historically managed this risk by maintaining
adequate cash balances through equity and debt offerings to meet its current
and foreseeable obligations. The following table presents the Company’s payments
due on accounts payable and accrued expenses and its undiscounted interest and
principal payments due on its convertible notes if the notes were to reach
their contractual maturity date of June 15, 2022. (See Note 12)
9
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
Payments due by Period
Less than
More Than
Total
1 Year
1-3 Years
4-5 Years
5 Years
A/P and accruals
$ 1,939,726
$ 1,939,726
–
–
–
Interest
61,921,145
5,629,195
$ 11,258,390
$ 11,258,390
$ 33,775,170
Principal
102,349,000
–
–
–
102,349,000
Total
$ 166,209,871
$ 7,568,921
$ 11,258,390
$ 11,258,390
$ 136,124,170
c) The Company is subject to currency risk mainly due to its operations in Venezuela, which are limited. Transactions denominated in foreign currency are exposed to exchange rate fluctuations which have an impact on the statement of operations. The Company’s cash and other monetary assets and liabilities that are held in Venezuelan and Canadian currency are subject to fluctuations against the US dollar. A 10% weakening of those currencies against the US dollar would have increased (decreased) the Company’s net gain from the translation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, by the amounts shown below.
2011
2010
Venezuelan Bolívar
$
46,562
$
(13,383)
Canadian dollar
1,625
(2,481)
Total
$
48,187
$
(15,864)
The Company limits the amount of currency held in non-U.S dollar accounts, but does not actively use derivative instruments to limit its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency rates.
d) The Company is subject to the risk that changes in market interest rates will cause fluctuations in the fair values of its financial instruments. Cash and cash equivalents earn floating market rates of interest. Other current financial assets and liabilities are generally not exposed to this risk because of their immediate or short-term maturity. The interest rate on the Company’s convertible notes is fixed and therefore the interest payments are not subject to changes in market rates of interest.
Note 7. Property, Plant and Equipment
Accumulated
Cost
Depreciation
Net
September 30, 2011
United States
Machinery and equipment
$
21,209,438
$
–
$
21,209,438
Furniture and office equipment
517,235
(457,038)
60,197
Leasehold improvements
41,190
(40,264))
926
$
21,767,863
$
(497,302)
$
21,270,561
Venezuela
Buildings
$
397,146
$
(303,680)
$
93,466
Furniture and office equipment
480,751
(471,951)
8,800
Transportation equipment
164,482
(162,300)
2,182
Machinery and equipment
373,593
(288,427)
85,166
1,415,972
(1,226,358)
189,614
Total
$
23,183,835
$
(1,723,660)
$
21,460,175
Accumulated
Cost
Depreciation
Net
December 31, 2010
United States
Machinery and equipment
$
28,071,469
$
–
$
28,071,469
Furniture and office equipment
506,339
(435,224)
71,115
Leasehold improvements
41,190
(38,874))
2,316
$
28,618,998
$
(474,098)
$
28,144,900
Venezuela
Buildings
$
403,286
$
(285,696)
$
117,590
Furniture and office equipment
480,751
(462,208)
18,543
Transportation equipment
214,112
(201,196)
12,916
Machinery and equipment
497,808
(288,427)
209,381
1,595,957
(1,237,527)
358,430
Total
$
30,214,955
$
(1,711,625)
$
28,503,330
10
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
Machinery
and equipment includes amounts paid for equipment previously intended for use
on the Brisas project. During the third quarter of 2011, certain equipment with
a carrying value of approximately $6.9 million was sold for $7.8 million and
the Company recorded a gain on sale of $0.9 million. Equipment classified as
assets held for sale at December 31, 2010 was sold during the first quarter of
2011 for $8.3 million and the Company recorded a gain on sale of $0.3 million.
Note 8. KSOP
Plan
The KSOP Plan, adopted in 1990 for the benefit of
employees, is comprised of two parts, (1) a salary reduction component, or
401(k), and (2) an employee share ownership component, or ESOP. Unallocated
shares are recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity. Allocation of
common shares or cash contributions to participants’ accounts, subject to certain
limitations, is at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. The fair
market value of the shares when allocated is recorded in the statement of
operations with a reduction of the KSOP debt account. The Company has not yet
made any contribution for the 2011 Plan year. Cash contributions to eligible
participants for the Plan years 2010 and 2009 were $175,174, and $57,292,
respectively. As of September 30, 2011, 22,246 common shares remain unallocated
to plan participants.
11
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
Note 9. Stock Based Compensation
Equity Incentive Plans
The Company has two equity incentive plans; the 1997 Equity Incentive Plan (last amended in March 2006 and last re-approved by the shareholders in June 2009, the “1997 Plan”) and the 2008 Venezuelan Equity Incentive Plan (approved by the shareholders in June 2008, the “Venezuelan Plan”). Pursuant to Toronto Stock Exchange rules the plans must be re-approved by Shareholders every three years. As of June 10, 2011, grants under the Venezuelan Plan are no longer allowed as the Plan remains in suspension until re-approved by Shareholders. Both plans permit the grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock, or any combination thereof, and each shall be 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares, from time to time. The grants are made for terms of up to ten years with vesting periods ranging from immediate to up to 3 years.
Combined share option transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
2011
2010
Shares
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Shares
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at beginning of period
3,178,102
2.39
4,573,318
2.67
Options exercised
(138,501)
0.93
(141,666)
0.29
Options expired
(670,913)
4.44
(439,582)
4.59
Options forfeited
(126,000)
1.82
(101,917)
2.83
Options granted
3,793,000
1.85
–
–
Options outstanding at end of period
6,035,688
1.87
3,890,153
2.54
Options exercisable at end of period
3,079,438
1.88
3,462,364
2.81
Options available for grant at end of
period under 1997 plan
1,717,749
2,655,139
Options available for grant at end of
period under Venezuelan plan
4,151,765
5,168,288
The following table relates to stock options at September 30, 2011:
Outstanding Options
Exercisable Options
Exercise Price Range
Number
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
Number
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
$0.29 - $0.29
1,079,188
$0.29
$2,244,711
2.18
1,079,188
$0.29
$2,244,711
2.18
$0.73 - $0.73
481,000
$0.73
788,840
2.46
481,000
$0.73
788,840
2.46
$1.82 - $1.82
2,675,000
$1.82
1,471,250
4.26
668,750
$1.82
367,813
4.26
$1.92 - $1.92
950,000
$1.92
427,500
9.69
-
$3.95 - $4.61
423,000
$4.19
0.07
423,000
$4.19
0.07
$4.62 - $4.62
148,500
$4.62
0.22
148,500
$4.62
0.22
$5.07 - $5.36
279,000
$5.19
0.16
279,000
$5.19
0.16
$0.29 - $5.36
6,035,688
$1.87
$4,932,301
4.02
3,079,438
$1.88
$3,401,364
2.11
12
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
During the first quarter of 2011, the Company granted
approximately 2.8 million options which generally vest over three years and in
the second quarter of 2011, the Company issued 950,000 options which vest upon
a settlement or an award related to the arbitration against Venezuela. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, new options totaling
3,793,000 and 0, respectively were granted.
The Company recorded compensation expense during the nine months ended September
30, 2011 and 2010 of $2.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for stock
options granted in 2011 and prior periods. Compensation expense for the nine
months ended September 30, 2011 includes $1.5 million related to options vested
in the first quarter 2011. The options granted in the second quarter had an
estimated fair market value of $0.7 million at the date of grant, however the
Company does not currently record an expense for these options and will only
record an expense in the event it becomes probable the options will vest. As of
September 30, 2011, compensation expense of $2.1 million related to unvested
options remains to be recognized over the remaining vesting period.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted in 2011
was calculated at $1.23 and the total fair value of options vested during 2011
was $1.0 million. The fair value of options granted in 2011 was determined
using the Black-Scholes model based on the following assumptions:
Weighted average risk free interest rate
1.63%
Expected
Term
4.0 years
Expected
volatility
97%
Dividend
yield
nil
Retention
Units Plan
In addition to the equity
incentive plans, the Company also maintains the Gold Reserve Director and
Employee Retention Plan. Units granted under the plan become fully vested and
payable upon achievement of certain milestones related to the Brisas project or
in the event of a change of control. The Company’s Board of Directors has evaluated
modifying the vesting provisions of the units to more adequately reflect the
current business objectives of the Company, but has not yet amended the terms
of the units. Each unit granted to a participant entitles such person to
receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of one Gold Reserve Class
A Common Share (1) on the date the unit was granted or (2) on the date any such
participant becomes entitled to payment, whichever is greater. As of September
30, 2011 an aggregate of 1,457,500 unvested units have been granted to
directors and executive officers of the Company and 315,000 units have been
granted to other employees. The Company currently does not accrue a liability
for these units as events required for vesting of the units have not yet
occurred. The value of these units, based on the grant date value of the Class A
shares, was approximately $7.7 million.
Note 10. Related
Party Transactions:
MGC
Ventures . The Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice
President-Finance and Vice President-Administration of the Company are also
officers and/or directors and shareholders of MGC Ventures. On December 15,
2010, the non-affiliated shareholders of MGC Ventures approved the redemption
of all of the shares of MGC Ventures common stock held by Gold Reserve. Gold
Reserve received $0.9 million and recorded a gain on sale of subsidiary of $0.2
million. Prior to the redemption, Gold Reserve owned 12,062,953 common shares
of MGC Ventures which represented 44% of its outstanding shares. MGC Ventures
owned 258,083 common shares of the Company at September 30, 2011 and December
31, 2010. During the last three years, the Company sublet a portion of its
office space to MGC Ventures for $6,000 per year.
Great
Basin . The Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice
President-Finance and Vice President-Administration of the Company are also
officers and/or directors and shareholders of Great Basin. On December 15,
2010, the non-affiliated shareholders of Great Basin approved the redemption of
all of the shares of Great Basin common stock held by Gold Reserve. Gold
Reserve received $1.2 million and recorded a gain on sale of subsidiary of $0.3
million. Prior to the redemption, Gold Reserve owned 15,661,595 common shares
of Great Basin which represented 45% of its outstanding shares. Great Basin owned 491,192 common shares of the Company at September 30, 2011 and December
31, 2010. During the last three years, the Company sublet a portion of its
office space to Great Basin for $6,000 per year.
13
Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
and 2010 (unaudited)
Expressed in U.S. Dollars
Note
11. Shareholder Rights Plan
The Company instituted a shareholder rights plan (the
“Rights Plan”) in 1999. Since the original approval by the shareholders, the
Rights Plan and the Rights Plan agreement have been amended and continued from
time to time. In June 2009, the shareholders approved certain amendments to the
Rights Plan including continuing the Shareholder Rights Plan until June 30,
2012. The Rights Plan is designed to give the Board of Director’s time to
consider alternatives, allow shareholders time to properly assess the merits of
a bid and insure they receive full and fair value for their common shares. One
right is issued in respect of each outstanding share. The rights become
exercisable only when a person, including any party related to it or acting
jointly with it, acquires or announces its intention to acquire 20% or more of
the Company’s outstanding shares without complying with the “permitted bid”
provisions of the Rights Plan. Each right would, on exercise, entitle the
holder, other than the acquiring person and related persons, to purchase Class
A common shares of the Company at a 50% discount to the market price at the
time.
Note 12. Convertible
Notes
In May 2007, the Company
issued $103,500,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.50% Senior subordinated
convertible notes. The notes are unsecured, bear interest at a rate of 5.50%
annually, pay interest semi-annually in arrears and are due on June 15, 2022.
The notes are convertible into Class A common shares of the Company at the
initial conversion rate, subject to adjustment, of 132.626 shares per $1,000
principal amount (equivalent to a conversion price of $7.54). Upon conversion,
the Company will have the option, unless there has occurred and is then
continuing an event of default under the Company’s indenture, to deliver common
shares, cash or a combination of common shares and cash for the notes
surrendered.
The note holders have the option to require the Company
to repurchase the notes on June 15, 2012, at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the notes plus accrued but unpaid interest. The Company has
the ability to satisfy its obligation to pay the repurchase price, in whole or
in part, by delivering Common Shares which would not result in the use of current
assets or the creation of new current liabilities to satisfy its potential
requirement to pay the repurchase price. As a result, the notes are classified
as non-current. In the event of a change of control of the Company, the Company
may be required to offer to repurchase the notes at a purchase price equal to
100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued but unpaid interest
unless there has occurred and is continuing certain events of default under the
Company’s indenture.
At any time on or after June 16, 2010, and until June
15, 2012, the Company may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, for cash at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus
accrued and unpaid interest if the closing sale price of the Common Shares is
equal to or greater than 150% of the conversion price then in effect and the
closing price for the Company’s Common Shares has remained above that price for
at least twenty trading days in the period of thirty trading days preceding the
Company’s notice of redemption. Beginning on June 16, 2012, the Company may, at
its option, redeem all or part of the notes for cash at a redemption price
equal to 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid
interest.
The covenants contained in the 5.50% convertible note
indenture are limited to administrative issues such as payments of interest,
maintenance of office or agency location, delivery of reports and other related
issues. Likewise, events of default are defined as failure to pay interest and
principal amounts when due, default in the performance of covenants, failure to
convert notes upon holder’s exercise of conversion rights and similar
provisions or the Company’s failure to give notice of a fundamental change
which is generally defined as events related to a change of control in the
Company.
The
notes are classified as a liability and were initially recorded at face value,
net of issuance costs. The notes are accreted to face value using the effective
interest rate method over the expected life of the notes, currently estimated
to be June 15, 2012, with the resulting charge recorded as interest expense. The Company capitalized interest and accretion on the
notes until October, 2009, when the Company filed for arbitration and when Venezuela seized the Brisas Project. Thereafter all interest and accretion on the notes has
been expensed. As of September 30, 2011, convertible notes with a face value of
$1,151,000 had been settled in cash or repurchased by the Company at a total
cost of approximately $451,000.
14
ITEM 2. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
This
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, dated November 14, 2011 is intended to assist in understanding and
assessing our results of operations and financial condition and should be read
in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes.
Gold
Reserve, an exploration stage company, is engaged in the business of acquiring,
exploring and developing mining projects. From 1992 to 2008 we focused
substantially all of our management and financial resources on the development
of the Brisas gold and copper project located in the Kilometer 88 mining
district of the State of Bolivar in south-eastern Venezuela (which we refer to
as the “Brisas Project” or “Brisas”).
In
April 2008 the Venezuelan government revoked our Authorization to Affect for
the commencement of construction at the Brisas Project. For the next 12 months
we attempted to have the Authorization reinstated and ultimately determined in
April 2009 to notify the government of our intent to commence arbitration under
the Canada-Venezuela Bilateral Investment Treaty if an amicable resolution was
not reached. On October 21, 2009 we filed a Request for Arbitration under the
Additional Facility Rules of the International Centre for Settlement of
Investment Disputes (“ICSID”). On October 26, 2009, in apparent response to our
filing government personnel arrived at the project site, claimed ownership of
the Brisas Alluvial Concession, seized assets, expelled our personnel, and took
physical possession of the property. Subsequently, on November 4, 2009, Venezuela notified us through the issuance of an Administrative Act, dated October 20,
2009, of its intent to cancel our underlying Unicornio (hard rock) Concession
which it formally completed in June 2010. See Part II, Item 1. Legal
Proceedings – Arbitration.
A
determining factor in the Company’s current financial position and continuing results
of operations is the substantial operating deficits and project development
costs incurred since 1992 and, the issuance of $183 million of convertible
notes and common shares and the acquisition of approximately $125 million of
equipment subsequent to the March 2007 issuance of the Authorization to Affect
all related to the development of the Brisas Project. Due to the Venezuelan
government’s seizure of the Brisas Project, we ceased development and wrote-off
previously capitalized costs associated with the project development and commenced
selling assets purchased for the construction and operation of the project. The
Company is well advanced in the arbitration process having filed its last reply
including amending its claim prior to the oral hearings scheduled to commence
February 6, 2012 in Washington D.C.
During
2011, the Company met several times with representatives from the Venezuelan Attorney
General’s Office to discuss an amicable resolution to the matter under
arbitration that would respect the rights of both parties. Even though the
arbitration is well advanced we expect to continue efforts with the appropriate
government representatives in the future.
Our
primary objectives continue to be: (1) obtain a working interest in one or more
acceptable mineral exploration properties; (2) diligently pursue the
arbitration claim against Venezuela and minimize costs to the extent possible; (3)
pursue an amicable settlement with Venezuela that may include a monetary
agreement and/or project participation; (4) dispose of remaining assets previously
purchased for the Brisas Project, which originally cost approximately $29
million and are recorded on the balance sheet (as property, plant and
equipment) at their estimated fair value of $21 million; and (5) evaluate the
Company’s options to redeem, restructure or otherwise modify the terms of the
5.50% convertible notes the outcome of which, among other things, is subject to
the sale of the Brisas Project assets.
Any
information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q relating to our
past development efforts, regulatory processes and reported mineral reserves
for the Brisas Project and Choco 5 property are presented only for
informational and historical purposes and should not be construed as an
indication of our expectations regarding the future development and operation
of these properties or the outcome of the arbitration proceedings. The Company
no longer considers historically reported mineralization as “reserves”.
We
have no commercial production at this time and, as a result, we have no revenue
or cash flows from mining operations and continue to experience losses from
operations, a trend we expect to continue while we pursue other mining
prospects and until the investment dispute regarding Brisas is resolved
favorably to the Company. Historically we have financed the Company’s
operations through the issuance of common stock, and convertible debt. On going
Company expenditures are subject to available cash, sale of equipment
originally slated for the Brisas Project and/or future financings, if any. The
Company has only one operating segment, the exploration and development of
mineral properties.
For
the fiscal year commencing in 2011, the Company changed its basis of accounting
and financial reporting to comply with accounting principles generally accepted
in United States. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
Investors are urged to read our filings with U.S. and Canadian securities
regulatory agencies, which can be viewed on-line at www.sec.gov, www.sedar.com
or at the Company’s website, http://www.goldreserveinc.com which also includes
the Company’s corporate governance policies. Additionally, you can request a
copy of any of these documents directly from us.
15
Continued Listing of the
Company’s Shares on NYSE Amex and the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”)
NYSE-Amex
In
June 2011, the Company was advised by the NYSE Amex LLC (the “Exchange”) that
it intended to file a application with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) delisting the Company’s common shares. The
Staff based this decision on its analysis that subsequent to the seizure of the
Brisas Project by the Venezuelan authorities in October 2009, the Company “no
longer complies” with the Exchange’s continued listing rules. Specifically,
the Exchange noted that the Company was non-compliant with: Section 1002(c) of
the NYSE Amex Company Guide (the “Company Guide”) as Gold Reserve has ceased to
be an operating company; and Section 1003(c)(i) as Gold Reserve has sold or
otherwise disposed of its principal operating assets or has ceased to be an
operating company or has discontinued a substantial portion of its operations
or business for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation such events
as sale, lease, spin-off, distribution, foreclosure, discontinuance,
abandonment, destruction, condemnation, seizure or expropriation.
The
Company appealed the Exchange’s conclusions and subsequently submitted a number
of written submissions in addition to several follow-up conversations with the Staff
outlining the reasons supporting continued listing on the Exchange. On October
27, 2011, the Company received notice from the Exchange that it had accepted
the Company’s plan to regain compliance with the Exchange’s listing standards
(the “Plan”) by a targeted completion date of December 20, 2012. The Staff’s
acceptance of the Plan marks the completion of the first step in the Company’s
process towards compliance with the Exchange’s listing standards.
The
Staff reiterated that the Company is not in compliance with Company Guide and,
with the Exchange’s acceptance of the Plan, the Company’s listing is being
continued pursuant to an extension. The Plan provides for an 18 month schedule
(starting from the initial date of notice of non-compliance, June 20, 2011)
whereby the Company expects to obtain a working interest in one or more
acceptable mineral exploration properties with commensurate exploration
expenditures made thereon. The Company will continue to provide the Exchange
staff with updates relative to the initiatives detailed in the Plan, including
the specific milestones to be met by July 31, 2012, and December 20, 2012.
There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve compliance within
the required time frame, and if the Company is not able to achieve compliance
as outlined in the Plan or otherwise show progress consistent with the Plan,
the Company will remain subject to delisting procedures as set forth in the
Company Guide and may in fact be delisted.
Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”)
In
September 2011 the Company received a letter from the Compliance &
Disclosure Department of the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) requesting that the
Company provide information regarding its current operating activities as part
of a fact gathering process related to meeting the TSX’s continuous listing
requirements. The letter stated that if the TSX determines that the Company has
discontinued a substantial portion of its business, the Company will be
required to meet the original listing requirements (“OLR”) of the TSX. The TSX
may provide the Company with up to 120 days from the date of the letter, to
meet the OLR. If the Company fails to provide an acceptable plan to the TSX of
how it intends to meet the OLR in the short term, the TXS will initiate a
delisting review. On October 4, 2011 the Company provided its response and a
plan to the TSX and since that date has continued discussions with the
Compliance and Disclosure Staff regarding the Company’s efforts to maintain
compliance and continue its listing on the TSX.
On
November 11, 2011 the Company received a letter from the Compliance &
Disclosure Department of the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) advising the
Company that while the TSX appreciates the difficult situation that the Company
faces, as detailed in its prior submission, the Company’s plans are not
sufficiently advanced for TSX to grant the Company 120 days to regain
compliance with TSX’s continued listing requirements. As a result, the TSX is
reviewing the eligibility for continued listing on TSX of the common shares of
the Company pursuant to Part VII of The Toronto Stock Exchange Company Manual,
under the Expedited Review Process as described in Section 707(b) of the TSX
Company Manual. The Continued Listing Committee of TSX scheduled a meeting on
November 21, 2011 to consider whether or not to suspend trading in and delist
the common shares of the Company. The Company expects to make a submission
regarding this matter at the meeting.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to achieve compliance within the required time frame, and if the Company is not
able to achieve compliance, the Company will remain subject to delisting
procedures as set forth in the Company Manual and may in fact be delisted.
Management is also evaluating alternative listing options such as the TSX
Venture Exchange or NEX.
Financial
Overview
Cautionary
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The
information presented or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q contains both historical information and forward-looking statements
(within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the
Exchange Act and the Securities Act (Ontario)) that may state our intentions,
hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. In this report,
forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and
assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us at this time, are
inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive
uncertainties and contingencies. We caution that such forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risks that
may cause our actual financial results, performance, or achievements of the
Company to be materially different from our estimated future results,
performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking
statements.
16
These forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, as well as assumptions that may never materialize, prove
incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause
our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,”
“intend,” “estimate,” “plan,” “may,” “could” and other similar expressions that
are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends which do not
relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking statements. Any such
forward-looking statements are not intended to give any assurances as to future
results. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from
those in the forward-looking statements. Due to risks and uncertainties,
including the risks and uncertainties identified in our Annual Report on Form
10-K- “Part I- Item 1A. Risk Factors”, actual results may differ materially
from current expectations.
Numerous
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements, including without limitation:
·
the outcome of our arbitration
under ICSID against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela;
·
the actual value realized from the
disposition of the remaining Brisas Project related assets;
·
the result or outcome of the
litigation regarding the enjoined hostile takeover bid for us;
·
the potential equity dilution in
the event the convertible notes are converted in part or in whole to common
shares;
·
our ability to maintain continued
listing on the Exchange and/or the Toronto Stock Exchange;
·
corruption and uncertain legal
enforcement;
·
political and social instability;
·
requests for improper payments;
·
competition with companies that are
not subject to or do not follow Canadian and U.S. laws and regulations;
·
regulatory, political and economic
risks associated with Venezuela including changes in laws and legal regimes;
·
impact of currency, metal prices
and metal production volatility;
·
our dependence upon the abilities
and continued participation of certain key employees;
·
the prospects for exploration and
development of other mining projects by us;
·
and risks normally incident to the
exploration, development and operation of mining properties.
Investors
are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and
investors should not infer that there has been no change in our affairs since
the date of this report that would warrant any modification of any
forward-looking statement made in this document, other documents filed
periodically with securities regulators or documents presented on our website.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us
or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by
this notice. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update publicly or
otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions
or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
subject to our disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by the
relevant securities regulators.
Liquidity and
Capital Resources
At September 30, 2011 the Company had cash and cash equivalents
of approximately $62.4 million which represents an increase from December 31,
2010 of approximately $4.3 million. The increase was primarily due to proceeds
from sales of equipment of $16.5 million and net proceeds from marketable
securities transactions of $0.9 million offset by cash used by operations of $13.0
million. The components of changes in cash are more fully described in the
“Operating,” “Investing” and “Financing” Activities section below.
2011
2010
Change
Cash
and cash equivalents
$ 62,449,366
$ 58,186,478
$ 4,262,888
As
of September 30, 2011, our total financial resources, which include cash and
cash equivalents and marketable securities, totaled approximately $63.3 million.
In addition to cash and cash equivalents and investments, the Company holds
Brisas Project related equipment that it intends to dispose of in 2011. This
equipment is carried on the balance sheet (as property, plant and equipment and
assets held for sale) at its estimated fair value of approximately $21 million (historical
cost of approximately $29 million).
The
primary future obligation of the Company is the $103.5 million 5.50%
convertible notes which may be settled in cash or common shares in the event
the holder chooses the one-time option to put the notes back to the Company for
repurchase on June 15, 2012. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial
statements and Contractual Obligations below. With the ability to settle any request
for redemption of the convertible notes with common shares, we believe that
cash and investment balances and funds available from potential future
equipment sales will be sufficient to enable us to fund our activities through
2012. As of November 14, 2011 we had approximately $62 million in cash and
investments which are held primarily in US dollar denominated accounts.
The
timing and extent of additional funding, if any, depends on a number of
important factors, including, but not limited to the timing and outcome of our
investment dispute with Venezuela, the timing and the amount of proceeds, if
any, from the sale of Brisas Project related equipment, the extent of future
acquisitions or investments, if any, status of the financial markets and our
share price.
17
Operating Activities
Cash flow used by operating activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was approximately $6.5 million and $13.0 million, respectively, compared to approximately $3.9 million and $14.2 million for the comparative periods in 2010. Cash flow used by operating activities consists of net operating losses (the components of which are more fully discussed below) adjusted for certain non-cash income and expense items primarily related to gains on sale of equipment and marketable securities, accretion of convertible notes, stock options and common shares issued in lieu of cash compensation and certain non-cash changes in working capital. Cash flow used by operating activities during the third quarter of 2011 increased from the prior comparable period primarily due to: a net decrease in accounts payable primarily related to the timing of payments to counsel and experts connected with the arbitration.
Investing Activities
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, net cash provided by investing activities increased approximately $8.0 million, and $8.6 million for the comparable periods in 2010. Investing activities in the comparable periods primarily consisted of the sale of Brisas Project related equipment and to a lesser extent transactions in marketable securities. As of September 30, 2011, the Company held approximately $21.2 million of Brisas project related equipment intended for future sale.
3 months
9 months
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Proceeds (net of purchases) of marketable securities
$ 300,856
$ 35,778
$ 265,078
$862,763
$ (186,606)
$1,049,369
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(6,451)
(2,552)
(3,899)
(39,395)
(500,992)
461,597
Proceeds from sale of equipment
7,817,146
50,506
7,766,640
16,457,541
8,901,590
7,555,951
Decrease in restricted cash
-
-
-
-
494,076
(494,076)
$ 8,111,551
$ 83,732
$ 8,027,819
$ 17,280,909
$ 8,708,068
$ 8,572,841
Financing Activities
The Company had no financing activities in the third quarter of 2011 and 2010. Net proceeds from the issuance of commons shares relate to the exercise of employee stock options and totaled $15,778 and $41,084 during the nine months ended 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth information on the Company’s material contractual obligation payments for the periods indicated as of September 30, 2011:
Payments due by Period
Total
Less than 1 Year
1-3 Years
4-5 Years
More Than 5 Years
Convertible Notes (1)
$102,349,000
–
–
–
$102,349,000
Interest
61,921,145
$5,629,195
$11,258,390
$11,258,390
33,775,170
$164,270,145
$5,629,195
$11,258,390
$11,258,390
$136,124,170
1 In May 2007, the Company issued $103,500,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5.50% convertible notes. As of September 30, 2011, $102,349,000 remains outstanding. The notes pay interest semi-annually and are due on June 15, 2022. The notes are recorded on the balance sheet at amortized cost of approximately $101 million. Subject to certain conditions, the notes may be converted into Class A common shares of the Company, redeemed or repurchased.
The note holders have the option to require the Company to repurchase the notes on June 15, 2012, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued but unpaid interest. The Convertible Note Indenture provides that the Company may elect to satisfy its obligation to pay the repurchase price, in whole or in part, by delivering Common Shares. If in the future we elect to repurchase the notes with common shares, we would be required to issue shares based on the then current market value. The amounts shown above include the interest and principal payments due if the notes were to reach their contractual maturity date of June 15, 2022.
18
At any time on or after June 16, 2010, and until June 15, 2012, the Company may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest if the closing sale price of the Common Shares is equal to or greater than 150% of the conversion price then in effect and the closing price for the Company’s Common Shares has remained above that price for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 trading days preceding the Company’s notice of redemption. Beginning on June 16, 2012, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or part of the notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The convertible notes are trading in the gray market often at a significant (15% to 25%) discount to face value. The terms of the indenture provide that the Company may repurchase the convertible notes in open market purchases or negotiated transactions. As of September 30, 2011, $1,151,000 face value of convertible notes have been settled in cash or repurchased by the Company at a total cost of $451,000. The covenants contained in the 5.50% convertible note indenture are limited to administrative issues such as payments of interest, maintenance of office or agency location, delivery of reports and other related issues. Likewise, events of default are defined as failure to pay interest and principal amounts when due, default in the performance of covenants, failure to convert notes upon holder’s exercise of conversion rights and similar provisions or the Company’s failure to give notice of a fundamental change which is generally defined as events related to a change of control in the Company. In the event of a change of control of the Company, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued but unpaid interest with cash or Common Shares unless there has occurred and is continuing certain events of default under the Company’s indenture.
Results of Operations
Summary Results of Operations
Consolidated net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was approximately $5.1 million representing a decrease of approximately $1.5 million over the comparable period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 the consolidated net loss of $17.1 million represented an increase of approximately $1.9 million over 2010.
3 months
9 months
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Other Income
$ 1,214,530
$ 85,242
$1,129,288
$ 2,338,132
$ 834,660
$1,503,472
Total expenses
(6,276,146)
(6,660,726)
384,580
(19,436,781)
(16,057,058)
(3,379,723)
Net Loss
$ (5,061,616)
$ (6,575,484)
$ 1,513,868
$(17,098,649)
$(15,222,398)
$ (1,876,251)
Other Income
We have no commercial production at this time and as a result, other income is often variable from period to period due to one-time or otherwise variable sources of income. As noted below, the increase in other income in the three and nine month comparable periods was primarily due to increases in gain on sale of equipment and gain on disposition of marketable securities, partially offset by decreases in interest income.
3 months
9 months
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Interest
$ 25,598
$ 62,748
$ (37,150)
$ 112,399
$191,285
$ (78,886)
Gain on disposition of marketable securities
243,565
42,042
201,523
755,233
148,593
606,640
Gain on sale of equipment
913,732
36,633
877,099
1,460,727
406,677
1,054,050
Foreign currency gain (loss)
31,635
(56,181)
87,816
9,773
88,105
(78,332)
$ 1,214,530
$ 85,242
$ 1,129,288
$ 2,338,132
$ 834,660
$ 1,503,472
Expenses
Total expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased by $0.4 million and increased $3.4 million, respectively, over the comparable periods in 2010. The decrease in the 3 month comparable period was primarily due to a reduction in arbitration costs and expenses associated with our Venezuelan operations partially off-set by a non-cash increase in compensation costs associated with the issuance of stock options and restricted shares.
The increase in the 9 month comparable period was primarily due to non-cash increases in costs associated with the issuance of stock options and restricted shares (primarily in the first quarter) as well an increase in equipment holding costs partially offset by decreases in costs associated with our Venezuelan operation. Substantially all of the increase in corporate general and administrative and corporate communications expense is due to non-cash costs associated with the issuance of stock options and to a lesser degree restricted shares. Costs associated with our Venezuelan operations decreased as a result of a reduction of deposits, advances and other which was netted against expenditures related to our Venezuelan operations.
19
A total of approximately 2.6 million share purchase options expired in 2010 or will expire by the end of 2011 and be returned to the option plans. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company granted approximately 2.8 million options which generally vest over three years and in the second quarter of 2011, the Company issued 950,000 options from the Venezuelan Plan (from which no additional shares can be issued until re-approval by shareholders) which vest upon a settlement or an award related to the arbitration against Venezuela. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, new options totaling 3,793,000 and 0, respectively were granted.
The Company recorded non-cash compensation expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 of $2.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for stock options granted in 2011 and prior periods. Compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 includes $1.5 million related to options granted in the first quarter 2011. The options granted in the second quarter had an estimated fair market value of $0.7 million at the date of grant however the Company does not currently record an expense for these options and will only record an expense in the event it becomes probable the options will vest. As of September 30, 2011, compensation expense of $2.1 million related to unvested options remains to be recognized over the remaining vesting period.
Pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles, the Company records a non-cash expense associated with the issuance of options using the fair value method of accounting which is computed using the Black-Scholes method and expensed over the vesting period of the option (see Note 9, Stock Based Compensation). Accounting rules do not provide for the recovery of previously expensed amounts associated with expired share purchase options.
3 months
9 months
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Corporate general and administrative
$ 1,199,949
$ 729,920
$ 470,029
$5,525,691
$ 2,511,437
$ 3,014,254
Venezuelan expenses
145,037
327,830
(182,793)
893,794
1,204,481
(310,687)
Corporate communications
131,661
101,124
30,537
511,635
363,415
148,220
Legal and accounting
124,750
81,148
43,602
427,689
372,810
54,879
1,601,397
1,240,022
361,375
7,358,809
4,452,143
2,906,666
Arbitration
2,649,335
3,437,287
(787,952)
5,795,180
5,861,225
(66,045)
Equipment holding costs
330,497
305,979
24,518
1,269,058
784,968
484,090
Interest expense
1,694,917
1,674,762
20,155
5,013,734
4,960,222
53,512
Income tax expense (benefit)
-
2,676
(2,676)
-
(1,500)
1,500
Total Expenses for the Period
$ 6,276,146
$ 6,660,726
$ (384,580)
$ 19,436,781
$ 16,057,058
$ 3,379,723
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Adoption of US GAAP in 2011
For the fiscal year commencing in 2011, the Company changed its basis of accounting and financial reporting to comply with US GAAP. The Company has accounted for this change in presentation on a retroactive basis. The balance sheet amounts as of December 31, 2010 and the comparative operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 were restated accordingly. A reconciliation of Canadian GAAP and US GAAP is included in Note 19 of the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2010 and for the year then ended.
20
Transactions with Related Parties
MGC Ventures .
The Chief Executive Officer, President,
Vice President-Finance and Vice President-Administration of the Company are
also officers and/or directors and shareholders of MGC Ventures. On December
15, 2010, the non-affiliated shareholders of MGC Ventures approved the
redemption of all of the shares of MGC Ventures common stock held by Gold
Reserve. Gold Reserve received $0.9 million and recorded a gain on sale of
subsidiary of $0.2 million. Prior to the redemption, Gold Reserve owned
12,062,953 common shares of MGC Ventures which represented 44% of its
outstanding shares. MGC Ventures owned 258,083 common shares of the Company at September
30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. During the last three years, the Company
sublet a portion of its office space to MGC Ventures for $6,000 per year.
Great Basin .
The Chief Executive Officer, President,
Vice President-Finance and Vice President-Administration of the Company are
also officers and/or directors and shareholders of Great Basin. On December 15,
2010, the non-affiliated shareholders of Great Basin approved the redemption of
all of the shares of Great Basin common stock held by Gold Reserve. Gold Reserve
received $1.2 million and recorded a gain on sale of subsidiary of $0.3
million. Prior to the redemption, Gold Reserve owned 15,661,595 common shares
of Great Basin which represented 45% of its outstanding shares. Great Basin owned 491,192 common shares of the Company at September 30, 2011 and December
31, 2010. During the last three years, the Company sublet a portion of its
office space to Great Basin for $6,000 per year.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The
Company is exposed to various risks including credit risk, liquidity risk,
currency risk and interest rate risk as described below:
Credit
risk is the risk that a counter party will fail to meet its obligations to the
Company. The Company’s primary exposure to credit risk is through its cash and
cash equivalents. The Company diversifies its cash holdings into major Canadian
and U.S. financial institutions and corporations.
Liquidity
risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in meeting its
obligations associated with its financial liabilities. The Company has
historically managed this risk by maintaining adequate cash balances through
equity and debt offerings to meet its current and foreseeable obligations.
The
Company is subject to currency risk mainly due to its operations in Venezuela. Transactions denominated in foreign currency are exposed to exchange rate
fluctuations which have an impact on the statement of operations. The
Company’s cash and other monetary assets and liabilities that are held in
Venezuelan and Canadian currency are subject to fluctuations against the US
dollar. The Company limits the amount of currency held in non-U.S dollar
accounts, but does not actively use derivative instruments to limit its
exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency rates.
The
Company is subject to the risk that changes in market interest rates will cause
fluctuations in the fair values of its financial instruments. Cash and cash
equivalents earn floating market rates of interest. Other current financial
assets and liabilities are generally not exposed to this risk because of their
immediate or short-term maturity. The interest rate on the Company’s
convertible notes is fixed and therefore the interest payments are not subject
to changes in market rates of interest.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
During
the fiscal period covered by this report, the Company’s management, with the
participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of
the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”)). Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period
covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are
effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in
reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the required time periods and are designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports is accumulated
and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure. There has been no change in the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter
that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially
affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
21
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Arbitration
On
October 21, 2009 we filed a Request for Arbitration under the Additional
Facility Rules of ICSID, against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
(“Respondent”) seeking compensation in the arbitration for all of the loss and
damage resulting from Venezuela’s wrongful conduct which includes the
full market value of the legal rights to develop the Brisas Project, the
value of the Choco 5 Property and interest of approximately $400 million on the
claim calculated since the loss. The Company is seeking an estimated $2.1
billion, including interest. Gold Reserve’s claim alleges violations of three
provisions of the Canada-Venezuela BIT culminating in the effective
expropriation of Gold Reserve’s sizable investments in the world-class Brisas
gold/copper project and the promising Choco 5 property. In November 2009 our
Request for Arbitration was registered by ICSID (Gold Reserve Inc. v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (ICSID Case No. ARB(AF)/09/1)).
The
full market value of the legal rights to develop the Brisas Project was
measured by an independent expert pursuant to a fair market value standard
utilizing three standard valuation approaches: (1) the Discounted Cash Flow
(“DCF”) Approach, (2) the Comparable Publicly Traded Company (“CPTC”) Approach,
and (3) the Comparable Transaction (“CT”) Approach. These three valuations
converged in a reasonably consistent range of values, which were combined to
arrive at a weighted average valuation based upon the independent expert’s
qualitative assessment of the robustness of the data available to implement
each valuation methodology. The DCF Approach carried the greatest weight, as it
was based upon robust financial projections specifically for the Brisas Project
prepared on a contemporaneous basis for regulatory filing and bankable
feasibility purposes. The CPTC Approach was weighted the second highest due to
the consistency of the valuation multiples observed from the comparable
companies identified by the expert. The CT Approach was weighted the least due
to the wider range of valuation multiples observed from gold mining companies
identified as comparable by the expert.
Venezuela
has an estimated 17 pending arbitration actions being pursued against it at
this time before ICSID (See ICSID website- http://icsid.worldbank.org/ICSID/ ) and has
reportedly settled and/or made full or partial payment for damages to a limited
number of claimants in recent months, although management has no specific
information regarding the actual amounts paid or what percentage such payments
represented of the original claim against Venezuela. Based on the uncertain
nature of arbitration under investment treaties, the timing and the amount of
an award or settlement, if any, and the likelihood of its collection and the
timing thereof cannot be determined at this time.
The
Tribunal held its first session with the parties on April 23, 2010 during which
time several procedural matters were agreed to, including the time schedule for
the Arbitration. In compliance with that schedule, we filed our initial written
submission, known as the Memorial, on September 24, 2010. On April 14, 2011,
based on a revised written submission schedule established by the Tribunal in
February 2011, the Respondent submitted its reply to the Company’s Memorial,
known as the Counter-Memorial. More recently, on July 6, 2011, the Tribunal
approved a joint request by both parties for an additional extension of time to
submit the Company’s Reply from July 15, 2011 to July 29, 2011 and Venezuela’s Rejoinder from October 17, 2011 to November 14, 2011.
In
accordance with the procedural calendar in the case, the Company filed its
Reply on July 29, 2011, updating its claim to $2.1 billion to account for
interest accrued since its earlier filing. In response to a recent request
from Venezuela, the Tribunal agreed to amend the procedural calendar to permit Venezuela to file its Rejoinder on December 5, 2011 and
confirmed that the oral hearing scheduled to take place February 6-17, 2012 remains
unchanged. The Rejoinder is the last
filing to be made prior to the oral hearing.
The
Canada-Venezuela Treaty requires as a precondition to bringing an arbitration
claim under the Treaty that an investor and any enterprise the
investor owns directly or indirectly that has suffered losses that form
the basis of a claim by the investor to "waive[ ] its right to
initiate or continue any other proceedings in relation to the measure that is
alleged to be in breach of [the Treaty] before the courts
or tribunals of the Contracting Party concerned or in a dispute settlement
procedure of any kind." As a result, the Company and its relevant
subsidiaries waived their right to commence or continue before
Venezuelan courts or tribunals with other legal or administrative challenges to
the conduct that forms the basis of the ICSID claim, including the
revocation of the Authorization to Affect and the denial of the extension
of the Brisas Alluvial and El Pauji Concessions.
Litigation
On
December 15, 2008, Rusoro Mining Ltd. (“Rusoro”) commenced an unsolicited offer
to acquire all of the outstanding shares and equity units of the Company in
consideration for three shares of Rusoro for each Company share or equity unit.
On December 16, 2008, the Company filed an action in the Ontario Superior Court
of Justice against Rusoro and Rusoro’s financial advisor Endeavour Financial
International Corporation (“Endeavour”) seeking an injunction restraining
Rusoro and Endeavour from proceeding with Rusoro’s unsolicited offer,
significant monetary damages, and various other items. Endeavour was the
Company’s financial advisor from 2004 until shortly after the commencement of
Rusoro’s offer.
On
February 10, 2009, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted an
interlocutory injunction restraining Rusoro from proceeding with any hostile
takeover bid to acquire the shares of the Company until the conclusion and
disposition at trial of the action commenced by the Company. The injunction was
granted by the Court following a motion by the Company on the basis that Rusoro
had access to or benefited from the use of the Company’s confidential
information as a result of Rusoro’s relationship with Endeavour. The Court also
issued an interlocutory injunction restraining
Endeavour from having any involvement with a hostile takeover bid for the
Company. The Court further required that Rusoro, Endeavour and their agents
return to the Company both all the confidential information of the Company and
also anything produced from that confidential information and pay the court
costs. Following the issuance of the interlocutory injunctions, Rusoro withdrew
its unsolicited offer to acquire the outstanding shares and equity units of the
Company.
22
On
February 15, 2009, Rusoro and Endeavour both served a motion with the Ontario
Superior Court of Justice seeking permission to appeal to the Divisional Court the February 10, 2009 order that was granted against them. The Company
opposed these motions which were heard in Toronto on April 2, 2009 and on April
6, 2009 the permission to appeal was denied. Rusoro has filed a counterclaim
against the Company for, among other things, damages of Cdn $102.5 million
allegedly arising from the Company’s successful motion for an interlocutory
injunction. Endeavour has filed a $0.5 million counter claim against the
Company relating to the lost opportunity to earn a success fee from the
successful completion of the Rusoro offer. Recently, the Company added two additional defendants, amended
the claim for monetary damages with a further amended claim for monetary
damages forth coming and collected all its relevant internal documents,
including electronically stored information to begin the process of proceeding
to depositions.
Our
counsel with respect to this litigation matter has advised management that it
is too early in the litigation process to determine the likely outcome of the
litigation with substantial reliability. In the event that one or both
defendants prevail with their counterclaims, the Company could be subject to
the full amount of the combined damages noted above. However, based on the
facts of the case, the activity through the filing date and the overall scope
and context of the proceedings, management has concluded, pursuant to the
guidance contained in ASC 450-20-50-4, that an estimate of the possible loss or
range of loss cannot be made at this time.
23
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The
risk factors for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 are substantially the
same as those disclosed and discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED
SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS - None
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES - None
ITEM 4. [REMOVED AND RESERVED]
ITEM 5. OTHER
INFORMATION - None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
31.1 Certification of Principal
Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification
of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
32.1 Certificate
of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
32.2 Certificate of Principal
Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002)
24
EXHIBIT
31.1 CERTIFICATION
OF THE CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
I, Rockne J Timm, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Gold
Reserve Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under
which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and
other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows
of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are
responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls
and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this
report is being prepared;
b) designed such internal control over
financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
c) evaluated the effectiveness of the
registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and
d) disclosed in this report any change
in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth
fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected,
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have
disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
a) all significant deficiencies and
material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material,
that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/
Rockne J. Timm
Rockne J. Timm
Chief Executive Officer
November 14, 2011
25
EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302
I, Robert A. McGuinness, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Gold
Reserve Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under
which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and
other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows
of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are
responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls
and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this
report is being prepared;
b) designed such internal control over
financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to
be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles;
c) evaluated the effectiveness of the
registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and
d) disclosed in this report any change
in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth
fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected,
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have
disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
a) all significant deficiencies and
material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material,
that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/
Robert A. McGuinness
Robert
A. McGuinness
Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
November 14, 2011
26
EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Rockne J. Timm, Chief Executive Officer of Gold
Reserve Inc., certify, to the best of my knowledge, based upon a review of the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011 of Gold
Reserve Inc. that:
(1) The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fully complies
with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended; and
(2) The information contained and incorporated by
reference in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Gold Reserve
Inc.
/s/
Rockne J. Timm
Rockne J. Timm
Chief Executive Officer
November 14, 2011
27
EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Robert A. McGuinness, Vice President Finance and
Chief Financial Officer of Gold Reserve Inc., certify, to the best of my
knowledge, based upon a review of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
period ended September 30, 2011 of Gold Reserve Inc. that:
(1) The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fully complies
with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended; and
(2) The information contained and incorporated by
reference in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Gold Reserve
Inc.
/s/
Robert A. McGuinness
Robert
A. McGuinness
Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
November 14, 2011
28
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.