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EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 - VISTA GOLD CORPc324-20160930ex3222aa689.htm
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - VISTA GOLD CORPc324-20160930ex321ccb5a9.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - VISTA GOLD CORPc324-20160930ex31231c661.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - VISTA GOLD CORPc324-20160930ex3118816eb.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

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: 001-9025

 

Vista-Logo-2-300dpi    

 

VISTA GOLD CORP.

 (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

British Columbia

   

98-0542444

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

   

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

   

 

Suite 5, 7961 Shaffer Parkway

   

   

Littleton, Colorado

   

80127

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

   

(Zip Code)

 

(720) 981-1185

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ☒No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes ☒No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “Accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

      Large Accelerated Filer   Accelerated Filer   Non-Accelerated Filer Smaller Reporting Company  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes No ☒    

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date: 97,786,608 common shares, without par value, outstanding as of October 24, 2016.

 

 

 


 

2


 

 

 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

VISTA GOLD CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands, except shares)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,305

 

$

902

 

Short-term investments (Note 3)

 

 

23,476

 

 

11,990

 

Other investments, at fair value (Note 3)

 

 

5,384

 

 

1,798

 

Other current assets

 

 

514

 

 

512

 

Total current assets

 

 

30,679

 

 

15,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mineral properties (Note 4)

 

 

3,874

 

 

3,874

 

Plant and equipment, net (Note 5)

 

 

8,400

 

 

8,792

 

Total non-current assets

 

 

12,274

 

 

12,666

 

Total assets

 

$

42,953

 

$

27,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

121

 

$

115

 

Accrued liabilities and other

 

 

482

 

 

688

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

603

 

 

803

 

Total liabilities

 

 

603

 

 

803

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies – (Note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares, no par value - unlimited shares authorized; shares outstanding: 2016 - 97,786,608 and 2015 - 82,883,562 (Note 6)

 

 

455,274

 

 

438,900

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

36

 

 

(35)

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(412,960)

 

 

(411,800)

 

Total shareholders' equity

 

 

42,350

 

 

27,065

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

42,953

 

$

27,868

 

 

Approved by the Board of Directors

 

Racy A. S

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Tracy A. Stevenson

Tracy A. Stevenson

Director

/s/ John M. Clark

John M. Clark

Director

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

3


 

VISTA GOLD CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME/(LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Three Months Ended September 30, 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

 

 

 

 

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

    

  

Operating expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs

 

$

(1,168)

 

$

(1,306)

 

$

(2,979)

 

$

(3,265)

 

 

Corporate administration

 

 

(581)

 

 

(832)

 

 

(2,319)

 

 

(2,674)

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(144)

 

 

(163)

 

 

(431)

 

 

(531)

 

 

Gain on disposal of mineral property, net (Note 4)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

150

 

 

1,958

 

 

Write-down of value-added tax receivable

 

 

 —

 

 

(572)

 

 

 —

 

 

(572)

 

 

Total operating expense

 

 

(1,893)

 

 

(2,873)

 

 

(5,579)

 

 

(5,084)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-operating income/(expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of marketable securities

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

12

 

 

Gain/(loss) on other investments (Note 3)

 

 

(234)

 

 

(624)

 

 

3,586

 

 

(1,674)

 

 

Research and development grant, net (Note 10)

 

 

 —

 

 

4,357

 

 

744

 

 

10,220

 

 

Interest income

 

 

20

 

 

11

 

 

45

 

 

14

 

 

Other income/(expense)

 

 

24

 

 

(335)

 

 

44

 

 

(310)

 

 

Total non-operating income/(expense)

 

 

(190)

 

 

3,409

 

 

4,419

 

 

8,262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

 

$

(2,083)

 

$

536

 

$

(1,160)

 

$

3,178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized fair value increase/(decrease) on available-for-sale securities

 

 

7

 

 

(21)

 

 

71

 

 

(48)

 

 

Comprehensive income/(loss)

 

$

(2,076)

 

$

515

 

$

(1,089)

 

$

3,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

 

92,543,232

 

 

82,618,766

 

 

86,135,588

 

 

82,466,677

 

 

Net income/(loss) per share

 

$

(0.02)

 

$

0.01

 

$

(0.01)

 

$

0.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

 

92,543,232

 

 

82,790,051

 

 

86,135,588

 

 

82,566,906

 

 

Net income/(loss) per share

 

$

(0.02)

 

$

0.01

 

$

(0.01)

 

$

0.04

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4


 

VISTA GOLD CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other

 

Total

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

comprehensive

 

shareholders'

 

 

    

shares

    

Amount

    

deficit

    

income/(loss)

    

equity

 

Balances at December 31, 2014

 

82,390,217

 

$

438,083

 

$

(412,811)

 

$

11

 

$

25,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued (RSUs vested)

 

493,345

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

817

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

817

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(46)

 

 

(46)

 

Net income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,011

 

 

 —

 

 

1,011

 

Balances at December 31, 2015

 

82,883,562

 

$

438,900

 

$

(411,800)

 

$

(35)

 

$

27,065

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued (net of offering costs of $1,425)

 

12,362,500

 

 

15,883

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

15,883

 

Shares issued (RSUs vested/option exercises)

 

2,540,546

 

 

15

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

15

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

476

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

476

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

71

 

 

71

 

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,160)

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,160)

 

Balances at September 30, 2016

 

97,786,608

 

$

455,274

 

$

(412,960)

 

$

36

 

$

42,350

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

5


 

 

 

VISTA GOLD CORP.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollar amounts in U.S. dollars and in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 

 

 

    

2016

 

2015

    

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss) for the period

 

$

(1,160)

 

$

3,178

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) for the period to net cash provided by/(used in) operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

431

 

 

531

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

476

 

 

687

 

Gain on disposal of marketable securities

 

 

 —

 

 

(12)

 

Gain on disposal of mineral property

 

 

(150)

 

 

(1,958)

 

Write-down of value-added tax receivable

 

 

 —

 

 

572

 

(Gain)/loss on other investments

 

 

(3,586)

 

 

1,326

 

Change in working capital account items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other current assets

 

 

65

 

 

573

 

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other

 

 

(200)

 

 

(156)

 

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

 

 

(4,124)

 

 

4,741

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities

 

 

 —

 

 

41

 

Proceeds from sale of other investments, net

 

 

 —

 

 

2,772

 

Acquisition of short-term investments, net of dispositions

 

 

(11,486)

 

 

(11,880)

 

Additions to plant and equipment

 

 

(35)

 

 

(10)

 

Proceeds from option/sale agreements, net

 

 

150

 

 

3,490

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(11,371)

 

 

(5,587)

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from equity financings, net

 

 

15,883

 

 

 —

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

15

 

 

 —

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

15,898

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

403

 

 

(846)

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

902

 

 

3,714

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

1,305

 

$

2,868

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

6


 

Table of Contents

VISTA GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(All dollar amounts in U.S dollars and in thousands, except per share and per option amounts unless otherwise noted)

 

1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

 

Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Vista,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) operate in the gold mining industry. We are focused on the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions such as earn-in right agreements, option agreements, leases to third parties, joint venture arrangements with other mining companies, or outright sales of assets for cash and/or other consideration.  We look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and/or technical studies focused on optimizing previous engineering work. 

 

Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project (“Mt Todd”) in Northern Territory, Australia where we are concluding test work to optimize the process flowsheet, seeking approval of our final environmental authorization and commencing an update of our preliminary feasibility study. We also hold 4.4% of the outstanding common shares in the capital of Midas Gold Corp. (“Midas Gold Shares”), non-core projects in Mexico and the United States, and royalty interests in Indonesia. 

 

The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“interim statements”) of the Company are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of these interim statements have been included. The results reported in these interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed on February 26, 2016 on Form 10-K. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements and, in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q, certain information and footnote disclosures required by United States generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. 

 

References to C$ refer to Canadian currency, A$ to Australian currency and $ to United States currency.

 

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Accounting Standard Update 2016-09)

 

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance related to accounting for stock-based compensation which is intended to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments and which affects all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees.  Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows.  For public companies, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. We do not expect to early adopt this guidance and do not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

3. Short-term and Other Investments

 

Short-term investments

 

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the amortized cost basis of our short-term investments was $23,476 and $11,990, respectively. The amortized cost basis approximates fair value at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Short-term investments at September 30, 2016 are comprised of U.S. government treasury bills and/or notes, while short-term investments at December 31, 2015 were comprised of U.S. government and Australian treasury bills and/or notes, all of which have maturity dates greater than 90 days but less than one year. 

 

7


 

Table of Contents

VISTA GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(All dollar amounts in U.S dollars and in thousands, except per share and per option amounts unless otherwise noted)

 

Other investments - Midas Gold Shares 

 

During March 2015, we sold 8,000,000 Midas Gold Shares, at a price of C$0.46 ($0.36) per Midas Gold Share, for net proceeds of $2,772. We currently own 7,802,615 Midas Gold Shares or approximately 4.4% of the Midas Gold Shares outstanding, on a non-dilutive basis.

 

Upon initial recognition of our investment in the Midas Gold Shares, we elected to apply the fair value option, and as such, the investment is recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent changes in fair value are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income/(Loss) and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) in the period in which they occur. 

 

The following table summarizes our investment in Midas Gold Shares as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

September 30, 2016

    

December 31, 2015

 

Fair value at beginning of period

 

$

1,798

 

$

6,163

 

Sale of Midas Gold Shares, net of costs to sell

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,772)

 

Gain/(loss) during the period

 

 

3,586

 

 

(1,593)

 

Fair value at end of period

 

$

5,384

 

$

1,798

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midas Gold Shares held at the end of the period

 

 

7,802,615

 

 

7,802,615

 

 

 

 

4. Mineral Properties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

At September 30, 2016

    

At December 31, 2015

 

Mt Todd, Australia

 

$

2,146

 

$

2,146

 

Guadalupe de los Reyes, Mexico

 

 

1,728

 

 

1,728

 

 

 

$

3,874

 

$

3,874

 

 

Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico

 

During April 2014, Minera Gold Stake S.A. de C.V., Vista’s wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a definitive option agreement (the “Option Agreement”) to option a 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico to Great Panther Silver Limited (formerly Cangold Limited) (“Great Panther”) for consideration of $5,000 in payments over a three-year period. On February 25, 2016, Vista received notification from Great Panther that it was terminating the Option Agreement.  Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, Vista retained the $996 already paid by Great Panther ($500 received in 2014 and $496 net of legal costs received in March 2015) and 100% of the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project.

Los Cardones

 

In October 2013, we sold our 100% debt and equity participation in the Los Cardones gold project located in Baja California Sur, Mexico (“Los Cardones Sale”) to Invecture Group, S.A. de C.V. (“Invecture”) and RPG Structured Finance S.a.r.l. (together, the “Purchasers”) for a total of $13,000 ($7,000 of which was paid in October 2013 and $6,000 of which was originally payable in January 2014 (the “Subsequent Payment”) subject to the Purchasers’ option to elect to not make the Subsequent Payment.  In 2014, the due date for the Subsequent Payment was extended to January 30, 2015 for additional consideration of $500.  In October 2014, Invecture announced that the Los Cardones gold project had been suspended because the conditions for its development were not favorable at that time, which introduced substantial doubt that the Subsequent Payment would be made.  After making this announcement, there were no apparent significant favorable changes to incentivize Invecture to lift the suspension. In January 2015, we agreed to amend the payment terms (the “Amendment”) of the Los Cardones Sale. Under the Amendment, the Company received a payment of $2,994 net of legal costs from the Purchasers as the final payment for 100% of the Company’s interest in the project.  This resulted in a realized gain of $1,958.

 

8


 

Table of Contents

VISTA GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(All dollar amounts in U.S dollars and in thousands, except per share and per option amounts unless otherwise noted)

 

Utah Claims

 

During the first quarter of 2016, we sold our unpatented mining claims located in Utah for $150 and a 2% net smelter return royalty (“NSR”) on any future production from said claims. This resulted in a realized gain of $150. 

 

5. Plant and Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

    

Cost

    

depreciation

    

Net

    

Cost

    

depreciation

    

Net

  

Mt Todd, Australia

 

$

5,652

 

$

3,756

 

$

1,896

 

$

5,617

 

$

3,346

 

$

2,271

 

Guadalupe de los Reyes, Mexico

 

 

15

 

 

11

 

 

4

 

 

17

 

 

9

 

 

8

 

Corporate, United States

 

 

403

 

 

403

 

 

 —

 

 

403

 

 

390

 

 

13

 

Used mill equipment, Canada

 

 

6,500

 

 

 —

 

 

6,500

 

 

6,500

 

 

 —

 

 

6,500

 

 

 

$

12,570

 

$

4,170

 

$

8,400

 

$

12,537

 

$

3,745

 

$

8,792

 

 

 

6. Common Shares

 

Public Offering, August 2016

 

During August 2016, we closed a public offering of 12,362,500 units (the “Units”), which included 1,612,500 Units issued pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, for net proceeds of $15,883 (the “2016 Offering”).  Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (“Common Share”) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a “2016 Warrant”). A total of 6,514,625 2016 Warrants were issued, including 333,375 broker warrants issued to the underwriters. Each 2016 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.92 per Common Share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances) and is exercisable for a period of 36 months from the closing of the 2016 Offering. The 2016 Warrants, which are classified as equity, had a fair value of $3,320 at the time of the 2016 Offering. The fair value of warrants issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions: 1) expected volatility of 89%, 2) risk-free rate of 0.86%, 3) expected life of 3 years, and 4) stock price on the issue date of $1.13 per Common Share.

 

Warrants

 

Warrant activity is summarized in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

average

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warrants

 

exercise price

 

remaining life

 

 

 

 

 

    

outstanding

    

per share

    

(yrs.)

    

Intrinsic value

  

As of December 31, 2015

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

Issued

 

6,514,625

 

 

1.92

 

2.9

 

 

 —

 

As of September 30, 2016

 

6,514,625

 

$

1.92

 

2.9

 

$

 —

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Under our Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) and our Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”), we may grant options and/or restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or restricted stock awards to our directors, officers, employees and consultants.  The combined maximum number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance under the Plan and the LTIP is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.  Options and RSUs under the Plan and LTIP, respectively, are granted from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”), with vesting periods and other terms as determined by the Board.  Stock-based

9


 

Table of Contents

VISTA GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(All dollar amounts in U.S dollars and in thousands, except per share and per option amounts unless otherwise noted)

 

compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 

 

 

    

2016

    

2015

    

2016

    

2015

  

Stock options

 

$

7

 

$

2

 

$

12

 

$

6

 

Restricted stock units

 

 

161

 

 

218

 

 

464

 

 

681

 

 

 

$

168

 

$

220

 

$

476

 

$

687

 

 

As of September 30, 2016, stock options and RSUs had unrecognized compensation expense of $49 and $740, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.39 and 1.55 years, respectively.   

 

Stock Options

 

A summary of options under the Plan as of September 30, 2016 is set forth in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average

 

Weighted average

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Number of

 

exercise price

 

remaining

 

intrinsic

 

 

    

options

    

per option

    

contractual term

    

value

 

Outstanding - December 31, 2015

 

2,257,500

    

$

1.60

 

2.02

 

$

 —

 

Granted

 

50,000

 

 

1.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(65,500)

 

 

0.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(667,500)

 

 

2.87

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding - September 30, 2016

 

1,574,500

 

$

1.10

 

2.01

 

$

740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable - September 30, 2016

 

1,278,250

 

$

1.24

 

1.85

 

$

568

 

 

A summary of our unvested stock options as of September 30, 2016 is set forth in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

average

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

remaining

 

 

 

 

 

grant-date

 

amortization

 

 

 

Number of

 

fair value

 

period

 

 

    

options

    

per option

    

(Years)

  

Unvested - December 31, 2015

 

246,250

 

$

0.22

 

 

 

Granted

 

50,000

 

 

0.69

 

 

 

Unvested - September 30, 2016

 

296,250

 

$

0.30

 

1.39

 

 

The fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected volatility

 

 

77.68

%  

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

1.12

%  

 

Expected life (years)

 

 

5

 

 

Dividend yield

 

 

N/A

 

 

Forfeiture assumption

 

 

0

%  

 

 

10


 

Table of Contents

VISTA GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(All dollar amounts in U.S dollars and in thousands, except per share and per option amounts unless otherwise noted)

 

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

The following table summarizes the RSUs outstanding under the LTIP as of September 30, 2016:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average

 

 

 

Number

 

grant-date fair

 

 

  

of units

    

  value per unit

 

Unvested - December 31, 2015

 

4,085,446

    

$

0.44

  

Vested

 

(2,475,046)

 

 

0.50

 

Granted

 

1,057,987

 

 

0.84

 

Unvested - September 30, 2016

 

2,668,387

 

$

0.55

 

 

A portion of the RSU awards vest on a fixed future date provided the recipient continues to be affiliated with Vista on that date.  Other RSU awards vest subject to certain performance and market criteria, including the accomplishment of certain corporate objectives and the Company’s share price performance.  The minimum vesting period for RSUs is one year.  

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Our exploration and development activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. As such, the future expenditures that may be required for compliance with these laws and regulations cannot be predicted. We conduct our operations to minimize effects on the environment and believe our operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in all material respects.

 

Under our agreement with the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation (the  “JAAC”), we must offer the JAAC the opportunity to establish a joint venture with Vista holding a 90% participating interest and the JAAC holding a 10% participating interest in the Mt Todd mining licenses. In addition, the JAAC will be entitled to an annual cash payment, or payment in kind, equal to 1% of the value of the annual gold production from the current mining licenses, and a 1% NSR on other metals, subject to a minimum payment of A$50 per year.

 

During November 2015, we entered into a two-year lease agreement to store our used mill equipment.  Monthly rent for the term of the lease is C$18 ($13).

 

8. Fair Value Accounting

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy. As required by accounting guidance, assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value at September 30, 2016

 

 

    

Total

    

Level 1

    

Level 3

 

Marketable securities

 

$

131

 

$

131

 

$

 —

 

Other investments (Midas Gold Shares)

 

 

5,384

 

 

5,384

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value at December 31, 2015

 

 

    

Total

    

Level 1

    

Level 3

 

Marketable securities

 

$

61

 

$

61

 

$

 —

 

Other investments (Midas Gold Shares)

 

 

1,798

 

 

1,798

 

 

 —

 

Used mill equipment (non-recurring)

 

 

6,500

 

 

 —

 

 

6,500

 

 

11


 

Table of Contents

VISTA GOLD CORP.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(All dollar amounts in U.S dollars and in thousands, except per share and per option amounts unless otherwise noted)

 

Our marketable securities and investment in Midas Gold Shares are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued at quoted market prices in an active market.  Marketable securities are included in other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for each period presented.

 

The mill equipment is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as its value at December 31, 2015 was based on a third party assessment of the projected sale value less costs to sell giving full consideration to current market conditions and an orderly sale process. As of September 30, 2016, the used mill equipment is not classified as held for sale for accounting purposes and there is no indication that the carrying value of the used mill equipment may not be recoverable, consequently no fair value assessment is required for the period ended September 30, 2016.  The mill equipment is included in plant and equipment on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for each period presented.

 

There have been no transfers between levels in 2016, nor have there been any changes in valuation techniques.

 

9. Geographic and Segment Information

 

The Company has one reportable operating segment, consisting of evaluation, acquisition, and exploration activities.  We evaluate, acquire, explore and advance gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions.  These activities are focused principally in Australia and North America. We reported no revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.  Geographic location of mineral properties and plant and equipment is provided in Notes 4 and 5, respectively.

 

10. Research and Development Grant

 

The Company received Research & Development (“R&D”) Tax Incentive refunds, net of costs to prepare and file, paid under the Australian Government’s R&D Tax Incentive Program, a program designed to encourage industry to engage in R&D activities that benefit Australia.  These refunds are related to costs we incurred during the 2014, 2013 and 2012 fiscal years for qualifying R&D programs. The R&D tax incentive program is a self-assessment process, and as such, the Australian Government has the right to audit the qualifying programs and expenditures for a period of four years.  

 

12


 

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and the related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and information as a result of many factors.  See section heading “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.

 

All dollar amounts stated herein are in U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share amounts and currency exchange rates unless specified otherwise. References to C$ refer to Canadian currency, A$ to Australian currency and $ to United States currency.

 

Overview

 

Vista Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Vista,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) are engaged in the gold mining industry. We are focused on the evaluation, acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold exploration and potential development projects, which may lead to gold production or value adding strategic transactions such as earn-in right agreements, option agreements, leases to third parties, joint venture arrangements with other mining companies, or outright sales of assets for cash and/or other consideration.  We look for opportunities to improve the value of our gold projects through exploration drilling and/or technical studies focused on optimizing previous engineering work. 

 

Our principal asset is our flagship Mt Todd gold project (“Mt Todd”) in Northern Territory, Australia where we are concluding test work to optimize the process flowsheet, seeking approval of our final environmental authorization and commencing an update of our preliminary feasibility study. We also hold 4.4% of the outstanding common shares in the capital of Midas Gold Corp. (“Midas Gold Shares”), non-core projects in Mexico and the United States, and royalty interests in Indonesia.

 

Outlook

 

With the completion of our equity financing in August 2016, we believe we are well funded.  We believe we have sufficient funding to: (a) continue to selectively optimize; and (b) add value to Mt Todd and to complete all of the critical milestones, including permitting, necessary to advance the Mt Todd project to the point of a development decision. A development decision at Mt Todd will depend on several factors, principally a sustainable acceptable gold price, favorable outlook for the AUD:USD exchange rate and completion of a positive feasibility study and availability of financing.  

 

In the interim we plan to continue the strict cost control programs that we introduced in 2013. We expect our fixed costs (those cash expenditures necessary to ensure that we preserve our property rights and meet all of our safety, regulatory and environmental responsibilities) to continue to average $1,400 to $1,600 per quarter for the foreseeable future. In addition, we expect to complete selected discretionary programs that are expected to add value to the Mt Todd gold project.      

 

The continuing long-term viability of the Company is dependent upon our ability to secure additional financing and ultimately to generate future profits from operations. In the longer term, we expect to fund programs through a variety of means, including the sale of non-core assets, the issuance of equity, project debt and possibly other sources. The underlying value and recoverability of the amounts shown as mineral properties and plant and equipment in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are dependent on our ability to fund development that could lead to profitable production, or to generate sufficient proceeds from the disposition of these assets.

 

13

 


 

Results from Operations

 

Summary

 

As a result of our strict cost management policies, together with the realization of Research and Development (“R&D”) grants and funds raised through our recent equity financing, the Company continues to believe that it is well funded and able to execute selected strategic discretionary programs.

 

Consolidated net income/(loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $(2,083) and $536 or $(0.02) and $0.01 per share, respectively.  Consolidated net income/(loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $(1,160) and $3,178 or $(0.01) and $0.04 per share, respectively.  The principal components of these year-over-year changes are discussed below.

 

Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs

 

Exploration, property evaluation and holding costs were $1,168 and $1,306 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $2,979 and $3,265 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These costs are predominantly associated with Mt Todd. Fixed costs in 2016 (those cash expenditures necessary to ensure that we preserve our property rights and meet all of our safety, regulatory and environmental responsibilities) and on an Australian dollar basis, are substantially unchanged from 2015. Minor 2016 cost reductions were driven by the weaker Australian dollar.

 

Corporate administration

 

Corporate administration costs were $581 and $832 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $2,319 and $2,674 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Corporate fixed cash costs were substantially unchanged year over year.  Cost reductions in 2016 were primarily driven by a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation.

 

Non-operating income and expenses  

 

Gain/(loss) on other investments

 

Gain/(loss) on other investments was $(234) and $(624) for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $3,586 and $(1,674) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  These amounts are the result of changes in fair value of our Midas Gold Shares.  The 2015 loss includes a realized loss of $348 on the sale of 8,000,000 Midas Gold Shares. 

 

Research and development grant

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company received $744 and $10,220, respectively, net of costs to prepare and file, from the Australian Government related to R&D activities at Mt Todd.  These refunds are related to costs we incurred during the 2014, 2013 and 2012 fiscal years for qualifying R&D programs. Future grants, if any, are expected to be significantly lower than those received in 2016 and 2015.

 

Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Operating activities

 

Net cash provided by/(used) in operating activities was $(4,124) and $4,741 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Cash used in 2016 is net of grants totaling $744 from the Government of Australia related to R&D expenditures we incurred in 2014.  Cash provided in 2015 includes grants totaling $10,220 from the Government of Australia related to R&D expenditures we incurred in 2013 and 2012. Other factors that contributed to the year-over-year change are those discussed in “Results from Operations” above. 

14


 

 

Investing activities

 

Net cash of $11,371 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily utilized for the net purchase of short-term investments.

 

Net cash of $5,587, after the purchase of short-term investments of $11,880, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was provided from proceeds received from the sale of the Los Cardones gold project of $2,994 net of legal costs, the Option Agreement (as defined under the heading Guadalupe de Los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico of $496, and the sale of 8,000,000 Midas Gold Shares for net proceeds of $2,772. 

 

Financing activities

 

Net cash of $15,898 was primarily provided by the 2016 Offering, defined below. There were no financing transactions during 2015.

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

Cash flows generated during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included net proceeds of $15,883 from the 2016 Offering and the receipt of grants totaling $744, net of costs to prepare and file, from the Government of Australia related to the R&D Tax Incentive for qualifying R&D expenditures we incurred in 2014.  Our cash and short-term investments as of September 30, 2016 increased to $24,781 from $12,892 as at December 31, 2015; and our net working capital increased to $30,076 as at September 30, 2016 from $14,399 as at December 31, 2015 due to the transactions described.

 

During August 2016, we closed a public offering of 12,362,500 units (the “Units”), which included 1,612,500 Units issued pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, for net proceeds of $15,898 (the “2016 Offering”).  Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (“Common Share”) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each full warrant, a “2016 Warrant”).  Each 2016 Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $1.92 per Common Share (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances) and is exercisable for a period of 36 months from the closing of the 2016 Offering.   

 

For additional discussion on our liquidity and outlook see the discussion under “Outlook” above.

 

Fair Value Accounting

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy. As required by accounting guidance, assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value at September 30, 2016

 

 

    

Total

    

Level 1

    

Level 3

 

Marketable securities

 

$

131

 

$

131

 

$

 —

 

Other investments (Midas Gold Shares)

 

 

5,384

 

 

5,384

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value at December 31, 2015

 

 

    

Total

    

Level 1

    

Level 3

 

Marketable securities

 

$

61

 

$

61

 

$

 —

 

Other investments (Midas Gold Shares)

 

 

1,798

 

 

1,798

 

 

 —

 

Used mill equipment (non-recurring)

 

 

6,500

 

 

 —

 

 

6,500

 

 

Our marketable securities and investment in Midas Gold Shares are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued at quoted market prices in an active market.  Marketable securities are included in other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for each period presented.

 

15


 

The mill equipment is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as its value at December 31, 2015 was based on a third party assessment of the projected sale value less costs to sell giving full consideration to current market conditions and an orderly sale process. As of September 30, 2016, the used mill equipment is not classified as held for sale for accounting purposes and there is no indication that the carrying value of the used mill equipment may not be recoverable, consequently no fair value assessment is required for the period ended September 30, 2016.  The mill equipment is included in plant and equipment on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for each period presented.

 

There have been no transfers between levels in 2016, nor have there been any changes in valuation techniques.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

During November 2015, we entered into a two-year lease agreement to store our used mill equipment.  Monthly rent for the term of the lease is C$18 ($13).

 

Project Updates

 

Mt Todd Gold Project, Northern Territory, Australia

 

During 2016, we have continued to focus on evaluation and advancement of Mt Todd.  A team of technical experts has completed a review of the key areas of the project, concentrating on metallurgical recovery, process engineering and plant design, pit slope rock mechanics, mine plans and scheduling, and a gas-fired power plant, and we are following up on certain recommendations that may lead to improved project economics. In particular, we are studying two key optimization opportunities: (1) the potential for improvements to the ore processing flow sheet which could improve capital and/or operating costs and could improve process recoveries; and, (2) the potential to outsource power generation, which could result in significantly lower capital costs, but increased operating costs. We expect to have these studies substantially completed by the end of the year.    

 

Following completion of these studies we plan to update the Mt Todd preliminary feasibility study that was originally completed in 2013.  The planned update will reflect the results of optimization studies if material, the current gold price and AUD:FEX exchange rate, and other factors, such as current equipment pricing, labor rates and energy costs.  

 

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we submitted a request for authorization under the Australian Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999 (“EPBC”), as it relates to the Gouldian Finch. The Australian Commonwealth Department of Environment subsequently requested additional information from us as part of their review. We have responded to these initial requests and have recently been advised that further information is required on potential dust impacts on the Gouldian Finch.  We are in active dialog to resolve this request

 

Guadalupe de los Reyes Gold/Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico

 

During April 2014, Minera Gold Stake S.A. de C.V., Vista’s wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a definitive option agreement (the “Option Agreement”) to option a 70% interest in the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico to Great Panther Silver Limited (formerly Cangold Limited) (“Great Panther”) for consideration of $5,000 in payments over a three-year period. On February 25, 2016, Vista received notification from Great Panther that it was terminating the Option Agreement.  Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, Vista retained the $996 already paid by Great Panther ($500 received in 2014 and $496 net of legal costs was received in March 2015) and 100% of the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project.

 

We do not consider the Guadalupe de los Reyes gold/silver project a material project. We intend to seek partners to advance the project.

16


 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations 

Vista has been a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) as defined under Section 1297 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in recent years and expects to continue to be a PFIC in the future. Current and prospective United States shareholders should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of PFIC classification and the U.S. federal tax treatment of PFICs. Additional information on this matter is included in Vista’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, under “Part II. Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities — Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information under Canadian securities laws that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, our other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities commissions and in press releases and public statements by our officers or representatives that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, such things as those listed below:

 

·

our belief that the Company is well funded and that we have sufficient funding to: (a) add value to Mt Todd; and (b) to complete critical milestones;

·

the Company’s ability to sustain its fixed costs at $1,400 to $1,600 per quarter for the foreseeable future;

·

the potential monetization of our non-core assets, including our mill equipment;

·

our plan to not introduce immediate changes to the business plan or forecasted spending;

·

our expectation that future R&D grants from the Government of Australia, if any, will be significantly less than those received in 2015 and 2016;

 

·

the nature and magnitude of future discretionary programs, if any, and the availability of funding for such programs;

·

our ability to quickly advance Mt Todd to development when economic conditions warrant;

·

estimates of future operating and financial performance;

·

potential funding requirements and sources of capital, including near-term sources of additional cash;

·

our expectation that the Company will continue to incur losses and will not pay dividends for the foreseeable future;

·

our intention to continue cost management efforts;

·

our potential ability to generate proceeds from operations or the disposition of our assets;

·

the timing, performance and results of feasibility studies; 

·

plans and anticipated effects of holding 4.4% of the outstanding Midas Gold Shares; 

·

our potential entry into agreements to find, lease, purchase, option or sell mineral interests;

·

plans to focus our efforts on Mt Todd;

·

plans and timing for completion, to study key optimization opportunities at Mt Todd;

·

plans to update the Mt Todd preliminary feasibility study that was originally completed in 2013;

17


 

·

our expectation that we will be able to satisfy the requests for additional information with respect to the EPBC authorization request;

·

plans for evaluation and advancement of Mt Todd;

·

our expectation that technical and exploration programs at Mt Todd will increase the value of Mt Todd;

·

our ability to complete the Mt Todd feasibility study within six months of commencement;

·

the feasibility of Mt Todd;

·

our expectation of Mt Todd’s impact, including environmental and economic impacts;

·

plans and estimates concerning potential project exploration and development, and obtaining required permits; 

·

our belief that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and regulations in all of the jurisdictions in which we operate;

·

our belief that we maintain reasonable amounts of insurance;

·

estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources;

·

our intention to seek partners to advance the Guadalupe de los Reyes project;

·

potential changes in regulations or taxation initiatives; and

·

our expectation that we will continue to be a PFIC.

 

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information have been based upon our current business and operating plans, as approved by the Company’s Board of Directors; our cash and other funding requirements and timing and sources thereof; results of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, mineral resource and reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments and exploration activities; advancements of the Company’s required permitting processes; our experience working with our regulators; current market conditions and project development plans. The words “estimate,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These factors include risks such as: 

 

·

our ability to raise additional capital or raise funds from the sale of non-core assets on favorable terms, if at all;

·

pre-feasibility and feasibility study results and preliminary assessment results and the accuracy of estimates and assumptions on which they are based; 

·

resource and reserve estimate results, the accuracy of such estimates and the accuracy of sampling and subsequent  assays and geologic interpretations on which they are based; 

·

technical and operational feasibility and the economic viability of deposits; 

·

our ability to obtain, renew or maintain the necessary authorizations, agreements and permits for Mt Todd, including its development plans and operating activities; 

·

the timing and results of a feasibility study on Mt Todd;

·

delays in commencement of construction at Mt Todd;

·

our ability to secure all of the permits for Mt Todd;

·

increased costs that affect our operations or our financial condition;

·

our reliance on third parties to fulfill their obligations under agreements with us;

·

whether projects not managed by us will comply with our standards or meet our objectives;

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·

a shortage of skilled labor, equipment and supplies;

·

whether our acquisition, exploration and development activities, as well as the realization of the market value of our assets, will be commercially successful and whether any transactions we enter into will maximize the realization of the market value of our assets;

·

trading price of our securities and our ability to raise funds in new share offerings due to future sales of common shares in the public or private market;

·

the lack of cash dividend payments by us;

·

the success of future joint ventures, partnerships and other arrangements relating to our properties;

·

industry consolidation which could result in the acquisition of a control position in the Company for less than fair value;

·

the market price of the securities held by us;

·

our ability to timely monetize our Midas Gold Shares;

·

perception of potential environmental impact of Mt Todd;

·

reclamation liabilities, including reclamation requirements at Mt Todd;

·

our history of losses from operations;

·

future water supply issues at Mt Todd;

·

litigation or other legal claims;

·

environmental lawsuits;

·

lack of adequate insurance to cover potential liabilities;

·

our ability to attract, retain and hire key personnel;

·

fluctuations in the price of gold;

·

volatility in our stock price;

·

inherent hazards of mining exploration, development and operating activities;

·

the accuracy of calculations of mineral reserves, mineral resources and mineralized material fluctuations therein based on metal prices, and inherent vulnerability of the ore and recoverability of metal in the mining process;

·

changes in environmental regulations to which our exploration and development operations are subject;

·

changes in climate change regulations could result in increased operating costs;

·

intense competition in the mining industry;

·

potential challenges to the title to our mineral properties;

·

political and economic instability in Mexico;

·

tax initiatives on domestic and international levels;

·

fluctuation in foreign currency values;

·

our R&D grants may be subject to review; and

·

our likely status as a PFIC for U.S. federal tax purposes.

For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, please see the risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, under “Part I-Item 1A. Risk

19


 

Factors”. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that these statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

We are engaged in the acquisition of gold projects and related activities, including exploration, engineering, permitting and the preparation of feasibility studies. The value of our properties, as well as our marketable securities and our investment in Midas Gold Shares, are related to the price of gold, and changes in the price of gold could affect the value of, and/or our ability to generate revenue from, our mineral projects and other assets.

 

Gold prices may fluctuate widely from time to time and are affected by numerous factors, including: expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, currency exchange rates, interest rates, global and regional political and economic circumstances and governmental policies, including those with respect to gold holdings by central banks. The demand for and supply of gold affect gold prices, but not necessarily in the same manner as demand and supply affect the prices of other commodities. The supply of gold consists of a combination of new mine production and existing stocks of bullion and fabricated gold held by governments, public and private financial institutions, industrial organizations and private individuals. The demand for gold primarily consists of jewelry and investments. Additionally, hedging activities by producers, consumers, financial institutions and individuals can affect gold supply and demand. The market value for gold cannot be predicted with any accuracy for future time periods.

 

Because we have exploration operations in Australia, we are subject to foreign currency fluctuations. We are not currently engaged in currency hedging to offset any risk of currency fluctuations.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

At the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that: (i) information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

We are not aware of any material pending or threatened litigation or of any proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities that are, or would be, likely to have a material adverse effect upon us or our operations, taken as a whole. 

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ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

 

Other than the risk factor discussed below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities on February 26, 2016.

 

Our R&D grants are subject to governmental review and there is no guarantee that the Australian government will continue to approve such R&D grants.

 

The R&D tax incentive program is a self-assessment process, and as such, the Australian Government has the right to review the qualifying programs and expenditures for a period of four years and there is no assurance that we will continue to receive R&D grants from such tax incentive program. 

 

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

None.

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE.

 

We consider health, safety and environmental stewardship to be a core value for the Company.

 

Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the United States Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2011 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose in their periodic reports filed with the SEC information regarding specified health and safety violations, orders and citations, related assessments and legal actions, and mining-related fatalities under the regulation of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) under the United States Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). During the six months ended June 30, 2016, our U.S exploration properties were not subject to regulation by the MSHA under the Mine Act and consequently no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS.

 

Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit

Number

   

Description

3.01

 

Certificate of Continuation, previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K dated June 12, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein (File No. 1-9025)

3.02

 

Notice of Articles, previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K dated June 12, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)

3.03

 

Articles, previously filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K dated June 12, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 1-9025)

4.01

 

Warrant Indenture dated August 8, 2016, previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K dated August 8, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein (File No. 1-9025)

31.1*

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

31.2*

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

32.1*

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2*

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS*(1)

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*(1)

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Schema

101.CAL*(1)

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Calculations

101.DEF*(1)

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Definitions

101.LAB*(1)

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Labels

101.PRE*(1)

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension – Presentations


* - Filed herewith

(1)

Submitted Electronically Herewith. Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income/(Loss) and Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

22


 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

   

VISTA GOLD CORP.

(Registrant)

 

 

Dated: October 25, 2016

By:

/s/ Frederick H. Earnest

   

 

Frederick H. Earnest,

   

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Dated: October 25, 2016

By:

/s/ John F. Engele

   

 

John F. Engele

   

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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